Amid a growing measles outbreak, the Michigan State Medical Society is urging families to talk with their doctors about vaccinating their infants early.

Why it matters: Measles is a severely contagious disease marked by rashes and fevers that can cause serious complications, especially in children under 5.

State of play: The physician's association is promoting recent messaging from Michigan's health department, after state and county officials confirmed seven measles cases in Washtenaw County and one in Monroe County since early March.

• Without definitive links between the Washtenaw and Monroe cases, officials are concerned about "possible spread outside the initial outbreak," per an early April news release.

What they're saying: "Measles is an extremely dangerous, highly contagious virus, and outbreaks like this one are a stark reminder of how quickly it can put vulnerable people at risk," Latonya Riddle-Jones, a doctor and association board member, said in a statement last week.

• "Parents in affected areas should pay close attention to this updated guidance, make sure their children are protected, and talk with their physician if they have questions about the MMR vaccine or their child's immunization status."

Zoom out: A nationwide surge of recent cases, overwhelmingly in unvaccinated people, puts the U.S. at risk of losing its measles elimination status.

• While top federal officials have stressed the MMR vaccine is the most effective protection, some have repeatedly portrayed vaccination as a personal choice and ruled out new mandates, Axios' Peter Sullivan writes.

Between the lines: As of this month, state health officials now recommend early MMR vaccination for infants ages 6-11 months who live in Washtenaw, Monroe, Wayne, Oakland, Jackson, Livingston or Lenawee counties, or who travel to Washtenaw and Monroe counties.

• Usually, the first dose is recommended at 12-15 months and the second is given a minimum of 28 days later.
• The state also recommends that all people without evidence of measles immunity get the vaccine.

Threat level: Nearly every county in Michigan failed to meet the herd immunity threshold for measles, with vaccination rates for kindergarteners below the 95% mark, per data published in December by the Washington Post.

• That threshold is widely considered necessary to contain the virus' spread.

Flashback: Michigan had 30 measles cases last year, including two each in Oakland and Macomb counties, according to the state.

The Pistons lost 112-101 at Little Caesars Arena last night in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic.

Why it matters: The No. 8-seeded Magic stole home-court advantage with the win.

Between the lines: The Pistons' defense couldn't contain Magic forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who combined for 42 points.

Cade Cunningham did his part, scoring 39 points with five rebounds and four assists.

What they're saying: "Defensively, I didn't think we were our best," Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the game.

What's next: Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is at 7pm Wednesday at LCA. ESPN will broadcast.

🗳️ Michigan Democrats voted at the Huntington Center yesterday to endorse Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit for attorney general. Both are now headed for the November ballot. (Bridge Michigan)

🏟️ Comerica Park will be renamed after the season ends, an executive for Fifth Third Bancorp said last week. Fifth Third's merger with Comerica closed in February. (WJR)

🎰 Online gamblers have a new option in Michigan. Bet365 launched its sportsbook app on Friday with sponsorship deals with the Tigers and Red Wings. (Sports Business Journal)

Michigan is the 14th best state when it comes to tipping, with a 19.9% average, according to Toast data.

The big picture: Nationwide, tips at full-service restaurants averaged 19.2% in Q4 2025, the same as the previous quarter, per Toast's latest restaurant trends report.

Zoom out: Delaware, West Virginia and New Hampshire topped the list with averages over 20%, while California, Washington, D.C. and Washington state filled out the bottom with under 18%.

Catch up quick: Michigan's tipped workers recently got an increase to their minimum wage in January, from $4.74 to $5.49 an hour. That's 40% of the full minimum wage ($13.73).

The fine print: The report is based on data from restaurants using the Toast platform.

• Cash tips aren't included.

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Earth Day is Wednesday, and there are plenty of ways to contribute this week.

• A few options:

🐦 Birdfeeder decorating for kids at the Detroit Public Library's main branch, 5201 Woodward Ave.

• Today, 4-5:30pm.
• Free!
• Branches citywide are hosting other Earth Day events over the next several days.

🫜 Support local growers and learn about seed sharing at The Outlier Collective's seed packing social.

• Wednesday, noon-2pm, at Vamonos!, 4444 Vernor Hwy.
• Tickets offered on a donation basis.

🎨 Stroll around the city's new Ralph Wilson Park along the Detroit River and then paint what you saw at Wednesday's "en plein air" painting event. All materials provided.

• 6-8pm; Free!

⛲ Belle Isle's annual spring cleanup season starts Saturday with a volunteer event from 9:30-11:30am.