Starting my Friday in Michigan

I can see light outside our living room window here in mid-Michigan and I can taste the oatmeal with cherries on top that's coming my way.  My links:

1. City of Grand Rapids talks bankruptcy:  As local units of government in Michigan wait to see how much revenue-sharing they'll get from the state to pay their bills, the Grand Rapids Press reports that the once venerable city of Grand Rapids is talking about bankruptcy.  At one time, the city was a beacon for financial stability.
2. State of Michigan approaching budget chaos:  State lawmakers in Lansing face wide divisions over how the state should spend its money during the next fiscal year which starts Oct. 1, according to the Detroit News.  Big hangup seems to be more than $1 billion in cuts and new taxes to raise revenue for specific programs.
3. Upper Peninsula looks at possible nickel mine:  The U.P. of Michigan is looking at the possibility of the opening of a new nickel mine near Marquette, according to the Detroit News.  It would mark a new era in mining for the area.  All kinds of environmental quesitons are being raised.  The project holds promise of new jobs for the area and new tax revenue.
4. City of Flint watches filming of "Alleged":  The Flint Journal reports on how city residents have front row seats to the filming of the movie "Alleged" with Nathan West and Ashley Johnson.  It's exciting Hollywood action for a struggling city.  The filming of this movie and others in the state come with a highly controversial program where the state of Michigan reimburses filmmakers for almost half the cost of making their productions.
5. Tough times now with eternity later:  With Michigan's economy causing a world of hurt to many, Our Daily Bread from RBC brings the reminder that we have an eternity of promise ahead.  The real and lasting hope lies there and not here.