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The number of suicides in Michigan reached an all-time high in 2017, up a full 50% from 1999. At the same time, the number of resources for those dealing with a mental health emergency is shrinking. There are now roughly 3,200 in-patient psychiatric beds throughout the state. That number is down from 6,800 in the early 1990s. And while those figures might be jarring, they don't tell the story of the real people struggling with the day-to-day reality of mental illness. Here's a look at the state of mental health in Michigan and how it impacts one family brave enough to share their story. MORE
►A mom's story: 'My son is trying to kill me'
►'Demons' haunt an 8-year-old boy and help is hard to find

Michigan lawmakers pass $59.9 billion budget plan

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Michigan lawmakers got down to business Tuesday, passing a budget plan in an attempt to avoid a government shutdown. The series of bills that make up the budget will now head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's desk. The package includes a $5.4 billion transportation budget with a one-time $400 million allotment for roads. Before the bills even made their way to her, Whitmer had some harsh words for the budget plan. MORE
►State budgets 'a mess,' Whitmer says as they head her way

Is now the time to be alive for the middle class?

Some experts say this might be the best time to live a middle class existence. Yes, we were surprised when we heard it too, but a Michigan professor assured us, the middle class is alive and well. Quite well, in fact. They are making more than ever and have disposable income to spare. The only problem? It's harder than ever to enter the ranks of the middle class. MORE
►How We Got Here: Winning a seat in the middle class
►How We Got Here video series explores Michigan's biggest issues

Top 50 Michigan high school football teams heading into week 5

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The action continues under the Friday night lights as we approach week 5 of the high school football season. We are really feeling out the teams at this point and some are simply dominating (shout out to those Big Reds). Where does your team stand after its week 4 game? Did it make the top 50? There is only one way to find out, football fans. MORE
►Vote on the must-see Michigan high school football games for week 5

Folklore or fact? Farmer's Almanac shares 20 early signs of a rough winter

You live in Michigan. So, you know the start of fall means snow is just around the corner. Wondering if winter will really wallop us this year? The Farmer's Almanac offers some clues. Of course, that's only if you believe in these unorthodox ways of predicting the weather. Have you noticed thick hair on the nape of a cow's neck? How about pigs gathering sticks? If so, the good old Almanac says you should ready your shovel. MORE
►Want to get real weather forecasts? Join our Michigan Weather group