Detroiter Avi Rachlin is doubling down on his use of a racial slur targeting Black people while testifying at a Michigan Senate Committee hearing Thursday about legislation that would permanently ban firearms from the state Capitol and legislators' offices.

An effort to install speed cameras in construction zones along Michigan highways is one step closer to becoming law.

A bill introduced in the Michigan Senate last week would put the question of whether or not to continue changing our clocks twice every year before voters in November.

Three legacy Michigan license plates are coming back into circulation.

Three legacy Michigan license plates might be coming back into circulation.

The bills that passed in the House this week seek to make all cellphone usage illegal while driving -- not just texting.

The bills that passed in the House this week seek to make all cellphone usage illegal while driving -- not just texting.

Michigan's Senate Appropriations committee has narrowly approved giving $175 million in state funds to a factory planned by Chinese manufacturer Gotion in northern Michigan.

After passing in the state Senate Wednesday, red flag legislation is now headed to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk.

The state Senate has just voted to repeal Michigan’s right-to-work law.

The Michigan Senate has passed a bill amendment that would prevent third-grade students from being held back because of low reading scores.

The day after Governor Gretchen Whitmer pitched targeted tax breaks in her State of the State address, the Michigan legislature did just that, as about a billion dollars will be coming from the state back to you.

Michigan was the third most mentioned state in the almost 850-page investigation report that revealed new information about the Trump campaign’s fight to overturn the election, and the lengths it went to undermine the voters of Michigan.

Following the Democrat's big win during the midterm election, where they gained majorities in both chambers, there are two groundbreaking picks regarding leadership.

While everyone was consumed with watching the results of the top-of-the-ticket races Tuesday night, the real change was happening farther down the ballot as Michigan Democrats seized power in both legislative chambers.

Here’s where you can find Michigan general election results for Michigan State Senate races on Nov. 8, 2022.

Redistricting is the process of enacting new congressional and state legislative district boundaries based on updated population data.

With the Midterm Elections approaching and absentee voter ballots arriving, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the new districts, your ballot and candidates might look a little different. In this article, you’ll find candidates listed by district as well as maps of new district lines.

Michigan State Senator Dayne Polehanki knows a thing or two about what it’s like to run a classroom.

Michigan Republicans have again blocked any sort of movement on gun safety laws introduced by Democrats after a new push following multiple mass shootings in the U.S.

The Republican-led Michigan Senate has approved a 5% increase in base funding for K-12 schools but pared back Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposals to recruit and retain teachers and didn't include her proposed $1 billion fund for school infrastructure projects.

The Michigan Senate has overwhelmingly approved a spending bill that would fund new college scholarship program for high school graduates and increase operations funding for state universities by 11% overall.

A Democratic Michigan state senator whose passionate Senate Floor speech went viral last week is saying that her Republican colleagues are creating problems that don’t exist in an effort to rile up their supporters and avoid addressing “real issues.”

A Michigan senator’s speech went viral after she took to the Senate Floor to defend herself against unsubstantiated claims made by another lawmaker in a campaign email.

A Michigan lawmaker, mother and LGBTQ rights supporter who was accused by a Republican colleague of wanting to “groom” schoolchildren says her impassioned response resonated because people are sick of such attacks.

A Michigan state senator’s passionate speech has gone viral after she took to the Senate Floor to defend herself against unsubstantiated claims made by another lawmaker in a campaign email.

Democrats in the Michigan Senate want to remove a statue of a former U.S. senator from the state who supported slavery.

It’s a brief in support of a lawsuit filed by the other states.

Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) is pushing to reinstate “good time” credits for inmates in the Michigan prison system.

An independent commission is drawing out Michigan’s new political maps, but time is running out to get the job done.

Republican state senators have approved the repeal of the Michigan law that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used to order emergency lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic, when Michigan was among the states hardest hit by COVID-19.

The investigation included 30 hours of public hearing, witness testimony from nearly 90 people, more than 400 pages of testimony and subpoenaed key documents from Secretary of State and municipal governments.

Billions of dollars on a deadline can change a freezeout in a hurry.

Republicans who control the Michigan Senate have passed legislation to mandate a photo ID to vote in person and add identity requirements for people who want to vote by mail.

The Michigan Senate has voted unanimously to allocate nearly $4.4 billion in federal COVID-19 aid to K-12 schools after Republican lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration reached an agreement.

The bills introduced in the Michigan Senate aim to prevent a dangerous dog attack before it happens.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson declined to appear in front of the state’s Senate Oversight Committee on election matters, saying she feared the spread of misinformation.

Michigan legislators from both sides of the aisle sent a join letter to Michigan State University Thursday requesting thousands of documents related to the Larry Nassar investigation be released. UPDATE: Michigan AG: Michigan State University refuses to release Nassar documents, investigation forced to closeLed by Michigan Reps. Ryan Berman and Julie Brixie and state Sen. Curtis Hertel, a coalition of nearly 50 Michigan state lawmakers are calling on the MSU Board of Trustees to waive privilege for about 6,000 documents that are related to the investigation of former MSU and USA Gymnastics sports physician Nassar. However, the Attorney General’s Office cannot complete its investigation without your cooperation and the release of these documents. Ad“Full transparency is essential to restoring public trust,” the legislators wrote to the MSU Board of Trustees. You have the opportunity to ensure this happens.”You can see the legislators’ entire letter to Michigan State University below.

LANSING, Mich. – A divided Michigan Senate on Tuesday again sought to limit state pandemic restrictions, voting to let all family members attend an athlete’s sporting event and large families eat at a restaurant table. The Republican-sponsored legislation was approved 20-15 on party lines and sent to the GOP-led House at a time COVID-19 cases are surging. The measure also would prohibit the state health director from issuing an order to cap residential gatherings, bar high school graduation ceremonies or prevent people from traveling between multiple properties. AdThe state Department of Health and Human Services has recommended, but not required, that spectators be limited to two per athlete. AdWhitmer, whose administration has gradually eased restrictions in recent months, has said she will not surrender powers she needs to save lives.

AdRelated: No need to lose sleep over shift to daylight saving timeIn recent years, some states have moved to end the usage of daylight saving time -- and now Michigan can be added to that list. However, states do not have the authority to adopt a permanent daylight saving time, like Sen. Irwin is pushing for. 5 questions as the nation prepares to spring forwardThe U.S. isn’t the only country that uses daylight saving time. Countries in North America and Europe are the primary practicers of daylight saving time, but parts of Australia and South America have also adopted the concept. You can see a map of countries that use daylight saving time here.

A Michigan state senator’s bill is aiming to give drivers the option of having the classic blue and black Michigan vehicle license plates for a $100 fee. Sen. Mallory McMurrow’s (D-Royal Oak) Senate Bill 1146 also would allow the Secretary of State to readminister the blue license plates Michigan used from 1983 until 2007, as well as the black plates issued between 1979 and 1983. The blue and black license plates would be available to all drivers in Michigan for an added fee of $100. Michigan License Plate -- white with blue letters, with "Pure Michigan" campaign, first issued in 2013. We are happy to support the classic license plate design knowing it will produce a positive influence on both our culture and our economy.”

WASHINGTON – Questions are being raised about the public apology sent out on Tuesday night by Michigan’s highest-ranking Republican, State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey. READ: Top Michigan Republican stands by Capitol ‘hoax’ commentsShirkey apologized on Tuesday after a video was released of a Feb. 3 meeting in which he told Republicans that the siege at the Capitol “wasn’t Trump people. He claimed to believe it was a hoax. During Wednesday morning’s Senate session, Shirkey appeared to double down on those beliefs in a side conversation that was caught on a nearby live microphone. READ: Michigan Sen. Mike Shirkey falsely claims US Capitol riot was ‘hoax from day one’ in videoAdIn a private conversation with Democratic Lt. Gov.

Related: 45 total cases of COVID-19 B117 variant confirmed in 10 different Michigan countiesMichigan high school basketball and ice hockey players will be required to wear masks at all times, even during games. The pandemic has forced changes to school count day in Michigan. New COVID-19 cases have plateaued and deaths are starting to slow. New: 7 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID briefing: Could Michigan variant spread lead to another lockdown? The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 56,100 on Monday -- near the lowest it’s been since October.

Gretchen Whitmer and questioned him when he told them voter fraud was not a factor in the state’s presidential outcomes. In the video, Shirkey was asked about the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in Washington D.C. That was all prearranged.”AdREAD: Man charged in US Capitol riot worked for FBI, lawyer saysThe video was posted Feb. 4 on YouTube by R.O.A.R. When asked about the video, Whitmer said she hadn’t seen it but had been told of comments being made. “That’s what I’m going to continue putting my energy toward.

(AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)DETROIT – Michigan’s top Republican called the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, which resulted in five deaths including a Capitol police officer, a hoax, in a video posted to YouTube last week. Michigan GOP Senate Leader Mike Shirkey appears in a video posted on Feb. 3 by the “R.O.A.R. The video appears to show Shirkey meeting with Hillsdale County Republican Party officials, one day before the county voted to censure Shirkey. The reported video comes right after the New York Times published an article detailing Shirkey’s involvement with Michigan militias, who held armed protests at the Michigan Capitol last year over COVID-19 restrictions. For all these reasons, Mike Shirkey should be out.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Republicans have unveiled a $2 billion COVID-19 relief plan for residents who are struggling due to shutdowns sparked by the pandemic. They said it will provide another $2 billion for the fight against COVID-19 and help families, workers and employers who are struggling financially “due to Gov. $300 million for Michigan workers and businesses struggling financially. An additional $110 million in testing funds will be appropriated when a return-to-learn plan is finalized. The general fund portion of the plan is included in Senate Bill 114, and the School Aid section will be inserted into Senate Bill 29.

The Michigan House announced Monday morning it has approved a $483 million COVID-19 relief bill that was passed by the Senate on Friday night. According to the House, the bill includes:$64 million in small business survival relief$220 million to extend unemployment benefits$45 million in direct payments to workers who have been impacted by the virus$75 million for hospitals and healthcare workers,$22 million for increased testing$57 million for vaccine distributionThat adds up to $483 million in relief. The Senate voted 35-2 to approve Senate Bill 748. Congress is expected to pass a relief bill today that includes stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, rental and eviction relief, money for schools and small business loans. As we continue working to eliminate this virus, I urge all Michiganders to be smart and stay safe.

LANSING, Mich. – The Legislature approved changes last week to Michigan’s sex offender registry after federal courts declared the current policy unconstitutional. In 2006, the state prohibited those on the registry from living or loitering within 1,000 feet of school property. In 2011, the state approved a requirement for registrants to immediately report changes in addresses, vehicles and phone numbers. Since the judge's February decision, officers were advised not to take enforcement action for certain violations involving the registry and school safety zones, said Michigan State Police spokeswoman Shanon Banner. The legislation would require offenders to report changes in phone numbers and vehicles to authorities.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Senate passed a $465 million COVID-19 relief bill during session Friday night. The Senate voted 35-2 to approve Senate Bill 748. Some of the money distribution includes:$220 million for unemployment$48 million for COVID vaccine distribution and testing$45 million in grants for workers laid off or furloughed in business impacted by restrictions$55 million in small business survival grantsThe bill is set to go to the Michigan House on Monday. UPDATE: Michigan House approves $483 million COVID relief billREAD: Michigan revises COVID-19 order to reopen high schools, some entertainment venuesWatch the report in the video posted above. After her friend Wayne County sheriff Benny Napoleon died from COVID-19, Whitmer said when it comes the vaccine distribution is bottlenecked due to Washington.

FDA advisory panel to meet today on Moderna’s COVID vaccineWe could have a second COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week if the FDA decides whether to authorize Moderna’s vaccine for emergency use. A key FDA panel is set to vote Thursday on whether to recommend the approval of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. A favorable vote form this panel could clear the path for Moderna’s vaccine to become the second approved for use in the United States. On Tuesday, the state reported a total of 442,715 confirmed cases and 10,935 deaths. According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 6.2 million have recovered in the U.S., with more than 16.7 million cases reported across the country.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Senate is considering Concurrent Resolution 36, which would form a joint committee of the Legislature acting between sessions to suspend rules or regulations administered by state administrative agencies. Under the resolution, the Legislature could call a joint committee after the current session -- ends Dec. 18 -- through Jan. 13. Whitmer’s COVID-19 briefingREAD: Whitmer says Michigan’s increased COVID-19 restrictions are working: ‘We are making progress’The Michigan Constitution gives the committee the power to suspend rules and regulations, such as new COVID-19 orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It would only apply to any new orders agencies would submit during the time the entire Legislature was out of session. Several people gathered outside the home of Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), on Dec. 15 to protest the state’s current COVID restrictions.

DETROIT – The Michigan House and Senate Oversight committees subpoenaed Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey and Livonia City Clerk Susan Nash. Both cities had a number of precincts where the poll books did not match the vote tally and are not explained. Both city clerks have until Jan. 12 to present documents explaining how the election was handled. The Michigan House and Senate are holding hearings on alleged voting irregularities, which have found no proof of fraud at this point and nothing to suggest the vote in Michigan was not secure or accurate. House Oversight Chair Matt Hall, of Marshall, issued the following statement Tuesday after a joint hearing of the House and Senate Oversight committees:

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s top Republican says the state’s Senate oversight committee has not found evidence of fraud on a scale that would change the outcome of the 2020 election. Michigan Senate Leader Mike Shirkey said this in a statement Monday as the state’s electors are scheduled to gather to seal the Electoral College win for Joe Biden. More from Shirkey below:“Today Michigan’s electors convene, according to state law, to cast their votes for the next president and vice president of the United States. President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris won Michigan’s presidential election. And I intend to.”Related: Michigan Electors to be given police escort to Lansing Capitol Building for vote

After her son Wyatt nearly lost his life to child abuse, Hammel started campaigning for a child abuse registry. It's been years of effort, but on Thursday the Michigan Senate passed legislation to create the registry. Hammel said she tried to investigate the background of the abuser, who had previous convictions of child abuse. All we’re trying to do is to make this information easy for parents.”Hammel is not alone in campaigning for a child abuse registry. In 2017, Indiana’s child abuse registry went online under Kirk’s Law after the death of 19-month-old Kirk Coleman.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Rep. Cynthia Johnson is under investigation after she posted on social media a response to the many violent, vulgar and racist death threats she’s received. The video, posted Tuesday night, has quickly gone viral and legislative leadership removed her from her House Oversight Committee assignments Wednesday. “My soldiers, they are soldiers for Christ, soldiers against racism, soldiers against domestic violence, soldiers against domestic terrorism,” Johnson said. Rep. Johnson has been removed from her committee assignments, and we are looking into further disciplinary action as the proper authorities conduct their own investigations. Whitmer, Secretary Benson, Rep. Johnson herself, and others.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Rep. Cynthia Johnson, the Democratic chair of the House Oversight Committee is receiving death threats due to the election. She posted several of the threats to social media. After both Democratic and Republican representatives have received threats of violence over the election, Michigan Assistant Minority Floor Leader Laurie Pohutsky posted on Twitter about the SNL sketch. The SNL skit was amusing, I guess, but last night my caucus was trying to figure out how to keep those on that committee safe from the deluge of death threats they’re receiving. I’m sorry to be a bummer and I’m glad people enjoyed the skit, but the reality of it is heinous.

LANSING, Mich. – While supporters of President Donald Trump stood outside the Michigan House office building, Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani testified before Michigan House on Wednesday, claiming massive voter fraud in Detroit. Giuliani brought with him witnesses, who signed affidavits that have already been presented in court in Trump campaign lawsuits and have been dismissed or pulled by the campaign. READ: Giuliani to Republicans: Pressure Legislature on Biden winThe Michigan Senate held a similar hearing on Tuesday. Michigan House Republications made it clear that Wednesday’s hearing was not about overturning election results in Michigan, but about listening to people who claimed they saw irregularities at the TCF Center in Detroit. Disputing President Donald Trump’s persistent, baseless claims, Attorney General William Barr declared Tuesday the U.S. Justice Department has uncovered no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the 2020 election.

LANSING, Mich. – President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, will appear before the Michigan House Oversight Committee Wednesday evening. He will discuss the allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 General Election. As of Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, no judge has seen any evidence on which to rule. The Michigan Legislature has two committees listening to claims about election irregularities. A Michigan Senate hearing, where those who identified themselves as GOD poll watchers made claims about the vote-counting process at the TCF Center, lasted seven hours.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan House Oversight Committee will be hearing from Rudy Giuliani Wednesday evening on allegations of election fraud in Michigan. Giuliani has made a series of allegations about the 2020 election that have not been backed by evidence or data. The legislature has two committees listening to claims about election irregularities. The Michigan House committee will hold a similar hearing Wednesday. Streaming video of Wednesday’s House Oversight Committee hearing can be seen here.

LANSING, Mich. – A day ahead of Michigan lawmakers returning to work in Lansing, mayors and business leaders on Monday called on the federal and state governments for coronavirus pandemic relief as Gov. “I think 2021 and 2022 are going to be some of the toughest times facing municipal governments certainly since the Great Recession, perhaps even worse,” said Michigan State University professor Eric Scorsone during a Monday press conference. Scorsone has done work with Michigan municipalities like Lansing, Flint and Detroit. READ: Michigan governor, state legislature far apart on COVID-19 responseAlso on the table for discussion is the state’s election. There has been no evidence of fraud in Michigan’s election and the Michigan Board of State Canvassers certified the 2020 election results last week.

LANSING, Mich. – In a letter addressed to Michigan legislative leaders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking for three pieces of major legislation -- a $100 million state-based stimulus package, permanent extension to unemployment benefits and more public health measures. The letter is the first public attempt to appeal to legislative leaders directly with concrete measures. Small Business Saturday is here and the stakes are higher than ever for local businesses in the pandemic. The state has launched a new “Support Local” campaign to help Michigan Businesses make it through the winter.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State House and Senate Oversight Committees will be in session Saturday to discuss the ballot counting process. Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel was in Oakland County Friday asserting that there are claims that need to be addressed. READ: Michigan House Speaker says GOP will launch vote counting inquiryREAD: Republican National Committee chair calls for investigation into Michigan ballot-counting processREAD: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson disputes claims by Republican National Committee chair on Michigan’s ballot counting processIssues included complaints about the counting process at the TCF Center. There were also questions on why Antrim County had flipped votes for incumbent President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden. Every vote that was cast was counted accurately and there is a paper ballot backup," said Rochester Hills city clerk Tina Barton.

Michigan State Senator Jim Ananich has tested positive for OCIVD-19, according to a Twitter post. Sen. Ananich, Michigan Senate Minority Leader and representative of the state’s 27th district, tweeted Friday afternoon that he contracted the virus, but is doing well. I wanted to update you all that I have tested positive for Covid. — Senator Jim Ananich (@jimananich) November 6, 2020“I wanted to update you all that I have tested positive for Covid,” Sen. Ananich wrote Friday. New: Friday, Nov. 6, 2020: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 200,569; Death toll now at 7,513

The Republican-led Michigan State House and Senate will hold hearings on the “voting and counting process” in the state, according to House Speaker Lee Chatfield. The proposed inquiry comes as President Trump is seeking to stop vote counting in key election states, including Michigan. There is no evidence of voter fraud tied to the 2020 Michigan election. Republicans are expected to keep control of the Michigan House. Michigan Republicans held a press conference on Friday, alleging voter fraud in Michigan, but offered no evidence to back the claims.

LANSING, Mich. – On Monday morning, Michigan’s chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun appeared remotely before a joint House and Senate committee that is overseeing the state’s COVID-19 response. Lawmakers questioned her on a range of topics, often with the seeming intent to identify the data used by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in her Executive Orders. The COVID-19 is a medical and public health event. Khaldun said Michigan did submit an interim COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan to the CDC on Friday.

House Bill 5334 amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of US-10 in Warren Township in Midland County in honor of Corporal Casey P. Zylman. Senate Bill 132 amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of US-12 in Lenawee County in honor of Michigan State Trooper Rodger M. Adams. Senate Bill 432 amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to revise an exemption of certain property from taxes collected under the General Property Tax Act. Senate Bill 1066 amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to transfer and deposit $37.1 million from the Michigan Film Promotion Fund to the state’s general fund for fiscal year (FY) 2019-20. The bills would have amended the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to make it easier and cheaper for for-profit property finders to get access to Michigander’s private data.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan lawmakers approved a COVID-19 response plan early Wednesday morning. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus-related executive orders. Senate bill 1094 is aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes by implementing recommendations of the Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force. House bill 6159 would provide liability protections for health care providers for services related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for approval.

A Michigan state senator’s bill is aiming bring back the classic blue Michigan vehicle license plate originally issued from 1983 until 2007. Sen. Mallory McMurrow’s (D-Royal Oak) Senate Bill 1146 also would allow the Secretary of State to bring back the black plate originally issued by the State of Michigan from 1979 to 1983. “Any Michigander who grew up here in the 80s and 90s remembers the simple, iconic design, and knows bringing back the blue plate is a no-brainer,” said McMorrow. “Bringing back the blue plate offers a creative way to generate much-needed revenue to help fix the roads without raising taxes.”The state switched to a white plate with blue letters and numbers in January 2007. The state plans to keep the white plate as the standard issue.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Larger Michigan municipalities could begin processing an expected surge of absentee ballots sooner in the November presidential election under a bill approved Tuesday by the state Senate. The 34-2 vote followed a monthslong delay in the Republican-led chamber amid lobbying from clerks in both parties who warned of significant delays in counting the votes. Absentee voting, already on the rise in recent election cycles, is an increasingly popular option during the coronavirus pandemic and following the passage of a 2018 ballot initiative that lets people cast one for any reason. The legislation would let clerks in bigger communities start processing ballots the day before Election Day. They still could not be counted until Election Day.

Allowing clerks to begin processing, but not counting, ballots the day before the election would not necessarily be a permanent change, he said. He said he could not predict if or when the Senate would act but said it is “being very seriously considered.”He said some jurisdictions efficiently processed an enormous number of absentee ballots while others “struggled to get it done. About 1.6 million ballots cast were absentee — returned by mail, at drop boxes or inside clerks' offices — topping the record of 1.3 million from November 2016. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, local clerks and voting-rights groups have urged the Republican-led Legislature to let election workers start processing absentee ballots the day before Election Day. Johnson said cities or townships with more than 25,000 residents should be able to do certain processing of absentee ballots on Monday, Nov. 2.

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is comprised of four Republicans, four Democrats and five independents who were selected at random from a pool of more than 9,000 applicants. The commission is made up of people from most parts of the state, but most come from eastern Michigan and none live in the Upper Peninsula. Three of the 13 are not white, which is roughly in line with the percentage of non-white residents in the state. The commission will begin meeting in the fall and use census data to redraw lines by Nov. 1, 2021. The commission was formed after voters passed a state constitutional amendment in 2018 to allow an independent group of Michigan residents, instead of partisan legislators, to redraw the states electoral boundaries.

Gretchen Whitmer is holding a briefing on Friday at 11 a.m. to update the states response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. With the start of the school year fast approaching, there are lingering questions about how it all will work. The Michigan Senate has scheduled a rare Saturday session to pass a bill package to address the start of the school year. Under Whitmers current COVID-19 plan, its up to individual school districts to decide its fall academic plan and some districts are opting for a hybrid approach. The Senate will also discuss the issue of the funding mechanism for schools, which has always relied on in person, in seat attendance.

Heres whats coming up on Local 4 News at 5:Michigan Senate calls rare Saturday session to debate forcing school districts to offer in-person optionThe Michigan Senate is calling a special Saturday session to tackle the debate centered around forcing school districts to offer an in-person option. Among the topics of debate is whether schools would risk losing their funding if they dont offer an in-person option, but thats not a done deal.

LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Senate is calling a special Saturday session to tackle the debate centered around forcing school districts to offer an in-person option. Among the topics of debate is whether schools would risk losing their funding if they dont offer an in-person option, but thats not a done deal. Some districts, such as the Detroit Public Schools Community District, are offering in-person summer school. Other districts, such as Ann Arbor, have decided to keep everything remote at the start of the school year. The Michigan Senate is set to debate a number of school-related issues Saturday, including the in-person mandate.

LANSING, Mich. Michigan House and Senate lawmakers said they will announce the Return to Learn plan on Tuesday. Related: Michigan schools face budget cuts amid coronavirus pandemicState Rep. Pamela Hornberger and Sen. Lana Theis, chairs of the House and Senate education committees, will deliver an overview of the bicameral plan. School districts were forced to shift to remote learning during the unprecedented school closures, which many werent prepared to do. Whitmer says the Michigans Return to School Roadmap will be released on June 30. Gretchen Whitmer to outline next steps for schools to reopen this fallMeanwhile, Michigan State University has compiled an array of recommendations and guidelines from the CDC and other research, officials said.

LANSING, Mich. Michigan legislators passed a new bill Thursday that establishes mandatory training for incoming law enforcement officers on implicit bias, de-escalation techniques and mental health screening. Officials say some Michigan police departments already require some form of de-escalation, cultural competency or implicit bias training, but it is not currently required as part of law enforcement officers Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards training. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer showed support for Bill 945 in a Facebook post Wednesday. She also urged law enforcement to prioritize policies requiring officers to intervene if they see a colleague doing something wrong. The passage of Senate Bill 945 is a necessary step in the right direction.

LANSING, Mich. – A Michigan lawmaker was stripped of a committee chairmanship and ordered to undergo training Thursday after the state Senate concluded allegations of sexual harassment lodged by several woman, including a legislator, were credible. UPDATE: Lucido after removal from Michigan Senate committee: ‘I have not sexually harassed anyone’Republican Sen. Peter Lucido of Macomb County’s Shelby Township lost his position leading the Senate Advice and Consent Committee. A female senator then accused him of sexually harassing her at a Capitol orientation. “We take accusations of inappropriate behavior in the workplace seriously,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, a Clarklake Republican. “It is my sincere hope that this experience will serve as motivation for us all to do better and be better in our personal interactions and our public discourse.”Read back: 3rd woman accuses Michigan Sen. Peter Lucido of sexual harassment

LANSING, Mich. – A Michigan lawmaker was stripped of a committee chairmanship and ordered to undergo training Thursday after the state Senate concluded allegations of sexual harassment lodged by several woman, including a legislator, were credible. UPDATE: Lucido after removal from Michigan Senate committee: ‘I have not sexually harassed anyone’Republican Sen. Peter Lucido of Macomb County’s Shelby Township lost his position leading the Senate Advice and Consent Committee. The Senate had opened an investigation in January after a reporter complained that Lucido made a sexist comment to her before a group of high school boys. “We take accusations of inappropriate behavior in the workplace seriously,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, a Clarklake Republican. “It is my sincere hope that this experience will serve as motivation for us all to do better and be better in our personal interactions and our public discourse.”Read back: 3rd woman accuses Michigan Sen. Peter Lucido of sexual harassment

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s Legislature will vote Wednesday to legalize sports betting and internet gambling, expanding options for gamblers in a state with three commercial casinos in Detroit and two-dozen tribal casinos elsewhere. Michigan will become the 20th state to authorize sports wagers and the fifth to allow casino-style games to be played online. UPDATE: Whitmer signs bills legalizing sports betting, internet gambling in MichiganA look at the development:WHEN MAY SPORTS BETTING BEGIN? Supporters said gamblers already are betting on sports and gambling online through illegal bookies or non-U.S. websites. Those offering online games like poker will pay a tax of between 20% and 28%, depending on their amount of adjusted gross receipts.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Senate is expected to approve bills that would legalize sports betting and internet gambling. READ MORE: Michigan Senate panel OKs sports betting, online gamblingUnder the bill, an 8.4% sales tax would be collected, most of which will go toward funding public schools. There are still no details on how long it will be before people can place legal bets. Detroit’s casinos have been preparing for legalization -- MGM built a sports betting area in preparation that has yet to open. If approved this week, the bill will land on Gov.

If approved, the bill will head to Gov. Whitmer's desk. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Drew Angerer/Getty ImagesA bill introduced this week in the Michigan Senate would expunge the records of people convicted for possession or use of marijuana. Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) introduced the bill on Tuesday. Michigan legalized recreational marijuana in 2018 and state sales are expected to begin later this year. This is the next step in ending the unsuccessful prohibition of marijuana that incarcerated and punished Michigan residents unfairly for decades, Sen. Irwin said. After last years mandate from voters, I am hopeful that a majority of legislators will vote to give Michigan residents back the opportunities that were unjustly taken from them.Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.