SW Michigan

More of the youngest students at the area's lowest-performing school are on-track to meet state standards thanks to a United Way-backed literacy project, data from the project shows, and officials are hoping the project can expand.

LANSING - Gov. Rick Snyder leaves today for a nine-day trade mission to Israel, which he expects will lead to more jobs for Michigan. Snyder has made four earlier trade missions to Asia, Europe and Canada. This will be his first trip to Israel as governor.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) announced Friday that he will not run for Senate next year, a recruiting setback for Republicans hoping to compete in a purple state with an open seat. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee said he believes he can accomplish more in the House, with his committee perch and his party in the majority.

LANSING - Gov. Rick Snyder today signed a 2013-14 state budget that doesn't address two of his major priorities -- expanded Medicaid coverage and raising over $1 billion in extra revenues for repair and maintenance of state roads and bridges.

Saugatuck Township is the target of a second lawsuit this year over a proposed development along Lake Michigan.