First Lady Michelle Obama To Visit Detroit

(DETROIT) -- First Lady Michelle Obama will be in downtown Detroit Tuesday for a lunchtime fundraiser at the Book Cadillac Hotel, according to Democrat officials.

Her arrival comes just two weeks after a presidential visit from Barack Obama, who traveled to the General Motors assembly plant in Orion Township with South Korean President Lee. Vice President Joe Biden also made a visit to Flint and Grand Rapids earlier this month.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Michigan Files Application for $70 Million Federal Grant

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.) -- Michigan has officially filed its application for a federal initiative on early childhood education, according to the Grand Rapids Press.

The report says Michigan's application is for $70 million of the $500 million "Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge" federal competition.

"With over 50 percent of the state's children falling into the category of high needs, the potential to fundamentally alter the lives of a generation of children is at hand, were this grant to come to Michigan," read the state application, according to the Grand Rapids Press.

There are a total of 35 states, including Michigan, vying for federal grants ranging from $50 million to $100 million.

The goal of the program is to increase and improve early childhood education training and provide opportunities for disadvantaged children.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Gas Prices Fall; Still Nearly 60 Cents Higher Per Gallon Vs. 2010

(DETROIT) -- Gas prices are higher this year than during the same period in 2010 -- about 57 cents per gallon higher -- creating a statewide average of $3.38 per gallon, according to data from Dearborn-based AAA Michigan.

The Detroit Free Press reports gas was down around 9 cents per gallon over the past week in its daily survey of 2,000 Michigan gas stations.

The city with the cheapest price for self-serve unleaded fuel was reported in the Traverse City area at $3.27 a gallon.

The highest average price was reported at $3.50 in the Marquette area.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Five People Killed in Wrong-Way Crash

(SOUTHFIELD, Mich.) -- Five people were killed when one car going the wrong way on a Detroit highway collided with a second car.

Officials say four people in an SUV and a 23-year-old man in car died when their cars burst into flames after they collided on Lodge Freeway at 4:15 a.m. on Sunday.  It is unknown which one of the cars was travelling south in the northbound lanes.

The names of the victims have not been released and police are investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the accident.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Mich. Senate Rejects New Canada-Michigan Border Crossing

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Michigan Senate Economic Development Committee voted 3-2 Thursday against legislation to build a bridge between Michigan and Canada.

The proposed bridge connecting Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, was supported by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Canadian government. Snyder's administration says the bridge would increase trade between the two countries.

The New International Trade Crossing is opposed by billionaire Matty Moroun, the owner of Ambassador Bridge which also connects the two countries. Moroun has used advertising to attack and criticize the proposed bridge plans.

Snyder's administration has not indicated how it will proceed.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio