We’re just a week-and-change away from 2024. If you want to kick up your heels to celebrate (or shake off) the past year, we’ve got a dance-ready list of local bands playing NYE gigs in the Mitten down below. 💃🏽

Plus: We asked for favorite bakeries in Michigan—and you had opinions. Keep reading to see which ones made the list.

NEW MI PROGRAM INVESTS MILLIONS IN BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS (link): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined officials with the newly formed state Department of Lifelong, Education, Advancement, and Potential this week to announce $50 million in state grants to boost access to extracurricular programs across Michigan. Why is this a huge deal? Studies show that access to before- and after-school programs leads to better learning outcomes for students. However, more than 751,000 children in Michigan lack access to the programs, mainly affecting kids living in Black and low-income communities. The grants will increase access for more than 67,000 students at 780 locations across the state.

Also read: New state department supports Michigan students from cradle to career

MICHIGAN POPULATION GROWING, CENSUS SHOWS (link): New census data shows that more people called Michigan home this year. The primary driver for this boost is international migration. Although Michigan’s total population remains lower than it was in 2020, this is the first increase seen this decade. Population growth is a critical factor in a state’s economic growth. Earlier this year, Gov. Whitmer formed the Growing Michigan Together Council to focus on population growth.

BEWARE OF PUPPY SCAMS (link): It’s these last few days before Christmas when a lot of folks are scrambling to get their loved ones that perfect gift—which sometimes is a puppy. That’s why Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning people to watch out for puppy scams. In recent years, many residents have been tricked into paying for pets that don’t exist or adopting pets with serious health conditions. Click here for tips on how to avoid getting scammed.

MICHIGAN CITY BANS LEAF BLOWERS (link): Ann Arbor is banning gas-powered blowers, citing noise and pollution. Although they can still be used from October through May, they will be completely prohibited by January 2028 under a four-year phaseout. Violations will carry fines of $100 or $250, depending on the number of offenses. The money will be used to help low-income residents and small businesses acquire leaf blowers that don’t run on gas.

Photo via Melophobix on Facebook

Still looking for New Year’s Eve plans? Why not dance the night away while showing support for a local band?

Writer Claire Mainprize has put together this list of 10 artists all playing somewhere in Michigan on NYE, so you can learn about one each day until the big night.

1. Raising The Dead | Playing at Ferndale Project, Ferndale

2. Greensky Bluegrass | Playing at Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo

3. Nathan Walton & The Remedy | Playing at Turnstiles, Grand Rapids

4. Billy Gunther & The Midwest Riders | Playing at The BackForty Saloon, Grand Rapids

5. Melophobix | Playing at Turnstiles, Grand Rapids

6. JP & The Energy | Playing at Double Clutch Bar, Lansing

7. The Skeletones | Playing at The Xperience by LuXury Escapes, Kalamazoo

8. Stolen Horses  | Playing at Twisted Bull, Grand Rapids

9. Bad Magnets | Playing at The Loving Touch, Ferndale

10. The Class of ‘98 | Playing at The Magic Bag, Ferndale

To see the full story, click here.

Photo courtesy of Sheila’s Bakery

With the holidays in full swing, it’s hard to pick a better time to enjoy a delicious pastry. So, we recently asked our readers about their favorite bakeries across Michigan.

Readers suggested hundreds of bakeries, which we’ve narrowed down to a baker’s dozen of the most popular options for you.

Best Overall: Sheila’s Bakery, Detroit

Best Bakery in the Upper Peninsula: Huron Mountain Bakery, Marquette | Honorable mention: Roy’s Pasties & Bakery, Houghton

Best Bakery in Northern Michigan: 9 Bean Rows, Suttons Bay | Honorable mention: Goodale’s Bakery, Grayling

Best Bakery in Mid-Michigan: Sugar Shack, Lansing | Honorable mention: Cops & Doughnuts, Clare City

Best Bakery in West Michigan: Nantucket Baking Company, Grand Rapids |  Honorable mentions: Sugar Momma’s Bakery & Cafe, Grand Rapids

Best Bakery in Southeast Michigan: Sister Pie, Detroit | Honorable mentions: Mexicantown Bakery, Detroit; Dom’s Bakery, Ypsilanti

Best Bakery in the Thumb: North Branch Bakery, North Branch

To read the full story, click here.

Photo via Decked Out Detroit on Facebook

Where: Detroit

When: Monday to Friday through Jan. 7

Price: FREE

Although it this event technically started in November, the Decked Out Detroit Winter Midway now has extended hours. Get into the spirit of the season with free winter activities including the arctic slide, puck-putt, and interactive art experiences.

This is also the last weekend for kids to meet Santa during the morning breakfast brunch.

This email is written by Karel Vega, community editor at The ‘Gander. Have a question or comment? Reply back to this email!