We’ve been working on something behind the scenes here at The ’Gander for quite some time on something that I’m so happy we can finally share with you.

We got our hands on a one-of-a-kind lamp made from a vintage Vernor’s can this summer; one of our readers will win it. It could even be you.

Read on for details on how to enter and increase your odds of winning.

Then, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie takes us on a trip to the 10 most beautiful college campuses in Michigan.

Whitmer not running for president in 2028 (NBC News): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she does not plan to run for president in 2028. Whitmer, who is term-limited as governor, said she plans to “take a little bit of time” after leaving office.

Class-action lawsuit filed over southwest MI data center noise (Michigan Advance): Residents living near a data center in Dowagiac have filed a federal class-action lawsuit against Alliance Cloud Services, alleging nonstop noise from the facility has disrupted their daily lives and caused health issues. The lawsuit comes as the company plans a major expansion of its Michigan operations.

New ‘best beach’ in Michigan crowned in USA Today rankings (MLive): South Beach in South Haven has been named Michigan’s Best Beach for 2026 by USA Today’s 10Best, ending the two-year winning streak of Manistee’s First Street Beach. South Beach drew praise for its amenities and classic Lake Michigan resort-town charm.

Years ago, while perusing one of my favorite Lansing pawn shops, I stumbled across one of the greatest treasures I’ve ever seen: A lamp made from a vintage Vernors can.

At that point, I hadn’t been in Michigan for very long yet, but even I knew the magnitude of the treasure in front of me. So, I quickly bought it (for a steal, I might add!) and brought it straight home.

I had so many questions about this lamp, but the biggest was whether it was an official piece of merchandise. Upon inspection, it appears to me that the lamp was homemade from a ’70s-era can and somehow made its way to this shop. But why? Who would give up such a gem? And believe me when I say that this lamp is truly one-of-a-kind. I’ve scoured the internet and still haven’t found one like it.

I knew this lamp would serve a greater purpose one day, so I’ve stored it for years. Until now.

Because this iconic piece of Michigan history is too valuable to sit in storage, I’m offering one lucky Michigander the opportunity to win it this summer.

How do you enter our sweepstakes? Easy—share The ‘Gander with folks who love reading about all things Michigan.

Follow the link below to join the running. ↓

The buildings at Aquinas College are historic and make the grounds one of Michigan’s most beautiful campuses. (Aquinas College)

By Chaunie Brusie

As the newly minted mom of a high school graduate, I have been privy to the world of college campus visits for the past year or so. While there are, of course, many serious factors that go into choosing a college, I would be lying if I did not admit that part of my daughter’s criteria was “the vibes” of the school. And honestly, I get it. The overall vibe of a school can include everything from the environment created by educators and students to the physical environment, such as landscaping and architecture.

I did not attend a college I thought was particularly beautiful, and when I visited the charming, picturesque campuses of Michigan State University and Notre Dame, I felt a pang of longing for that type of college experience. 

Research backs me up—beautiful natural settings reduce stress and improve cognitive abilities. It just makes sense. We can’t all study on the campus of our dreams, but we can still visit them and dream of what may be. And if you do happen to have a high school senior or upcoming grad, you can schedule tours at all of these top-ranked college campuses 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 story by Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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