Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023

In today's newsletter, Trump’s arrest spurs Michigan GOP support but could hurt his 2024 campaign, Michigan is under a tornado and severe thunderstorm bullseye, and NASA’s first moon crew in 50 years includes record-setting astronaut from Michigan.

Michigan astronaut shoots for the moon

NASA astronaut Christina Hammock Koch, who was born in Grand Rapids, was selected Monday as one of four astronauts to be the first group to travel to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. Koch's family couldn't be more excited for her second trip to space.

This isn't the first time Koch has made history. While on the International Space Station, Koch set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (328 days) and participated in the first-ever all-female spacewalk in 2019.

As Koch was taking part in that historic spacewalk, her aunt, Loretta Homrich, was livestreaming the spacewalk on her iPad for customers to see at the family farm stand in Comstock Park where Koch worked as a girl. Homrich said the family can’t wait to see Koch in space again. “It’s all monumental," she said. "We’re very excited and most of all proud.”

Curated by Cara Hackett

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has been ranked as one of the top skinny-dipping spots in the world. (Photo by Lori Chapman | MLive)

Trump’s arrest spurs Michigan GOP support but could hurt his 2024 campaign

For the first time in American history, a former president — Donald Trump — was placed under arrest. He plead not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records on Tuesday, according to several news reports.

Reviving the base: Donald Trump's criminal charges may energize his loyal supporters but could hurt him in during the 2024 general election race that requires broad appeal.

Here's one opinion: “I think it all changes when we start talking about the general [election],” said David Dulio, a political science professor at Oakland University who believes Trump will use the trial to consolidate support. “... Independents left him in 2018 and didn’t come back in ‘20 or ‘22. And this certainly isn’t going to help win over persuadable voters.”

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Animal abuser registry proposed under new Michigan ballot initiative

Saving the animals: A Michigan November 2024 ballot initiative would create a statewide animal abuser registry and stop a current legal process that can leave pets hurt in crimes without a home for years. The registry established by Protect MI Pet would be similar to a sex offender registry.

Pearly white teeth: Michigan adults with Medicaid will soon have more dental services covered under their insurance, including sealants, root canals, and crowns. Increased reimbursement rates are expected to incentivize more dental providers to accept Medicaid patients.

The last of five Michigan State University students hospitalized in the deadly campus shooting has been discharged from Sparrow Hospital to another facility.

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Michigan under tornado, severe thunderstorm bullseye

Stay safe during severe weather: A two-day severe thunderstorm outbreak is going to affect Michigan. The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of Lower Michigan in an area with a 10 percent to 14 percent chance of tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms with possible tornadoes and large hail would occur any time between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Troubled waters: Conditions on the Great Lakes won’t be any picnic, either. The National Weather Service offices across the state already have issued Gale Warnings for parts of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron ahead of the approaching storm system. Lake Superior’s conditions are expected to be especially dangerous, with the western half of the lake covered under an even more severe Storm Warning, which could eventually shift to cover the eastern half of the lake as well. Waves up to 25 feet tall are being forecast for some areas.

More snow for the U.P.: While this system will bring the threat of some significant severe weather to the Lower Peninsula, this will bring a winter storm to the Upper Peninsula.

Read more

Who left, who’s left, and where does it leave Michigan basketball?

What's going on with the Wolverines?: The college basketball season may have ended on Monday night, but Michigan’s offseason is well underway. Here’s where things stand with the Wolverines, who posted an 18-16 record last season, as of the morning of April 4.

All in on women's basketball: Women’s college basketball is surging in popularity and Michigan State wants in. As Michigan State turns a new page in its program in hiring new coach Robyn Fralick, it hopes to be putting its program in position to take the next step and join the national elite.

Better luck next time: With two home games remaining this season, the Detroit Pistons were aiming to avoid tying a franchise-worst record. But a spirited performance by the Miami Heat dashed those hopes as the beat the Pistons 118-105 on Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena.

Read more

One of the top skinny-dipping spots in the world is apparently in Michigan

Stripping down: A remote part of Michigan has been ranked as one of the top spots in the entire world to frolic around in your birthday suit. My Dating Advisor's annual The ranking lists Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at number 31 in the world and at number 3 in the U.S.

A bit of advice: Before you decide to strip down, just know that skinny-dipping isn't legal. According to Michigan law, anyone caught for indecent exposure could be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. It’s also an unlawful act on land owned by the Michigan DNR.

Light up the sky: Featuring over 55 colorful, illuminated displays, Grand Rapids’ John Ball Zoo is about to play host to a first-of-its-kind Asian lantern festival in Michigan. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, at the zoo, will begin Wednesday, April 19, and run through Sunday, June 11.

Read more

That's all for today.

You are already starting your day off on the right note by joining me here for the Morning Briefing.

As always, you can catch the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a MLive subscriber.

Have a great day!

— Cara Hackett

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