Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

In today's newsletter, Michigan Democrats to temporarily lose control of state House in 2024, Michigan lifts ‘partial-birth abortion’ ban after Senate debate and Michigan Legislature strips away local control over wind and solar fields.

Saying thanks before Thanksgiving

We’re nearly two weeks away from the kitchen olympics: Thanksgiving dinner. Before dusting off my apron and trusted macaroni and cheese recipe, I want to take a moment to express gratitude for things we often take for granted.

Last month I was injured in a serious car wreck. Between the flashing lights of the ambulance and a stream of doctors' visits, life felt incredibly short. I'm grateful to write today's Morning Briefing for readers like you. The last few weeks have been hectic, and I couldn't have done it without the support of my MLive colleagues.

Speaking of upcoming holiday eats, check out these five great places to grab a pie for Thanksgiving in Jackson County.

Curated by Cara Hackett

Four holiday-themed beer cans sit on a table surrounded by wrapped gifts.

Brewery Vivant crafted a German style beer called Dünk the Halls for Grand Rapids' first Christkindl Markt. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Brinkerhoff).

Michigan Democrats to temporarily lose control of state House in 2024

Election night: Though two state House Democrats personally won big Tuesday night, their victories may end their overarching caucus' temporary control of the House until a special election is called in 2024.

Staying open: Voters approved a three-year property tax that will keep the twice defunded Patmos Library open. Last year, voters shot down two operating millage proposals amid a campaign against a few LGBTQ books and others with sexual content accessible in the library’s young adult section.

Speaking out: U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib was officially censured for her remarks on the Israel-Hamas war in the U.S. House late Tuesday night, less than one week after Congress voted to table a similar effort in bipartisan fashion.

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Michigan lifts ‘partial-birth abortion’ ban after Senate debate

Michigan senators on Tuesday sent to the governor a package of bills that repeal certain abortion restrictions. One uncertain repeal that did make Whitmer’s desk, however, lifts Michigan’s ban on abortions that use a procedure called dilation and extraction.

Lawsuit: Anti-abortion advocates are turning to federal court, one year after Michigan legalized the constitutional right to an abortion, to try and argue the passage of Proposal 3 was unconstitutional when approved by nearly 57% of voters in November 2022.

Also: Some Ottawa County commissioners are pushing back on a proposed $4 million settlement that would see the resignation of the embattled leader of the county’s health department.

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Michigan Legislature strips away local control over wind, solar fields

Power shift: Michigan senators on Wednesday gave final approval to a two-bill package that allows the state to approve large wind, solar and energy storage proposals even if some locals in those areas don’t want them.

Also in energy: A pair of Michigan farmers on Tuesday told lawmakers they are exhausted with people who enjoy looking at their farmland preventing them from using their property for renewable energy.

In the wild: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking adventurers who enjoy the outdoors during fall and winter to keep their eyes open for black bear dens, and to report any findings.

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Michigan responds to Big Ten ahead of pivotal decision for Tony Petitti

What's next: The University of Michigan met a Wednesday afternoon deadline to respond to the Big Ten’s notice of disciplinary action, setting the stage for a momentous decision for league commissioner Tony Petitti.

On the court: Milwaukee rallied to beat the Detroit Pistons 120-118 on Wednesday night in a game in which Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was ejected midway through the third quarter.

Sign stealing, or decoding a team’s play-call signals, has been a hot topic since the NCAA’s investigation into the Michigan football program’s alleged operation became public last month. Sign stealing, though, is not limited to football. A dozen basketball coaches spoke to MLive about how it's done.

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Brewery Vivant crafts ‘Dünk the Halls’ beer for Grand Rapids first ‘Christkindl Markt’

Something new: Brewery Vivant created an exclusive German-style beer to add to the European magic of Grand Rapids’ first Christkindl Markt opening next week. The new brew is called Dünk the Halls and is in the style of a traditional Dünkelweizen.

Syrupy stacks: If you’re in the mood for an order of hearty pancakes with a side of bacon and eggs, these five Muskegon area breakfast spots might be able to curb those early morning cravings.

Farewell: The last day has been set for an Ann Arbor breakfast staple. Angelo’s Restaurant, located next to University of Michigan’s medical campus, will stop operating on Dec. 23, said owner Stephen Vangelatos.

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We're one day closer to the weekend.

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Life is truly a gift and I hope you experience something that brings you joy today!

— Cara Hackett

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