Morning Briefing

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2022

In today's newsletter, millions of dollars have been poured into statewide races this election season, more information on the incident at Michigan Stadium over the weekend and a former police officer will stand trial in the fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya.

Make sure to flip the page of your calendar. It's November now!

Spooky season is over, friends. Hopefully you enjoyed your Halloween festivities. I was a little sad to only get six trick-or-treaters at my door in Kalamazoo last night. I guess I'll have to eat the rest of these Reese's peanut butter cups in the coming days. Yeah, I had the good stuff and the kids still didn't show.

As we enter this new month, we are headed for colder times. Perhaps you would like to help your fellow humans with a donation? Bell's is collecting coats for those in need. And if you could use assistance keeping the heat on this winter (or you know someone who does), here's how you can reach out for help.

I'm hoping this page of the calendar (we all still use wall calendars, right?) brings you many things for which to be thankful, as well as fun-filled gatherings with loved ones, whether they are family by blood or by choice.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Small children stand in line inside a school hallway while wearing colorful Halloween costumes, including a unicorn and Ironman

Brownell students roam the halls in costumes at Holmes STEM Academy as the neighboring schools celebrate Halloween on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022 in Flint. (Jake May | MLive.com)

Heating bills could spike nearly 33% during what's expected to be an 'unreasonably cold' winter.

Brace yourself: Natural gas prices in the Midwest are expected to be nearly 33% higher this winter – costing a total of $1,013 from October to March – compared to last year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. And electricity, with a 7.9% increase, will cost an estimated $1,437 total during the same period.

But why? A colder-than-normal forecast and already elevated fuel costs — pushed up by demand, the war in Ukraine and a refinery fire — are to blame.

Speaking of fuel prices: The average gallon of regular gas in Michigan costs $3.95, as of Monday, but 38 counties are still paying above $4 per gallon on average.

Read more

Millions of dollars have been poured into Michigan ballot questions and the governor's race.

Mega dollar signs: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer raised $4.8 million, while her Republican opponent Tudor Dixon wasn’t too far behind, having raised $4.4 million. We have a look at the money that has flowed into other statewide races, along with the three ballot proposals.

GOP has money to burn: Republicans in the House and Senate are keeping their candidates equip with ample cash to spend in the last week prior to the election.

Raise taxes to fix roads? Dozens of Michigan communities will vote on whether to do just that in next week's election. Make sure to check out Vote411 to view exactly what will be on your ballot.

Read more

Yes, we are still talking about the incident in the tunnel at Michigan Stadium.

And there is plenty to discuss: As developments in the situation continued to pop up yesterday, our writers kept the headlines coming. Mel Tucker said he is "deeply sorry" for the altercation, Wolverine players called the incident "really disgusting" and Michigan's Gemon Green hired an attorney.

Wolverine Confidential: On the latest episode of the podcast, our U-M beat writers discuss the game and the aftermath. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

What about the Lions?I suppose we should still discuss the Lions. After all, they fired the defensive backs coach on Monday. And you should read Kyle Meinke's latest column on the team — The Detroit Lions are so close! Just ask them!

Read more

Do you need to be screened for breast cancer before 40?

When should screenings start? For most women, annual breast cancer screenings should begin at age 40 and continue annually. But some should undergo examinations sooner. About 9% of all new U.S. cases of breast cancer are found in women younger than 45.

Why is screening important? When a breast cancer is small and limited to the breast, the cure rate is 98 to 100%. Once the cancer is in the lymph nodes and regional, the rate drops to 86%. Further spread and the survival rate drops a lot, to about 30%.

More health news: As respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spreads, here is a look at common symptoms to watch out for.

Read more

Grand Rapids reacts as former police officer is ordered to stand trial in Patrick Lyoya's death.

Read the ruling: After two days of testimony, Grand Rapids District Judge Nicholas Ayoub on Monday ordered former Grand Rapids police Officer Christopher Schurr to stand trial on a second-degree murder charge in Patrick Lyoya’s killing. Read the judge's full ruling here.

NAACP leader reacts: Cle Jackson, president of the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP referred to Monday as "a day the community has been asking for." Patrick Lyoya's father also reacted to the ruling. You can view his comments in the video here.

Police union backs Schurr: The Grand Rapids Police Officers’ Association is predicting Schurr will be acquitted at trial in the fatal shooting.

Read more

Tuesday is now fully underway.

And you've made it through today's briefing.

All day long, you can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. Take a look at becoming an MLive subscriber while you're there.

I hope November offers up a cornucopia of excitement for you.

— Jessica Shepherd

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