Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022

In today's newsletter, Whitmer and Dixon are dueling over their support of law enforcement, Michigan's COVID-19 cases hit a 6-month low and five ways to deal with stink bugs this fall.

Sure, we have a week off from the Lions, but let's lament their current status together.

It's a bye week for the Lions, and after that horrendous showing this past Sunday, we could all use a break from watching them. But that doesn't mean we should take a break from our shared experience of wallowing in our misery. At least we are in this together, fellow fans.

Our Lions beat writers Kyle Meinke and Ben Raven have a new episode of their Lions podcast, Dungeon of Doom, up this morning. In fact, it is up at the very same time you receive this newsletter in your inbox. The guys have a mailbox chocked full of all your burning questions about this so-far disappointing season from our continuously disappointing NFL team.

You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, through Spotify, with Google Podcasts, or really wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for Dungeon of Doom (with "doom" being the operative word).

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Have you ever watched "Somewhere in Time" starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve? If not, you should, if for no other reason than to spot the Mackinac Island spots featured in the film. Seymour recently visited the island to celebrate the 1980 cult classic. You can read about that here. (Photo courtesy of Jane Seymour Designs)

Michigan Republicans are pushing to fire the state superintendent.

What is the issue? Republican members of the Michigan Board of Education attempted to introduce a resolution to fire state Superintendent Michael Rice for standing behind videos that say teachers don’t necessarily have to tell parents if their children are transgender.

The resolution said "a government deceiving parents about important matters involving their child is evil." It echoes Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon’s call for Rice to resign last month, after the videos were publicized by conservative activist Christopher Rufo.

Backstory on the videos in question:Here's a story that was published last month after controversy popped up in connection with some training videos for Michigan educators.

Read more

Whitmer and Dixon are dueling over who supports Michigan law enforcement most.

A campaign issue: Violent crime is up in Michigan, according to recent FBI statistics, and its place on the agenda of gubernatorial candidates is moving up as well, with candidates vying over who will do the most to support police and first responders.

A difference of opinion: Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon claims Gov. Gretchen Whitmer "has failed to do her job and keep the people of Michigan safe." Whitmer claims the opposite, saying her administration has committed an additional $1 billion to law enforcement in the four budgets she’s signed into law as Governor. Read more here.

Speaking of the election:Take a look at how students can vote at the University of Michigan, Michigan State and Eastern Michigan on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Read more

Michigan's daily COVID-19 cases dip to a 6-month low.

Reported cases are down: Over the last seven days, Michigan has averaged 1,408 reported cases per day, which is the lowest average since April. During that 6-month stretch, the average has gotten as high as 3,675.

Numbers might be off: Reported case tallies are expected to be undercounts due to the rise in at-home testing, but health officials say they’re still useful in addition to wastewater surveillance and tracking hospitalizations, test positivity and deaths.

In other health-related news:While most people six months and older should receive flu shots, it is especially critical for the many who have cardiovascular disease, long the leading cause of death in the United States.

Read more

We have 5 ways to deal with home-invading stink bugs this fall.

Another sign of autumn:The leaves are changing, the temperatures are cooling and the pumpkin patches are filled with visitors. Those aren't the only signs of fall! Another sign (which you are likely less excited about) is the return of those shield-shaped stink bugs. You know the ones.

How to deal with them: First of all, do not smush them! That is, unless you potentially want the stink to be released. Instead, check out these five tips for dealing with these creatures if they show up in your home.

Are you a fan of bugs? If you are, you'll want to check out this exhibit at Jackson's Ella Sharp Museum. It features giant photos of insects and it will be open until Oct. 22.

Read more

Michigan car payments reach a high of $700 and continue to rise with interest rates.

Interest rates driving up car payments: Nationally rising interest rates pumped up monthly car payments and financing for car buyers in the past three months. The average amount financed for new vehicles hit an all-time record high in the third quarter, according to data from automotive research firm Edmunds.

Prices expected to continue climbing:The Federal Reserve hiked up interest rates five times since March with at least two more rate hikes expected before the end of the year.

Speaking of money : Michigan college students will soon be able to secure up to $5,500 more in scholarships, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation creating the Michigan Achievement Scholarship into law Tuesday.

Read more

That's all for now.

But don't forget, you can always find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. And maybe it's time to consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

I hope this Wednesday is a lovely one for you. See you back here tomorrow.

— Jessica Shepherd

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