CLARKSTON, Michigan — Former Alaska Gov. and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will return to Michigan in May to give the keynote address at the Michigan Defending the American Dream Summit. Americans for Prosperity-Michigan says Palin will give the keynote address at event scheduled on May 1 at Mount Zion Church in Clarkston. Scott Hagerstrom, state director... Full story »

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — Dan Kildee officially dropped out of the race for Michigan governor this morning. The former county treasurer and chairman of the county's Land Bank Authority told The Flint Journal Thursday he planned leaving the race to avoid splitting the support of organized labor and the votes of progressives in the Democratic primary. "It is now clear... Full story »

The Lake Fenton Board of Education is expected to vote on whether or not to approve a notice of intent to terminate its current relationship with Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation at a special meeting Friday afternoon. Full story »

With 2010 Census forms set to be mailed out next month, officials want to make sure as many people as possible get counted. Full story »

The Toyota recall in the U.S. covers 2.3 million vehicles and involves 2009-10 RAV4 crossovers, 2009-10 Corollas, 2009-10 Matrix hatchbacks, 2005-10 Avalons, 2007-10 Camrys, 2010 Highlander crossovers, 2007-10 Tundra pickups and 2008-10 Sequoia SUVs. The recalls also extend to Europe and China, covering nearly 4.5 million vehicles overall. Full story »

At Monday's meeting, council voted to list the Old Fire Hall with a to-be-determined area commercial real estate firm in an effort to find a suitable use for the downtown facility. Full story »

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — State Rep. Paul Scott, candidate for Michigan secretary of state, caused a stir in the online community with the priorities he lists in an open letter on his campaign blog.Included among four priorities: "I will make it a priority to ensure transgender individuals will not be allowed to change the sex on their driver’s license in... Full story »

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — There could be a Genesee County crowd at the top of this year’s state tickets. The list of local officials considering the giant political leap into statewide office is the longest it’s been in recent years, even after hometown politician Lt. Gov. John Cherry dropped out of the governor’s race. Former county Treasurer Daniel T.... Full story »

FLINT, Michigan — It's been nearly a year since the nation's first black president was sworn into office, and Flint's Vernon Chapel AME Church plans to commemorate the historic event. A celebration of the first anniversary of President Barack Obama's inauguration will begin at noon on Wednesday at the church, 5802 Dupont St., and will include prayer, song and dance."We... Full story »

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — County Prosecutor David S. Leyton is taking steps to enter the race for Michigan attorney general. Leyton, 56, said today he formed a candidate committee so he can begin to raise funds for a campaign for the seat.Leyton has more than 20 years experience as a practicing attorney and was elected prosecutor in 2004. Prior... Full story »

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — State Rep. Paul Scott, R-Grand Blanc, is pursuing entering the Michigan secretary of state race, he said today.Scott, 27, who also has filed for re-election to his state House seat, told The Flint Journal he is forming a candidate committee this afternoon in order to raise funds for a potential run for secretary of state."It's... Full story »

Despite an hour's worth of opposition from the approximately 50 residents who packed council chambers, the Fenton City Council approved a water and sewer rate hike Monday that will increase the average homeowner's utilities by $40 a quarter, or $160 a year. Full story »

Before a crowded council chamber, council voted Monday night to increase the sewer capital charge by $5, the water operating rates from $4.55 to $5.20 per thousand gallons of water, and the water capital charge from $26 to $48. Full story »

Janet Leslie, a Holly Township trustee since 2008, was recently appointed to the Women's Commission for Oakland County. Full story »

On the whole, legislators are missing fewer roll call votes than they were earlier in the decade, said Jack McHugh, editor of the report. Full story »