Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022

In today’s newsletter, a deeper look at Patrick Lyoya and Christopher Schurr, thunderstorms are in the weekend forecast and a former Wolverine will enter the "Shark Tank."

What are your weekend plans? I'm going to Hell.

On Sunday, I will be celebrating a birthday. I'm not having a huge party or jetting off to a tropical location. Instead, I plan to celebrate in Hell.

Hell, Michigan is my destination. And while I'm there, I'll serve as mayor for that one day. I was inspired by a recent story from my colleague Ed Pevos, who is always on top of the fun things happening in Michigan. He's written about Hell several times and I decided it was time to check it out.

Whether you are in Paradise or you plan to follow me to Hell, have a very Michigan weekend. (And check the forecast down below!)

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to distribute budget surplus funds to Michigan families.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to give out $500 payments to Michigan families.

A plan for budget surplus funds: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a plan on Thursday called “MI Tax Rebate Right Now,” which proposes to give working families $500. Whitmer sent a letter to legislative leaders, urging them to work with her on this plan.

The details are unclear: The governor’s letter does not specify who would be eligible for the $500, or how much the plan would cost. When asked who might be eligible for this money, officials from the governor’s office said it’s up for negotiation.

Speaking of Lansing: House leadership this week condemned a video tying Michigan lawmakers to 'debunked election conspiracies.'

Read more

Who was Patrick Lyoya? And who is Christopher Schurr?

A deeper look at the people behind the names: Since Patrick Lyoya's death last month, his name has made headlines across the country. The same goes for Christopher Schurr, the officer who shot Lyoya in the head, killing him. We took a deeper look at these two individuals.

Lyoya was trying to turn his life around: Our reporters spoke to those who knew the 26-year-old father of two and reviewed public documents. The findings paint the picture of a complicated life, one that featured time in a refugee camp, run-ins with the legal system and a desire to help others.

Schurr was a college athlete before becoming a cop: Schurr, 31, has been an officer with the Grand Rapids Police Department since 2015. Prior to that he was an athlete and a missionary.

Read more

Thunderstorms will stretch across Michigan this weekend.

But it won't be a complete washout: Mark Torregrossa says, "Don’t cancel weekend plans due to a cloud symbol and a raindrop on whatever weather app your phone has on it." There will be thunderstorms, but they won't be constant.

Tornado chance for Michigan today: The Storm Prediction Center thinks northern Lower Michigan has the highest chance of tornadoes, isolated high wind gusts and isolated large hail for Friday.

An update on the Great Lakes: Mark has been busy! He also wrote about Lake Michigan and Lake Huron losing 20 trillion gallons of water over the past two years.

Read more

How about a Friday Wolverine round-up, featuring predictions, 'Shark Tank' and softball stars.

Michigan's football's projected win total: Projected win totals for the 2022 season are coming out ... and they suggest Jim Harbaugh’s team could be in for another big season. Check it out.

Former Wolverine enters the 'Shark Tank:' A company founded by former University of Michigan basketball players and team managers will appear on tonight’s episode of the popular ABC show “Shark Tank.” Charles Matthews will be featured in the episode, but will he get a deal?

ICYMI: Transfers are making a big impact for Michigan softball this year. The team will begin NCAA regional play at 3:30 p.m. today against South Dakota State in Orlando, Florida.

Read more

Take a look at the blue-water majesty of Michigan's Kitch-iti-kipi, as seen from above.

Have you seen it? Kitch-iti-kipi is major tourist draw, with hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to catch a look at the oval pool fed by groundwater constantly erupting from limestone fissures. It's hard to believe it was once a dump. Really, it was.

You've never seen it like this: Drone flights are restricted at Kitch-iti-kipi, but MLive drone pilots Cory Morse and Garret Ellison were able to fly with Michigan DNR permission and under park supervision. You have to see this video.

More breathtaking drone footage: We were also lucky enough to get a bird's eye video of the Upper Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. If you didn't see it earlier this week, this is worth watching.

Read more

That's a wrap on the week.

We have packed in a week's worth of news, but don't forget you can find the latest headlines all weekend long at MLive.com.

If you value the hard work of Michigan journalists like the reporters we feature here, consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

Same time, same place next week.

— Jessica Shepherd

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