Budget talks loom as lawmakers return to Lansing   Michigan lawmakers are beginning to return to Lansing this week after the annual summer break. Staring them each in the face is the looming challenge to find agreement on next year's budget. Oct. 1 marks the end of the fiscal year. No budget in place by then means a possible state government shutdown. MORE ►Michigan Attorney General asks federal court to drop GOP lawsuit

Why Bob Ross signs are popping up at Michigan state parks   Michiganders just can't seem to get enough of Bob Ross. But, really, who could blame us? Earlier this summer came word that Bronner's Christmas Wonderland was selling Bob Ross ornaments. Now we've got Bob Ross signs popping up at Michigan State Parks. Maybe PBS needs to create a new show entitled "The Joy of Remembering Bob Ross and his Happy Little Trees." Long name. But it matches the legacy. MORE ►Michigan's 25 most popular state campgrounds ►The only park you can stroll, swim under the Mighty Mac

50 prep football players to watch this season hat  The state of Michigan will get to witness plenty of talented players this upcoming high school football season. We've done the early legwork and compiled a list of 50 of the best players we'll get to watch do their thing on the gridiron. Remember, the first games are just eight days away! MORE ►Prep coach learns the finger gets you a suspension

  

Michigan's largest Indian reservation in Petoskey? Judge says no   The Little Traverse Band of Odawa Indians thought they had a rightful claim. They pointed to two 19th century treaties as evidence. However, a federal judge in Kalamazoo disagreed. An area encompassing 337 square miles of land and 103 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in northern Michigan - including the cities of Petoskey and Harbor Springs - will not fall under tribe sovereignty. MORE ►1836 treaty puts Michigan tribes at center of Nestle water bid ►How an 800-mile canoe trip starting Up North became a turning point in Michigan history