April 23, 2021 CNS Budget — Week 13
To: CNS Editors
From: Eric Freedman & Judy Putnam
http://news.jrn.msu.edu/capitalnewsservice/
For technical problems, contact CNS technical manager Eryn Ho at (616) 485-9295; hoeryn@msu.edu.
For other matters, contact Eric Freedman at (517) 256-3873; freedma5@msu.edu.
Next week: Next Friday, April 30, will be our last regular file of the spring. The following Friday, May 7, will be our traditional end-of-semester Bonus Week file with still-timely stories you may not have had space to run earlier. As in recent years, we also plan to send you packages of Michigan-focused environmental news stories during the summer in collaboration with our partner, Great Lakes Echo.
Here’s your file:
RESIN SHORTAGE: The February mega-freeze in Texas disrupted production of resin, a key component of construction materials, and the resin shortage is boosting prices for new homes. The Home Builders Association of Michigan says some people are delaying projects as a result. The Michigan Manufacturers Association says its members haven’t had any major problems, and GM says it’s working with its suppliers. By Kristia Postema. FOR GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, CORP! AND ALL POINTS.
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ID THEFT: Attorney General Nessel says identity theft complaints have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Her office has created a new unit to help victims. We also talk to AARP and an Oak Park lawyer specializing in identity theft. Meanwhile, the IRS is warning taxpayers of the dangers of identity theft. By Kirsten Rintelmann. FOR GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, CORP! DETROIT AND ALL POINTS.
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SYNTHETIC URINE: The Senate has overwhelmingly passed a bill, sponsored by a Ludington lawmaker, to outlaw the sale of synthetic urine, used to cheat on drug tests. However, a Detroit lawyer who specializes in cannabis cases says there are better ways than drug tests to determine if an employee is impaired. Another pending anti-drug bill with sponsors from Casco Township and Dearborn, would ban billboards advertising recreational and medicinal marijuana. By Chloe Trofatter. FOR LUDINGTON, HOLLAND, DETROIT, LAKE COUNTY, MANISTEE, LEELANAU, CADILLAC, BENZIE, TRAVERSE CITY, LANSING CITY PULSE, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS & ALL POINTS.
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SCHOOL VACCINATIONS: Detroit Public Schools teachers can get cash and extra vacation time as an incentive to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but no Michigan school districts have made it mandatory for teachers and other staff. A new MEA survey says almost 90% of public school staff are fully or partially vaccinated. Opening up vaccines to students 16 and over leaves out the vast majority of schoolchildren because they are currently too young to be eligible. We talk to the MEA, a Detroit schools administrator and the Michigan Association of School Boards. By Sophia Lada. FOR DETROIT AND ALL POINTS.
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CLOSINGS: Places of worship are closing as the proportion of Americans who formally belong drops. Factors include rising costs of maintenance and increased mobility that makes it easier for worshippers to pick and choose congregations. We talk to a St. Joseph pastor from the Southwestern Baptist Association and the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ. For faith and news sections. By Sheldon Krause, FOR STURGIS, THREE RIVERS, HOLLAND AND ALL POINTS.
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MOSS BALLS: The new hitchhikers in the Great Lakes region aren’t stopping drivers with a thumbs up. They’re riding moss balls across the ocean, and aquarium owners should be on the lookout for invasive zebra mussels. The warnings come from MSU Extension, Michigan and Wisconsin natural resource departments and the U.S. Geological Survey. By Taylor Haelterman. FOR ALL POINTS.
w/MOSS BALLS PHOTO 1: Adult zebra mussels are large enough to be seen in containers with moss balls. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey
w/MOSS BALLS PHOTO 2: Moss balls used as aquarium plants provide habitat and generate oxygen. Credit U.S. Geological Survey
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URBAN GREEN SPACE: An abandoned golf course near the the edge of the MSU campus had been shrouded by tallgrass and sparkling goldenrod, filled with asters and milkweed that lured birds every summer, with sycamores and willows shading the shore of the Red Cedar River. Now that sanctuary is gone amidst development, and its disappearance is a reminder of the importance of urban greenspace. Commentary. By Marshall Lee Weimer. FOR LANSING CITY PULSE AND ALL POINTS.
w/URBAN GREEN SPACE PHOTO1: In 2018 goldenrod shimmering in the summer sun reclaims what had once been a golf course in East Lansing. Credit: Marshall Lee Weimer.
w/URBAN GREEN SPACE PHOTO2: In the spring 2021, the area, once filled with goldenrod, is prepared for development. Credit: Marshall Lee Weimer.
CNS