The Lansing City Pulse has several articles about the musicians at the 2005 Old Town Blues Fest, the Freep has a Fall Classical Music Guide and our own Off the Couch has a slew of great weekend events!

Great Lakes Restoration Funding Could Be Slashed by Katrina
The Toledo Blade reports that Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Joe Koncelik said yesterday that the region's hopes of getting a $20 billion investment under the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration effort could have suffered a blow from the hurricane for the simple reason that the federal government has only so much money to go around.

Northwest, Delta Bankruptcies Impact Michigan
The Detroit News has a detailed analysis on the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines. In addition to looking at likely layoffs and other economic impacts, there's an article wondering if we're seeing the future of the auto industry. The Lansing State Journal also explores on how this will impact Michigan travellers and travel businesses.
Read Northwest, Delta file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the LSJ

Production of Solar Window Heaters Begins
Here's a bit of sunny news from the Detroit Free Press: Duane Sanborn is mixing a passion for recycling and environmentally friendly technology by putting solar heat in a portable window space heater. Sanborn runs a recycling business, Material Management, and production on the solar devices started last week at Earth Energy Options in Union City.

Legislation Introduced to Protect Mackinac Bridge Authority Autonomy
The Detroit Free Press reports that Republican lawmakers on Wednesday announced legislation intended to protect the autonomy of the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Republicans have been unhappy with the Michigan Department of Transportation's takeover of duties from bipartisan authority, which for more than 50 years has overseen the bridge between the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula.
Mackinac Bridge Authority web site

Hiawatha Water Trail Gets Signs
The Mining Journal reports that workers on a project to develop a 120-mile water trail between Grand Marais and Big Bay have made substantial progress in Alger County this summer. The trail runs through the Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and signs outline the route along Lake Superior from AuTrain to Grand Marais (and water accessible campsites).
Hiawatha Water Trail web site

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