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Morning Briefing

MONDAY, MAY 15, 2023

In today's newsletter, ‘Heat Waves’ come from an odd direction now for Michigan, Sam LaPorta shines on Day 2 of Lions’ rookie minicamp, and diving into Michigan's Best Local Eats.

Warmer weather brings orange cones and unwelcome guests

As I'm sure all of us have noticed, construction season is underway. Here's some road projects that begin today in 5 Michigan counties.

Yuck - peak tick season is arriving. As tick populations and reports of tick-borne illness have spread across Michigan in recent years, public health officials have urged people to follow tick-bite prevention measures. This year, one tick expert is adding an extra tip to that list. 

And like I've mentioned in the past few weeks, it's prom time! Here's our coverage from last weekend, and remember subscribers can get high-resolution downloads of their favorite photos from the events for free.

Curated by Jamie Rewerts

The Bicycle Showband Crescendo performs at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium on the campus of Hope College for Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan on Friday, May 12, 2023. This was the first time the group from the Netherlands has performed in the United States. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Michigan to ban holding phones while driving before July 4

Be aware: Penalties for distracted driving are expected to increase this summer before people head out onto Michigan roads to celebrate Independence Day.

The details: Michigan currently outlaws texting while driving, but House Bills 4250, 4251 and 4252 would expand that ban to cover general use, including making or receiving a phone call, watching or recording a video and reading or posting on social media.

Catch up:There’s been no shortage of news out of Lansing this week as lawmakers look to further budget negotiations before breaking for the summer next month, here's your guide to Michigan politics.

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‘Heat Waves’ come from an odd direction now for Michigan

A product of climate change: MLive's Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa has been fascinated by meteorology since the 1970s. He's noticed something in recent years: Our warm spells in Michigan don’t move in from the direction we would expect. 

More from Mark: Just two months ago one of the longest-lasting La Niñas was declared over. Now the ocean temperatures are warming rapidly, and an El Niño is expected soon.

Garden Talk: To have our best gardens, we need to know our soil. A soil test is the single best piece of information you can obtain for your garden. Here's how to fix your soil. 

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Small Michigan town, population 121, named one of best lake towns in entire US

Getting recognized: It’s remote, picturesque and serene and all cliches aside, this Michigan town is located just about as off the beaten path as it gets. Copper Harbor has been named one of the 16 Best Lake Towns in the entire country from travel publication, Trips To Discover.

Another best: A pair of Michigan universities are featured in the top-100 of the nation’s best law schools, according to U.S News & World Report. 

Speaking of schools: A Grand Blanc teacher is preparing to enter her 50th year. Her advice? "Always put your best foot forward."

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Advertisement

‘He’s a hell of a player’: Sam LaPorta shines on Day 2 of Lions’ rookie minicamp

Listen up: The Detroit Lions offered their first on-field look at this year’s crop of rookies, and MLive’s Dungeon of Doom podcast was there for all the action on Day 2 of minicamp.

Some thoughts: Hosts Kyle Meinke and Ben Raven share their initial impressions from the Lions’ rookie minicamp, where second-round tight end Sam LaPorta was a big winner, and third-round defensive tackle Brodric Martin was just plain big.

Disqualified: It was another exciting night of racing at Berlin Raceway on Saturday night, with plenty of exciting finishes with some veteran victors, and a controversial end to the night.

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Let's dive into Michigan's Best Local Eats

Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor & Jackson County: This is what it takes to scale the mountain of meat & potatoes in the Bomber Breakfast. The Smash Burger is so simple, but so good at Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. and tots smothered in meat and mac and cheese are hits at The Band Wagon Catering.

Even more to eat: Vasquez Mexican Food in Genesee Township offers tamales every Sunday. You can dig into the seafood boils at Beacon Corner Bar in Grand Rapids. And the scones melt in your mouth at Little Pastry Shop in Bay City.

Back to business: Saginaw County’s Kokomo’s Family Fun Center is reopening with a new look and a new name and Crazy Wisdom Bookstore is planning to return to Ann Arbor after closing its doors over a year ago.

Read more

Welcome to a new week.

Thank you for joining me today on this edition of the Morning Briefing. 

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

I'll see you back here tomorrow!

— Jamie Rewerts

OTHER TOP STORIES

• 8-year-old escapes abduction attempt in Northern Michigan, brother hits suspect in head with slingshot
  
  
• Fishing report: Salmon anglers having ‘pretty good fishing’ on Lake Michigan
  
  
• Boy, 8, lost in Porcupine Mountains prayed he wouldn’t spend ‘rest of my life’ in woods
  
  
• Fishermen who cheated at Lake Erie walleye tournament get jail time
  
  
• 4-star CB decommits from Michigan State

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