Wildlife
New York man imprisoned for trafficking African wild cats
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An Amherst, N.Y., man has received an 18-month prison sentence for trafficking exotic African cats, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Buffalo.
Echo
Michigan seed libraries grow food resilience
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As with books at traditional libraries, seed libraries contain seeds that circulate among community members.
COVID-19
Communities welcome return of winter festivals
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By Sammy Schuck
Most people may know that festivals attract people to Michigan communities. What most may not know is that festivals and events in the state are an annual $1 billion industry, according to Michigan Festivals and Events Association CEO Mike Szukhent. According to Szukhent, the lack of winter festivals last year “hit hard.”
There are over 800 festivals in Michigan in a normal year, and the Flushing-based association works with most of them, assisting with advocacy, training, marketing and promotion, Szukhent said. Szukhent emphasizes the importance of such events to local economies. A worker shortage is one major challenge festivals have faced since May 2021 and which will challenge winter festivals this upcoming winter, he said.
Contaminants
Advocates push ban of chemicals in food packaging
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Some lawmakers and environmental advocates want to ban chemicals in food packaging that they say threatens the health of Michiganders.
Wildlife
Researchers investigate native mussels in Detroit River for first time since 1990s
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Central Michigan University researchers have discovered unexpected populations of native mussels in the Detroit River, an area that hasn’t been searched for the mollusks since 1998.
Wildlife
Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands shelters a declining species
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Scientists have discovered a Lake Superior refuge for a declining weasel-like carnivore.
COVID-19
Christkindlmarket returns to Chicago, the wait continues in Milwaukee
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A beloved German holiday tradition, Christkindlmarket, will return to Chicago this year and celebrate its 25th anniversary after being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Climate
Climate change challenges Michigan’s power delivery
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Michigan utilities are struggling to provide reliable energy to customers as storms become more frequent and severe.
Homepage Featured
High schooler inspires bill to ban balloon litter
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Trash and other types of marine debris are a significant concern in the Great Lakes region and internationally, and balloons are one piece of that puzzle.
Recreation
Mancelona Buck Pole more than just a competition
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According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the number of hunters is down this year about 4.5% compared to 2020. But at the Buck Pole in Mancelona, the turnout was better than last year.