ROCKFORD, Mich. (WZZM) -- Michigan State Police helicopter patrols are ending over West Michigan, but may return at a later date.

F/Lt. Chris McIntire, the commander of the Rockford state police post, says the added patrols were done in response to recent murder and missing persons cases, along with the flooding last month.

There have been dozens of complaints at the post, and even here in our newsroom about the noise, proximity, and frequency of the choppers to downtown neighborhoods.

MSP responded to those complaints a few weeks ago.

There are only two MSP helicopters serving all of Michigan. McIntire says there is now more of a need of regular helicopter patrols on the east side of the state; particularly the Detroit area.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development office in Grand Rapids will be closed this Friday  to ease the impact of federal spending cuts.

The HUD office is located on 99 Monroe Avenue NW in Suite 402. The May 24 closure is part of department cuts sparked by sequestration, which took effect March 1.  All HUD offices nationwide will be closed.

HUD also plans to close its offices nationwide for five other days throughout the year, including June 14, July 5, July 22, August 2, August 16 and August 30.  Employees will be on furlough during those days.

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- The U.S. Supreme Court Monday said it would hear arguments in a case involving the common practice of prayer before public bodies begin deliberations. The ruling could impact the U.S. Congress, and thousands of communities across the country.

In 2012, Grand Rapids ended its practice of prayer before city commission meetings. Mayor George Heartwell said, "I became increasingly uncomfortable with the fact that prayers offered were almost always Christian prayers and used the Year of Interfaith Understanding in G.R. as an opportunity to talk about our religiously diverse community and end the longstanding tradition of prayer before public meetings."

Instead, a moment of silent reflection is offered.