Also, a Michigan teen celebrates their first solo flight

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Morning Briefing

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2023

In today's newsletter, a look at the first members of Michigan's LGBTQ+ commission, the weather is warming up, and the last time Michigan was ranked No. 1 in football.

A look at winter adventures across Michigan

Get ready to hit the trails; two Michigan state parks are hosting special hikes this season. Seven Lakes State Park in Holly and Ionia State Recreation Area in Ionia will have "Enchanted Borealis” hikes featuring lanterns, holiday lights and campfires.

 

Speaking of trails, the Enchanted Trail winter adventure at The Highlands at Harbor Springs has returned with winter night hikes, yurt bar, bonfires and displays that are "more enchanting than ever before."

 

Head to Jackson on Dec. 29 to experience a trail filled with luminaries, and to see an electrically lit 65-foot-high Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk.

Curated by Cara Hackett

A person walks down a snowy path illuminated by Christmas lights.

The Enchanted Trail lights up the night at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. (Photo provided by The Highlands at Harbor Springs)

Meet the first ever members of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ commission

Names unveiled: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer named 13 members to Michigan's first LGBTQ+ commission last week. The commission is responsible for reviewing, developing and recommending policies focused on preventing discrimination against LGBTQ Michiganders.

 

Some GOP state committee members are convinced they have the votes needed to remove party chair Kristina Karamo after a majority of the party’s state committee skipped a Saturday meeting she organized.

 

MiLEAP: The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) took its first steps Friday as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer launched the department with an acting director in place to lead it.

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Michigan teen celebrates first solo flight: ‘I’ve always been curious about what’s out there’

Taking off: 16-year-old Nolan McCleery took a step forward in his journey to exploring the skies when he completed his first solo flight and earned his student pilot's license on Nov. 11. The Washtenaw International High School sophomore says he's using piloting as a stepping stone to becoming an astronaut.

 

Wearing capes: Grayson Johnson of Westland, whose kidney cancer recently went into remission, helped unveil a new Black Panther superhero statue at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital on Nov. 30. 6-year-old Grayson wore a suite of suits to “make him brave” during his chemotherapy sessions.

 

In the spotlight: Now in its fifth year, the "This is Me" special needs fashion show has become a Flint staple. The event boosts confidence in its participants annually, while building and educating a greater support system community-wide.

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Michigan's weather this week: Better find the tropical shirts

Warming back up: Quite a warm-up is coming to parts of Michigan late this week. We will have a few days in the 30s before temperatures rise on Friday. Friday afternoon should be around 57 degrees for the southeast half of Lower Michigan. Here's a look at this week's forecast.

 

In the skies: Mother Nature is bringing some festive sparkle to the night skies this month, just in time for the holiday season. Stargazing highlights in December 2023 include the year’s strongest meteor shower, a big, bright moon on Christmas, and even a visible asteroid.

 

Stay safe out there: With winter weather returning to Michigan, it’s time to brush up on winter driving safety and prepare your vehicle for snow. 

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You know, the last time Michigan football was ranked No. 1…

For the first time since winning its last national championship, Michigan is No. 1 in the college football AP poll—a first since 1997. Now the Wolverines enter bowl season on top of both the AP poll and, for the first time ever, the playoff rankings, released Sunday. Michigan will face 4 seed Alabama in the Rose Bowl. 

 

After the game: The Detroit Lions held off the New Orleans Saints 33-28 on Sunday at the Superdome. Here are three things we learned in Detroit’s ninth victory of the season, matching a team high since 2014.

 

The Detroit Tigers finalized their 2024 coaching staff on Monday and announced four new coaches on manager A.J. Hinch’s 11-man staff. 

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Michigan creamery makes Yellow Snow, Eggnog, Gingerbread holiday ice cream flavors

We all scream for ice scream: Browndog Creamery, the Northville creamery known for making fun and unusual concoctions rolled out six new flavors just in time for the holiday season.

 

Speaking of holiday treats: From peppermint mochas to gingerbread lattes, some Ann Arbor coffee shops are ushering in their winter drink menus. Here are five great places around Ann Arbor serving seasonal drinks for the holiday season.

 

Stop in: If you're in the mood for a meal with a bit of comfort, check out Turk’s Tavern in Nunica. Try the Whiskey BBQ burger topped with onion rings, barbecue sauce, bacon and American cheese at the eatery located between Grand Rapids and Muskegon.

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We'll see you here tomorrow.

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Have a great day!

 

— Cara Hackett

 

OTHER TOP STORIES

 

  • Michigan AG accuses parents of abuse, adopting nearly 30 kids for financial gain

  • 3 bailiffs needed to drag killer out of court after getting 100-year sentence

  • 420-foot ‘vertical spike tower’ completed on Cedar Point’s new Top Thrill 2

  • Why College Football Playoff committee ranked Michigan No. 1 over Washington

  • Woman arrested for shoplifting during ‘Shop with a Cop’ event
 

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