MICHIGAN GOVERNMENT

On Monday, it was announced that Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard had been awarded “Sheriff of the Year” by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association.

Auto insurance companies have until May 9 to issue the remaining refunds for eligible Michigan drivers.

Members of Michigan’s redistricting commission are urging residents to speak up about draft congressional and legislative maps.

The mask mandate in Michigan is now lifted, which those who are fully vaccinated don’t have to wear a mask outside or inside.

Michigan legislators from both sides of the aisle sent a join letter to Michigan State University Thursday requesting thousands of documents related to the Larry Nassar investigation be released. UPDATE: Michigan AG: Michigan State University refuses to release Nassar documents, investigation forced to closeLed by Michigan Reps. Ryan Berman and Julie Brixie and state Sen. Curtis Hertel, a coalition of nearly 50 Michigan state lawmakers are calling on the MSU Board of Trustees to waive privilege for about 6,000 documents that are related to the investigation of former MSU and USA Gymnastics sports physician Nassar. However, the Attorney General’s Office cannot complete its investigation without your cooperation and the release of these documents. Ad“Full transparency is essential to restoring public trust,” the legislators wrote to the MSU Board of Trustees. You have the opportunity to ensure this happens.”You can see the legislators’ entire letter to Michigan State University below.

Some Michigan residents have been receiving 1099-G forms for unemployment benefits that they never applied for or received. Some have reported receiving a form from other states, while people living in other states have received the form from the state of Michigan. John Craig of Troy said he received a 1099-G form claiming he received $7,458. Click here for more information on the 1099-G tax form. AdHere’s some more information from UIA:Is there any new or additional information regarding the 1099-G crisis?

Senator Debbie Stabenow, from Michigan“It was such an honor to witness history today as President Biden and Vice President Harris were sworn into office. More than a trailblazer and trusted voice for President Biden, Vice President Harris will fight for justice and equality in this nation. And I look forward to getting the job done with President Biden and Vice President Harris.” Rep. DingellU.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, Michigan’s 13th district“I congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their historic inauguration. The inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris completed the peaceful transfer of power as required by our Constitution. The success of President Biden and Vice President Harris will be a success we all share.

After the hearing, Rep. Johnson received death threats in several voicemails, with one even calling for her lynching. Be in order, make them pay.”Though Rep. Johnson says she was not inciting violence with her message, Republican Michigan leaders and lawmakers whole heartedly disagreed. Whitmer, Secretary Benson, Rep. Johnson herself, and others. The MLBC is on record condemning all acts of violence, threats, racist rhetoric toward any citizen of this great state. Rep. Johnson released a video this week, where she discussed these spiteful messages and as a result, she’s been stripped of her committee assignments.

Wayne County Commissioner Sam Baydoun hosted a COVID-19 town hall bringing leaders at the county, state and federal levels to talk about the latest developments. Prepping for a vaccine rollout is being done at the county and state level. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said they are in position to accommodate Pfizer vaccine, which requires special freezers. State and local governments are also desperate for aid.”Watch the full report in the video posted above. A day ahead of Michigan lawmakers returning to work in Lansing, mayors and business leaders on Monday called on the federal and state governments for coronavirus pandemic relief as Gov.

LANSING, Mich. – A day ahead of Michigan lawmakers returning to work in Lansing, mayors and business leaders on Monday called on the federal and state governments for coronavirus pandemic relief as Gov. “I think 2021 and 2022 are going to be some of the toughest times facing municipal governments certainly since the Great Recession, perhaps even worse,” said Michigan State University professor Eric Scorsone during a Monday press conference. Scorsone has done work with Michigan municipalities like Lansing, Flint and Detroit. READ: Michigan governor, state legislature far apart on COVID-19 responseAlso on the table for discussion is the state’s election. There has been no evidence of fraud in Michigan’s election and the Michigan Board of State Canvassers certified the 2020 election results last week.

UPDATE: Andiamo owner backtracks: ‘We have never and will never defy mandated orders’“This industry is hanging on by a thread,” Rosalie Vicari said. Rosalie and her husband Joe Vicari own the Vicari restaurant group, with high-end restaurants like Joe Muer Seafood, Brownies On The Lake and multiple Andiamo Italian restaurants. Their new letter called on Metro Detroit restaurants to band together at a meeting this week. Restaurants said the order to close dining rooms is unconstitutional and not supported by science. Yet, restaurants are closed and we just don’t understand that,” Rosalie Vicari said.

LANSING, Mich. – In a letter addressed to Michigan legislative leaders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking for three pieces of major legislation -- a $100 million state-based stimulus package, permanent extension to unemployment benefits and more public health measures. The letter is the first public attempt to appeal to legislative leaders directly with concrete measures. Small Business Saturday is here and the stakes are higher than ever for local businesses in the pandemic. The state has launched a new “Support Local” campaign to help Michigan Businesses make it through the winter.

LANSING, Mich. – In her last briefing before Thanksgiving, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her team were clear with their message, and favor, for next Thursday: do not gather with extended family and friends for the holiday. “By not gathering with people outside of your household this Thanksgiving, it is an act of kindness and love,” Whitmer said. “If we switch one in 10 of our out-of-state purchases to local stores, Michigan would gain $1.2. Local 4 checked with four testing sites this week in Oakland County and one had a next day appointment available and another had a nine-day wait.

DETROIT – The newly announced set of COVID-19 restrictions is yet another devastating blow for the movie theater industry. Some movie theater owners are questioning if closing the doors to the big screen is necessary. “We have been applying protocols and safety procedures, we’ve been insisting that our guests wear masks or we have every CDC protocol in place,” Glantz said. READ: Michigan health director explains need for expanded COVID-19 restrictionsREAD: Can Michigan restaurants survive new COVID-19 restrictions? I’m concerned about our ability to continue to weather a period of time when we have no revenue,” he said.

LANSING, Mich. – Pete Musico -- one of the men charged in the domestic terrorism plot against Gov. Prosecutors claim Musico and Joseph Morrison are founding members of Wolverine Watchmen and allowed other suspects to train on their property in Jackson County. RELATED: View: Mugshots for all 14 people charged after FBI uncovered plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. “It is not lawful to plot to kidnap the governor of the state of Michigan," said state attorney Greg Townsend. If he makes bond, Musico will be set free and monitored by a tether.

LANSING, Mich. – The bond hearing for two men charged in connection with the domestic terrorist plot against Gov. WhitmerMusico, reported to be the head of the Wolverine Watchmen, had his bond hearing first. He also said that Musico was kicked out of the Wolverine Watchmen for being too soft. The office wanted a $10 million bond, but the judge sided with Musico and reduced the bond to $100,000. If he makes bond, Musico will be set free and monitored by a tether.

Whitmer said she believes there could still be serious threats out there, but the state is prepared to keep voters safe on election day. I’m protected by the Michigan State Police and they are an incredibly professional organization,” Whitmer said. And I want to remind Michiganders that you can vote today. You can go into the clerk’s office and cast your vote today. “I’m not worried but we are preparing to make sure that we do everything to keep people safe,” Whitmer said.

LANSING, Mich. – Local 4 has learned two of the men arrested in the domestic terrorist plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer spent time in the military. READ: 2 charged in Michigan terrorist plots served in US MarinesThe U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris of Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith served for years. The Marines said Harris trained with rifles and Morrison served in the Marine Corps Reserve until Thursday, the day he was arraigned. Parker Douglas, the attorney for Daniel Harris -- one of the 13 men accused of being apart of a terrorist plot to kidnap Whitmer who was charged with Domestic Terrorism, Conspiracy and Weapon Charges -- is addressing the claims on his client’s behalf. The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris from Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith, were Marines for years.

2 men charged in terrorist plot against Whitmer served in US MilitaryPublished: October 10, 2020, 11:13 pmThe U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris of Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith served for years. The Marines said Harris trained with rifles and Morrison served in the Marine Corps Reserve until Thursday, the day he was arraigned.

LANSING, Mich. – A day after it was announced that the FBI uncovered a plot to kidnap Gov. “The fact of the matter is I have a job to do and I’m going to do my job” she said. Whitmer also wrote a piece for the Washington Post about the ordeal, which she continues to blame President Trump for the plot. The charging documents on all 13 men connected to either the kidnap plot or accused of broader anti-government activities read that they were spurred to action because they believed Whitmer’s COVID-19 lockdown orders were unconstitutional. Caserta was no fan of President Donald Trump but others, like Pete Musico, were.

Federal officials became aware of the various alleged plots to kidnap Gov. Federal officials raided a mobile home in Hartland Wednesday belonging to Ty Garbin, who is one of those accused. Recruiting turned into in-person meetings, some federal officials said taking place in a basement of a vacuum store in Grand Rapids where one of the men, Adam Fox, lived. While there were suggestions of going to the State Capitol to take the governor, the men turned their attention to Whitmer’s vacation home in northern Michigan as the place to kidnap her from. The plan was then to take Whitmer to Wisconsin to stand trial for what the men viewed as treason.

MUNITH, Mich. – Federal and state officials have charged 13 people after uncovering a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and overthrow the Michigan government, FBI agents said. Through confidential informants and undercover agents, the FBI gained access to audio recordings, ground messages and secret meetings as the group plotted for months, according to court records. In addition to a Wednesday night raid in Hartland, FBI agents also raided the home of two of the suspects in Jackson County. Authorities said the Munith home served as a training facility for members of the group now facing terrorism charges.

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.

LANSING, Mich. – Thirteen people have been accused of participating in a scheme to kidnap Michigan Gov. READ: 13 charged in militia plan to kidnap Gov. Whitmer as hostage, overthrow Michigan government, feds sayClick the link above for a deep dive into the details of the scheme to kidnap Whitmer from her vacation home. The six men charged in federal court were arrested Wednesday night and face up to life in prison if convicted. READ: FBI: Group plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov.

Gretchen Whitmer spoke Thursday after the FBI uncovered a plot by a group of Michigan residents to kidnap her, hold her hostage and try her for treason. You can watch Whitmer’s full statement in the video above. VIEW: Mugshots for people charged after FBI uncovered plot to kidnap WhitmerCharges were later announced against Paul Bellar, Shawn Fix, Eric Molitor, Michael Null, William Null, Pete Musico and Joseph Morrison. Whitmer thanked the FBI and state troopers who took down the people involved. Not in our lifetimes.”“I’ve said it many times: We are not one another’s enemy,” Whitmer said.

Gretchen Whitmer inspected a bridge for where to plant explosives so the group could delay police response to the kidnapping scene, FBI agents said. Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris, Brandon Caserta and Barry Croft were named in the criminal complaint. Through confidential informants and undercover agents, the FBI monitored the plot for several months. The first mention of the bridge in the criminal complaint refers to an Aug. 30 exchange between Garbin and an FBI informant. VIEW: Mugshots for people charged after FBI uncovered plot to kidnap WhitmerFox later shared that information with the larger group, court records show.

A group caught by the FBI plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wanted to take her to a “secure location” in Wisconsin and try her for treason, officials said. VIEW: Mugshots for people charged after FBI uncovered plot to kidnap WhitmerAdam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris, Brandon Caserta and Barry Croft were named in the criminal complaint. On July 27, an FBI informant met with Fox at Fox’s business in Grand Rapids, officials said. During that June 14 meeting, Fox said Whitmer would be tried for “treason” after the kidnapping.

Here is a deep dive into the intricate details of a scheme to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at her vacation home, including quotes from undercover audio recordings, code words used while plotting and a secret trap door hidden under the rug of a Grand Rapids business.

More than a dozen people have been charged after what the FBI is calling a “violent” militia scheme involving people from several different states to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as a hostage and overthrow the Michigan government.

Published: May 29, 2020, 9:49 am Updated: May 29, 2020, 10:29 amLANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s government has launched a new site to help reopening businesses keep employees and customers safe and prevent further spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19). The site was developed by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Click here to visit the new COVID-19 Workplace Safety site. The site includes MIOSHA guidelines, posters for employees and customers, factsheets, educational videos and a reopening checklist. Anyone with questions about workplace safety and health can call MIOSHA’s new hotline at 855-723-3219.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan government has released a 10-item checklist that instructs businesses how they can reopen safely and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). RELATED: 8 steps Michigan barber shops, salons, spas say they can take to safely reopenWorkers have to continue fighting against the spread of the virus as sectors of Michigan’s economy begin to reopen, officials said. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration has launched a new site that includes a reopening checklist for businesses, designed to help them create a safe environment as the economy reopens. Anyone with questions about workplace safety and health can call MIOSHA’s new hotline at 855-723-3219. Click here to report health and safety concerns in the workplace.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s Legislature will vote Wednesday to legalize sports betting and internet gambling, expanding options for gamblers in a state with three commercial casinos in Detroit and two-dozen tribal casinos elsewhere. Michigan will become the 20th state to authorize sports wagers and the fifth to allow casino-style games to be played online. UPDATE: Whitmer signs bills legalizing sports betting, internet gambling in MichiganA look at the development:WHEN MAY SPORTS BETTING BEGIN? Supporters said gamblers already are betting on sports and gambling online through illegal bookies or non-U.S. websites. Those offering online games like poker will pay a tax of between 20% and 28%, depending on their amount of adjusted gross receipts.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Senate is expected to approve bills that would legalize sports betting and internet gambling. READ MORE: Michigan Senate panel OKs sports betting, online gamblingUnder the bill, an 8.4% sales tax would be collected, most of which will go toward funding public schools. There are still no details on how long it will be before people can place legal bets. Detroit’s casinos have been preparing for legalization -- MGM built a sports betting area in preparation that has yet to open. If approved this week, the bill will land on Gov.

If approved, the bill will head to Gov. Whitmer's desk. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.