Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023

In today's newsletter, how to up your chances of getting into the University of Michigan, a look at what 2022 was like for Michigan's marijuana industry and tips for avoiding injuries on the ski slopes.

Things to look for this month include stars and turkeys.

Winter hobbies can be hard in Michigan. If you ski or snowboard, you're set (and you should keep reading today's newsletter for some helpful info). But if you aren't one for intense winter activities, maybe we can help you find a way to pass the time.

MLive's Emily Bingham is on top of the month's skywatching events. She published this guide of exciting January occurrences for stargazers. And if you need some daytime sightings to occupy these winter weeks, the DNR is hoping you will look for turkeys and report what you see.

You can also be on the lookout for people who continue to use these newly banished words and terms. But don't be too hard on them. It's all in good fun.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

A slate of new, far-right Ottawa County commissioners has fired the current county administrator and replaced him with John Gibbs (pictured here, left), a Republican congressional candidate who was backed by former president Donald Trump and lost last fall. Read more here. (Photo by Cory Morse | MLive.com)

Michiganders say lawmakers should prioritize cost of living and corporate tax changes this year.

Priorities for citizens:The people of Michigan know what they want from lawmakers this year. Michiganders are looking for everyday items to be more affordable and for corporations to pay their fair share in taxes, and they’re hoping a Democrat-controlled legislature will make that happen in the coming session.

More work for the legislature: The three constitutional amendments Michiganders passed in November went into effect Dec. 23. While most measures within the proposals did not need any additional legislation to become effective, there are a number of steps Michigan’s newly Democrat-led legislature is eyeing to further implement or clarify the new laws.

State of the State:Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will hold her fifth State of the State address Wednesday, Jan. 25, her office announced yesterday morning.

Read more

How to double your chances of getting into the University of Michigan.

An easy trick: It’s not about long lists of extracurriculars, rigorous classes or an uplifting application essay about triumph over adversity. It’s about geography, residency. Put plainly, if you live in Michigan, you’ve got a heck of a leg up.

The numbers: The University of Michigan offered admission to nearly 40 percent of undergraduate in-state applicants for the fall of 2022 and just 17 percent of applicants from other parts of the U.S.

More UM-related news: Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is now a recyclable type of plastic after scientists at the University of Michigan discovered a way to chemically recycle the widely used material.

Read more

Let's look at Michigan marijuana in 2022, from plummeting prices to black market battles.

Looking back on 2022: It was a great year for Michigan marijuana customers, who are paying less than ever for increasingly potent cannabis. As of November, the average retail cost for an ounce of marijuana had dropped to a record low of $95 with some strains dipping to near $60 an ounce in retail stores.

A good year for overall profits: It was also a healthy year for the industry as a whole. Retail Michigan marijuana sales were on track to surpass $2 billion in annual revenue as 2022 came to a close. Here's a look at the revenues since recreation marijuana was first legalize in Michigan.

Speaking of profits: Businesses love the holiday season, because it means big spending. But if you overdid it with shopping this holiday season, we offer some help to get you back on track.

Read more

Where do the Tigers stand now after a flurry of holiday moves?

The current situation: The Tigers have made only two major acquisitions this winter, signing starting pitchers Matthew Boyd and Michael Lorenzen. One of the worst offenses in baseball has, to this point, remained largely untouched. Here’s a rundown on the Tigers’ flurry of holiday moves and what the 40-man roster looks like right now.

New homes for former Tigers: Three infielders were among the eight former Detroit Tigers players finding new homes during the holidays.

Elsewhere in sports: A second NFL team is reportedly interested in discussing their head-coaching vacancy with Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, according to Tuesday afternoon reports out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Read more

It's skiing season in Michigan. Here 's how to avoid injuries on the slopes this winter.

Having fun while staying safe : January is the perfect month to hit the slopes and hills here in Michigan. But each year, Michigan’s orthopedic surgeons see an increase in injuries sustained while people ski, snowboard or even sled. We have tips for staying safe out there.

Looking for a place to use those tips? If you missed it in yesterday's newsletter intro, Jamie shared this post on what is new at Michigan ski resorts this season. Or you could check out one of the best ski experiences in the country, located in the U.P.

Weather report:If you are planning to have some outdoor fun this week, you'll probably want a rundown on the forecast. MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa explains that Lower Michigan will only have a hint of winter this week.

Read more

You're all caught up.

We have made it halfway through the first week of 2023. Before you know it, it will be summer again. ;)

No matter the season, you can always find the latest news at MLive.com. Never made a resolution for 2023? We suggest a commitment to supporting local news. Start by becoming an MLive subscriber.

I'll see you back here in your inbox tomorrow morning!

— Jessica Shepherd

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