In today's newsletter, whooping cough cases are rising in Michigan, a look at the weekend forecast, and Howell has one of the best main streets in America, according to USA Today ranking. |
Celebrating Easter weekend around Michigan |
Growing up, Easter in my family was almost as big a celebration as Thanksgiving or Christmas. I was always excited to pick out a frilly, pastel colored dress with matching hair barrettes for the Sunday church service. I was equally as thrilled to dig into the huge Easter dinner waiting at home after working up an appetite at an egg hunt. One Michigander is continuing her mission to make the holiday special for struggling families in Jackson. Wanda Beavers, known as “Mama Tu-Tu,” is gearing up to host her annual egg hunt and raffle event at her home on Saturday, April 19. Last year she gave away 200 Easter baskets and is hoping to give 300 this weekend. Whether you are looking for photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny or an egg hunt, check out these events around Ann Arbor, Jackson, and Saginaw. Here's a list of what stores will be closed on Easter Sunday. |
|
|
Children take part in an Easter egg hunt at Grand Haven Central Park on Saturday, March 30, 2024. The event, put on by Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt Lakeshore, was open to children ages 10 and under. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) |
|
|
Michigan sees 1,792% increase in whooping cough: What parents should know |
Another highly contagious vaccine-preventable illness is on the rise in Michigan as uptake for decades-old shots has declined in recent years. Pertussis, a respiratory illness also known as whooping cough, sickened 2,081 residents in 2024. It was the third consecutive annual increase, and a 19-fold jump from the 110 cases reported in 2023. So far in 2025, Michigan health officials have identified 497 cases, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). What to know: The bacterial infection is known to cause severe coughing fits in children, lasting weeks to months. It can be severe, and even fatal, especially for babies who may abruptly stop breathing. Babies younger than 1-year-old are at the greatest risk for getting the infection and having severe complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What's at risk: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to know the impacts of potential federal cuts to Medicaid in Michigan. The governor announced an executive directive Thursday, April 17, for the MDHHS to create a report outlining effects of proposed cuts to the federal program. |
|
|
Michigan’s weekend forecast: Storm holds off until late on Easter |
Easter weekend forecast: The weekend weather across Michigan won’t be super stellar but not terrible either. We will have a storm system with rain and thunderstorms heading across Michigan Sunday night and Monday morning. The rain may bring a few periods of showers Sunday afternoon over the southwest and southern part of Lower Michigan. After some possibly severe thunderstorms Friday night, Saturday should be dry. Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Essential functions at the federal Great Lakes research lab that monitors toxic algae blooms and helps forecast Michigan weather have been “crippled” by the Trump administration’s wave of federal firings, according to one terminated staffer. Michigan’s ORV season is sputtering at its start with wet, chilly conditions on the west side and dangerously damaged trails up north. But the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is making headway in clearing hundreds of trail miles impacted by ice storm damage in Northern Michigan, reports Lindsay Moore. |
|
|
Michigan regulators won’t stop DTE from forcing thousands to pay power bills in cash |
Forced to pay cash: For thousands of Michiganders, their power company will remain a cash-only business. DTE Energy, the state’s largest electric utility, may continue its unique policy of forcing certain customers to pay their monthly electric bills only in cash for a year’s time, state regulators have ruled. Advocates sought to restrict the practice, with some arguing it preyed on low-income customers, forcing them to ferry around large amounts of cash and go out of their way to stay current on electric bills. Get those taxes in: While many Americans paid their taxes ahead of April 15 deadline, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding those who didn’t that there are options available to help reduce any potential penalties and interest for not filing on time. The IRS says the biggest thing late filers can do is pay their taxes as soon as possible. Speaking of taxes: A free tax filing service available to millions of taxpayers is expected to be dissolved by President Donald Trump’s administration. According to the Associated Press, the IRS’ Direct File program is set to be eliminated soon after it was started under former President Joe Biden. |
|
|
Former police officer accused in Lyoya killing wants U.S. Supreme Court to hear civil case |
Highest court: Former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review his civil case while facing a criminal trial for second-degree murder beginning April 22. Schurr, who shot Patrick Lyoya during a 2022 traffic stop, seeks qualified immunity protection in the lawsuit filed by Lyoya's family, reports John Tunison. U.P. sexual assault case: A man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 2016 will finally stand trial after nearly nine years. Aaron Jarrett, 36, was extradited from Washington state in February as part of Operation Survivor Justice after allegedly fleeing Michigan before his arraignment. Melissa Frick reports he faces four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of kidnapping. Kalamazoo security guard killed: Montine "Mizzle" Wiley Jr., who transformed from carrying guns at 15-years-old to mentoring at-risk youth and running a security company, was shot and killed while working security at a private event at Green Door Distilling Co. The 27-year-old father, who had dedicated himself to gun violence prevention, was killed after denying entry to a suspect who remains at large, reports Ryan Boldrey. |
|
|
This Michigan city is one of 10 cities with a ‘Best Main Street in America’ |
One of the best: Howell is the only Michigan city on a USA Today list ranking best main streets across the country. The Livingston County city earned the No. 4 spot on the Best Main Street ranking and was among 10 other cities across the United States to be a part of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award, reports Makayla Coffee. Finding the mushrooms: Michigan morel hunters, it’s almost time. If you’re looking to pick up this foraging hobby for the first time, don’t ask a fellow hunter – they’re known to keep their favorite spots secret. Instead, newbies and experienced hunters looking for potential hot spots should check out the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Mi-Morels map. Green thumb: Arbor Day is coming up and it’s a popular day to dig a hole for a young tree. Arbor Day will be celebrated on Friday, April 25, across the country. It’s a day that emphasizes the importance of trees. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources lists 10 reasons to plant trees this year, reports Justine Lofton. |
|
|
Thanks for starting your day with the Morning Briefing. I'm glad you're here. As always, you can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Have a great weekend! - Cara Hackett |
|
|
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 to MLive.com. |
|
|
$5 for the first month (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
$5 for the first month (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 |
|
|
|
