12/10/2025

ASHLAND – A real life grinch in Ashland, but the community comes together to save the day. Hours before Ashland’s annual Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, vandals damaged decorations at Pearson Plaza, slashing inflatables and Santa’s tent. The Ashland Daily Press reports, undaunted, Community Events Director Jen Fanucci and a coworker quickly bought replacements. With resident help, they redecorated and strung lights on Santa’s house. Fanucci, initially “defeated,” ended the day “truly grateful.” Following the parade, the ceremony proceeded, with attendees enjoying Santa, live jazz performed by Golden Era Jazz, carols, ornament making, and enjoying offerings from area food trucks. After Mayor Matthew MacKenzie’s proclamation, resident Kyle Lundmark lit the city’s tree.

12/10/2025

MICHIGAN - AAA released its year-end holiday travel outlook for the Christmas travel period Wednesday morning. Much like the Thanksgiving travel period, the agency expects a record number of travelers.  AAA projects 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from their home over the 13-day period. The Christmas holiday travel period starts on Saturday, December 20, and ends on Thursday, January 1.  This year’s projection is an increase of 2.2% from 2024.  AAA projects 3.9 million Michiganders to travel for the holiday. That’s up 1.8% from 2024. Of those, 3.5 million will travel by car. That’s up 1.6% than 2024.

12/10/2025

MARQUETTE - Prison staffing shortages continue to cause safety concerns for corrections officers and inmates in the U.P..  During the month of October, the Michigan Corrections Organization documented a surge in assault-related incidents at the Marquette, Baraga, Alger and Chippewa Prisons.  At the Baraga Max Correctional Facility. Between July 1 and July 17, 2024, 13 incidents involving assault or attempted assault were recorded.  The Baraga Max Facility and Marquette Branch Prison are each more than 50 corrections officers short.