| February 12, 2021 
 He called the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building a “hoax.” He said he “spanked” the governor of Michigan on several policy issues. Those remarks captured in a video recording by members of the Hillsdale County Republican Party have drawn intense scrutiny around the state and country, but Michigan’s most powerful elected Republican, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, is no stranger to controversy. With the three major statewide elected positions — governor, attorney general and secretary of state — all currently held by Democrats, Shirkey is the top Republican officeholder in Michigan. During a week in the spotlight, we take a look into the full picture of who he is. MORE ►Capitol rioters acted on Trump's 'order,' impeachment prosecutors insist in trial  Be prepared -- it is going to be seriously cold this weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday are going to be "truly frigid," according to MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa. And there will be some snow in Michigan over the weekend. Ceratin areas could even get some heavy lake-effect snow. But the bitter temperatures are the most noteworthy, since this is forecast to be the coldest air we've felt so far this winter in Michigan. Torregrossa has the full picture here, from the snow to the cold. READ MORE  Yesterday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer officially proposed a state-record budget that clocks in at $67.1 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, boosted by one-time federal aid. Her proposed 2021-22 budget is a 7% increase from last year’s $62.8 billion mark with the additional money consisting of one-time appropriations from federal aid and some higher fees. There are no proposed tax increases. Whitmer’s budget includes increases for K-12 per-pupil funding, bridge repair, continued wage increases for direct-care workers and childcare assistance. READ MORE HERE
 A historic lodge in Michigan’s remote Keweenaw Peninsula has debuted a scenic new trail system, offering winter adventurers yet another reason to play in the region’s 270-inch average annual snowfall. This week, Keweenaw Mountain Lodge debuted 10 km of groomed, classic cross-country ski and snowshoeing trails on its property in Copper Harbor, with Brockway Mountain providing a jaw-dropping backdrop. The trails are open to the public and are leashed-dog friendly. Wow. That sounds like a great winter escape. MORE  There’s a luxury condo for sale in downtown Midland that features high-end finishes, a private, covered patio, and access to a rooftop terrace with a fireplace and open-air kitchen for outdoor entertaining. Plus, it has a great view of the Tridge, Midland's iconic three-way wooden footbridge. This H Residence condo has two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a lot of lovely touches. Who doesn't like taking a peak at real estate? We grabbed some video so you can get a virtual tour of this space: TAKE A LOOK Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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