Abortion debate
A state Senate committee has approved a bill that would require clinics where abortions are performed to be licensed and inspected. "The legislation would also make it a crime to threaten or coerce a woman into having an abortion. Critics point out the legislation singles out abortion clinics, and would not cover out-patient surgical facilities that perform other types of procedures such as dental surgery or vasectomies. The legislation was very contentious when it was debated by the state House. Two female Democrats were punished by House G-O-P leaders for remarks they made during the debate,” Rick Pluta reports.
Snyder planning a trade mission to Asia
Governor Rick Snyder is planning a trade mission to Asia this year. “Governor Snyder went on an 8-day trip to China, South Korea and Japan last fall. He says two new economic investments – one in Ann Arbor and one in Saginaw – are a direct result of that trip. Now he’s planning to go back to Asia to strengthen business ties there. Snyder will take part in a meeting of the Midwest-U.S.-Japan Association in Minnesota in mid-September. From there he plans to fly directly to China. Details of the trip aren't finalized yet. Snyder went on a trade mission to Europe earlier this year. He visited automakers in Italy and discussed advanced electric storage with economic leaders in Germany,” Lindsay Smith reports.
Ford recall
Ford is issuing yet another recall. It's the company's third in about two weeks. This time it's for older model Escapes. Gas pedals in the SUV can get stuck when they're pushed close to the floor. That's only for the 2001 through 2004 models with 3 liter, V6 engines. Complaints involve 13 crashes and one death. The last two recalls involved the 20-13 Escape.
