Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023

In today's newsletter, some Michigan hospitals made 100s of millions during the darkest days of COVID, see where we’re hurting for rain, and the largest heirloom peony collection in North America is at peak bloom now in Ann Arbor.

Michigan mermaids ride the wave of Disney’s live-action ‘Little Mermaid’

Living under the sea might be a childhood dream for some, but a few Michiganders are turning mermaids into a reality. The growing mermaid industry just caught a major wave as Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” remake splashed into theaters.

The tide is rising for mermaiding as a hobby and sport, said Breanne Tarasevicius, who goes by MermADA professionally. Based in Metro Detroit, she runs Great Lakes Merfolk, a Facebook group with more than 500 members. She's also a coordinator of South Haven's Merfest International.

Sadie Johnson, 27, owns Once Upon A Tide Mermaid Entertainment and three to five times a week she pulls on her 50-pound silicon tail and brings games, storytelling and tail spins to birthday parties.

Curated by Cara Hackett

Brinnleigh Payne, 6, and Olivia Payne, 4, watch as the mermaid Seirios Moon swims across the mermaid tank at MerFest International 2021 in South Haven, Michigan on Friday, August 20, 2021. (Photo by Carlin Stiehl | Live.com)

During the darkest days of COVID, some Michigan hospitals made 100s of millions

Raking it in: During the first years of the pandemic, Michigan hospitals told the public that their situation was dire. But an examination of financial data found that a few hospitals and health systems did great, posting increases in both operating profits and overall net assets.

Michigan is among the minority of states that ask for nothing from nonprofit hospitals beyond the minimal requirements set by the federal government. On average, the state’s nonprofit hospitals aren’t as generous as hospitals elsewhere.

More mental health resources: Michigan’s new, $85-million psychiatric hospital in Tuscola County is preparing to open to patients and staff in the coming weeks.

Read more

Man wrongfully imprisoned for 7,495 days. It’s ‘too common’ in Michigan, attorney says.

One day too many: Jeff Titus was wrongfully convicted of double murder. His case highlights the need for criminal justice system reforms across the state.

Keep it covered: The act of sending an unwanted nude photograph in Michigan could soon end up costing you. Under House Bill 4535, adults who send either a sexually explicit video or photo by text or electronic message—such as email or through a social media app—could see a $500 fine if the message is sent without the other party’s consent.

More in politics: At the annual gathering hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce on Mackinac Island last week, representatives of the state’s major industries mingled with lawmakers at the Grand Hotel. Here are four takeaways from Mackinac Island Policy Conference.

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It’s been bone-dry across Michigan: See where we’re hurting for rain

Feeling crispy: The lack of rainfall over Michigan is really starting to mount up, or should we say not mount up. One area has only had less than one-quarter inch of rain in the past month. See where we're hurting for rain.

Why aren't we in a drought?: Our lawns are brown. We are watering our gardens. The farmer friends are worried about their livelihood. Yet the U.S. Drought Monitor says most of Michigan is not even in the lowest level of drought.

Once in a blue moon: A series of big, bright supermoons — including a rare blue moon — will light up our skies for the next four lunar cycles. These include the July full moon, two full moons in August, and the full moon in September.

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‘Do it for dad’: Standout hurdler finds redemption in record-setting race at Michigan high school finals

Blazing fast: Although Nonah Waldron's father passed away nearly two years ago, she still talks to him often. On Saturday in Rockford, she heard him answer and she responded with the performance of her life. The Oak Park High School senior became the first girl from Michigan to break 41 seconds during the MHSAA division 1 track and field finals.

A fresh start: New Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams has begun assembling his staff. Williams has brought in Stephen Silas, the former Houston Rockets head coach, to be his top assistant, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Tough day: The Detroit Tigers lost their fifth consecutive game on a smog-shrouded night at Citizens Bank Park.

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The largest heirloom peony collection in North America is at peak bloom now in Ann Arbor

In full bloom: The University of Michigan’s W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden is celebrating the 101st anniversary of its collection of heirloom and historic peony varieties—the largest of its kind in North America.

Major hang time: There’s waterslides all over Michigan, but only one place has launch slides. New for 2023, these fast, steep slides, located at Water Warrior Island water park at Bald Mountain State Park, will send you flying into the water.

150 years strong : Love Ludington Weekend will kickoff Friday with the “street party of all street parties,” in the middle of the Lake Michigan beach town’s downtown.

Read more

We'll see you here tomorrow morning.

Today is already off to a great start, why not not finish this Wednesday on a strong note?

As always, you can read the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a MLive subscriber.

Let's make today a great day!

— Cara Hackett

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