Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023

In today's newsletter, gun rights groups strategize as Dems take over in the Michigan Legislature, snow is unlikely in Michigan this weekend and the Lions are facing a crucial game Sunday night in Green Bay.

The post-holiday weeks might feel boring, but they don't have to be.

The holiday parties are over. The shopping season is done. Family members who came to visit have all gone home. But the first weekend after the new year begins doesn't have to be uneventful. There's plenty to do.

Our reporters have a handful of fun options to check out in both Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. If you decide to hang out in GR this weekend, may I also suggest a couple other options I've been eyeing for weekend fun? It's one of the last weekends to check out a Jim Henson exhibition at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. And if you are trying dry January (or you just prefer to avoid alcohol), there's a booze-free bottle shop in the West Grand neighborhood. They'll even mix you a mocktail to enjoy.

Up in Traverse City? How about a Snow, Bike & Brew tour? And speaking of TC, mark your calendar for next month when a new 3-day comedy fest will be held in the city.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

The former Eloise Psychiatric Hospital will soon get a $4 million renovation to turn it into a hotel, restaurant and haunted attraction, officials announced. (Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive)

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow will not seek reelection in 2024.

A big announcement:Democrat Debbie Stabenow announced Thursday she won’t seek reelection in 2024 after more than 20 years as one of two U.S. Senators from Michigan. First elected to the U.S. Senate in 2001, Stabenow became a leading voice in agricultural policy in Washington.

Hear what she had to say: In a video, Stabenow discusses her thoughts on whether Democrats will be able to retain the seat in the next election. "Now will it be more work? Of course ... but I am very confident." Watch her remarks here.

Kildee camp says he won't run for the seat:U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Twp., won’t be a candidate to replace Stabenow in 2024, a spokesman for the congressman said Thursday.

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Michigan gun rights groups strategize in preparation for Democrats' legislative agenda.

A potential battle: The switch from Republican governance in the Michigan Legislature and recent calls for gun control by Democrats has gun rights groups readily on the defensive, with several already having convened to talk strategy for the 2023-2024 legislative session.

Dems in control: For the first time in roughly four decades Democrats control every branch of state government in Michigan. Outspoken about the need for gun reform amid a national rise in mass shootings, party members have been vastly unsuccessful at previous attempts of passing legislation under the legislatures’ old GOP majority.

House GOP leader optimistic: When Michigan’s legislature reconvenes Jan. 11, House Minority Leader Matt Hall says it will already start off with something the prior legislature lacked between its leaders: regular communication.

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Michigan's weekend forecast shows snow is very unlikely.

Snow? Likely no: It looks like snowflakes won't be falling on us this weekend, according to the report from MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa. That means, if you plan to travel in the next couple of days, there shouldn't be any problems from Mother Nature.

Mark says: "You may have heard there is a huge, very powerful storm hitting California right now. Storms hit the West Coast and usually are around Michigan in two to three days. This storm system has actually peaked in strength out west and is going to slip across the eastern half of the U.S. without much meteorological mayhem."

Two snowy Michigan cities: According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Michigan is home to two of the snowiest cities in the United States — Sault Ste. Marie and Muskegon.

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The Lions prepare for a vital game against Green Bay as the NFL endures a heartbreaking week.

Pressures high as players process Hamlin situation: It's been a difficult week for everyone involved in the NFL. In the latest episode of our Detroit Lions podcast, Dungeon of Doom, Kyle and Ben discuss how players are reacting to Damar Hamlin's near-death experience. They also chat with a Packers beat writer about Sunday's crucial game.

Jared Goff might hold the key: The best shot for these youthful Lions to knock off the scorching-hot Green Bay Packers on Sunday night just might rest in the veteran hands of Jared Goff. And not just because he’s playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the league, although the Lions will certainly take that too.

Another big game: Tomorrow, the Spartans and Wolverines meet up on the basketball court. And, as you know as a Michigander, any game between these two schools is a big deal. Listen to our podcast collaboration from Wolverine Confidential and Spartan Confidential for a preview.

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Michiganders may be paying more out of pocket for dental care.

Why? While the prices dentists can charge are often capped by the insurance companies they work with, there has been little change to annual maximums offered to patients in recent years, meaning dental insurance dollars don’t stretch as far as they once did.

Dr. Jehan Wakeem said: "They’re definitely behind the times. Their cap for what patients can receive in one year is not realistic anymore, and it’s been years and years and years since they’ve changed that; decades."

In other health-related news:The potential new leader of Ottawa County’s health department is anti-mask and publicly objected to the social distancing guidelines put in place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Enjoy your weekend!

It's Friday. That means the Morning Briefing will be off until Monday morning.

Until then, you can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. And perhaps you're ready to become an MLive subscriber.

Jamie will be back here with you to start next week.

— Jessica Shepherd

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