Hollywood might feel far from Michigan, but a surprising number of stars got their start right here, with schools like the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University helping to shape their future.

Today, The 'Gander's Sophie Boudreau puts the spotlight on 10 stars, from Madonna to James Earl Jones, who spent their college years in the Mitten. 

Plus: Our list of the 10 best Mexican markets in Michigan.

Pentagon officials reportedly ask auto manufacturers for help with weapons production (Freep): US defense officials have approached General Motors and Ford about helping boost military equipment production using their manufacturing capacity amid strained supplies from ongoing conflicts.

NWS confirms 9 tornadoes hit Michigan this week (The Detroit News): The National Weather Service has confirmed at least nine tornadoes struck across Michigan during Tuesday night's storms. While the tornadoes caused widespread damage to homes and businesses, there were no reported injuries.

Ambassador Bridge cuts some tolls (Bridge Michigan): The Ambassador Bridge is slashing tolls for some drivers ahead of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge opening. With lower rates and new features like pedestrian access on the Gordie Howe Bridge, officials expect increased competition between the two Detroit-Windsor crossings.

Michigan native Keegan-Michael Key speaking at a panel. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

By Sophie Boudreau

Hollywood might seem like a long way from Michigan, but the two destinations have more in common than initially meets the eye. For starters, as you’ve undoubtedly noticed, they’re both situated near spectacularly beautiful beaches and offer endless attractions for all ages (albeit with slightly different vibes).

But beyond these surface-level similarities, they’ve both housed iconic artists and performers over the decades. For many stars of the stage, screen, and political arena, the Mitten played a central role in their formative years—and we’d like to think we can take partial credit for their success. Here are ten celebrities who attended college in Michigan.

Stalls at a Mexican market hall. (Marie Volkert/Unsplash)

By Dorothy Scott

We all know that shopping locally is the best way to inject money directly back into your community’s economy and uplift your neighbors, but that doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to know where to start. We’ve previously broken down our top picks for charming Upper Peninsula farmers’ markets, as well as the best holiday markets and craft fairs across Michigan, but the shop-local mindset doesn’t end with farm-fresh veggies and handmade Christmas ornaments.

This time, we’re breaking down the best Mexican markets in Michigan. We scoured reviews and ratings on Google to find the markets with the best product variety and prices, and friendly customer service was a plus, too. These markets bring tastes of home to folks with Mexican heritage, but you don’t have to be Mexican to shop in them. On the contrary, supporting immigrant-owned businesses is one of the best ways to uplift marginalized voices regardless of the political landscape, though it’s particularly important right now.

With that said, check out these amazing Mexican markets in Michigan that will help you check off your grocery list without the headache—and maybe even find a new favorite food or two.

Earlier this week, I was musing over the state's many symbols: The painted turtle is the state reptile, and the American robin is our state bird.

But as I realized they're all nature related, it got me thinking on what other state symbols we should have.

So, I asked you all:

If Michigan had a state dish, what would it be?

While we got loads of responses, the pasty was by far the most popular answer, taking up the vast majority of responses. So, I suppose that settles it?

By the way, If you're curious to learn more about how this local delicacy came to be, you're in luck, I wrote about its history not too long ago.

That being said, there are other dishes worth considering for the title. Here's highlights of what you had to say:

"I think the state dish would be cherry pie, what is more Michigan than that?" — Anita, Port Huron

"This is a hard one.  There are so many dishes that may not have originated but that we adopted in Michigan. I'm from New Boston, a small town just south of the Metro airport.  I live out of state now but I'm retiring soon and moving back!  I'm homesick. If I had to pick one meal it would be a multiple choice type switch out meal...Either Detroit deep dish pizza with a few Better made chips and a Faygo Rock n Rye top it off with a couple cider donuts from Apple Charley's in New Boston.  The swap out meal would be wet burrito from Detroit with a Vernors and some Mackinac fudge for desert. I miss the great delis in Michigan and Greek town food as well as white castles that I learned to love there along with everything apple from my home spot and the loose meat subs from various shops.  There is also great middle eastern food in Michigan." — Karen, New Boston

"It is said that Michigan is the home of the olive burger.  It is the only addictive substance not yet banned by the Food & Drug Administration, yet still legal to eat." — Le Roy, Grand Ledge

"The state dish has to be the Coney Dog for the lower peninsula and the Pasty for the UP." — Janette, Jackson

"For the UP I would say pasties.  For the lower, Detroit style pizza and any type of casserole!" — Anna, Brighton

"Pasties! Or Cherries!" — Sue, Williamston

"Whitefish." — Dan, Lakeside

"Pasties and coney dogs, couldn't choose between the two!" — Susan, Grand Ledge

As a reminder, when responding to the Question of the Week, please include your first name and where you're from to have the answer counted.

And if you have a question you'd like me to ask our community, send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

*Responses may be edited for conciseness or clarity.

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 stories from Sophie Boudreau and Dorothy Scott. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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