The federal government suffered a rare loss when a jury failed to convict four men accused of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last week. Federal prosecutors obtain convictions in 95% or more of their cases, based on U.S. Sentencing Commission data. Up next are eight other defendants facing charges stemming from their alleged connection to the plot in Michigan state courts. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office must overcome some of the same challenges federal prosecutors faced, and it won’t be an easy, according to legal experts who spoke to MLive. READ MORE
A ballot committee collecting signatures for a Constitutional amendment to protect the fundamental right to vote for Michigan residents held virtual events Monday, where several local organizations encouraged residents to support the proposal. The proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution would recognize the fundamental right to vote without harassing conduct, require nine days of early in-person voting, require military or overseas ballots be counted if postmarked by Election Day and provide voters the right to verify identity with photo ID or signed affidavit, among other things. READ MORE
More than 15,000 Michiganders died by suicide over the past decade. While rates are highest among middle-age and older men, suicides account for more than 20% of deaths among ages 15 to 24. Studies indicate 90% of people who die by suicide have an underlying — and potentially treatable — mental health condition. Regardless of age, experts say that asking someone directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” can be effective at identifying someone at risk for suicide, offering the opportunity to steer them to professional help. READ MORE
Deep in the belly of the building where the Detroit Pistons practice, Jenae Lodewyk bounces from the locker room to the equipment room picking up bags, shoes and whatever else she can get her hands on. The 22-year-old Bay City native is one of the few female assistant equipment managers in the NBA. The days can be long ones. She starts her days as early as 8 a.m. before the day’s practice or morning shootaround and sometimes goes late into the night depending on when the game ends. But she'll tell you she considers herself lucky to be there. READ MORE
MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa won't just tell you what the weather forecast looks like across Michigan (and beyond), he will give you all the info on exactly why certain weather patterns and weather events are happening. He likes to provide a look behind the meteorologist's green screen, if you will. And he does it again right here, with a detailed look at the stormy weather we're seeing. Why is Michigan and the U.S., generally, seeing this type of weather now? This one is for the ultra-curious readers among us: READ MORE
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