Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022

In today's newsletter, incivility in the Michigan attorney general race, parents could face life in prison for providing gender-affirming care under a proposed bill and a look at what's up with Mother Nature this week.

Mad respect for our tough-as-nails Yooper friends.

In late August, I was enjoying some time in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I try to go at least once a year. I love the place. But only once have I made the trip in winter. February is fun and lovely up there, but it was also bitterly cold for this troll.

This week, I send my respect to my neighbors to the north. As I remain snowless (though showered with cold rain) here in Kalamazoo, some parts of the U.P. have a foot and a half of snow (or more!). But those fine folks don't even blink an eye at an October snow dump. And for that, I send my respect up there. Feel free to send me down some Trenary toast in return. Just kidding ... kind of.

The snow will eventually spread to the entire state. Many have seen their first snowflakes, even if they didn't stick to the ground just yet. As it goes every year, it's only a matter of time.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Large waves crash into a bright red lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan

This week waves hit the Lake Michigan shoreline and our photographers were there to capture the sights. Read more in today's newsletter. (Photo by Cory Morse | MLive)

There's a new Seger in town. And he's a sheriff in Michigan.

Rock star sheriff: Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel is a performer. He's starred in community theater productions in the past and he has been known to grab the mic and belt out a tune. These days, he is using his voice (and some facial hair) to perform as Kenny Rogers and Bob Seger.

See it for yourself: We have some video footage of a recent performance, as well as an interview with Sheriff Federspiel on why he takes the stage to sing like these iconic vocalists. Watch it here.

Also in Saginaw County: Christmas store matriarch Irene Bronner is being remembered for her faith and generosity after she died Sunday at the age of 95.

Read more

The Michigan AG race embodies a 'uniquely awful' moment for campaign incivility.

A heated race: Political campaigns aren’t races to be nice, but common ground isn’t always impossible. Unless you’re running for Michigan attorney general. In that case, this year is a matchup between “a fundamentally flawed human being” and “the most corrupt attorney general in the country,” according to the two candidates.

Talking to the candidates: MLive recently interviewed Democratic AG Dana Nessel and her Republican opponent, Matthew DePerno, and asked if there is anything the two candidates may agree on or like about each other. Well, they didn't say "yes."

Speaking of Democrats and Republicans:Michigan’s Democratic and Republican parties were both contacted by the FBI in recent days to warn about Chinese state hackers probing their digital infrastructure.

Read more

Should a Michigan village be dissolved? Voters will decide.

Goodbye Breedsville? Voters will decide in November’s election if Breedsville — a small community in southwest Michigan — shall remain an incorporated village, or instead vacate its village status to be governed by the surrounding township.

Reasons for the effort: Those who are behind the effort to disincorporate say the village council does not provide transparency and they don't agree with ordinances the board has passed. But some are concerned about the idea, including the owner of a local marijuana dispensary.

Not sure what's on your November ballot?Check out the Vote 411 website to see everything on your ballot while getting info about candidates and issues.

Read more

Parents may face life in prison for providing minors gender-affirming care under proposed bill.

In the Michigan legislature:House Republicans recently introduced legislation that could have the potential to throw parents and doctors in prison for life for offering gender-affirming care to children under the age of 18.

Reaction to the proposed bill: The legislation has some members of the transgender and LGBTQ community alarmed as they continue to see a rise in what they believe to be GOP attacks on transgender youth and their parents.

'Gender Queer:' It's the most banned book in America. Now it has been removed from a West Michigan library by a local school board.

Read more

What's going on with mother nature? Let's take a look at Michigan's great outdoors.

Winds of change: Oh, how the season has changed! There is snow in Northern Michigan and cold temps everywhere (though this weekend looks warm!). On the lakeshore, there were some gnarly waves earlier this week. If you missed the photos and video footage from our photojournalists, check it out here.

Bear report:What's up with Michigan's bears this time of year? Well, they are loading up on 20,000 calories per day in preparation for winter. How many pots of honey would they need to eat per day? (OK, I guess they aren't all Winnie the Pooh.)

You should definitely look up : Don't forget to check out the Orionid meteor shower, which is peaking this week. Here's where and when to look.

Read more

That's all for now.

Come back tomorrow and we'll have a whole new slew of stories for you.

Until then, you can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. And here's the info on how to become an MLive subscriber.

Have a great day!

— Jessica Shepherd

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