Morning Digest: Weather Alerts, Key Local News, and Community Initiatives in Detroit

Stay informed with the 7 Morning Digest from 7 News Detroit, your go-to source for weather updates, traffic alerts, and the latest news affecting your community.

Weather Forecast for Metro Detroit

Today’s Forecast: A Chance of Storms

Metro Detroit will experience a cold front bringing possible afternoon storms leading into Friday. Expect heat and humidity to intensify over the weekend, with weekend highs reaching the 90s. A potential for rain and storms emerges on Sunday, before temperatures drop back to the mid-80s next week.

Hourly Breakdown:

• Tonight: Mostly clear with lows in the low to mid-60s. Winds at 5-10 mph from the west.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, highs in the mid-80s, slight chance of storms. Winds at 5-10 mph from the northwest.
• Fourth of July – Friday: Partly sunny with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Winds at 5-10 mph from the southwest.

Key Local News You Need to Know

Detroit Files Lawsuit Against Crypto Real Estate Company

In a recent move, the City of Detroit initiated a substantial lawsuit against a Florida-based crypto real estate company, RealToken, for allegedly neglecting over 400 properties throughout the city. Residents and city officials argue that neglect has led to unacceptable living conditions.

• Key Quotes:
  • Angela Calloway, City Councilwoman: "Real Token has been quietly acquiring hundreds of residential properties in our city and selling fractional ownership through cryptocurrency to global investors."
  • Conrad Mallett, Corporation Counsel: "Real Token operates behind 165 corporate entities to escape accountability for substandard housing."

The lawsuit seeks to compel Real Token to:

• Cover $500,000 in unpaid tickets.
• Obtain compliance for each property.
• Have the court oversee compliance efforts.

Read the full statement from Real Token here.

Oak Park Police Engage Community with Free Ice Cream Initiative

The Oak Park Public Safety Department is breaking traditional barriers by utilizing an ice cream truck to foster community relations. This initiative, first started in 2017, aims to humanize law enforcement.

• Community Impact: The program encourages positive interactions between officers and residents, allowing for open conversations.
• Fun Fact: Officers distribute approximately 250 ice cream treats weekly, donations courtesy of Prairie Farms.

Steve Cooper, Director of Public Safety, commented: "We wanted a positive way to engage the community and allow for dialogue."

Controversy Over Steam Line Installation in Historic Detroit Neighborhood

Despite pushback from residents, Detroit Thermal Company received approval to install a new steam service line in the Lafayette Park Historic District. This controversial project has faced opposition from community members concerned about potential disruption to their historically untouched neighborhood.

• Main Concerns:
  • Possible damage to lawns and historic landscaping.
  • Excavation could affect local heritage sites.

Resident Julia Sosnowski acknowledged the need for heat but stressed the importance of protecting their communal spaces: "We understand the need for heating; however, we’re concerned about the construction impact."

In Response: Detroit Thermal stated, "We’ve conducted a thorough application process and made several adjustments based on community feedback."

For updates on these stories or to catch up on the latest developments, stay tuned to 7 News Detroit as we continue to provide the most comprehensive coverage of your local news and weather.