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Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024

In today's newsletter, your A to Z guide to the Michigan-MSU football game in Ann Arbor, what to know as politics hits Michigan auto industry, and Michigan utilities are overcharging customers with electric heat, some experts say.

Where to have a scary good time in Michigan this weekend

Halloween isn't until next Thursday but that doesn't mean you have to hold off on having spooky fun until Oct. 31. Here's a look at a few festive events happening this weekend.

There are several Halloween celebrations throughout Washtenaw County like the annual Boo Bash at Briarwood Mall, Ypsilanti's Boylesque Drag Spooktacular, a "Not So Spooky" story time at Schuler Books, and more. Wear a costume while trick-or-treating during Halloween at the Market in Saginaw.

If you're looking to give back this weekend, Jackson residents can pitch in during an annual cemetery cleanup hosted by People for the Parks and Trails on Saturday. The Manistee Fall Festival also takes place on Saturday with plenty of activities for children and adults.

Curated by Cara Hackett

A turkey vulture flies over fall colors in the Manistee National Forest in Mason County, Mich. on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Your A to Z guide to the Michigan-MSU football game in Ann Arbor

The big game: Michigan and Michigan State are both at 4-3 and needing a win Saturday in Ann Arbor to qualify for a bowl game. On top of that, there’s the usual fight for bragging rights.For those heading to Michigan Stadium on Oct. 26 to watch the Wolverines and Spartans battle, here is everything you need to know from parking to tailgating to tickets and more.

Night owls: When Saturday’s Michigan-Michigan State football game was announced as a night game, it didn’t seem like anybody was happy. This is the third straight year the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy will kick off under the lights (7:30 p.m. ET). Kickoff times, however, are decided by conferences in conjunction with their TV partners, not the teams.

Lions receiver Jameson Williams doesn’t know how he violated the NFL’s performance enhancing substances policy, but has decided against appealing the ruling. He’ll miss games against Tennessee and Green Bay without pay and is eligible to return for a prime-time game against Houston in Week 10.

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Paint, bleach on pumpkins could harm wildlife, DNR says

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to consider local wildlife while decorating for Halloween. One major tip from the DNR is to avoid using paint, bleach and other chemicals on pumpkins because those things can be harmful to wildlife that eat pumpkins, said Rachel Lincoln, wildlife outreach coordinator with the DNR Wildlife Division. 

Popular cobwebs and string lights can also be problematic, entangling bats and birds when placed over bushes or between trees, she said.

A petting zoo turned agricultural education program has completed a new home for all its furry friends. Critter Barn earlier in October celebrated the grand opening of its new small animals barn, capping the first phase of development for the nonprofit’s 36-acre farm in Zeeland. 

Skip the raking: If you were looking for a reason to cut back on yard work this season, the DNR recommends to skip raking leaves. The fallen leaves actually serve as a shelter and food source for insects and small animals. 

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Michigan utilities are overcharging customers with electric heat, some experts say

As Michigan homeowners ditch gas furnaces in favor of heat pumps — much more efficient and environmentally-friendly alternatives that run on electricity — utilities could offer lower rates. This would better support a major pathway to slash carbon emissions from buildings, experts say.

The details: But as it stands, the switch from gas could raise annual energy costs by $1,154 on average in cold climates like Michigan, on top of upfront installation costs, a University of Michigan study of 51 homes found. But how power companies set their rates also plays an important role, some experts say.

In case you missed it: The state of Michigan and an Upper Peninsula land management company have swapped thousands of acres of subsurface mineral rights in a transaction that enables private exploration for copper and nickel.

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With ‘EV mandate’ claims flying, here’s what to know as politics hits Michigan auto industry

What's being said: As former President Donald Trump and JD Vance crisscrossed Michigan this fall, one of their biggest talking points has been an "electric vehicle mandate" from the Biden administration. They say a federal rule that seeks to bolster EV production will decimate the domestic auto industry and kill jobs.

Democrats argue there is no EV mandate. Rather, they say the Biden administration has made big investments so the U.S., and not China (the world’s biggest producer of EVs), is the place where the next generation of vehicles is made. Here’s a look at what researchers and auto industry groups have to say about the issue.

Another stop in Michigan: First Lady Jill Biden and Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz will be in Bay City on Monday, Oct. 28, to drive support for the Harris-Walz campaign. The pair will attend a Women for Harris-Walz event, which the campaign said will focus on what’s at stake for reproductive freedoms in the election.

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Delightful Up North vineyard has big barn tasting room, treehouse with a view

Plan a visit: If you are looking for a unique wine tasting experience, consider heading to this family-run spot in Northern Michigan. Boyne Valley Vineyards specially-designed barn in Petoskey features a four-sided tasting bar that gives people plenty of space as they talk and sip, an indoor fireplace and room for live music. The property also backs up to a nature preserve that features walking trails for those who like to stroll - or even snowshoe in the winter. 

Winning awards: St. Ambrose Cellars, a meadery in Benzie County, took home gold and silver medals this year at the Mead Institute’s U.S. Mead Open Competition. The barn-style restaurant specializes in mead, an alcoholic drink made from fermented honey and water, and pays homage to one of the patron saints of beekeeping, Saint Ambrose.

Getting outside: These six trails have “off the charts levels of fall beauty,” according to Manistee Tourism. All in Manistee County, these trails vary in difficulty, terrain and features, including views of Lake Michigan, dunes, the Manistee River and the Manistee National Forest.

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Have a great weekend!

Another week is in the books. Let's get ready for a fun-filled weekend.

In the meantime, you can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber.

See you next week. 

— Cara Hackett

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