A northern Michigan community is reeling after a deadly shooting spree left five people dead and a 13-year-old girl critically wounded.

The girl was able to call 911 and identify the suspected shooter, who was later found dead.

Today, we’re bringing you the latest on the tragedy that has shaken the small community of Lake Township.

Then, I want your take on the what you believe is the bigger issue facing Michigan: data centers, or Flock cameras?

Wildfire smoke resulted in billions in MI economic losses (CBS News): Wildfire smoke that blanketed Michigan in mid-July caused an estimated $6.68 billion in economic losses due to canceled events, business disruptions, amusement park closures, and worker illnesses. It was the highest impact among 10 states studied by the Anderson Economic Group.

Michigan receives millions for rail upgrades (The Detroit News): Michigan will receive $145 million in federal funding for rail improvements, including track upgrades between Dearborn and Kalamazoo and updates for five bridges. The Blue Water Amtrak line between Chicago and Port Huron will also receive new trains to increase capacity.

Human case of swine flu confirmed after youth fair (ClickOnDetroit): Michigan health officials are investigating a confirmed case of H1N2 variant, or swine flu, in an Ionia County resident who attended the Kent County Youth Fair earlier this month and had contact with swine. Health officials are contacting potentially exposed fairgoers and exhibitors, while warning that symptoms may resemble those of seasonal flu.

Whitlock Lake remains quiet on Sunday, Aug. 16, where Michigan State Police concluded the search for suspected gunman Chad Hickman following Friday’s mass shooting in Missaukee County. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

A critically wounded 13-year-old girl, shot multiple times by a Lake City man on a shooting spree in northern Michigan that left three other family members dead in the girl’s home, was able to call 911, alert authorities and identify the shooter as Chad Hickman, a family member said on social media.

Hickman’s alleged rampage left another man dead at a second location in Missaukee County, and a woman was found dead in a wooded area near Whitlock Lake alongside Hickman, with indications that he took his own life.

Michigan State Police on Saturday released only the ages and genders of the victims in the shooting spree, which occurred in the rural county east of Cadillac. But David Everitt, a Cadillac resident, on Facebook identified his daughter, Amanda Everitt, as among those killed by alleged gunman Chad Hickman, 39, of Lake City.

“The world just lost two beautiful people and one is clinging to life […] My daughter Amanda and her two beautiful children were shot in their home yesterday. Amanda and her son eric went home to be with god and our granddaughter Bella is clinging to life in a Grand Rapids hospital,” he posted.

David Everitt later in the post noted, “Prayers for Bella who while shot 4 times still managed to call 911 and identify the shooter […] She is a hero.”

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Two of the biggest issues we’ve covered in recent months are the spread of both data centers and Flock cameras.

And as we’ve covered these topics, one thing has become pretty clear: Michiganders hate both.

So, this week, I want to know:

Reminder: When responding, include your first name and where you’re from to have your answer included.

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future edition.

Missed the answers to last week’s question: “What’s your worst—or strangest—tick encounter? Tell us your tick horror story.” Find them in our Friday newsletter here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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