DNR Plants 500,000 Trees with Arbor Day Funds

(LANSING, Mich) -- The Department of Natural Resources has planted 500,000 trees in the Roscommon Forest Management Unit this spring with funds provided by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The half-million tree seedlings will help improve habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the federally endangered Kirtland's Warbler. The Arbor Day Foundation funds were used to plant jack pine seedlings on about 850 acres in need of reforestation in the Damon Kirtland's Warbler management block; the seedlings were planted at a rate of 1,200 per acre.

The Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit tree planting organization in the United States, with more than 1 million members. The Foundation plants and distributes more than 14 million trees each year.

Another 4.2 million seedlings were planted on other state forest lands. In all, the Department of Natural Resources reforested about 8,000 acres this spring.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Michigan Offers Sears $50 Million Incentives

(CHICAGO) -- Michigan is the latest state to offer incentives to Sears Holdings Corp. to move from Illinois.

The Detroit Free Press reports that Sears may be considering a move from its headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Chicago because of the new state corporate taxes. Michigan’s tax break and other incentives would add up to at least $50 million. A Sears move could cost Illinois over $130 million a year in tax revenue.

Sears representatives have declined to comment on their decision but said they would consider all options. Other states that are trying to lure Sears away are New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

State Senate Approves Redistricting Map

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The state Senate approved new political redistricting plans on Thursday.

Republican lawmakers initially rejected the updated Senate map, but ultimately compromised after changes were made to the dwindling Wayne County region. The proposed map gives Wayne County seven districts rather than eight.

The measure was approved 29-8, and is now headed to the state House.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Tax Amnesty Deadline Approaching

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Time is running out for Michigan residents who wish to take advantage of the state’s tax amnesty program.

Michigan’s 2011 Tax Amnesty program allows qualifying taxpayers to have penalties waived if they pay unpaid or delinquent state taxes and interest in full. The tax amnesty period ends June 30.

Officials say individuals and businesses wishing to take advantage must submit an application, with full payment, postmarked by June 30.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Court Agrees to Hear Medical Marijuana Appeals

(DETROIT) -- It has been three years since Michigan voters approved the Medical Marijuana Act, yet confusion over the rules still remain.

The state Supreme Court agreed to hear two appeals involving the use of medical marijuana on Thursday. One case involves a man who held a state-issued medical card that authorized him to use marijuana for his illness. He was charged with possession of marijuana after officials found him growing marijuana in his dog's kennel, a place they did not regard as secure and locked. The second case discusses whether a patient should have consulted a doctor before or after the law was passed.

The use of medical marijuana is against federal law.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio