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Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2023

In today's newsletter, students at MSU reflect on the tragedy that hit the campus, Democratic lawmakers want to prioritize gun reform and Michigan is in for a windy day. 

Michiganders come together during times of crisis.

It's been an extraordinarily difficult couple of days for many in Michigan. The MSU community and the families connected to that community are grieving and processing an unspeakable loss. But in the face of tremendous tragedy, people come together.

At a press conference yesterday, Sparrow hospital's interim President Dr. Denny Martin broke down while discussing five victims of the MSU shooting that were being cared for at the Lansing hospital. While I can't speak to what exactly he was thinking at the moment, he seemed to become emotional when discussing the medical professionals who all immediately volunteered to show up and care for these victims during their time off. There was no hesitation. Texts of "I'm on my way" flowed in, Martin explained.

And over in Ann Arbor, the Spartans' biggest rivals planned a vigil for MSU, which is set for tomorrow, and reacted with an outpouring of support.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

"How many more? Stay safe MSU" is sprayed painted on ‘The Rock’ after a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Three MSU students from southeast Michigan are remembered in wake of deadly campus shooting.

Three students remembered: The three students who were killed in a mass shooting Monday night at Michigan State University are being remembered by their communities. All three were from southeast Michigan.

Police identify victims: Brian Fraser, a 20-year sophomore fraternity president, graduated from Grosse Pointe South before attending MSU. Alexandria Verner, an MSU junior from Clawson, was studying biology. And Arielle Diamond Anderson, a sophomore from Grosse Pointe was studying to become a pediatrician, according to media reports.

'This time it came here': Bouquets of flowers sat at the feet of MSU’s famed Sparty statue at the football stadium on Tuesday as students gathered and reflected on the tragedy that hit their campus.

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The father of the gunman in the MSU shooting speaks.

'We can't control evil':The man who went on a deadly shooting spree at Michigan State University had struggled since the death of his mother two years ago, his father said. But Michael McRae Sr. said there is no clear answer to explain why his son, Anthony McRae, would go to the campus and open fire, killing three students and critically wounding five others.

McRae said he is devastated: "I’m sorry it happened. God bless the victims and God bless their families. For myself, for what he did, I’d say, ‘I’m sorry.’ You don’t know what happens in life. All I can do is say I’m sorry."

'The neighbors called the cops on him': Anthony McRae used to fire a gun into the back yard of the small north Lansing home he shared with his father, according to neighbors who spoke with MLive.

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MSU shooting sends gun reform laws to the top of the Democratic agenda.

'We’re going to move quickly': Grief and horror is mingling with anger and resolve among Democratic leaders in state government following the mass shooting at MSU. The House majority floor leader, Rep. Abraham Aiyash, D-Hamtramck, said the tragedy has spurred Democrats to take more aggressive action on gun violence.

Whitmer also wants reforms: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has called for universal background checks, red flag laws and safe storage requirements. With Democrats in full control of the state legislature, albeit with slim majorities, they have some confidence the measures can pass.

Biden speaks about shooting: President Joe Biden briefly addressed the MSU shooting, saying "we have to do something to stop gun violence ripping apart our communities."

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Advertisement

It will be a windy one out there today, with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

A windy Wednesday: Winds will be blowing from the southwest with gusts frequently between 40 and 50 mph, so both north-south and east-west roads will be equally impacted, especially for high profile vehicles. Wind Advisories have been issued until 4 p.m. along and west of U.S. 127, as well as for eastern portions of the state.

Signs of spring: If you are rooting for spring, you will be excited when we look at the long-term average high temperature. Over the next two weeks, the average daily high increases a substantial amount here in Michigan.

Be in the know on weather: To always get the latest on Michigan weather, bookmark this page. You can also discuss the latest on weather with other Michiganders in our Facebook group.

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A Michigan gold mine is fighting a tribe over historic land.

Anaem Omot: There is a five-square-mile area along the Michigan and Wisconsin border where ancient indigenous burial mounds dot the banks of the Menominee River. Large circles still mark the land where Menominee Nation ancestors performed a dream dance that was introduced by the Ojibwe in the 19th century.

A decision will come soon: This month, the National Park Service said it expects to complete its review of the Menominee tribe’s application for listing on the National Register. If approved, it will nonetheless mark a victory for the Menominee in a long-running battle to stop a gold mine under development within part of the proposed site boundary.

More from the Upper Peninsula: A hand-built ice chapel hosts a candlelit Mass in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

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That's all for now.

We know there is a lot to process with what's going on in our state this week. Even those of us who work in news will tell you, it's OK to take a break from the headlines. 

But whenever you are ready to get the latest Michigan news, we will always have it for you at MLive.com. And if you appreciate the hard work of our journalists, consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

Cara will be here with you in the Morning Briefing tomorrow.

— Jessica Shepherd

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