In today's newsletter, the rise and fall of Michigan’s hemp farming program, 800 Michigan unaccompanied migrant children could lose legal aid and what caused 130 birds to die along the Lake Michigan shore? |
Spartans lose their heat, Pistons lose their cool |
Michigan State’s postseason run is done. The No. 2 seed Spartans took a haymaker on the chin early and punched back but were ultimately overwhelmed by top overall seed Auburn, which had too much firepower while advancing to the Final Four. Playing 90 minutes from campus, the Tigers (32-5) built a 15-point lead early then fended off Michigan State (30-7) rallies for a 70-64 win on Sunday at a State Farm Arena flooded with orange and blue. In the NBA, a heated second quarter altercation between the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves led to multiple ejections, including players and coaches from both teams. |
|
|
Michigan State guard Jaden Akins (3) is comforted by Tre Holloman (5) at the end of an NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Elite Eight game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, March 30, 2025. (Neil Blake | MLive.com) |
|
|
Can Michigan afford to pay $7,500 to the parents of all newborns? |
Senate Democrats have pitched the idea of paying $7,500 to all families with newborns. The proposal involves expanding the Rx Kids program, first launched in Flint in 2024. While the program has proven successful in a community of fewer than 80,000 people, there have been discussions about implementing it for a population of more than 10 million presenting cost and other challenges. Expansion of successful Rx Kids program could cost $765 million annually but supporters say long-term savings in healthcare and social services would outweigh the investment. Change coming: Michigan’s unemployment benefits will increase next week for the first time in more than two decades. Starting Wednesday, April 2, the maximum unemployment benefits a person can collect will rise from the current $362 a week to $446 a week. In education: Thanks to a landmark lawsuit settled in the mid-1800s, all students are guaranteed admission to free high school in Michigan. The lawsuit, known as “the Kalamazoo School Case” may have set the precedent for free high school across the rest of the country as well. |
|
|
Boom to bust: The rise and fall of Michigan’s hemp farming program |
In just five years, Michigan's hemp farming program has gone from a promising new venture to a struggling industry plagued by market saturation, regulatory challenges, and enforcement woes. The most lucrative use of hemp remaining is usually borderline illegal, although laws are rarely enforced by more than a warning letter. To know: Drinking water in more than 21,000 Battle Creek-area homes and businesses carried elevated levels of a toxic contaminant over the last 12 months on average, city officials said. Donated land: A forest of reborn ancient giant sequoia trees will soon be planted in a Detroit neighborhood that has come together to support it. |
|
|
800 Michigan unaccompanied migrant children could lose legal aid after Trump cuts |
The latest: Immigrant rights advocates say about 800 children in Michigan could face swift deportation. President Donald Trump’s administration essentially ended the funding for legal aid that helped migrant children entering the country without a parent or guardian. A federal lawsuit filed this week, though, could challenge the administration’s decision. Speaking out: Deans from three of Michigan’s five law schools have signed onto a public letter condemning sanctions imposed on high-profile law firms by the Trump administration and asserting that those sanctions violate the U.S. Constitution. Flying back: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state economic development officials concluded a week-long trip to Europe aimed at exploring trade and partnership opportunities. The state’s ties to the defense and aerospace industries were a key focus of the trip, officials with Whitmer’s office said. |
|
|
What caused 130 birds to die along the Lake Michigan shore? |
Government officials are waiting for lab results to determine why dozens of birds were found dead on Lake Michigan beaches, but a definitive answer could take a while. Investigating reports of recent bird die-offs, DNR wildlife biologists estimate 130 or more birds may have been affected in multiple locations along the Lake Michigan coastline in Southwest Michigan. “We cannot be certain of the cause of death until the necropsy report is received from Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory,” Wildlife Outreach Coordinator Rachel Lincoln said. “However, we do know that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in every watershed in the state, and we have suspected HPAI in recent Lower Peninsula waterfowl die-offs.” More on the DNR: In a case of private property rights versus timely law enforcement investigations, a bill is making its way through the Michigan House of Representatives. The proposed legislation would require the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ conservation officers to obtain a warrant before entering private property. |
|
|
It’s ship watching season. How to track freighters on the Great Lakes |
The Soo Locks are open. That means ships are moving through all of the Great Lakes, bringing out “boat nerds” for spring ship watching. You may be wondering when and where you can see these vessels as they transport cement, coal, grain, gypsum, limestone, salt and sand. Boat Nerd is a resource for ship watchers to track freighters on the Great Lakes. Catch a glimpse: With their wings flapping faster than the eye can see and hearts thumping at full speed, hummingbirds make their annual migration north each spring. Hummingbird Central keeps a map of spring migration sightings as they fly north from January to May. Yum: Look, up on the shelf at your local grocery store. It’s a pop bottle. It’s a Faygo. It’s Superman flavored pop! The longtime Detroit soda pop maker has two new flavors, including one which tastes just like the iconic flavored ice cream which is believed to have originated in Michigan. |
|
|
Thank you for joining me on today's edition of the Morning Briefing. As always, you can catch the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Have a good day! - Jamie Rewerts |
|
|
Ready for positive, feel-good coverage of life in the Mitten? Curated from our best travel, outdoor, food, entertainment, photos and videos - immerse yourself in the place we love and the place we call home. Explore new dining, cabin rentals or how to view the next meteor shower. Join MLive․com's Tanda Gmiter and the Life & Culture team every week. Your next adventure is waiting! Sign up here. There's one caveat: This is an exclusive newsletter for MLive.com's loyal subscribers. Not a subscriber? That's OK. You can receive a few weeks of the newsletter as a free trial. Click here to sign up. |
|
|
WANT TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH A FRIEND? |
Did someone share this newsletter with you? Click here to never miss a day! |
|
|
To contact the newsrooms for any of our publications regarding technical support, news tips, classified ads and other inquiries, please click here. |
|
|
Unlimited Digital Access. |
|
|
Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING
OR SPONSORING OUR NEWSLETTERS? |
|
|
You received this email because you opted in to the newsletter. To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.mlive.com to your address book or safe sender list. MLive Media Group 169 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Contact us | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy |
|
|
|
