In today's newsletter, Michigan has at least 11 mumps infections this year, international students at multiple Michigan universities face immigration challenges and Mackinac Island State Park had ‘unprecedented damage’ in ice storm. |
Spring is in full bloom at Holland’s Tulip Time Festival |
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Scenes from the 95th Tulip Time Festival at Centennial Park in Holland on Saturday, May 4, 2024. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) |
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Mackinac Island State Park had ‘unprecedented damage’ in ice storm, half of iconic M-185 road impassable |
Recovering from the storm: An historic ice storm that did an incredible amount of damage to trees and the power grid across Northern Michigan has also left many of Mackinac Island’s beautiful interior trails and a big section of its iconic M-185 perimeter road impassable, state park officials say. For now, the state park land—which makes up more than 80% of the island—is mostly closed to visitors as the massive clean-up job continues, said Dominick Miller, chief of marketing for Mackinac State Historic Parks. More tornadoes confirmed: The National Weather Service has confirmed a twelfth tornado touchdown during a massive line of deadly storms that swept across Michigan on March 30. It also said survey teams continue to look at a couple more areas that could show signs of twister damage. Snow on the way: Wednesday night and Thursday morning will have a period of wet snow falling in Michigan. Right now it looks like the southern half of Michigan will be in the path of the precipitation, and in the path of the wet snow. This weekend will be warmer with temps reaching into the 60s. Victims of the catastrophic Northern Michigan ice storm can get a state tax extension, officials announced. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the special tax relief last week for individuals and businesses in the 12 counties affected by the emergency declaration. |
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Michigan has at least 11 mumps infections this year. Here’s what to know |
Health news: Michigan has identified 11 confirmed or probable mumps infections thus far in 2025. The contagious viral infection, which affects the salivary glands and causes painful swelling of the jaw, is spread through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person. Infected people are contagious a few days before their salivary glands begin to swell, and up to five days after swelling begins. Top of the class: Multiple Michigan universities rank among the nation’s top medical schools with a couple of major caveats, according to U.S. News and World Report. Rankings for both research and primary care schools were released by the national publication on Tuesday, April 8. In case you missed it: Michigan is offering student loan repayment to recruit and retain nurses. The program will provide up to $300,000 in tax-free funds to successful applicants for the repayment of student loans in two-year increments, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday, April 3. |
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International students have been a lifeline for Michigan schools. What happens if they leave? |
Since Friday, students from at least eight of Michigan’s public universities have seen their immigration status changed. In every instance, schools say they have not been informed of the federal governments’ actions. Those schools that have commented have said they do not know the reasons. Last year, there were more than 38,000 international students attending colleges and universities in Michigan, according to the Open Doors report funded by the U.S. State Department. They are an integral part of both research and teaching. In the case of undergraduate and professional students, they’re vital to many universities’ bottom lines. Fewer international students would also most likely be bad for Michigan’s economy. Downsizing: Concordia University is slated to layoff 41 employees, including on its Ann Arbor campus, at the end of this school year as part of its ongoing consolidation and restructuring of academic programs. |
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Detroit mayor, Republican House leader tout $115M plan to combat violent crime |
Crime prevention funding: Republican House Speaker Matt Hall and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan are pushing a bipartisan $115 million plan to combat Michigan's high violent crime rates. The proposal would distribute funds to local police departments based on their share of statewide violent crime, with accountability measures tied to crime reduction. Simon Schuster reports the plan would mark the first dedicated state funding for local law enforcement in Michigan history. First Amendment fight: A small Michigan city is threatening legal action against residents for statements that cause "harm" to the city, sparking free speech concerns. The Bangor City Council unanimously approved a motion allowing their attorney to file charges against people making allegedly harmful statements, amid tensions over transparency and the dual role of the city's police chief/city manager. Brad Devereaux reports that free speech advocates warn the policy likely violates the First Amendment, while the upcoming mayoral election has turned the controversy into a political battleground. Amish buggy safety: After two fatal crashes in March killed a 27-year-old man and an 8-year-old girl, health officials in southern Michigan are working to increase road safety for Amish communities. Gus Burns reports that a $70,000 grant is funding efforts to work within Amish culture rather than impose new laws, as safety measures vary widely between communities based on their theological beliefs. |
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Inappropriate messages sent to Michigan girl were from Australian teacher, officials say |
Under investigation: Officials in Northern Michigan have determined that inappropriate messages sent to an underage girl on social media came from a schoolteacher in Australia. The Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office had been investigating the complaints after deputies responded to a home in East Bay Township on April 8. The suspect was recently charged in Australia for possessing child abuse material and obtaining or using a carriage service. He is awaiting his next court date in Australia, deputies said. A Saginaw Township doctor has filed bankruptcy for one of his entities that had been contracted to provide autopsy services for Saginaw County. The filing has delayed a judge ordering the doctor to pay $551,800 to a fellow physician he defamed. Be aware: A warning issued by the Canadian government to its citizens tells those traveling to the U.S. to “expect scrutiny,” when attempting to cross the border. Among the issues Canadians may encounter are demands by U.S. border agents to access electronic devices being brought into the U.S. |
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We will be back bright and early tomorrow morning with more news from around Michigan. In the meantime, you can catch up on the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. I hope you find joy today! - Cara Hackett |
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