Megan Durisin - Capital News Service

LANSING — Michigan produces the third-largest crop of apples in the nation each year, but with new federal grants to raise the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crops, apples — as well as blueberries, cherries and asparagus — may have the chance for further promotion.

LANSING — The Department of Agriculture suspended its pet shop inspections last October for budget reasons, and animal welfare groups remain concerned about pets’ well-being.

LANSING — Several Michigan lighthouses are seeking grants to keep their lights shining, and their roofs, windows and paint in ship-shape condition.

LANSING — Money may not grow on trees, but experts say the best way to foster small business growth is through “economic gardening.”