| WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025 |
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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. |
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A luminaria walk hosted by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks at Ken-O-Sha Park in December.Courtesy of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks |
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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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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. |
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