Plus, see where the Northern Lights came out in Michigan

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Morning Briefing

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024

In today's newsletter, University of Michigan scientists want to help farmers overcome climate change challenges, Michigan may test pay-per-mile pilot and right now is the best time to see Pictured Rocks’ iconic Bridalveil Falls.

Well, that's one way to live

MTV Cribs used to be one of my favorite shows to watch growing up. Whether it was catching a glimpse of Missy Elliot's silver Ferrari bed or other celebs showing their massive pantries, it was fascinating to see how unique their homes could be. 

 

A Midland woman took interior design up a notch by fashioning the space above a grocery store sign into a secret apartment. Contractors working on the roof of a Family Fare supermarket discovered the dwelling on April 23. Now known as "Roof Ninja," the woman managed to fit a little desk, houseplant, computer printer, Keurig coffeemaker, and a cubbyhole full of food into the space.

 

After speaking to the woman and advising her to leave the property,  police say she's been living in the sign for almost a year. She is employed but not by Family Fare. The supermarket chain has made a $10,000 donation to Midland’s Open Door crisis shelters and soup kitchen since her discovery.

Curated by Cara Hackett

Two people view a sunset along the Lake Michigan overlook Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

People look out at the sunset on the Lake Michigan overlook along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Michigan’s apples, blueberries, cherries, and grapes focus of climate study

Finding answers: From understanding what can be done with a storm-damaged apple crop to identifying which pest insects are more frequently spoiling blueberries and grapes, University of Michigan agricultural scientists want to help fruit growers overcome long-term climate change problems.

 

In the environment: The scaled-back project to restore the Grand River’s rapids in downtown Grand Rapids could be completed by fall 2025. Officials say the changes will make the river more natural, safer and allow for better fish passage and more recreational opportunities, like wading and paddling.

 

If you didn't know: Kalamazoo, Flint, and Holland will get special or enhanced air quality monitoring next year as part of the state’s plans to track airborne pollution across Michigan.

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Michigan may test out gas tax replacement using $5M pay-per-mile pilot

On the road: Michigan lawmakers are in search of a replacement for Michigan’s gas tax that would allow the state to fairly and efficiently fund its road repairs. A potential option is a mileage-based road usage fee, which would require Michigan drivers to pay per mile driven rather than per gallon of fuel they purchase.

 

New development: Ann Arbor has reached an agreement with Amtrak for a tunnel pathway the city plans to build under the railroad between Bandemer Park and Barton Nature Area.

 

Be aware: The Michigan Department of Transportation has more than 110 road projects scheduled to close lanes, ramps, and full segments of major roadways this week.

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See where the Northern Lights came out to play across Michigan

Dazzling: A rare geomagnetic storm - the intensity of which had not been forecast for about 20 years - sent auroras shimmering across Michigan skies Friday night to the delight of skywatchers and photographers alike. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service Space Weather Prediction Center said it was the first extreme G-5 level conditions to envelope Earth since October of 2003.

 

Kalamazoo County has had 26 confirmed tornadoes since National Weather Service records began in 1954. However, the EF2 tornado that hit Portage on Tuesday, May 7, was the county’s first since 2009. Here’s a map of every Kalamazoo County tornado that has touched down since the NWS started keeping record.

 

The tornado that touched down in Portage lasted 22 minutes and traveled 11 miles leveling homes, businesses, trees and more in its wake. Throughout the week, MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette reporters wrote more than 40 stories on the storm and its aftermath. Read 11 of the most impactful stories you won’t want to miss

Read more

 

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NBA draft lottery: Pistons will pick No. 5 overall despite worst record finish

Basketball: Despite finishing with the NBA’s worst record for the second consecutive season, the Detroit Pistons will once again have the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. It marks their third straight year picking fifth, following seasons of having either the NBA’s worst record or one of the three worst.

 

Victory: Michigan women’s lacrosse knocked off No. 7 overall seed Notre Dame on Sunday in dramatic fashion. The Wolverines are headed to the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time in program history after Jill Smith scored in the final second for a 15-14 victory in South Bend, Indiana.

 

In Richland: A pair of Gull Lake senior baseball players are savoring their final season as they return to the diamond after overcoming cancer battles. 

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Right now is the best time to see Pictured Rocks’ iconic Bridalveil Falls

Sight to see: The Bridalveil Falls in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is fed by snowmelt and spring rains, making springtime the best time for viewing. The falls are currently running strong thanks to some recent rain in the area, according to a post by the National Park Service.

 

Jeepers: An estimated 1,500 Jeeps could come to Michigan for the eighth annual Silver Lake Sand Dunes Jeep Invasion that's planned for Thursday, May 30, to Sunday, June 2 at Golden Township Park near Silver Lake State Park, which is known for its 450-acre ORV scramble area.

 

On the water: With temperatures creeping up, the canoe and kayak rental season is getting underway on the Huron River and on lakes around Ann Arbor. Here’s five great places to grab a boat and paddle if you don’t have your own.

Read more

 
 

Welcome to a new week.

Thanks for starting your Monday with the Morning Briefing. I'm glad you're here.

 

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See you tomorrow!

 

— Cara Hackett

 

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