Notices Issued to Mich. Families Who Have Reached FIP Cash Limit

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Department of Human Services has reissued over 11,000 notices to Michigan residents who are part of the Family Independence Program (FIP), and have reached the FIP cash assistance lifetime limit, in accordance with the ruling by a U.S. District judge on October 4.

Department officials say if recipients appeal the the decision within 10 days after the notice is issued, they will continue continue receiving benefits, however, if they lose the appeal, they will be required to refund the benefit payments. Those who file appeals after the 10-day period will not continue receiving benefits.

The FIP provides temporary cash assistance for low-income families which include minor children or pregnant women, and assists with paying for living expenses.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Gov. Snyder Signs Late-Term Abortion Law

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill Tuesday that makes official the banning of late-term abortions in Michigan.

The bill was approved last month by the state legislature and is similar to the federal ban signed into law by former President George W. Bush: the legislation prohibits late-term, or partial-birth abortions, except to save the mother's life.

Under terms of the law, any doctor who performs a late-term abortion may face a maximum of two years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Chrysler and UAW Reach Agreement on New Contract

(DETROIT, Mich.) -- Chrysler reached an agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) on a new labor contract.

The agreement, which was announced on Wednesday, concerns a three-year contract that UAW hopes will spur Chrysler to invest $4.5 billion and create over 2,000 jobs.

United Auto Workers reps have been engaged in negotiations with all three Detroit auto giants. Chrysler is the last of the major three deals to be completed.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

WMU Part of 'Billion Dollar Green Challenge'

(KALAMAZOO, Mich.) -- Western Michigan University (WMU) has joined 32 other institutions from around the nation, to launch what is being called the "Billion Dollar Green Challenge."

The challenge involves a goal of investing a cumulative total of $1 billion in "green revolving funds" towards energy efficiency upgrades on campus, according to a statement posted on the WMU website. Officials say the investments by institutions help to create "green" jobs in campus communities, while also lowering he operating costs for institutions.

Other institutions that make up the founding circle of the initiative include: Harvard University, Darthmouth College, Arizona State University, Stanford University, and George Washington University.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

New Law Requires Beer Keg Buyers to Register with Store

(LANSING, Mich.) -- A new law set to take effect Nov. 1 will require anyone who buys a beer keg to sign a receipt with their name, address, telephone number, and driver's license or state identification card number.

Under the terms of the new legislation, tags will be attached to the keg at the time of purchase with the buyer's information. Removal of the tag will result in forfeiture of the $30 deposit as well as a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to 93 days in jail and fine of $500.

Officials say the new law will not only assist in identifying the organizers of a busted party, but will also help curb underage drinking by putting a greater onus on the vendor.

Stores will be subject to a $50 fine if they do not attach a tag to the keg.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio