State News

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has asked a New York-based company to stop selling do-it-yourself sexual assault evidence collection kits in our state. Nessel describes the “Me Too Kits” as a shameless way to make money off the recent “Me Too” movement. All victims of sexual assault are encouraged to …

As the new school year begins, education achievement test results from last year showed few gains statewide, and some slippage. In grades three through seven, fewer than half of students tested as “proficient” or “advanced” in reading. Only 35 percent of fifth through seventh graders tested as “proficient” or “advanced” …

The number of people who walked the Mackinac Bridge yesterday increased for the first time in a couple of years. Officials estimate 30,000 people turned out on a blustery morning. That compares to crowds of around 25,000 people the past two years. As it has been for the past two …

A former state representative has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of Willful Neglect of Duty by a Public Officer. Todd Courser of Silverwood, in Lapeer County, was accused of soliciting a state employee to send out a false email. Courser was originally charged with several felonies after trying …

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is turning up the heat on the legislature to get serious about negotiating a budget. At a press conference this morning, the Democratic governor called on Republican House and Senate leaders to find ways to pay for improvements in the state’s education system… and said she is …

If the 2020 presidential election were to be held today, all of the top four Democratic candidates would defeat President Donald Trump in Michigan. A new Epic/MRA poll released this morning shows former vice-president Joe Biden with a double-digit lead over Trump. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris held …

The director of Michigan’s Department of Civil Rights has been fired, after making comments that objectified women. Agustin Arbulu made the remarks to a fellow male staff member in May. When they came to light, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission reprimanded him. That decision drew criticism from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, …

Another spate of fraudulent phone calls across the state has prompted the Michigan Public Service Commission to remind utility customers not to fall victim to scams. If you receive a call about a utility bill, remember these points…– Utility companies never demand that you make immediate payments using prepaid credit …

As Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican-controlled legislature continue to try to work out a budget deal, the state government has begun to make contingency plans in case they fail. The new budget must be approved by September 30th. The major sticking point has been road funding, with Whitmer …

The largest of the Soo Locks was closed yesterday, when a concrete sill beneath one of the gates eroded. Shipping traffic through the Poe Lock was halted for more than eight hours as a temporary repair was completed. A full repair will need to wait until shipping ends this winter. …