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Tough Supreme Court hearing brings little clarity on Line 5’s fate

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday, Feb. 24, about whether state or federal court will have the final say on the future of the controversial Line 5 pipeline, which carries crude oil and natural gas liquids across the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan. The case dates to a 2019 lawsuit by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who moved to shut down the pipeline by revoking the easement that allows it to cross the Straits, citing risks to the Great Lakes. (Over its 73-year lifetime, Line 5 has spilled over a million gallons of oil along its inland route.) A shutdown is supported by all 12 federally recognized tribes in Michigan, though they are not involved in the suit. Many tribal nations say the pipeline threatens their waters, treaty rights, and ways of life.

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Paddling for change, from Mackinac Bridge to Lansing

Update: Chris Yahanda and William Wright’s film Troubled Water, about their 36-day, 425-mile standup paddleboard journey from Mackinac Island to Lansing, will premier on Friday, Feb. 15, at the City Opera House in Traverse City. Click here for tickets and information. From staff reports Childhood friends William Wright and Chris Yahanda wanted to do their […]

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Reflecting on the Joyous Life of Beryl Skrocki

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For nearly two decades Beryl Skrocki gently worked her way into the hearts of Empire community members, summer visitors and tourists with a unique style of silliness, compassion and joy that magically drew people to her, and also her surf shop and the Empire beach. Beryl’s life was as large as Lake Michigan, and her too-soon departure leaves an equally massive hole in her family and the Empire, surf and Great Lakes advocacy community. She passed away on October 13 at age 61. A public celebration of Beryl’s life will be held on Saturday, November 5, at noon at Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak in downtown Empire. Click here for more information and learn how to support the Skrocki family.

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Michigan Attorney General visits Cherry Republic

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who faces a reelection campaign this fall, spoke to supporters in the Cherry Public House beer garden on August 17. The event was organized by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and by Cherry Republic. Nessel spoke about shutting down Pipeline 5 and protecting abortion rights.

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Cherry Republic opens late on Election Day to encourage employees to vote

If you stop by one of Cherry Republic’s six Michigan stores on Tuesday morning, don’t be surprise to see a “Gone Voting” sign on the front door. On Tuesday, Nov. 6, all Cherry Republic stores and offices throughout the state will open at 10 a.m.—an hour later than usual—to give staff a chance to exercise their civic duty before reporting to work.

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