The state received nine “C’s” and five “D’s”
In today's newsletter, how a Grand River vision died after 15 years, U.P. paper mill resumes operations amid rare fungal outbreak, and bird bodies growing smaller with climate change. |
Events to add to your summer list |
Get ready to break out your Irish dancing shoes for the Michigan Irish Music Festival, held in Muskegon later this year. The festival recently announced its lineup of entertainment. A classic is coming back with organizers announcing the Ann Arbor Art Fair will span 30 blocks in downtown Ann Arbor in July. And lastly, this summer you can see a country music concert, featuring Grass Lake’s Bayden Lape, in the midst of a sunflower field at Meckley’s Farm. |
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We should have a very nice week of weather across Michigan. There is one rain to look at, along with some much warmer temperatures. Here's what to know. |
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Michigan gets poor grades for drinking water, roads and energy in 2023 |
Seeing the score: When it comes to roads, drinking water, energy and other infrastructure components, Michigan’s 2023 report card was mediocre at best. The letters: The state received nine “C’s” and five “D’s,” for an overall grade of “C-” on this year’s assessment from the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). It was a slight improvement from the “D+” Michigan was given in 2018, and matched the national grade assessed in 2021. Also in public interest: A Hillsdale County school district is the last in Michigan to discontinue the use of an offensive Native American slur. |
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Whitewater washout: How a Grand River vision died after 15 years |
Fifteen years ago, as Chip Richards and Chris Muller began pitching their idea of removing five dams in the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids and building whitewater rapids in their place, there were plenty of questions and lots of skepticism. But over time, bit by bit, the project gained steam: City leaders got on board. So did tourism boosters, who touted the economic benefit. Federal officials also pledged support. But widespread support, and years of planning, wasn’t enough. Ultimately, a dispute over state and federal law sunk the push to bring the rapids back to Grand Rapids. Speaking of Grand Rapids: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced both Jackson and Grand Rapids ranked especially well in a nationwide analysis in 2022 for Energy Star commercial and multifamily residential buildings. |
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U.P. paper mill resumes operations amid rare fungal outbreak |
Starting up again: An Upper Peninsula paper mill resumed operations after idling for more than three weeks while officials investigated a rare fungal disease outbreak originating from the mill, the company announced. Background: Billerud Paper Mill halted operations on April 13. At the time, more than 97 employees, contractors and visitors had been diagnosed with blastomycosis, a rare fungal infection that affects the lungs. The numbers: As of Friday, May 5, 115 cases have been identified. Fourteen people have been hospitalized and one person has died, according to Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties. |
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Skylar Coberley’s ninth-inning, walk-off single sends CMU to MAC Tournament |
Clinching a spot in the MAC Tournament: Two days after graduating, Skylar Coberley wasn’t part of the Central Michigan University softball team’s Senior Day celebration. But the junior – by eligibility – made certain her classmates were sent out in style. Seeing double: No. 5 Michigan’s women’s tennis team advanced to the Sweet 16 on Saturday by defeating Notre Dame 4-1. The seventh-ranked Michigan men’s team followed suit Sunday, routing Cal 4-0 to punch its ticket to a Super Regional. While we're in Ann Arbor: An online auction for the ChadTough Foundation is live to the public and features many unique Michigan athletics experiences among the more than 300 items. |
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Bird bodies growing smaller, wingspans longer with climate change |
The bodies of birds across North and South America are getting smaller but with longer wingspans as the climate shifts and temperatures rise. Researchers analyzed data collected over four decades from more than 86,000 birds either killed after colliding with buildings in Chicago or netted in the Amazon. What's peaking: Spring bird migration — one of Mother Nature’s most miraculous yet largely overlooked natural phenomenons — is reaching a fever pitch right now. Your turn for a vacation: Late spring is a fabulous time to travel in Michigan. It’s cooler and less crowded than the most popular summer months. And because it’s still a shoulder season, there are great travel deals to be had. |
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Thank you for joining me today on this edition of the Morning Briefing. As always, you can read the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a MLive subscriber.
Have a great day!
— Jamie Rewerts |
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