Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023

In today's newsletter, a racial gerrymandering suit could jeopardize Michigan’s legislative maps, a new $5.2 million education center will connect more Michigan kids with nature, and the world's largest free jazz festival is happening this weekend in Detroit.

58 nuns walked up to a Michigan ice cream stand. No, that’s not a setup for a joke.

It's not every day that you see 58 nuns stopping for scoops of ice cream in northwest Saginaw.

The nuns were returning to their home in Alma earlier this month when they stopped by the Merrill Whippy Dip for a treat. Karen Beougher, owner of the ice cream shop, posted the photos to social media this week where plenty of nun puns ensued.

"Bar nun … the best ice cream around,” one follower commented on the post. Another one said it was the "ceremonial blessing of the cones!"

Curated by Cara Hackett

Two twins smile at the camera while holding violins

The Black-and-white Warbler, which spends its summers in the mid- and northern U.S. and Canada, is among the species of colorful songbirds that can be seen flocking through Michigan in the fall en route to southern wintering locations. (Photo by Brian Barnabo)

Racial gerrymandering suit goes to trial, jeopardizing Michigan’s legislative maps

Headed to court: The state legislative districts that the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission drew for this decade could be in jeopardy as a lawsuit claiming discrimination against Black voters moves forward.

Laying it out: During her "What's Next" address on Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said "the health of our people, the health of our planet, the health of our economy and the health of our democracy," is on the legislative agenda for the latter half of the year.

Follow the money: MLive analyzed the largest state budget in Michigan’s history and identified 342 earmarks. The vast majority are located in areas represent by a Democratic legislator in Michigan’s House or Senate.

Read more

A new $5.2 million education center will connect more Michigan kids with nature

Great outdoors: Midland’s Chippewa Nature Center, which offers a nature preschool, nature day camp and other outdoor experiences for Michigan children and families, is planning a $5.2 million addition.

New heights: Boyne Mountain's“Strings in the Sky” event, centered around the world’s largest timber-towered suspension bridge, will feature live music, the popular outdoor patio and food truck, and other activities for Labor Day weekend.

Speaking of nature: The Potter Park Zoo in Lansing is welcoming a new Magellanic penguin chick.

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Michigan’s Labor Day weekend weather: Getting hot!

Heating back up: Get ready for a great, fully summery weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach in the low-90s between Saturday and Sunday. There's also a chance of a thin band of thundershowers on Saturday across northern Lower Michigan. Check out a breakdown of this weekend's forecast.

Not that hot: While this weekend will be warmer, it certainly won't reach the near 105 degree temperatures some cell phone weather apps predicted.

Birds of a feather: Fall is right around the corner and that means some birds will soon take flight in search of warmer temperatures. Migratory birds like warblers will often seek out the company of chickadees while on their journeys south for the winter.

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NFL Films to highlight Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown in brand new series

On the screen: On Tuesday, NFL Films announced the creation of a brand new five-episode series titled “A Football Life Origins,” one of which will highlight Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Drink in up: In preparation for Western Michigan University’s home football season-opener on Thursday against Saint Francis, its athletic department and athletic director Dan Bartholomae unveiled its alcohol menu and sales locations.

Dungeon of Doom: Kyle and Ben break down the Lions roster cuts, which left the team with just two running backs, a whole lot of defense, and obvious moves still to come.

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Michigan is home to the largest free jazz festival in the world and it’s this weekend

Drawing a crowd: The Detroit Jazz Festival, the world's biggest free jazz festival, is happening all weekend with multiple music stages spread around downtown Detroit from Friday through Labor Day.

Bringing Fido: Headed Up North with your dog this holiday weekend or planning a fall color trip? Here are three dog-friendly beaches in Ludington.

Feeling romantic: Whether you’re looking to have a relaxing conversation or make a big impression, here are five places in the Jackson area to take someone on a first date.

Read more

You're all caught up.

I'll see you here bright and early tomorrow for another edition of the Morning Briefing.

Stay up to date with the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

Find something that brings you joy today!

— Cara Hackett

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