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Updated 06/21/18

LOCAL NEWS for THU 21JUN18

The Community Action Group, “Need Our Water”, or NOW, will hold a meeting this evening. The group’s mission is to be a reliable resource and catalyst for education and communication while advocating for long-term health and environmental welfare plans on behalf of those affected by the water contamination from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. The NOW meeting will be held at 5:30 this afternoon at the Robert J. Parks Library, on Skeel Avenue, in Oscoda. All are welcome to attend.

The City of AuGres has an opening for a Park Manager.  The city is accepting applications for City Park Manager. According to the Arenac County Independent, the position is seasonal and requires work from April 1st through October 31st. It also includes nights, weekends and holidays. Duties include all aspects of campground management including overseeing staff, lawn mowing, water maintenance, cleaning fire pits, bathroom cleaning and checking in campers. Wage is negotiable depending on qualifications. The application deadline is tomorrow, Friday, June 22nd. Applications are available at AuGres City Hall.

The Iosco County Board Of Commissioners approved a Veterans Affairs Millage.  Commissioners unanimously approved the point one mill levy. According to the Iosco County News Herald, the millage is for the county's veteran's relief fund. Iosco County's Veteran's Affairs Board can levy up to point one mill for veteran's relief on an annual basis. The millage, which will be applied to the December 1st tax collection will generate approximately $110,000 dollars a year for the fund. 

State Representative Sue Allor is one of three representatives who have introduced a plan to better protect the Great Lakes by strengthening pipeline safety standards in the Straits of Mackinac. Allor, of Wolverine, said the comprehensive plan includes improved reporting from pipeline operators, provides additional signs and buoys alerting boats not to use anchors in the Straits and establishes clear penalties for vessels that break maritime laws and jeopardize the safety of Michigan’s waterways. The four bill package was referred to the House Competitiveness Committee for consideration.

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LOCAL NEWS for WED 20JUN18

State Senator Jim Stamas’ legislation to give students more flexibility to meet the state’s high school graduation requirements, is on its way to the governor to be signed. Stamas said allowing students to take additional applied science and math classes can help them achieve their goals and help our state meet the growing demand for top talent. Under the current law, Michigan high school students can substitute a career tech course or an extra art class for one of the two required foreign language credits. Stamas’ bill would extend that flexibility to meet the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements until 2024. Many education and business groups support the bill including the Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Manufacturers Association.

The Hale Area Schools Superintendent recently resigned his position.  Superintendent Loren Vannest, who had been on unpaid administrative leave, has stepped down. According to the Iosco County News Herald, Vannest fell into legal trouble for allegedly recording a closed session of a school board meeting.  The recording was illegal.  Iosco County prosecutor Gary Rapp said after discussions with the school board, they wanted Vannest to resign willingly and charges were dismissed as a result of Vannest's resignation. Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency Superintendent, Dana McGrew, who is acting as Hale's interim superintendent, said he will discuss the transition of getting a new superintendent in upcoming Hale School Board meetings.

The West Branch City Council approved improvements to its cable channel.  The city plans to invest nearly $10,000 dollars in its cable channel 191. According to the Ogemaw County Herald, the hardware currently running the channel has become outdated. Clerk John Dantzer said the city has had trouble keeping the channel up and running, The channel is used to announce events going on in the city. Dantzer said the equipment he recommends will cost the city $9,993 dollars. The quote was from AVI Systems of Wixom, the only company that could provide the equipment needed. The council approved the purchase unanimously.

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LOCAL NEWS for TUE 19JUN18

A sentence was recently handed down in a school threat incident. The former Alcona High School student was sentenced in 23rd Circuit Court. According to the Alcona County Review, 18 year old Alyssa Hancock, of Spruce, was charged with felony false report or threat of terrorism and a misdemeanor charge of malicious destruction of a building. The incident occurred March 26th when a handwritten threat to "shoot up the school" was found in the girl's bathroom. Judge Laura Frawley presided over the hearing in which Hancock was sentenced to three years probation. Under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, if she meets the terms of her probation, the charges will be dismissed. 

Mark Dyer of National City has applied to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Water Resources Division, for a permit under authority of the Wetlands Protection of the Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act. Dyer proposes to impact 6.85 acres of regulated wetland for gypsum mining activities and create 11.9 acres of new wetland to mitigate for the resource impact. The project is located in Section 27 in National City. Written comments on the proposed project should be submitted within the next 20 days to the Water Resources Division, Saginaw Bay District Office, 401 Ketchum Street, Suite B, Bay City, Michigan 48708-5430. Or for more information call 989-894-6200.

One-hundred and thirty-two (132) scholarships were awarded to students from Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Presque Isle Counties last Friday in Alpena at the 23rd Annual Scholarship Recognition Luncheon, hosted by the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan. 53 unique scholarship funds established by generous members of communities throughout the four county area made the scholarships possible. Keynoting this year’s scholarship awards ceremony was 2009 Alpena High School graduate Adam Crowell. In 2016 Adam became the youngest donor to establish a fund after losing his grandfather, mother and father within a span of six months. For more information visit cfnem.org.

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LOCAL NEWS for MON 18JUN18

State Senator Jim Stamas and State Representative Sue Allor have announced that legislation to permanently honor former Representative Peter Pettalia is on its way to the Governor to be signed. The Senate bill would designate the portion of U.S. 23 in Presque Isle County, between Maple Drive and Misiak highway as the "Peter A. Pettalia Memorial Highway". Pettalia served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives before his untimely death in an accident in 2016. The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local government as Michigan law requires sufficient private contributions to completely cover the cost of erecting and maintaining markers. 

The Tawas City Council approved a fire protection agreement with two Townships.  The fire protection agreement is with Tawas and Alabaster Townships. According to the Iosco County News Herald, the city has contracted with the two townships for the Tawas City Fire Department to serve the townships if needed. Tawas City Manager, Annge Horning, said the Townships are seeking a five year agreement instead of just three years. She said the formula used to calculate  how much the townships pay for the service is based on population, taxable value and the amount of usage. The Tawas City council is now awaiting approval by Tawas and Alabaster Townships.

The Au Gres Sims School District is utilizing Saginaw Indian Tribe funding for dual enrollment classes.  The dual enrollment classes are through a partnership with Alpena Community College. According to the Arenac County Independent, Superintendent Jeff Collier said the course offerings vary, but when utilized, sets students in line for an associates degree shortly after leaving school. Collier said students are able to take college level courses on the AuGres-Sims campus which decreases the amount of travel for students. Collier said the funds from the tribe offset the additional cost for dual enrollment. 

The Saint Joseph Health System Foundation recently awarded student scholarships. Receiving Saint Joseph Health Dependent Scholarships were: Morgan and Mason Kaniszewski and Haley Groff. Receiving Saint Joseph Health Community Scholarships were: Julia Frank, Lauren Skidmore and Shea Ferguson. And receiving St. Joseph Health Volunteer Community Scholarships were: Adam Moffatt and Alexander Stephenson. For the past eleven years, Saint Joseph Health System Foundation has supported over 100 students with scholarship awards.   

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LOCAL NEWS for FRI 15JUN18

A 70 year old man was beaten and robbed in Arenac County earlier this week.  The man was beaten and robbed at gunpoint Sunday night. According to the Arenac County Independent, Under-sheriff Don McIntyre said four suspects have been taken into custody. The victim was camping in the Omer area when he was reportedly approached by the four suspects before being beaten and robbed. The suspects were allegedly armed with a pellet gun. A search for the suspects was conducted by the sheriff's department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police and Michigan State Police. McIntyre said the suspects were apprehended without incident. Three suspects, Joshua Giles, 20, Paul Giles 19 and James Hassenzahl, 39, were arraigned in district court. A female suspect was arrested but has yet to be arraigned. The victim was transported to St. Mary's of Michigan for life threatening injuries before being transferred to Saginaw. (Photo: Joshua-L, Paul-M, James-R)

State Senator Jim Stamas and State Representative Sue Allor have announced that legislation to permanently honor former Representative Peter Pettalia is on its way to the Governor to be signed. The Senate bill would designate the portion of U.S. 23 in Presque Isle County, between Maple Drive and Misiak highway as the "Peter A. Pettalia Memorial Highway". Pettalia served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives before his untimely death in an accident in 2016. The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local government as Michigan law requires sufficient private contributions to completely cover the cost of erecting and maintaining markers.

Oscoda Township Trustees voted on an ordinance related to food trucks.  The ordinance was adopted unanimously at the Trustees meeting on Monday. According to the Oscoda Press, the ordinance is related to food truck and mobile food vending units. The intent of the ordinance is to encourage mobile vendors, who would add to the vibrancy and desirability of visiting the Township. A resolution was also adopted setting the costs to operate a mobile food vending unit at $20 per day, $300 for thirty days, $600 for 120 days or $1,200 annually. Superintendent Dave Schaeffer said this now allows the Township to have mobile vending units as part of future celebrations in the community.

The Saint Joseph Health System Foundation recently awarded student scholarships. Receiving Saint Joseph Health Dependent Scholarships were: Morgan and Mason Kaniszewski and Haley Groff. Receiving Saint Joseph Health Community Scholarships were: Julia Frank, Lauren Skidmore and Shea Ferguson. And receiving St. Joseph Health Volunteer Community Scholarships were: Adam Moffatt and Alexander Stephenson. For the past eleven years, Saint Joseph Health System Foundation has supported over 100 students with scholarship awards.   

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LOCAL NEWS for THU 14JUN18

Daniel Olar was sentenced Monday for the murder of a Hale man.  Olar, 21, of Pontiac was sentenced to 41 to 60 years in prison by 23rd Circuit Court Judge David Riffel. According to the Iosco County News Herald, Olar was charged with second degree murder in the death of 72 year old Roger Lee Knickerbocker The Second, of Hale, last August. His accomplice in the murder, Christopher Ryan Grinnell, 25, of Hale, also pleaded guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to up to forty years in prison. Olar's sentence includes credit for 306 days served and responsibility for state court costs, a crime victim assessment, local court costs and other fines.  (Olar-L, Grinnell-R)

Forest land owners can nominate their property for consideration as a potential Forest legacy Program project by submitting a nomination application. The federal government may fund up to 75 percent of program costs with at least 25 percent coming from private, state or local sources. Participation in Forest legacy is limited to private forest land owners. In addition to gains associated with the sale or donation of property rights, many landowners may benefit from reduced taxes associated with limits placed on land use. Applications must be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources by Friday, June 15^th. Applications can be found at Michigan Dot Gov slash private forest land.

An Arenac County fire Authority recently received funding for new equipment.  The AuGres Sims Whitney Fire and Rescue Authority recently received $2,955 dollars from the John and Clinton Maser Fire Department Fund. According to the Arenac County Independent, the funds will support the purchase of additional hoses and nozzles for its new ladder truck. The additional nozzles and hoses will allow the Authority to connect to another truck to supply or receive water at an active fire. They also allow the Authority to respond quickly to another fire by having a set of dry backup hoses.

The Michigan Senate approved comprehensive legislation designed to keep students safe. State Senator Jim Stamas of Midland said the bills would create the Office of School Safety within the state police to update school safety practices, offer staff training and oversee use of school safety grants. The legislation would also require schools to conduct a safety assessment with local law enforcement by the 2019-2020 school year and at least every two years after that. The bills would also require schools to report thwarted incidents of attempted acts of violence, develop training standards for active violence situations in schools and permanently extending the OK to Say Program. Stamas said we need to make sure that all of our schools have the enhanced security in place to protect students and teachers. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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The three candidates vying for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination meeting in Grand Rapids last night for their first debate. They were asked about efforts to reform Michigan's no-fault auto insurance system. Former Detroit health director Dr. Abdul El Sayed said the cost of insurance is out of control Meanwhile...Ann Arbor entrepreneur Shri Thanedar says the industry needs to be better regulated. And former Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer said that some aspects of the current system should stay intact.

The American Red Cross has set up in the Upper Peninsula in the wake of flash flooding over the weekend . Director of the Red Cross in northern Michigan, Kathy Anthofer-Fialon (ant-hofe-er Fi-lon), is in Calumet, and says they are handing out a lot of cleaning kits. She says you can help by donating to the Red Cross or training to be a volunteer so you can help when the next disaster hits.

A State Trooper is filing a whistleblower lawsuit against his bosses. Scott Woodard says higher-ups retaliated against him for reporting unauthorized spending of task force funds. Woodard headed the Auto Theft Prevention Authority and reported money from special license fees had been used to cover the cost of a computer equipment and salaries. According to the lawsuit, Woodard was told his services were no longer required. He's now on medical leave.

A Rapid City man was killed after he crashed into a deer the other night on his motorcycle in Kalkaska County. Ryan Ramsey was reportedly riding with another man on his own bike in Rapid River Township when a deer crossed the road and both men braked, but Ramsey hit the deer. That caused his motorcycle to go down and him to slide on the road. He was wearing a helmet.

A teacher at Tahquamenon Area Schools in the U-P has been charged with sex crimes against a 16-year-old student. Carrie Miller is charged with two counts of third degree sex crimes. The school reportedly told parents in a letter that once they found out, Miller was put on unpaid leave. She has since resigned.

The superintendent of the Marion School District in northern Michigan has retired amid allegations of double dipping. 9 and 10 News reports the superintendent and elementary school principal, Mort Meier, retired after five years. There are allegations that Meier was receiving a paycheck and a pension at the same time. The school board says it's in the hands of the Office of Retirement Services.

Michigan voters likely will be asked if they want to create a commission to draw districts for seats in Congress and the state Legislature. The Board of State Canvassers unanimously approved the ballot petition Wednesday. A group opposed to the November ballot question has filed an appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court. The campaign is led by a group called Voters Not Politicians. They are proposing a state constitutional amendment to take the job of drawing districts away from lawmakers and give it to an independent commission.

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STATE NEWS for WED 20JUN18

In flood ravaged areas of the U-P, some supplies are needed for the clean up in Houghton County. WLUC reports rakes, shovels, buckets, gloves, and wheel barrows are needed. Volunteers are also needed. Houghton and Menominee Counties were declared disaster areas by Governor Snyder after flash flooding over the weekend.

As the debate rages on over separating immigrant children from their parents in the U.S., a group of people gathered outside Congressman Fred Upton's St. Joseph office on Tuesday to protest the current immigration policy. WWMT reports some 50 protestors say separating children from their parents needs to stop.

Michigan State University trustees holding their annual retreat to discuss critical issues facing the college following the Larry Nassar scandal. Members will go behind closed doors to discuss the search for a permanent president, legal issues and policy changes directed at Nassar's former boss who now faces charges. The two-day retreat also happens before Friday's regular meeting, when they decide a $500 million dollar settlement with Nassar's victims, next year's tuition rates and possibly the future of interim university president John Engler.

A Petoskey man , Clare Hankins, has been charged with sexually assaulting two children. He reportedly assaulted at least two children under the age of 13. Police continue to investigate and say there may be more victims.

Muhammad Ali's home in southwest Michigan is now for sale. The late boxing legend's widow put the Berrien Springs property on the market, an 81-acre farm with a 6- thosuand square foot home that includes two houses and a pool, along with a full-size basketball court and an elaborate boxing ring. Ali and his wife Lonnie moved in 2006 to Arizona,where he passed away two years ago. Asking price is $2 million, 895-thousand and 37 dollars. The number "37" represents Ali's career knockouts.

Scientists want to know what kind of fish live in the water near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the U-P. State DNR fisheries biologist Cory Kovacs says they sample the water in Grand Sable Lake, Chapel Lake, Beaver Lake and others this year. He says it helps them make decisions about managing the fish and informing the public.

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STATE NEWS for TUE 19JUN18

Over a hundred sexual abuse victims of Larry Nassar are urging Michigan State University's Board of Trustees to remove former Governor Engler as interim president for reinforcing a culture of abuse at the college. The 120 survivors signed a letter and issued a joint statement before the Trustee's meeting this week. Reports say Engler sent e-mails to another university official in April suggesting the first woman to go public was probably getting a kickback from her attorney. Two of the trustees who originally hired Engler--both-democrats--have also called for his resignation.

Ford plans a big party in Corktown today ... as it celebrates the future by rehabilitating an icon of the past. Ford plans to renovate the long closed train station. Ford says it will work with those in the communities and those in other industries to make it a true community, not just a Ford campus. But it will serve as a test bed for Ford's future automated and electric vehicles.

Two suspected bank robbers are at large after a holdup Monday at the Citizens Bank in Taylor . Police say the bandits tossed the cash out the window of their getaway car when a dye pack exploded in the bag. People began picking up the cash from the sidewalk and street--some of it turned in to police. Those who did not could be in trouble later because the bills are marked. The cash grab was also caught on video and since went viral.

More than 100 construction and road workers held a procession of construction vehicles in Bay City,  to honor 57-year-old construction worker David Snell , who was killed while working on a construction site on I-75 near Detroit last week. A 22-year-old woman, was allegedly driving drunk, and crashed into the construction site. Snell was killed and another worker was injured. The woman faces several charges.

Some federal funds for Kalamazoo and Portage. Two-point-43 million is headed to Kalamazoo and more than 362-thousand dollars for Portage from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to improve housing and for community development. But Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney says it's still not enough money to allocate the resources they need to make sure people have a decent place to live.

Hamtramck Stadium, one of the few remaining Negro Leagues baseball parks in the U.S., has signed up its first corporate sponsor. Comerica Bank--with the group "Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium" announced a $20-THOUSAND dollar contribution toward the ballpark's renovation. Hamtramck Stadium was used by separate Negro Leagues before being integrated in 1947. Comerica officials hoping other groups will help preserve the stadium and memory of `Turkey' Stearnes, Satchel Paige and other Negro Leagues players.

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STATE NEWS for MON 18JUN18

Michigan Technological University in Houghton is closed today because of flooding in the U-P. University officials say the roads in and around the community have sustained extensive damage. Power to campus has temporarily been shut down. The Administration Building sustained some flooding in the basement, which is a hub of electrical power distribution.

Police in west Michigan are investigating after multiple people were stabbed early this morning in Kentwood. WOOD TV reports the Kent County Sheriff's Office says there are people in custody and they are looking for another possible suspect. The conditions of those stabbed isn't known yet.

A boating accident in southwest Michigan Sunday as a 20 year-old man went off the side of an inboard boat during a turn on Gun Lake. The stern of the boat swung over him and the propeller amputated his leg . The Barry County Sheriff's Office says two doctors from Detroit were nearby and swam to help. They applied a tourniquet to slow the bleeding and likely saved the man's life. He was taken to Butterworth Spectrum Hospital. The Sheriff's Office say alcohol was a factor in the accident.

Police in Kalamazoo are investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday. The Department of Public safety says a man was shot several times in his leg early Sunday morning and the scene was riddled with bullet casings. The 33-year-old Kalamazoo man is hospitalized in stable condition. No one has been arrested.

One of the Trump Administration's top officials will be speaking in Detroit today. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will make an appearance a Detroit Economic Club event being held at Ford Field this afternoon. Pompeo will speak about the state of the economy since President Trump took office.

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STATE NEWS for FRI 15JUN18

In southwest Michigan's Plainwell, police are looking for a man who robbed a bank yesterday . Police say the man claimed he had a bomb, forcing the evacuation of downtown for a few hours. The man, in his 40's or 50's reportedly handed the teller a not that said he had a bomb in the bag and to put unmarked money in the bag. The teller put money in the bag and he took off. Police are still looking for him.

A procedural error has led to a judge declaring a mistrial in the case of a Jenison man accused of killing a boy in a hunting accident last year. WOOD TV reports the judge in Roger Hoeker's case was forced to declare a mistrial because of the error, but the case can be retried . Hoeker was charged with careless, reckless or negligent discharge of a firearm causing injury or death in the death of Billy Gort Junior. He was shot in the head while hunting in the Manistee National Forest. Hoeker , a hunting safety instructor, was later charged.

The man charged in the murder of his girlfriend at the MGM Grand Casino is due in court today. A "probable cause" hearing for 33-year old Daniel Michalak of St. Clair Shores is set to take place following the death of Tia Vellucci of Davison. Last month, the 27-year old's body was wound found lifeless in a hotel room -- lying on the floor with multiple stab wounds and a bite wound to her nose. Michalak faces a slew of charges, including Assault with Intent to Murder.

The sheriff of Missaukee County, Jim Bosscher, has been named sheriff of the year by the Michigan Sheriff's Association. Bosscher says he's honored to have been chosen by his peers. He says they do all of these things for the betterment of the professions for their offices and all of law enforcement and so it was a very nice award.

Annually, it's one of the first fruits to ripen each spring -- and it's being celebrated this Father's Day weekend in Belleville. The annual Belleville National Strawberry Festival begins today and runs through Sunday. Now in it's 42nd year, the festival which champions all-things-strawberry. A parade is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday. New this year -- the pumper-pull event. The Van Buren Fire Department will set out to determine who can pull a firetruck the farthest. Proceeds benefit repairs to the Veterans War Memorial in Belleville.

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STATE NEWS for THU 14JUN18

Northbound I-75 at Warren is closed in Detroit after two construction workers were hit overnight. One worker was killed. State police say a 23-year-old woman, who was allegedly driving drunk, has been arrested.

An appeal by the man charged with shooting and killing six people in the Kalamazoo area two years ago, Jason Dalton, will be heard next month. WOOD TV reports oral arguments will be made before the Michigan Court of Appeals in Grand Rapids July 10th. Dalton's attorneys are challenging the admissibility of some statements he made to police after he was arrested. The defense says he made those statements after telling police he didn't want to talk to them anymore. A Kalamazoo County judge had ruled that some statements should be suppressed, but that most could be entered as evidence.

After a few fires that damaged businesses in Charlevoix, a new tax incentive might prevent future fires. 9 and 10 News reports small businesses can now deduct the cost of installing a fire sprinkler system on their federal taxes, up to one million dollars each year of the expense. They can also deduct the interest if they get a loan for a renovation. City manager Mark Heydlauff says it's really a burden for business owners for fire suppression systems and the installation of them is very expensive.

Adrian Police reporting two separate overdose deaths in a two hour period. The first involved a 25-year-old man who was found deceased shortly before 6 Wednesday morning. Then a short time later, a 30-year-old man was discovered dead at a different location. Evidence indicates that the two victims were together in a social setting earlier in the evening.

The Republic Dam in the U-P has been sold to the Michigamme River Basin Authority from the Republic Mountain Lake LLC. W-L-U-C reports the sale ensures that the 28th annual Republic Fishing Derby will go on as planned in mid July. The gates of the dam have been removed and replaced and the authority has started impounding the basin. It hopes to have the water level up in the next couple of weeks.

It seems the late King of Pop won't get a street named after him in Motown, at least not at this point. The Detroit Free Press reports a ceremony planned for Friday for Michael Jackson Avenue has been canceled. Jackson's siblings originally were under the impression that the Jackson 5 would be honored with the street name as part of Detroit Music Weekend. But the city prohibits ceremonial street designations for groups or organizations. Stephen Grady, Council President Brenda Jones' chief of staff, says the council still plans "to do something for the Jackson 5."

Kid Rock has apologized for deceiving his fans with a fake run for Senate last year. The local music icon attended a rally in Novi last night for Republican candidate John James, who he's supporting in his bid to unseat Senator Debbie Stabenow.
 

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THURSDAY, JUNE 21st, 2018

Court Hearing for Florida School Shooting Suspect Nikolas Cruz
Status hearing for accused Florida school gunman Nikolas Cruz, charged with 17 counts of murder for allegedly killing 14 students and three staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14^th.  A trial date is expected to be set.
 
Federal Reserve Board Releases Latest Supervisory Stress Test Results
The stress tests assess whether large financial companies supervised by the Federal Reserve have sufficient capital to absorb losses and support operations during adverse economic and financial market conditions.
 
National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials 35th Annual Conference in Phoenix (June 21-23)
 
Summer Solstice - Longest day of the year and the first day of summer.
 
30th Anniversary of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?'
30th anniversary of the part-animated comedy premiering in New York.
 
Prince William Celebrates 36th Birthday
 
BET Experience in LA
6th annual four-day celebration of black music, entertainment and culture, culminating in the annual BET Awards. Concert lineup at STAPLES Center headlined by LL Cool J on Thursday and Chris Brown on Friday.
 
Controversial Dog Meat Food Festival in China
Lychee and Dog Meat Festival in the southern Chinese city of Yulin. The controversial event typically sees thousands of dogs slaughtered and served in restaurants throughout the city, and regularly attracts animal rights protesters.
 
World's Largest Swimming Lesson
Venues around the world host lessons.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 22nd, 2018

President Trump Hosts Annual Picnic for Members of Congress - President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump host annual picnic for members of Congress on the White House South Lawn.
 
OPEC Countries Meet to Discuss Oil Production Levels
OPEC 174th Ordinary Meeting of the Conference, with the 14 member countries discussing oil production levels.
 
Take Your Dog to Work Day - Pet Sitters International’s 20th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day to celebrate dog companionship and promote adoption.
 
Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMAs), celebrating music's most popular young artists. Ceremony includes performances from Meghan Trainor, Charlie Puth and Maddie Poppe.
 
Singer Cyndi Lauper Celebrates 65th Birthday
 
Property of Jerry Lewis Goes up for Auction
Featuring the actor's 18K yellow gold Cartier watch from the Baignoire collection, Lewis's wardrobe and props from The Nutty Professor including a trio of vintage prop black glasses frames including reading glasses in the style Lewis wears in his film with painted eyeballs on the lenses and a collection of custom funny teeth.
 
Documentary about the Legacy of Elvis Presley Released in Select Theaters - 'The King', released in select theaters. 40 years after the death of Elvis Presley, a musical road trip across America in his 1963 Rolls Royce explores how a country boy lost his authenticity and became a king while his country lost her democracy and became an empire. Featuring contributions from Alec Baldwin, Chuck D, Emmylou Harris, Ethan Hawke, John Hiat, Ashton Kutcher and Mike Myers.
 
Sequel to 'Jurassic World' Released in Theaters
'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom', sci-fi action adventure sequel released in theaters.
 
World's Largest Block Party in Chicago
33rd annual World's Largest Block Party in aid of Old St. Patrick's Church and its social service outreach programs.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 23rd, 2018

2nd Anniversary of Britain Voting to Leave the European Union
 
EU Economic Sanctions on Russia Due to Expire
 
OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting - Featuring OPEC's 14 member countries and non-OPEC countries such as Russia.
 
Game of Thrones Actors Tie the Knot
'Game of Thrones' co-stars Kit Harington and Rose Leslie reportedly marry in Aberdeenshire, UK.  The couple met on the set of the fantasy drama in 2012, playing on-screen lovers Jon Snow and Ygritte.
 
'Star Wars' Props and 'Roseanne' Costume up for Auction - 'Hollywood Legends' auction, led by the hero blaster movie prop used in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy film by Harrison Ford's character Hans Solo.  Other highlights include a Statue of Liberty costume worn by Roseanne Barr on 'Roseanne, a handwritten letter by Princess Diana from before her engagement to Prince Charles, and a Donald Trump 'Apprentice' boardroom table.
 
30th Annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest
 
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Celebrates 70th Birthday
 
25th anniversary of Lorena Bobbitt cutting off half her husband John Wayne Bobbitt's penis with a kitchen knife while he slept, before driving away and throwing the severed body part into a field.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 24th, 2018

Women Allowed to Drive in Saudi Arabia for First Time Ever - Saudi Arabian royal order implemented that allows women to drive in the country for the first time, as decreed by King Salman last September.
 
NYC Pride Week March and San Francisco Pride Parade - NYC Pride Week concludes with annual march down Fifth Avenue.
 
Final Episode of 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown' airs on CNN
 
Black Entertainment Television Awards (BET)
Hosted by Jamie Foxx., broadcast live on BET 8pm ET.
 
World Egg Throwing Championship in UK

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MONDAY, JUNE 25th, 2018

King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan visit the White House - President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome Their Majesties King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan to the White House.  President Trump looks forward to reaffirming the strong bonds of friendship between the United States and Jordan. The leaders will discuss issues of mutual concern, including terrorism, the threat from Iran and the crisis in Syria, and working towards a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. 

President Trump to South Carolina
President Trump travels to the state Monday to campaign alongside Gov McMaster.  The president tweeted "I will be going the Columbia, South Carolina, on Monday night to do a campaign speech for one of my very early supporters, a man who truly loves the people of South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster. Henry worked so hard & was so loyal to me that I look forward to reciprocating!"

Court Hearing for Driver Charged in School Bus Crash that Killed Student and Teacher
Pre-indictment hearing for Hudy Muldrow, charged with two counts of vehicular homicide in the deaths of 10-year-old student Miranda Vargas and 51-year-old teacher Jennifer Williamson, following a crash on a New Jersey highway.  Muldrow allegedly tried to make a U-turn on Interstate 80 westbound, before crashing into a dump trunk. Over 40 others were injured.  Muldrow has had his license suspended 14 times between 1975 and 2017 and also had eight speeding violations between 1975 and 2001.
 
Uber Appeal against London Ban
Uber appeals against UK regulators regarding the September 2017 decision not to renew their license to operate in London.
 
Western Governors' Association Annual Meeting
The Western Governors' Association 2018 Annual Meeting hosted by WGA Chair and South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard. Event features remarks from Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.
 
ESPN The Magazine's The Body Issue Details Revealed - Photos, videos and interviews relating to this year's 10th annual ESPN The Magazine The Body Issue released online ahead of the magazine hitting newsstands June 29^th.  The annual edition of the sporting magazine features photos of well-known athletes posing nude.
 
5th Anniversary of Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis Abortion Filibuster - 5th anniversary of Democratic Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis staging a nearly-13-hour filibuster of a restrictive abortion bill that banned most abortions in the state after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 26th, 2018

Primaries in Colorado, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, Utah, Mississippi and South Carolina
 
CBO Releases Long-Term Budget Outlook - Congressional Budget Office releases 'The 2018 Long-Term Budget Outlook', featuring long-term projections (spanning 30 years) which are consistent with CBO's late 10-year budget and economic projections.
 
Howard Schultz Steps Down as Executive Chairman of Starbucks
He is given the title of chairman emeritus. Myron Ullman has been appointed as the new Chair of Starbucks and Mellody Hobson as Vice Chair.
 
Court Hearing for 'El Chapo' on Drug Trafficking Charges
Status conference in the case against Joaquin Guzman who has pleaded not guilty to charges that he oversaw a multibillion-dollar international drug trafficking operation responsible for murders and kidnappings.
 
Prince William visits Israel
The UK's Duke of Cambridge continues his tour in Israel, arriving in Tel Aviv, before travelling to Jerusalem's historic King David Hotel, where he will stay for the remainder of the trip. In the morning Prince William visits Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, to meet with a survivor of the Holocaust and the Kindertransport. He then walks to Yad Vashem's Hall of Remembrance to lay a wreath in memory of those who died and leave a personal message in the visitor's book. He then meets with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his residence, and then with President Reuven Rivlin at his residence. Prince William then travels to the historic city of Jaffa, to meet with young people involved in the work of the Equaliser and the Peres Centre for Peace, who focus on co-existence between the young people of different religious and ethnic communities.
 
3rd Anniversary of SCOTUS Decision on Same Sex Marriage - 3rd anniversary of 'Obergefell v. Hodges' U.S. Supreme Court decision, with the court deciding (5-4) that same sex marriage is a constitutional right 'under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment', and that states are constitutionally bound to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
 
20th Anniversary of SCOTUS Decision on Sexual Harassment - 20th anniversary of 'Faragher v. City of Boca Raton' U.S. Supreme Court decision, with the court deciding (7-2) that employers could be held responsible for supervisors' misconduct towards subordinates, even if they knew nothing about it, under 'Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964', creating a hostile work environment.
 
Exhibition of Photographs of African Americans from the 1940s and 1950s Opens
'African American Portraits: Photographs from the 1940s and 1950' exhibition opens, featuring more than 150 studio portraits of African Americans from the mid-twentieth century. Produced by mostly unidentified makers, the photographs are a collective self portrait of the African American experience during the 1940s and 1950s, a time of war, middle-class growth, and seismic cultural change.
 
Ariana Grande Celebrates 25th Birthday

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27th, 2018

President Trump Rally in North Dakota
President Donald Trump holds 'Make America Great Again' campaign rally in North Dakota, discussing 'the booming economy, including record low unemployment rates' and his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
 
Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on the Proposed T-Mobile / Sprint Merger
 
Court Hearing for George Zimmerman on Stalking Charges
Court hearing for George Zimmerman, accused of repeatedly threatening and harassing private investigator Dennis Warren.  Warren was hired by a production company that was working on a documentary about Trayvon Martin. Over a nine-day span, Zimmerman allegedly called Warren 55 times, left 36 voicemails, texted him 67 times and sent 27 emails.
 
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films Saturn Awards - 44th Saturn Awards, presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, celebrating both motion pictures and television.

CPSC demonstrate fireworks dangers on the National Mall - Annual Consumer Product Safety Commission event on the National Mall 'to warn consumers not to be victims of fireworks mishaps', with the agency setting off 'dramatic' fireworks explosions with scenarios similar to how Americans have been killed or seriously injured by fireworks, and releasing the latest statistics on fireworks-related deaths and injuries
 
15th Anniversary of the National Do Not Call Registry Opening - The list, aimed at blocking unwelcome calls from telemarketers, received over 10 million phone numbers within the first four days.
 
'Comeback Season: Sports after 9/11' opens at 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Exploring the impact of sports and athletes following the 2001 attacks. The exhibition highlights moments including former President George W. Bush’s first pitch strike at Yankee Stadium just over a month after the attacks, the New York Mets’ Mike Piazza’s two-run home run during the first professional baseball game in New York City after 9/11, and previously untold stories that highlight 'the unifying force of sports in American life'.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 28th, 2018

Infectious Diseases Summit in Baltimore - Includes the Antiviral Drugs Research & Development, Anti-Infectives Partnering & Deal-Making, and Vaccines Research & Development events.
 
Prince William visits the Occupied Palestinian Territories - The UK's Duke of Cambridge continues his tour in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, attending a short briefing on the history and geography of Jerusalem's Old City from a viewing point at the Mount of Olives. He then visits the Church of St Mary Magdalene to pay his respects at the tomb of his great-grandmother, Princess Alice. Prince Williams's visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the historic nature of the tour, allow him to understand and pay respect to the religions and history of the region.
 
Actress Kathy Bates Celebrates 70th Birthday

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FRIDAY, JUNE 29th, 2018

President Trump Attends Fundraiser in Wisconsin
 
Court Hearing for Paul Manafort Following Indictment - Motion hearing for former Donald J. Trump for President campaign manager Paul Manafort, indicted on 32 counts: 16 related to false individual income tax returns, seven of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts, five of bank fraud conspiracy, and four of bank fraud.
 
Congress Breaks for Independence Day Recess
 
ESPN The Magazine's The Body Issue hits Newsstands - 10th annual ESPN The Magazine's The Body Issue hits newsstands, featuring athletes from a variety of sports posing nude across nine covers
  
Exhibition Exploring 1968 Opens in Washington
'One Year: 1968, An American Odyssey' exhibition opens, featuring 30 objects includes photographs, paintings, prints, drawings and magazines that highlight a time when Americans were questioning issues of leadership, citizenship and nationhood.

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-end ABC News futures-

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