Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Governor Pritzker Playfully Proposes Renaming Lake Michigan

2/9/2025

47 6

Summary

Story summary

In a lighthearted jab at President Trump's recent executive order, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker playfully proposed renaming Lake Michigan to "Lake Illinois" and annexing Green Bay, Wisconsin. His tongue-in-cheek proclamation, aimed at safeguarding against "enemies, foreign and domestic," teased an intriguing future announcement about the Mississippi River.

History

Historical Context

Governor JB Pritzker's playful proposal to rename Lake Michigan reflects historical tensions over water rights and state boundaries in the Great Lakes region. In the 1950s, Canada opposed U.S. diversions from Lake Michigan, fearing ecological harm. Additionally, proposals for creating a "State of Superior" from Michigan's Upper Peninsula highlight ongoing regional identity issues, echoing past sentiments of cultural and political separation.

1 of 2

Story summary

In a lighthearted jab at President Trump's recent executive order, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker playfully proposed renaming Lake Michigan to "Lake Illinois" and annexing Green Bay, Wisconsin. His tongue-in-cheek proclamation, aimed at safeguarding against "enemies, foreign and domestic," teased an intriguing future announcement about the Mississippi River.

1 / 2