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Legislation dubbed by opponents as the “Death Star” bill, which would block local governments from setting their own wage, benefits or leave requirements on local employers, has been signed into law by the governor. The bill would not affect ordinances already in place. Democrats opposed the measure, saying local governments …

A state lawmaker wants the legislature to act on expanding the state’s civil rights law to protect gay and transgendered people. State Senator Curtis Hertel says most people support equal rights and it’s the lawmakers’ duty to legislate as a reflection of those they represent. Hertel’s comments follow the U.S. …

The Michigan Senate is set to vote on road funding plan Wednesday. The proposal includes a gradual increase of the gas tax by 15-cents, $700 million in redirected General Fund money, elimination of the earned income tax credit for the working poor and an income tax cut. Senate Majority Leader, …

A West Branch Township man is in jail on charges of child abuse and torture. Troopers from the Michigan State Police Negaunee Post say 27–year–old Nicholas Racine was arrested after investigation into a case involving the severe injury of a 3–month–old infant. Police say the victim was treated for injuries …

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel will apply lampricides to the Gratiot River (Keweenaw County) to kill sea lamprey larvae burrowed in the stream bottom.  Applications will be conducted on or about July 6-10, 2015 in accordance with State of Michigan permits. Applications will be complete in about two days.  …

An environmental watchdog group is voicing their concerns surrounding the Eagle Mine and the effect on ground and surface water. “Save the Wild U.P” President Kathleen Heideman says they are concerned about the long term effects of mining on surface water, drinking water and water sheds. “Treated industrial waste water …

Native American students attending Northern Michigan University will no longer need to be enrolled in a degree-granting program to receive the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver. NMU President Fritz Erickson announced the change during a meeting with members of the Hannahville Indian Community. He said it is meant to assist Native …

It’s been a busy June for an endangered bird in Michigan. Seven peregrine falcons have hatched in different parts of the Upper Peninsula this month – three in Houghton and four in Sault Ste. Marie. Brian Roell a state wildlife biologist in Marquette says the birds used to be on …

Another move is underway to crack down on “smurfing,” an illegal practice where several people conspire to buy large amounts of Pseudoephedrine, used in the making of methamphetamine. Currently it’s a 10-year felony, but has been difficult to prove in court. State House Democrat John Kivela of Marquette allowing only …

New research into a drug to treat a particularly deadly form of children’s cancer could lead to better outcomes for patients. Dr. Giselle Sholler of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids published the report on a drug called DFMO used to treat neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer with a long-term …