Plus, ‘friend-shaped’ bears are not your friends says park officials

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Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2023

In today's newsletter, Michigan can adopt stricter environmental rules than the feds, Shohei Ohtani throws first career shutout in win over Tigers, and a Miller hearing begins for Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley. 

Dark sky island: Beaver Islanders embrace Michigan’s darkest nights

The darkest nights in Michigan are on Beaver Island, where constellations and northern lights practically leap from the heavens.

 

Beaver Island is the most remote place to live in Michigan – the kind of spot where big, bright lights are not the norm and ongoing sky quality measurements show a near absence of all light pollution.  

 

Michigan state officials said they intend to approve Beaver Island’s dark sky sanctuary application in the coming weeks, bringing the special designation one step closer to reality after years of review. MLive climate reporter Sheri McWhirter dives into the far flung   and rural Lake Michigan island known for its light-free surroundings.

Curated by Cara Hackett

Hot air balloons fly in the sky above a row of trees

The shoreline at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. (Photo by D. Sharp, National Park Service)

Michigan can adopt stricter environmental rules than feds

Climate action: Gov. Whitmer signed a slew of clean energy bills on Thursday meant to build on her healthy climate plan, help lower energy costs for Michigan residents and create good-paying jobs.

 

Accepting more bottles: Bottle returns have been a unique way for decades for Michiganders to pocket some extra cash. The existing bottle deposit program could be expanded under reintroduced legislation to include other beverage containers like tea, water, sports drinks and hard cider.

 

More in politics: Former Michigan GOP co-chair Meshawn Maddock pleaded not guilty this week to eight felony charges stemming from her participation in an alleged scheme to replace Michigan’s electoral college representatives with a slate of Republicans to subvert the 2020 election.

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Rushing past victims is the ‘most difficult thing,’ detective says at hearing for Michigan school shooter

During the hearing: Relatives of victims wiped away tears as surveillance video of the Nov. 30, 2021 Oxford High School shooting were shown at a hearing for shooter Ethan Crumbley that will determine if he will die in prison. Oakland County Sheriff’s Detective Lt. Tim Willis testified that rushing past victims was the "most difficult thing."

 

Crumbley is undergoing a Miller hearing that began on Thursday, July 27, to determine if he will be sentenced to die in prison. It’s a special hearing required for all juveniles facing a mandatory life sentence, meant to give special consideration to the impact of their age and other factors. 

 

Looking at evidence: Crumbley’s private journal laid out his murderous plan. The cryptic, written words indicate he wanted to commit the largest school shooting in Michigan history.

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Children rafting on river, downed power lines among 150 emergency calls during storm

Answering the call: Although short, the storm that rolled across Washtenaw County on Wednesday produced 75 mph winds, downed trees and flooded roadways. Fire crews went on more than 150 calls, including a call for a seven children who were rafting on the Huron River when the storm hit.

 

Up North weather: We’ve had a pattern of sun and rain Up North, and we can expect this to continue as we head into the weekend. This will be coupled with cooler temperatures during the evening hours, as well as some gusty winds during the day.

 

"I expect more": Ann Arbor residents are upset after a second widespread power outage left them in the dark following a severe thunderstorm on Wednesday.

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Shohei Ohtani throws first career shutout in win over Tigers

Super star: Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani threw a complete game and shutout for the first time in his career, allowing just one hit as he led the Los Angeles Angels to a 6-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of Thursday’s doubleheader at Comerica Park.

 

Preventative measures: Dan Skuta, a former NFL player from Flint, is trying to help local high school players avoid concussions by donating gear designed to lessen the impact when players collide.  

 

Play ball: Michigan's Hudsonville/Georgetown Junior League softball team is ready to defend their championship after earning the right to represent the Central Region in next week's Junior League World Series.

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Pictured Rocks trail etiquette: ‘Friend-shaped’ bears are not your friends

Don't engage: Don’t try to get chummy with wildlife while out on the trail in the Upper Peninsula wilderness. In a post on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore park’s Facebook page, park officials shared five trail tips — including a light-hearted yet still important reminder to steer clear of wildlife encountered in the park.

 

Great outdoors:A new Northern Michigan riverfront nature preserve is now open to the public. The non-profit Little Traverse Conservancy this week dedicated the new L. John & Helen Bishop Working Forest Reserve, a 360-acre preserve in Cheboygan County that includes nearly 1.5 miles of the Little Pigeon River.

 

Up North fun: Explore Mackinac Island’s forgotten features with a guided bike tour on Saturday, Aug. 5.

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Another week is in the books.

It's time to get started on those weekend plans. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it brings you joy.

 

Stay up to date on the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a MLive subscriber. 


Have a great weekend!

— Cara Hackett

 

OTHER TOP STORIES

 

  • Grand Rapids leaders pass new rules forbidding aggressive panhandling, piled-up belongings in parks

  • Homeowner south of Jackson hears ‘boom’ as storm destroys sunroom

  • Mel Tucker: No way to tame Michigan State-Michigan rivalry

  • Jim Harbaugh’s suspension may not matter much, Big Ten coach explains

  • Four arrested in Kalamazoo after shots fired into occupied house
 

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