| August 16, 2021 
 Population data from the U.S. Census Bureau offers more evidence that Michigan’s population is shifting from rural areas to urban and suburban communities and from the east side to the west side. Detailed data on population counts and demographics collected for the 2020 Census were released at the end of last week. The numbers reveal how communities changed in the 10 years since the last count, inform the process of redrawing political boundaries ahead of 2022 elections and influence the allocation of millions of dollars in federal funds. We have a lot of data to dive into here. Let's get started. READ ABOUT FASTEST GROWING CITIES HERE.  Michigan ranks fifth in the nation for states with the most openly LGBTQ elected officials according to a new report that also found LGBTQ officials nationwide more than doubled in the last four years. The data comes from LGBTQ Victory Institute, a political organization that identifies and trains LGBTQ candidates. An annual report released in July found 986 openly LGBTQ elected officials are serving across the U.S. -- including 37 in Michigan -- though the organization says 28,116 more must be elected to achieve equitable representation, based on estimates of the LGBTQ population. READ MORE  Over summer break, a stretch of time kids often spend sleeping in and playing, three Saginaw brothers, ages 12, 10 and 9, started a lawn care business, developed a reputation and earned dozens of regular customers. Now, with summer coming to a close, the boys behind 3 Amigos Lawncare Service plan to offer all-season services. “I’m very proud of them,” said their mom, Terri Reed. “They’re some hard working young boys.” READ THEIR STORY ►Watch the brothers talk about their business! They're great.
 They’ve been champions every step of the way. And now there’s only one step remaining. Michigan state champion Taylor North built on its sparkling resume, routing Ohio state champ Hamilton West Side 9-1 – live on ESPN -- to win the Little League Great Lakes Regional crown. Taylor North ventures to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the famed Little League World Series, set for Aug. 19-29. And after winning district, state and regional championships, this bunch of 12-year-old ballplayers can finally start thinking about winning it all.  School is about to start - or has already started - all across Michigan. And whether parents support a safety-fueled mask mandate or are zealously opposed, neither side imagined they'd still be fighting this battle in fall 2021. A few days ago, parents on both sides showed up on the sidewalks outside Portage Central High School with signs and voices. HERE'S VIDEO Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.mlive to your address book or safe sender list. | ||||||||||||||||||
