In today's newsletter, what to know about the Real ID deadline, this week's weather and jury deliberations continue in former police officer murder trial. |
Pack your bags for your next Michigan vacation |
From a relaxing stay at Makinac Island's Grand Hotel to hiking a portion of the North Country Trail, Michigan has something in store for almost anyone planning a spring or summer vacation. But one scenic Upper Peninsula adventure is gaining national attention this week. The Copper Country Trail National Byway in the Keweenaw Peninsula was rated as the most scenic road trip in Michigan by MSN. The 47-mile byway features historic towns, forests, abandoned copper mines and features views of Lake Superior. Speaking of summer fun, Michigan's Beer & Brat festival returns to Crystal Mountain on Saturday, May 24, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. |
|
|
The Copper Country Trail National Byway winds 47 miles through the Keweenaw Peninsula. MSN recently named it the most scenic road trip in Michigan. (Photo provided by Visit Keweenaw) |
|
|
Real ID deadline: Here’s why some Michigan residents don’t need to upgrade ID right away |
New ID requirements: Real IDs have gained national attention recently as they will be required for a handful of purposes starting Wednesday, May 7. The Transportation Security Administration says it will no longer accept state-issued identifications, including driver’s licenses, that are not Real ID-compliant for travelers looking to pass security checkpoints. Real ID will also be needed for anyone visiting certain federal facilities, military bases and nuclear power plants. The details: According to the Michigan Secretary of State office, Michigan Real IDs can be identified by a star in a gold circle or a star inside the silhouette of Michigan in the upper right hand corner of the ID. If your license or ID does not feature the star, your ID is not compliant. However, the SOS also says those with an enhanced driver’s license or ID are automatically Real ID-compliant, even if the star is not on the ID. Buyer beware: An ongoing scam involving discount medical insurance could leave you with a medical bill according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In a warning issued last week, the FBI says the ongoing scam gets people to believe they’ve purchased medical insurance only to later find out their plan did not cover their costs. |
|
|
Trump, DEI cuts & Michigan football: 5 takeaways from Santa Ono’s time at University of Michigan |
Looking back: Santa Ono said he came to the University of Michigan to rebuilt trust in the institution. He is now gone after less than three years. Ono, 62, announced Sunday he will step down as president and intends to take the same job at the University of Florida. He brought that enthusiasm to a number of campus initiatives, but also soon weathered a number of political controversies. Here are five takeaways from Ono’s tenure. Charges dismissed: Charges against seven pro-Palestine protesters have been dropped. Robyn Lidell, a prosecutor with the Michigan Attorney General’s office, moved Monday, May 5, for the cases to be dismissed during a hearing before 14A-1 District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson. Nessel said she stands by the decision to charge the protesters, but that the cases are no longer “a prudent use of my department’s resources.” First Amendment righs: A Shiawassee County school district did not violate the free speech rights of a third grader who was told she cannot wear a hat with an image of an AR-15-style rifle and the message “come and take it,” a federal court ruled. |
|
|
Michigan’s weather this week: A few wet areas and wet periods |
The week ahead: A couple of areas of rain will rotate through Michigan this week. The second half of the work week will be dry for most of us, but with just a short period of showers for southern Michigan, including Ann Arbor and Detroit. Temperatures won’t be super warm this week overall. Expect most afternoons to be in the high-50s to mid-60s across Lower Michigan. That’s spring-like, but certainly not warm for early May. Summer weather pattern: Michigan is currently in what meteorologists call an “Omega Block” in the upper-air pattern. In an Omega Block pattern, Michigan can be under one of the wet storms or in the dry, warm middle of the Omega Block. Currently we are split between the wet part just to our southeast and the drier part to our northwest. If we work off these cooler blocked storm systems before the second half of May we will likely have a warmer-than-normal end to the month. In the skies: Spring means it’s time to look up into our night sky and find one of the oldest objects in our galaxy: the M3 Cluster. NASA and other sky experts call this group of ancient stars “a truly distant wonder.” It’s best observed in June, but you can start to search for it already in our night sky. The easiest way to see it is with either a small telescope, or a good pair of binoculars. |
|
|
Report: Michigan plans to suspend Sherrone Moore for two games in 2025 |
Michigan football coach suspension: Michigan plans to suspend head coach Sherrone Moore for two games during the 2025 season as part of the NCAA's ongoing advanced scouting probe. Aaron McMann reports the suspension would cover games against Central Michigan and Nebraska in September, with additional recruiting penalties expected. Moore previously deleted text messages with Connor Stalions, the former staffer at the center of Michigan's sign-stealing scandal. Pistons offseason: After a historic season that saw Detroit triple its win total and win its first playoff game since 2008, the Pistons now face a crucial offseason. Jacob Richman reports key dates include the NBA Draft on June 25-26 (where Detroit holds the 37th pick), free agency negotiations beginning June 30, and Summer League in July. The team has several free agents to address, including Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. Game on: You can now play pickleball right in the heart of downtown Detroit. Two courts have been installed at Beacon Park, in partnership with Come Play Detroit. The courts are free to use on a first come, first serve basis, unless they are reserved for weekday leagues or weekend tournaments. The courts are located right next to Lumen restaurant at 1903 Grand River Avenue, reports Edward Pevos. |
|
|
Judge in Christopher Schurr murder trial rejects bias claim by defense |
Rejecting bias claims: A judge overseeing the murder trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr has dismissed defense claims that she showed bias by allegedly rolling her eyes during testimony. Kent County Circuit Judge Christina Mims rejected the defense motion for a mistrial as the jury began deliberations in the case of Schurr, who is charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya, reports John Agar. On the witness stand: Nearly two dozen witnesses and experts have taken the stand during the high-profile murder trial. Over the span of six days of the trial, the parties called 22 witnesses and experts to testify. After nearly two weeks of testimony, the prosecution and defense attorneys rested Monday, May 5 in Schurr's murder trial. Jurors are now deliberating over a second-degree murder charge against Schurr, 34, for the high-profile killing of 26-year-old Lyoya. The jury could convict Schurr on a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, reports Bradley Massman. |
|
|
Let's get Tuesday started. |
Thank you for starting your day with the Morning Briefing. I'm glad you're here! As always, you can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. See you bright and early tomorrow. - Cara Hackett |
|
|
Ready for positive, feel-good coverage of life in the Mitten? Curated from our best travel, outdoor, food, entertainment, photos and videos - immerse yourself in the place we love and the place we call home. Explore new dining, cabin rentals or how to view the next meteor shower. Join MLive․com's Tanda Gmiter and the Life & Culture team every week. Your next adventure is waiting! Sign up here. There's one caveat: This is an exclusive newsletter for MLive.com's loyal subscribers. Not a subscriber? That's OK. You can receive a few weeks of the newsletter as a free trial. Click here to sign up. |
|
|
WANT TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH A FRIEND? |
Did someone share this newsletter with you? Click here to never miss a day! |
|
|
To contact the newsrooms for any of our publications regarding technical support, news tips, classified ads and other inquiries, please click here. |
|
|
Unlimited Digital Access to MLive.com. |
|
|
Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING
OR SPONSORING OUR NEWSLETTERS? |
|
|
You received this email because you opted in to the newsletter. To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.mlive.com to your address book or safe sender list. MLive Media Group 169 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Contact us | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy |
|
|
|
