Detroit News at noon: Water and politics, a few flicks and a 'Crazy Quilt'

Today is Friday, February 5, 2016. Here's what you need to know. 

Water and politics do mix

• Hillary Clinton is heading to Flint. Reporter Chad Livengood has the story on how Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will leave the New Hampshire campaign trail Sunday to visit Flint and highlight the water-tainted city’s need for $600 million in federal funding. She'll return there on March 6 for a Democratic debate. The Republican candidates will also head to Michigan five days ahead of the March 8 primary, with a debate in Detroit. 

• Another politician has been making moves related to Flint. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee says he’s been too busy to think about his political future, but experts say his aggressive response to the water contamination crisis in his hometown of Flint has made him a formidable candidate should he run for governor in 2018. Check out  reporter Jonathan Oosting's profile of Kildee.
• Also in Flint, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending the city's 9,000 children younger than 6 have their blood tested for potential lead poisoning. The recommendation comes after some water tests showed lead levels in the city’s water may exceed the capacity of faucet filters.

• There's water news for the rest of Metro Detroit as well, where water rates next year will likely increase by about 4.3 percent. This is the first time the Great Lakes Water Authority will set the region’s rates since it took control from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.
• Click here for complete coverage of the Flint water crisis. Follow reporters Jim Lynch, Jonathan Oosting, Melissa Nann Burke and Chad Livengood on Twitter. 

Happening in sports

• It’s official. Pistons star Andre Drummond will take part in the Slam Dunk Contest (no free throws) on Feb. 13 at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre during All-Star weekend. 
• The Lions are still making moves. They fired personnel vice president Sheldon White on Thursday. In the meantime, Golden Tate says he is ready to move up to the go-to position should star receiver Calvin Johnson retire. 

• With their Florida road trip coming to an end, the Red Wings are reflecting on what it's been like to have their moms along. They've been a big hit, bringing cookies, and fresh enthusiasm, aboard the plane. But the guys are having to watch their manners. 

Working for the weekend

• It's Friday, so start planning what you will do over the weekend? Want to see a movie? We've got a new movie critic, Adam Graham, and he's been busy checking out the new releases on your behalf. Opening this weekend: Hail, Caesar! | Pride and Prejudice and Zombies | The Choice 
• Timbaland is giving his fundraiser for Flint another go. An appearance at downtown Detroit’s Bleu nightclub last week turned sour, with the hip-hop superproducer reportedly refusing to perform after being serviced with the wrong champagne by club owners.
• RIP Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind & Fire. The horn-driven band sold more than 90 million albums and made hits like “September,” “Shining Star” and “Boogie Wonderland.”

The Big Game

• Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching and you're going to want some delicious recipes to go with your football party. Try these dishes: Hot and Creamy Pesto Spinach Dip | Hands-Off Chicken Wings | Beer-Steamed Sliders | Game Day Turkey Chili | Guacamole Potato Boats | Baked Penne with Prosciutto and Fontina | Bacon-Wrapped Parmesan-Stuffed Dates | Chili Jumbo Shrimp | Slow Cooker Chicken Chili | Smoked Sausage and Beans | Caramelized Onion Soup
• Would you rather not host? Here's a list of Super Bowl parties at Metro Detroit restaurants that you can crash (scroll down past the recipes).
• Did you know the National Football League once threatened to sue a Baptist church in Indianapolis for putting out a flier about a Super Bowl party because of the trademark on the event name? Columnist Neal Rubin rants (a little) on why the name is fair game. 

The lighter side 

• Check out the story of Flint fiber artist Joe Cunningham and his "Crazy Quilt," and what he is doing to help his hometown.

Detroit News at Noon is a daily news briefing featuring some of the biggest stories from www.detroitnews.com.

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