The Pioneer (Big Rapids, MI)

1 day ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Dorany Pineda

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (AP) - Air quality regulators in Southern California heard impassioned public comments Friday before an anticipated vote on proposed rules that would curb harmful emissions from gas-powered furnaces and water heaters. The rules aim to reduce emissions of smog-contributing nitrogen oxides, also called NOx, a group of pollutants linked to respiratory issues, asthma attacks, worse allergies, decreased lung function in children, premature death and more.

2 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Crystal Huggins

Now that summer's here, beaches are the perfect way to soak up the sun and cool off by the waves. What could make a beach day even better? Bring along your furry friend. Pack your treats and leash up for sand, surf, and tail-wagging fun. Here's a guide to paw-some dog-friendly beaches across the state.

2 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Zach Martin

SEATTLE (AP) - Heston Kjerstad put Baltimore ahead with a two-run triple in the seventh inning and the Orioles beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight win. Adley Rutschman hit a tying homer in the sixth for the Orioles (24-36), who have won eight of 10. They've taken back-to-back series for the first time all season and will go for their second consecutive three-game sweep Thursday.

2 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Mary Clare Jalonick

WASHINGTON (AP) - Only six months into the job, Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces a massive challenge as he tries to quickly push President Donald Trump's sprawling tax and spending cuts package to passage with the support of a divided GOP conference. While most Republican senators are inclined to vote for the bill, Thune can stand to lose only four votes in the face of united Democratic opposition - and many more Republicans than that are critical of the version sent over by the House.

3 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Crystal Huggins |Dominic Genetti

U.S Navy Secretary John Phelan has until Tuesday to rename the United States Naval Ship Harvey Milk following an order from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The vessel is named for Harvey Milk, a Navy Korean War veteran and pioneer gay rights activist who became the first openly gay man elected to public office in California. He was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.