Mid-Michigan Update: Community Projects, Driver Safety and Local Sports

It was a tragic day at California's Edwards Air Force Base after a B-52 bomber crashed during a test flight. The aircraft had only been airborne for a short time before going down halfway down the runway. All eight people on board were killed.

The B-52 was participating in a mission designed to help keep the aging bomber fleet flying for decades to come. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the crash.

Back here in Michigan, the state Senate has approved the Michigan Voting Rights Act. The Democratic-backed legislation is designed to strengthen protections against voter suppression and discrimination.

The bill would prohibit state and local governments from adopting election rules or policies that create disparities in voting access or reduce the ability of protected groups to nominate or elect candidates of their choice.

Meanwhile, legislation aimed at improving work zone safety is moving through Lansing. A package of bills requiring new drivers to complete a 30-minute work zone safety course has cleared the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is headed to the full Michigan House.

If approved by lawmakers and signed into law, anyone applying for a new operator's license, including commercial licenses, would need to complete the class. The push comes after nearly 6,000 crashes occurred in Michigan work zones last year, resulting in the deaths of 22 motorists and three road workers.

In Saginaw, volunteers are gearing up for the 13th annual One Week One Street community revitalization project.

This year's effort will focus on Maplewood, Hazelwood and Collingwood Avenues north of Weber Street. Volunteers ages 13 to 17 are encouraged to participate alongside adults.

The project runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Volunteers receive lunch, tools, materials and a commemorative T-shirt. For more information or to sign up, visit OneWeekOneStreet.org.

Sports

The Houston Astros defeated the Detroit Tigers 4-2.

At Dow Diamond, rain forced the postponement of the Great Lakes Loons game against the Lake County Captains. The postponed game will not be made up, but the teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader today. First pitch of Game 1 is set for 5:35 p.m.

Mid-Michigan Forecast

Expect some patchy morning fog, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 5 p.m. High temperatures will reach around 73 degrees.

Tonight, showers and thunderstorms remain possible before 1 a.m., with patchy fog developing overnight. The low drops to 58.

Thursday looks cloudy and windy with a 30 percent chance of morning showers and a high near 71.

Friday brings sunshine and breezy conditions with a high of 74.

That's your Mid-Michigan update!