Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023

In today's newsletter, air quality in parts of Michigan among worst in world right now, holding phones while driving in Michigan illegal after Whitmer signs road safety law, and Western Michigan University hopes to sell alcohol at football games this season.

A throwback experience — with 2023 films — awaits at this Michigan drive-in theater

This might an oldie, but it's still a goodie. Gas up the car, grab your favorite snacks for a blast from the past experience with modern movies at this Michigan drive-in theater.

The drive-in movie experience never left Hi-Way Drive-In.

Located about halfway between Sandusky and Port Sanilac near Michigan’s eastern coast, The Hi-Way Drive-In, in Carsonville, remains a throwback to an era when watching movies while sitting in a vehicle in a converted parking lot was part of American culture. And it makes sense. The venue opened in 1947.

If you want to participate in a thriller instead of watching one on-screen, a one of a kind ride just opened this week at an amusement park not far from Michigan. Check out video of Tundra Twister. It’s new for 2023 at Canada’s Wonderland, located just outside of Toronto.

Curated by Cara Hackett

The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is seen here at sunset on Sept. 29, 2015 at Ludington State Park in Ludington, Mich. The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association will offer six bus days to the lighthouse this summer; it's normally only accessible by hiking up the beach or through the woods. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Air quality in parts of Michigan among worst in world right now, here’s how to stay safe

Hard to breathe: As wildfires continue to burn in the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and Quebec, people in Metro Detroit are currently experiencing some of the worst air quality worldwide, according to the IQAir.

A Northern Michigan wildfire that burned more than 2,400 acres in Crawford County's Grayling Township is now 100% contained, but the Department of Natural Resources is asking people to avoid the area.

Time to clean up: Michigan air quality regulators are fining a metro Detroit area crematorium $180,000 following a multi-year history of complaints about black smoke, foul odors and flames emitting from the facility stacks.

Read more

Holding phones while driving in Michigan illegal after Whitmer signs road safety law

Eyes on the road: In a bid to reduce road deaths, taking a call with a phone to your ear while driving will be illegal in Michigan beginning next month, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill aimed to combat distracted driving into law Wednesday.

Protecting LGBTQ youth: On Tuesday, Michigan lawmakers heard testimony on bills that would make it illegal to administer conversion therapy on minors. If passed, Michigan would join 21 states, plus D.C., where similar bans have been enacted.

More in politics: Efforts to update Michigan’s hate crime statute is under way for the first time in roughly 35 years as lawmakers took testimony Tuesday on a bill package to expand who, and what, is covered under current law.

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‘Like winning the lottery:’ Huge, mega-rare hawk spotted in Michigan

Bird's eye view: In a once-in-a-lifetime, needle-in-a-haystack discovery, some intrepid Michigan birders managed to track down North America’s largest hawk this week in a field on the state’s west side, about a thousand miles from its home.

Speaking of outside activities: From flying a chopper to rescue a person on Michigan’s remote Isle Royale to helping people off disabled boats in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, Coast Guard personnel have been racking up the rescues in the last week or so.

More environmental news: Any Michigan growing season needs us to water our gardens. This year, watering has already been especially important. Here are some tips from gardening experts.

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WMU hopes to sell alcohol at football games this season

Over at Western Michigan: Bronco fans 21 and older may be able to buy beers, wines and seltzers at Waldo Stadium next football season. Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees approved an application for five one-day liquor licenses for the stadium, pending approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

Off to a rough start: It's been a frustrating first two years for the Lions' Ifeatu Melifonwu. The former third-round pick has been limited to only 17 games in two seasons, switching from cornerback to safety last year before another hampered campaign.

On the basketball court: Michigan men’s basketball added Olivier Nkamhoua, a proven veteran to its roster on Wednesday, and head coach Juwan Howard’s reaction reflects how important that was.

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‘Three Free’ weekend means free fishing, off-roading, state park entry across Michigan

Let's get outdoors: It’s “Three Free” weekend across Michigan this Saturday and Sunday. That means state licensing requirements will be waved for fishing and off-road vehicles. At the same time, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources won’t require a Recreation Passport or daily pass for entry into state parks.

Guten tag: Frankenmuth’s 2023 Bavarian Festival returns Thursday, June 8, bringing a long weekend full of polka music, German food, beer, parades and fun to Michigan’s Little Bavaria.

A different option : Most days, lighthouse enthusiasts must take a hike to see the popular Big Sable Point Lighthouse, but there will be six days this summer when you can catch a bus instead.

Read more

That's all for now.

Thanks for joining me here for the Morning Briefing.

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

Be kind to someone today!

— Cara Hackett

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