Trump influence seen in deadlock of Michigan election board
Republicans Monica Palmer and William Hartmann initially voted against certification Tuesday, leaving the Wayne County Board of Canvassers deadlocked at 2-2 along party lines. But he said he was bombarded with phone calls and emails from random Trump supporters urging him not to approve the election results. Michigan Republican Party Chair Laura Cox reacted swiftly after the initial Wayne County deadlock. An email landed immediately at the AP, with Cox saying she was proud that the party's work had caused GOP canvassers to refuse to bless the election results. This certifies the entire state, said Thomas, who added that by not certifying the county results, the state board would “would basically nullify the entire election” in Michigan.
25,000 children in Wayne County to receive masks through $200,000 donation
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. A $200,000 two-part donation is set to provide masks to about 25,000 children in Wayne County, Wayne County Commission announced Thursday. The Commission approved the donation from Ballmer Giving LLC of Bellevue, Washington. The other half of the donation will be allocated toward the Save-A-Life Program for convalescent plasma donation as a treatment for COVID-19. This is a wonderful gift and we are very grateful to receive it, Commission Chair Alisha Bell said in a news release. According to the release, Ballmer Giving LLC was created by Steve Ballmer, who is the former Microsoft CEO and current Los Angeles Clipper owner.
Wayne County Commission adopts resolution calling for national action, dialogue on police brutality
DETROIT Prompted by the death of George Floyd, the Wayne County Commission on Thursday adopted a resolution condemning police brutality and calling on national elected officials to draft a bipartisan response to the issue as well as its root causes. The death of George Floyd is a tragedy, but its a tragedy that has been repeated too many times in too many American cities, Chair Bell said. It is time we opened a comprehensive dialogue, on a national level, between law enforcement and the African American community. That is why I am proud to stand with the African American community, said Baydoun. Related headlines:84 people arrested in Downtown Detroit George Floyd protest, police sayVideos show police turning up heat on protesters, rioters across US citiesA parade, not a protest: Genesee County Sheriff supports Flint demonstrators during peaceful marchDetroit braces for third night of protests against police brutality
Metro Detroit regional transit initiative announced for 2020: What to know
DETROIT – Leaders from around Michigan joined on Monday morning to make a major announcement involving regional transit in Southeast Michigan. A regional transit plan was pitched in 2018, but never made it to the ballot. The new four-step proposal involves Wayne County, Oakland County and Washtenaw County, and noticeably omits Macomb County, although officials said Macomb could join later. The goal is to have a regional transit plan on the November 2020 ballot in Michigan. “We support the efforts of our regional partners exploring better connected regional transit options,” said Hackel.