If you’re looking for what to do this long weekend, we’ve got your back.

Highlights include the Detroit Auto Show, the opening of a new special exhibit at the Michigan History Center (with free entry to boot), as well as an event celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Detroit.

As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you’d like me to highlight, please send me a note here (suggestions should be submitted at least one week before the event).

Michigan awards nearly $10M to state free pre-K program (WILX): Michigan is putting $9.7 million into its Great Start Readiness Program to fund nearly 250 new or expanded preschool classrooms. The grants will help schools hire staff, upgrade classrooms, and reach families so more kids can start kindergarten ready to learn.

Michigan CEO steps down after Minneapolis protest (MLive): The CEO of a Troy-based health care firm has resigned after a viral video showed him shouting at anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis. Jayden Scott was filmed saying, “We executed one of you yesterday,” a day after Renee Nicole Good was killed by an ICE officer. Scott said he and the company’s board now have “different views of the future of America.”

Detroit Auto Show opens this week (The Associated Press): The Detroit Auto Show is back this week with 40-plus brands, ride-along tracks, and hands-on attractions. While smaller than its peak years, it drew 275,000 visitors last year.

Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)

West Michigan

1. Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show

Jan. 15-18

Devos Place (303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)

2. Portage Home Show

Jan. 16-18

Crossroads Mall (6650 S. Westnedge Ave., Portage)

3. Hunter Ice Festival

Jan. 16-18

Downtown Niles

Northern Michigan/UP

4. 139th Annual Ski Jumping Tournament

Jan. 16-18

UP Nordic Ski Complex (Cliffs Drive, Ishpeming)

5. Stomp the Snow Lantern Lit Snowshoe Walk

Saturday, Jan. 17, 4-7 p.m.

Pine Grove Country Club (1520 W. Hughitt St., Iron Mountain)

Mid/South Michigan

6. Black Velvet Exhibit Opening

Saturday, Jan. 17, 1-3 p.m.

Michigan History Center (702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing)

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

7. The Novi Home Show

Jan. 16-18

Vibe Credit Union Showplace (46100 Grand River Ave., Novi)

8. Tecumseh Ice Sculpture Festival

Jan. 16-17

Downtown Tecumseh

9. Detroit Auto Show

Jan. 17-25

Huntington Place (1 Washington Blvd., Detroit)

10. Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest

Jan. 17-18

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (17985 Armada Center Road, Armada)

11. Mt. Brighton Duct Tape Derby

Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

4141 Bauer Road, Brighton

12. Great Train Show

Jan. 17-18

Vibe Credit Union Showplace (46100 Grand River Ave., Novi)

13. MLK Day at The Wright

Monday, Jan. 19

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (315 East Warren Ave., Detroit)

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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