How Law to Help Cops Arrest Drugged Drivers Went Terribly Wrong

Michigan Legislature wanted to make it easier to get drugged drivers off the street. Instead, judges are kicking some cases.

How Law to Help Cops Arrest Drugged Drivers Went Terribly Wrong

Michigan Legislature wanted to make it easier to get drugged drivers off the street. Instead, judges are kicking some cases.

Hello, This Is Your Axle Speaking: Michigan Roads Stink

The state loses about 2 percent of its primary road system to the “poor” category each year, but that could dramatically increase.

Michigan In Running for $3 Billion Missile Defense Site

Congressional delegation makes bipartisan push for site, which could mean $700 million in construction and 2,100 construction jobs.

Religious Freedom Bills Back Before Michigan Legislature

House expected to vote on bill that would allow faith-based adoption agencies to turn away same-sex and unmarried couples.

Let Them Eat (and Bake and Sell) Cake in Schools? Patch Poll

Federal legislation aimed at reducing food insecurity and childhood obesity bans most of the foods school groups would sell in bake sales.

Michigan Could Become Presidential Battleground State in 2016

State Democratic chair says stinging losses in the midterms an indication Democrats “cannot just be the party that hates on Republicans.”

New Drilling Rules Fall Short of Fracking Ban

The state DEQ’s new rules don’t do anything to protect people living in densely populated residential areas, activists protest.

Kelsey Smith Act Would Give Police Access to Cell Phone Data Without Warrant

Proposed bill would would end delays in getting life-saving location data in emergencies, but privacy, economic concerns persist.

Watch: Gov. Rick Syder's 2015 State of the State Address

In case you missed it, governor focuses on “River of Opportunity” to bring all of Michigan’s citizens to “mainstream” of economy, society.

Will Supreme Court Justices Hear Michigan Gay Marriage Case?

DeBoer v. Snyder is among the “petitions to watch” when the Supreme Court announces Friday what cases it will hear this term.

Snyder Signs Suspicion-Based Drug Testing Law

The Michigan League for Public Policy says other states with similar policies haven't seen taxpayer savings.

Wolves Back on Endangered List - for Now

Michigan’s HSUS chapter applauds favorable ruling on its lawsuit; federal wildlife officials call it “significant step backward.”

From Pot to Prison Reform, What Did and Didn't Happen in Lame Duck Session

Lawmakers passed a flurry of legislation in a lame-duck session before adjourning for the year on Friday.

Dingell Fractures Hip on Final Days in Congress

The longest serving member of Congress in history, John Dingell is hospitalized after taking a spill he says “bruised my hip and my ego.”

Bidding Farewell, Levin Challenges Congress to Close Gap Between Rich and Poor: Watch

The Detroit Democrat, Michigan’s longest-serving U.S. Senator, calls on members of the chamber to do a better job working together.

Critics Call Religious Freedom Act Legalized Bias Against Gays

Supporters of the bill, which passed the Michigan House on a vote along party lines, accuse critics of “scaremongering” tactics.

House Bill Extends Film Incentives to September 2021

The bill lowers tax rebates to 25 percent, down from 32 percent, of in-state production costs.

Bill Allowing 4 a.m. Downtown Bar Closings Clears Senate

Not everyone is cheering it. Opponents say extending bar hours would make morning commutes more dangerous and tax police.

Suspicion-Based Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Clears House

Gov. Rick Snyder hasn’t committed to signing legislation for a pilot program, which Democrats worry could punish innocent children.

Supreme Court May Hear Same-Sex Marriage Cases Before Term's End

Two cases – one in Michigan and the other in Louisiana – are nearly ready for review.

Proposal to Split Electoral Votes Gets Cold Reception

More than a dozen people testifying to a committee opposed changing in Michigan’s winner-take-all electoral vote system.

Bills Before Lame-Duck Legislature Would Stave Off Another Housing Meltdown

Lawmakers will consider two bills that would give struggling homeowners a chance to avoid penalties and high interest on past-due taxes.

Couples Appeal 6th Circuit Ruling Upholding Gay Marriage Ban to Supreme Court

With appeals filed days after the 6th Circuit's ruling, U.S. Supreme Court justices could take up the issue of same-sex marriage this term.

Bill's Supporters Say Splitting Electoral Votes More Fairly Represents Will of People

A bill proposed in the Legislature would allow Michigan to split its electoral voters, as Maine and Nebraska do.

Voters Reject Wolf Hunts, HSUS Says Fight Isn't Over

HSUS: Law trumping voters' say is unconstitutional, and Tuesday's vote was far more than a "straw poll," as wolf hunt advocates claimed.

Did Michigan Roll with the Rest of the Country on Pot Legalization?

Public opinion polls show shifting attitudes about pot in Michigan and across America, and the midterm election results back that up.

Did Gov. Rick Snyder Win Re-Election?

Democrat challenger Mark Shauer was up against the incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Snyder.

Candidate Concedes in U.S. Senate Race

Both parties poured outside money into race for Michigan's open senate seat, one of a handful in the country GOP hoped would tilt balance.

Washtenaw County Election Results: Voters Take To The Polls

The results are rolling in on Michigan’s governor, senate and other elections.

Did You Vote, Chelsea? Prove It!

When you vote on Tuesday, show off your “I Voted” sticker with a selfie. Tag pics with #ChelseaPatch on Instagram!

Where to Vote in Chelsea, Other Questions About Nov. 4 Election

Statewide, voters will elect a governor, a new U.S. senator, attorney general and secretary of state, as well as decide wolf hunt proposals.

Legal Highs: Marijuana Questions before Voters in Michigan, Nationwide

Michigan among several states with marijuana initiatives on the ballot in Tuesday’s election as public opinion shifts to legalization.

Nov. 4 Wolf Hunt Vote Outcome May Not Matter

A referendum-proof law trumps voter decisions on Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 in Tuesday’s general election.

Michigan Kicks $4M Lottery Winner, 800 Others Off Food Assistance

Using Michigan’s “lottery match” means test, Michigan officials kicked 810 who won more than $44 million off food assistance.

Obama to Campaign for Peters, Schauer in Metro Detroit

U.S. Senate-nominee Gary Peters has an 11-point lead, according to recent poll, but Mark Schauer is trailing Gov. Rick Snyder by 8 points.

How to Get Tickets to See Michelle Obama in Detroit Friday

The first lady will campaign for Democrats Mark Schauer and Gary Peters Friday. The event is free, but tickets are required.

6th Circuit Could Be Pivotal in Gay Marriage Debate

The 6th Circuit could deliver gay marriage advocates their first defeat, prompt showdown before U.S. Supreme Court.

Michigan One of Four States Picked to Explore Juvenile Justice System Reforms

Arkansas, Indiana and Tennessee also selected for program to look at reforms to juvenile justice program that will reduce recidivism rate.

When Is the Last Day to Register to Vote in Nov. 4, 2014, General Election?

Absentee ballots are available for Michigan voters who qualify, but votes need to register to vote by early next month to use them.