The back-to-school supplies may already be filling store shelves, but there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy.

If you’re looking to squeeze in one more adventure before the school year begins, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie has rounded up 13 of the best day trips within driving distance of Lansing, from museums and beaches to waterfalls, sand dunes, and much more.

And don’t worry if you’re nowhere near Lansing. These destinations are scattered across Michigan, so there’s something here for just about everyone.

Cyclosporiasis cases reach 6,000 in Michigan (WXYZ): Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has topped 6,100 confirmed cases as of Monday morning, with health officials urging residents to avoid bagged lettuce and salad kits as they investigate the source. Officials recommend washing produce, buying whole heads of lettuce when possible, and seeking medical care if you develop severe watery diarrhea.

Mike Cox drops out of governor’s race (Bridge Michigan): Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has dropped out of the Republican governor’s race and endorsed US Rep. John James, saying President Trump’s backing made James the clear front-runner. Cox’s exit leaves James and businessman Perry Johnson in a two-candidate GOP primary ahead of the Aug. 4 election.

U-M Athletic director to step down (Freep): University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of the year as the school launches a national search following an investigation into the athletic department’s culture. The university said the review praised Manuel’s commitment to student-athletes but found leadership and accountability failures that prompted reforms.

Bishop’s Bog Preserve is an ancient “relict” bog with remnants of Ice Age times in Michigan. (City of Portage)

By Chaunie Brusie

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the last time I went grocery shopping, all of the school supplies were fully stocked and ready for the new school year. My children didn’t even want to look, and I can’t say I blame them, because in our minds, summer is still in full swing. 

We are continuing to check several items off our summer bucket list, such as trying a pottery wheel class (check!) and visiting the Grand Haven musical fountain next week. And with school starting for some students in a little over a month, we have our eye on some other last-minute day trips from Lansing—because we are bound and determined to squeeze every last bit out of summer!

Restaurants are pulling lettuce from their recipes, and the lunches of Michiganders across the state continue to be impacted by the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak. To make matters even more confusing, the FDA finally linked the parasite to Taylor Farms before quickly walking that back. It’s become quite a mess.

I can’t be the only one who’s cut out leafy greens and is now craving a salad more than usual. So, this week, I want to know:

Reminder: When responding, include your first name and where you’re from to have your answer included.

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future edition.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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