Democrats saw victory in two special elections

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Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024

In today's newsletter, home values rising in Detroit, dead livestock reported floating down river and Michigan has the top-ranked public square.

Looking for morel hunting hot spots? 

Our MLive avid outdoorswoman Emily Bingham recommendations trying this DNR Mi-Morels map. A few reports of the elusive morel mushroom have already popped up as the warm weather has begun to coax out these wild treasures early in some places.

 

Find more morel mushroom resources, including ID tips and best practices for harvesting and consumption, on the DNR’s morel mushroom hunting page.

 

Want to search for something else? A conservation organization hopes to recruit more people to monitor piping plovers, the once-endangered species of shorebird that now flourishes.

Curated by Jamie Rewerts

An aerial view of a large home resting on the shore of a lake

An aerial image of MLive’s Up North House of the Week located on Peck Island, part of the Drummond Island archipelago. The 64-acre wooded private island boasts a 3,000 square-foot Adirondack style home. The property is listed for $2,950,000.

(Photo by Knightwing Drone Media and the Brick & Corbett team of ReMax Bayshore)

Michigan Democrats win special elections to regain full control of state government

Democrats won back a majority in the Michigan House and restored their party’s full control of state government Tuesday thanks to victories in two special elections. Mai Xiong won the special election in the 13th District, which covers Warren and part of Detroit, while Peter Herzberg won in the 25th District, which contains the cities of Wayne and Westland. Both candidates were favorites in the heavily Democratic districts.

 

Coming to Grand Rapids: First Lady Jill Biden will be the keynote speaker at the First Lady Luncheon hosted by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. Biden will be the first sitting first lady to attend the annual luncheon taking place on Friday, April 26, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel.

 

Locally: The Genesee County Board of Commissioners will go down to the wire before deciding whether to ask voters for a higher telephone surcharge to support the 911 emergency dispatch system.

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Home values rising in Detroit, especially for Black homeowners, study shows

According to a recent study: Home values in Detroit — especially for Black residents — have increased by billions of dollars in the years following the city’s exit from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. The University of Michigan Poverty Solutions report says added home value for Black residents increased 80% between 2014 and 2022.

 

Be aware: Have police called you to let you know you recently missed jury duty? Or, that you have an outstanding warrant out for your arrest? Hang up. It’s the latest scam the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office is dealing with.

 

In weather: As we make our way through the month of April, we all of a sudden find ourselves with warmer temperatures and spring-like conditions across the board. Along with this comes the increased chances for severe weather in Michigan. Here's how to stay safe during a thunderstorm.

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Dead livestock reported floating down Michigan river, prompting investigation

Two dead calves and a dead goat: The Paw Paw River is usually a scenic float, where paddlers can see large birds soaring and nesting above. But while going down the river Sunday, April 14, the picturesque scene turned grotesque, kayaker Brian Hartman told MLive, as his group came upon floating dead animals.

 

Rescue effort: More than four dozen cats and two dogs were rescued Tuesday from an Emmet County home that was described as a “suspected hoarding situation.” In a Facebook post shared by the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, the organization says it worked collaboratively on scene with the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office on the rescue efforts.

 

More in public interest:Pieces of the Mackinac Bridge are now incorporated into the ceremonial and geographical South Pole markers in Antarctica. Here's why.

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Tight end relieved that Lions blocked 49ers’ bid to poach him

Wanted : Brock Wright loves Detroit and was never looking to leave. Not that he had much say in the matter anyway. As a restricted free agent, his return seemed inevitable once the Lions made an original-round offer, valued at $2.985 million. Those are rarely challenged in today’s NFL. But San Francisco made a rare bid to poach Wright in restricted free agency, offering a three-year, $12 million deal. The Lions matched it.

 

An army of talent: ESPN announced its lineups for coverage on ESPN, ABC, ESPN Radio and ESPN Deportes on Monday. The draft will take place in downtown’s Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza April 25-27.

 

The latest: Jared Goff has reported to the Detroit Lions offseason program despite not having a new deal in place. That could change soon.

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Surrounded by skyscrapers, Michigan has the top-ranked public square in the country

Not too many places like it: Ranked above some of the coolest public squares in places like Santa Fe, New Orleans and Knoxville, Detroit’s Campus Martius Park is at the very top of USA Today’s 10Best list for 2024. 

 

While we're in the city: Bedrock Detroit just announced that the global luxury hotel brand, Edition, will open one of its largest hotels in the world at Hudson’s Detroit. It will be the first 5-star hotel in Downtown Detroit.

 

On the west side: Electronic dance and pop music lovers, get ready for a stacked lineup at this year’s 2024 Grand Rapids Breakaway music festival.

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You're all caught up

Thank you for joining me today on this edition of the Morning Briefing.

 

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I'll be back in your inbox bright and early tomorrow! 

 

— Jamie Rewerts

 

OTHER TOP STORIES

 

  • Holy schnikes! Michigan actor lands dream job as Chris Farley in film

  • Man accused of transporting stolen Masters memorabilia worth millions

  • Year after dispute canceled it, Auburn Cornfest set to return ... in a neighboring county

  • Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor gets approval for rooftop patio

  • New arena plans: See designs for water features, courtyard, parking deck, slimmer street
 

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