A new report shows the number of Michigan residents who were homeless in 2011 was lower than the year before. The report, presented by Leaders of Michigan’s campaign to end homelessness, shows that there were 6,143 fewer Michigan residents who were homeless for any part of 2011 than who were homeless during 2010. According to data compiled by the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, a total of 94,033 people were homeless in Michigan sometime in 2011, that was down six percent from 100,176 in 2010.

An active meth lab was busted yesterday by the Traverse Narcotics Team in Osceola County. Officials from TNT say they discovered a one pot meth cooker and several firearms at a home in Dighton. Four people were at the residence at the time of the bust. They say one arrest was made and there could be more in the future. We'll have more on this story when it becomes available.

Governor Rick Snyder says reports about him possibly being asked to be a vice presidential candidate is purely speculation and he's happy being governor of Michigan. The governor said Friday that he's most concerned now about the progress for Michigan. However, the governor also refused to fully remove himself from the race. On Thursday, a columnist in Florida, where the republican convention will be, predicted that Governor Snyder would be the republican vice presidential nominee. The prediction was based on the favorable hotel location granted to the Michigan delegation at the convention, al

Two West Michigan men accused of running a nine-million dollar ponzi scheme were in an Ottawa County court Thursday for a preliminary examination. The attorney general's office says 59-year old Jeffrey Ripley of Sparta and 60-year old Danny Vanliere of Kentwood ran the ponzi scheme between July 2006 and this past January through their company, API Worldwide Holdings, by selling fake securities. An investigation revealed at least 140 elderly victims who were allegedly defrauded of amounts ranging from $3,000 to $600,000 each. It's alleged that some victims lost their life savings. (MRN)

Could Michigan Governor Rick Snyder be considered a possible vice presidential candidate? A column on the opinion page at 'Tampa-Bay online' says it could happen. Chris Ingram, a republican consultant, writes that Michigan’s delegation at the upcoming republican convention got one of the best hotel locations, and such things are apparently a message when it comes to playing favorites. Ingram also writes that Snyder has delivered on campaign promises, he's revamped business taxes, and he won Michigan’s gubernatorial election by a wide margin. He also says Snyder doesn't have a "political career

A separate bill similar to Kelsey's Law has been introduced in the State House. The difference in the new bill is that teen drivers with a level 1 or 2 license would be committing a secondary offense if they are using a cell phone while driving. Founder of Kelsey's Law Bonnie Raffaele shares her thoughts, "I really want this to be a primary offense. If it was a secondary offense, the police officer would have to have another reason to pull someone over.

Off road vehicles could be allowed to operate on certain roads in Michigan, under a bill approved by a house committee Tuesday. The legislation effectively enables local governments to designate the shoulders of certain roads for ORV use. Current law only allows certain counties to authorize ORV use on the shoulders for roads. Supporters of the bill say it makes it easier for ORV users to go to and from ORV trails. However the County Road Association opposes the bill, saying it will mean damage to road shoulders, ditches and personal property. (MRN)

Governor Rick Snyder will host another online town hall meeting Wednesday afternoon. Snyder says residents can submit questions in advance on the state website at Michigan.gov/townhall or by calling 517-335-7858. You also can post questions to the governor on Twitter at @onetoughnerd using the hash tag, #askgovsnyder. The event will be streamed live Wednesday at 12:15 pm on the governor's interactive Livestream account at livestream.com/snyderlive. (MRN)

State Police say a 57-year old Howard City man Sunday has turned himself in and is cooperating with authorities for his involvement in a hit and run accident over the weekend in Montcalm County. Police say the 21-year old victim suffered serious injuries and is now in a Grand Rapids hospital. Troopers say the accident happened after nine Saturday night on Stanton Road, west of Jones Road in Pierson Township. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident.

Michigan's electric rates are now more than 10 percent higher than the national average and have increased eight percent over the past year. The Customer Choice Coalition and Energy Choice now say that's according to January data recently released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Officials with two advocacy groups say while Michigan's rates remain higher than its regional competitors, with industrial and commercial rates now more than 10 percent higher than the regional average, it grows increasingly difficult for Michigan business to compete. (MRN)