Bruce Bischoff (TC Record-Eagle) says a good camp is a thing of beauty. George Weeks (Detroit News) feels that the global economy & state jobs may dominate the gubernatorial 2006 election.

2005 Michigan State Fair - August 10-21
The Detroit News has a feature on the Michigan State Fair. In 1905, the Michigan State Agricultural Society bought 135 acres along Woodward Avenue as the permanent home for the Fair. It starts tomorrow, runs through August 21 and features livestock & produce displays, over 60 rides, stage shows (including Alice Cooper), and the "Miracle of Life" exhibit where you can see baby animals being born.
Michigan State Fair web site

Homeowner Fairness Bill Generates Fierce Controversy
The Detroit Free Press reports on a controversial bill that would change how pollution cleanup is handled in Michigan. The Homeowner Fairness Bill, sponsored by State Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, would (according to proponents) prevent overzealous environmental regulators from unfairly branding clean properties as contaminated. The bill has passed the state House but the Michigan DEQ, along with environmental groups lobbying against the bill, say the bill's effects will have far-reaching (and unfavorable) consequences.

Number, Severity of Hate Crimes Increase
The Detroit Free Press reports that on Sunday, someone burned a 6-foot cross on a Dearborn Heights family's lawn and that Warren, Troy and Trenton have seen similar hate crimes over the past two months. The tensions come at a time when African Americans are leaving Detroit in huge numbers (over 50,000 African Americans residents have left since 2000). Ethnic intimidation is a felony in Michigan punishable by up to two years in prison and the Federal Hate Crimes Act can deliver up to 10 years prison time.

College Students: Consider Home Purchase Over Renting
The MSU State News has a feature on 23-year-old Michigan State University anthropology senior Kate Nault. Rather than rent, Nault purchased a home that she shares with roommates. The article makes a compelling case for ownership.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Sit Me in a Michigan Seat
The Detroit Free Press has a feature on the American Seating Co. of Grand Rapids. The company was founded in 1886 has provided seats to many major league ballparks including the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and the Detroit Tigers' Comerica Park. Fun Fact: Seating at a Major League ballpark costs $4-5 million.

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