News

Michigan has joined a federal lawsuit against four phony cancer charities and their operators who allegedly scammed more than $187 million from consumers throughout the country. The joint complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, the other 49 states and the District of Columbia alleges that Cancer Fund of America, Cancer …

The search is underway for a Christmas tree to be placed in front of the Capitol this year. The state is taking nominations now through July 15. Officials are looking for a suitable spruce or fir. The tree must be a minimum of 65 feet in height, with a maximum …

A state House panel is examining a package of bills designed to strengthen Michigan’s domestic abuse laws. The legislation would, among other things, allow domestic abuse victims to opt out of mediation proceedings with their abuser, increase the penalties for assaulting a pregnant woman, and give rape victims that get …

A House committee Tuesday gave thumbs up to a bill that includes prohibiting local governments from mandating wages and mandatory leave time. It would not affect local nondiscrimination ordinances around the state. A group of protesters interrupted the House Commerce and Trade Committee multiple times chanting “democracy yes, corporate greed …

The State Senate gave final approval Tuesday to a measure that will allow Michigan schools to hold as many as two bake sales per week, or 72 per year. Lawmakers supporting the bill see it as a way to help Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts raise money. However those opposed …

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced that his Criminal Division has filed a felony charge against a former Aramark supervisor employed at Kinross Correctional Facility for allegedly soliciting an inmate to help orchestrate the assault of another inmate. Schuette charged Michael R. Young, 27, of Kincheloe, with …

A new study says cost is the most important issue individuals consider when buying health insurance. The University of Michigan-based Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation released the study that found 92 percent of people buying individual coverage health insurance said some aspect of a policy’s cost such as premiums, …

A Detroit News analysis of tax data shows smokers and drinkers paid more taxes last year than Michigan companies paid in net business income taxes. According to the newspaper, revenue from so-called sin taxes on tobacco, beer, wine and liquor totaled $290.5 million in the 2014 fiscal year, more than …

A new agency coordinating the state’s energy programs is now in place. The Michigan Agency for Energy will focus on coordinating efforts and decisions as the state looks to replace retiring coal-fired power plants with newer, cleaner sources. The agency was created through an executive order signed by Governor Snyder …

Governor Rick Snyder has laid out several proposals for reforming the criminal justice system in Michigan. Snyder is calling for inmates to be paroled from prison once they reach their earliest release date if the Department of Corrections determines they have a high likelihood of succeeding outside of prison. The …