Plus, flu levels ‘very high’ and climbing in Michigan

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Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025

In today's newsletter, what the Farmers' Almanac says we can expect for spring 2025, officials warn ICE can enter University of Michigan buildings for enforcement and Michigan’s Tulip Time and Lilac Festival both in the running for nation’s best flower fest.

Winter adventures still await

Spring is roughly seven weeks away but there's still time to enjoy Michigan's plentiful winter adventures before the weather changes.

 

For those of you hitting the trails this season, the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes are slicing through the icy snow with the help of "Ginsu" the groomer. The trails are kept clear for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, fat-tire bikers and even sledders. 

 

Take in Grand Rapids' popular Huff Park at nighttime during a luminaria walk on Thursday, Feb. 6. Participants of the moonlit walk are encouraged to wear boots and bring flashlights if exploring beyond illuminated paths. 

Curated by Cara Hackett

People walk along an illuminated, snow covered path

A luminaria walk hosted by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks at Ken-O-Sha Park in December.Courtesy of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks

Sick of snow and cold? Here’s what the Farmers' Almanac says we can expect for spring 2025

Spring officially begins on March 20 with the spring equinox, but the weather won’t match up, according to the spring forecast from the Farmers' Almanac. Unfortunately for those ready to start planting their spring garden – and happily for those hoping for extra days on the slopes – the almanac forecasts lingering winter conditions throughout the Midwest. When warmer weather does arrive, it will include plenty of thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to run on the cooler side into June.

 

Starting today: The weather-maker heading through Michigan Wednesday night and Thursday morning is faltering. Here’s how it will probably look this week: Light snow and freezing rain develop Wednesday night and continue only until mid-morning Thursday. Snowfall across the southern half of Lower Michigan will only be an inch or two. Snowfall across northern Lower Michigan is expected to be one to three inches.

 

Warming up: Here’s a sneaky little weather fact that might give you the first feeling of spring fever, even though we are still in the dead of winter. Most of us in Michigan have just passed the date when our long-term average high temperature goes up a degree. Now it’s all upward on normal temperatures, albeit a slow uphill climb.

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Flu levels ‘very high’ and climbing in Michigan

Michigan’s flu-like illness levels are “very high” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state ranked among the top 15 nationally as of Jan. 25, reaching the second-highest of 13 levels on the CDC’s influenza surveillance system. Only six states had higher levels of flu-like illness during the latest reporting period.

 

On recall: Michigan marijuana regulators late Friday afternoon recalled nearly 16,000 THC vaping cartridges containing a banned ingredient. The vaping cartridges, produced by Warren-based RWB Michigan, a subsidiary of Red, White & Bloom, under its Platinum Vape brand name, tested positive for medium chain triglyceride, known as MCT oil.

 

Getting a boost: Two nonprofits are joining forces to boost West Michigan’s health care workforce. Senior living nonprofit Resthaven on Thursday, Jan. 30, said it has begun a partnership with Latin Americans United for Progress to establish a new program aimed at addressing the critical health care workforce shortage. The partnership is aided by a $200,278 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

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ICE can enter University of Michigan buildings for enforcement, officials warn

Classrooms are restricted areas on campus where federal immigration enforcement officials need warrants to enter, University of Michigan officials said Monday. Some areas of classroom buildings, however, are public spaces where officers can enter freely, the university warned. The guidance is a response to President Donald Trump’s series of executive orders on immigration, as well as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ending the policy of officers not entering “sensitive locations” such as schools.

 

One of the best: The Flint Institute of Music’s School of Performing Arts holds the distinction of being Michigan’s largest community performing arts school and ranks among the top 10 in the nation.

 

On campus: A large, student-created artwork displayed at Grand Valley State University has been the continued subject of discussion for a group of students and now several Republican state representatives, who all believe the mural is disrespectful toward religious university attendees.

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With some Trump tariffs delayed, Michigan may dodge energy cost spikes

With the delay of an opening salvo in a trade war between America and Canada, Michigan may have avoided price jumps at the gas pump and on some home heating bills — at least for now. After last-minute negotiations on Monday, Feb. 3 led President Donald Trump to pause threats of sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports for at least a month, energy experts say their most dire predictions are unlikely to materialize in the near-term. 

 

New discovery: Researchers at Michigan State University helped identify two new species of North American truffles. Truffles are a type of underground fungus that grow in woodland landscapes. These edible species are highly prized for their aromatic characteristics and use in the culinary arts.

 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced last week that an internal committee had recommended removal of the 63-year-old dam in Gladwin County south of Prudenville, which is leaking water. 

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Michigan’s Tulip Time and Lilac Festival both in the running for nation’s best flower fest

Cast your vote: Michigan’s two iconic flower festivals are on the national stage as USA Today narrows down the top 10 best flower festivals in the country. Holland’s Tulip Time and Mackinac Island’s Lilac Festival have once again been nominated by USA Today’s expert panel. Voting is now open and readers can vote once a day until the window closes on Monday, March 3. Find the full list of nominees here.

 

Update: Cedar Point’s record-breaking tilt roller coaster is one step closer to being completed. Staff at the Ohio amusement park announced this week that Siren’s Curse’s signature element–the tilt track–was raised to the highest point on the roller coaster, which is scheduled to open this summer.

 

Save the date: The third annual Bronco the Mac event will feature a parade across the Mackinac Bridge and a new drone light show, organizers announced. Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 6-7, in St. Ignace, the event focuses on Ford Bronco enthusiasts with activities including trail riding, an obstacle course and a scavenger hunt.

Read more

 

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You're all caught up. 

I'm glad you started your day with the Morning Briefing. We'll be back tomorrow with more news from across Michigan.

 

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Make today a great day!

 

— Cara Hackett

 

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