Man Charged in Slaying of Taxi Driver

(DETROIT) -- Police arrested and charged a Detroit man with murder in connection with a shooting incident that killed a taxi cab driver earlier this month.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Jerrel Files, 21, was charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, assault with intent to rob while armed and felony possession of a firearm.

The victim, 42-year-old Michael Uche, was shot in front of a home on Saturday morning.

Files is scheduled for arraignment on Friday afternoon.

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Proposed Bill Would Allow Dogs in Outdoor Eating Areas

(LANSING, Mich.) -- A new bill that will have its first hearing on Thursday would allow dog owners to bring their pups into outdoor seating areas or patios at local restaurants, the Lansing State Journal reports.

State law currently prohibits non-helper dogs from entering restaurants, but the proposed bill would give restaurants the right to decide if they want to allow dogs on dining patios or decks, as supposed to being tied up outside the fence.

Rooftop dining areas would still be off limits, as the dogs would presumably need to pass through the restaurant to get to the roof.

Restaurant owners would get the final say if they would allow pooches outside their restaurants, but many are excited, if somewhat wary. A representative from Michigan Restaurant Association told the Lansing State Journal that it was important that owners, not restaurants, be responsible for any problems created by doggie dining companions.

The state House Tourism committee will weigh the bill Thursday.

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Michigan Looks to Combat Sturgeon Poaching

(LANSING, Mich.) -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Groups are hoping to get volunteers to help guard against poaching of sturgeons in spring.

Sturgeons are regarded as threatened in Michigan, and are rare throughout the United States. The large fish are vulnerable to poachers in the late spring when the mature lake sturgeon leave Black Lake in Cheboygan County for spawning sites in the Black River.

The group Sturgeon for Tomorrow and the Michigan Government are working on creating a volunteer network to help guard these rare fish against illegal fishing.

Sturgeon for Tomorrow is seeking volunteers to join in its effort, in partnership with Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ conservation officers, to help protect sturgeon from poaching.

“For over a decade, the annual Sturgeon Guarding Program has proven that citizens who watch over the river have greatly reduced poaching while helping to ensure the protection and proliferation of the species,” said Ann Feldhauser, a Department of Natural Resources retiree and the program’s volunteer coordinator.

“It’s a unique and rewarding experience to witness the sight of these majestic fish, which can live up to 100 years and weigh over 200 pounds, swimming up the Black River.”

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Sec. of State Johnson to Attend Naturalization Ceremony

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.) -- Sec. of State Ruth Johnson announced Monday that she will attend a Grand Rapids naturalization ceremony this week.

Johnson will join Michigan Sec. of State representatives as they offer new U.S. citizens the opportunity to register to vote immediately following their naturalization ceremonies on Wednesday.

"There's no better way for them to celebrate becoming a new U.S. citizen than by registering to exercise one of our fundamental rights and responsibilities, and that is voting," Johnson said in a statement. "Registering to vote takes only a few minutes but it offers a lifetime of opportunities to have your voice heard on Election Day."

Johnson will be at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony, which will be held inside the Gerald R. Ford Museum, located at 303 Pearl St. N.W.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

MDOT to Begin Work on I-75 Ramps to I-69 East in Genesee County

(FLINT, Mich.) -- The Michigan Department of Transportation will begin work next week on I-75 ramps to eastbound I-69 in Genesee County.

MDOT is investing $1 million in the improvement project slated to begin Wednesday, April 24. During the first stage of work, one lane will be closed on eastbound I-69 at night, and motorists can expect detoured traffic routes by early May.

The project is expected to end by mid-June 2013.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio