In today's newsletter, U.S. Rep. John James is running for governor, April's snowfall stats over the years and a Tigers fan drops $150k on Home Plate Club tickets and says he’ll do it again. |
Get ready for a springtime adventures in Michigan
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A ferry heads to the harbor entrance of Mackinac Island. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) |
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U.S. Rep. John James announces 2026 bid for Michigan governor |
In the running: U.S. Rep. John James is running for governor in 2026. The Shelby Township Republican announced his entrance into the race Monday, April 7, saying Michiganders have been held back by a lack of strong and competent leadership. James said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s time in office has been marked by “radical, out-of-touch policies that have hurt our families, our communities and our economy.” Some Democrats in Lansing are pushing to give local governments the power to ban or tax plastic bags and containers in their communities. Democrats in the Senate and House reintroduced bills in late March that, if passed, would repeal the 2016 law that prevents communities from banning, limiting or taxing the use or sale of plastic bags, bottles and more. Billionaire Elon Musk says he has advised President Donald Trump to look for a “zero tariff situation” between the U.S. and Europe. Musk, who has served as one of Trump’s closest advisors since last year, made the comments during a video conference call with Italian politicians Saturday. |
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Prehistoric lake sturgeon need protection during spawning: How to help |
Volunteers are needed to stand guard against poaching as lake sturgeon make their way up the Black River in Cheboygan County. Stationed along the river throughout the six-week spawning season, volunteers protect this iconic species when they are most vulnerable, said Sgt. Mike Mshar, who leads DNR Law Enforcement Division’s efforts on the river. Powering up: It’s about to get a lot easier for homeowners and others to go solar in Ann Arbor. When the city launches its own sustainable energy utility in the next year or so, those who opt to join can have solar panels and backup battery storage systems installed at no upfront cost, said Missy Stults, the city’s sustainability director. Making a difference: In celebration of Rotary International’s Environment Month, Area 7 Rotary Clubs are teaming up with the Flint River Watershed Coalition for a large-scale tree planting effort. Volunteers will plant 1,000 trees across four Flint parks from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 26, aiming to enhance green spaces, improve air quality and contribute to a healthier environment for the community. |
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April snow in Michigan: Just how normal is it? |
Looking at the numbers: It isn't uncommon for Michigan to get snow in April. Southern Lower Michigan averages one to two inches of snow and northern half of Lower Michigan averages three to six inches of April snow. The Upper Peninsula averages around 10 inches to 20 inches of snow in April. Here are the stats on April snowfalls over the years. Restoration: A Northern Michigan electric utility has built a temporary camp to house workers from across the country who are rebuilding its power grid after last week’s catastrophic ice storm. It’s been 10 days since the storm rained down ice on the northern Lower Peninsula, taking out power to about 100,000 homes and businesses. Tens of thousands of people are still feeling the storm’s effects. Weather forecast: A rather chilly weather pattern will grip our first half of the week. The end of our week then turns around and starts feeling like spring again. It’s a winter-like day Tuesday with temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Look for 40 degrees Wednesday, mid-40s Thursday, 50 Friday. By Sunday we should be flirting with 60 degrees. |
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Tigers fan drops $150k on Home Plate Club tickets and says he’ll do it again |
Tigers premium seating: A Detroit Tigers fan spent over $150,000 on four Home Plate Club season tickets at Comerica Park and says he'd do it again. Mike Sawula values the memories he'll create with family and friends in these luxury seats that feature climate control, extra width, and all-inclusive dining. Edward Pevos reports the Tigers were among the last MLB teams to add such high-end seating options, with 340 premium seats now available behind home plate. Tigers' Báez finds new role: Javier Báez, in the middle of a six-year, $140 million contract but struggling offensively, may have found a path to remaining valuable to the Tigers. Evan Woodbery reports that Báez is embracing a utility role that includes playing shortstop against left-handed pitchers and even center field. After a three-hit game Sunday, Báez said, "If I stay healthy, I'll do whatever, man." Detroit Tigers Baseball Collection: A Grand Rapids man's 30-year obsession with collecting Detroit Tigers memorabilia has transformed into a permanent museum exhibit. Steve Nagengast's collection of 1,200 autographed baseballs and artifacts dating back to 1901 is now on display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, reports Joel Bissell. The "Play Ball!" exhibit includes items signed by legends like Ty Cobb and Miguel Cabrera, plus authentic stadium seats from Tiger Stadium. |
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Country music superstar to perform at a farm in the middle of nowhere Michigan |
Country music fans: It’s all rolling fields as far as the eye can see. That will be the sight of a huge music concert performed by country music superstar, Luke Bryan. The five-time Entertainer of the Year has announced he will bring his “Farm Tour” 2025 to Michigan. Bryan will perform at Kubiak Farm in Webberville, east of Lansing, on Saturday, September 20. Tickets for the concert go on sale on Friday, April 11. Tickets on sale this week: They’ve won a lot of awards and now they’re going on tour in 2025 with a stop in Michigan. Grammy, ACM, CMA, and AMA award-winning group, Little Big Town, will bring their summer tour to Pine Knob Music Theatre on Friday, August 15. Wynonna Judd and Shelby Lynne are the tour openers. One more date: R&B superstar, Chris Brown, will now perform two concerts at the home of the Detroit Lions. Brown has added a second show at Ford Field scheduled for Thursday, August 7. His previously announced show is scheduled for Friday, August 8. |
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Thank you for joining me on today's edition of the Morning Briefing. As always, you can catch up on the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. See you tomorrow! - Cara Hackett |
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