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Detroit to Close 34 Schools
The Detroit News reports that 10,600 students will be bound for different buildings this fall as the Detroit Public Schools on Thursday announced it would close 34 schools to cut costs and get the district in sync with its dwindling population. The move will also cause an unspecified number of staff layoffs. The article has a ton of background information on the issue.

Wi-Fi Cloud Over Oakland County
The Detroit Free Press reports that Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson presented a vision in his annual State of the County address of free (or minimal cost) wireless Internet access for the whole of the county. Many college campuses and small cities like Grand Haven have done this, but the 910-square miles of Oakland County would be one of the largest anywhere.

Under The Influence Part 2
Yesterday the Detroit Free Press began a three-part series on the influence of the Beer & Wine Wholesalers. Today's report features an analysis of campaign finance records that found that the wholesalers association and some members have hosted at least 83 political fund-raisers for lawmakers from Wayne, Oakland & Macomb counties during the last 4 years. The lawmakers raised over $440,000.

Granholm Proposes State Budget Cuts
The Detroit News reports that Gov. Jennifer Granholm's $41.2 billion budget proposal would cut 3 state police posts (Groveland Township, Grand Haven & Iron River), MEAP monies for private college students as well as funds to young adults who qualify for Medicaid and doctors who don't serve poor patients. The cuts would be to eliminate a $773-million deficit for next year's budget.

DNR Hears About Northern Michigan Snowmobile Trail
Interlochen Public Radio has an audio feature about recommendations received by the Michigan DNR about ways it could live up to a promise made to snowmobilers. The DNR promised (late 90s) to connect Cheboygan & Gaylord with a snowmobile trail. To do it, the state could either break another promise to Mullet Lake property owners or run a snowmobile trail through one of Lower Michigan's most wild places.

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