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Driving an automobile is inherently dangerous. Think about it: Two-ton boxes on wheels filled with combustible gas hurtling down roadways at high speed. With all that could go wrong on even the most simple trip down the block, the very least we should expect is safe roadways. Unfortunately, that threshold is not met on an outrageously high number of roads in Michigan. In a study from 2017, 40 percent of the state's federal-aid eligible roads were in poor condition. Potholes are bad enough. But just imagine the shock a couple from Marshall had when a baseball-size hunk of Interstate 94 kicked loose and smashed through their windshield. The concrete projectile was just inches from turning a scary situation into something much, much worse. MORE
► Fixing Michigan's roads can be a political hot potato
► Video: Michigan's crumbling roads
► The history of how Michigan's roads came to be
► Michigan Beyond series

'Sisu' spirit is helping Yoopers clean up after devastating flood damage

What do Yoopers do when faced with the aftermath of a natural disaster? Simple. Roll up their sleeves and get to work cleaning up the mess. Our friends in the U.P. communities effected by the monumental flash floods earlier this month are doing just that. Keweenaw Peninsula resident Adam Johnson supplied MLive with pictures of the ongoing clean-up efforts. He also exposed us to the concept of "sisu." In his words: "It's a Finnish word without an English equivalent, but largely describes purpose, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness." Sure sounds like our neighbors above the bridge. #yooperstrong MORE
► Pilot captures dramatic photos of U.P. flooding disaster

Historic Detroit recording studio listed for sale with $1.5 million price tag

Everyone knows Detroit is the birthplace of plenty of beautiful music. Now, one of the places where those iconic tunes were recorded could be yours (at the right price, of course). United Sound Systems, where the likes of Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others have recorded, is up for sale. The current price tag? $1.5 million. But that's a small price to pay for a piece of music history. Even if you can't afford to buy it, you definitely want to sneak a peek at the photos. MORE
►Why Detroit is one of America's great rock 'n' roll cities
►10 awesome songs that name-drop Michigan cities

Ultimate State Champion for 2018 is no stranger to winning

Claiming the Ultimate State Champion award takes an entire student body and a strong overall athletic department. The high schools on our fourth annual season-ending list each have built winning traditions. But there was little surprise with this year's winner, as Rockford took the top spot for the third year in a row. The Rams won a girls lacrosse title and placed in 17 state tournaments to edge Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood. Kudos to all the programs that made the cut. MORE

This Michigan museum of tiny things offers big fun

Grab your magnifying glass and head to the Midwest Miniatures Museum. This place might seem tiny but it is really a big deal. Do you want to spot the tiniest toilet you've ever seen in your life? Here's your chance! If you have a kid who loves doll houses, they will be forever grateful that you carted them here. Plus, for the car lover in your life, the Gilmore Car Museum is located right next door. It's North America's largest auto museum and you can visit it right after you stop to check out the miniatures. Make a day out of this trip to southwest Michigan and create some BIG memories while appreciating tiny artistry. MORE
► The most unusual place in each of Michigan's 83 counties