Russian lawmakers have given their final approval to a bill that significantly expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBTQ rights in the country.

A new bill introduced in Lansing is looking to hold power companies accountable when the power goes out.

Attempts to tweak auto insurance legislation have stalled out in Lansing -- but does no-fault insurance reform need more reform?

The cost of everything from food to toiletries is up, and it may stay that way for a while. A Michigan Congresswoman says she’s feeling the pinch too, and she’s tracking prices in the area.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference down on an empty I-94.

Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s hard to ignore the personal family drama around Britney Spears.

The daughter of the legendary radio-super icon Casey Kasem wrapped up a tour in Michigan where she spoke to courts and lawmakers about elder-care and the need for reform when it comes to the powers of court-appointed guardians and conservators.

Michigan Rep. Cynthia Johnson said it was the last thing she was expecting to hear when checking her voicemail -- an extremely racist and violent rant coming from a complete stranger.

On Wednesday, a bipartisan, bicameral group of 77 legislators is signing onto an amicus brief.

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

Republicans said the 39-bill package is needed to bolster election security, while Democrats said they’re voter suppression. Clerks said nobody even asked them.

The company at the center of unproven claims of voter fraud in the 2020 U.S. General Election is now going after a former Michigan state senator.

LANSING, Mich. – The new effort by Republican lawmakers to change the election process in Michigan is receiving pushback. Among the package of 39 bills, many are aimed at issues from the 2020 election. Garlin Gilchrist outraged by the bill package, likening it to racist voting laws in the south after the Civil War. Republicans said the bills are necessary after months of failed election lawsuit and misinformation about the election results. On Twitter, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey writes, “Michigan residents must have complete confidence in the fairness of elections and that all who can legally vote can vote.”

The hearing was initially meant to probe whether the state’s nursing home policy designated them as “hubs” for COVID patients. Andrew Cuomo’s administration was found to have been undercounting certain types of COVID deaths among nursing home patients, effectively lowering the number of deaths attributed to virus spread in nursing homes. State numbers show that a higher number of deaths: just over 5,500 residents in long-term care facilities have reportedly died from the virus. There has been no evidence, however, that Michigan is undercounting or underreporting long-term care COVID deaths. The plan was also backed by medical experts at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, the CDC and AARP, among others over the course of the pandemic.

View of the Detroit River on Oct. 10, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.DETROIT – Michigan lawmakers have re-introduced legislation intended to protect waterways and public health by enhancing accountability of private dock owners. Last year, the Defenders exposed the unpermitted riverfront business going on at Revere Dock, which ultimately resulted in a dock collapse, spilling contaminated soil into the Detroit River. READ: Seawall damage puts Detroit River at risk, city issues tickets that are not being paidAdAbout a month after the Revere Dock collapse, another dock collapsed in St. Clair County. The legislation was introduced by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills) and Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor). Last year, the Defenders exposed the unpermitted riverfront business going on at Revere Dock, which ultimately resulted in a dock collapse, spilling contaminated soil into the Detroit River.

LANSING, Mich. – Officials in Lansing are on high alert as new precautions are being taken ahead of expected protests Saturday and Sunday. After the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building that left five dead, Michigan State Police raised the number of troopers patrolling Lansing. We just ask you do it safely and you respect our city, respect our state Capitol,” said Lansing Police chief Daryl Green. Militia group advises members to avoid protest at Michigan CapitolMichigan State Police are preparing for a protest expected Sunday at the state Capitol. A group that had planned to protest is now telling its members to avoid the Capitol.

LANSING, Mich. – Concerns at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing are on the rise amid chatter of widespread protests in the days leading up to President-Elect Joe Biden’s Inauguration on Jan. 20. Under the recommendation of Michigan State Police, a six-foot tall fence around the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing will be completed Friday to guard against the possibility of violence. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol. Michigan State Police circled the Capitol Building in Lansing in large numbers -- on foot and on bikes -- ahead of the fence going up Friday. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.

The Michigan Capitol Building opened for the first time Wednesday. Democratic members of the Senate decried the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building that left five dead. Newly ensconsed House Speaker Jason Wentworth said working to restore trust in politicians starts with adjusting the Lame Duck Sessions. Another House Bill proposed prohibits legislators from voting on a bill that would personally enrich them or their families. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.

Today, I voted to impeach Donald Trump for an unprecedented second time to hold him accountable for his incitement of the deadly attack on the United States Capitol and our democracy last week. I’ve called for the impeachment and removal of Donald Trump since the day I arrived in Washington, D.C. Donald Trump is a tyrant who has continued to endanger and bring harm upon the people of the United States, taking cruel joy in inflicting pain on our most vulnerable neighbors. It’s time for the Senate to act and remove Donald Trump from office. Let’s be clear: this did not begin with Donald Trump and it certainly will not end with Donald Trump. Deep inequality and state-sanctioned discrimination do not disappear when Trump leaves office and won’t ever unless we root it out.

“Michigan is ground zero for those who are wishing to take over state government,” said Michigan AG Dana Nessel. I’m exceedingly worried.’”On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. Nessel said security inside the Michigan Capitol isn’t as impactful as she’d like. New Michigan Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth held a briefing Wednesday morning along side Speaker Pro Tempore Pamela Hornberger. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.

LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan is planning to install a six-foot tall fence around the Capitol building due to the possibility of armed protests, Capitol Commissioner John Truscott said. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. The commission, which is responsible for overseeing the Capitol, voted 6-0 in favor of banning firearms from inside the Lansing Capitol building. “No lawmaker, reporter, staff member, or anyone who works in the Michigan Capitol should fear for their safety at work,” Whitmer said. I am hopeful that the Capitol Commission will recognize the need for further action, and I stand ready to assist in implementing this policy to keep Michiganders safe.”

Gretchen Whitmer is calling for a ban on all weapons at the state Capitol, citing April’s armed protests in Lansing and the insurrection in Washington, D.C., last week. “No lawmaker, reporter, staff member, or anyone who works in the Michigan Capitol should fear for their safety at work,” Whitmer said. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. The commission, which is responsible for overseeing the Capitol, voted 6-0 in favor of banning firearms from inside the Lansing Capitol building. I am hopeful that the Capitol Commission will recognize the need for further action, and I stand ready to assist in implementing this policy to keep Michiganders safe.”

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)Michigan members of a Catholic religious institute are calling on lawmakers to immediately remove President Donald Trump from office following the deadly riot that shook the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. The Adrian Dominican Sisters -- who founded and sponsor Siena Heights University in Michigan -- specifically singled out senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Tim Walberg on Friday to take action to remove President Trump from office. Several Cabinet members and White House employees have resigned from their posts following the deadly siege of the U.S. Capitol. President Trump has since publicly condemned the violence in Washington, and even conceded to President-elect Biden for the first time on Thursday evening. Pelosi told Democrats that the top military official assured her steps are in place to prevent a Trump nuclear launch.

After the hearing, Rep. Johnson received death threats in several voicemails, with one even calling for her lynching. Be in order, make them pay.”Though Rep. Johnson says she was not inciting violence with her message, Republican Michigan leaders and lawmakers whole heartedly disagreed. Whitmer, Secretary Benson, Rep. Johnson herself, and others. The MLBC is on record condemning all acts of violence, threats, racist rhetoric toward any citizen of this great state. Rep. Johnson released a video this week, where she discussed these spiteful messages and as a result, she’s been stripped of her committee assignments.

DETROIT – Some Michigan lawmakers will spend much of Wednesday holding a hearing about Detroit ballots, despite the fact that the state’s election results were certified. “I applaud the Michigan Senate for taking up such an important issue in today’s hearing. On Wednesday, the state house will hold a similar hearing at which President Donald Trump’s Attorney Rudy Giuliani will testify. Giuliani is flying into Michigan on Wednesday to testify before the Michigan House Oversight Committee. READ: ‘Watchers’ denied access to ballot counting at Detroit TCF Center due to COVID restrictionsREAD MORE: Michigan House Speaker says GOP will launch vote counting inquiry

Gretchen Whitmer and state lawmakers announced legislation to reduce professional licensure barriers for veterans ahead of Veterans Day. The legislation supports military personnel, veterans and their families by reducing barriers to professional licensure. “This is a meaningful step we can take to honor the many sacrifices of our military families,” Hawks said. There’s no reason why our laws can’t be tailored to reflect the unique needs of military service members, veterans and their families. “These reforms will support our military families, who have sacrificed so much to protect us, and the communities in which they live.”“I am in the Army Reserves.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state lawmakers are set to announce “bipartisan legislation” ahead of Veterans Day. READ: Whitmer, Michigan lawmakers pass legislation to reduce professional licensure barriers for veteransA press conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. You can watch live in the stream posted above. Whitmer will be joined by Sen. Adam Hollier, Sen. John Bizon, Rep. Sarah Anthony, Rep. Andrea Schroeder, LARA Director Orlene Hawks, MVAA Director Zaneta Adams, Adjutant General DMVA Director Major General Paul D. Rogers and Lt. Col. Karen Sims.

Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 emergency orders struck down by the Michigan Supreme Court, GOP lawmakers are stepping in and offering their own potential response plan. Much like Whitmer’s response, lawmakers say theirs also relies on data -- but there is one key difference. The lawmakers suggest changing the COVID-19 response plans from what they believe to be a “one size fits all” model, and instead are using specific data to address the virus county by county. We used public health experts and doctors to formulate a plan that works for Michigan,” said Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (MI-91). Under the new plan, officials say local residents and small businesses would have more of a say in what’s being done to address COVID-19 in their area.

Michigan lawmakers react to alleged militia plot to kidnap Gov. WhitmerIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Lawmakers call for independant investigation into Detroit police's use of force against protestorsIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses European lawmakers at the European Parliament in Brussels, Thursday, July 23, 2020. (Francois Walschaerts, Pool Photo via AP)BRUSSELS The European Union's top official said Thursday that planned cuts in the next long-term multi-billion budget of the 27-nation bloc are a difficult pill to swallow." A few hours after Von der Leyen's speech, lawmakers adopted a resolution by a large majority that strongly criticizes the cuts. Von der Leyen said the deal reached this week after a marathon summit was the light at the end of the tunnel. We should always remember that the values of EU programs far outweigh their costs," von der Leyen insisted.

LANSING, Mich. – Most of the state has reopened as the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) slows, but why are Michigan unemployment offices still closed? Secretary of State offices have reopened, but that’s not true for the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Residents are frustrated because they need answers and information from the UIA, but offices remain closed. With the website having issues and the phone system jammed, it seems like opening offices would help make the process smoother. Unemployment has become a hot button issue in Michigan, and the challenges have angered many residents.

Why are Michigan unemployment offices still closed? Published: June 18, 2020, 6:37 pmMost of the state has reopened as the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) slows, but why are Michigan unemployment offices still closed?

LANSING, Mich. – Lawmakers will have to figure out how to fix the Michigan unemployment system after hearing from frustrated residents about their struggles. Thousands of people are still struggling to file for unemployment in the state, and others are dealing with identity theft issues. On Thursday, lawmakers in Lansing got to hear about the challenges real Michiganders are facing. Now, massive identity theft dangers have hurt many trying to file. Lawmakers will now need to help the people who are still struggling to get their benefits and make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Lawmakers tasked with fixing Michigan unemployment problems after hearing from frustrated residentsPublished: June 18, 2020, 5:23 pmLawmakers will have to figure out how to fix the Michigan unemployment system after hearing from frustrated residents about their struggles.

Heres whats coming up on Local 4 News at Noon:Lansing lawmakers meet with frustrated residents struggling to get unemployment benefitsMany Michiganders -- who have struggled to get their unemployment benefits -- are meeting with lawmakers in Lansing to discuss how frustrating the UIA system has been.

DETROIT – Michigan’s governor has agreed to ask lawmakers to provide $94.4 million to Detroit’s public schools as part of a lawsuit settlement. The settlement comes just weeks after a federal appeals court issued a groundbreaking decision recognizing a constitutional right to education and literacy. READ MORE: State of Michigan settles right to education lawsuit involving former Detroit studentsGov. Gretchen Whitmer said Thursday that she will ask the state to pay for literacy-related programs and other initiatives. That money is to be used for a high-quality literacy program or other ways to further their education.