Patterson plans to announce eight new programs at annual State of the County address

  Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson plans to announce eight new programs when he delivers his annual State of the County address.

  But, as usual, the fifth-term Patterson is mum on the details until his invitation-only address begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Centerpoint Marriott in Pontiac.

Democrats push "Hire Michigan First" plan

  Oakland County Democrats on Monday announced plans to reintroduce their Hire Michigan First plan, which proposes to reward companies that employ Michigan workers and penalizes companies that hire undocumented workers.

Southeast Michigan 9.12 Project meets Tuesday

  The tea party group Southeast Michigan 9.12 Project meets from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Shield’s Pizza, 1488 Rochester Road in Rochester Hills.

Snyder to attend Microsoft Technology Center opening

   Gov. Rick Snyder  will be in Southfield from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, for the official opening of the Microsoft Technology Center.

"Watch" parties planned for State of the Union address

  When President Barack Obama gives his State of the Union speech Tuesday evening, Melissa Bernardi plans to watch it at Bo's Smokehouse BBQ in Pontiac.

Snyder speech triggers new committees

  A day after Gov. Rick Snyder's State of the State address, the Michigan House of Representatives is creating three new subcommittees to "hone in on issues that require more attention," a news release said.

Bipartisan may be easier to say than achieve

  Republican Gov. Rick Snyder took office Jan. 1 calling for a culture change of cooperation, shared sacrifice and bipartisanship in the face of high unemployment and a looming state budget deficit estimated as high as $1.8 billion without business tax cuts Snyder advocates.
  The Michigan Democratic Party almost immediately issued a statement that indicates bipartisanship might be hard to achieve.