15+ min ago (224+ words) Here's a look at how and when the snowstorm winds down. There is a small, important travel area in Michigan that will remain dangerous. Let's handle this in two parts. The first part is the winding down of the widespread snow. Here is the radar forecast from 7 a.m. to noon today. You should get the idea that waiting to drive until late morning for the snow to end in most areas is a good idea. The exception is far southwest Lower Michigan as you head into Indiana. In the late afternoon, a circular area of heavy snow will move off Lake Michigan and into that very southwest corner. To avoid this short, but dangerous stretch, take any route more inland instead of I-196 and I-94 in the last 30 miles of Michigan. If you are heading toward Chicago, drop south to I-90 using U.S. 131 or I-69. Here's…...

32+ min ago (607+ words) With the goal of improving health outcomes, Michigan has made it a priority to expand its doula network and coverage of such services under Medicaid. Doulas are trained professionals who provide non-clinical support to families before, during and after childbirth, and promote safe, healthy and positive birth experiences. As of this fall, more than 1,000 doulas had joined the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Doula Registry. That doubled the five-year goal set in 2023. "Michigan's investment in doulas is transforming maternal health outcomes across the state," said Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS. "When families have access to trusted birth support, we see healthier parents, healthier babies and stronger communities." Doula assistance has been found to reduce the likelihood of low birth weight and complications involving the mother or baby. It has also been associated with fewer C-sections and shorter…...

1+ hour, 27+ min ago (797+ words) The top-ranked Ferris State University football team found itself trailing Ashland 14-0 midway through the first quarter of Saturday's NCAA Division 2 second-round playoff game at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids, Michigan. The Bulldogs never panicked, however, as they leaned on the same smash-mouth rushing attack that's helped them win three national championships in the last four years to regain momentum and eventually pull away from the upset-minded Eagles. Ferris State rallied to take a 28-17 lead into halftime and tacked on 28 more points in the second half to secure an impressive 56-24 home win. The postseason victory landed the Bulldogs in their eighth NCAA D2 National Quarterfinal game in the last nine seasons under head coach Tony Annese. Ferris State (13-0) advances to host Minnesota State (10-3) at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in the national quarterfinals. The Mavericks defeated the University of Indianapolis 35-27 in their second-round playoff…...

1+ hour, 33+ min ago (241+ words) Liverpool is desperate for a win in English Premier League action when they visit West Ham United on Sunday afternoon. After a strong start to the new season, Liverpool has been a bumbling mess as of late. The club won its first five matches of the year, but fell back to lose four straight league contests. Then, despite getting back on the winning track a couple of weeks ago, the Reds fell to Manchester City in decisive fashion, 3-0, in their last league match on Nov. 9. Things did not get any better for Liverpool last week, as the club fell to Nottingham Forest 3-0, at home, last Saturday. West Ham was abysmal to watch at the start of the season, as the club has not been able to hold its own against seemingly anybody. The Hammers went nearly three months without a…...

4+ hour, 33+ min ago (223+ words) DEAR MISS MANNERS: In a supermarket, I had a conversation with the family of a very noisy child, about 6 years old. I protested the noise, while Mom defended it vigorously. I walked away and continued my shopping. A few minutes later, the store manager stopped by to tell me that "disrespecting children" was against store policy and would not be tolerated. She referred me to the company website, but of course, I could find no such policy statement. Why must members of the public be disrespected by unruly, misbehaving, noisy children, and then defended by adults who should know better? I am not a fan of authoritarian or permissive parenting, and believe in the principle of a community of equal dignity. Sometimes, a parent should address the noisy behavior of a child rather than ignore it -- especially in a public…...

5+ hour, 33+ min ago (280+ words) My sister believes his story that I cut him off. Since she was never treated poorly, she doesn't believe that I was. Dear Abby: My father disowned me and my sister sides with him DEAR ABBY: While we were growing up, my father was abusive toward me and favored my younger sister. He said she was "too dumb to be successful," so he pushed me mercilessly (punishing me when I wasn't perfect) and mostly left her alone. As an adult, I finally found the strength to ask him to treat me right. I suggested we go to family counseling to improve our communication. My father agreed initially, then said he was too busy (he's retired) and refused to go. He then cut me off and announced to the family that he was disowning me. My sister believes his story that…...

5+ hour, 33+ min ago (316+ words) He says he feels the same. We're different people now. We haven't taken it any further than talking and texting. Dear Abby: Sparks fly when ex comes back in my life DEAR ABBY: My son is 27. He has had some problems recently that were so serious I reached out to his father. His father and I were teenagers when we had him, so the last time we spoke was 18 years ago. Our relationship was really toxic, which is why we split when we were young. (We both had other children.) Since we've begun talking again, we have shared that the relationships we're in now aren't good. Mine is verbally and emotionally abusive. (He used to be physically abusive until two years ago.) Abby, all my feelings for my ex have come back, and he says he feels the same. We're…...

7+ hour, 14+ min ago (498+ words) DETROIT " Michigan State's season is over. The biggest question surrounding the program remains unanswered. Although the Spartans (4-8, 1-8 Big Ten) beat Maryland 38-28 on Saturday night at Ford Field in the finale to snap an eight-game skid, there's still no word if second-year coach Jonathan Smith will be back in 2026. Athletic director J Batt has remained silent and didn't make himself available to the media after Saturday's win. "We have continued to conversate through the week, I'm sure we'll be talking again in the coming days," Smith said of Batt before being asked if he has been told definitively about his future. "Don't have that." Smith has a 9-15 record in two seasons " not counting wins vacated over a three-year span due to NCAA violations under former coach Mel Tucker. Speculation about his job security has swirled for more than a month and…...

7+ hour, 16+ min ago (552+ words) Michigan State Spartans host Maryland at Ford Field DETROIT " For Michigan State, the 2025 season has been full of disappointment and defeat. The future of the program is still unknown, but for one more night, they get to enjoy the taste of a win. The Spartans ended an eight-game losing streak and earned a lone victory in Big Ten play Saturday night at Ford Field against Maryland. While MSU's season ends, getting to finish on their own terms isn't something they'll be taking for granted. "Really happy and proud of that locker room. Been through a lot," coach Jonathan Smith said. "Long season, some down, some disappointment, definitely frustration, but really proud of them as they continued to battle, went to work, played and practiced with energy and so happy for them to come out with a win like they did. " The…...

7+ hour, 32+ min ago (536+ words) CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kaley Cuoco, 40; Elisha Cuthbert, 43; Ben Stiller, 60; Billy Idol, 70. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Indulge in activities that are conducive to meeting new people or developing a closer connection to someone you love. Positive change begins with you and how you conduct yourself physically, intellectually and emotionally. Refuse to let insecurities cost you due to an inability to tell it like it is. A change of heart requires action. 4 stars CANCER (June 21-July 22): Participation and interaction will lead to opportunities for positive lifestyle changes. Think outside the box, use your imagination and be the one to make things happen. Utilize your skills to fit demands, and financial gains will follow. A networking event or reunion with past associates will result in unexpected offers that are worth checking out. 2 stars LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Mix business with pleasure; attend professional…...