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.
‘Talking to someone underage is wrong’: Undercover chat leads feds to Michigan sex offender
A federal criminal complaint was filed against Shawn Michael Smith, 32, of Warren, for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor after a lengthy undercover chat.
A U.S. Postal Inspector and former Homeland Security Investigator assigned to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division, said in late February 2026, a user on the social media app, Kik, with the username “pink_cupola” contacted another Undercover Agent in Boston, Massachusetts, who presented themselves as a minor boy.
Smith allegedly told the undercover agent that he “was an adult male searching for a female to talk to online” and asked if they knew of any females.
New I-696 ramp closure begins Monday -- what to know
Another ramp closure begins Monday on I-696.
The westbound I-696 shared ramp to Lahser Road, Telegraph Road and Northwestern Highway is closed beginning Monday, May 4, through the summer.
Detroit restaurants and businesses see boom amid Pistons playoff run
A huge win for the Pistons means a huge win for Detroit businesses, too. After the Pistons shut down the Magic on Sunday, restaurants were ready for the rush of it all.
“First time since 2008, so it was really really awesome,” Charlie Chappus said. He had just left the Pistons game after attending with his dad, Chris.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Michigan’s special election for control of the state Senate
After 16 months without representation in the state Senate, voters in a competitive Central Michigan district will decide control of the chamber on Tuesday in a special election to fill the seat last held by Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet, who’s now a congresswoman.
Michigan Democrats won a state government trifecta in 2022 — control of the governorship and both chambers of the state Legislature — but they lost the state House in 2024 and now cling to a 19-18 state Senate majority. A Republican victory on Tuesday would deadlock the body at 19 senators each.
Weather: Severe storm chances across Metro Detroit this evening -- here’s what to know
Welcome to the pick day of the week. We have a mild Monday on tap, but breezy. We will have sunshine with highs in the 70s and wind gusts 25-35 mph.
There is a chance of thunderstorms this evening into tonight. Some storms may be strong or severe, especially south of I-696 (Marginal risk from Lansing to Gross Ile and south to the state line). The primary window for potential severe storms is between 6 PM and midnight.