WZZM Grand Rapids reported on the excitement of West Michigan kids about yesterday's shuttle Discovery launch ... something we share!

The Wanderers Tells the Story of Michigan Migrants
Northern Express writer Anne Stanton has a pair of excellent features on Northern Michigan migrant workers that provide a look into lives of Michigan's 45,000-125,000 migrant laborers. Part 2 tells the story of a 16-year-old living in Suttons Bay. These are heartily recommended!
Part 1 of The Wanderers in the Express

Permanent Great Lakes Drilling Ban Close to Passage
The Lansing State Journal reports that congressional negotiators agreed Tuesday to permanently ban new drilling for oil or gas in the Great Lakes as part of comprehensive energy legislation that could receive final approval this week. The ban was proposed by Rep. Bart Stupak and would bar the federal government and any state government from granting new permits to drill under the lakes.

New Fund to Encourage Michigan Technology Companies
MITECHNEWS.com reports that the Venture Michigan Fund was signed into law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and experts say will soon pump $150 million into promising technology companies in Michigan, helping Michigan diversify away from heavy dependence on the auto industry and manufacturing.
Venture Michigan fund web site

Canadian Government Makes Edmund Fitzgerald Off Limits
The Great Lakes Radio Consortium reports that put of concerns for family of the crew, the Ontario government is making expeditions to the shipwreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald off-limits to divers. The ore carrier sank November 10th, 1975 off Whitefish Point and all 29 men aboard were lost.
More on the Edmund Fitzgerald from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
Great Lakes Scuba Diving Resources from the GLIN

Many Michigan Kids Below Poverty Level
The Detroit News reports the disturbing figure that 1/3 of the children in Michigan don't live with a parent who has a steady job, according to a new report released as state lawmakers consider limiting assistance and health benefits available to poor families. One in every six children in Michigan lived with a family earning below the poverty level and over 100,000 in a home where no adult works.
Kids Count web site

Read More (external link) »