Morning Briefing: Old conv ictions for 1 million Mich iganders automatically era sed under ‘clean slate’ law

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Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2023

In today's newsletter, old convictions are automatically erased for 1 million Michiganders under ‘clean slate’ law, temperatures could reach 80 degrees this week, and Michigan’s anti-texting and driving laws may get a modern facelift.

How spring brings fairy shrimp, salamanders to Michigan’s coral reef-like vernal pools

Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me. Who would have thought Michigan has its own form of a coral reef? Vernal pools, also known as the "coral reefs" of our forests," pop up each spring and disappear a few weeks later.

The pools, similar to large puddles, begin to form in low-lying spots throughout Michigan’s glacial-carved hills around late March and April from snowmelt and spring rain.

Despite the short timeframe, more 550 species like fairy shrimp, fingernail clams, wood frogs and blue-spotted salamanders have been documented in the often overlooked pools. Since fish don't live in the vernal pools, it allows these species to thrive without being devoured. Curious minds, beware: because the pools are sensitive, threatened ecosystems, experts urge people to refrain from wading into them for a closer look.

Curated by Cara Hackett

Satellite photos show the Northern Lights flowed in a “ribbon candy pattern” over the Great Lakes Sunday night. Photo provided by Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Old convictions automatically erased for 1 million Michiganders under ‘clean slate’ law

A fresh start: The convictions of an anticipated 1 million Michigan residents will be automatically expunged thanks to a 2020 law that went into effect Tuesday, April 11. Formerly incarcerated Michiganders and criminal justice reform advocates said automatic expungement would remove barriers preventing the formerly incarcerated from receiving job opportunities, education and housing.

Two years later: Michigan’s automatic expungement, or “clean slate” law was effective on April 11, 2021, but because of a two-year implementation period it didn’t impact people until now. Michigan State Police will be launching the new automatic expungement program, which will search the state’s criminal historical record database daily for eligible convictions to automatically expunge.

More in public interest: With increased demand for food, the Food Bank Council of Michigan is asking for $20 million in the state budget to buy surplus crops from farmers.

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Will we hit 80 degrees in Michigan this week?

It's heating up around here: Temperatures across Lower Michigan could reach 80 degrees this week. For the U.P., the highs could hit into the 70s. These numbers are easily 15 to 25 degrees above normal and in some circumstances, even as warm as 30+ degrees above normal, especially across portions of the U.P.

Melting away: Much of the snowpack has melted away across Lower Michigan, however some still remains across the far northern reaches of the Lower Peninsula. A satellite image from Easter weekend shows what little snow remains over northern Lower Michigan.

Flooding in West Michigan: The Grand River and its tributaries continued to run over their banks this week. MLive launched a drone to capture video of the flooding in West Michigan. The Grand River peaked at 18.86 feet at 11:45 p.m. on April 8. In Ottawa County’s Robinson Township, the river peaked at 15.05 feet at 8:45 p.m. on April 9. Water levels are expected to return to normal by Friday, April 14.

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Michigan’s anti-texting and driving laws may get a modern facelift

Behind the wheel: Texting and driving has been illegal in Michigan for more than a decade, but changing phone technology has given lawmakers reason to eye modernizing the law.

Totally hands off: A bipartisan three-bill package – House Bill 4250, HB 4251 and HB 4252 – would update Michigan’s existing anti-texting and driving laws to also include using any electronic device for things like streaming, using social media sites or making video calls.

Mining in Michigan: Tesla supplier Talon Metals is accelerating the hunt for nickel in the Upper Peninsula, where it’s seeking a lease from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to drill for the electric vehicle battery mineral on 23,288 public acres.

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Advertisement

Pistons GM Troy Weaver details wants from next head coach: ‘Discipline, development, defense’

What's next: Pistons general manager Troy Weaver was all business when speaking with local media on Tuesday afternoon during end-of-season exit interviews. And as expected, of the many things Weaver addressed, questions centered around the Pistons head coach vacancy. He kicked off his media session by making it clear on what he seeks in the Pistons’ next head coach.

“Hello, friends”: West Michigan Whitecaps play-by-play announcer Dan Hasty delivered a spot-on Jim Nantz impression during Saturday's game. Hasty’s call, which corresponded with Day 3 of the Masters tournament, received national attention from Sports Illustrated and Golf Digest and has been viewed more than 1.6 million times on the Whitecaps’ social media platforms.

Over in football: The Lions own five of the first 81 picks in the 2023 NFL draft, a league high, and nine overall. Here's a look at where they all slot in.

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Michigan has an actual ‘Star Wars’ Mos Eisley Cantina which opens every May 4th

The force be with you: Michigan’s “Star Wars” inspired Mos Eisley Cantina, Space Dive, is set to open for its seventh time on May 4. The immersive event encompasses more than 6,000 square feet of space at Detroit’s Tangent Gallery, located at 715 East Milwaukee Avenue.

Light sabers are welcome: You never know what or who you’ll see at the Cantina, which features themed food and cocktails, live entertainment, vendors, projection-mapped illusions, a fan-centric theatrical screening room and in-character interactions. Costumes are required each night for this 21 and up event.

Lace up those running shoes: The 15th annual running of the Fishtown 5k will offer lots of Up North eye candy. Runners not only follow a route that weaves through the picturesque neighborhoods of Leland, but they’ll get views of both Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan.

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That's all for now.

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It's going to be a great Wednesday!

— Cara Hackett

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