Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2023

In today's newsletter, University of Michigan still seeks diversity despite SCOTUS affirmative action ban, a look at this weekend's weather forecast and a Northern Michigan spot is named one of 5 standout bars for Irish whiskey in the U.S.

Here's a different way to celebrate July 4.

Skies across Michigan will light up with fireworks this weekend in celebration of America's Independence Day. Visitors to Colonial Michilimackinac this weekend can enjoy a different kind of “fireworks” show.

After sunset on Sunday, July 3, interpretive staff dressed as British soldiers will fire all of the historic fort’s artillery, with a cannon firing for the grand finale and the Mackinac Bridge serving as the backdrop.

Here's a roundup of just some of the celebrations and traditional firework events going on throughout the state.

Curated by Cara Hackett

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

The sun sets behind the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse, 7320 Lighthouse Road in Port Hope, in this May 23, 2018 MLive file photo. (Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com file)

Despite SCOTUS affirmative action ban, University of Michigan still seeks diversity

The ban on affirmative action by the U.S. Supreme Court will not sway University of Michigan from pursuing broader campus diversity, officials said, just as it has since the state barred public universities from considering race in admissions in 2006.

What's going on?: The conservative majority on nation’s highest court decided on June 29 that higher education institutions violate the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protections Clause when race is considered on its own in admissions decisions.

First in the state: Ann Arbor Public Schools is the first school district in Michigan to release a report quantifying the direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions the district produces.

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Michigan had more crashes but less drunk, drugged and distracted driving in 2022

On the road: Michigan reported 1% fewer traffic fatalities in 2022 compared to 2021, however traffic deaths have increased more than 14% since 2019, according to the state’s annual traffic crash report.Michigan also reported fewer drug-related, alcohol-related, and distracted driving crashes in 2022 than in 2021.

An easier drive: To ease congestion and increase safety during 4th of July weekend, the state will remove lane restrictions on 99 of its 175 ongoing construction projects until 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 5.

Also in public interest: A historic shift is coming to how Michiganders can vote, as lawmakers gave final approval to changes initiated by Proposal 2, passed by voters in November to expand voting rights.

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Michigan’s weekend weather: Perfect summer with a dash of thunderstorms

Storms and smoke: Michigan is going to be positioned in an upper-air pattern that will blow through quick thunderstorms this weekend. It will mostly be sunny in between the thunderstorm clumps, but the smoke is likely going to still be in our sky.

Don't dive in: Heading into the Fourth of July weekend, there are nine Michigan beaches closed or under contamination advisories for water quality that’s unacceptable or questionable for human contact.

Up North forecast: Northern Michigan saw some air quality concerns this week, thanks to Canadian wildfire smoke during the start of the week. This weekend looks to be much cleaner, with rain on Friday moving to sunny skies for Saturday and Sunday.

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Michigan State football attacking summer program as ‘hungry’ team

Above and beyond: While fans go on vacation during the summer and look ahead to a new beginning in the fall, players and coaches are busy at work. For Michigan State, the players are pushing past the heat and attacking the summer program.

Best of the best: Longtime Florida State shortstop and former Portage Central star Josie Muffley will soon take her talents to the professional stage. The 2018 Portage Central graduate will be one of 56 of the world's best professional softball players competing in a new, action-packed professional league.

2023 draft class: After filling needs for a center and skilled right-shot defenseman in the first round, the Red Wings loaded up on big, stay-at-home defensemen on the second day of the draft.

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Northern Michigan spot named one of 5 standout bars for Irish whiskey in U.S.

Check it out: The Cabbage Shed restaurant overlooking Betsie Lake is known as a great spot to stop in for a meal with waterfront views and live music. Whisky Advocate recently named the Cabbage Shed as one of five standout spots for Irish whiskey in the United States.

Blast from the past: For the first time ever in Michigan, you can immerse yourself in the world of the hit 90s sitcom, “Friends” at “The Friends Experience: The One Near Detroit,” opening this weekend.

For the country music fans: We thought you should know what it was like attending night one of Morgan Wallen’s first of two stadium concerts at the home of the Detroit Lions. The country music superstar performed at Ford Field on Thursday, June 30th with the second show scheduled for tonight.

Read more

That's all for now.

Another week is in the books. It's time to unwind for the weekend ahead.

Keep up with the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a MLive subscriber.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Cara Hackett

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