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.
Michigan begins statewide testing of election equipment ahead of August primary
As communities across the state prepare for early voting to begin this month for the Aug. 4 Primary, election officials have begun conducting mandatory pre-election testing of voting machines to ensure all goes smoothly.
Michigan’s early voting period begins July 24, allowing voters who may be unable to cast their ballot on Election Day to still vote in-person. Pre-election testing of voting machines is open to the public, and must be conducted at least five days before early voting begins.
Greenfield Village, Belle Isle Aquarium closed due to wildfire smoke
Both Greenfield Village and the Belle Isle Aquarium announced closures on Thursday as a result of the hazardous air quality stemming from ongoing wildfires in Canada.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation — including the Freedom Plane exhibit — the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and Giant Screen Experience will remain open with regular hours on Thursday, according to the museum.
Metro Detroit enveloped in smoke amid ongoing Canadian wildfires
A thick layer of smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota has enveloped much of Michigan — including in Metro Detroit, which currently has the worst air quality in the world, according to air quality tracker IQAir.
An air quality alert remains in effect for all of Michigan on Thursday and is likely to continue through Friday due to the persistent smoke, which is causing hazardous conditions for all, not just vulnerable groups.
Detroit Zoo welcomes newborn baby girl gorilla, the second born in nearly 100 years
The Detroit zoo has announces the birth of a baby girl gorilla, the second born in the zoo’s nearly 100-year-old history.
The endangered western lowland infant gorilla is the 6th gorilla to call the Detroit Zoo home. The infant girl gorilla was born to first-time mom Tulivu (Too-Lee-Voo) in the late evening of Sunday, July 12. The Zoo reports mom, baby and father Mshindi (Meh-Shin-Dee), are all doing well.
“As a first-time mom, Tulivu made this about as smooth as a pregnancy can go,” said Mike Murray, chief life sciences officer for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS).
Weather: 4Warn Weather Alert extended as Detroit experiences some of the world’s worst air quality
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for the entire state due to elevated levels of fine particulate pollution from Canadian wildfire smoke. The smoke has settled near the surface, creating unhealthy conditions for everyone, especially children, older adults, and people with heart disease or respiratory illnesses such as asthma.
If possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities today and limit the amount of time spent outside. Keep windows closed, run air conditioning on recirculate if available, and consider using an air purifier indoors.