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.
Why people think the Detroit River caught on fire -- and why the truth is somehow more alarming
Over the course of its more than 320 years, there have been many urban legends and myths regarding Detroit.
As Michigan’s largest city -- and one that has repeatedly caught the attention of the nation at large -- there’s a lot of gossip and half-truths spoken about Detroit. From conspiracies about Jimmy Hoffa, to the Nain Rouge Demon of the Strait, to Belle Isle’s lady in white, the city has a lot of folklore.
One of the most common and repeated claims was that the Detroit River was once so polluted that it caught on fire. It’s so common that it even got mentioned in the 1994 film “The Crow.” But did that happen?
How triple homicide at Detroit gas station unfolded, according to police
Three people were killed in a shooting at a gas station on Detroit’s west side. Police said this stemmed from illegal drag racing.
Detroit police Assistant Chief F.D. Hayes gave an update Tuesday on the triple homicide on the city’s west side that left three young people dead and multiple families grappling with unanswered questions.
Hayes told Local 4 that the triple homicide that happened on April 19 at a Detroit gas station stemmed from an illegal street racing incident that escalated into a confrontation involving guns.
University of Michigan to investigate regent’s ‘disturbing messages’
The University of Michigan is opening an investigation into regent Jordan Acker’s alleged “disturbing” Slack messages about a student.
“We are aware of disturbing messages allegedly attributed to Regent Acker in an article recently published in The Guardian, including messages potentially referencing a University of Michigan student. We immediately reported this matter and expect it to be investigated thoroughly, fairly, and expeditiously,” according to a statement from regents Mark J. Bernstein and Michael J. Behm on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Grosse Pointe Park attorney faces 26 felonies after child porn found in home, officials say
An attorney in Grosse Pointe Park is facing 26 felony charges after child pornography was found in his home, prosecutors said.
Nelson Otto Ropke, 41, of Grosse Pointe Park, is accused of having sexually explicit pictures and videos of prepubescent children at his home in the 800 block of Harcourt Road.
Weather: Warm and sunny Earth Day across Metro Detroit
Mild and mainly dry on this Earth Day. Yesterday kicked off our stretch of 70-degree weather that will likely stick around through Friday.