In today's newsletter, see where graduation rates are highest and lowest in Michigan, small Michigan farms in limbo as USDA cuts funding for food banks, and country festival planned to replace Faster Horses announces initial artist lineup. |
Setting sail on the Great Lakes🚢 |
The Great Lakes cruising season is right around the corner. The Viking Octantis will kick off the state’s cruising season on Friday, April 25, when it docks in Detroit. For those interested in exploring more of region's beauty (with waterfront views included), Mackinac Island’s Mission Point Resort is rolling out a special package just for spring travelers. The new "Yes You May" package is available for guests booking between May 9 and May 31. Speaking of travel, Frontier Airlines is now offering free checked bags to customers as part of a summertime deal. The deal also includes free carryon bags, free seat selection and free flight changes for nonstop economy flights departing May 28 through Aug. 18. |
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The Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris identical sister ships meet on the Great Lakes. (Photo courtesy of Viking) |
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$3.14B road funding package passes Michigan House |
Fixing the roads: Michigan’s Republican-led House has approved a long-term plan to fund the state’s crumbling roads and bridges. Legislators passed a nine-bill package Wednesday, March 19, that would reroute roughly $3.14 billion in annual revenue to roads. The bills will be sent to the Democrat-led Senate for consideration. Powered up: Michigan power companies can’t stand in the way of residents using the batteries inside their Ford electric vehicles to keep the lights on during power outages, state utility regulators have ruled. The automaker currently offers a “home backup” feature with its all-electric F-150 Lightning, turning the truck into a generator replacement during power outages. An estimated one million taxpayers have less than a month to claim a tax credit that will provide them with a stimulus payment of up to $1,400. The payments are tied to a credit available to individuals who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIP). Three EIPs, also known as stimulus payments, were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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Top 50, bottom 50: Where graduation rates are highest, lowest in Michigan |
In education: There were 288 Michigan school districts in 2023-24 that had high schools with 100 or more seniors. The 50 districts with the highest graduation rates all sent 94% or more of its students through the door with a diploma in four years. This is according to the Michigan Department of Education’s annual report on graduation rates for all districts and schools. Grosse Ile Township Schools in Wayne County was the only district (with 100-plus seniors) to graduate 100% of its students. Two others graduated 99% (Spring Lake Public Schools and Ida Public School District). On the other end of the spectrum — two districts failed to exceed 40% graduation, with Burr Oak Community School District in St. Joseph County taking the low mark with 37%. Berrien Springs Public Schools was second lowest, just under 40%. An estimated one million taxpayers have less than a month to claim a tax credit that will provide them with a stimulus payment of up to $1,400. The payments are tied to a credit available to individuals who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIP). Three EIPs, also known as stimulus payments, were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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Small Michigan farms in limbo as USDA cuts funding for food banks |
Making cuts: Green Wagon Farm plans to grow 500 pounds of greens a week for food banks this summer. But after a federal grant program ends later this year, the 18-acre, family-owned farm in West Michigan will have to pivot and figure out new plans. Green Wagon Farm is one of hundreds of Michigan farms that sold food to food banks through a federally funded program being cut by the Trump administration. DTE Energy is considering a rural community in north Jackson County as a potential new solar farm site. The utility has begun conversations with landowners in northern Waterloo Township about the possible development, said Chris Lamphear, DTE corporate communications manager. DTE would not further specify the possible location. PFAS discovered: A recent discovery of forever chemicals linked to health problems is suspected to have originated from a decades-old manufacturing site near Ann Arbor. The discovery has prompted questions and concerns from an environmental expert and local township officials. As the state works to determine next steps, here is what The Ann Arbor News/MLive has found out, so far. |
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Country festival planned to replace Faster Horses announces initial artist lineup |
Coming soon: Several bands and musicians have been announced for an upcoming country music festival aiming to replace the 2025 canceled Faster Horses. Darci Keyes, owner of The Groves of Michigan in Brooklyn, is organizing a three-day Country Roads Music Festival. The event will feature local and national artists, Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20. Buzzing around: Looking for a new hobby this season? See what beekeeping is all about with the help of two Department of Natural Resources workshops happening this spring at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac. Join the Saturday classes, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. April 12 and April 26. Sweet treat: Dairy Queen is declaring “treat season” and preparing to celebrate with its annual Free Cone Day today, March 20. At participating, non-mall locations, get a free soft serve vanilla cone with no purchase necessary, while supplies last. Participating mall locations will offer one free cone per person with a purchase. |
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I hope you find something that brings you joy today as we enter spring! Stay in the loop with the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Have a great Thursday! - Cara Hackett |
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