In this economy, where gas is now officially $5 a gallon, it pays to save money wherever you can.

As a mom of five, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie knows that all too well—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to enjoy some of life’s luxuries, like going out to eat. Which is why she’s found go-to spots that help stretch a budget where kids can eat for free.

Today, she’s sharing her list of Detroit-area restaurants where kids can get a free meal.

Plus: Ever wanted to meet a baby sloth? Well, you probably do now. Here’s how you can.

Proposed bill would allow students to relocate away from bullies (WJRT): Lawmakers in the Michigan House of Representatives are considering a bill that would allow bullied students to transfer to another district more easily. Supporters say the bill would give families a clearer path to protect children facing harassment.

Man charged with operating meth lab following MSU building evacuation (WILX): A suspect is facing felony charges after an alleged meth lab investigation prompted the evacuation of Michigan State University’s Wells Hall earlier this week. MSU police officers say there is no ongoing risk to the campus as the investigation continues.

DTE ties rate hike requests to data center (The Detroit News): As DTE Energy seeks a $474 million rate hike, they’re tying future hikes to a Saline data center, promising no new increase requests until at least 2028 if the project moves forward. State officials, including Attorney General Dana Nessel, and consumer advocates are pushing back, calling the plan costly and lacking clear guarantees for ratepayers.

Dine at these Michigan restaurants in and around Detroit, where kids can get a free meal when you’re on a budget. (Ryan Collins/Unsplash)

By Chaunie Brusie

As a mom to five children, a large majority of my life revolves around food. If I’m not shopping for food, I’m planning what to feed them next; if I’m not cooking the next meal, I’m cleaning up from the previous one; if I’m not cleaning, I’m packing lunches and snacks for the next day. You get the picture.

Feeding kids is a part of life, and I have tried strategies to make it a little easier on me, such as meal kit deliveries or outsourcing to a restaurant. However, with rising costs lately, eating out is a luxury our family can’t afford very often. So when I find any sort of restaurant that offers a kids-eat-free promotion, I am all ears. Don’t get me wrong—dining out is still a treat for our family, but with the chance to save some money by having the kids eat free, it’s a treat that feels extra special.

We always recommend calling any restaurant you plan to dine at specifically to confirm they are still running a kids-eat-free special, but based on our research, here are 19 Detroit-area restaurants where kids can eat free.

Flash is a 5-month-old sloth who lives at Carousel Acres in South Lyon. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today Network via USA Today

A 5-month-old baby who lives in South Lyon is stealing hearts on the internet with his huge eyes and cuddly personality.

But while this charmer is just as sleepy and adorable as any other baby, he’s also covered in hair.

Flash, a Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth, came to Carousel Acres last month after the farm and petting zoo bought him from a Florida vet who raises animals for zoos.

Earlier this week, we had Lakes Michigan and Huron go toe-to-toe to figure out what beach you should visit over Memorial Day Weekend. And while you’ll have to read Chaunie’s article to see her recommendation, we wanted to expand the question to all of Michigan’s lakes for this week’s Question of the Week.

So, we asked readers:

Which is Michigan’s best Great Lake?

With just over a thousand votes received, here are the results:

Lake Erie: 135

Lake Huron: 213

Lake Michigan: 442

Lake Superior: 304

So, there you have it folks! Thanks to everyone who submitted a response.

And if you have a question you’d like me to ask our community, send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

*Responses may be edited for conciseness or clarity.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from Chaunie Brusie and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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