Michigan group seeks to ban abortions after fetal heartbeat detected   The abortion debate continues to roil various legislative bodies across the country. Michigan certainly hasn't escaped the clashes between pro-abortion rights and anti-abortion camps. Now the Michigan Heartbeat Coalition is determined to ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. The group has started the process for a ballot drive. MORE ►Michigan House joins Senate in voting to ban abortion procedure ►Right to Life begins petition drive

Lawmakers say they want financial transparency, but few are doing so   Michigan lawmakers over the years on both sides of the aisle have spoken of a need to have financial transparency laws for elected state officials. So we filled the void. We created simple financial disclosure forms, and asked Michigan's 148 lawmakers, plus the governor, secretary of state and attorney general to voluntarily disclose. Few heeded the call. MORE ►Bipartisan House bills would require officials to disclose personal finances ►Michigan lawmakers' personal finances are a secret

10 returning Spartans who could really boost production this season hat  Michigan State is looking for a bounce back season on the gridiron. A year after the Spartans returned 19 starters and struggled to a 7-6 record, this year's squad features 17 returning starters and a hunger to contend for a Big Ten title. Here are 10 key players that, with just modest improvement, could really turn around the team's fortunes. MORE ►Athlon Sports preseason rankings: U-M 4th, MSU 16th

  

If you love historic homes, you need to visit Marshall   If historic architecture is your thing, Marshall is your place. Just walking through the Michigan town's neighborhoods will fill a day with history and beauty. Many of these structures were built in the 1800s and are masterfully maintained so they retain their architectural intricacies. You can give yourself a lovely, free tour by just wandering around. If you can't make it in person, you can at least enjoy these photos. MORE ►Inside Michigan's oldest operating inn, built in 1835