In today's newsletter, Whitmer visits storm aftermath in Portage, one of the confirmed tornadoes reached peak wind speeds of 135 mph and where to find new EV chargers across the state. |
Where to find help in Southwest Michigan |
Southwest Michigan towns are still reeling from this week's severe storms that left destroyed homes and businesses in its wake. For families displaced by the storms, the Red Cross has set up a shelter at Kalamazoo First Assembly of God church and has capacity for 100 people. Salvation Army and Red Cross volunteers are working with the church to provide meals, showers, transportation and clothing for those in need, according to Red Cross Shelter Director Kathy Fretz. Planet fitness is offering free access to showers, fitness equipment and electrical outlets at four Southwest Michigan locations. The Better Business Bureau in Western Michigan issued a warning for homeowners about scammers, sometimes called “storm chasers,” who offer services in the wake of a storm. |
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The Pavilion Estates community addressed the aftermath of potential tornadoes on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The impact shredded through several trailer homes in Kalamazoo, Michigan the night before, causing injury and loss of belongings, cars and homes. (Photo by Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) |
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Whitmer visits storm wreckage, says Michigan needs to evolve with climate change |
Get prepared: After two tornadoes touched down in Portage on Tuesday, May 7, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited the aftermath at Pavilion Estates mobile home park on Wednesday, May 8, and said Michigan needs to be prepared for more climate change-fueled natural disasters. No fatalities have been reported as of yet in Michigan. Seventeen mobile homes were destroyed and 173 were damaged as the storm ravaged the area. Some residents shared their terrifying stories as the disaster ravaged the community. Staying safe: Portage schools will remain closed on Thursday as families start to recover from the damage. |
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EF2 tornado confirmed in southern Michigan, peak wind hit 135 mph |
Aftermath: At least one of Tuesday's tornadoes now has a complete damage assessment and was rated as an EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado strength ranking system. The tornado’s path length was 11 miles long, reached wind speeds of 135 mph and stayed on the ground for 22 minutes as it traveled across Portage. Surveying: Three tornadoes were confirmed in Southwest Michigan—one each in Cass, Kalamazoo and Branch counties. The National Weather Service says investigating the areas of damage could take several days. First time: Michigan had its first Tornado Emergency alert on Tuesday. Tornado emergencies differ from tornado watches and warnings. According to the National Weather Service, emergencies are far rarer and are issued when there's an imminent or ongoing severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage. Here’s what to know about the NWS' highest alert level. |
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Michigan has 100-plus new public EV chargers. Here’s where to find them. |
Charged up: Michigan’s electric vehicle infrastructure is growing faster than the national average. The state increased its public direct current (DC) fast charging stations by 52%, topping the U.S. increase of 47%, according to Anderson Economic Group. Check out this map to locate one of Michigan's 315 available DC fast chargers. Less trips: The Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority voted to reduce ferry service to Neebish Island later this month. The island is separated from the U.P. mainland by a narrow channel of the St. Mary’s River. Residents protested the service cuts and say that that everyday tasks like grocery shopping or going to a doctor's appointment will be more challenging to complete. Off road: Cadillac, the Northern Michigan town known for its snowmobiling, is working to showcase itself as an off-roading destination with the opening of more than 100 miles of scenic ORV trails. |
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Man pleads no contest to killing infant son who had more than 24 broken bones |
In court: A man accused of killing his 2-month-old son will not being going to trial for murder. Michael Delmar Glaspie pleaded no contest April 19 to one count of involuntary manslaughter for the 2019 death of his child. In exchange, a charge of first-degree child abuse will be dismissed at sentencing, scheduled for May 29 in Jackson County. No charges: A sheriff’s deputy who left his gun in a Kenowa Hills High School restroom, where it was found by a student, will not be criminally charged, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said. More support: Flint's plan for running transport ambulances starting this summer could have an added benefit to the city's fire department. Flint plans to add seven firefighters with each ambulance that it adds in the future to handle the added workload and to beef up the ranks of the department. |
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All 170 Michigan concerts which are just $25 via Live Nation’s Concert Week deal |
See a show: Live Nation has kicked off its annual Concert Week ticket blitz for thousands of concerts nationwide with 170 of them being in Michigan. You can purchase $25 discounted tickets, including fees, to see musicians like P!NK, Green Day, JLO, Hootie and the Blowfish, Maroon 5, Janet Jackson and more. Have a laugh: Comedy veteran Martin Lawrence has just announced his first national tour since 2016 with two stops in Michigan. Lawrence will be in both Grand Rapids and Detroit in August 2024. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 17. For the history buffs: From plane rides to interactive exhibits, the Michigan Flight Museum in Belleville, formerly the Yankee Air Museum, features rare aircraft and showcases history ranging from World War I to the Gulf War. |
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Welcome to a new day. I hope you experience something positive this Thursday. Catch up on the latest Michigan news all day long at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. See you here bright and early tomorrow morning. — Cara Hackett |
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