Tim Skubick: Wrong Message on Texting : House panel outlaws texting while driving, but makes enforcement shamefully weak.

Gongwer: Budget Battles Bloody All : The budget fight is now so full of anger and fear the Crips and Bloods could reach accord easier.

Detroit Prospect: An Uncomfortable Truth : Columnist Stephen Jones says Americans should take to heart the uncomfortable truth about racism that former President Carter had the audacity to utter.

Press Box: Mitten State Obsession : Columnist Susan J. Demas explores why, after years of neglect, the national media suddenly can't get enough of Michigan.

Extra Points: Business Leaders Offer Plan to Fix Michigan : Guest columnists Dave Brandon and Mark Murray explain new CEO group’s goal: return the state economy to "Top Ten" ranking.