State News

A state audit has found problems in the management of the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes. Doug Ringler The report signed by Auditor General Doug Ringler rates the overall work of the office as “moderately effective.” It reported weaknesses, though, in the way the office monitored how grant money …

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to ban flavored electronic cigarettes in Michigan has been clarified. While the initial release earlier this week said the ban would take effect immediately, that will not be the case. Instead, the state health department is preparing emergency rules that will prohibit the sale of flavored …

Michigan is banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes, effective today. The ban will include both on-site and online sales. It will last for six months, and can be renewed for another six months, as the state investigates permanent regulations. Governor Gretchen Whitmer said the move was necessary to protect the …

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, …