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Another study. Another conclusion that a pipeline rupture underneath the Straits of Mackinac would be disastrous. The most recent study was conducted by a Michigan State University researcher. It was commissioned by an advocacy group which supports shutting down Enbridge Energy's Line 5 oil and gas pipeline. MSU professor Robert B. Richardson led the study, which wasn't intended as a "worst case scenario," yet still concluded an oil spill would have a $6.3 billion economic impact on Michigan. Similar studies have found that a Line 5 spill - which remains a highly unlikely event - would come with a hefty cleanup price tag. Enbridge's own study two years ago estimated a worst case spill would cost $450 million to $1 billion. MORE
► Broken cables capped as Straits spill response continues

Willis' attorney is critical of defendant's daily commute to murder trial

Jeffrey Willis will stand trial, as soon as this week, for the abduction and murder of Jessica Herringa five years ago. Jury selection began Tuesday for the high-profile case. On Wednesday, Willis' attorney expressed dismay that his defendant will need to make a two-hour round trip daily from Ionia, where he is incarcerated, to Muskegon, the site of the trial. Muskegon County Jail officials refuse to house Willis during the trial, however, saying he would be "at risk" staying there. MORE

Last place finisher the real winner at high school track meet

Sean English lost his right leg during a horrific traffic accident last year. Thirteen months later, the U-D Jesuit senior was back on the track competing in the 400 meter dash. He finished last, but, rightfully, was the center of attention. Teammates, competitors and fans cheered him on as he rounded the track. Their encouragement swelled as he crossed the finish line. MLive prep sports reporter Jared Purcell was there, and we captured video of the race and the emotional and triumphant embraces afterwards. MORE

High school will require students to bring their own laptops

Here's a new rhyme for Saline High School students: Get your pencils. Get your books. Get your parents' pocketbook. Saline Area Schools recently announced a "Bring Your Own Device" program, which will require freshmen to bring a laptop with them to school every day, beginning in the fall. Eventually, all students at the high school will need their own machines, as computers increasingly become a staple of daily classroom learning. Buying and maintaining a fleet of computers for students is a major budget drain for many districts in the state. MORE

Travel back in time with these Tulip Time treasures

The annual Tulip Time festival in Holland kicks off this week. Thanks to the long winter, unfortunately, it looks as if more than a few tulips are a wooden shoe or two behind schedule. However, you are not a tulip. (Breaking news alert!) You can get ready for the week-long extravaganza with the help of Jessica Shepherd's wonderful gallery of vintage Tulip Time photos. These pics are fantastic, and make us want to dust off the ol' klompen and celebrate some Dutch heritage. MORE