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.”

Water Authority Sticker Shock: Suburbs to See Double-Digit Rate Hikes

The largest proposed rate increase in years is due to take effect July 1 as Detroit water department shifts to a regional water authority.

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.

U.S. Attorney Has News About Indictments in Wayne County Probe

U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade and FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul M. Abbate say probe is ending, update status of indictments.

'It's Not Good' Wayne County's Financial Hole Deeper than Thought

New County Executive Warren Evans’ first order of business is to put together a debt-elimination plan to avoid state oversight.

Heise Opposes Wayne County Sewer 'Buyback' Plan

The plan was the centerpiece of former Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano’s 2014 Deficit Elimination Plan.

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.

UPDATED: Judge Rules on Same-Sex Marriages in Michigan

“In these circumstances, what the state has joined together, it may not put asunder,” Judge Mark Goldsmith. wrote in opinion.

Plans in Motion to Redevelop Prison Complex as Technology Center

Primary goal of Michigan International Technology Center are to create development ready sites or IT businesses.

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: Religious Freedom Act Legalizes Discrimination

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

House OKs 7-Year Extension of Michigan Film Incentives

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.

DIA Directors Dug Into Their Own Pockets to Repay Executive Bonuses

Taking back the bonus pay would have been a "double insult" to the three top executives at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Critics Blast Proposal to Split Michigan's Electoral Votes

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

6th Circuit Ruling Makes Supreme Court Hearing on Same-Sex Marriage More Likely

The 2-1 ruling upholding the right of voters to impose same-sex marriage is the first defeat in a string of appeals court victories.

Voters Turn Thumbs Down to 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.

How Did 11 Michigan Communities Roll on Pot Questions?

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

The Turnout: 2014 Midterm Election Final Results

The results for state and local elections have been announced.

Did Gov. Rick Snyder Win Re-Election?

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

Did Conyers, Whose Election Petitions Were Challenged, Hold Onto 13th District?

Michigan has two of the longest-ever serving members of Congress. One retires in January. Did the other win re-election Tuesday?

Did Michigan's 12th District Remain in the Family?

John Dingell, longest serving member ever of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced that he would retire after the midterm elections.

Winner Called in Heavily Contested 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.

Wayne County Election Results: Voters Take To The Polls

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

Did You Vote, Wyandotte? Prove It!

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

Where to Vote in Wyandotte and 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.

Voters in 11 Michigan Cities, 4 States to Decide Pot Questions Nov. 4

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