| February 7, 2022 
 The omicron surge is subsiding, but the virus is still infecting thousands of Michiganders a day. This newest variant has some important differences from previous strains of COVID-19, and there are still aspects of it that remain a mystery to experts. Omicron is incredibly contagious, experts say. A big reason: It can partially evade immunity generated by vaccination or previous COVID-19 infection, which considerably expands the pool of people it can infect. A recent United Kingdom study found protection against omicron afforded by past infection may be as low as 19%. People with two vaccine doses also had low protection -- 0% to 20%, the study found -- although that increased to 55% to 80% after a booster. READ MORE ►Michigan surpasses 2 million coronavirus cases since pandemic began  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will call for expanding the state’s free preschool program as part of her fiscal year 2023 budget proposal. Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program, which provides free preschool to eligible 4-year-olds, would grow to $456.4 million under Whitmer’s plan. This includes $21 million to increase how much funding school districts receive per student, $5 million for new home-based pilot programs and other scheduled increases written into the law. The expansion is entirely funded with state School Aid Fund dollars in fiscal year 2023, according to the governor’s office. READ MORE  State wildlife regulators will consider whether to expand bobcat hunting and trapping in the Lower Peninsula after the population of wildcats reportedly stabilized across Michigan. Officials from the state Department of Natural Resources recommend lengthening the number of days for bobcat hunting and trapping, as well as increasing how many counties where kill tags can be issued. This comes after hunting groups sought more opportunities in bobcat season, although critics say there’s no reason to green light any increases. Bobcats are medium-sized, nocturnal felines that are closely related to Canada lynx. Bobcats, lynx, and cougars are the three species of wildcats known to inhabit the Great Lakes region. READ MORE ►Bovine TB found at two cervid farms for first time in 13 years  Michigan’s women’s basketball team is inching closer to its first Big Ten title. The sixth-ranked Wolverines extended their win streak to eight games Sunday, outlasting Iowa 98-90 at Crisler Center. Entering the game, the Hawkeyes posed the biggest threat to Michigan’s conference title hopes. A Hawkeyes win would have given both teams identical 10-2 records in Big Ten play, but the Wolverines jumped on them early. They are also now 12-0 at home and 7-1 against ranked opponents. Michigan travels to Michigan State on Thursday. READ MORE ►University of Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis to depart for Miami  The Straits of Mackinac continue to ice over as winter holds its grasp on Michigan. Nonetheless, the Mackinac Bridge and the ice below remain a tourist destination for motorists and tourists. For drivers and their passengers, the 5-mile span that connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas offers an expansive view across the Straits. For visitors who love to check out the shoreline of the area where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan merge, there is a frigid beauty in the icy banks. Take a look at what you would see, if you headed to the Mighty Mac this time of year. WATCH HERE ►ICYMI: Satellite photos show 'very active' Northern Lights flowing over Michigan Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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