Morning 4: Air quality alert issued for 14 Michigan counties — and other news

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day. So, let’s get to the news.

Air quality alert issued for 14 Michigan counties as wildfire smoke returns

An air quality alert has been issued for 14 Michigan counties, including in Metro Detroit, as Canadian wildfire smoke returns to the area this weekend.

Learn more here.

Spongy moth caterpillars are still a nuisance in Michigan: What to know

Though their population has been on the decline, spongy moth caterpillars continue to be a nuisance.

Spongy moth caterpillars cluster on oaks and other deciduous trees and eat their leaves, leaving the trees vulnerable to disease and other pests. During large outbreaks of these caterpillars, debris and the BB-sized pellets of frass (droppings) they leave behind can be a nuisance.

Read the report here.

Why Michigan has designated two bovine tuberculosis testing areas

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) was detected in wild deer in some Michigan counties, causing officials to designate two bovine TB testing areas.

Bovine TB was detected in wild deer in Benzie, Crawford, and Otsego counties, during the 2023 season. Because of that, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has designated two testing areas.

Read more here.

The steps Metro Detroit homeowners should take to combat high-end house thefts

Crews of thieves are continuing to target high-end homes across Metro Detroit, stealing valuable items while homeowners aren’t there.

Authorities in Oakland County say the teams of thieves are actually coming from Chile, and are targeting houses throughout the United States. Here in Michigan, high-end homes have been targeted in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, and the issue continues.

See the lists here.

Weather forecast: Air quality alert, sunshine, and warm temps to start the weekend across Metro Detroit