Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day. So, let’s get to the news.
Michigan football hires Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham to replace Sherrone Moore
Michigan has hired longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham to replace Sherrone Moore as the leader of its football program.
The Wolverines were blindsided earlier this month when details of an alleged inappropriate relationship between Moore and a staffer were confirmed, leading to his firing and eventual arrest.
In the weeks since, a flurry of names have been linked to the Michigan coaching job, but the timing of the search made the situation much more complex.
Detroit Lions fan denies using racial slurs in altercation with Steelers’ DK Metcalf at Ford Field
The Detroit Lions fan assaulted by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf during a Dec. 21 game publicly denied allegations that he used racial or misogynistic slurs, saying the claims are false and have caused “real damage.”
Ryan Kennedy, sitting beside his attorneys at Head Murphy Law in Farmington Hills, Michigan, spoke to reporters Friday, calling for the record to be corrected and reiterating that he did not use any offensive language toward Metcalf during the incident at Ford Field.
“We’re here today for one reason, to correct the record,” Kennedy’s attorney, Shawn Head, said while reading a statement. “Ryan Kennedy did not use the N-word, Ryan Kennedy did not use the C-word, and he did not use any racial slurs whatsoever at any time. Those claims are absolutely false.”
Detroit lights one of world’s largest Kwanzaa displays downtown
The first candle of the Kwanzaa kinara in downtown Detroit was lit -- marking the start of the celebration.
It now shines brightly alongside other city holiday lights.
The 30-foot-tall kinara is recognized as one of the largest Kwanzaa displays in the world.
It stands proudly among Detroit’s other holiday symbols, including the menorah and Christmas tree.
The kinara serves as a vibrant symbol of African American culture, reflecting the spirit of Kwanzaa.
Testing reveals presence of Legionella in Oakland County courthouse
Testing has confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria at the Oakland County Courthouse in Pontiac, officials announced.
The county is responding by installing filters on the affected fixtures and others within the same water loop.
The water system will be flushed, and additional remediation steps will be taken following recommendations from the county’s water consultant.
Fixtures that cannot be immediately serviced will be temporarily closed.
Weather: Freezing rain exits Metro Detroit as attention turns to next system
Rain chances increase as a stronger winter system moves across the Great Lakes.
Milder air is expected to keep precipitation mainly in the form of rain for Metro Detroit, while the Thumb and northern portions of the region could see a brief window of freezing rain early Sunday before temperatures rise.