Business & Economy

Passenger train from Detroit to Petoskey could be prioritized under new majority

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HIGH SPEED RAIL: Plans for high-speed rail connecting Detroit and Ann Arbor to Traverse City and Petoskey are chugging along. A Traverse City nonprofit is studying the possibility of using existing freight lines for passenger travel, a necessary step in the process. Some say the Democratic majority in the Legislature could help and signs indicate the Whitmer administration is on board. By Andrew Roth. FOR DETROIT, TRAVERSE CITY, PETOSKEY AND BUSINESS AND NEWS PAGES OF ALL POINTS.

Arts & Entertainment

Metro Detroit braces for influx of visitors during potentially record-setting summer

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CROWDED DETROIT: A record number of highly attended sporting and entertainment events scheduled this summer is good news for the Detroit economy. But out-of-towners may struggle to find a nearby place to stay the night or an easy way to get around town. Tourism officials say more rooms are needed for Detroit to take the next big step as a destination city. By Andrew Roth. FOR DETROIT, CORP! AND BUSINESS AND NEWS PAGES OF ALL POINTS

Arts & Entertainment
Isle Royale is known for its isolation and primitive wilderness.

Supporters plan climate-friendly environment for Lake Superior’s five national parks  

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DECARBONIZATION: Lake Superior’s five national parks are getting an environmental boost from organizations aiming to bring solar power and electric vehicles to them. Carbon neutrality is the goal. By Genevieve Fox. FOR MARQUETTE, BAY MILLS, CHEBOYGAN, SAULT STE. MARIE, ST. IGNACE, HARBOR SPRINGS, TRAVERSE CITY, BENZIE, MANISTEE, LUDINGTON, OCEANA, ALCONA, CHEBOYGAN and ALL POINTS.

Agriculture
One winemaker in northern Michigan is concerned about the recent wild swing in temperature affecting the cherry crop this year.

Farmers thankful for cool temperatures after high mid-April temperatures

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CROPS: Recent extreme swings in temperature that had folks breaking out their winter coats again could harm Michigan crops. We talk to the state climatologist, a Grand Traverse County winemaker and an Alpena County strawberry farmer. By Dan Netter. FOR FARM NEWS, TRAVERSE CITY, OCEANA, ALPENA, LUDINGTON, HOLLAND, PLANET DETROIT, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, WKTV, CORP! AND ALL POINTS

Arts & Entertainment
Downwind Sports in Munising offers outdoor gear and equipment.

State and business partnerships may improve the environment

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ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP: State and private partnerships and sponsorships could help parks and meet other environmental needs while boosting the economy. We talk to DNR officials, the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, the Michigan Environmental Council and the Great Lakes Business Network. By Jack Timothy Harrison FOR CORP!, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS AND BUSINESS AND NEWS PAGES OF ALL POINTS

Business & Economy
Amtrak has rolled out 19 new Venture coaches on its three Michigan routes.

Amtrak rolls out new rail cars for Michigan routes 

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TRAINS: Michigan railroad passengers are getting an improved ride thanks to upgraded coaches on three Michigan routes. The improvements include wider aisles, free Wi-Fi and antennas on every car, fold-down dining trays, power USB ports on all the seats, reading lamps for each seat, triple capacity for bike storage and increased storage capacity for luggage. Nineteen new coaches have been in use for Michigan routes for a few months. The cars cost around $2.7 million each By Sam Blatchford. FOR ALL POINTS