In today's newsletter, what we know about FBI raids against pro-Palestine protesters across Michigan, some areas will see 80 degree temps today, and the Trump administration is considering a $5,000 "baby bonus" payment to American mothers. |
With 80 degree temperatures on the way for parts of Michigan this week, it's the perfect time to enjoy a few springtime outdoor activities. Several fishing seasons begin this weekend, including the statewide trout season. In a true symbol that spring is here, cherry blossoms are expected to reach their peak bloom this weekend at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. Currently, the cherry blossoms are at 40-50% blooming, with peak bloom expected at around 70% for about a week. Speaking of blooms, Holland's tulips are budding just in time for Tulip Time next month. Keep up with the blooms' growth with the help of this Tulip Tracker. |
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The cherry trees were in full bloom at the Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Becky Particka | MLive.com) |
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Trump administration mulling $5,000 ‘baby bonus’ payments to encourage women to have more children |
Declining birth rates: The Trump administration is considering a $5,000 "baby bonus" payment to American mothers after childbirth as part of initiatives to address declining U.S. birth rates, reports Matt Durr. The proposal, which would require congressional approval, comes from conservative advocates promoting "family values" and aligns with Project 2025's goal to "restore the family as the centerpiece of American life." Other ideas include menstrual cycle education programs and reserving 30% of Fulbright scholarships for married applicants or those with children. GOP state bills: Michigan Republicans are pushing six bills that would align state law with President Trump's controversial executive orders. The proposals would require using "Gulf of America" instead of Gulf of Mexico on all state materials and ban sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants. Audrey Whitaker reports that other bills would restrict social welfare benefits to citizens and "qualified aliens" only. The House committee will consider these proposals on Thursday. Immigration detention: A Venezuelan man who made a wrong turn while delivering in Detroit and accidentally drove into Canada has been sent to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador after U.S. authorities claimed he belonged to a crime organization. Matt Durr reports that Ricardo Prada Vásquez's family lost track of him after his detention, as his name didn't appear in deportation records until after media inquiries. DHS has provided no proof of gang affiliation claims. |
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RFK Jr. building Autism Registry to track Americans by using their personal data |
Private medical data for millions of Americans is being collected by the government as part of ongoing efforts by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to study autism. According to CBS News, part of that research involves creating a national registry of Americans who have autism. Vaccination status: It’s a good time to make sure you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccinations. Michigan is experiencing its first measles outbreak since 2019, with eight measles cases confirmed across five counties this year. Whooping cough has sickened thousands - 2,081 residents in 2024, up from 110 cases in 2023, and more than a dozen mumps cases have been investigated this spring. Cases on the rise: As a state, about 90% of Michigan children entering kindergarten in 2023 were up-to-date on their recommended vaccines, which includes the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). However, there were communities with rates below 70%, and school buildings below 50%, leaving many young residents vulnerable to the highly infectious disease. |
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What we know about FBI raids against pro-Palestine protesters across Michigan |
FBI raids: At least three homes in Washtenaw County and the surrounding area were raided early Wednesday morning, officials confirmed. Local advocacy groups alleged the raids are connected to ongoing pro-Palestine protests in Ann Arbor. Officials confirmed Wednesday the raids were related to “multijurisdictional acts of vandalism.” Timeline: It’s the latest in a string of local incidents, including pro-Palestinian protests on the University of Michigan campus, vandalism, arrests, lawsuits and actions by elected officials, since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in October 2023. Finding out more: The law enforcement action was the latest since October 2023 involving Tahrir Coalition, which consists of about 100 pro-Palestine groups across campus. Here’s what you need to know about the Ann Arbor-based organization. |
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Crazy Michigan weather: 80 degrees at one end, frigid at the other |
Opposite temperatures: We have a big temperature spread expected for Thursday. Most of Lower Michigan will have the warmest day of spring so far coming today. However, if you are heading north you better take your winter coat.Thursday we will enjoy temperatures around 15 degrees to 25 degrees warmer than normal. The Upper Peninsula will have temperatures only in the 40s Thursday. In the skies: This week’s rare “Smiley Face Moon” has been creating a buzz on social media. Two bright “stars” are supposed to form the eyes of a smiling face on April 25, while a thin crescent moon will look like the face’s grin in the pre-dawn sky. Skywatching experts have dubbed it a social-sharing hoax, saying this triple conjunction happening in our early-morning sky on Thursday and Friday won’t really look like a classic smiley face sticker, like our internet friends have lead us to believe. Garden talk: Roses are returning to gardens with new, low-maintenance varieties that offer longer blooming periods and better disease resistance. Monrovia has developed six improved categories including bush-type roses that function as landscape shrubs, ground cover varieties, container-friendly miniatures, and fragrant options that bring back the classic rose scent. Mark Torregrossa reports these new varieties could help roses reclaim their place from hydrangeas as garden favorites, with options hardy enough to thrive even in Michigan's climate. |
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Mackinac Island’s Sip n’ Sail cruises to add new adventure for summer |
Summertime fun: One of Mackinac’s main attractions is actually all about stepping off the island and onto a cruise. Sip n’ Sail Cruises has a summer calendar packed with on-the-water adventures, and tickets are now available to book online. This year, the big Isle Royale Queen III and the glass-bottomed Robin E will both be sailing from the island’s Arnold Freight Dock, just around the corner from the popular Seabiscuit Cafe. New this season are history cruises being narrated by members of the Mackinac Island Historical Society. On the water: There could be new regulations on a popular Northern Michigan waterway after three summers of near collisions between a car ferry and fishing boats. The U.S. Coast Guard has proposed a new rule that would require smaller boats to give a wide berth to the S.S. Badger and other large vessels during times of “congestion” on Ludington’s relatively narrow waterways. In Toledo: An Ohio port city will host its first cruise ship in decades, welcoming Victory Cruise Lines this spring. The Victory I – 286-foot, 190-guest Great Lakes cruise ship – will call on Toledo on Friday, May 30, officials announced. This one-time test stop represents the first cruise ship to visit the city in “more than a generation.” |
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Thanks for starting your day with the Morning Briefing. As always, you can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. See you tomorrow! - Cara Hackett |
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