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Today β€” 9 April 2026WXYZ-TV Detroit

London bag thief unknowingly takes $3M FabergΓ© egg, gets 27-month sentence

9 April 2026 at 17:12

A bag-snatcher who stole a designer handbag without knowing it contained a Faberg egg and watch worth up to $3 million was sentenced Thursday to more than two years in prison.

Enzo Conticello lifted the Givenchy bag from its owner outside a pub in Londons Soho nightlife district in November 2024.

The pricey bag cost about 1,600 pounds, but its contents were worth considerably more: Alongside a laptop, keys, bank card and makeup were a Faberg egg and watch. They belonged to the victims employer, the Craft Irish Whiskey Company, and had been used for a work event earlier that day.

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Prosecutor Julian Winship said Conticello, 29, was looking for easy cash and handed over the bag, with the egg inside, to buy drugs. He was linked to the theft after trying to use the victim's stolen bank card in a shop.

Conticello, also known as Hakin Boudjenoune, pleaded guilty in February to theft and fraud. His lawyer, Katie Porter-Windley, said it was a moment of opportunity which he took, and he is genuinely remorseful for his behavior.

At Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Kate Livesay sentenced Conticello to 27 months in prison.

The Metropolitan Police force said it is still hunting the egg, described as green and gold and about 4 inches high, and the accompanying watch, rose gold with a brown leather strap.

They are part of a Faberg set, also containing whiskey, cigars and a humidor, other examples of which have been sold for between $2 and $3 million.

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Winship said prosecutors accepted that it would be fruitless to try to recover the value of the stolen items from Conticello, who is not a person of means.

Founded in Russia in the 19th century, luxury brand Faberg is famed for its ornate bejeweled eggs, which have sold at auction for as much as $30 million.

Netanyahu authorizes direct talks with Lebanon in potential boost to ceasefire efforts

9 April 2026 at 16:44

In a potential boost to Middle East ceasefire efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he authorized direct negotiations as soon as possible with Lebanon aimed at disarming Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants and establishing relations between the neighbors.

There was no immediate response from Lebanese authorities, but the announcement appeared to bolster the tentative ceasefire in the Iran war that had staggered under the weight of Israels bombardment of Beirut, Tehrans continued chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty over whether planned peace talks can find common ground.

Netanyahu's announcement came amid disagreement over whether the ceasefire deal included a pause in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, and a day after Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes that resulted in the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began on Feb. 28.

Iran and the U.S. which both declared victory after the ceasefire announcement appeared to apply pressure. Semiofficial news agencies in Iran suggested forces have mined the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil that Tehran has closed. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, warned that U.S. forces would hit Iran harder than before if it did not fulfill the agreement.

Questions also remained over what will happen to Irans stockpile of enriched uranium at the heart of tensions, how and when normal traffic will resume through the strait, and what happens to Irans ability to launch future missile attacks and support armed proxies in the region.

Despite the fragile and disputed nature of the ceasefire, it appeared to have halted weeks of missile and drone attacks by Iran on its Gulf Arab neighbors and Israel, with no new launches reported Thursday. There were no reports of strikes by the U.S. or Israel targeting Iran.

Israeli had vowed to continue striking Hezbollah in Lebanon

Irans parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned Thursday that continued Israeli attacks on the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon would bring explicit costs and STRONG responses in a social media post.

Qalibaf has been discussed as a possible negotiator who could meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance this weekend in Islamabad. The White House has said Vance would lead the delegation for talks starting Saturday.

Iran had said Israel's ongoing attacks on Hezbollah were violating the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu and Trump have said it was not.

Hours before opening the way for talks with Lebanon, Netanyahu said Israel would continue striking Hezbollah with force, precision and determination.

Lebanons health ministry said at least 203 people were killed and more than 1,000 wounded Wednesday in Israeli strikes in central Beirut and other areas of Lebanon that Israel said targeted Hezbollah, which joined the war in support of Tehran.

Israel said Thursday it killed an aide to Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, Ali Yusuf Harshi. Hezbollah did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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A New York-based think tank warned that the ceasefire hovers on the verge of collapse following Israel's strikes Wednesday.

Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported that an Israeli strike overnight killed at least seven people in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military did not immediately acknowledge the strike.

Oil prices remain high amid uncertainty over the strait

Semiofficial news agencies in Iran published a chart Thursday suggesting the countrys paramilitary Revolutionary Guard put sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz during the war a message that may be intended to pressure the United States.

The chart, released by the ISNA news agency and Tasnim, showed a large circle marked danger zone in Farsi over the route ships take through the strait, through which 20% of all traded oil and natural gas once passed.

Only a trickle of ships have transited since the war began after several were attacked, and Iran threatened to hit any that it deemed connected to the U.S. or Israel. Ships appeared to continue to avoid the strait even after the ceasefire.

The chart suggested that ships travel through waters closer to Irans mainland near Larak Island, a route that some ships were observed taking during the war. It was dated from Feb. 28 until April 9, and it was unclear if the Guard had cleared any mines since then.

Irans deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, told the BBC that his country will allow ships to pass through the strait in accordance with international norms and international law once the United States ends its aggression in the Middle East and Israel stops attacking Lebanon.

The head of the United Arab Emirates major oil company, Sultan al-Jaber, said some 230 ships loaded with oil were waiting to get through the strait and must be allowed "to navigate this corridor without condition.

The straits de facto closure has caused oil prices to skyrocket affecting the cost of gasoline, food and other basics far beyond the Middle East. Oil prices fell Wednesday on news of the ceasefire but climbed again as uncertainty over the deal grew.

The spot price of Brent crude, the international standard, was around $98 Thursday, up about 35% since the war began.

Points to address in talks include whether Iran will be allowed to formalize a system of charging ships to use the strait. That would upend decades of free transit through what has been treated as an international waterway.

The fate of Irans enriched uranium remains a question

The fate of Irans missile and nuclear programs which the U.S. and Israel sought to eliminate in going to war also remained unclear. The U.S. insists Iran must never be able to build nuclear weapons and wants to remove Tehrans stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which could be used to build them. Iran insists its program is peaceful.

Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. would work with Iran to remove the uranium, buried in last year's U.S. and Israeli strikes, though Iran did not confirm that. In one version of the ceasefire deal that Iran published, it said it would be allowed to continue enrichment.

The chief of Irans nuclear agency, Mohammad Eslami, said Thursday that protecting Tehrans right to enrich uranium is necessary for any ceasefire talks.

Trump warned that U.S. warships and troops will remain around Iran until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.

A wild hook and a big leg kick as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson open the Masters

9 April 2026 at 16:02

The Masters got started beneath whispy white clouds and a bright blue spring sky Thursday when Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson once again struck the ceremonial tee shots down the first fairway at Augusta National.

Well, mostly down the first fairway.

After the 90-year-old Player hit his shot down the middle, and celebrated with a big leg kick, the 86-year-old Nicklaus stepped up. His son, Jackie, placed his ball on the tee, and the Golden Bear offered a tongue-in-cheek warning to the patrons lining the tee box Oh, boy, watch out, Nicklaus said, and I don't mean that facetiously and proceeded to hit a low hook right at them.

I said, Spread out on both sides because I dont want to kill anybody,' he relayed afterward. If it'd been a little closer I might have.

The ball cleared the heads of the patrons down the left side by a couple of feet.

Last up was the 76-year-old Watson, who used the tee Nicklaus had left stuck in the ground. May I use your tee, Watson asked? It's why I left it, the six-time Masters champion replied, and Watson proceeded to strike his drive right down the middle.

With that, the 90th edition of the Masters was underway.

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The honorary starter has been a tradition at Augusta National since 1963, when Jock Hutchinson and Fred McLeod hit their opening shots of the tournament. The idea had come to club founder Bobby Jones years earlier, and over time, it has become a treasured part of the Masters mystique, with 11 dignitaries and past champions having served in the role.

Byron Nelson, Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead were the longest-serving, performing the duty throughout most of the 1980s and '90s, while Arnold Palmer was joined by Nicklaus and Player for many years. When the King died in 2016, it left just Nicklaus and Player in a twosome, so Watson was asked to join them, and the trio continues to this day.

When I first played the Masters as an amateur in 1970, I teed off early in the morning, playing with Doug Ford. I went to the honorary starters, and it was very special, Watson said. I remember seeing Gene Sarazen tee off. Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack and Gary. It's something very special. I thought it was just part of the aura of the tournament, and I wanted to witness it.

How much longer Player, Nicklaus and Watson take part is a big question surrounding the Masters these days.

So is who might take on the role next.

I was a little worried. I had carpal tunnel surgery about five, six weeks ago, and I was worried about being able to hold onto the golf club and hurt somebody," Nicklaus said. Im fortunate that I got it over somebodys head. I didnt hit it very well, but I got it over their heads and didnt hurt anybody. As long as I can still hit the golf ball.

Nicklaus said he doesn't really play anymore. He did once all of last year, and once more this past February.

But its such a nice ceremony, and its a real honor to be invited, he said. I hope to be able to do it as long as I can not kill anybody.

Streamers, mergers driving up price of watching sports, lawmakers say

9 April 2026 at 15:53

With streaming services now offering live sports, finding games on television has become a more expensive and burdensome process.

In addition to cable subscriptions, fans often need several streaming services to locate the games they want to watch. Amazon Prime Video holds rights to NFL and NBA games. Netflix has acquired rights to MLB and NFL contests. Peacock airs college football, college basketball, NFL, NBA and MLB games. Apple TV+ carries MLB and MLS matchups. ESPN+ and Hulu stream some NHL games.

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In response to rising costs, two Democratic lawmakers asked the Federal Communications Commission to use its broad authority to protect the public interest and noted that Congress has previously directed the commission to actively promote economic competition.

We encourage the Commission to closely examine the trends that have directly contributed to the current state of sports streaming, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Patrick Ryan wrote to the FCC.

In March, the FCC requested public comment, seeking proposals to address concerns about television access to live sports.

For decades, Americans have enjoyed turning on their television sets and quickly finding the games they wanted to watch for free on over-the-air broadcasts, the FCC said. Many games are still available for free over broadcast TV, but there has been a surge in recent years of games going behind the paywalls of various streaming services. While this can increase the number of games and sports available to fans, many consumers today find it more difficult to locate the events they want to watch, and are now paying to sign up for one or more video distribution platforms that can be difficult to navigate.

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The lawmakers cited examples of alleged anti-competitive practices that have increased costs for sports fans. Those include Fubos merger with Disney, parent company of ESPN, and forced bundling of cable and streaming services with channels or platforms sports fans dont use.

For sports fans, the cost of watching live sports on television or via streaming becomes more expensive every year, and the options for tuning in become even more complicated, Warren and Ryan wrote. Mergers involving already-dominant distributors, streamers, and sports leagues themselves threaten to make matters worse, leaving viewers spending more and more money to watch the sports they care about.

The lawmakers suggested the FCC take a more active role in reviewing transactions.

US to automatically register men for the draft starting in December

9 April 2026 at 15:30

Men in the United States will be automatically registered with the Selective Service System starting in December 2026 under a new law. The system maintains records for a potential military draft, though no draft is currently in place.

Previously, individuals were required to register with the Selective Service System, but a law signed by President Donald Trump in late 2025 shifts that responsibility to the federal government to streamline the process.

Under the current system, men are required to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Late registration is accepted until age 26.

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Failing to register is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, up to five years in prison, or both. Those who do not register may also become ineligible for certain benefits, including federal job training programs, some state-based student aid and many federal, state and local government jobs. It can also delay U.S. citizenship proceedings for some immigrants.

The agency said it reached a milestone in 2025, with 100 million men registered since 1980.

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The U.S. last used the draft during the Vietnam War and shifted to an all-volunteer force in 1973. Although registration has remained in place, no one has been drafted in decades.

To reinstate a draft, Congress would have to pass legislation authorizing it, which would then need to be signed into law by the president.

If a draft were reinstated, a lottery based on birth dates would be used to determine the order of selection. Those turning 20 in the year of the lottery would be called first, followed by men ages 21 to 25, and then 19- and 18-year-olds.

St. Clair County Sheriff's Office warns of new AI Sextortion scam

9 April 2026 at 15:11

The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office is warning the public of a new sextortion scam, with scammers allegedly using artificial intelligence to create nudes of teenagers.

We're told that deputies have taken several reports of this scam, which targets young people.

Victims receive a text from an unknown number, which contains what appears to be images of themselves in the nude. Police say that scammers are using AI to create these images before sending them out and threatening to distribute the images unless they're paid a certain amount of money.

In at least one case, victims were requested to pay with Bitcoin.

The police are asking parents to speak to their kids about this scam and remind them not to engage with strangers who send them texts.

Detroit is reportedly a frontrunner for getting a PWHL team

By: Max White
9 April 2026 at 14:54

Detroit is a frontrunner to get a new Professional Women's Hockey League team when the league announces its next expansion, according to multiple reports.

The city just hosted its fourth PWHL Takeover Tour game in three seasons, and set a new Little Caesars Arena record for the PWHL with 15,938 fans attending the game between the Montreal Victoire and New York Sirens.

Also, last week, University of Michigan Regent Denise Ilitch said on her podcast, "I believe we'll be getting a team in Detroit soon, which really excites me."

According to The Athletic, PWHL Advisory Board Member Stan Kasten said that the league was going to have news about expansion "in the next few weeks."

The Athletic said that Detroit is the leader in the clubhouse for a new team after the four games in the city. The latest game was also the first nationally televised game on ION, which is owned by WXYZ's parent company, E.W. Scripps, and sponsored by Ally Financial, which is based in Detroit.

"At this point, it would be shocking if Detroit werent one of the leagues newest teams by next season," The Athletic wrote.

During the latest Takeover Tour game, there was a segment where signs were showcased from fans, all of which expressed the passion of fans wanting to bring a team to Hockeytown.

The league, which now consists of eight teams, expanded last season to the West Coast by adding teams in Seattle and Vancouver. The teams are in Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Toronto, Seattle and Vancouver.

Costco faces legal challenge over membership renewal notices

9 April 2026 at 14:41

Costco is facing a class-action lawsuit from a California man who alleges the company violated the states law on auto-renewals for memberships.

Russel George claims Costco failed to comply with a law requiring companies to give customers a renewal notice at least 15 days and no more than 45 days before an annual membership expires. Costco offers two membership tiers: a $65 annual membership and an executive membership costing $130 a year.

The lawsuit says George does not use his membership enough to justify keeping it.

Had the plaintiff been provided this notice in a timely manner, he would have canceled his membership and not gone forward with the auto-renewal, the complaint states.

Scripps News has contacted Costco for comment.

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Costcos policy allows members to cancel memberships by calling a toll-free number or visiting a store location.

California law requires that consumers must be able to cancel using the same method of communication as used to enroll in the plan or the method that the consumer generally interacts with the business. Businesses must also offer a toll-free phone number, email address, or other easy-to-use cancellation method, according to the California Attorney Generals Office.

The Federal Trade Commission tried to implement similar nationwide auto-renewal rules in 2024 under the Biden administration. A federal appeals court struck down the rule in July 2025, with opponents arguing the FTC failed to follow proper rulemaking procedures.

Under the proposed rule, businesses would have been required to make cancellation at least as easy as enrollment for example, if signing up took one click, canceling would have been just as simple. It also would have required annual reminders and confirmations for renewals of non-physical goods.

Georges case against Costco is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in June.

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Jack White to play first-ever show at Pine Knob this July

9 April 2026 at 14:13

Detroit rocker Jack White is playing his first-ever show at Pine Knob this summer.

Fresh off releasing two songs last week and playing "Saturday Night Live," White announced the show at the amphitheatre in Clarkston will be on Saturday, July 25.

The two songs, "Derecho Demonico" and "G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs," are available now and vinyl is on sale a Third Man Records in Detroit.

It's his first new music since 2024 when he released the "No Name" album.

Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, April 17 at 10 a.m. and fans can register for a presale here.

Inflation was already high before Iran war drove up gas prices, new report shows

9 April 2026 at 13:55

A key measure of inflation stayed high in February, before the war in Iran spiked gas prices, a sign that everyday costs were elevated even before the conflict began.

An inflation gauge monitored by the Federal Reserve rose 0.4% in February from January, up slightly from the previous month. Compared with a year ago, prices rose 2.8%, the same as January. Thursday's data was delayed by a backlog of economic reports created by the six-week government shutdown last fall.

Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core inflation also rose 0.4% in February from January, and it was 3% higher than a year earlier. The annual figure is slightly below January's reading of 3.1%.

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Still, the monthly increases are at a pace that if continued for a whole year, would easily top the Fed's 2% inflation target.

Consumer inflation was firming even prior to the outbreak of war in the Middle East, and it is primed to jump sharply higher in March, Kathy Bostjancic, chief economist at Nationwide, wrote in a client note. Even if a long-lasting deal to end the war is reached and the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened, it would take months for oil, gasoline, diesel and other commodity supplies to snap back to prewar levels and thus for prices to settle back to preconflict levels.

Thursday's report is largely a warm-up for the more important inflation data to be released Friday, when the government will publish the higher-profile consumer price index for March. The Friday report will be the first to reflect the impact of the gas price spike from the Iran war. Economists forecast it will show a big increase of 0.9% just in March from February, and a 3.4% gain from a year earlier. The annual figure would be a big increase from 2.4% in February.

The large jump in inflation in March will heighten concerns at the Fed that prices are moving further away from their inflation target and make it much less likely the central bank will cut rates anytime soon. At their most recent meeting last month, some Fed officials supported opening the door to the potential for rate hikes if inflation didn't show signs of improving.

RELATED STORY | Beyond gas: Price hikes American consumers are experiencing from the Iran war

Thursday's report from the Commerce Department also showed that Americans' incomes slipped 0.1% in February, the first decline since October, while spending after adjusting for inflation barely increased.

Higher inflation is sapping Americans' purchasing power. Spending rose a solid 0.5% in February from the previous month before adjusting for higher prices. Bostjancic expects consumer spending, adjusted for inflation, will rise a modest 1.2% at an annual rate in the first three months of this year, below the 1.9% reached in last year's fourth quarter.

The economy may still grow a decent 2% in the first quarter, Bostjancic said, driven by investments in artificial intelligence and a bounceback in government spending after last year's shutdown. The government said Thursday growth was just 0.5% at the end of last year.

Bahamas police arrest husband of US woman who was aboard boat and vanished

9 April 2026 at 13:52

An American who was arrested in the Bahamas after his wife vanished while the couple was traveling in a motorboat near the archipelago denies any wrongdoing, his attorney said Thursday.

Brian Hooker "categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing" and has been cooperating with authorities, lawyer Terrel Butler said in the statement. Butler said Hooker could not provide further comments while investigations are continuing.

Authorities said the husband, a 59-year-old man whom they did not identify, was arrested in Abaco on Wednesday and is being questioned. Police and Butler did not provide further details, including whether or not he was charged.

A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson told The Associated Press that they have opened a criminal investigation into the case.

RELATED STORY | Search underway for Michigan woman missing in Bahamas waters

Officials have said Lynette Hooker, 55, was traveling in an 8-foot motorboat from Hope Town to Elbow Cay on Saturday night, and that her husband, Brian Hooker, told authorities she fell overboard with the boat keys, causing the engine to turn off.

Authorities said Brian Hooker then paddled to shore and alerted someone about her disappearance early Sunday.

"Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her," police said in a statement issued Saturday.

Lynette Hooker's mother, Darlene Hamlett, told The Associated Press late Wednesday that she was "glad to hear" about the arrest, but declined further comment, saying she was seeking more information.

Earlier on Wednesday, she said she wanted to hear more from her son-in-law about how her daughter disappeared. The couple had been married for more than two decades and lived in Onsted, Michigan. Online records gave Brian Hooker's age as 58, and the reason for the discrepancy wasn't immediately clear.

"I'm going to be interested in what he says, because I haven't heard from him in almost two days," Hamlett said while on a six-hour drive back home from the Bahamian Consulate in Miami, where she secured a passport so she can fly to the Caribbean nation soon.

"Our family grew up on water and so Lynette her whole life has been near lakes, on boats, sailing and swimming," Hamlett said. "It would be a miracle if (she's rescued), but I'm still counting on one."

Lynette Hooker's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, told NBC News that it is unlikely her mother would "just fall" off the boat, saying she was an experienced sailor. The couple had been sailing for years and documented their voyages on social media under the moniker, "The Sailing Hookers."

Aylesworth also told NBC that the couple's relationship was volatile, and that they have a "history of not getting along, especially when they drink."

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She told WXYZ-TV she doubted her mother survived and was able to tread water that long, but hoped to find her to get closure.

Butler's statement said that Brian Hooker's denial of wrongdoing includes in particular "the allegations recently made by Karli Aylesworth."

On Wednesday morning, Brian Hooker wrote on Facebook that he is "heartbroken over the recent boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds that caused my beloved Lynette to fall from our small dinghy near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas."

"Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart," he wrote. "We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus."

The U.S. Coast Guard has also joined the investigation and interviewed Aylesworth on Wednesday, according to her attorney, Ron Marienfeld.

"We are pleased to see it is being investigated, and hopefully more answers will come to give the family some closure," Marienfeld said via email.

Bahamian police said search operations and investigative efforts remain active.

DNR reminds anglers to protect lake sturgeon, release any that are caught accidentally

9 April 2026 at 13:47

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers about how to protect lake sturgeon while fishing this spring and summer.

Special regulations exist for lake sturgeon, and fishing for lake sturgeon is prohibited except for a few locations in the state.

According to the DNR, lake sturgeon may be encountered in waters like Manistee Lake, the Manistee River, Muskegon Lake, the Muskegon River, the Grand River, the Kalamazoo River and Saginaw Bay and its tributaries in the Lower Peninsula.

Any lake sturgeon incidentally caught while targeting other species must be immediately released. If you do unintentionally catch one, follow these steps:

Do not hold the sturgeon in a vertical position by its head, gill covers or tail. Do not touch the fishs eyes or gills. Handle the fish as little as possible and only with wet hands. Keep the fish in the water, if possible. Release the fish as quickly as possible.

Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River, Otsego Lake, the Menominee River and Black Lake all have lake sturgeon seasons with catch-and-release in the Detroit River, the St. Marys River and Portage-Torch Lakes and the Ontonagon River.

US-Iran ceasefire staggers amid Lebanon strikes and Strait of Hormuz closure

9 April 2026 at 12:51

A tentative ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is staggering under pressure from multiple fronts as the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted and Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least 182 people.

The U.S. and Iran are set to meet in Pakistan this Saturday for talks, with Vice President JD Vance leading the U.S. negotiating team. Pakistan is serving as the key moderator. Ironing out the details of the ceasefire is expected to be the first item on the agenda during peace talks this weekend before any longer-term peace agreement is considered.

Iran's parliament speaker called the ceasefire with the U.S. unreasonable, accusing the U.S. of violating three of Tehran's 10 conditions for ending the fighting.

RELATED STORY | US, Iran agree to two-week ceasefire that will reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Iran appears to have mined the Strait of Hormuz, evidenced by a released chart indicating a "danger zone."

The U.S. has not launched any offensive strikes since Tuesday night when the deal was announced, and Iran has not launched any major strikes in the last 24 hours. However, core countries involved disagree on key elements, including the attacks in Lebanon and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Vance addressed the disagreements while returning to the U.S. from a trip to Hungary, noting that if the parties cannot agree on those elements, there will be a problem.

"The deal is a ceasefire, a negotiation," Vance said. "That's what we give and what they give is the straits are going to be reopened. If we don't see that happening, the president is not going to abide by our terms if the Iranians are not abiding by their terms."

President Donald Trump posted overnight on Truth Social that U.S. military assets will remain in the region while talks continue. Trump stated that ships, aircraft, military personnel, ammunition, and weaponry will remain in place in and around Iran until a "real agreement" is fully complied with. He added that if attacks resume, they would be bigger, better, and stronger than ever before, but stressed there would be no nuclear weapons.

Trump also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz needs to be open and safe. While the White House said yesterday that more ships were getting through, international maritime tracking agencies disagree. The agencies showed no increase in ships moving through the strait yesterday, with only a handful getting through compared to the usual dozens on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts continue in Beirut after Israeli strikes hit busy commercial and residential areas without warning. The attacks killed at least 182 people, making it the deadliest day in the latest Israel-Hezbollah war.

The strikes came hours after the ceasefire with Iran was announced. Trump said Lebanon was not included in that deal.

Israel's military called it their largest coordinated strike of the current war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that Israel is not going to stop attacks in Lebanon.

RELATED STORY | Vance to travel to Pakistan for peace talks amid fragile Iran ceasefire

In Iran, thousands of mourners took to the streets of Tehran earlier today to mark the 40th day following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In Washington, Congress is currently on a two-week spring break, but Democrats are expressing dissatisfaction with the president's actions and are seeking to rein in his military power. This follows weekend posts from the president that included profanity and a threat that an entire civilization will die.

House Democrats plan to try to force a war powers resolution through unanimous consent today during a pro forma session. The effort requires unanimous consent, meaning it only takes one of the 435 members to block it.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Senate Democrats are expected to try to push through a war powers resolution vote next week. The bill is likely subject to a 60-vote threshold, requiring Republican support that currently appears unlikely.

The ongoing conflict continues to impact gas prices. Oil prices went down yesterday, which experts attributed to optimism following the ceasefire announcement. However, experts say ceasefire talk is not enough to bring down prices at the pump until dozens of ships are seen going through the Strait of Hormuz daily.

If the strait reopens and international trading levels drop, gas prices could decrease by five or 10 cents per gallon per week. Prices are unlikely to return to levels seen six weeks ago before the war began due to the transition to more expensive summer gas and increased travel demand.

New reentry strategy guides Artemis II’s historic return to Earth

9 April 2026 at 12:16

With the moon at their backs, the Artemis II crew is preparing for its return to Earth on Friday after becoming the first humans in more than 50 years to venture around the moon.

The four astronauts traveled farther from Earth than any humans have ever gone. They captured striking images of the moon, Earth and the galaxy while studying for potential future missions to the moon and beyond.

NASA is targeting an 8:07 p.m. Eastern time splashdown of the crews Orion spacecraft. Before reentry, the crew will pressurize their spacesuits and lower their visors to protect themselves from the intense heat generated during descent.

RELATED STORY | Artemis II mission completes successful transit around the far side of the moon

Rick Henfling, NASAs flight director for Artemis II, said ground crews are monitoring wave conditions, winds and precipitation. As of late Wednesday, he said, We have some really favorable conditions.

NASA said Orion is capable of landing even if it experiences multiple contingencies, but flight controllers will still monitor its mechanics before splashdown.

Were really looking at things that affect guidance, navigation and control, and the propulsion systems, Henfling said. We want to ensure that the spacecraft can still fly safely home. We have some ways to alter the landing profile, which shortens our entry path.

On the uncrewed Artemis I mission, NASA discovered significant issues with Orions heat shield. Rather than burning away in a controlled manner, the shield had more layers and pieces that were charred and cracked than expected.

NASA adjusted how it applies the heat shield material to Orion as a result of the excessive charring. The spacecraft will also reenter Earths atmosphere in a different way.

RELATED STORY | What Artemis II astronauts eat: NASA space menu for moon mission

Artemis I used a skip reentry, bouncing in and out of the atmosphere before landing. Artemis II will take a more direct path to its splashdown site.

Mission controllers say they lose some flexibility in potential landing zones with the lofted entry approach, but Orion program manager Debbie Korth stressed that changing the reentry method was part of the plan well before launch.

NASA also tests the tiles surrounding Orion for damage, specifically from tiny bits of debris in space.

We really didnt see anything (concerning), Korth said.

Suspects arrested after DEA seizes 3 kilograms of fentanyl pills in Taylor

9 April 2026 at 12:02

Multiple people have been arrested after investigators seized three kilograms of pressed fentanyl pills earlier this week, Michigan State Police announced.

MSP partnered with the Taylor Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for this seizure.

We're told that 3094.3 grams of presssed fentanyl pills, totaling 28,546 pills. Authorities believe these pills were made to look like prescription oxycodone 30 mg pills, with the intention to sell in metro Detroit.

Police say the street value of the drugs is estimated to be $200,000.

The suspects are in custody and awaiting review by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

7-year-old Marcell brings energy and curiosity everywhere he goes

9 April 2026 at 11:38

Our Grant Me Hope child this week is 7-year-old Marcell, who brings curiosity everywhere he goes.

Learn more about Marcell below 7-year-old Marcell brings energy and curiosity everywhere he goes

According to the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange, Marcell feels happiest when he's connected, and he loves being around people he trusts, especially his sister.

At home, MARE said he loves helping with chores, and spending time outside taking walks or riding his bike.

"Marcell loves being a good helper, says an adult close to him. He loves to help around the home.

Marcell and his sister, Kailani, are searching for a forever family who will encourage their curiosity and help them build on their strengths. They would thrive in a home with an experienced mom and dad or two moms. They get along with others and would do well in a home with other children, though Marcell has indicated he would prefer a home where he and Kailani are the only kids. Pets would be an added bonus! They would benefit from a family who shares their cultural background or is committed to helping them celebrate and explore it.

A family with experience in supporting kids with big feelings will be important, as will a home willing to connect them to services that can help them succeed. More than anything, Marcell hopes for a family who will celebrate his imagination, encourage his curiosity, and be patient with him as he figures out how to navigate the world. He dreams of belonging somewhere he can feel safe being himselfa bright, adventurous boy who wants to be a good helper, a loyal brother, and maybe even a policeman when he grows up.

To learn more about Marcell, visit the MARE website and view a list of waiting children there. You can see more stories on our Grant Me Hope page.

Plant-based food sales decline as consumers shift away from meat immitations

9 April 2026 at 10:56

The plant-based food boom has transformed grocery shelves over the past several years, but the industry could be hitting a wall.

According to new insights from the nonprofit Good Food Institute, plant-based product sales declined by four percent in 2024.

Early on, the industry focused on products designed to mimic meat, but that strategy may be shifting.

Michele Scott, director of insights at Innova Market Research, said the market is definitely evolving.

"Moving back towards the products that are plant-based in a pure sense of the word," Scott said.

RELATED STORY | New US dietary guidelines urge more protein, fewer ultraprocessed foods

"If consumers are going to plant-based to be healthier, and then they're seeing that these are, in fact, heavily processed, that can feel like a red flag to consumers," Scott said.

Price is also a factor, especially for meat alternatives.

Paul Shapiro, CEO of The Better Meat Co., said the cost of living is a big concern for many people around the world.

"Plant-based meat today is still more expensive animal-based meat," Shapiro said.

RELATED STORY | Health risks of ultraprocessed foods: What a new report reveals

Shapiro said the industry is facing what he calls the three P's.

"That's price, performance, and perception. So it's too expensive. The performance isn't yet as good as animal-based meat, and the perception is that these foods are processed," Shapiro said.

While the reality is many plant-based meats are still heavily processed, Shapiro noted they are still often healthier than the alternative of animal-based meat.

And while the industry may be at a pivot point, it isn't disappearing. A recent survey from Innova Market Research found 30 percent of consumers eat plant-based foods at least once a week.

"This is an industry that is still very much alive and kicking. It is not where it was, let's say, five years ago when there was a lot more attention on the space, but it is still moving. And I think that it has a lot of room to grow," Shapiro said.

Tips for planning out your garden with ever-changing April weather

9 April 2026 at 10:41

Even though Spring is here, April can be one of the most ever-changing weather months on the calendar, which can be a headache for gardeners.

I spoke with George Papadelis, the owner of Telly's Greenhouse in Troy, for gardening tips and insight on when to buy plants and start planting as the temperatures fluctuate this month.

Watch Mike's conversation with George in the video player below Tips for planning out your garden as spring arrives

Mike Taylor: All right, so when is the best time to get started? You know, the old saying is like, 'oh, don't start until after Mother's Day', right? Is there some truth to that, or can you get started now?

George Papadelis: Oh no, no, there absolutely is some truth to that. Most of what people put into the garden is frost-sensitive, so you have to wait until our last frost date, which is typically mid-May. So a lot of people wait till after Mother's Day or maybe even as late as the end of May, and then they can go and plant. You don't have to worry about frost so much, but there's a lot of stuff you can plant now. Some vegetables that you can plant now, the cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, peas could be planted early. And as far as flowers go, things like pansies and snapdragons and a few other things could be in the ground right now. All of our pansies were outside last night, and it was in the low 30s.

MT: How long can plants last out of the soil? And that means if you pick a plant up and say your soil is not ready, but OK, maybe you're driving by, and you're like, 'you know what, I'm going to pick this up because I'm -- here.'

GP: All the plants that people don't buy today will be here tomorrow and the next day and the next day. So all we do is water them and put them in a sunny spot. And so a lot of people will put them in front of the garage, and if they see the forecast is getting a little questionable, they'll move them into the garage for the evening, move them back outside the following morning. So while you're prepping your soil or waiting for the weekend to come up or whatever it is, you can protect them that way. Water them regularly, give them some sun, and bring them inside if there's a threat of really severe cold weather.

Where Your Voice Matters

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park reveals 2026 Summer Concert Series lineup

9 April 2026 at 10:00

It's that time of the year again! Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park officially reveals its 2026 lineup for the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert series. It features 34 unique acts between May 27 and September 16.

The full line-up is listed below, and check out this link here for more information about purchasing tickets.

O.A.R. May 27: $85 member | $90 public The Wallflowers with Early James June 7 : $53 member | $58 public Sierra Ferrell June 8: $83 member | $88 public Five for Fighting + Edwin McCain June 10: $72member | $77public An Evening with Wilco June 12: $80 member | $85 public Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Tank and the Bangas June 15: $80 member | $85 public An Acoustic Evening with Trey Anastasio featuring Jeff Tansky June 17: $83 member | $88 public Tash Sultana June 19: $78member | $83 public An Evening with Pink Martini All -Stars June 22: $58 member | $63 public Larkin Poe + The Record Company June 24: $58 member | $63 public An Evening with Little Feat The Last Farewell Tour June 28: $75member | $80 public St. Paul & The Broken Bones with Nathan Graham July 1: $55 member | $60 public Matteo Bocelli July 2: $58 member | $63 public Ziggy Marley with J Boog July 10: $95 member | $100 public Lucy Dacus with Smidley July 13: $75member | $80 public Trampled by Turtles July 15: $62 member | $67 public Shakey Graves with Cam Neal July 16: $57 member | $62 public Buddy Guy - Buddy Guy 90 Tour July 20: $90 member | $95 public KALEO with Dawes July 22: $80 member | $85 public An Evening with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit July 23: $117 member | $122 public St. Vincent with Grand Rapids Symphony July 26: $ 98 member | $103 public Houndmouth July 27: $55 member | $60 public Brothers Osborne July 30: $90 member | $95 public Jesse Welles with Steph Strings Aug . 3: $59 member | $64 public Men at Work + Toad the Wet Sprocket with Shonen Knife Aug. 5: $95 member | $100 public An Evening with The Beach Boys Aug. 6: $83 member | $88 public Umphreys McGee + moe. Aug. 12: $77member | $82 public Mat Kearney Aug. 13: $62 member | $67 public Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers Aug. 16: $62 member | $67 public ZZ Top with Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band Aug. 26: $105member | $110public Myles Smith with Michael Marcagi Aug. 28: $89 member | $94 public Punch Brothers Sept. 9: $60 member | $65 public Indigo Girls Sept. 14: $73member | $78 public Switchfoot Sept. 16: $67 member | $72 public

Members of Meijer Gardens can buy tickets beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April, 18 through Thursday, April 23. There is a limit of six tickets per show.

Sales to the public begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 24 for any tickets unsold during the Members Presale. There is a limit of six thickets per show for non-members as well.

Read more stories from the FOX 17 Morning News teamDo you have an idea for the Morning News team or maybe an idea for a guest segment or something for the gang to come out and try? Send them an email at

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