News

Amid persistent Line 5 pipeline worries, state promises impartiality

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By ISAAC CONSTANS
Capital News Service
LANSING–Awaiting the findings of state-commissioned studies that will determine its future, the controversial Enbridge Line 5 still rests on thefloor of the Straits of Mackinac, pumping crude oil and natural gas from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario. The studies are now set to come out in June, after slight delays, and will be followed by community input and a final decision about whether to keep the pipeline running, improve its safety or shut it down. Environmental advocacy groups fret that the reports may weigh in the favor of Enbridge Inc., the Calgary energy delivery company, which is paying for the research. The state is eager to alleviate such concerns, assuring that the methodology of the investigation ensures objectivity. The pipeline, which was commissioned in 1953, has been denounced by environmental groups across the state and nation for what is perceived as antiquated construction and inadequate maintenance.

News

Amid persistent Line 5 pipeline worries, state promises impartiality

By |

By ISAAC CONSTANS
Capital News Service
LANSING–Awaiting the findings of state-commissioned studies that will determine its future, the controversial Enbridge Line 5 still rests on thefloor of the Straits of Mackinac, pumping crude oil and natural gas from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario. The studies are now set to come out in June, after slight delays, and will be followed by community input and a final decision about whether to keep the pipeline running, improve its safety or shut it down. Environmental advocacy groups fret that the reports may weigh in the favor of Enbridge Inc., the Calgary energy delivery company, which is paying for the research. The state is eager to alleviate such concerns, assuring that the methodology of the investigation ensures objectivity. The pipeline, which was commissioned in 1953, has been denounced by environmental groups across the state and nation for what is perceived as antiquated construction and inadequate maintenance.

News

Amid persistent Line 5 pipeline worries, state promises impartiality

By |

By ISAAC CONSTANS
Capital News Service
LANSING–Awaiting the findings of state-commissioned studies that will determine its future, the controversial Enbridge Line 5 still rests on thefloor of the Straits of Mackinac, pumping crude oil and natural gas from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario. The studies are now set to come out in June, after slight delays, and will be followed by community input and a final decision about whether to keep the pipeline running, improve its safety or shut it down. Environmental advocacy groups fret that the reports may weigh in the favor of Enbridge Inc., the Calgary energy delivery company, which is paying for the research. The state is eager to alleviate such concerns, assuring that the methodology of the investigation ensures objectivity. The pipeline, which was commissioned in 1953, has been denounced by environmental groups across the state and nation for what is perceived as antiquated construction and inadequate maintenance.

News

Amid persistent Line 5 pipeline worries, state promises impartiality

By |

By ISAAC CONSTANS
Capital News Service
LANSING–Awaiting the findings of state-commissioned studies that will determine its future, the controversial Enbridge Line 5 still rests on thefloor of the Straits of Mackinac, pumping crude oil and natural gas from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario. The studies are now set to come out in June, after slight delays, and will be followed by community input and a final decision about whether to keep the pipeline running, improve its safety or shut it down. Environmental advocacy groups fret that the reports may weigh in the favor of Enbridge Inc., the Calgary energy delivery company, which is paying for the research. The state is eager to alleviate such concerns, assuring that the methodology of the investigation ensures objectivity. The pipeline, which was commissioned in 1953, has been denounced by environmental groups across the state and nation for what is perceived as antiquated construction and inadequate maintenance.

Diversity Issues

Women’s marches inspire increased activism across Michigan

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By CAITLIN TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING — Amy Shamroe felt proud to hear Traverse City recognized in a speech by Michigan filmmaker Michael Moore at the Women’s March on Washington. “Michael Moore said Traverse City is a place where people are active and engaged and you can find people there who make a difference,” said Shamroe, a Traverse City city commissioner and president of the local American Association of University Women (AAUW) chapter. Though she was pleased by the shout-out, Shamroe wasn’t surprised: Since Election Day, she has seen increased engagement with AAUW Traverse City, which focuses on empowering women and girls. Shamroe has always had to recruit members, but now they’re coming to her. “It’s something I haven’t seen in my six years in this community,” she said.

Arts & Entertainment

New book paddles through history on canoe

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By MARIE ORTTENBURGER
Capital News Service
LANSING — Before everyone had a car, young lovers made out in canoes. In the early 20th century, Michigan’s Belle Isle Park on the Detroit River was one of a few hot spots for the “canoedling” fad. Couples could rent or buy canoes especially designed for courting. The front seats in these canoes faced the rear, so the couple could look at each other while paddling. A Belle Isle suitor could outfit his canoe with a Victrola record player, rugs for the floor, backrests and pillows to keep his lady comfortable.

Education

Community colleges look to add four-year nursing degrees

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By CAITLIN DeLUCA
Capital News Service
LANSING — Community colleges across the state hope to add nursing to a limited list of four-year degrees they now offer.  
That list includes only culinary, maritime technology, energy technology and cement technology degrees. Expanding that list to include nursing would help meet a growing need, said Mike Hansen, president of the Michigan Community College Association. Hospitals require nurses to have bachelor’s of science in nursing degrees (B.S.N). But community colleges can only offer an associate degree in nursing (A.D.N).

Environment

Hobbyists not getting “do not release” message

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By ERIC FREEDMAN
Capital News Service

LANSING — A 12-year-old federal program designed to educate aquarium and water garden hobbyists about the risks of invasive aquatic species is falling short in the Great Lakes region, according to a recent study. Hobbyists’ behavior is of concern because of the danger of intentionally or accidentally spreading an invader. For example, hobbyists may “transport aquatic hitchhikers that could provide a risk of invasion,” the study said. “Aquatic plants and animals introduced through channels of trade pose a significant threat to Michigan waters,” the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported last year. “Invasive organisms available through trade can reach Michigan’s waterways via a number of pathways, including intentional release of pets or plants purchased via retail outlets and escape from private ponds and water gardens during floods or other disturbances.”
The new study examined hobbyists’ awareness of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Habitattitude campaign launched in 2004 in partnership with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

Elections & Politics

Local clerks scramble to implement election recount

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By CAITLIN DeLUCA
Capital News Service
LANSING – Local election officials are preparing for something no one has ever done in Michigan – recount the ballots of a presidential election. The  Board of Canvassers Friday deadlocked 2-2 over President-elect Donald Trump’s objection to a recount. That means the recount will go ahead, election officials said. “If the board adopts the objection from a three-one vote, then the recount would be over with,” said Fred Woodhams, a press aide for the Secretary of State’s Office which administers elections. “If the board does not adopt the objection, either from a three-one vote or on a two-two deadlock, the recount would start.”
And now election clerks have to scramble to get counting.

Energy

Faster decomposing trees can save energy costs

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By CHAO YAN

Capital News Service
LANSING — Poplars and other trees can be bred to break down more easily to make biofuel and other products such as paper, according to scientists at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. Their new study found that zip-lignin, an enzyme that indicates the high degradability of plants and that they injected into trees, is already in most plants. Plants that naturally have the highest amount can be selectively bred. The center is a collaboration between the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Michigan State University and other partners. It was established by the U.S. Department of Energy.