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Michigan lawmakers have a little more than a month to agree upon a state budget or Michigan's government will shut down. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says any budget that will get her signature will have to include "serious steps forward" on schools and road funding. Republican leaders are continuing to hold private meetings with Whitmer, in hopes of coming up with mutually agreed upon solutions that will avoid a shutdown. If Oct. 1 does come without a budget, though, Whitmer said she is ready for that scenario. MORE
►Michigan legislature returns this week as clock ticks toward budget deadline
►Michigan officials crafting contingency plans in case of government shutdown

Owner of five Michigan marijuana dispensaries heads to federal prison

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A 47-year-old Lansing man will spend at least 11 years in federal prison after he was found guilty of multiple marijuana-related charges. Danny Trevino owned five marijuana dispensaries in different Michigan cities. The U.S. Attorney's Office said the Hydroworld locations "operated far outside the boundaries of not only federal law but the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act." Trevino and his family believe the conviction was racially motivated. MORE

Michigan fall color timeline starting to take shape

Hey, autumn lovers, you might want to take note: Michigan's fall color timeline is coming together. It won't be long before the leaves start to change, painting Michigan's landscapes with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. Curious when your area will get saturated in those hues? Check out MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa's predictions for fall foliage. MORE
►Follow the Michigan Weather page on Facebook for the latest updates

A look at the top teams as high school football returns to Michigan

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As high school football season kicks off this week, there is good news for every single team -- this could be your year. The slate is clean and the scoreboard is empty, waiting for points to accumulate, wins to mount and dreams to be realized. Sure, our experts can predict who will come out on top, but it is still anyone's year. Go out there and make your dreams come true, athletes. MORE
►MLive 'experts' predict 2019 high school football state champs
►Vote in your area for the must-see football game of week one

Michigan's Best Day: Traveling along U.S. 31

There are so many fantastic sights to see along U.S. 31 in the northwest Lower Peninsula. We made a list and checked out some of our favorite spots. We ate, drank and laughed our way through a Michigan's Best Day in fantastic places like Charlevoix and Elk Rapids. And we documented it. Now, this trip can easily be recreated so you can have a Michigan's Best Day too. MORE
►VIDEO: Michigan's Best Day from Charlevoix to Elk Rapids
►How to spend a Michigan's Best Day in Ludington
►Michigan's Best 2019 road trip across the U.P.