Michigan is bringing car culture, good food, and good times this weekend.

This week’s highlights include the famous Woodward Dream Cruise in Metro Detroit, events celebrating African and Caribbean culture, a cheeseburger festival, a chance to meet social media stars Josh & Jase, and much more.

As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you’d like me to highlight,
please send me a note here (suggestions should be submitted at least one week before the event).

U-M to pilot ‘grade covering’ program (The Detroit News): The University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science and the Arts is set to pilot a policy next year that would keep first-semester freshman grades off students’ transcripts and GPAs, as a way to ease academic and mental health pressures. Critics, meanwhile, say the program could hide meaningful performance information and undermine the value of good grades.

Cannabis tax leads to financial troubles for some dispensaries (WLUC): Michigan’s new 24% wholesale cannabis tax is putting pressure on dispensaries, with one UP business owner saying the closure of multiple shops is directly tied to the tax. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would repeal the tax.

MI regulators release recommendations for lowering utility bills (WGVU): The Michigan Public Service Commission is proposing changes aimed at lowering electricity bills, including tying utility profits to reliability and affordability and limiting unnecessary grid expansion. The recommendations come following a request from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for the commission to look for ways to lower bills.

Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)

West Michigan

🍻 Suds on the Shore

Saturday, Aug. 15, 12-5 p.m.

Rotary Park (W. Ludington Ave, Ludington)

“Held each August at Rotary Park, this beloved festival brings together breweries, wineries, cocktail creators, food vendors, and live musicians from across Michigan for an unforgettable afternoon along the lakeshore.”

🪘 A Glimpse of Africa Festival

Saturday, Aug. 15, 2-7 p.m.

Calder Plaza (300 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)

“A Glimpse of Africa Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan brings people together to celebrate, educate and share the rich, diverse cultures of Africa through food, music, dance, fashion, art & crafts, and other community activities.”

Northern Michigan/UP

🦆 Rubber Ducky Festival

Aug. 14-15

Downtown Bellaire

“‘DUCK’ into BELLAIRE…and let the ‘QUACKIN’ begin. The Bellaire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the 39th ANNUAL RUBBER DUCKY FESTIVAL in Downtown Bellaire with thousands of people expected.”

🥧 Pasty Fest

Aug. 14-16

Downtown Calumet

“COME TO DOWNTOWN CALUMET TO CELEBRATE THE MAGICAL PRODUCT OF CORNISH COOKERY, THE PASTY!”

Mid/South Michigan

🚘 Back to the Bricks

Aug. 12-15

Flint’s Downtown Entertainment District (Saginaw Street , Flint)

“Thousands will stroll the brick streets on Saturday to admire vehicles of every age and description, take pictures, buy souvenirs, and enjoy the fun. Beginning with the Opening Ceremony, you will want to be there to experience the excitement, see the amazing car show, check out the automotive vendors, and taste the delicious food that is synonymous with Back to the Bricks®, one of the best Classic Car Events in the Nation.”

🐂 Dewitt Ox Roast

Aug. 14-16

Downtown Dewitt

“Come and enjoy our beloved traditions such as the parade and carnival, alongside exciting new additions like Funday Sunday at Riverside, a Street Social experience, our biggest Arts Festival yet, and exciting live entertainment.”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

🍔 Cheeseburger in Caseville

Aug. 14-23

Caseville

“What started out as a 3-day festival in 1999 has become a fantastic 10-day festival filled with burger stands on every corner, live tropical music, a variety of vendors and retailers, activities for young and old, and a parade of fools. You won’t want to miss it!”

🚘 Woodward Dream Cruise

Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Historic Woodward Avenue, Oakland County

“the Woodward Dream Cruise has grown to become North America’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing nearly one million people and 40,000 classic cars annually from around the globe—from as far away as Australia. Cruisers from all across North America caravan to Metro Detroit to participate in what has become, for many, an annual rite of summer.”

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 and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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