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Five Things You Need to Know for Monday, June 6, 2005

The National Weather Services Duties Act of 2005 ... seems to contradict itself. First, it says "in a manner that ensures that all members of the public have the opportunity for simultaneous and equal access to such data," then it turns around and says "through a set of data portals designed for volume access by commercial providers of products or services and by such other mechanisms as the Secretary of Commerce considers appropriate..."
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Michigan's Biggest Asset: The Great Lakes

Andy Guy of the Great Lakes Bulletin News Service and Michigan Land Use Institute writes that in the race to attract talented workers and lure new economic opportunities, one of Michigan's great advantages is a robust water supply. The 15 page report looks at a variety of issues and is highly recommended!

Read Water Works: Growing Michigan's Great Lakes Opportunities from the MLUI

Power Companies Give $1.5 Million to Campaigns

The Detroit News reports that Michigan's two largest utilities shelled out more than $1.5 million to state officials in the middle of a major upheaval in the state's electric industry. Campaign finance records show the DTE Energy Co. political action committee gave $884,000 to lawmakers, the governor and attorney general during the last three elections, while Consumers Energy gave nearly $700,000.

Read Power giants give politicians in Michigan $1.5 million in the Detroit News

Homer in Record Setting Streak

The Detroit Free Press reports that the Homer High School baseball team, defending state champion, won its 71st straight game on Saturday and set a new national record for consecutive wins. Homer (33-0) tied the record with a 10-0 victory over Albion and then broke it with a 14-3 mercy of Union City. A school official has spoken with General Mills about the potential of a Wheaties box cover.

Read Homer could get Wheaties box honor in the Freep
Also see Mercy, mercy! Homer wins 71st straight game in the Jackson Citizen Patriot
Read Tiny Michigan School Wins 71 Straight from Baseball America

Detroit Home Prices Among Worst in Nation

The Detroit News reports that although home prices are skyrocketing around the nation, Detroit home prices (and prices in Michigan as a whole) are about $16,000 below average. Median home prices in Metro Detroit increased just 1/2% to $151,000 from the first quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2005 while national prices jumped 9.7%.

Read Michigan misses out on soaring home values in the Detroit News

Rough Weather Leaves 175,000 Powerless

The Detroit Free Press reports that severe thunderstorms swept across Michigan on Sunday, knocking down trees and power lines, spawning two suspected tornadoes in Saginaw County and leaving at least 175,000 utility customers without power.

Read Thunderstorms sweep state, funnel clouds reported, 175,000 powerless in the Freep