Medicaid battle to be fierce in Senate

A controversial bill to expand Medicaid health care coverage to nearly a half-million more Michiganians moves to the Senate this week, where its chances for passage as of Monday remained a tossup.

Michigan lawmakers move to protect homes

State lawmakers are racing the clock this week to hammer out new rules on home foreclosure, including a first-in-the-nation inspection provision supporters call a safeguard against vandalism for lenders and critics label a trapdoor for evicting homeowners.

Moderate leader's election in Iran stirs local hopes

Iranian community leaders and academic experts in Metro Detroit hope moderate Haslan Rowhani's election as Iran's president opens the door for a new and warmer relationship with the United States and the Western world.

Fight over surveillance efforts blurs party lines in Michigan

Revelations the government has amassed Americans' phone, email and Internet records has split Michigan lawmakers on whether the surveillance programs are violating civil liberties or necessary tools in fighting terrorism.

High Court strikes down Arizona's proof of citizenship law for voters

Washington — The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states cannot on their own require would-be voters to prove they are U.S. citizens before using a federal registration system designed to make signing up easier.

Immigration enforcement official resigning

Washington — The head of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement agency is leaving his job after more than four years.

Immigration bill could decide 2016, senator says

Washington — Republicans' hopes to reclaim the White House in the 2016 elections hinge on whether they support — or sabotage — the immigration overhaul being debated in the Senate, two lawmakers who helped write the proposal warn.

MSU law professor officially launches AG bid

— Michigan State University law professor Mark Totten officially launched a campaign for attorney general Monday, hoping to be the Democratic challenger next year to incumbent Republican Bill Schuette.

Christie maintains a political balancing act

— Republican Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey is walking a political tightrope as he charts his future, trying to balance his re-election campaign in a Democratic-leaning state with a potential presidential bid aimed at winning over Republicans.

Bills to stop siphoning of zoo, DIA tax advance

State lawmakers are a step closer to preventing municipal tax increment authorities from skimming funds from the Detroit Zoo and Detroit Institute of Arts millages, even as a Wayne County judge ruled it is legal for the agencies to do so.

From roads to schools, Mich. budget touches you

Schoolchildren, drivers, hunters and others will face changes when the new state budget takes effect in 3 ½ months.

Police: Grand Rapids mom missing for 2 weeks

— Police are looking for a Grand Rapids mother of three children who hasn't been seen by her family since May 30.

Mike Rogers not running for Levin's U.S. Senate seat

— U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, considered a top candidate by Michigan Republicans to win the 2014 U.S. Senate seat, announced Friday he will seek re-election in the U.S.

Senate Dem leader accuses GOP of leaking discussions to media

Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer said she is walking away from negotiations on raising taxes to fund road repairs, and accused Republicans leaders of leaking confidential discussions to the media.

State House passes Medicaid expansion

Legislation to extend Medicaid health coverage to as many as 470,000 Michiganians passed 76-31 in the state House late Thursday.

Michigan House grants state powers to dissolve Inkster, Buena Vista districts

The Michigan House voted late Thursday to grant state officials emergency powers to dissolve the financially troubled school districts in Inkster and Buena ...

NSA leaker Snowden not welcome in UK

Bangkok — The British government has warned airlines around the world not to allow Edward Snowden, who leaked information on top-secret U.S. government ...

House passes sweeping $638B defense bill imposing jail term for military sex crimes

Washington — The House has passed a sweeping $638 billion defense bill imposing new punishments on military members found guilty of rape or sexual assault.

2 charged in shooting death at vigil for gun victim

Detroit — Two men have been charged in the fatal shooting of a 27-year-old man during a vigil Sunday, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said Friday.

Washington honors Dingell, longest-serving member of Congress

— U.S. John Dingell was showered with warm words, Motown songs, a room naming and even a self-portrait Thursday during a celebration honoring him as the ...

Snyder signs $49B budget with few line-item vetoes

— Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a nearly $49 billion state budget that sets aside more money to fix deteriorating roads and provides preschool to low- ...

Leaker Snowden accuses NSA of hacking in China

Hong Kong — For months, China has tried to turn the tables on the U.S. to counter accusations that it hacks America's computers and networks.

GOP House Speaker Bolger open to debate on civil rights protections for gays

— House Speaker Jase Bolger said Thursday he's 'very open' to having the GOP-controlled Legislature debate whether to extend civil rights protections to gays ...

Amash, Conyers to present bill to stop NSA data collection programs

— A conservative rising star and liberal icon have teamed up in opposition to the National Security Agency's phone and data collection programs and will ...

Census: Fewer kids live in Michigan

Michigan has experienced one of the largest drops in its school-age population in the nation the last two years, new Census estimates show.

State House OKs bill to fund heating assistance program

The Michigan House passed legislation Thursday that lets utilities charge customers up to $1 per month to fund a heating assistance for low-income families.

Conyers concerned surveillance programs go too far as FBI director goes on defense

Washington — FBI Director Robert Mueller on Thursday defended a pair of controversial government surveillance programs, telling Congress that leaking ...

Bolger: I have no plans to run for another office

House Speaker Jase Bolger, who is term-limited at the end of 2014, is already getting that nagging question: What's next?

Mich. House panel passes revised Medicaid expansion bill

— The House could vote as early as Thursday on a bill that would add as many as 470,000 people to Michigan's Medicaid rolls.