Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2023

In today's newsletter, new rules put Michigan’s homeless in the crosshairs, great weekend weather is ahead, and Michigan basketball team heading to Europe this summer.

Alpacas are coming to this Northern Michigan beer garden every Friday this summer

Thank goodness it's Friday...Alpaca Friday, that is.

Stormcloud Brewing's Parkview Taproom, right in Frankfort, will host the fuzzy, four-legged animals from Crystal Lake Alpacas each Friday this summer. The staff said they love collaborating with local businesses and that the weekly event is meant to showcase "the many unique things our area has to offer."

Also in Michigan's animal kingdom, GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park in Naubinway, about 35 miles east of the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula is welcoming two baby warthogs.

Curated by Cara Hackett

Red, white and blue fireworks explode in Grand Rapids

The Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse at sunset. (Photo by Edward Pevos | MLive)

Cities call it public safety, but new rules put Michigan’s homeless in the crosshairs

Pushed out: Homeless Michiganders may end up bearing the brunt of punishment under new and proposed city ordinances looking to crack down on certain activities in the name of public safety.

What's going on?: Though all parts of the state experience homeless populations, urban areas are predisposed to having more homeless individuals. The northern Lower Peninsula saw the greatest increase in people experiencing homelessness from 2020 to 2021, according to a 2021 annual state report.

The ACLU of Michigan says new, proposed Grand Rapids rules sparked by concerns about aggressive panhandling and homeless people piling up personal belongings in parks are unconstitutional.

Read more

Pure Michigan to halt national ads after surprise budget cut

Don’t be surprised to see fewer of those alluring Pure Michigan commercials, and it’s not because summer tourism will be over. It’s instead because state lawmakers cut the travel office’s budget by nearly two-thirds last week when passing a record $82 billion state budget.

Drive safely: After a shortened work week due to the Fourth of July landing on Tuesday this year, there are plenty of Michiganders likely hitting the road again for more summer fun. This is where road closures will impact weekend travel throughout Michigan.

Clean up time:Sandbags placed along Great Lakes shorelines during high water levels three years ago should be removed to prevent plastic pollution, Michigan environmental regulators said.

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Michigan’s weekend will feature some great summer weather

Weekend forecast: This weekend’s weather has three different weather patterns over Michigan. Most of Lower Michigan is in a dry and mostly sunny weekend weather pattern. Some of central and northeast Lower Michigan will be in a quick, spotty thunderstorm pattern for Saturday. The Upper Peninsula will have a six hour period of thunderstorms.

Warmer winter: El Niño has officially started and is expected to become strong by Michigan's winter. A strong El Niño has often produced a warmer and drier than normal winter in Michigan.

Fishing report: Anglers targeting salmon and lake trout had “lots of luck” in different areas of Michigan this past week, according to state officials.

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Michigan basketball team heading to Europe this summer

Taking flight: The Michigan women’s basketball team will take a 10-day trip, starting next month, with stops in a pair of Italian cities—Sorrento and Rome—as well as Dubrovnik, Croatia, and play three exhibition games, the program announced on Thursday.

Speaking of Wolverines: The Wolverine Confidential podcast focuses on Michigan football's recent success against Ohio State and what it means for Ryan Day.

A change in plans: Left-handed pitcher Anthony Misiewicz, who was designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers on June 29, has been claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees.

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5 Charlevoix area attractions to knock off your bucket list this summer

For your next trip: From a huge castle, which is a major wedding destination, to hobbit-looking houses to a giant, roadside cherry pie pan, here are some must-see attractions and destinations to knock off your Charlevoix area bucket list this summer.

Summertime fun: Summer is in full swing, and Saginaw has plenty of ways to celebrate this July. From Jazz in the Garden to Old Town Saginaw’s Lawn Chair Film Festival, check out these events to mark on your calendar.

Back at the beach: The day use area at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, including access to the Lake Michigan beach, reopens Friday after a months-long closure.

Read more

We'll see you next week.

We made it to the end of another week. Let's get ready to relax.

As always, stay in the know with the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a MLive subscriber.

Have a great weekend!

— Cara Hackett

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