WobblyReport

We maintain a local focus at the newspapers I co-edit, reporting on what happens in and immediately around our designated coverage areas. Happenings farther off may receive mention if they have a more or less immediate impact on the aforementioned areas. To decide whether to report on activity in the state capitol or even Washington, D.C., we monitor and analyze other media. Here are our views on some recent, trending Michigan news topics. Data centers Around the state, local residents have been responding to data center construction proposals in or near their communities. Recently in nearby Kalkaska County, residents loudly opposed plans by Rocklocker LLC to develop a data center on 1,400 acres of public land. The company ceased their pursuit of the development after numerous public fora at which residents were overwhelmingly opposed. Developers are meeting similar opposition to plans in Saline Township, Howell and Lansing. Michigan is already home to over 40 data centers, many of...

The first substantial snow accumulation in northern Michigan is an opportunity for myriad adventures and experiences unavailable to Michiganders at any other time of year. Scarcity means value, according to prevailing wisdom, so our experiences at this time of year must be highly valuable. Toward this (ad hoc, in the old tongue), we offer the following valuable opportunities attending the season’s first offerings of accumulated snow and ice. Rediscovering what we had hidden All those cold-weather garments were getting musty and weird in our basements and the backs of our closets. Even the ugly sweaters that are in plastic storage containers functioning as tables and/or shelves are desperate for air and light, despite their nearer proximity to more versatile textiles. Here is one more opportunity to reshuffle — or reorganize, for those of us believing in personal progress — belongings and reassess needs. Some of that summer-wear, too, might be more suited for donation than storage u...