Morning Briefing

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2023

In today's newsletter, Michigan's GOP lawmakers say gun owners should be able to conceal their firearms, a rain donut is swirling around Michigan, and Michigan has two of the top 100 donut shops in the entire country, says ranking.

Welcome to the world, little giraffe.

Let's start today with a happy ending. A giraffe calf was born at the Detroit Zoo on May 31 after an easy labor and birth – but what came next put the youngster’s survival in question.

The newborn came into the world slightly underweight and had difficulty nursing. Nursing also seemed uncomfortable for his mother, Zara, who has otherwise been “a dedicated and protective mom,” according to officials. Experts from around the country explored ways of making the pair more comfortable. Their efforts paid off. Now two weeks old, the calf is regularly nursing and gaining weight at a healthy rate, officials said.

“His survival is a testament to the expertise and hard work of our animal care and veterinary teams," said officials. "Because of them, Zara can nurse, bond with her calf and enjoy being a first-time mom.”

Curated by Cara Hackett

The famous Budweiser Clydesdales made an appearance during the Love Ludington Street Party

A male giraffe was born to 5-year-old Zara, a first-time mom, on May 31, 2023, at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Mich. The labor and birth went smoothly but the calf was underweight and the pair had trouble nursing. The calf didn't get the nutrition he needed during his first 12 hours of life. Zoo staff then intervened to help the calf latch and make Zara more comfortable while nursing. The calf is now growing at a healthy rate. (Provided by Detroit Zoo)

If you can own a gun, you should be able to conceal it, say Michigan’s GOP lawmakers

Over in politics: A small cohort of Republicans are hoping to make Michigan the 28th "constitutional carry" state in the nation – despite all signs pointing to it not happening this legislative term.

Hefty fines: Michigan Republican Party chair Kristina Karamo and eight others have been sanctioned by a Wayne County judge, ordered to pay more than $58,000 over their lawsuit that alleged, without evidence, there was widespread voter fraud in Detroit days before the November 2022 election.

Speaking of guns: A gun ban could be in place on the grounds of the Michigan Capitol as early as Labor Day of this year.

Read more

4 proposed changes could benefit Michigan prisoners

Prison reform: Michigan Democrats have reintroduced legislation that would make changes to things like sentencing procedures and could affect the more than 30,000 prisoners in Michigan’s correctional facilities.

Two migrant workers are accusing a West Michigan blueberry farm of human trafficking and forced labor. They claim workers were illegally transported to Michigan and forced to pick blueberries for long hours and they had to live in substandard workforce housing.

More in public interest: Two of the students wounded in the Feb. 13 shootings at Michigan State University have informed the university of their intent to sue, alleging that MSU knew about “defective safety conditions” in Berkey Hall and failed to take actions that would have kept them from harm.

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A rain donut is swirling around Michigan, keeping us dry in the middle

Grab the umbrella: Rain is in store for the Upper Peninsula this week, and showers are possible along the Michigan border. The rain system looks a little bit like a donut, swirling around our state. The problem? It leaves mid-Michigan high and dry, at a time when farms and gardens alike are in desperate need for water.

A look ahead: Here's a look at this week's weather across Michigan. We can expect it to be cooler and wetter, and things will gradually warm up by the end of the week.

For the nature-lovers: The Highlands at Harbor Springs new Aonach Mor Twilight Dinner Series will whisk participants up to the North Peak, a hilltop perch with a truly fantastic view.

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Allowing alcohol at college sporting events gets another shot in Michigan legislature

Pour it out: SB 247 sponsor Sen. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo, told the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee on Tuesday there are positive benefits to ending the prohibition of alcohol at college stadiums aside from simply allowing fans to purchase alcohol while cheering on their teams.

In the big leagues: Michigan basketball should be well represented front and center at next week’s NBA draft. Two former Wolverines have reportedly received invitations to attend the draft and sit in the “green room.”

Speaking of the NBA: Recently hired coach Monty Williams was enticed by the challenge of restoring the Detroit Pistons to glory. He was intrigued by the opportunity to mold and develop young talent like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. He also was lured by the money.

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Michigan has two of the top 100 donut shops in the entire country, says ranking

For your sweet tooth: Michigan has no shortage of terrific donut shops, but two are being recognized nationally after being ranked in Yelp’s 2023 list of the top 100 donut shops in the country. Avon Donuts in Pontiac ranks at number 34 on the list and Dom Bakeries in Ypsilanti comes in at number 72.

Munching in Mundy: The first of three Food Truck Wednesdays to be hosted at the Mundy Miracle Commons this summer is fast approaching. If successful, organizers hope the event will become a new tradition for residents.

Big spenders: Visitors to Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula are spending more dollars than ever, pumping $140 million into the remote community’s local economy, according to a report from the tourism bureau Visit Keweenaw.

Read more

That's all for now.

I'm glad you decided to start your day with the Morning Briefing. We'll see you here tomorrow.

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It's going to be a great rest of the week!

— Cara Hackett

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