In today's newsletter, a lawsuit argues big mobile home lot owners are raising rent in a price-fixing scheme, a Michigan manufacturer launches an autism employment initiative and improvements are coming to state bridges. |
How to visit Michigan’s 6 national parks for free |
Outdoor enthusiasts, this one is for you. Michigan’s six national parks – and all national parks across the country – will offer free admission on Saturday, April 20, to kick off National Park Week, officials announced. Michigan's six state parks include Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, portions of the North Country National Scenic Trail, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, River Raisin National Battlefield Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Also in the great outdoors, a portion of Peter White Drive in Marquette’s Presque Isle Park will close nightly for vehicles and bicycles until May 15 while blue-spotted salamanders migrate. |
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A view of a Blue-Spotted Salamander. The salamanders migrate to lay eggs every spring, which can be dangerous if the migration requires crossing roads. The city of Marquette, Mich., has closed a road to make the trip safer. (Photo courtesy of GRMule and Wikimedia Commons) |
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| ‘Price-fixing cartel’: Big Michigan mobile home park owners accused of conspiracy |
Scheming: A class-action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Northern Illinois last fall argues 10 big mobile home park owners are engaging in a conspiracy to increase rents in Michigan and across the country through an "unlawful price-fixing scheme." What's happening: In Michigan, nearly half of the 1,033 licensed mobile home parks are operated by investment groups or owners with five or more communities, according to an MLive analysis of state data. Mobile home residents say their rents spiked after a wave of corporate owners bought thousands of communities across the United States. One Oakland County resident says her rent increased $500 – a 50% increase – over six years. New development: An old Ann Arbor house that was painstakingly moved to its current location in 1947 now faces the wrecking ball for a new high-rise development. |
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Michigan manufacturer launches autism employment initiative |
More opportunities: Fernco Inc., a leading plumbing manufacturer in Genesee County's Davison Township, has launched the SPARK program, an initiative designed to provide employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum. The program strives to create opportunities for self-advocacy while increasing confidence and the ability to operate in society. Tesa tape: A global tape maker has moved its North American headquarters from North Carolina to Grand Rapids, a move expected to create up to 60 jobs and generate a $1.2 million capital investment. Paying back: A year-long investigation into the abuse of the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance program has resulted in a Muskegon man pleading guilty, accepting a prison sentence and paying over $124,000 in restitution to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. |
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With warm week coming are we done with frost in Michigan? |
Not yet: Michigan isn't out of the frost zone just yet. A chilly spell will move in next weekend and could easily bring early morning temperatures down to at least 35 degrees. Before that, Michigan will be on the warm side of a very springy storm is heading into the Great Lakes region Wednesday. Bug's life: In a rare event, two massive groups of cicadas will emerge at the same time across the Midwest beginning in late April through June. They won’t impact Michigan like the historic Brood X event of 2021 did, but their sounds could be heard in parts of southwest Michigan close to the Indiana border. In the skies: The ancient Lyrids meteor shower will grace our spring skies this month, marking the first significant celestial event after the historic total solar eclipse that occurred on April 8. |
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$7.4M in improvements coming soon to these mid-Michigan bridges |
Under repair: The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing $7.4 million to improve several bridges across mid-Michigan over the next year, and the work begins Monday, April 15. The cities closest to the planned bridge improvements are Midland, Auburn, Mount Pleasant, Ithaca, Alma and St. Louis. Fixing up: A repair on the Bicentennial Bridge over the St. Joseph River near Lake Michigan starts this week, resulting in travel restrictions for cars and boats, the Michigan Department of Transportation reports. Be aware of closures: April 16 marks the official start of Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) construction season. MDOT has 100 road projects that will close at least one lane of traffic for until Saturday, April 20. Check out these nine closures to watch out for this week. |
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Helen Hunt to host ‘Twister’ screening in Michigan |
Silver screen: Actress Helen Hunt, who played Dr. Jo Harding in the 1996 movie, “Twister,” will hold a question and answer session at a screening of the movie on Saturday, May 18 at the Emagine Novi. Hunt will also meet with fans for pictures and autograph signings at Motor City Comic Con earlier in the day. Get ready: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has released its long-awaited 2024 summer concert series lineup. The most anticipated artists for this year's concert series includes Boyz II Men, Bonnie Raitt with James Hunter, and Jason Mraz. Speaking of concerts: The Jackson County Fair has brought national musical entertainment to its grandstand stage since 1960, but that’s coming to an end. Due to budgetary reasons, fair officials have decided to cut the larger acts for the 2024 fair, which runs Aug. 4 to Aug. 10. |
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I bet your Monday is already off to a great start. Let's keep the momentum going! Find the latest Michigan news all day long at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Make today a great day! — Cara Hackett |
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