Regional News from WNDU-TV and mLive

Saving on cooling costs with help from REAL Services REAL Services of St. Joseph County is helping low-income households with their Energy Assistance Program. Michigan budget director John Nixon: Don't expect radical changes in spending plan Michigan lawmakers could wrap up the next state budget by June 1. They have some new information to make decisions. ND's Rees, Calabrese to make court appearances Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees and linebacker Carlo Calabrese will make their first appearances in court after being arrested at an early morning party near campus. Snyder, Bing to officially usher in Meijer, other stores to Detroit Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Meijer Co-chairman and CEO Hank Meijer and other officials are expected to participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking of the 350,000-square-foot retail center at noon today. Twelve-year-old girl in critical condition after being hit by pickup Dajeianna Smith, 12, was hit by a pickup truck Wednesday while walking along County Road 108 in Elkhart County. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson returns favor for help with flat tire Secretary of State Ruth Johnson read "A Fish out of Water" and "M is for Mitten" to Lindsey Bohm's second grade class at Syring Elementary School in Swartz Creek. South Bend Police warn of alarm scam The South Bend Police Department says some salesmen are going door-to-door and scamming residents. Democrats claim 'big conspiracy' over alleged link between Rep. Roy Schmidt's switch to Republicans and his novice opponent The delivery method and timing raised questions of election manipulation and fraud from state and county Democratic Party leaders. Local activists working to impeach Mayor Buttigieg Local activists are working to impeach South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Family shares memories of West Michigan Air Force mechanic killed in 'freak accident' during his last week overseas Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Weems' family was eagerly looking forward to the 2005 Byron Center High School graduate's return on Monday. Blackthorn Golf Course to host the Four Winds Invitational in August The seniors are next week but the future on the ladies tour is in August. Sheriff: Holland woman killed in Mother's Day crash had altercation at friend's home and left hours before incident The motorist who struck them is a 43-year-old Twin Lake man, Roesler said. His name will not be released until the investigation is complete. He has not been charged with anything at this time, Roesler said. Notre Dame wide receiver cited for under age drinking Notre Dame wide receiver, Davaris Daniels, 19, has been cited for minor consumption of alcohol at his home in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Rep. Roy Schmidt: ?Treat me like I'll treat you' in wake of Republican Party switch Two-term state House Rep. Roy Schmidt weathered criticism in the wake of party switch, and said his only goal is to help Grand Rapids. Elkhart City Officials install permanent ramp at coffee shop In October NewsCenter 16 heard about the issues one Elkhart coffee shop faced after its landlord. Councilman Dave Osborne replaced a wheel-chair accessible ramp with stairs. Gov. Rick Snyder reportedly accepting salary this year after taking just $1 salary in 2011 See how much he may earn this year, and how much he earned in 2010. Connaughton enjoying life as Irish basketball and baseball star Notre Dame is no stranger to 2-sport athletes. Ron Reed, The Golics, Jeff Samardzija and Golden Tate are among the most recognizable. Now there's Pat Connaughton. Feds eye stiffer penalties after more lasers pointed at planes Stricter enforcement guidelines were announced Wednesday by the Federal Aviation Administration. Elkhart County discusses changing to voting centers Officials in Elkhart County are constructing a new system for voting across the county. Michigan's economy expected to continue steady improvement See what economists predict for Michigan's unemployment rate and personal income growth. Michigan dog bites cost millions in insurance claims in 2011; incidents puzzlingly on the rise nationally See where State Farm ranks Michigan in the nation for dog bite claims. Michigan Republican Speaker Jase Bolger: ?We would not have beaten Roy Schmidt' Some potential Republican candidates backed away from an election battle against Roy Schmidt, House Speaker Jase Bolger said. Economists to Michigan lawmakers: Budget revenues may not be as high as originally projected Revenue estimating conferences are a key factor in deciding how much money is available for Michigan's state budget. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway buys 10 million shares of GM stock (updated) The Nebraska-based firm, which the 81-year-old billionaire is CEO of, had 10 million shares of the automaker on March 31, according to U.S. Securities Exchange Commission document disclosing its U.S. stockholdings today. UAW plans rally as Michigan court prepares to hear arguments over emergency manager repeal effort A coalition seeking to repeal Michigan's controversial emergency manager law will make their case in court on Thursday, and they'll have support outside from the United Auto Workers union. Detroit police officer hospitalized after suspected car thief drags him from vehicle Detroit police say an officer was injured when a car theft suspect dragged him with the vehicle. Police: Muskegon man killed in crash discovered 'hours' later (video) Fruitport Township Police officials, assisted by Norton Shores Police, remained at the scene around 8:30 a.m. The man's vehicle was still there and traffic was being rerouted from the area. Matty Moroun has hijacked political process over Detroit-Windsor bridge debate (commentary) Jared Rodriguez, president, West Michigan Policy Forum, writes that the people of Michigan are smart enough to see through "Moroun's charade," but some state legislators can't see past the money Moroun showered upon them. Another closed session, another 'no comment' as Detroit Council talks consent agreement analysis The Detroit City Council met in closed session Tuesday for the third time in two weeks as members continue to consider the implications of a confidential legal analysis of the recent consent agreement with the state. Oakland County woman, sister of juvenile lifer victim, refutes new report's assertions of disparities in criminal justice system Jody Robinson said she was disheartened by a new report describing a litany of disparities it says has helped place Michigan second in the nation in inmates serving non-parolable life sentences for crimes as minors. Good morning, Michigan: Dead man voting, Democrat defection and stolen undies top today's must-reads Good morning! Grab your coat and umbrella before you leave this morning. Check out the 5-day weather outlook on the Weather page. Here's a roundup of the top stories today: TODAY'S TOP "TALKERS": Audit: Dead people and prisoners recorded as...