Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Northern Michigan

Thursday, April 11, 2013  The bill which gives Michigan's Natural Resource Commission exclusive authority to designate game animals is out of committee and headed to the senate floor.

Thursday, March 07, 2013  The democratic senator says he wants to do his job as Senate Armed Services chairman and as an advocate for his home state "without the distraction of campaigning for re-election."

Wednesday, March 06, 2013  The Michigan Senate has voted unanimously to bar state and local law enforcement officials from helping the federal government indefinitely detain American citizens without charges.

Thursday, February 28, 2013  Animal rights advocates are trying to gather support against a bill that would allow the public to touch and pose with bear cubs in Michigan.

Friday, February 22, 2013  Legislation in the Michigan Senate would overhaul regulation of the state's alcohol industry.  Senator Howard Walker said Thursday the bill he introduced this week would eliminate outdated regulations and increase the size of the industry.

Thursday, February 21, 2013  The State Senate has passed legislation aimed at expanding prohibitions against sex between school employees and students.

Thursday, February 14, 2013  People could soon be smiling for the camera next to a bear cub if the Michigan Senate approves a bear bill.

Monday, February 04, 2013  The Senate is debating a bill that would expand current DNA testing requirements in Michigan.

Friday, December 14, 2012  Under the bill, people who concealed carry in gun-free zones would have to get enhanced training beyond basic requirements and spend additional time at the gun range.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012  Silent protests are taking place a day after Republicans converted Michigan from a seemingly impregnable fortress of organized labor into a right-to-work state.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012  UPDATED WITH VIDEO: The Michigan House is debating a bitterly contested right-to-work bill as pro-union demonstrators continue their noisy protest in Lansing.

Friday, December 07, 2012  A bill passed by the Michigan Senate would allow health care providers could use a "moral objection" or "matter of conscience" standard to refuse service to patients.

Friday, November 09, 2012  A state Senate committee has approved a bill that would designate the gray wolf as a game species in Michigan, a first step toward allowing the predator to be hunted.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012  The Michigan Legislature has been light on lawmaking during the past couple months but is gearing up for a heavy postelection session.

Friday, September 28, 2012  The leader of the Michigan Senate says he and fellow Republican colleagues are armed with a proposal to replace the state law that lets emergency managers take over local governments in case voters strike it down in November.