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This is the story of one hard-working couple trying to make their way in today's Michigan economy. The inclusion of their story in MLive's new Michigan Beyond 2018 series is not meant to evoke sympathy or present them as martyrs. This simply is a look into the life and struggles of one middle class Michigan household. Every individual, couple and family has their own story. This is Jennifer Folsom-Hartley and Ian Hartley's story. They live in Redford. They live paycheck to paycheck. They feel "left behind" by the middle class thanks to a potpourri mix of personal choices and outside forces. MORE
► Michigan Beyond 2018

State cancels Flint water meeting after mayor threatens lawsuit

State officials and Flint city officials clearly are not on the same page. The sides offered different views coming out of a meeting about the end of the state-sponsored Flint water bottle program between Gov. Rick Snyder and Flint Mayor Karen Weaver. (Snyder called the meeting a "candid and open discussion," while Weaver described the governor's comments during the meeting as "callous.") Weaver then announced Flint intends to file a water crisis-related lawsuit against the state, and the state responded by cancelling this week's Flint water advisory group meeting. MORE

State names company liable for anchor strike in Straits of Mackinac

The state of Michigan has named an Escanaba company responsible for an anchor strike earlier this month that caused the spillage of toxic chemicals into the Straits of Mackinac. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette plans to bring civil action against the company. The state and the U.S. Coast Guard launched independent investigations into the incident. The Coast Guard has yet to release findings from its investigation. MORE

Michigan Wolverines podcast dishes on secrets, Shea and Mo

Did you know MLive produced a weekly podcast covering all things University of Michigan sports? Beat writers Andrew Kahn (basketball) and Aaron McMann (football) sit down with producer Eli Zink for an informative discussion. This week's podcast has plenty of juice to it, as the boys cover everything from Shea Patterson's waiver request to Mo Wagner's decision to turn pro. Click this link to check it out. MORE

U.P. resort will go up for auction this summer

Have you ever dreamed of owning an historic piece of the Upper Pennisula? Have you ever entertained thoughts of running your own lodge? If so, here's your chance: Keweenaw County is looking to sell the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, which has been drawing crowds to the northernmost region of the state - excluding Isle Royale National Park - for nearly 85 years. MORE
► Copper Harbor is one of Michigan's most beautiful places