Yue Stella Yu

Democrats say too much money is spent on prisons. Republicans, prosecutors say bills to allow inmates to petition for lighter sentences, earn credits for early release could free ‘dangerous criminals.’

A panel also weighed raises for governor, attorney general and other lawmakers but held off due to public perceptions. One member says he’s ‘embarrassed and ashamed’ by Michigan’s pay.

The justice says he hopes being open with his challenges helps others.

Democrats promised to reform campaign finance. So far, the only major bills they've introduced would allow payroll deductions to union political action committees.

The bill now heads to the House. If approved, Michigan would join at least 20 states and Washington D.C. in passing laws to ban race-based hair discrimination.

Michigan becomes the 21st state to allow ‘extreme risk protection orders’ allowing judges to temporarily seize guns of those deemed a danger.

Call it ‘payback’ or politics as usual, but campaign records show that labor groups increased donations to Democrats this spring as they advanced a host of pro-union laws.

Newly released dispatch records show multiple callers offered a description of the gunman soon after shooting. A deluge of tips about everything from suspicious trucks to loud sounds may have diverted police.

The latest reliable news about the Feb. 13 shooting that killed three students and injured five others before the suspected gunman killed himself.

A bipartisan package would enhance penalties for those who sexually abuse patients in medical settings.

Legislation would also bar employers from other discrimination, such as discipline or denying promotions or benefits due to abortion. Republicans argue the bill infringes upon religious freedom.

A measure requiring motorists to use hands-free devices clears after language is removed that would have allowed for 90-day license suspensions.

Lawmakers last year allocated $1 billion in ‘pork’ projects with little scrutiny. Republicans, Democrats spar over who is to blame, and change may not be coming soon.

A nine-bill package introduced Thursday would extend the statute of limitations for sexual assault survivors to take legal action. They would be able to sue until they turn 52 and have two years to consider lawsuits even after the statute of limitations expires.

A trio of Democratic lawmakers are seeking to update the state’s anti-hate crime law with an expanded definition of hate crime and enhanced penalties. The law has not been updated since its establishment in 1988.

Balloon debris kills birds and befouls lakes. Are $800 fines the answer?

Lawmakers can’t muster enough support to require hands-free devices while driving. Distracted driving crashes are up, but opponents object to possibility of license suspensions, points.

More than half of Michigan’s 83 counties passed resolutions declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries or proclaiming their right to ignore laws that don’t square with their constitutional principles.

The first 10 calls to 911 show chaos, fear and confusion at MSU and pose new questions about why police waited more than 12 minutes to alert students of an active shooter on campus.

Nineteen states and Washington D.C. have ‘extreme risk’ confiscation laws. They have many supporters, but the laws aren’t used much, are enforced sporadically and have prompted equity questions.