Zoe Clark

Kalamazoo State Representative Robert Jones Dies

Governor Granholm Vetoes Alcohol Bill

The Associated Press reports that:

Sarah Palin is backing Tea Party favorite Dan Benishek to represent northern Michigan in Congress.

Benishek was among nine candidates Palin endorsed Monday on her Facebook page.

The former Alaska governor describes Republican political newcomer Benishek as a "commonsense voice" who supports repealing President Barack Obama's health care plan.

All this year, Michigan Radio has been asking people from across the state for their ideas on how to improve things in Michigan. The series is called 3 Things and, this week and next, we're mixing it up a bit. We're talking to the major candidates running in statewide elections. Today, we hear from Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson. She's the Republican candidate for Secretary of State.  You can hear her interview here.

Report: State Budget Cuts Impact Birth Statistics

All this year, Michigan Radio has been asking people from across the state for three ideas of what we can all do to improve things. Now, we're mixing it up a bit. We're asking the candidates for statewide office to make three promises to the people of Michigan. It's 3 Things: Election Edition. This morning, we heard from the Democratic candidate for Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson.  You can hear the interview here.

The (One and Only?) Debate

The winner of ArtPrize was announced last night in Grand Rapids.  Grand Rapids-based artist Chris LaPorte came in first place with his life-size pencil drawing titled, "Cavalry, American Officers, 1921." LaPorte won $250,000.  The drawing is based on a photograph that LaPorte saw in a Grand Rapids antique shop.

ArtPrize Winner Announced

It appears there may be another oil spill in Michigan... this time on a beach on Lake Huron.  The Associated Press is reporting that investigators from the U.S. Coast Guard are searching for the cause of a spill at Cheboygan State Park.

The spill war reported Tuesday and cleanup crews were at the site yesterday.

The AP says the oil, "covered a section of beach measuring about 25 yards by 300 yards."

Other People's Money

Next week we'll be airing special, live call-in shows with the candidates running for governor.  On Monday, from 9-10AM we'll hear from Democratic candidate Virg Bernero.  On Friday, also from 9-10AM, we'll hear from Republican nominee Rick Snyder.  Rick Pluta, the Michigan Public Radio Newtork's Lansing Bureau Chief, will host.  You can call-in and ask your questions at (877) 952-7870.

ArtPrize opened in Grand Rapids yesterday.  The huge art competition runs until October 10th.  There are some 1,700 artists competing for this year's prize.  As Dustin Dywer reports, just like last year, the winner will be decided by popular vote.

Regulators Give OK to Enbridge's Plan to Restart Pipeline

Strong Storms Leave Thousands without Power