The most shocking thing in this story from the Michigan Messenger about the influx of homeless people in Traverse City isn't about people dying of frostbite under a bridge. It's the fact that Anthony Ciccone, one of Madonna's older brothers, has been homeless for a year and a half.

According to the story, Anthony has been out of work since last year when he lost his job at his father's vineyard in Michigan. They grow grapes in Michigan? There are like a million ledes buried in this boring little news story.

"My family turned their back on me, basically, when I was having a hard time," he said. "You think I haven't answered this kind of question a bazillion times - why my sister is a multibazillionarie, and I'm homeless on the street?"

"Never say never," he said. "This could happen to anybody."

"I don't have any income, I've got to go collect bottles and cans, do odd jobs."

We're sure there's more to the story other than, "Madonna is a greedy bitch who won't help out her brother." But, damn, that's gotta suck. Anthony talks about battling frostbite last winter in the difficult climate. Come on, Madge, lend a brother a hand!

[Image via Getty]