Local and Michigan Headlines: Lawmakers Consider Ban on Life for Juveniles; Mamals Moving North

Here is our round-up of headlines covering Grand Rapids and Michigan over the past few days. We’re slowly getting back into the swing of things after a full weekend of gardening, so if we missed anything, let us know in the comments:

• Lawmakers consider ban on life for juveniles – Advocates working to ban life sentences for juveniles in Michigan are making progress by receiving the first ever committee hearing on the practice this month.
• Study: Michigan mammals go north, climate change likely a factor – The Detroit Free Press reports that scientists have found that many common mammals in lower Michigan–opossums, white-footed mice, and eastern chipmunks–are moving north. They say global warming is a likely culprit.
• Medical pot users need more than doctor’s note – According to The Detroit Free Press, almost 2,000 people have applied to use and grow medical marijuana in Michigan. Half of them have letters recommending its use but lack the state-issued ID cards that make it legal.
• Animal shelters filling up as hard times hit more pet owners – Animal shelters across West Michigan are seeing an increase in the number of pets being dropped off as economic difficulties make it difficult for owners to take care of their pets.
• Grand Rapids begins paying ex-city employee workers’ compensation, still negotiating with woman after claims of harassment by her supervisor – A disturbing look at allegations of harassment coming from a former city employee.

Related posts:

1. ACLU Urges State Senate to Pass Bill Ending Mandatory Life Sentences for Juveniles
2. Local and Michigan Headlines: Traverse City Pursues Renewable Energy; Smoking Ban in the State House
3. Local and Michigan Headlines: Measure Introduced to Repeal Ban on Same-Sex Marriage; Brother Defends Local Administrator of Racist Website
4. Local and Michigan Headlines: Supreme Court Overturns Major Michigan Case; Utility Bills to Increase for Wind Power
5. Local and Michigan Headlines: Agema Ranked Least Effective Legislator in Michigan House; U of M Study Says Smoking Ban Won’t Hurt Businesses