News

A measure to exempt people under the age of 21 from criminal penalties who are trying to get help for themselves or someone else for a prescription drug overdose has cleared a House committee. The idea is to not punish someone who is asking for help. The legislation, sponsored by …

The State House Natural Resources committee heard testimony Tuesday on legislation that would ban the sale of personal care products that contain plastic microbeads, which do not biodegrade in the environment and could harm fish and other aquatic life. Supporters call the legislation a common sense compromise since many in …

Criminal charges have been filed by the state against a now disbarred attorney for embezzling more than $100,000 from a client suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Attorney General Bill Schuette says 67-year old Michael Aho Kennedy of Petoskey made discreet transactions siphoning funds from the victim’s trust and made multiple deposits …

In the wake of the mass shooting in Oregon, a state lawmaker is saying the best way to prevent these shootings is to end gun free zones. State Senator Patrick Colbeck says most mass shootings happen in facilities where guns are not allowed, like schools, daycares and entertainment facilities. The …

A bill to increase the penalty for those who sell tobacco to minors has advanced to the state House. Sponsor, state Senator Steve Bieda, says the measure would increase the fine from $50 to $100, and up to $500 for repeat offenders. The Warren Democrat says if you look at …

Iranian officials have reportedly agreed to examine Amir Hekmati of Flint because of recurring respiratory problems. Hekmati has been imprisoned in Iran for more than four years. NBC-25 reports officials agreed to test Hekmati, following months of requests to do so. Hekmati’s symptoms are similar to tuberculosis. The former Marine …

Police could administer a roadside drug test on motorists, under legislation headed to the full Senate. State Senator Tom Casperson is the bill sponsor. He says Michigan doesn’t currently have a good system in place for testing whether someone is abusing a drug. His bill would allow officers who suspect …

A pair of Upper Peninsula lawmakers want to strengthen the state’s methamphetamine laws while, at the same time, cutting someone a break for buying large amounts of one of the key ingredients in making meth. State Representative Ed McBroom is behind one of the bills, which would up the fine …

The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home for domestic abuse victims holds an annual Ride Against Abuse event. Supporters of the shelter gathered in Calumet for opening ceremonies before the ride. The BKG shelter’s Executive Director, Mary Niemela, says this is the 2nd annual Ride Against Abuse event. This year, 30 …

Finlandia University’s International School of Business has been ranked among the most innovative small college business departments by Business Research Guide. The ranking was published on the organization’s website in September. Business Research Guide selected and ranked the top 50 from among the qualifying programs. Finlandia University was ranked 25th. …