ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) — Crews for two of Michigan’s largest utilities were working to restore power Wednesday to more than 300,000 homes and businesses left in the dark amid hot, muggy conditions after severe storms toppled trees and limbs onto power lines.

DO JUST ONE THING

• Tall native grass plants aren’t just pretty and easy to take care of, they are also fantastic for the environment. While any outdoor plant can help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, tall grasses also are great for helping to clean the air of dust. In fact, nearly 12 million tons of dust is captured by grasses every year, helping to make air quality better. They also reduce noise pollution and can help deflect sound. And these grasses regenerate year after year with little to no maintenance.

Couple can’t agree about holiday traditions

DEAR HARRIETTE: There is an ongoing issue in my relationship that involves a recurring conflict over holiday traditions. My boyfriend is passionate about us celebrating every holiday with his extended family, which often means missing out on traditions that are important to me. For instance, last Christmas, while he was busy with his family’s big holiday feast, I missed our annual tradition of baking gingerbread cookies with my nieces and nephews. He always RSVPs for both of us without consulting me, so it leaves me no choice.

Pages