Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2025

In today's newsletter, severe weather is on the way to Michigan today, Kent County has a confirmed case of measles and 19 Michigan state parks and facilities close due to ice storm damage.

Time for a bit of spring cleaning

It's almost time to put away our winter gear as we embrace the warmer temperatures of spring. For many of us, getting into the full swing of a new season includes doing a bit of sprucing up.

The Kent County Department of Public Works released its annual Spring Recycling Guide to help residents properly dispose of items around the house. For Flint residents looking to do some outdoor spring cleaning, here is what you need to know about the city's yard waste collection.

We are still a few weeks away from the last frost date for southern Michigan, but here are three things we can do in our gardens now.

Curated by Cara Hackett

Debris and ice-covered trees block a road

Debris and ice-covered trees cover Curtisville Road that turns into Ausable Valley River Road in Oscoda County, Mich. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Brad Devereaux | MLive.com)

Severe weather and tornado forecast update for Wednesday

Storm forecast: We have quite a high chance of severe thunderstorms in Michigan Wednesday evening. Here’s a look at where and when the severe weather chances are the highest. The highest chance of severe wind gusts is in the southern third of Lower Michigan. Tornadoes are a possibility due to the wind shear expected tomorrow late in the afternoon and evening.

No electricity: Ice and a damaged power grid are two reasons why some Northern Michigan residents have been without power for five days following a devastating ice storm. The area could continue to be powerless for several more days.

More tornadoes: Two additional tornadoes have been confirmed to touch down during the wave of thunderstorms that passed through Michigan last Sunday. The National Weather Service has now confirmed seven tornadoes across the state.

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Michigan’s second case of measles in 2025 is confirmed in Kent County

Measles outbreak: The first measles case since 2013 has been confirmed in Kent County, officials announced. This is Michigan’s second case this year—the first was reported in Oakland County. Health officials said the infected resident recently traveled abroad and recently traveled between Michigan and New Jersey. Individuals at these locations may have been exposed to measles, according to health officials.

9% salary increase: Aya Miller reports that residents at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine have reached a contract agreement with the medical school—one day before they planned to go on strike. This is the first collective bargaining agreement between the union and WMed after 93% of residents and fellows at WMed voted to unionize in March 2024.

In case you missed it: Sixteen Michigan hospitals reported rates of cesarean births for low-risk, first-time mothers that were above the ideal mark in 2024, according to the national hospital watchdog The Leapfrog Group. Here are the Michigan hospitals with the highest C-section rates.

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Michigan Supreme Court says 18-year-olds sentenced to life for murder have the right to resentencing

In court: The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that those serving mandatory life sentences for murders committed at age 18 have the right to new sentencing hearings. The unanimous decision was handed down Tuesday in the case of John Anthony Poole, who was paid $300 by his uncle Harold Varner in 2002 to shoot a man whose girlfriend owed Varner money. The Court’s decision could trigger resentencing hearings for close to 250 people convicted of murder

In Van Buren County: Police arrested a man on charges of home invasion in Southwest Michigan, before learning he allegedly killed his parents in Missouri, the Covert Township Police Department reports.

Also in crime: Matt Durr reports that federal prosecutors have been ordered to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering a healthcare CEO last December. On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she directed prosecutors to seek the death penalty, calling the alleged murder "an act of political violence."

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Michigan’s lone center enters transfer portal for final season

Michigan basketball roster rebuild: After reaching the Sweet 16 in Dusty May's first season as head coach, Michigan faces significant roster turnover with several starters departing. Andrew Kahn reports that while North Carolina point guard Elliot Cadeau has already committed as a transfer, the Wolverines must replace leading scorer Vladislav Goldin and await NBA draft decisions from 7-footer Danny Wolf, who's projected as a first-round pick.

Pistons-Timberwolves scuffle: Isaiah Stewart faces a two-game suspension following Sunday's altercation between the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves. Four other players received one-game suspensions, including Pistons rookie Ron Holland and guard Marcus Sasser. Kory Woods reports the NBA cited Stewart's "history of unsportsmanlike acts" in determining his punishment, while all involved players were ejected from Sunday's game after the incident spilled into the stands.

MSU Basketball Transfer: Junior guard and co-captain Tre Holloman has entered the transfer portal less than 48 hours after Michigan State's Elite Eight loss to Auburn. Holloman, who averaged 9.1 points and 3.7 assists this season, struggled in his final game, going 0-for-10 from the field. "I wish I could have showed up big for my team today," he said tearfully after the game, reports Matt Wenzel.

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19 Michigan state parks, facilities close due to ice storm damage

Across Northern Michigan’s state parks trees are covered in heavy ice, roadways are covered in wind-blown debris and electrical power lines are still down after a severe ice storm barreled through this weekend. In response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s state of emergency, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is closing state parks, trails and facilities as they assess the storm damage.

Catch of the day: As Michigan's fishing season begins, you may find yourself asking, is today a good day to go fishing? The Farmers’ Almanac has your answer. Each day is given an overall rating of poor, fair, good or best. The calendar also lists the best time of day for fishing: morning or evening. Here are all the days listed as “best” in April.

Pack your bags: Frontier Airlines has announced a pair of discounted offerings that could save you money on your flights. On Tuesday, the company announced it is offering a free checked bag for travelers who book a flight for travel between April 22 and Aug. 18.

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We are halfway through the week

We will be back tomorrow with more top stories from around Michigan.

In the meantime, you can catch the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber.

Have a great Wednesday!

- Cara Hackett

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