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First of all, we hope you all enjoyed a festive and safe 4th of July. Here's to a continued lovely holiday weekend. During the days leading up to the celebration of the United States' independence, we got to thinking about Michigan's history. In July 1776, Michigan was still 61 years away from gaining statehood. Did you know that our peninsulas were part of New France for nearly a century before that? And, of course, Native Americans called these shores home long before the first European explorers arrived. Here are some facts about how Michigan became the Michigan we see today. MORE
►60-foot Old Glory flies atop Mackinac Bridge
►Video captures 'sea monster' swimming near South Haven pier

Congressman Amash leaving Republican Party

The writing was on the wall. About a month and a half ago, U.S. Representative Justin Amash became the first - and only - Republican congressman to publicly call for impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump. He instantly became a pariah to his fellow Republicans. A handful of challengers to his seat have stepped forward. It comes as little surprise that in a Washington Post op-ed on July 4, Amash announced his independence from the party. MORE
►Meijer heir latest to announce challenge to Amash
►Trump says Amash leaving GOP is 'great news'

Pastor has ordination revoked after performing same-sex marriages

The Evangelical Covenant Church last week revoked the ordination of a Grand Rapids minister for performing same-sex marriages. The Rev. Steve Armfield said he has no regrets: "I don't want to be a source of division, but I have to be true to my deep, deep conviction to fully stand with the LGBTQ community." MORE
►Video: Pastor's ordination revoked for marrying same-sex couples

Pistons Summer League: MSU's McQuaid among 8 players to watch

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Matt McQuaid proved himself as one of those typical gritty, gutty Tom Izzo guys during his four-year career at Michigan State. He will get a chance to prove he can take his game to the next level this summer as a member of the Detroit Pistons' Summer League team. The Pistons begin play today against the Croatian national team. Our Ansar Kahn breaks down the players we should pay particular attention to during Summer League action.
MORE
►MSU's Matt Costello finds 'Summer home' with Pistons
►Former U-M standouts looking for NBA forever homes

NOAA's July forecast offers some heat relief

Like a too-cool-for-school hipster, summer sure took its sweet time showing up to the party this year. But when it finally deigned to make an appearance, it brought the heat! The end of June and the first week of July have featured plenty of high temperatures in the 80s, a smattering of 90s, and the warm blanket known colloquially as "humidity." MLive chief meteorologist Mark Torregrossa explains what the fickle summer of 2019 might have in store for us the rest of the month. MORE
►Join MLive's weather group on Facebook
►Nearly a dozen beaches are closed due to contamination advisories