Labor Day might mark the unofficial end of summer, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had across Michigan that weekend.

From the famous Mackinac Bridge Walk to fireworks and festivals, there’s something for everyone.

Today, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie brings us 17 Labor Day events to check out. Best of all, they’re completely free.

Plus: How hard-working is Michigan compared to other states? A new report has the answer.

Board of State Canvassers deadlocks on voter ID ballot initiative (Michigan Advance): The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has deadlocked 2-2 on whether to certify a strict voter ID ballot proposal after determining it was three valid signatures short of the required 629 in its sample. The measure therefore wasn’t certified for the November ballot, but its supporters say they will challenge the decision in court.

Michigan faces air monitoring gaps (Bridge Michigan): Experts say Michigan’s air quality monitoring network leaves large parts the state without reliable local pollution data, even as wildfire smoke and other pollution pose health risks. While advocates argue more monitors are needed to give residents accurate information, the state says it has no plans to expand the network due to funding constraints.

Lansing City Council moves toward ending Flock contracts (WLNS): The Lansing City Council voted 7-1 Monday to urge the city to end its contracts with Flock Safety, citing privacy and potential misuse concerns. Police defended the cameras as an important tool for recovering stolen vehicles and solving crimes. The council does not have the authority to cancel the contracts itself and is asking Mayor Andy Schor to do so.

For many, Labor Day marks the close of summer—celebrate it with these free events in Michigan. (frank mckenna/Unsplash)

By Chaunie Brusie

Many Michigan families might be experiencing what ours is this weekend—grumbling about heading back to school on Monday. But even as some schools head back in August, the lure of sunshine and warmer nights hasn’t quite disappeared yet. Summer is still very much here, and as Michiganders, we know we have to make the most of it (because winter is coming).

Labor Day weekend will mark the unofficial end to summer for many of us, whether or not we have already started school, so here are some ways to close out the summer season with a bang. And as a bonus: these Michigan Labor Day events are completely free!

Random tidbits worth clicking on…

Virtually hop into the planes flying above you right now with Stowaway. (Screenshot/stowaway.live)

👷 Do you consider yourself a hard worker? Then this recent report that found Michigan to be the least hard-working state (yes, out of all 50) might surprise you. The report analyzed 10 key metrics to come to its conclusion.

✈️ Have you ever looked up at the sky, seen a plane, and wondered what it would be like to be on it at that very moment? If the answer is yes, then check out Stowaway. Look up at a virtual sky from your location and from there, you can click on planes or satellites flying above your head and jump straight into them.

Do you have a cool picture, observation, or comment you’d like to share? Send it here.

You have questions about data centers… we have answers.

Artificial intelligence is driving a new wave of industrial development statewide. The ’Gander mapped the data centers that are proposed, approved, under construction, or already online in Michigan.

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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