| June 15, 2021 
 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and LGBTQ rights advocates said a new executive order blocking government funding for conversion therapy on minors is a first step toward outlawing the practices in Michigan. The governor said tax dollars should not go toward “dangerous and discredited” practices during a Monday press conference at the Ruth Ellis Center, a social service agency for LGBTQ youth. Whitmer also endorsed two bills seeking to prohibit mental health professionals from engaging minors in conversion therapy, described as any treatment that seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. READ MORE ►Whitmer pitches expansion of $300-per-week bonus to get more Michiganders back to work  State legislators are looking to force local governments to ease restrictions on short-term rentals, but the Michigan Municipal League says the “one-size fits all” bills will hurt residents more than they’ll help tourism. Legislation is moving through the house and senate seeking to stop Michigan communities from outright banning short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. Dan Gilmartin, Michigan Municipal League CEO, called the push for a ban against bans a scare tactic during a Monday press conference. Of Michigan’s 533 cities and villages, not one has a full short-term rental ban on the books, Gilmartin said. READ  Exactly two years ago, Mallory Rivard was crowned Miss Michigan 2019. She's had a unique tenure, keeping the title for an extra year after the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the pageant last year. Later this week, Rivard will finally hand off the crown to one of 22 contestants vying to represent the state in the Miss America pageant. There will be some changes to the 70-year-old pageant as it returns starting Thursday. For instance, capacity will be limited to 50% for in-person attendance and contestants who were set to compete last year will be "grandfathered in," even if they would have aged out of contention. MORE ►Miss Michigan competition returns with livestreaming and in-person audience option
 Last year, fans missed out on the beloved summer concert series at Meijer Gardens. But next month, the popular concerts return to the outdoor amphitheater in Grand Rapids. This year's lineup features an eclectic mix of artists, including The Beach Boys, O.A.R., Indigo Girls and 38 Special. There will be no mask or distancing requirements, which will be lifted by the state July 1. Last year’s concert series was canceled because of COVID-19. See the full summer lineup before tickets go on sale for members and then to the general public. READ  Teachers, students and parents have all been on an emotional rollercoaster during the 2020-21 school year. Between virtual learning, masks, distancing and all the other curveballs that came with a pandemic, even seasoned educators found themselves dealing with brand new problems. At the beginning of the school year, we checked in with some Michigan teachers to get their feelings on what was ahead. Now, as the school year comes to an end, we checked in once again to get a look back on a year unlike any other: WATCH Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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