Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day. So, let’s get to the news.
Birmingham pool party homeowner breaks silence, apologizes for neighborhood disruption
The homeowner at the center of a large pool party that prompted police intervention and neighborhood complaints in Birmingham is speaking publicly for the first time, apologizing for the disruption while disputing several characterizations of the event.
In a statement released on Facebook on Friday (June 19), the homeowner (who wants to remain anonymous) acknowledged that guests leaving the June 13 gathering caused significant traffic congestion and inconvenienced nearby residents.
Booms, complaints, safety risks: July 4 is approaching, but Sterling Heights wants more say over fireworks
Independence Day is just a couple of weeks away, and while it is generally a time to celebrate America, it also brings many safety hazards and noise, which the city of Sterling Heights is working to address.
“Every single year we get hundreds of phone calls from our residents calling for noise complaints,” Dale Dwojakowski, the city’s assistant city manager, said on Friday. “Their house is literally shaking.”
The city has launched an initiative called “Safe Celebrations Start Local,” which supports state legislation in Lansing that would give cities greater local authority to establish fireworks regulations.
Man accused of removing serial number from rifle had Oxford shooter’s phrase written on gun, feds say
A Macomb County man accused of removing the serial number from his rifle was allegedly infatuated with mass shooters, including the Oxford High School shooter.
A criminal complaint was unsealed on June 17, alleging Eleazareli Maycock, 20, had purposely removed or altered the serial number on a firearm. The investigation began in May when the FBI received information that Maycock allegedly made threatening statements on YouTube.
On May 22, authorities went to Maycock’s house in Macomb and interviewed him. In the interview, he admitted to possessing a Savage Arms .22 caliber rifle.
AAA: Gas prices in Michigan drop to lowest rate since April
Gas prices in Michigan are continuing to trend down, with prices across the state averaging about 18 cents lower than they were a week ago.
AAA reports that drivers are paying around $4.01 per gallon for regular unleaded — roughly 73 cents less than they were this time last month, but still 72 cents higher than they were in June of last year.
That amounts to around $60 on average for a full 15-tank of gas, or about $9 more than the highest price reported in August 2025.
Weather: Rainy start gives way to perfect weather for the Ford Fireworks
A soggy start to the day is impacting the morning commute across Southeast Michigan as widespread showers continue through the early morning hours. Some of the heavier downpours may contain an occasional rumble of thunder and locally heavy rainfall, reducing visibility and creating ponding of water on area roadways. Drivers should allow extra travel time and use caution on wet roads.
The good news is that conditions will steadily improve as the morning progresses. The widespread, steady rain will transition to lighter showers before ending around lunchtime.