Rick Pluta

The Justice Department has taken steps to close the so-called "gun show loophole." But there's a murky legal question: Who counts as a gun seller?

While the winners of Michigan's Democratic and Republican primaries are not expected to be a surprise, the outcome can provide insights to candidate strength in a key battleground state.

First the first time in 40 years, Democrats control every part of Michigan's state government. After Monday's shooting at Michigan State University, the party is pushing hard for gun restrictions.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, won a second term over Republican Tudor Dixon. Voters also acted to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution.

Michigan has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases, and skepticism is growing over health orders and vaccines. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is in persuasion mode to try to get vaccine skeptics on board.

Michigan's top Republican lawmakers are reportedly headed to the White House Friday. Trump's campaign is trying to challenge votes from heavily Democratic parts of the state without success in court.

Florida and Alabama are seeing rapid increases in coronavirus cases, which experts link to the states' reopening dates. But Michigan's case numbers are dropping — meaning schools can reopen this fall.

In a reverse decision, the judges say that barber Karl Manke, who refused to close his shop in defiance of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's shutdown order, must shutter.

Michigan's governor has started lifting restrictions but critics say not fast enough. Officials worry armed protesters will refuse to follow safety measures when they gather at the Capitol Thursday.

A federal judge in Detroit has ordered bond hearings for hundreds of Iraqis detained by the Department of Homeland Security while they fight deportation. The decision says holding people who don't pose a serious flight risk is unconstitutional.