Be sure to read Father Marquette Discovers the Mississippi River, a special feature from Michigan History Magazine ... and enjoy this beautiful weekend!

Ambitious Great Lakes Cleanup Plan Announced
The Duluth News-Tribune reports that an ambitious draft plan announced on the shores of Lake Superior by the EPA calls for an end to sewage overflows, beach closings and new exotic species invasions while also pushing for restored wetlands near the lakes and cleaning up contaminated hotspots in harbors. The plan calls for $20 billion over at least 15 years but funding remains uncertain.
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration info from the EPA

Feds Take Over Detroit Housing Agency
The Detroit News reports that the federal government took control of Detroit's Housing Commission on yesterday, citing decades of neglect and mismanagement in a program designed to help some of the poorest people in the city. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development official Lindsey Reames of Grand Rapids will manage the agency.

History Day Camp in Lansing
The Lansing State Journal reports on a history day camp at the Turner Dodge House & Heritage Center in Lansing. The article is pretty lean but the Turner-Dodge site has some GREAT Lansing history!
Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center web site

Red Wings Fire Coach Dave Lewis
While there's no skating going on, the Detroit Free Press reports that Detroit Red Winds GM Ken Holland has called a news conference for 11 AM today. Freep sources say he will announce Lewis will not return as coach and speculate that Mighty Ducks coach Mike Babcock will be named as his successor.

Kayaking Across Lake Michigan for a Cancer Cure
The Detroit Free Press reports that sometime after Aug. 7, nine Michigan kayakers will load boats and gear aboard the Lake Express ferry at Muskegon, cross Lake Michigan to Milwaukee and launch their kayaks from a Wisconsin beach. With their 80 mile crossing, they'll raise money for the West Michigan Chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Kayak for a Cure web site

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