Morning Briefing

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022

In today's newsletter, donkeys are helping protect U.P. livestock from wolves, there isn't much rain in the forecast for Michigan and a preview of one of the state's biggest Fourth of July events.

A mother's vow to her murdered daughter and a family's compassion for a dying matriarch.

This story really resonated with our readers yesterday. And if you subscribe to our breaking newsletter, you might have spotted it. If you want to start getting it in your inbox, subscribe here.

Edith “Sammi” Siordia made a vow to outlive the man who killed her 7-year-old daughter in 1967. And despite a life filled with hardship, she fought to the age of 81. But her family, knowing it was time to let go told her, "Mom, it’s OK. Go with Sonya."

A warning that this story is the kind that will stir up emotions for many readers. There are mentions of many traumatic events throughout the story, so please take stock of your needs and triggers before diving in.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Moviegoers watch a film showing at a drive-in theater. Michigan has 11 drive-ins across the state.

There are 11 drive-in theaters across Michigan and they are hoping to see you this summer.

Drive-ins are hoping for a strong summer: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, drive-in theaters saw a boost in interest. There were times they were the only theaters open in the state. But those who operate Michigan's drive-ins hope the crowds continue to show up this season.

Paul Dergarabedian, a Comscore senior media analyst: "In terms of the box office back in 2020, they were really kind of the savior of the industry and provided a beacon of hope for brick-and-mortar theaters,” he said. “Because if people love streaming to the exclusion of the big screen, then you wouldn’t have seen these big numbers for the drive-ins."

Where are the drive-ins in Michigan? The state currently has 11 drive-ins scattered around. We have a full list with location details and more info.

Read more

Donkeys are serving as livestock guardians in an up north battle with gray wolves.

Protecting livestock: What keeps a hungry wolf at bay? Turns out, an angry braying donkey that’s bonded with the other farm animals and doesn’t want to see them dragged away and eaten will do the trick. Just ask farmers up north.

Not everyone takes the donkey approach: Two farmers on opposite sides of the U.P. have had livestock killed by wolves. But they don't find common ground on a solution.

Check out this video: Cattle farmer Cliff Lindberg says he's had no problem with wolves since he added donkeys to his farm at Bruce Crossing in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Read more

Rain chances are looking slim for Michigan in the next 10 days.

Hoping for rain? Well, this 10-day forecast probably won't be what you were hoping for. It shows a few chances for storms, but they won't be soakers.

From Mark Torregrossa's forecast: "We don’t have an entirely dry forecast, but the rainfall amounts could be light for late June and early July. There could be sections in Michigan that don’t have any rain at all in the next 10 days."

Looking forward to the Fourth: Torregrossa says the forecast for the holiday weekend is looking rather lovely. Read all about it here and dream about Independence Day fun.

Read more

The Bay City Fireworks Festival is kind of a big deal. Here's what to know if you plan to go.

What is it? If you are unfamiliar with the Bay City Fireworks Festival, it is a three-day celebration centered around Independence Day. There are carnival rides, elephant ears and lots of fireworks (of course).

When is it? The festival will be held on June 30 and July 1 and 2. The fireworks start at 10:15 p.m. each night. Smaller shows will be shot off on June 30 and July 1. The larger grand finale show will be held on the last night of the festival on July 2.

Headed to TC for the Fourth? If Traverse City is on the schedule for the Fourth of July, here is a look at what to expect up north.

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Dems weigh in on Dobbs decision, saying GOP is coming for LGBTQ rights and contraceptives next.

Three Democratic House lawmakers are warning that abortion is just the first of several constitutional rights that could be on the chopping block after last week's U.S. Supreme Court decision, which overhauled the right to an abortion.

"They are not going to stop,” Rep. Laurie Pohutsky said. “They are coming for contraceptives. They are coming for our right to privacy. They are coming for the LGBTQ community.”

Beaumont-Spectrum Health reverses course: Michigan’s largest health system will continue to provide abortions when medically necessary despite earlier statements indicating its hospitals would follow the legal guidance of a 1931 state law that virtually bans all abortions outright.

Read more

That's all or now.

We gave you plenty of reading material to get through your Tuesday morning.

If you plow through these stories, you can always find the latest headlines from across Michigan by visiting MLive.com. You can also stay updated by following our Facebook and Twitter pages. If you value the hard work of Michigan journalists, consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

I'll see you here at 7 a.m. sharp tomorrow.

— Jessica Shepherd

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