Good morning, Saginaw.

A drive-by shooting in Saginaw killed toddler Alonzo Mallett III when his mother Shavell Conerly was leaving her parked car with her children and boyfriend and bullets started flying as her boyfriend took shots to keep them safe + multiple family members were injured in the incident.

Mid-Michigan is alive with events this weekend as the Saginaw Art Fair takes place at Celebration Park today and on Saturday and Flint Drop Fest brings music and food on Saturday.

Hydroplane races start on Aug. 9—10, baby art tours run at the Flint Institute, Back to the Bricks Tune-Up Week happens in nearby towns, and Bay City will host a watch party for the Bass Pro Tour finale.

Jerome Preschool in Saginaw held its official ribbon cutting on Wednesday as it reopened after a one-year renovation—introducing a new STEM curriculum across 14 classrooms along with early Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program classes.

Teacher pay in Michigan remains below the national average and special education roles are the hardest to staff — Saginaw ISD is using the state-backed Optimise Program and a tuition reimbursement partnership with Saginaw Valley State University to fill gaps as lawmakers debate the next state education budget.

Michigan drivers face higher car insurance costs as insurers factor in increased claims, rising repair expenses, and tariffs; premiums have risen 14% so far and could jump 19% by year’s end—adding roughly $150 per year if tariffs continue—affecting many under the state’s no-fault system.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Shaun Johnson and Dr. Debasish Mridha to the SVSU Board of Control Thursday—both have strong ties to SVSU and will serve from August 7 to July 21 as they replace outgoing board members Lindsay Eggers and Joann Crary.

Back to the Bricks Kick Off Party

4-8 p.m. — Birch Run Speedway & Event Center — Check event policies for entry fees — Celebrate car culture at this vibrant Cruise N’ Car Show with fellow enthusiasts.

Great Lakes STOL 2025

Fri 7 a.m. - Sun 9 p.m. — Howard Nixon Memorial Airport-50G — Camping available — Experience thrilling short takeoff and landing competitions with various aircraft classes.

Lego Time at Hoyt Library

1-2 p.m. — Hoyt Public Library — Free entry — Create and showcase your Lego masterpieces every Wednesday in the children's area.

Interactive Storytime for Toddlers

10:15-11:00 a.m. — Thomas Township Library — Free entry — Bring your little ones for a fun-filled storytime with books, songs, and activities.

Preschool Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Butman-Fish Branch Library — Free entry — Engaging stories, music, crafts, and games await young attendees.

Rock & Blues Rib Festival

12-6 p.m. — Morley Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy delicious ribs with live music and family friendly activities.