Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022

In today's newsletter, a leader in the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is sentenced, a look at how the Christmas blizzard compared to the infamous blizzard of 1978 and we are getting pumped up for the Fiesta Bowl.

Is traveling a goal for you in 2023? We have some destination suggestions.

If you are the type of person who makes resolutions for each new year, it's possible traveling more is one of your goals for 2023. And I'm with you. I always long to visit new places and see new sights. But if your budget doesn't allow you to traverse the globe, there are so many amazing destinations here in Michigan.

First things first, I have to recommend these seven natural wonders of Michigan. If you haven't seen each one of these in person, you will not be disappointed by adding a trip to your vacation calendar in 2023. And speaking of wonders, you could also make a stop to the new SkyBridge Michigan. It's the longest timber-towered suspension bridge in the world.

Not an outdoor person? How about traveling to grab a slice at the "weirdest" pizza place in Michigan? Or maybe you could spoil yourself with a stay at one of the top hotels in the Midwest?

Wherever 2023 takes you, I hope you enjoy the ride.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Easton Gunsell, 11, cries after rushing into his brother Braden Locker’s arms. Locker, a 20-year-old airman, surprised him while Gunsell was competing in a free throw competition on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at St. Robert Catholic School in Flushing. The Flushing native returned home for Thanksgiving with his family on a short leave from service for the U.S. Air Force while stationed in Saudi Arabia. See the 100 favorite photos from our photographers across Michigan. (Jake May | MLive.com)

'Everybody is struggling:' How inflation hit 5 Michiganders this year.

Prices jumped this year: The latest data shows consumer prices have gone up 7.1% in a year from November. But that’s after inflation peaked at 9.1% this summer when gas prices surged past $5 a gallon, rents skyrocketed and food costs ballooned.

The impact on a handful of Michigan residents: About 55% of Americans said in a November Gallup poll that rising prices have caused financial hardship – up 10% from a year earlier. And 13% said climbing costs are causing a severe hardship for their families. We spoke with five individuals who shared the impact inflation has had on their lives.

Speaking of universal impact:People often don't think about it, but health consequences of alcohol use can be deadly.

Read more

Prosecutor says man convicted in Whitmer kidnap plot could be 'more radicalized' after prison.

Not the sentence they wanted: Federal prosecutors wanted Adam Fox, a leader in a failed plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, sentenced to life in prison as punishment - and deterrent to those who would threaten public officials.

Judge said Whiter was not in significant danger: U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker said Tuesday that he considered both Fox’s violent plot and what actually happened in sentencing the Grand Rapids-area man to 16 years in federal prison.

More courts news: After more than 38 years in prison for scaring a 76-year-old grandmother to death during a home invasion gone wrong, John E. Aslin has been granted clemency by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Read more

How did our Christmas Week Blizzard compare to the Blizzard of '78?

Comparing storms: While this recent storm had its bad moments for Michigan - highway pileups, injury crashes, and people trapped in their vehicles - it was not a copycat storm to the famous Blizzard of ‘78.

What were the differences? National Weather Service meteorologists at the Grand Rapids office have released a side-by-side storm comparison for the 2022 Christmas Week Blizzard and the Blizzard of 1978. Here’s what they had to say.

Trees damaged by blizzard? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has five tips for property owners dealing with woody debris in the wake of the Christmas week blizzard.

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Are you getting pumped up for the Fiesta Bowl? The Wolverines are.

Go, J.J., go! Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy was present last year for the Wolverines' trip to the College Football Playoff semifinal. When the team lost, he said he believed they would be back. This year they are back, and this time McCarthy is the starting QB.

Fueled by disappointment: Saturday’s matchup against TCU is an opportunity for vindication for Michigan's award-winning offensive line. "We really want to make a statement in this game and not let that happen again," left tackle Ryan Hayes said, referring to last year's Orange Bowl loss to Georgia.

Wolverine Confidential: MLive's Aaron McMann, Andrew Kahn and Ryan Zuke check in from suburban Phoenix to discuss the Wolverines’ Monday evening arrival, Jim Harbaugh’s first comments upon landing, and the schedule ahead for Michigan.

Read more

I offer you 3 cool Michigan stories to entertain you during this laid-back holiday week.

One of the best places to hit the slopes: Michigan is home to one of the country's top-rated ski resorts. To get there, you will have to venture into a remote destination in our beloved Upper Peninsula. Check it out, skiing enthusiasts.

Oil slick? Nope! Those are feathered friends: Dense, dark patches recently seen floating atop the water at the Straits of Mackinac were not remnants of an oil spill — they were ducks. Thousands and thousands of ducks.

The beauty of winter:Even if you are a summer-loving Michigander like me, you can't deny the beauty winter brings to our state. MLive photographer Gracie Smith took a trip to Silver Beach County Park and Tiscornia Park in St. Joseph to show you the picture perfect scenes left behind by the blizzard.

Read more

You're all caught up.

It's already Wednesday. These holiday weeks just fly by.

We will be here for you every day of the week with the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. And while you are clicking around, perhaps you'd like to become an MLive subscriber.

I hope you are enjoying the final days of 2022.

— Jessica Shepherd

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