American Automakers Win Big
Two U.S. automakers have won prestigious awards at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this morning. The Chevrolet Volt won the 2011 North American Car of the Year award. The Ford Explorer won the Truck of the Year award. Forty-nine auto journalists from around North America made the picks. The show opened this morning to the media. It opens to the public on Saturday and runs through January 23rd.
Michigan Lawmakers Show Support for Rep. Giffords
Members of Michigan's congressional delegation have been sending out their thoughts on Saturday's shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-D) where 6 died and 13 others were wounded. The Associated Press reports:
Rep. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, served with Giffords on the House Science and Technology Committee in the last session of Congress. He says he grieves for those killed and prays for the "speedy and full recovery" of her and the others wounded. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, says she and Giffords share an interest in border security and the space program. Miller says she's "deeply saddened by this senseless crime."
State Lawmakers Back to Lansing
Michigan legislators return to the Capitol this week to be sworn-in. And, much like the first day of school, they’ll choose their seats and establish rules, such as dress codes. Unlike most schools though, lawmakers will come to Lansing facing a projected $1.8 billion dollar budget deficit. It’s also expected that legislative leaders will begin to establish plans and agendas for the coming months of session.
Snyder to Name Supreme Court Justice
Governor Rick Snyder will hold a morning news conference today to name his appointee to the state Supreme Court. Last week, Snyder named Supreme Court Justice Maura Corrigan to head the state Department of Human Services, thus leaving an empty seat on the court. Corrigan will step down from the state’s highest court on Friday to begin her new job.