Gallery: ‘Stand for the Right to Breathe’ protest

Earlier this month, the federal government approved more than $70 billion in new funding for immigration enforcement agencies, marking one of the largest expansions of federal immigration enforcement spending in recent years. 

For residents in southwest Michigan, questions remain about whether expanded federal funding could lead to increased cooperation between local police agencies and federal immigration authorities.

The festival begins later Thursday evening with the annual Water Festival Parade at 7 p.m., marking the official start of the long-running community tradition. Carnival rides and food vendors will be available throughout the weekend as festival activities continue through Saturday.

Residents can expect a packed schedule of events over the three-day celebration, with attractions ranging from arts and crafts vendors to races, live entertainment, and a fireworks finale.

After a lengthy discussion about whether to place restrictions on when residents could utilize the expanded district, commissioners approved an amended motion limiting the expansion to only when events are being held at the amphitheater.

More than an hour into the meeting, worsening weather prompted Mayor Angel Johnston to temporarily adjourn proceedings and direct attendees to shelter in the City Hall basement as a precaution.

During the adjournment, Johnston briefly returned home to retrieve her dog before rejoining attendees in the basement.

After the storm passed, commissioners returned upstairs and resumed the meeting.