Michigan lawmakers pass measure to help indigent criminal defendants

— Legislation designed to fix the uneven defense of indigent criminal defendants in Michigan is headed for Gov. Rick Snyder's signature following passage Wednesday in the state Senate.

Newly signed law guarantees revenue for DIA, Detroit Zoo

Lansing — Legislation guaranteeing the Detroit Zoo and Detroit Institute of Arts can collect all of the revenue generated by special millages was signed into law Tuesday by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.

Michigan Senate fails to vote on Medicaid bill

Lansing — The Michigan Senate postponed a vote Tuesday on expanding the Medicaid health insurance program for the poor as supporters continued trying to drum up votes.

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.

Legislature OKs surcharge to help pay utility bills

— The state Senate gave final approval Tuesday to a bill that would create a permanent low-income energy assistance fund with revenue from surcharges on utility customer's electric bills.

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.

Michigan Senate fails to pass changes to hunting, fishing license fees

The state Senate failed Tuesday to approve general increases and revisions in hunting and fishing license fees proposed by Gov. Rick Snyder as part of the 2013-2014 fiscal year state budget.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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- ...

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.

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.

Judge orders Snyder aide to produce Detroit EM candidate names

Mason — An Ingham County judge on Wednesday shot down a claim of executive privilege and ordered an aide of Gov. Rick Snyder to disclose the names of the other ...

Michigan Senate OKs time limits for fireworks

Legislation putting tighter restrictions on aerial fireworks is on its way to Gov. Rick Snyder following approval votes Wednesday in the House and Senate.

Howe's son: Photos, videotapes of hockey legend unaccounted for

— One of hockey legend Gordie Howe's sons was cross-examined Wednesday in Oakland Circuit Court during a civil trial to determine possible damages for the ...

Legislators vow to restore funding for Metro Detroit senior transportation program

— The $7.8 billion general government budget bill Gov. Rick Snyder will sign Thursday does not contain $2 million in funding for a seniors transportation ...

Suspicious item near Canadian side of Ambassador Bridge causing traffic backups

The discovery of a suspicious suitcase near the Canadian side of the Ambassador Bridge on Wednesday afternoon is causing slowdowns for commuters during rush ...

Lawmakers OK wine tasting at farmers markets

Lansing — Small winemakers could offer tastings and sell their wine at farmers markets around Michigan under legislation headed to Gov. Rick Snyder.