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Michigan’s budget battle is underway, as the state Senate passes the first piece of its $88 billion spending plan. The proposal boosts funding for things like school meals, housing, and social services—but it also spends more than the House version—12 billion more—setting up a major negotiation. Lawmakers say federal cuts are forcing Michigan to pick up more of the tab, especially for Medicaid and food assistance. Republicans are pushing back, raising concerns about higher spending and dipping into the state’s rainy-day fund. With a July 1 deadline, all sides now head to the negotiating table—and the final budget could look very different.
Yesterday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act could reshape voting maps in Michigan. The ruling makes it harder to challenge districts based on race, raising questions about whether Michigan’s current maps could face new legal challenges. Some members of the state’s independent redistricting commission say maps may need to be redrawn, while others believe they’ll hold up. With elections just months away, changes in time for 2026 seem unlikely—but the decision could have lasting impacts on how districts are drawn in the future.
Down in T-C, a recall effort is building against Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg. About 50 people gathered at the Traverse Area District Library, criticizing plea deals they say are too lenient. The prosecutor says sentencing is largely set by state guidelines and warns the effort could discourage victims from coming forward. The recall petition now awaits state approval—supporters would need about 14,000 signatures to put it on the ballot.
Winter just won’t let go in Northern Michigan. There were even reports of light snow overnight on Beaver Island, as a cold system moves in just a day before May. Forecasters say rain could mix with snow across the region—especially at night and early morning—but little to no accumulation is expected. Temperatures will dip into the 30s through the weekend, bringing the chance for frost and freeze warnings. But, M-Live forecasters say have faith—warmer, more spring-like weather is expected by mid-May.
It was another busy afternoon and early evening at school yesterday with two events. First was the annual National Honor Society’s induction ceremony. Current members spoke about the tenets of the society as they lit candles representing each one. The final candle was lit by Leif McGinnity, a sophomore being inducted as the society’s newest member. He committed to continued excellent scholarship and service to the community. The N-H-S is led by Connie Boyle and is now in its 20th year at B-I-C-S.
Shortly after that, Heidi Bearss’ keyboard students presented a recital in her classroom. Chairs were full as musicians presented work ranging from classical to contemporary including an accordion duet.
Leif McGinnity accepts his National Honor Society membership from BICS Principal Wil Cwikiel. Photo by Kevin Boyle
Olive Ledbetter at the keyboard with a full house at yesterday’s recital. Photo by Kevin Boyle
Finally, a few local notes: The Wildlife Club says they still have some crabapple trees left from Sunday’s plant and tree distribution. They are available for pickup at the library with a freewill donation welcome.
And Deb Robert is still looking for a few food signups for Memorial Day Weekend’s Is Everybody Happy Party at the Hall. Contact her at school. |
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Now here’s a look at events happening on your Emerald Isle…
First your meeting planner…
A-A meets Thursday and Saturday at 6:00. Locations and more details are in the calendar entries online.
On the fun front today…
Thursday Women’s Bible Study is on at 10:00 at the Christian Church. There’s Pickleball at the BIC Center at 10:00 in the Theater. At 10:30 up in the Hangout there’s Senior Tai Chi. At 11:00 at the BIC Center, there’ll be a Microgreens Luncheon with ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, a microgreen salad and desert. Three bucks for seniors and six for others. Thursday evening, there’s Pickleball at 5:00 in the Theater at the BIC Center. Afterwards, you can grab the burger & a beer special at the Shamrock starting at 5:00, and its Euchre Night down at Whiskey Point Brewing. Cards hit the table at 7:00.
[Thursday evening on the radio, drop in for W-V-B-I’s newest music show. It’s The Underground with Leila Freijy. It’s the underground sound of grunge and more from the 80s and 90s with special features every week. Tune in at 7:00 for two hours Underground.]
Highlights for the rest of the week include…
Friday, Senior + Vets Coffee & Donuts is at the BIC Center from 9:00 to 11:00. There’s Pickleball at 10:00 and Chair Strength Training at 10:30. Friday evening the Flower Full Moon will shine over Paradise Bay. There’s more info at Dark Sky Island dot org.
[On the radio, Kick off your weekend with our fantastic Friday lineup! After the 6:00pm news, enjoy “That Thing with Rich Appel” featuring top forty hits from the 70s. At 9:00pm, tune into “The Titus Jennings Experience” offering music from all genres, followed by “The Midnight Special” with Marilyn Rea Beyer at 11:00pm for music, farce comedy, and late-night escape.]
Saturday, the Fiero Code Club is on at the library at 1:00. And, remember, Saturdays are Prime Rib Night at the Shamrock. The Elks Lodge will be open to all this Saturday for a Derby Day celebration. There’ll be brats & dogs on the grill. Wear your Derby Hat. The Queen of Hearts draw will be at 7:00.
[On the radio, tune in for Country Classics at 5:00 Saturday evening with host Sheri Timsak. At 7:00, take a trip back to the best of the 80s and 90s with the Mix Tape show (that’s a 120-minute TDK cassette tape for those in the know) hosted by WVBI’s Adam Pettigrew. Mark Beltaire takes over at 9:00 with Rockin’ the Boat and continues at 10:00 with the Blues Cruise. Cousin Dan wraps up the evening with the Too Good Radio Show starting at 11:00.]
Sunday, there are services at the Christian Church at 10:00 and mass at Holy Cross at 12:15.
Looking ahead to highlights for next week…
Monday kicks off a new series of Monday Funday programs start at the BIC Center. There’ll be afterschool crafting at 3:30, and an artist’s workshop at 5:00. This week the workshop will be on Fairy Doors and Seed Sharing led by Christine McKenna and Monica Longlett. After fun at the BIC Center, head over to the Shamrock where Monday’s are All You Can Eat Pizza and Salad night.
Tuesday at 10:00, Babes & Toddlers mix it up at the library and there is Pickleball in the Theater at the BIC Center and, at 10:30, there’s Chair Strength Training up in the Hangout. At 2:15 there’s a Home School Meet-up at the library.
Wednesday, there’s BINGO at 1:00 at the BIC Center. And at 5:00 it’s Time for Art, at the BIC Center. |
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Today’s BIC Center Name of the Day is Sutton. If that’s your name, come on it to the BIC Center to pick out a free drink of your choice. |
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On our Birthday List today: Don Merriman is celebrating today. Happy Birthday to Don, and if we missed you on the list Happy Birthday to you too from everyone at the BIC Center and WVBI. |
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TRAFFIC: No delays inbound or outbound to the airports. The Island Beltway is running smoothly. There are no bridge delays. Still, let’s be careful out there, especially in the school zone. |
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On this date in 1941, a young Charlie Parker steps into a Dallas studio with Jay McShann’s orchestra for his first commercial recording session. Playing alto sax, he lays down solos on “Swingmatism” and “Hootie Blues”—and right around this time, he picks up the nickname that would stick for life: “Bird.” Portrait of Charlie Parker in the Three Deuces of New York (N.Y.), in August 1947. Parker is playing a Conn 6M alto saxophone. Standing next to him is Miles Davis. Photo by William Gottlieb from Library of Congress via Wikimedia |
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Our Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is interlocutor (noun) [in-ter-LAH-kyuh-ter]. An interlocutor is someone you’re having a conversation with—the person on the other side of the dialogue. It’s a more formal way of saying “the person you’re talking to,” so if you hear it used, the conversation is probably on the formal side. The word comes from Latin: loqui [{LOH-kwee], meaning “to speak,” combined with inter- meaning “between”—so, literally, “one who speaks between.” That same root appears in words like loquacious [loh-KWAY-shus] and eloquent [EL-uh-kwent]. In legal contexts, you’ll often hear related terms like “interlocutory”—as in an interlocutory ruling or interlocutory decree. These are decisions made during a case, not the final judgment—essentially rulings that happen “in the course of conversation” between the court and the case. |
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Now, to wrap up for this Beaver Island Thursday… |
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Here’s a thought for the day from Charlie Parker: “Master your instrument, master the music… and then forget all that and just play.” |
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On a lighter note: How do you know a sax player’s at your door? They can’t find the right key… and they come in early anyway. |
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That’s the W-V-B-I Community Calendar Report for this Beaver Island Thursday, April 30th, 2026. I’m Kevin Boyle reporting from W-V-B-I’s Langford Family Studios wishing you a great day and asking: why not go ahead and make it the best day ever? And thanks for listening. |
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Today A 20 percent chance of showers before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 42/46. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Friday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42/45. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 43/46. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 46/50. Sunday Night A chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Monday Showers likely, mainly between 8am and 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 46/49. Breezy. Monday Night A chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Tuesday A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 46/49. Tuesday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 47/51. |
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Town: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.52&lat=45.748 |
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Out on the Big Drink … |
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Today NNW wind around 10 kt becoming W in the afternoon. A slight chance of snow showers before 3pm, then a slight chance of rain showers between 3pm and 4pm. Waves 1 ft or less. Friday WNW wind around 10 kt. Partly sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. Saturday NW wind around 10 kt becoming WSW in the afternoon. Sunny. Waves 1 ft or less. |
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Midway to Charlevoix: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-85.384&lat=45.532 |
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Air Quality Index at 7:00 this morning was 0. |
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Coming up in our Community Calendar Report…
Michigan’s budget battle is underway, with lawmakers divided over an $88 billion plan and a July 1 deadline approaching.
A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling could impact how voting maps are drawn here in Michigan, possibly shaping future elections.
In Traverse City, a recall effort is building against the county prosecutor, while she says sentencing decisions are largely set by state guidelines.
And winter isn’t quite done—there were even reports of light snow overnight on Beaver Island, with colder temps sticking around through the weekend.…
…those stories plus school news, a run-down of local meetings and events, birthdays, our word of the day and more after global and national news from F-S-N. [Time check.] |
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Today’s Featured Image: Leif McGinnity accepts his National Honor Society membership from BICS Principal Wil Cwikiel. Photo by Kevin Boyle |
