Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2022

In today's newsletter, the happy ending to a high-profile surrogacy story, the Michigan Secretary of State's office gets a Jan. 6 subpoena and ways to have fun in Michigan this weekend.

Do you still need a Christmas tree? How about a fresh one?

I'm very partial to a real tree for Christmas. It smells like the season and it reminds me of my childhood, when we would all go cut down a fresh fir and decorate it with truly gaudy lights and ornaments. We even did the whole tinsel thing. And strings of popcorn!

If you haven't put a tree up yet this year, there is still time to get one! If you are in Washtenaw County, here are some places to grab a tree. In the Grand Rapids area, we have info for you too. And everyone is welcome to get a permit for just $5 and cut down your own tree on national forest land. Cool, right?

But my motto for the holiday season is "no pressure," so if a real tree seems like too much work or just isn't your thing, that's cool too. Doll up that artificial tree or avoid the tradition altogether. After all, the holiday season should bring joy, so find yours.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Western Michigan football has hired Louisville OC, Nick Saban disciple Lance Taylor as the program's new head coach. Read more here. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Lame duck falls short for tax cuts but lawmakers did manage to pass a few bills.

Tax cut talks falter: A 15-hour day in the Michigan legislature ended with lawmakers having little to show for it after talks with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer dissolved at some point over a possible tax cut in return for further economic development funding.

Recycling overhaul : Michigan lawmakers have sent long-awaited legislation to Gov. Whitmer that would overhaul the state’s solid waste laws to promote recycling.

Rules for marijuana businesses: Legislation looking to bar individuals from being denied a license to sell marijuana based on the job of their spouse is headed toward Gov. Whitmer’s desk after House lawmakers gave it an overwhelming green light Tuesday.

Read more

Michigan parents celebrate the adoption of their biological twins after a surrogate controversy.

Adoption Day:Toddler twins Eames and Ellison officially became part of the Myers family Thursday during an adoption ceremony, which is quite unique since they are the biological children of Tammy and Jordan Myers.

What led to this? A surrogate who carried the twins for Tammy and Jordan, and her husband, were listed on the birth certificate as the parents. The surrogate staked no claim to the children, but Michigan law still forced the Myers family to go through the adoption process.

Watch this video: You can hear directly from Tammy and Jordan Myers regarding their experience in this video from the Adoption Day event. The couple is working with legislators in an attempt to change the laws around surrogacy in Michigan.

Read more

The Michigan's Secretary of State's office has been subpoenaed in the Jan. 6 investigation.

Subpoena received:The U.S. Department of Justice served Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office a subpoena Wednesday in an investigation regarding the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot and former President Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn his election loss.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said: "The Department of Justice has asked that we not disclose the contents of the subpoena to prevent harming the investigation and we will honor that request."

In another Michigan tie to national news: The family of a Michigan man who has been held captive in Russia for four years says they are “devastated” that he remains in a Russian prison following a high-profile prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia, the Associated Press reports.

Read more

Cade McNamara says his final year at Michigan was his 'highest high' and 'lowest low.'

Talking about his time at UM: In a recent interview, quarterback Cade McNamara called the last 12 months at Michigan, before choosing to enter the transfer portal last week, one of the wildest rides of his football career.

Someone else opened up this week: In an episode of In Depth with Graham Bensinger that’s set to air this weekend, Tom Izzo reflected on the period in early 2018 when Michigan State was thrust into the national spotlight as Larry Nassar, the former Michigan State doctor, was convicted of sexually abusing more than 200 women.

A valid question in the world of sports: Why does the 13-0 Wolverines team, which is headed to the College Football Playoff, have such a low-ranking recruiting class right now?

Read more

How to have a fun weekend across Michigan.

In Ann Arbor:What's goin on in Ann Arbor this weekend? From shopping to dancing, we have five options for you. And if you get hungry, grab some vegan chili from Detroit Filling Station. Thirsty? Grab a hot, boozy cider from HOMES Brewery.

In Grand Rapids: Stand-up comedy, live country music, and several craft vendor fairs are all on the roster of events going on in Grand Rapids this weekend.

Around the state: Perhaps a trip to Frankenmuth is in order, since Santa is back at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. And no matter where you are in Michigan, you can check out a free show in the night sky.

Read more

Friday is here!

And you've started it out well by reading the Morning Briefing.

Keep up with the latest news any time at MLive.com. And check out this info on becoming an MLive subscriber.

I wish you a wonderful weekend.

— Jessica Shepherd

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