Mayor Bing Files Paperwork for Possible Re-Election Bid

(DETROIT) -- Mayor Dave Bing filled out paperwork Thursday that would allow him to run a re-election campaign this November.

According to the Detroit News, Bing has not yet decided if he wants to run for re-election and will make the choice in the coming weeks.

The deadline for filing the petitions to run for office is May 14.

Bing was a basketball star and a businessman before being elected in 2009. Under his watch, Detroit has struggled economically, resulting in the appointment of Emergency Financial Manager Kevyn Orr earlier this year.

If Bing does run for re-election, he would join a crowd of candidates hoping to revitalize and rebuild the city of Detroit.

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State's Blood-Alcohol Limit to Remain at .08

(LANSING, Mich.) -- In a decision designed to decrease Michigan's alcohol-related death rate, the state Senate approved a bill that will keep the blood alcohol limit for drivers at 0.08.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the bill was approved unanimously by the state Senate. Had action not been taken, the legal limit would have moved to 0.10 on October 1.

The state lowered the blood alcohol limit from 0.10 to 0.08 in 2003. According to the Free Press, the number of alcohol-related deaths dropped from 340 in 2003 to 253 in 2011.

The legal limit in the other 49 states in the nation is also 0.08.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Authorities Investigating Cause of Fatal Fire

(DETROIT) -- Authorities are investigating a fire that left one person dead early Friday morning.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the fire was reported just before 2:30 a.m. at 19504 Steel Street.

The victim, a man of unknown age, was killed in the blaze. Two other residents, a 50-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man were treated for minor injuries at an area hospital, the Free Press reports.

Authorities are looking at whether an electrical issue may have been the cause of the fire.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

State Police and DEA to Hold Drug Take-Back Day

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Michigan State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration are teaming up to hold a drug take-back day on April 27.

"It is important for Michigan residents to have a safe and confidential way to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription drugs," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of police, in a statement. "Take-Back Day provides a convenient way for them to do so and helps prevent potential hazards of the misuse of these medications."

Prescription drug abuse is a major health problem across the country. More Americans abuse prescription drugs than cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants combined, according to 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Drugs will be accepted at all 29 MSP posts, and information about additional drop-off points can be found on the DEA’s website. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Police say no liquids, inhalers, patches or syringes will be accepted.

It is free to drop-off and authorities emphasize that drop-offs will be anonymous with no questions asked.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Residents Urged to Take Precautions During Wildfire Prevention Week

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources is raising awareness of wildfires and fire prevention techniques during Wildfire Prevention Week, which runs until April 27.

According to officials, wildfire risk goes up considerably when spring weather arrives. Out of the nearly 500 fires the DNR responded to in 2012, two-thirds of them were caused by people’s negligence.

"One out of three wildfires in Michigan is caused by someone burning debris who didn’t take the proper precautions,” says Bill O’Neill, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.

Ada Takacs, a DNR fire prevention specialist, reminds Michigan residents that a burn permit is required to burn brush and debris.

The DNR also stressed the importance of making sure that campfires are properly dealt with. Residents are urged to keep their fires small, and make sure that they are fully out, not just smoldering.

Wildfire Prevention Week is held annually in the third week of April to help educate people to the danger of wildfires.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio