Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022

In today's newsletter, Congressman Fred Upton is troubled about the state of the GOP, Michigan's independent toy stores offer a unique holiday shopping experience and the 10 defining moments of Michigan's football season.

The ultimate Friday question: What should I do this weekend?

Since I'm in Kalamazoo, my first thought for this weekend is starting it early by heading to Eccentric Day at Bell's, which starts at noon today. Or if you want a Friday date night idea, you could head to Holiday Pops in Grand Rapids.

Tomorrow, you can see Santa. He's scheduled to take part in the Jingle Bell Parade in Grand Haven. Or if you are on the other side of the state, you can head to Jinglefest in Fenton for a parade, a festive 5k and more. But if you would rather just stay inside, perhaps you'd like to watch Michigan's favorite holiday movie?

No matter what you do, make sure to check out the weekend forecast, which we have below in the newsletter. And if you are going to Indy for the Big Ten Championship, I'm jealous, but I will still share this story on great restaurants in the area.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

According to the DNR, winter is the best time to keep an eye out for the tree-killing hemlock woolly adelgid. Find out more here. (Photo by Michigan DNR)

Will Michigan have a white Christmas this year? We have an early look at the holiday forecast.

Snow on Dec. 25? It's still more than three weeks away, but inquiring minds want to know — will we have a white Christmas? According to MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa, some parts of the state are pretty much guaranteed to have snow on the ground. Elsewhere, it's iffy.

What about this weekend? If you want to know what to expect between tonight and Sunday, we have that for you too. Mark has the lowdown on a cold front and some intense wind. We are crossing our fingers that the power won't go out. Get that weekend forecast here.

Geek out on weather info: Knowledge is power! And this info is just straight-up fun, if you are at all interested in Michigan weather. Mark has the basics on storm structure in Michigan.

Read more

On his way out the door, Congressman Fred Upton is 'very troubled' about the state of the GOP.

Voicing concern:Michigan’s most senior lawmaker in Congress, first elected in 1986, Fred Upton is retiring at the end of the year, and says he is troubled by the continuing influence of former President Donald Trump on the party, and especially Trump’s ongoing allegations of election fraud.

Not his first criticism of Trump: Upton was one of 10 House Republicans to vote for Trump’s impeachment for "incitement of insurrection" at the Capitol on Jan. 6, saying that "our country cannot and will not tolerate any effort by any president to impede the peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next."

More in Michigan politics: An expansion of Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit must be passed during the remaining few days of legislative session should it benefit taxpayers in 2023, according to Michigan Futures Inc.

Read more

Michigan's independent toy shops offer a unique holiday shopping experience.

'These stores are special:' While you are doing your shopping this holiday season, maybe you should check out one of our state's locally owned toy stores. Shoppers can enjoy a unique shopping experience at the small, independently-owned stores, according to the owners.

Mudpuddles Toy Store: "What helps us stand apart is our hand curation of products," owner Aiden Weeks said. "Everything that’s in our store, either Jan Benzinger (co-owner) or myself has hand-selected to bring in. So we’re really knowledgeable and that brings a great value to our community when they’re coming to shop."

Speaking of local businesses: After over 100 years in the Grand Rapids area, Moelker Orchards & Farm Market is closing its doors. The orchard, which opened in 1907, has been run by the Moelker family for its entire existence.

Read more

Let's look back at the 10 defining moments of Michigan's football season.

The highlight reel: The 12-0 Wolverines are undefeated after the regular season for the first time since 1997 and can win their second straight conference championship with a victory over Purdue on Saturday in Indianapolis. Let's look at the key moments that led here.

Speaking of Saturday's game: Our Wolverine Confidential crew discusses what Michigan needs to do to avoid an upset vs. Purdue. Oh, and if you are going to the game, we have a great guide to Indianapolis, complete with all the attractions you should check out.

Star player charged: Yesterday, some bad news arose for the Michigan football program, as defensive tackle Mazi Smith faces a felony weapons charge following an Oct. 7 incident in Ann Arbor, court records show. The prosecutor explains here why charges took seven weeks.

Read more

Wastewater in some Michigan communities will be tested for polio.

Testing for polio:Michigan is working with federal officials to assess in which under-vaccinated communities wastewater testing for polio should begin, after the CDC announced it would expand the polio surveillance being conducted in New York to two additional areas -- Michigan and Philadelphia.

Where will the surveillance happen?Which Michigan counties will undergo surveillance for polio remains to be seen, though the Associated Press identified Oakland County as one such location.

In other health news:Expecting parents in Michigan will have an opportunity next month to ask questions and learn about available resources from state health officials during virtual baby fairs.

Read more

You're all caught up.

And you've made it to another Friday. Good work!

All weekend long, you can find the latest headlines at MLive.com. And any time is a good time to become an MLive subscriber.

I hope you enjoy your weekend while avoiding the wind.

— Jessica Shepherd

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