In today's newsletter, big utilities locked in court battle, Michigan House Republicans claim anti-DEI win and Canadians are canceling their U.S. vacations. |
Whenever I watch a competition TV show or something similar, I always find myself rooting for the contestant from Michigan—if there is one. If you're the same, here are some recent examples of people with Michigan ties accomplishing incredible things: Over the weekend, 22-year-old Portage native Carson Hocevar celebrated his first career NASCAR Cup Series pole position. Michigan native Ally Jackson is making her mark on the national stage as one of just seven vocalists selected to perform in the world premiere of Dolly Parton’s groundbreaking symphonic concert, Threads: My Songs in Symphony. University of Michigan gymnast and Olympic medalist Frederick Richard performed 1,111 backflips to set the Guinness world record for most in a 24-hour period. The previous record was 1,001. |
|
|
Western Michigan University students Griffin Kaminski, left, and Ciara Wilson visit the Windmill Island Gardens during the 96th annual Tulip Time Festival in downtown Holland, on Friday, May 2, 2025. (Isaac Ritchey | MLive.com) |
|
|
In rural Michigan, a prison is reopening as biggest ICE detention hub in Midwest |
As the Trump administration tries to ramp up deportations, a Michigan county with 12,000 people will soon be home to an 1,800-bed immigration detention facility. GEO Group, a private prison company, is gearing up to reopen the North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin. When open, North Lake promises to be an economic boon for Lake County, as the largest employer and taxpayer in one of Michigan’s poorest counties. House Republicans passed bills that would withhold a majority of state funding from counties and cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The measures were largely passed along party lines, with House Republicans in favor of the bills and Democrats opposed. They’re not expected to pass the Democratic-controlled state Senate. In education: The Trump administration stripped dozens of international students studying at Michigan universities of their legal residency last month. It did the same to thousands of others around the country. After pushback, it did an about face, restoring most of those students’ permission to remain in the country. But immigration attorneys and university officials say the administration’s targeting of international students likely isn’t over. |
|
|
Police officer on trial says if he didn’t shoot Patrick Lyoya he ‘wasn’t going to go home’ |
From Friday: Former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr claimed self-defense in testifying on his own behalf during his murder trial Friday. Jurors listened to Schurr, 34, say he feared for his life when he struggled with 26-year-old Black motorist Patrick Lyoya and ended up shooting him in the head. Schurr was on the stand for about three hours Friday, May 2. To see all of Schurr’s testimony, watch the video here. His testimony comes in the fifth day of jury trial. He was greeted by a crowd of supporters outside of the downtown courthouse. Noted civil-rights attorney Ben Crump said Lyoya’s killing by Schurr originated from a traffic stop for "driving while Black." The trial is expected to continue today. For more of MLive’s coverage on the case, visit here. |
|
|
Big utilities locked in court battle over pricey overhaul of power plant on Lake Michigan |
Almost 15 years ago, Michigan’s two largest utilities kicked off an $800-million effort to overhaul a sprawling hydroelectric plant perched on the shore of Lake Michigan. The 1970s-era facility has been heralded as an engineering marvel, its massive reservoir near Ludington visible from space. The project would sustain the plant as it enters its golden years and plays a starring role in Michigan’s transition to clean energy. Things haven’t gone to plan. Today, the utilities, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, are entering the fourth year of a high stakes legal battle with the company they hired for the overhaul. The outcome, experts say, could have repercussions felt on Michiganders’ power bills. |
|
|
Michigan House Republicans claim anti-DEI win, but Democrats disagree |
The latest: A bill that mirrors President Donald Trump’s executive order to end diversity, equity and inclusion hiring practices passed the Michigan House with nearly unanimous bipartisan support. While Republicans framed the bill as ending DEI-hiring practices in state government, Democrats said it would actually make hiring more equitable and inclusive. To know: Michigan House Republicans’ proposed constitutional amendment requiring new voter registrants to show proof of U.S. citizenship was defeated Thursday. Job loss: A Michigan local community engagement specialist and a high school college adviser are among the 85% of AmeriCorps staff who have been placed on administrative leave this month, with at least some notified last week that they would be let go because of a reduction in force. |
|
|
Canadians are canceling their U.S. vacations. What will it mean for Michigan? |
Hundreds of Michiganders lined up along the lakeshore to wave across the water at their Canadian neighbors. On the other side, hundreds of Canadians cheered back during an April rally at the border cities. Despite the neighborly love, travel data suggests it might be a pen pal summer for Michiganders and Canadians. While Michiganders are still offering that warm welcome, Canadians seem to be chilled on the invite. Travel data suggests that fewer Canadians are traveling into Michigan through port cities and airports. This drop in visitors could have an impact on Michigan’s tourism economy which generates $400 million from Canadians every year. More in travel: Maybe it’s a trip to see roaring waterfalls. A vacation that’s all about riding some of the most scenic mountain bike trails in the state. Or even a visit to Michigan’s most popular island in the Straits of Mackinac. Thousands of reasons are fueling travel to the Upper Peninsula, and a new study shows it’s adding up to $1.6 billion in annual visitor spending. |
|
|
Thank you for joining me on today's edition of the Morning Briefing. As always, you can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Cara has you covered for the rest of the week! - Jamie Rewerts |
|
|
Ready for positive, feel-good coverage of life in the Mitten? Curated from our best travel, outdoor, food, entertainment, photos and videos - immerse yourself in the place we love and the place we call home. Explore new dining, cabin rentals or how to view the next meteor shower. Join MLive․com's Tanda Gmiter and the Life & Culture team every week. Your next adventure is waiting! Sign up here. There's one caveat: This is an exclusive newsletter for MLive.com's loyal subscribers. Not a subscriber? That's OK. You can receive a few weeks of the newsletter as a free trial. Click here to sign up. |
|
|
WANT TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH A FRIEND? |
Did someone share this newsletter with you? Click here to never miss a day! |
|
|
To contact the newsrooms for any of our publications regarding technical support, news tips, classified ads and other inquiries, please click here. |
|
|
Unlimited Digital Access to MLive.com. |
|
|
Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
Start today for $1 (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING
OR SPONSORING OUR NEWSLETTERS? |
|
|
You received this email because you opted in to the newsletter. To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.mlive.com to your address book or safe sender list. MLive Media Group 169 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Contact us | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy |
|
|
|
