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Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

In today’s newsletter, critics say an oil spill highlights a bigger Line 5 risk, nearly half of Michiganders can barely afford necessities and we check in with the Detroit Tigers.

Another hot day is on the way. These Michigan communities want to help you cool off.

It is going to remain dangerously hot in parts of Michigan through this evening. As we said yesterday, we want to help you find safety (and air conditioning!) during this mid-June heatwave.

Local communities have opened up cooling centers for residents who need a place to beat the heat. Kent and Ottawa counties each have three centers open. And in Kalamazoo, the city is opening certain fire hydrants to help provide some relief.

In Washtenaw County, a list of cooling sites includes many libraries. A library is always a safe bet on a hot day, no matter your location.

And we shared these tips yesterday, but it's always worth re-sharing a story that contains safety information. 

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Stocks are sinking on Wall Street and Treasury yields are moving sharply higher on as markets shudder after another hot reading on inflation. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Are we headed for a recession? There are 4 signs Michigan economists say you should watch for.

Is a recession inevitable? Well, it depends who you ask. But it seems economists at least agree that there is a good chance a recession is on the way. If you are trying to keep an eye on the economy, in hopes of spotting the signs a potential downturn, here are 4 that Michigan economists are watching.

Something to watch today: All eyes will be on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell today when he speaks to press after the board meets. The Fed previously announced June’s interest rate hike will be another half percentage point. Economists will be waiting to hear what next steps are as inflation shows no signs of slowing down.

Speaking of inflation: One expert says it could be three years before Michiganders see $3 gas again.

Read more

Critics say the recent St. Marys River oil spill highlights a bigger Line 5 risk to the Great Lakes.

As of Monday,public health authorities had not yet cleared St. Marys River water for drinking or even body contact following a 5,300-gallon gear oil spill June 9 from the Algoma Steel mill in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. U.S Coast Guard officials said the oil spilled into the river was “non-recoverable.”

Activists call it a wake-up call: Critics of the underwater section of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline are pointing to this oil spill in the river that connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron as a precursor of what they say is the ongoing multi-billion-dollar risk the nearly 70-year-old infrastructure presents to the Great Lakes.

To follow the latest environmental news: MLive reporters Sheri McWhirter and Garret Ellison have you covered.

Read more

43% of Michiganders can barely afford necessities. A state task force is offering solutions.

Nearly half of Michigan residents: An estimated 1.4 million residents are living below the federal poverty line, including about 20% of the state’s children. But according to the state, poverty affects closer to 4.3 million residents who are struggling to afford housing, childcare, food, technology, health care and transportation.

29 recommendations:The intent of these efforts is to strengthen Michigan’s social safety net, lower the state’s unemployment rate, boost job security, reduce food insecurity, provide more affordable housing options, get children off to a strong start in both education and health, and remove barriers for disadvantaged communities. See the recommendations here.

Help for some who may be struggling: The Michigan Unemployment Agency has been ordered to stop collections for some workers.

Read more

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So, what's the deal with the Detroit Tigers?

They parted ways with a veteran relief pitcher: The Detroit Tigers designated veteran reliever Jacob Barnes for assignment following Monday’s game. Barnes, 32, got off to a strong start but his ERA ballooned after a few rough outings. He was 3-1 with a 6.10 ERA in 20 2/3 innings, walking nine and striking out 10.

What should they do about Spencer Torkelson? Several interesting questions arise when thinking about the Tigers’ celebrated rookie: Are the struggles of his teammates a reason to give him more time to shake his slump? Or has the Tigers’ weak lineup become a toxic environment for his development?

Love the Tigers? Bookmark this page to keep up with the latest from Comerica Park and the road.

Read more

We are keeping you updated on developments in these Michigan stories.

Update on fatal shooting of pregnant woman:In less than a week, two pregnant women were shot and killed in Saginaw. In one of the cases, an SUV involved in the shooting was found set ablaze near a vacant home.

Update on the explosion of a bomb: A Michigan man who lost a hand and was severely burned after a bomb detonated inside his garage Saturday was on a federal watch list, according to police. Additional search warrants have been issued as the investigation continues.

Update on corruption investigation: A former officer with the Detroit Police Department will spend time in prison for taking $3,200 in cash bribes.

Read more

That's all for now.

But there's always more news to come, and you can find the latest any time at MLive.com.

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

Have a safe day. We'll see you here tomorrow.

— Jessica Shepherd

OTHER TOP STORIES

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• New COVID outbreaks infect 64 students and staff at Michigan schools

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