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Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023

In today's newsletter, sunshine is on its way to Michigan, can the formerly incarcerated get a second chance in Michigan, and let's evaluate the Lions' 2022 season.

It's Friday the 13th. But don't worry, it could be lucky.

I'm not really superstitious. So Friday the 13th doesn't really bother me. If you are skittish about this day, though, let's look at the positive — it could be a very lucky day.

As you may have heard, the Mega Millions jackpot has jumped to the second-largest jackpot in the game's history. Someone could win $1.35 billion tonight. And Friday the 13th has been lucky for Michiganders in the past, as four players in Michigan have won Mega Millions jackpots on the supposedly unlucky day. Perhaps it's your turn.

And we can't forget that Friday is always a lucky day on its own. TGIF! You have the weekend ahead and plenty of fun event options from Grand Rapids to Ann Arbor and beyond.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Flat Iron building

Prices increased 6.5% from December to December, according to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is the lowest annual inflation rate since October 2021. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)

Does a 'true Republican' belong in Michigan's GOP anymore?

Has the party changed? With conspiracy-touting activists taking a prominent stand within the state's Republican party, it has veteran GOP members wondering if there is still a place for them. It’s left people like former Michigan Rep. Scott VanSingel feeling without a home. 

 

Scenes from the first day of session:The Michigan State Capitol was packed Wednesday for the first session of the year. Lawmakers brought their family members and filled both the Senate and House chambers. We have a look inside the first day for the new legislature.

 

Cementing LGBTQ protections:Michigan Democrats began the new legislative term this week by introducing a bill that would codify protections for LGBTQ people under the state’s civil rights law.

Read more

Weekend weather: Stop the presses! We are getting some sunshine.

Mr. Sun, please shine down on me: Do you remember the sun? It hasn't been around lately, but Mr. Sun is set to make a reappearance this weekend! And, for a second weekend in a row, Mark Torregrossa says we will have great traveling conditions here in Michigan. Read his full forecast here.

 

Missing the snow? If winter is your favorite season, it's possible the current lack of snow if bumming you out. Particularly, if you are a snowmobile enthusiast, these conditions are less than optimal, to say the least. But we have help — Mark has a look at how far north you would have to go to find a good snow base.

Don't miss out on this: Get ready to look up! A rare comet is set to brighten the night sky for the first time in 50,000 years.

Read more

Can the formerly incarcerated get a second chance in Michigan?

Starting over: When Tony Gant was first released from prison in 2015, he was optimistic about what opportunities awaited him as a free man. What he didn’t expect, was the rough, six-month period it took for him to be hired at a temp job where he could only hope to be given employment each day.

 

Controversy in the state Supreme Court: Last week’s comments by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein criticizing fellow Justice Kyra Bolden’s decision to hire a former prisoner as a law clerk brought back memories for Gant, and others like him, who feel like society gives the formerly incarcerated little chance at redemption. Bernstein has since apologized.

Recidivism rates down: In 2022, the Michigan Department of Corrections reported that the state’s recidivism rate had dropped to 23.6%, a historic low. When compared to recidivism rates in other states, Michigan ranks fourth in the country.

Read more

 

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Let's do a post-season analysis of the Detroit Lions, shall we? 

Dungeon of Doom: With one of Detroit's most promising seasons in the books, GM Brad Holmes stepped to the mic to answer some questions about all the good things happening in Allen Park. Kyle and Ben analyze the greatest hits, including on Jared Goff, free agency, the draft and the future of Jeff Okudah. Listen here.

Will the Lions lose Ben Johnson? The Lions' offensive coordinator might just be the hottest coaching candidate in the NFL. He's secured three interviews for head coaching positions around the league. And of course Dan Campbell doesn't want to lose him.

 

What a rookie: Aidan Hutchinson was named NFL rookie of the month for the second straight time.

Read more

New fish advisories warn of PFAS in Lake Michigan and Huron smelt.

New advisory: Michigan officials advise people to limit how much rainbow smelt they eat from the Great Lakes and some inland lakes due to elevated PFAS contaminant levels.The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said contaminant testing on Lake Huron and Lake Michigan fish warranted new restrictions on the small fish.

 

PFAS cleanup pushed back:In other PFAS-related news, Wolverine Worldwide would not begin to stem the flow of polluted groundwater into the Rogue River from underneath its former tannery in Rockford until 2024, according to a new plan state regulators are reviewing.

In other fish news: A major scientific study aimed to find the best way to allow a certain species of fish swim upstream, now sits in a legal limbo as the Michigan Supreme Court decides whether to consider the case.

Read more

 

Go enjoy your Friday!

You've made it to the end of another week! Good work.

 

This weekend, don't forget to check out the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. If you value the hard work of our journalists, consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

We will be off on Monday to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but the Morning Briefing will return on Tuesday.

— Jessica Shepherd

 

OTHER TOP STORIES

 

  • Michigan's Mazi Smith sentenced on weapon violation

  • Russia releases U.S. Navy veteran from Michigan after 9 months detainment

  • Michigan's first rail-bike adventures will roll this summer near Traverse City

  • 2 dead in murder-suicide at Davison home, police say

  • Democrats say 700,000 Michigan households could save thousands under tax cut plan
 

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