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When a Garden City man died on the job last year, his employer was fined $7,000 for a serious safety violation. The fine later was cut in half during a settlement. The man's wife was devastated her husband's former employer seemingly was let off the hook for its part in the tragedy. However, workplace safety fines are not meant to be punitive or represent the value of a person's life. These fines levied by the state of Michigan are meant to encourage safe work environments. MLive reporter Shandra Martinez takes a deeper look at one Michigan man's workplace death, how the state responded, and if the employer did enough to address safety concerns. MORE
► Michigan workers killed on the job in 2017

Proposed Medicaid work requirement could have far-reaching results

The Michigan Senate passed a bill last week that would require able-bodied Medicaid recipients to work 29 hours per week to keep their coverage. However, the bill, which has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee, could have some unintended broad consequences. MLive statewide reporter Emily Lawler compiled a list of 5 ways this bill could affect Michiganders. MORE

See the median value of homes with mortgages

The Michigan real estate market is rebounding nicely from the Great Recession. In fact, the median value of a Michigan owner-occupied home nearly has reached the $162,500 high water mark set in 2006. Michigan remains a great place to buy, though. We ranked 39th in median home value in the country. Check out our interactive map and online database to see median value numbers in your county. MORE

The short list of players the Lions could draft in the 1st round

The NFL Draft is just two days away. We certainly can't wait, since it means the end of mock draft season! (Mock drafts are like Pop Rocks. They are all fun and tingly at the start. But at the end of the day, they will rot your teeth; in this case, your brain.) Anyway, the Detroit Lions have the 20th pick in Thursday's first round, and general manager Bob Quinn has a list of about five players he is targeting. Kyle Meinke profiles 10 players, including Michigan's Maurice Hurst, who Quinn may be considering. (Wait... is this a mock GM list?) MORE
► Lions podcast

Donut ice cream cone returns to Michigan shop

Take a fresh, cinnamon sugar donut (or doughnut, if you prefer) and fill it with ice cream. It sounds like a brilliant idea. A shop in Southfield is offering the compelling confections for the second year in a row. Entertainment reporter Ed Pevos loved the donut, but wasn't high on the combo. However, he suggested novelty alone was reason enough to give it a try. That seems like sound logic to us. We can't wait! MORE