Didn't we just do this?? George Weeks reports that 2008 Republican & Democrat Presidential hopefuls are already targetting Michigan.

Difficulties in Deadling with School Violence
The Lansing State Journal has an in-depth feature on the difficulties faced by Michigan schools in identifying and heading off violence. The article identifies obstacles including lack of training and funding and the simple fact that schools are being asked to do much more than simply educate students.

Michigan Tourism & Tourism Promotion Spending in Decline
The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a feature on the 6-year stagnation experienced by the Michigan tourism industry. Statewide growth used to run 3-4% per year, but a poor economy, high gas prices and bad weather have the industry growing at 1%. Michigan spent $12.1 million in 2000 to promote tourism. $7.9 million allotted for 2005, we rank 31st nationwide, and trail Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin.

UP Tourism Destinations Featured
While we're on the subject of tourism promotion, the Cleveland Plain Dealer has a feature promoting various Upper Peninsula vacation attractions including the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, Mackinac Bridge, Drummond Island, Soo Locks and Keweenaw National Historical Park. The article lists a lot of nice UP web sites as well.

Custodians Next on Grand Rapids Schools Chopping Block
WZZM TV-13 Grand Rapids reports that nearly 200 custodians who work for Grand Rapids Public Schools may lose their jobs due to the School Board privatizing custodial services in an effort to save money. 225 school bus drivers have already lost their jobs to outsourcing.

Wine Take Home Bill Expected to Become Law
The Detroit News reports that a bill passed by the Michigan Legislature and headed to the governor's office for likely signing will allow restaurant patrons to take home unfinished bottles of wine. Backers feel that it the restaurant business as diners may start order more expensive bottles of wine if they know they won't go to waste & our roadways in general as folks don't have to finish bottles.

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