News@noon: Winds of winter; jive turkeys; going 'Rogue'
Today is Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, and we're getting a clearer picture of what happened this weekend at Boyne Highland ski resort.
We're now learning that some guests caught in a weekend blaze at the northern Michigan ski resort never heard fire alarms, according to the facility's operator. There were no general alarms that went off in the building.
The 1:30 a.m. Sunday fire injured 12 people and destroyed around 70 hotel rooms. One of the injured guests, identified by officials as David Chauvette, was in critical condition from smoke inhalation.
Here's what else we are covering today:
Consumer alert
Cuisinart is voluntarily recalling about 8 million food processors after dozens of consumers reported finding pieces of broken blades in their food. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been 30 reports of mouth lacerations or tooth injuries from the broken blades.
So cold in the D
- An arctic freeze with sub-zero wind chills has begun to sweep through Metro Detroit, with temperatures getting even colder throughout the day and into Thursday. We could also see periodic snow squalls.
- But don't feel too bad. We're not alone in this pain.
Keepin' it real
- There's a new sparkle in the eyes of Christmas tree growers, as a new national marketing campaign aims to introduce younger generations to the beauty of farm-grown trees. Dubbed “It’s Christmas. Keep it real,” the promotion includes a 2-minute-plus video that features nostalgic clips of families opening presents, eating dinner and other festivities amid real trees.
Don't mess
Almost everyone notices the proverbial elephant in the room, but almost no one dares to say anything about it. At least not to Aron Baynes’ face. Or about his face. Or his hair. Baynes, the Pistons’ backup center, has created a look all his own, but his gruff exterior and hair-trigger temper prevent the hecklers and detractors from making a mockery of it.
Going 'Rogue'
“Rogue One” is groundbreaking for the “Star Wars” franchise, a rousing side story that blows the doors wide open for future installments of the series, says film critic Adam Graham. It delivers everything fans would want from a “Star Wars” movie: stirring action, beloved familiar faces, and a deepening of the mythology of the series. Everyone wins.
Stealing the spotlight
- Police just outside Atlanta say a notorious 86-year-old jewel thief has struck again. The target this time: a $1,995 diamond necklace.
2016 strikes again
- After losing America's mom on Thanksgiving, we've now lost our TV dad. Alan Thicke, who played Dr. Jason Seaver on 1980s sitcom "Growing Pains," has died at 69.
Harbaugh's not going anywhere
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, in light of recent rumors the Rams might make a play for him, told his team Monday after practice he is not leaving the program. And Harbaugh made his sentiments perfectly clear during the annual football bust Tuesday night at the Laurel Manor. He even managed to throw in the term "jive turkeys."
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