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Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023

In today's newsletter, here's what we know in Michigan’s 2020 voting machine probe, Michigan libraries launch citizen initiative to fight book bans, and Jim ‘The Shark’ Dreyer ends attempt at 82-mile swim across Lake Michigan.

Your summer fun doesn't have to end just yet.

We might be slowly inching toward transitioning into the next season, but there's still plenty of time to cross things off of your summer bucket list. 

If catching a movie at a drive-in theatre is one of those activities, check out Mundy Township's longstanding US 23 Drive-In for some old-school entertainment. 

Celebrate the waning days of summer with a demolition derby and musical fireworks at the Western Michigan Fair in Pere Marquette Township near Ludington. If you're traveling to Grand Haven, here are four spots we love along the waterfront boardwalk.

Curated by Cara Hackett

The US 23 Drive-In in Flint, MI on Friday, July 28, 2023. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com)

What we do, and don’t, know in Michigan’s 2020 voting machine probe

What's next: Former Republican attorney general candidate Matt DePerno and ex-state Rep. Daire Rendon were charged Tuesday for their alleged role in obtaining and tampering with voting machines after the 2020 election. With the investigation still ongoing, it’s unknown if more people will be charged for their role in the plot. Here’s what we know so far.

Possible candidate: Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, the Michigan sherriff who made national headlines when he took off his police helmet and joined a march to protest the killing of George Floyd in 2020, says he can’t rule out a run for governor in 2026.

Other political news: A recently obtained police report by MLive details a July 8 brawl at the Clare County GOP convention that resulted in broken dentures and a kicked groin.

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Michigan libraries launch citizen initiative to fight book bans

Taking a stand: With book bans at public libraries taking center stage around the country, the Michigan Library Association is calling on residents to push back against what it sees as censorship and a violation of First Amendment rights.

Flag flying: In an effort to maintain content neutrality when it comes to flag flying in Michigan, some communities across the state are cracking down on what can be flown over city hall or in local classrooms.

Paying restitution: A former Michigan prosecutor has pleaded guilty in an embezzlement scheme  in which he and others stole hundreds of thousands of public dollars, authorities said.

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Michigan’s August weather broken down like you’ve never seen before

Getting personal : Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa flips between scientific data and his soul to offer a different approach to describe what August typically feels like in Michigan.

Smoky skies: “Wildfire smoke from Canada” has quickly become a way to describe days’ worth of our summer skies so far, with multiple instances of smoke dropping into our area. Satellite imagery shows wildfire smoke drifting through the Great Lakes region this week.

Bug bites: Stable fly season has returned to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Here are a few tips for how to ward off these bugs that can deliver a painful, blood-sucking bite.

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Jim ‘The Shark’ Dreyer ends attempt at 82-mile swim across Lake Michigan

Super swimmer: Jim “The Shark” Dreyer ended his quest to swim across Lake Michigan because of rough water conditions. The swim, which began early Tuesday, Aug. 1 in Milwaukee, ended later that day after he swam 10 miles of a planned 82.5-mile swim. 

Long haul: When Eduardo Rodriguez rejected a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, it ensured he would be with the Detroit Tigers for at least the rest of the season. “I’m still here, and I’m going to be here for a long time,” he said after pitching the Tigers to a victory on Wednesday afternoon at PNC Park.

On the field: As the Lions kick off training camp, fierce competition for playing time permeates nearly every position, with one particular battle gaining newfound attention: the tight end position.

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‘Sunrise Kingdom,’ ‘Topless Beech:’ The signs of Beaver Island

Quirky signs: You can tell a lot about the character of a place by the signage. That notion rings true for Beaver Island where the slow pace of life is reflected in a sign that reads "isle awhile." Another one reads “Topless Beech” on top of what is, presumably, a post made from a beech tree. Check out more of Beaver Island's unique signs here.

Festival fun: The Midland Area River Days Festival returns Thursday, Aug. 3, bringing three days of hot air balloon flights, food, art and entertainment to mid-Michigan.

An odd story: A donkey in Alpena County was on the lam this past weekend but surrendered peacefully after a brief pursuit, officials said.

Read more

It's going to be a great day.

Thanks for getting your day started with the Morning Briefing. I'm glad you're here. 

Check out the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. If you value the work of our journalists, consider becoming a MLive subscriber. 

I hope you find something that brings you joy today!

— Cara Hackett

OTHER TOP STORIES

• Man accused of hurling racial slur, cracking windshield, in Target parking lot dust-up
  
  
• Freighter spill sends diesel fuel toward Manistee public beach
  
  
• Judge suspended by Michigan Supreme Court for allegedly covering up abuse of her grandsons
  
  
• Purple heart, Bronze star given 56 years later to mother of soldier killed in Vietnam
  
  
• Little League state champs come out of one-knee pep talk with winning mindset

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