SW Michigan

KALAMAZOO, MI -- The draft of a dangerous dog law that could give animal control officers more leeway in preventing bites before they happen does not single out any breed for special attention, said the bill's sponsor, State Rep. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo.

The St. Joseph City Commission announced this morning that Richard Lewis, 58, is the Commission's choice to become the new city manager.

Washington - A west Michigan tea party group said it believes its 21-month wait to receive Internal Revenue Service approval for nonprofit status is a result of the agency's admitted targeting of conservative groups. Jim Chiodo, president of the Ottawa County Patriots, said his group has been waiting since 2011 to win approval of 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.

Lansing - Michigan is forecast to reach a pre-recession jobless rate of 6.9 percent in three years, while the state is reaping a multimillion-dollar tax windfall from investors who sold off stock last year in anticipation of higher tax rates.

The city council will decide within a month whether Springfield will close its police department or lay a hefty tax increase on residents. More than 75 residents filled the council chambers Wednesday to hear City Manager Frank Peterson explain why the city is running out of money to pay for public safety and then to make their own comments about the future.