McCain: Worker retraining key to fixing state economy
ROCHESTER (AP) — The answers to fixing Michigan’s ailing economy lie not in junking free trade agreements but in retooling the skills of laid-off manufacturing workers, Republican presidential candidate John McCain said during a campaign stop in the state Wednesday.
‘‘The problem is not free trade ... we have not cared for the displaced worker,’’ McCain said at a town hall meeting at Oakland University, north of Detroit.
‘‘Innovation is here in the great state of Michigan — the birthplace of the modern automobile industry,’’ he said. ‘‘Of course, the old kinds of doing business (are) not coming back. But the new innovation and new technology and green technology that will both eliminate our dependence on foreign oil as well as greenhouse gas emissions is right here in the state of Michigan.’’
His message was more nuanced than when he said before Michigan’s Jan. 15 primary that ‘‘there are some jobs that aren’t coming back to Michigan.
School plotter won’t get longer term for terrorism
LANSING (AP) — A student who plotted a massacre at his school won’t be sentenced to a longer term for making terrorist threats, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.
» Full StoryContagious swine virus found at ranch
LANSING (AP) — A highly contagious swine virus has been detected on a privately owned game ranch in Saginaw County, state officials said.
» Full StoryGrand Rapids looks at water fluoridation
GRAND RAPIDS (AP) — More than six decades after Grand Rapids became one of the world’s first cities to fluoridate its drinking water, some local officials say it’s time to reconsider the practice.
» Full StoryAbsentee ballot suit goes to appeal
DETROIT (AP) — The Macomb County clerk says roadblocks to voting should be eliminated, and she’s doing her part by mailing applications for absentee ballots to all senior citizens in the county.
» Full StoryLet 16-year-olds vote for school boards?
LANSING (AP) — A constitutional amendment has been introduced to let 16- and 17-year-olds vote in state school board elections.
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