Opponents of Michigan’s wolf hunt filed petitions with state elections officials in Lansing yesterday to put the most recent law allowing wolf hunting on the November ballot. If the petitions are found sufficient, they would suspend the current law that allowed the Natural Resources Commission to designate wolves as a …
Read More »Decriminalization of Marijuana Gaining Support
It’s being called by some a “pot law tsunami.” Efforts are underway in up to a dozen more communities to decriminalize recreational marijuana use. A coalition of groups pushing to relax marijuana ordinances says you just might see the question on your local ballot this November. Last November, voters in …
Read More »Firearm Records Bill Approved
The Michigan House has approved a package of bills that exempt firearm records from the Freedom of Information Act. The National Rifle Association is the main interest-group backer of the bills, saying in other states such information has been published with the intent of ostracizing gun owners. They also say …
Read More »Drunk-Driving Enforcement Steps Up
The watchful eyes of law enforcement are out in force on Michigan roads through April 7th, to keep drunk drivers off the roads during Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and high school and college spring break periods. Traditionally, the concern targeted only St. Patrick’s …
Read More »State Potholes Becoming Major Issue
Record snow and cold may be departing, but they’re leaving in their wake one of Michigan’s worst pothole seasons ever. The Michigan Department of Transportation is suggesting some ways that motorists can avoid hitting potholes, and to minimize damage if they can’t miss them. Officials say by driving extra cautiously …
Read More »Recap of Houghton City Council Meeting
Last night at the Houghton City Council meeting, a public hearing was held for the city’s application for a DNR Trust Fund Grant for the Central Houghton Green Space Area, which is located on 7th Avenue near Franklin Road. After a few comments from the community members including the president …
Read More »Supplemental Bill Approved
The proposal to add more than 300 million dollars to state spending this year was approved by both the Michigan House and Michigan Senate Wednesday afternoon. Among other things, the measure spends 215 million dollars for road funding. Under the proposal, 100 million will go to special winter road maintenance, …
Read More »Liquor License Expansion
Legislation that would streamline the state’s liquor licensing process and allow microbreweries to expand is headed to Governor Rick Snyder. The state House and Senate yesterday approved amendments to Michigan’s liquor laws. The legislation would allow microbreweries in the state to produce up to 60,000 barrels a year. That’s double …
Read More »Consumers Frustrated with Scalping Bill
As Michigan lawmakers continue to debate a proposal to repeal the state’s ban on ticket scalping, a new poll shows public support for changes to the state’s 1931 ticket resale law. Currently, Michigan law prohibits the “average” person from reselling event tickets for more than face value without the written …
Read More »Changes Coming for MI Teacher Evaluations
Michigan lawmakers will soon have to adopt changes to the state’s teacher evaluation system or risk losing the state’s waiver from federal No Child Left Behind requirements, according to U.S. Department of Education officials. Under the waiver, the state is required to have a statewide teacher evaluation system in place …
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