Good morning, Traverse City.

Local shelters feature adoptable pets every Friday, offering options from senior dogs to playful puppies and charming cats.

Cherryland Humane Society also urgently needs donated cat food for 35 kittens (contact details available).

State officials passed a budget earlier this month that increased per pupil funding while cutting support for Arts and Culture, prompting Old Town Playhouse director Deb Jackson to urge financial support to preserve local arts (a move reflecting mixed impacts on education and culture).

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps announced a conservation easement to protect Hayo-Went-Ha on Torch Lake.

The agreement will preserve the largest undeveloped property for community use.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy keeps an air quality alert in effect today for northern Michigan due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, and a dense smoke advisory is set until 8 PM EDT to warn residents of low visibility that may affect travel.

Grass River Natural Area at 6500 Alden Highway in Bellaire has opened its new ADA Fern Loop boardwalk that gives visitors safe access to rare wetlands, including Cedar Swamp.

The 1502-acre preserve’s trails are open every day from dawn to dusk and will host a ribbon cutting soon.

Michigan congressional members sent a letter to Canada’s Prime Minister today urging clear wildfire management steps after local communities suffered from heavy smoke — they stressed measurable action to reduce airborne risks and protect public health.

Local farmers in northern Michigan are boosting food safety transparency amid a nationwide Cyclosporiasis outbreak by inviting shoppers to ask about their growing and handling processes at markets today.

Their hands-on approach aims to build consumer trust in local produce.

Pickle Fest: The Sequel

July 24-25 — Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre — Entry fee applicable — A briny celebration featuring pickle-themed food, games, and movies under the stars.

Great Lakes 5K

8-8:30 a.m. — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee varies — Participate in a 5K and kids fun run to support cancer awareness and essential screenings.

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Traverse City Pit Spitters

7:05-10 p.m. — Turtle Creek Stadium — Enjoy $2 hot dogs and $3 beers — Join the fun at a local baseball game with exciting food and drink specials.

Catie Newell Artist Talk

4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Dennos — Free entry — Explore light, perception, and the emotional resonance of objects with architect Catie Newell.

FEI North American Youth Championships

1 p.m. — Flintfields Horse Park — Ticket options vary — Witness top young equestrian athletes compete in an international championship event set in Traverse City.

Ikebana Pop-Up Exhibit

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — The Dennos — Admission required — Explore unique floral arrangements in the sculpture court and galleries.

ABBA The Concert - ABBA Tribute

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Kresge Auditorium — Starting at $32 — Experience the electric performance of ABBA's greatest hits with joy and nostalgia.

Joe Bonamassa and Gov’t Mule Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Interlochen Center for the Arts — Sold Out — Experience an electrifying night of blues rock with two legendary acts taking the stage.