I am writing today to announce the closure of the Michigan Messenger. After four years of operation in Michigan, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news into a single site, The American Independent at Americanindependent.com. This is part of a shift in strategy, towards new forms [...]
An abstinence-only presentation provided to numerous school districts in Calhoun and Eaton Counties in October of this year provided false and misleading information to students about HIV, experts allege.
Two county registers of deeds filed a class action lawsuit Monday on behalf of Michigan’s 83 counties alleging that the Mortgage Electronic Registration Services owes millions of dollars in property title transfer taxes.
Despite evidence of the impact of mercury on children and public health, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette last month joined with 24 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to scuttle new EPA regulations that would reduce mercury emissions from power plants.
Teen drivers whose cell phone use contributes to a traffic crash or ticket may be prohibited from using a phone behind the wheel. The restrictions are part of a change in probationary licensing policies announced by Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land.
“Most drivers understand the responsibility of getting behind the wheel and avoid risky distractions like cell phone use,” Land said. “Unfortunately, not everyone gets the message. Many traffic mishaps involving inexperienced drivers also involve cell phones. Education and parental involvement remain the most effective means for impressing good driving skills upon teens. However, this optional licensing restriction is one more tool that reinforces the importance of safe, courteous driving.”
The restriction may be imposed on teens when it is determined that cell phone use played a role in a negligent crash or a traffic violation. It applies to probationary drivers who are 14 years and 9 months old to age 19.
Teen drivers under probation who have tickets or crashes on their records face a re-examination, which could result in a license restriction, suspension or both. Re-examinations are personal reviews with the driver conducted by Department of State examiners.
Such action would delay the teen’s advancement in the Graduated Driver Licensing program.
All new drivers are on probation for at least three years. The probationary period allows the department to monitor driving performance and impose any necessary licensing controls to promote safe driving habits.
During the last 10 months of probation, any tickets, at-fault crashes or license suspensions extend the probationary period until the driver completes 10 consecutive months of violation-free driving.
“Young drivers with unsatisfactory records will continue to be under probation until they demonstrate safe skills,” Land said.
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