Why Can't Americans Go to Canada?
Americans can now vacation in France, where the one-dose vaccination rate is 49%, according to the nonprofit Our World in Data; they can also go to Spain, where the rate is 51%, and Greece, 45%. But, with very limited exceptions, they still cannot travel to Canada, which, according to one source — the University of Oxford — is leading all countries globally in single-dose vaccination rates. In mid-June, to the frustration of many on both sides of the border, Canada announced it was extending res
news.yahoo.comAnger grows as Canada’s phased border reopening makes US travelers wait longer
Canada is ready to start the process of reopening the border for fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, but U.S. travelers will have to wait longer — even if they’ve received the Covid-19 vaccine. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that Canada’s phased border reopening will begin July 5 at 11:59 p.m. EDT for fully vaccinated citizens, residents and other eligible individuals. Currently less than 20% are fully vaccinated, but Canada is expecting to receive 68 million doses by the end of July, which should be enough to fully vaccinate the eligible population. “If we’ve gotten almost 45% of (all) Americans fully vaccinated, and nearly 20% of Canadians fully vaccinated, somewhere along the line we should expand that level of travel. From not just essential workers, but to fully vaccinated individuals,” Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino told WIVB.
mlive.comWisconsin man extradited, arraigned in Wolverine Watchmen case
The Wisconsin man charged for his alleged participation in a domestic terrorism plot that included storming the Michigan Capitol and kidnapping elected officials has been arraigned, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Tuesday.
One year into the pandemic, there's still no plan to reopen the U.S.-Canada border
On March 21, 2020, U.S. and Canadian officials ordered a temporary restriction on non-essential travel across the border. As a result, border travel has dropped 90%. Last year, Canada allowed immediate family members of its citizens and permanent residents to enter the country as long as they had no COVID-19 symptoms and quarantines for at least two weeks. In October, they expanded the exemptions to include extended family and people in "exclusive dating relationships." At least two dozen members of Congress wrote to President Joe Biden requesting a plan for reopening the border.
metrotimes.comJudge won’t let feds share Whitmer kidnapping plot grand jury testimony with AG
A federal judge last week denied a request from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to share secret grand jury testimony on the plot to kidnap Gov. “Grand jury testimony is presumptively secret, and a party must normally demonstrate a ‘particularized need’ for the material to overcome the presumption of secrecy. “During the grand jury investigation in this case, the government has taken testimony from one or more witnesses, and expects to examine additional witnesses,” the Jan. 22 federal court motion to release grand jury testimony said. “The government appears to be asking for blanket permission to disclose to the state any grand jury testimony already taken, or that may be taken as the grand jury continues its own investigation,” the ruling said. The prosecution must obtain a vote to indict from 12 of 16 to 23 people assigned to the grand jury.
mlive.comCapitol investigators try to sort real tips from noise
U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – Potential threats and leads are pouring in to law enforcement agencies nationwide after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Investigators are combing through a mountain of online posts, street surveillance and other intelligence, including information that suggests mobs could try to storm the Capitol again and threats to kill some members of Congress. A day before the deadly attack on the Capitol, the FBI sent an intelligence bulletin warning of potential violence to other agencies, including the Capitol Police. Since last week, the FBI has opened 170 case files and received more than 100,000 pieces of digital media.
Capitol investigators try to sort real tips from noise
U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)WASHINGTON – Potential threats and leads are pouring in to law enforcement agencies nationwide after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Investigators are combing through a mountain of online posts, street surveillance and other intelligence, including information that suggests mobs could try to storm the Capitol again and threats to kill some members of Congress. A day before the deadly attack on the Capitol, the FBI sent an intelligence bulletin warning of potential violence to other agencies, including the Capitol Police. Since last week, the FBI has opened 170 case files and received more than 100,000 pieces of digital media.
Federal grand jury indicts 6 in terrorist plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. – A federal grand jury indicted six men in the domestic terrorist plot to kidnap or kill Gov. The group had allegedly stated they wanted to make their move on Whitmer before the Nov. 3 Election Day. Whitmer kidnapping plotHere’s a look at the full indictment filed Dec. 16, 2020:Extradition delayed for Wisconsin man charged in kidnap plotA Wisconsin man accused the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should be extradited to Michigan, but he will be given a chance to appeal first, a judge ruled. In October, Higgins became the 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Whitmer.
6 indicted in Whitmer kidnapping plot; feds say 1 called for killing police officers
The six men involved in the plot allegedly were part of a militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen. We know the stories of their alleged planned exploits -- surveilling Michigan Gov. (WDIV)Five Michigan residents -- Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Caserta -- and Barry Croft, of Delaware, were charged with conspiring to kidnap Whitmer. Whitmer kidnapping plotHere’s a look at the full indictment filed Dec. 16, 2020:Extradition delayed for Wisconsin man charged in kidnap plotA Wisconsin man accused the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. In October, Higgins became the 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Whitmer.
Extradition delayed for Wisconsin man charged in kidnap plot
PORTAGE, Wis. – A Wisconsin man accused in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should be extradited to Michigan, but he will be given a chance to appeal first, a judge ruled. Brian Higgins was allegedly part of a crew conducting surveillance of the governor’s vacation home for the kidnapping plot. The Wisconsin Dells man, 52, is jailed in Columbia County until the appeal of his extradition is decided. The plotters planned to storm Michigan’s state Capitol building and kidnap officials, including the Democratic governor, officials said.
Guns, maps, audio recordings -- New evidence in terrorist plot against Whitmer revealed
LANSING, Mich. – Local 4 Defenders collected new, never-before-seen evidence against the 14 men accused of the terrorist plot to kidnap and possibly kill Gov. Video shows one Wolverine Watchmen member show off his weapons -- including suppressors or silencers, and a locker packed with firearms. Another member, Brandon Caserta of Canton, is seen showing off a 800,000-volt electroshock weapon that federal investigators said he wanted to use on Whitmer. The goal was allegedly to assemble 200 men to storm the Michigan Capitol Building and take hostages -- including Whitmer. The affidavit indicates that Croft not only wanted to go after Whitmer, but other governors across the country.
Televised executions, arson, new details revealed in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov. Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer also had two other plots to kill Michigan politicians involving public executions and mass murder in the ongoing case, according to newly discovered court filings in a Michigan district court. According to the recent filings, members of the group had a Plan B which was initially Plan A. The group would storm the capitol while the legislature was in session, lock the doors and burn the capitol to the ground. One associate had allegedly attempted to take “selfies” to document entrances and exits at the capitol at a recent rally. This week the Governors of both Michigan and Wisconsin have filed the paperwork to have him extradited to Michigan.
New warrants issued for Wisconsin man charged in plot to kidnap Michigan governor
An alleged co-conspirator of the foiled domestic terror plot appeared in a Wisconsin court on Wednesday. He is accused of providing material support to the “Wolverine Watchmen” in their effort to allegedly attempt to kidnap the Michigan governor. Brian Higgins, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, appeared in a hearing Wednesday via YouTube. District Attorney Brenda Yaskal says there is now a warrant for Higgins’ arrest in both Michigan and Wisconsin. Higgins allegedly traveled to Michigan to take part in the group’s surveillance of the governor’s home up north.
Cases against the ‘Wolverine Watchmen’ continue in court
The bond hearing for Joseph Morrison and Paul Bellar was held in Jackson County’s 12th District Court before Judge Michael Klaeren on Friday. Bellar, 21, of Milford, was charged with providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership, carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. Morrison’s bond was reduced to $150,000 cash/surety and he remains in custody at the Jackson County Jail. Once he is returned to Michigan, he will be arraigned in Antrim County’s 86th District Court on a 20-year felony charge of material support of an act of terrorism. Both Bellar and Morrison are scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.
arabamericannews.comProsecution against 8 men in Michigan domestic terror plot continues
JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s prosecution against the eight men facing domestic terrorism charges for an alleged plot to storm the Capitol building and kidnap elected officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, continued Friday with a bond hearing for two of the defendants in Jackson County 12th District Court. He remains lodged in the Jackson County Jail. Brian Higgins, 52, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is being extradited to Michigan from Columbia County, Wisconsin. Future court dates for Antrim County defendants can be tracked online at the court’s website, while those for Jackson County defendants can also be tracked online.
Citizen’s arrest defense probably won’t fly in Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnapping case, legal experts say
The idea that 14 men accused of planning to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer were actually trying to enact a legal citizen’s arrest is far-fetched, law experts who spoke with MLive say. This is a composite of 13 of the 14 individuals charged with plotting to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Flores said the citizen’s arrest statute became law when the world was a very different place. Montague used an example of a citizen’s arrest committed on a suspect committing vandalism.
mlive.comMan Charged In Whitmer Kidnapping Plot Released On Bail
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A Wisconsin man charged in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been released from jail after posting a $10,000 cash bail. MORE FROM CBS DETROIT: Sheriff: Woman Found Dead In Rochester Hills PoolAuthorities allege Higgins, 51, of Wisconsin Dells, was part of a crew conducting surveillance for the kidnapping plot. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Higgins in what authorities have described as a foiled scheme to storm Michigan’s state Capitol building and kidnap officials, including Whitmer. MORE FROM CBS DETROIT: Woman Found Alive At Funeral Home Dies At Detroit HospitalMORE FROM CBS DETROIT: New Poll of 2,289 Voters In 4 Battleground States: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, And Wisconsin© 2020 Associated Press.
detroit.cbslocal.comWisconsin man charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot released on $10K bail
A Wisconsin man charged in connection with the plot to kidnap Gov. Court records show Brian Higgins, 51, of Wisconsin Dells, posted bail on Monday and attended his extradition hearing in the case. Read: Officials charge 14th person linked to domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Prosecutors said Higgins joined a group called the Wolverine Watchmen, which had been conspiring for months to kidnap Whitmer. Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov.
5 men accused of plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ‘amateurs’ but dangerous, prosecutor says
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A federal judge on Friday, Oct. 16, said five defendants accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Late-night surveillance of the governor’s home in Northern Michigan was an “overt” act required under the charge of conspiracy to kidnap. Meanwhile, an investigator testified Friday that he believed that the planning to kidnap Whitmer, and a mention of kidnapping Virginia Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in boat in Lake Michigan, FBI saysNew suspect from Wisconsin identified in alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot justified, attorneys say
mlive.com5 men charged in domestic terror plot against Gov. Whitmer bound over for trial
LANSING, Mich. – Five of the men charged in an alleged domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. FBI officials said the men were captured on audio tapes plotting to kidnap or kill Whitmer and overthrow the state Capitol Building. Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. FBI officials said the alleged plot was to storm the state Capitol Building or kidnap Whitmer from her northern Michigan vacation home. FBI officials said they were able to stop the men before that happened.
Defense questions whether domestic terror group targeting Whitmer would have gone through with plan
LANSING, Mich. – The defense attorneys for two of the men charged in connection with a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are trying to cast doubt on whether the men actually planned to go through with their scheme. Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. He’s accused of plotting to launch terror attacks and then kidnap or kill Whitmer. FBI officials said the alleged plot was to storm the state Capitol Building or kidnap Whitmer from her northern Michigan vacation home.
ClickOnDetroit NIGHTSIDE REPORT -- Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020
DETROIT – Officials are concerned about the trend of rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan. 4 Fast FactsBe InformedThere are two new studies you should know about when it comes to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Officials have charged a 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Brian Higgins, 51, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is charged with material support of an act of terrorism, a 20-year felony. He is the eighth man to be charged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office.
New suspect from Wisconsin identified in alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
LANSING, MI -- A Wisconsin man is jailed and accused of participating in a plot to instigate violence with the hopes of sparking a civil war and helping plan to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. State Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Higgins with providing material support for an act of terrorism, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The arrest warrant says Higgins participated in the plan to kidnap Whitmer by Nov. 3, the date of the presidential election, between March 1 and Oct. 12. Police arrested Bellar in South Carolina, where he is awaiting extradition to Michigan, which is expected to occur by Oct. 27, the AG’s Office said.
mlive.comOfficials charge 14th person linked to domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. – Officials have charged a 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Brian Higgins, 51, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is charged with material support of an act of terrorism, a 20-year felony. He is the eighth man to be charged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office. The previous seven men charged by Nessel -- Paul Bellar, Shawn Fix, Eric Molitor, Michael Null, William Null, Pete Musico and Joseph Morrison -- have been linked a domestic terror group called the Wolverine Watchmen. They also surveilled her northern Michigan vacation home, experimented with homemade explosives and trained with firearms and tactical gear, according to court records.
View: Mugshots for all 14 people charged after FBI uncovered plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer
Paul Bellar, 21, of Milford, was charged with providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership and a felony firearm violation. Providing material support for terrorists acts, threat of terrorism and gang membership are each 20-year felonies. The felony firearm violations come with mandatory two-year prison sentences, to be served consecutively. You can view mugshots for Bellar, Musico, Morrison, Molitor, Fix and the Nulls below. Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov.