Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023

In today's newsletter, a look at Michigan's apple harvest times, a 500-year storm hits Washtenaw County, and Jim Harbaugh has decided on who will fill his shoes during the Michigan coach’s three-game suspension.

Yes, it's still hot and humid outside.

Parts of Michigan are still experiencing a mixed bag of weather phenomena as thunderstorms, downpours and heat index advisories roll into Friday.

If you're feeling adventurous once the weather clears up, the iconic Big Sable Light at Ludington State Park awaits you after a challenging hike through sand dunes.

Still feeling outdoorsy? The Mackinac State Historic Parks group is organizing a Full Blue Supermoon walk on Mackinac Island. The walk to see a rare, super blue moon is set to take place on August 30.

Curated by Cara Hackett

5 young students stand in a line with their backs toward the camera sporting oversized backpacks

The Detroit Zoo has welcomed four new Gorillas: Nayembi (top left), Mshindi (bottom left) Tulivu (bottom right) and Bandia (top right). (Photos provided by the Detroit Zoological Society)

Michigan apple season: When will Honeycrisp, other varieties be available?

Ripe for picking: This year’s official Michigan apple crop estimate of 32 million bushels — that’s 1.3 billion pounds — is above the state’s average of 24 million bushels. Here are the predicted 2023 harvest dates and descriptions of Michigan’s top apple varieties.

Fall tradition: The Dexter Cider Mill will begin its 137th season Friday, Aug. 25, and is adding a couple new additions to its operations. Since opening in 1886, the mill has become one of the longest, continuously operating cider mills in Michigan.

In Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, in partnership with the West Michigan Dahlia Society, is inviting the community this weekend to stroll through dahlia flowers "the size of dinner plates."

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Woman’s burned body behind abandoned school led police investigation into drug subculture

The day after police served a warrant on her home in search of drugs, Heidi E. Dowd was found dead behind an abandoned school in northern Bay County. What followed was a years-long police probe that delved into the subculture of drug trafficking.

Denied: Michigan’s highest court this week opted not to hear the case of a 58-year-old man currently serving multiple prison sentences for two mid-Michigan murders.

Asbestos found: The area around an old Jackson factory destroyed in a massive fire Tuesday will remain closed off due to hazardous materials being found at the site.

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Parts of Washtenaw County get almost 5 inches of rain in 3 hours during 500-year storm

Let it rain: Wednesday night's unusually heavy downpour in Washtenaw County qualifies as a “500-year” storm for a three-hour time period. A rainfall like that has a 0.2% chance of happening at any given time, according to the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office.

Going Up North: We’ve got quite a weather change coming for parts of the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula this Friday through Sunday. Here's the forecast as U.P. weather shifts to cooler, comfortable temperatures.

Beachside fun: Before hitting the water or heading to your nearest shore, check out this weekend's beach and boating forecast.

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This Michigan football team takes unconventional transport to first game. Hint: they’re the Sailors

Setting sail: The Mona Shores Sailors were true to their name as they set off across Lake Michigan on Thursday for their season opener in Wisconsin. The team will play Manitowoc Lincoln High School on Friday, continuing a tradition that started back in the 1920s.

Taking the reins: Jim Harbaugh has decided on who will fill his shoes during the Michigan coach’s three-game suspension, and the idea is about as outside the box as they come. The Wolverines are going to have four different head coaches in their first three games this fall.

Cheers, Bronco Nation: Attendees of Western Michigan University football games will be permitted to enjoy and purchase their favorite alcoholic beverage of choice legally inside the confines of Waldo Stadium this fall.

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Michigan Zoo welcomes four new gorillas, including male who’s nearly 40

New home: Four gorillas have a new home at the Detroit Zoo. The three females and one male recently moved from zoos in Ohio and Illinois. We are getting our first look at the gorillas who now live at the Zoo’s Great Apes of Harambee habitat.

Making a comeback: It was a record year for Great Lakes piping plovers, in more ways than one. Scientists across the Great Lakes who monitor the endangered shorebird have counted at least 80 unique adult pairs—the most since the birds were listed as endangered in 1985.

Causing a ruckus: Black bear encounters on Grand Island in Lake Superior off the coast of Munising are becoming frequent and remain ongoing.

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We made it to the end of another week.

It's finally Friday! I hope you're doing something enjoyable (and in the shade) this weekend.

Stay up to date with the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

Have a fun and safe weekend!

— Cara Hackett

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