State News

The U.S. Senate will vote whether or not to confirm Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary today. Michigan Charter School Association president Dan Quisenberry calls DeVos , of Grand Rapids, an inspired choice, despite critics who say she lacks experience and is too focused on charter schools. DEVOS3-A-QUISENBERRY(T-MNN_ Quisenberry expects that …

Does the President’s executive order temporarily banning travel for citizens from seven Muslim majority countries mirror the Obama administration’s pause of Iraqi refugee requests in 2011? TRUMP REAX2-A-WHITE That’s Dr. Jonathon White, a terrorism expert and executive director of the Homeland Defense Initiative at Grand Valley State University. TRUMP REAX1-A-WHITE …

While other attorney generals around the country are protesting the new administration’s immigration policies, Democrats want Michigan’s A.G. to do the same. Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick. MICH AG-MNN

Governor Rick Snyder is weighing in on the Trump administration’s work toward immigration reform. Details from Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick. IMMGOV-W-SK

Fever, chills, fatigue — all symptoms of the flu. And if you think the bug has bitten you — act fast. Here’s Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites. FLU MEDS-W-TA

Some older Fords are going to be able to get some new technology. AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert explains. SMARTLINK1-W-G

General Motors and Honda are expected to make a big technology announcement today. Auto Beat Reporter Jeff Gilbert will be there. GMHONDAPREV2-V-GILBERT(MNN)  

As people prepare to file their 2016 tax return, Lawrence Levy, President of Levy & Associates has some advice if you work for yourself. Tax 1 And Levy says all homeowners need to provide W-2s, mortgage interest statement and a rundown of property taxes paid in 2016. Many know in …

This weekend, football fans are expected to spend just over $14 billion on snacks for the Super Bowl, so says the National Retail Federation. SUPERBOWL FOOD2-A-FECHER Leading up to Sunday, Christina Fecher with Meijer says the retailer expects to sell roughly 875,000 avocados, 600,000 frozen pizzas and more than five-million …

Michigan is nearing statistical full employment. State Representative Dr. John Bizon is concerned, because the state sports an over five-percent unemployment rate. JOB TRAINING1-A-BIZON The Battle Creek Republican says more brainstorming on how to get those people back into the work force is needed in Lansing. JOB TRAINING2-A-BIZON If they’re …