Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

In today’s newsletter, an audit finds a state agency failed to protect confidential information, when will young kids be able to get a COVID-19 booster and a "Smurf House" is for sale in West Bloomfield.

You have the power to access information about public officials and their decisions.

As journalists, developments regarding Freedom of Information Act requests always catch our attention. So this news stood out for us this week -- the Michigan Attorney General's office will now accept credit card payments for FOIA requests.

Sure, it seems small, but it actually makes the FOIA process easier for everyone. We wanted to take this moment to remind you that FOIA requests aren't just for journalists. The information they can provide is for the public. All members of the public, including you.

If you are curious to learn more about FOIA law in Michigan, here is a link to the state handbook.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

What's the deal with this house? We have the info further down in today's newsletter.

Should charges be filed against the Grand Rapids police officer who fatally shot Patrick Lyoya?

Legal experts weigh in: As Kent County’s prosecutor mulls over a decision whether to criminally charge a Grand Rapids police officer for fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya, legal experts have varying opinions on what the outcome may be. Here's what they have to say.

The wait for a decision continues: Prosecutor Chris Becker announced Wednesday that while he knows the community is anxiously awaiting his ruling on potential charges in the case, he will be taking additional time to consult with experts.

His previous rulings: If you missed it, we recently published this analysis of Becker's previous rulings regarding police shootings. He has charged an officer with a crime in one of 11 previous cases.

Read more

An audit finds Michigan's unemployment agency failed to protect confidential information.

What the audit found: The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency did not always protect federal tax information, which is “critically important” for taxpayer confidentiality. Auditors sampled 330 employees or contractors who could view sensitive tax data and found the UIA did not perform background checks for 80% of them.

Michigan judge considering injunction: As some Michigan residents continue to deal with the aftermath of being deemed ineligible for unemployment aid they had already received, a judge is considering blocking collections on those recipients.

Some Michiganders got relief: While some are still waiting for their pandemic unemployment overpayment situations to get resolved, many recently received waivers.

Read more

COVID-19 booster shots were authorized for kids 5-11. But when will they be available?

FDA gives the OK: This week, U.S. regulators authorized a COVID-19 booster shot for healthy 5- to 11-year-olds, hoping an extra vaccine dose will enhance their protection as infections once again creep upward.

But when will they be available? The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is slated to meet today to review effectiveness and safety data regarding the third shot of Pfizer’s vaccine, and to vote on a recommendation for the age group. The CDC will use that vote in its final health guidance, which could come by the end of the week.

COVID-19 puts Flint water crisis trial on hold: A juror in a bellwether Flint water crisis civil trial has tested positive for COVID-19, putting the case on hold for at least the rest of this week.

Read more

Driving is expensive in 2022. Is gas or electric more affordable?

Gas vs. electric: Electric cars are becoming more popular all the time. And gas prices have hit record highs recently. But which option is actually more economical? We looked into it.

Electric vehicles charges popping up: As more electric vehicles are produced and purchased, more charging stations are showing up in Michigan. Some state parks are slated to get charging stations this summer and charging infrastructure is proposed for seven Michigan highways.

Speaking of vehicles: Michigan auto insurance refunds totaling $3 billion have been distributed in Michigan. Here's what to do if you haven't received your $400-per-vehicle refund for vehicles insured in Michigan.

Read more

A bit of fun before we go, with gardening, travel and a 'Smurf House.'

Garden talk: Oh yes, it is prime time for gardening in Michigan. Get your hands dirty planting some veggies! Mark Torregrossa loves to work in his garden and he loves to write about the experience. This week, he discusses which vegetables are best to grow from seeds.

Travel inspiration: What an exciting life! This Michigan surgeon has climbed the tallest mountain on every continent. Read on and get inspired to reach your travel goals.

'Smurf House' for sale: You have to take a look at this house. We have photos and video of the West Bloomfield "Smurf House," which is currently on the market for $4.2 million. It's a huge house with lake frontage and a whopping 9 fireplaces. But that roof kind of overshadows all of that.

Read more

That's all for now.

I realize we had a lack of sports content here today, but you can always find it on our website at this link or by following our MLive Sports page on Facebook.

Don't forget, you can always find the latest Michigan news by visiting MLive.com. If you value the hard work of Michigan journalists, consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

Enjoy all that your day brings.

— Jessica Shepherd

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