The Detroit Zoo's baby polar made its photo debut yesterday.

Michigan Unemployment Rate Drops but Remains Terrible
The Lansing State Journal reports that Michigan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 6.9% for the month of March, the lowest rate in nearly a year. Even with the improvement Michigan is still well behind the national unemployment rate of 5.2%.

Downtowns Are Hot With Home Buyers
The Detroit News has a feature looking at how revitalized downtowns such as Plymouth, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Birmingham, Rochester and Mount Clemens are becoming increasingly attractive to home buyers.

Protecting Michigan's Waters, Arguing About How to Do So
The Detroit Free Press reports that while Michiganders know the need to protect the Great Lakes (containing one-fifth of the world's supply of freshwater) from threats such as pollution and diversion, Michigan Reps Bart Stupak (D, Menominee) and Rep. Mike Rogers (R, Brighton) are fighting about what that looks like. Stupak is pushing an Federal ban on drilling for oil and natural gas in or under the Great Lakes while Rodgers feels the matter should be left to the state.

Faith Based Spending Continues to Grow
The Detroit News reports that President Bush's plan to divert federal dollars to religious groups is taking hold in Michigan, where faith-based spending on social services rose to $65.9 million last year, up 7.1 percent from 2003, and is likely to continue to grow.

Salmon, Trout & Smelt Fishing Update
The Detroit News fishing report says that according to the DNR, cooler temperatures have seemed to slow Michigan trout and salmon fishing a bit. There have been very few reports on smelt activity around the state. Ideal water temperatures are 42 to 44 degrees, and the best hours are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Cooler temperatures will delay the run.

Read More (external link) »