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

Monday, December 10, 2012  Carbon Monoxide is a deadly, nearly undetectable gas. Yet few schools have Carbon Monoxide detectors in place. Only two states, Connecticut and Maryland, require schools to use them.7&4 news asked local lawmakers, after the latest Carbon Monoxide scare in Atlanta, should Michigan join that list?

Monday, November 05, 2012  Tuesday, Wexford County voters will have the option to approve a recreational millage for .25 mills.

Monday, October 29, 2012  Election Day is a week from Tuesday, and it is crunch time in the 105th District.

Wednesday, October 03, 2012  The state representative race in Michigan’s 103rd district is anything but unique. A democrat looking for change, hoping to beat out a republican incumbent, campaigning hard on the “success” he has had in Lansing.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012  Republican State Representative Wayne Schmidt is looking to go three-for-three in November, securing his seat in Lansing for another two years. Facing off with Schmidt in November, is political newcomer Betsy Coffia.

Monday, September 17, 2012  After record enrollment in 2010, Northwestern Michigan College is experiencing a drop off again this year.

Monday, July 09, 2012  Campaign signs are a staple in most elections. While northern Michigan embraces them, there are some rules that supporters have to follow.

Monday, June 18, 2012  Governor Rick Snyder signed bills last week that give biological fathers some rights to their children, even if the mothers were married to other men at the time of a child's birth.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012  A Leelanau County woman was pulled over for speeding last week, but she was surprised to learn it was not a state trooper or sheriff's deputy that stopped her. It was a park ranger. She wrote our newsroom asking how much authority park rangers have. 7&4 news went looking for the answers….

Monday, January 23, 2012  Tax season is upon us once again. As you prepare your taxes, there are a few things you are going to want to keep in mind.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012  As the cost of tuition soars, student debt follows. Public universities increase prices and students are responsible for handling the bill. It’s a situation critics refer to as a ‘college user tax.’

Monday, January 16, 2012  This time of year, people are stocking up on rock salt trying to melt the ice.  If you are a pet owner, you have probably noticed stores offering "pet friendly" salt products.  But are they effective?

Wednesday, December 14, 2011  How far would you drive out of your way to save 19 cents on a gallon of gas? A Northern Michigan Senator has proposed a plan that could have you paying less at the pump by eliminating the state’s gas tax. That revenue currently goes to pay for road repairs. So how would the state cover those expenses? As it turns out, he calls for you to pay a little more somewhere else.      His proposal is the subject of this Fact Finder.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011  Should skiers and snowboarders be required to wear a helmet on the slopes?  One state is already doing that.  Where does Michigan stand on the issue?  Details in this Fact Finder Report.

Monday, November 14, 2011  It won't be long before we're all dealing with pretty crummy driving conditions. Most of us will do just about anything to keep from slipping and sliding on icy or snow covered roads. For many drivers that includes snow tires, but are they really worth the added expense?We talked to a local car expert who told us if there really is a difference between all-season tires and snow tires. What he told us is the subject of this Fact Finder.