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Michiganders participated in numerous remembrances and celebrations over Memorial Day weekend with fitting tributes to those who've served. Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly Township and Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta hosted official ceremonies Sunday. Dozens of Michigan cities and towns enjoyed events and parades Monday, including Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Burton, Lindon and Fenton in Genesee County, Ypsilanti, Spring Arbor and Kentwood. The message was loud and clear to our veterans: We remember. We are thankful. And we will never forget your service. MORE

How Michigan's 15 metro areas have changed in population since 2010

U.S. Census population estimates for 2017 recently were released. For Michigan, the findings are a mixed bag. Six of the state's largest metro areas are estimated to have increased in population, including the top three: Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing. However, Michigan's six smallest metro areas all show population declines. We've put together a couple of handy, dandy database searches to dive into the numbers - one for Michigan counties and one for the 382 national metropolitan statistical areas. MORE

Quest for best Mexican restaurant nearing halfway mark

The Michigan's Best tandem of John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman already have logged more than 1,600 miles in search of the top Mexican restaurant in our state. They've lost track of their taco counter, and they still have two more weeks of criss-crossing The Mitten! But, overall, so far, so good. Sherm and Gonzo report great food and great people after the first 18 stops on their quest. Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Saginaw and Bay City locations get their shot to impress our gastro explorers this week. MORE
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Checking in with the Tigers nearly a third of the way into the season

The Detroit Tigers are not the worst team in baseball. Nay, they are not even the worst team in their own division (Thanks, Chicago White Sox!). And, really, with the franchise in full rebuild mode, that is a win in an of itself. Today's game is No. 54 out of 162, and being only 3 1/2 games out in the Central Division a third of the way into the season is way better than expected. Now, we are not saying the Tigers actually are contenders. But heading into June with meaningful games on the schedule is pretty cool. (BTW, MLive Tigers beat reporter Evan Woodbery does a fantastic job win or lose!) MORE

Landmark has turned up tourism in the Thumb

The Thumb is feeling the tourism love these days thanks in part to the folks behind the Pure Michigan ad campaign and the region's natural beauty. In fact, Michigan's "forgotten coast" might lose that distinction, if things keep up. One of the unique destinations is Turnip Rock near Port Austin. The rock formation rises out of Lake Huron just 50 feet from the shoreline. It has become a favorite spot for kayakers and canoeists to explore. MORE
► Your guide to M-25: From Bay City to the Thumb