The board says it may create "overlapping authority"

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Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2023

In today's newsletter, Michigan education board questions legality of Whitmer’s new department, Great Lakes’ water levels getting ready for seasonal lowering and the 30th annual Copper Harbor Trails Fest returns to the U.P.

Sunflower lovers, here’s another rural Michigan summertime event you won’t want to miss

Get those cameras ready, folks. The Instagrammable sunflower fields are blooming across Michigan. 

 

Leaman’s Green Applebarn in Freeland, is welcoming guests to its upcoming Sunflower Days that kicks off on Friday, Aug. 11. Through Thursday, Aug. 10, visitors can see the farm’s early blooms, although picture areas won’t be set up in the field yet.

 

A huge field of sunflowers featuring approximately 440,000 blooms in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is ready for guests. This weekend is one of the best times to visit the 20-acre field at Hall Farms in Rock, the farm said on social media.

Curated by Cara Hackett

A birds-eye view of a corn maze designed with a bee in the middle

Copper Harbor Trail Fest returns Sept. 1-3 for XC bike races and trail running. (Photo courtesy Visit Keweenaw)

Michigan education board questions legality of Whitmer’s new department

Called into question: In a move underscoring their distaste for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new lifelong learning department, the Michigan State Board of Education voted unanimously to ask Attorney General Dana Nessel if that new department violates the state’s constitution.

 

Name unveiled: Jordan Epperson, a legislative aide for state Rep. Neil Friske, a conservative Republican from Charlevoix, has been selected as the senior executive aide to Ottawa County Administrator John Gibbs.

 

Over in Flint: A 30-day suspension of Flint Councilman Eric Mays has been temporarily put on hold by a Genesee Circuit Court judge.

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Michigan man considered ‘hero’ for his role cooling Montgomery riverfront brawl

Keep the peace: Montgomery, Alabama resident and Saginaw County native Anwar Price is being called a hero for his efforts to squash the mass riverside brawl in Montgomery. Viral video footage shows Price being among the first people attempting the end the violence. He never threw a punch or received one.

 

Latest stats: With five months left in 2023, Saginaw has already surpassed last year’s total of nonfatal shootings by an uptick of 20%, according to data released by the Saginaw Police Department. 

 

On the search: FBI investigators are assisting local law enforcement agencies in the search for two sisters from Houghton Lake, Iris and Tamara Perez.

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Great Lakes’ water levels getting ready for seasonal lowering

Getting low: All of the Great Lakes are higher than their long-term average water levels. The forecast shows the lakes are getting ready to start lowering as we head into fall. 

 

Growing tall: The biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt is back and inviting outdoor adventurers to join in on a statewide search for Michigan’s biggest trees. 

 

Still dry:Some areas of Michigan are still in severe drought, but the overall severity of Michigan’s total drought is going down, according to the Drought Severity and Coverage Index.

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Claressa Shields signs multi-year contract to return to MMA in 2024

Champion: Flint nativeClaressa Shields has conquered the world of women’s boxing. Now, the three-division world champion is going to try and do the same thing in Mixed Martial Arts next year. Shields has signed a multi-year deal to compete in MMA for the Professional Fighters League, according to a story on ESPN.com.

 

Special visitor: Gov. Whitmer joined the growing list of star-studded spectators of the Detroit Lions when she stopped by their practice on Wednesday, chatted with a few players after the session with New York, plus caught up with owner Sheila Hamp and coach Dan Campbell.

 

Slim pickings : Hartford Public Schools is cancelling its varsity football program this season due to declining participation.

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Bikes, beer, nature’s beauty: Trail festival welcomes runners and riders to the U.P.

Getting active: The 30th annual Copper Harbor Trails Fest, a beloved annual festival celebrating the rugged beauty of the U.P. outdoors, is welcoming back riders and runners this Labor Day weekend.

 

Have a drink: The 14th annual U.P. Fall Beer Festival is coming to Marquette – and it offers more than just brews. This year's festival falls on September 9 and provides stunning views of Lake Superior. 

 

Mark your calendar: Hot air balloon lovers, make a note on your calendars: The 10th annual Balloons Over Bellaire event is planned for Aug. 25 and 26 at Shanty Creek Resort.

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Get ready for a great Thursday.

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Have a great day!

— Cara Hackett

 

OTHER TOP STORIES

 

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