In today's newsletter, insecticide use is the largest factor contributing to a decline in butterfly abundance, a summertime weather pattern comes back next week and Michigan basketball adds its tallest player in 5 years. |
Immerse yourself in Lebanese culture this weekend |
Get ready to enjoy Lebanese music, food, belly dancing, singing and more this weekend in Flint. The Our Lady of Lebanon, a Maronite Catholic church in Flint Township, is bringing back the Mid-East Festival from Friday, July 12, to Sunday, July 14. The annual festival aims to share Middle Eastern culture, faith, and traditions with the broader community at the church. Speaking of festivals, the Great Lakes Bay Region Pride Festival has announced a new date after the original event in June was postponed due to severe weather concerns. The festival will now take place on Saturday, August 17, at Wenonah Park in downtown Bay City. |
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Ravi, a 7-year-old male red panda, and Ginger, a 3-year-old first-time mom, welcomed the twins on June 17. (Photo provided by the Detroit Zoo) |
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U.S. Interior Secretary announces $120M for tribal climate efforts from Michigan’s Gun Lake Tribe |
Climate changes: U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland joined leaders of Michigan’s Gun Lake Tribe to announce $120 million in new federal funding to help tribal communities prepare for climate changes. The money is meant to help Native tribes nationwide respond to climate threats by relocating critical infrastructure, among other climate actions. In the water: The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians introduced 1 million walleye and more than 45,000 whitefish into Northern Michigan waters this year, the report said. Since 1995, the tribe has released 20 million walleye. Insecticide use is the largest factor contributing to a decline in butterfly abundance and species diversity across the Midwest. A scientific study completed at Michigan State University concluded that shifts in insecticide use toward neonicotinoid-treated seeds are associated with an 8% decline in butterfly species diversity across the U.S. Midwest. |
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Rain moves out, then summerlike pattern returns through early next week |
Forecast: Summer lovers, this is for you! A very summerlike weather pattern is in store for the end of this week and into early next week. This comes after the remnants of Beryl pass through much of the eastern United States. Warm temperatures with several chances of afternoon showers and thunderstorms are likely. Soaked: Heavy rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl has left Genesee County drenched, with totals hovering around 2-3 inches as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Burton was hit the hardest with 5.49 inches of rainfall, followed by 4.40 inches in Davison, according to the National Weather Service. Be alert: It’s important to know how to prepare in case flooding occurs in your area. Here are a few tips to stay safe in the event of floods. |
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Looking for an e-bike? Michigan proposal could offer discounts of up to $600 |
Cycling: Michiganders looking to hop on an electric bicycle to get around might be in line for some help from the state. Nearly $3 million to fund discounts for e-bike purchases made its way into the state budget passed by the Legislature in late June. Democrats behind the effort are hopeful a bill establishing an incentive program with the money will advance. Detour: Construction crews are months away from starting a major road project that will enhance a declining bridge and outdated interchange north of Grand Rapids along I-96. When work begins on the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge and nearby on- and off-ramps, drivers who frequently travel the area can expect significant disruptions to the flow of traffic. Until further notice: Parking at metered spots in downtown Flint is free until the Downtown Development Authority replaces existing meters with a new system later this summer. |
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Michigan basketball adds its tallest player in 5 years |
On the court: The Michigan women’s basketball program added some serious height on Tuesday. Iuliia Grabovskaia, a 6-foot-5 center, transferred to Michigan. Grabovskaia appeared in 34 games off the bench for Middle Tennessee last season, averaging 9.8 minutes, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 points per game. She shot 60 percent from the field. New addition: The Detroit Pistons claimed 6-9 forward/center Paul Reed off waivers Tuesday from the Philadelphia 76ers. Reed, 25, will be entering the second year of a three-year, $24 million contract. Not in the 2024 Olympics: Los Angeles Clippers star wing Kawhi Leonard withdrew from Team USA ahead of the Paris Olympics to prepare for the upcoming NBA season, it was announced on Wednesday. Celtics guard Derrick White will replace Leonard on the 12-man roster, according to multiple reports. |
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Red Panda Cubs Watch: Michigan zoo’s newborn twins snuggling and nursing on mom |
Bundles of joy: We are getting our first update on the red panda twins recently born at the Detroit Zoo. Staff at the Zoo posted an update on Facebook saying the twins are “growing exponentially and getting stronger and fluffier with every passing day.” The twins were born on June 17 to Ravi, a 7-year-old male red panda, and Ginger, a 3-year-old first-time mother. On display: Something big is about to arrive at John Ball Zoo, and it sounds a little different than the usual roar of a lion. Beginning Monday, July 15, more than 20 life-size dinosaurs will be on the grounds as part of the zoo’s newest exhibit, “Dino Adventures” in the entryway and Forest Realm sections. Little runners: More than 100 cute corgis will race as fast as they can on their little short legs at the 2024 Michigan Celtic Festival, formerly known as the Saline Celtic Festival. The annual festival is Friday and Saturday, July 12-13, at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. |
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