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Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025

In today's newsletter, a look at Michigan's current candidates for governor, another measles case has been confirmed, and the restoration of a historic Beaver Island lighthouse won’t be televised. 

Spotting the signs of spring in Michigan

Now that we are in the full swing of spring, it's likely that you have seen a few of Michigan's migratory birds this season as they make their way back north. 

But one bird's return, the American woodcock, is a true sign that warmer temperatures are on the way. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting a guided woodcock walk for birdwatchers interested in spotting the bird's famous "sky dance" on Thursday, April 24 at the Lame Duck Foot Access Area GEMS location, 15 miles northeast of Gladwin. 

Speaking of embracing nature, here are seven outdoor events to enjoy during Muskegon Luge’s "Wellness Week".

Curated by Cara Hackett

The American woodcock, also known as the timberdoodle, performs its unusual courtship rituals every spring in Michigan. The spiraling aerial dance is preceded by the bird's "peent" sound. (Photo provided by Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

See who’s running for Michigan governor in 2026

In the running: The race for governor of Michigan in 2026 is shaping up to be a crowded one. On Monday, Republican U.S. Rep. John James became the sixth major candidate to announce a bid to lead the state. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has led the state since 2019, is term-limited and not able to seek reelection. Whitmer has said she will not be endorsing anyone in the race. Here’s a look at who is currently in the race.

White House visit: President Donald Trump praised Governor Gretchen Whitmer as a “very good person” who has done an “excellent job” during a visit to the Oval Office on April 9. Trump held an executive order signing in the Oval Office that Whitmer attended after delivering a speech on points of agreement with Trump’s economic policy and tariffs. During her address, Whitmer said American consumers and manufacturing are the “big loser” when it comes to tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada.

Tariff talk: Facing a global market meltdown, President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly backed down on his tariffs on most nations for 90 days, but raised his tax rate on Chinese imports to 125%.

Read more

Michigan’s fourth measles case confirmed in Montcalm County resident

Another measles case: A fourth case of measles in Michigan has been confirmed in a Montcalm County resident who recently traveled out of the state, the Mid-Michigan District Health Department announced. The health department is working to identify possible points of exposure, according to a news release from public health officials on April 9. 

A public-health advisory has been issued for Mona Lake and Little Black Creek after the release of thousands of gallons of raw sewage. Residents are urged to avoid contact with the creek and lake, including fishing. Up to 87,400 gallons of raw sewage was released after a valve failure in a pumping station near Airline Road and South Getty Street in Norton Shores, authorities said. 

Food recall: More than 200,000 pounds of made-in-Michigan liquid eggs are being recalled for possible contamination with cleaning solution. Cargill Kitchen Solutions, of Lake Odessa, is recalling approximately 212,268 pounds of liquid egg products that may contain a cleaning solution with sodium hypochlorite, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced.

Read more

DNR clears 630 miles of roadway from ice storm, shares map of reopenings

Recovery efforts: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources released an interactive map showing what roadways have been cleared of storm debris and are now safe to travel. It’s been nearly two weeks since a State of Emergency was activated in Northern Michigan after an ice storm took down hundreds of trees and powerlines. The storm hit the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan from March 28-30, devastating 12 counties.

Staying safe: Bear sightings are becoming increasingly common in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The DNR issued guidance this week about how residents should deal with potential problem bears. About 2,000 bears now live in the Lower Peninsula, according to the DNR, which has received an average of about 285 bear complaints per year over the past 20 years. 

In the aftermath: The long-term implications of the recent catastrophic ice storm on Northern Michigan’s forestlands are still unknown. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working to find out. Aerial evaluations of state forestlands have begun, and other assessments are ongoing, officials said Tuesday. A 23-member crew also sailed to Beaver Island on Tuesday to help clear roads in the wake of a catastrophic ice storm.

Read more

Trump administration has revoked visas or legal residency of 22 University of Michigan students, grads

Federal authorities have revoked visas or terminated legal residency for 22 University of Michigan international students and recent graduates without providing specific reasons. Matt Miller reports that those affected include 12 current students and 10 recent graduates on optional practical training. An attorney consulting with some students noted they had minor infractions like traffic tickets, with none being politically active.

Engineering schools ranking: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has dropped out of the top 10 engineering graduate schools nationally, falling to No. 11 in the latest U.S. News rankings. Despite this slip, U-M still excels in specialized areas, ranking No. 1 in nuclear engineering and placing in the top 10 for eight disciplines. Michigan State University ranked No. 59, while Michigan Tech came in at No. 89, reports Ryan Stanton.

University of Michigan DEI leader departs: Tabbye Chavous, the University of Michigan's chief diversity officer, is leaving to become executive director of the American Educational Research Association following recent cuts to the university's DEI programs. Ryan Stanton reports she had served in the role since 2022 and will begin her new position August 11.

Read more

Restoration of historic Beaver Island lighthouse won’t be televised 

A plan to televise the restoration of a Lake Michigan lighthouse fell through, but the project is still happening, Northern Express reports. HGTV’s “Bargain Block” announced in January that the upcoming season five would feature the restoration of Beaver Head Lighthouse, the third oldest standing lighthouse on the Great Lakes. That isn’t going to happen. The project is expected to be completed by fall, the report said.

Save the date: Residents in Genesee County are invited to rediscover their hometown through the Be a Tourist in Your Hometown event. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 10, locals can enjoy free admission to a variety of cultural and historical attractions. The free, fun-filled day will offer access to popular destinations, new ventures, and under-the-radar gems across the Flint & Genesee area.

Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective will transform an Ottawa County park into a pop-up art venue for one night this month. Art for the Parks, a collaboration between Ottawa County Parks Foundation and LVAC, brings regional artists and nature lovers together inside the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Cross County Park in West Olive. The Saturday, April 26 event features work by select regional artists in a wide range of media.

Read more

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That's all for now. 

Thanks for starting your Thursday with the Morning Briefing. I'm glad you're here. 

You can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber.

See you soon, 

- Cara Hackett

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