MICHIGAN STATE CAPITOL

Michigan House Democratic lawmakers want the U.S. Department of Justice, including the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, to investigate 11 Michigan Republican lawmakers for the crime of seditious conspiracy. Gus Portela, spokesperson for the Michigan Republican Party, said he was not surprised Democratic lawmakers would want to go after their political opponents in this way. The unofficial certificates were sent to federal officials who record the Electoral College vote following the 2020 election. Despite other GOP attempts to overturn the state’s 2020 election results, bipartisan election officials in Michigan completed 250 audits reaffirming Biden’s victory. Several false electors in Michigan have been served federal subpoenas to answer questions about that effort.

Bill alleges Republican lawmakers illegally tried to overturn the election

The hundreds of thousands of visitors that come through the Michigan State Capitol every year will now have a new entryway into the building after Heritage Hall opened to the public this month. The completely new $40 million underground building at the Capitol has been 30 years in the making, said Robert Blackshaw, executive director of the Michigan State Capitol Commission. Blackshaw said that ever since initial phases of restoring the Capitol building began in the early 1990s, there has continued to be talk about making additions to the original building. Supply chain issues were also foreseen during the Heritage Hall construction, something which Blackshaw said was avoided by buying bulk material as prices rose. Blackshaw said visitor response since Heritage Hall opened has been extremely positive.

Under the bill, anyone who performs an abortion could be charged with a felony count of manslaughter

A Republican lawmaker detailed what happened when former President Donald Trump Tweeted out his personal cell phone number, and we learned Trump supporters wanted to hide out in the State Capitol to overturn the election results.

Townsend Street, which sits in the shadow of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, is one of a handful of streets in Michigan to be rated a 1 out of 10 – which is the worst rating.

The Michigan State Capitol is awash in money, both federal and tax revenue. The take so far in Michigan tax revenue alone has blown by what was estimated, conservatively $2.8 billion.

On Friday (April 22), a funeral will be held for Patrick Lyoya, the man shot and killed by a police officer in Grand Rapids. Thursday in Lansing, people gathered to demand justice and to demand more information be released by police.

LANSING, MI – A rally demanding justice in the police killing of Patrick Lyoya will be held Thursday afternoon in front of the Michigan State Capitol. The demonstration April 21 by Black Lives Matter Michigan in support of Lyoya’s family will start with a march. Protesters will begin gathering around 3 p.m. near the intersection of Michigan and Pennsylvania avenues, just under 1 mile east of the Capitol Building, before starting the march to the building at 3:30 p.m.Around 4 p.m., Lyoya’s family as well as elected officials and members of Black Lives Matter Michigan will speak at a rally in front of the Capitol Building, said Sean Holland, co-lead with Black Lives Matter Lansing. Holland said protesters will call for the Grand Rapids police officer that “executed” Lyoya on April 4 to be named, fired and prosecuted. They will also call on the Governor’s Office and Michigan Attorney General’s Office to aid in providing oversight, accountability and justice, he said.

LANSING, MI – National supply shortages have delayed the opening of a new $40 million visitor’s center at the Michigan State Capitol, which was initially scheduled to open in May of this year. Heritage Hall, a 40,000-square-foot underground facility being constructed on the west end of the Capitol, is now expected to open to the public by late June, said Rob Blackshaw, executive director of the Michigan State Capitol Commission. Blackshaw attributed the delay to national supply chain shortages, including a shortage of aluminum. The manufacturer couldn’t get raw material from their supplier.”Blackshaw said the supply shortages have not led to any cost overruns in the project’s budget. The new visitor’s center, first approved in 2019, will largely serve as a gathering space for school tour groups, which is the main source of visitors at the Capitol.

In a 5-2 decision, the court said the lawsuit failed to make a convincing case that the maps didn’t “comply with constitutional requirements”

Republicans and civil rights advocates have found themselves on the same side of an argument: They both say Michigan's newly drawn legislative districts are unfair...

After a budget impasse in 2019 between Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the GOP-controlled Legislature that almost resulted in a partial state government shutdown, both...

As armed protests pick up, a study shows they're six times more likely to become violent than ones where there are no firearms.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Michigan State Capitol on Friday to protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Crowds of individuals gathered outside the Michigan State Capitol building Friday afternoon, Aug. 6, to protest the notion of mandating COVID-19 vaccines for schools, businesses and/or municipalities. More than 5 million Michigan residents have gotten at least a first dose of vaccine, accounting for 58.8% of the state’s 12 and older population. COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in Michigan. Health officials point to the latest variant (delta), which is believed to be more infectious than previous strains. To find a vaccine near you, visit Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine website or go to VaccineFinder.org.

The Michigan Capitol Commission closed a glaring loophole in its recent open carry ban that allowed some gun owners to carry firearms into the Capitol...

State House lawmakers say they're trying to revive a push to make the governor and Legislature subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).But don’t hold your breath. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration entered into secret severance packages with several high-ranking administration officials, including Robert Gordon, the former director of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. "The people in Michigan deserve more transparency in their state government, including their elected officials. I think recent events really highlight the need for some sort of FOIA expansion here in Michigan," Rep. Pat Outman, R-Six Lakes, told The Detroit Free Press "Citizens of the state don't exactly trust our elected officials and don't exactly have complete faith in our state government. And I think this is a way to begin that process and restore some of the confidence within our state government.

Health care reform. Sen. Jim Stamas listens as votes are taken at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Thursday, April 25, 2019. “In the instance of a public health crisis or a public health emergency, it’s absolutely the responsibility of the state health department to take action and have that authority,” she said. The resolution is sponsored by Michigan House Speaker Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, and is part of his overall push to improve government transparency and ethics laws. Michigan House battling health care insurance industry to control drug pricesA bipartisan group of state House representatives on Wednesday introduced health care reforms that aim to cap costs on medications and improve transparency in the price-setting process.

A six-foot fence will be installed around Michigan’s Capitol Friday in anticipation of armed protests as authorities increase security measures in the wake of an insurrectionist riot at the U.S. Capitol last week. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, said she was briefed by U.S. Capitol Police about possible protests in Michigan. The Michigan State Police heightened its security presence at the building after the riots. The fences will remain in place at the recommendation of the Michigan State Police, Truscott said. READ MORE ON MLIVE:Congressman Upton will vote to impeach Trump for inciting Capitol riotsLansing mayor wants National Guard at Michigan Capitol for possible armed protests‘Stark contrast’ of police response to Trump, BLM rallies scrutinized after Capitol riot

LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 07: Armed Trump supporters take part in a demonstration at the Michigan State Capitol building on November 07, 2020 in Lansing, Michigan. I repeat-the Michigan Capitol is not safe,” Nessel’s tweet series concluded. After months of delay the Michigan State Capitol Commission finally put their authority to use and voted in favor of banning the open-carry of firearms inside the State Capitol. Those with concealed weapon permits are still allowed to carry firearms (concealed) into the State Capitol. The Michigan State Capitol Commission must take the next step and ban ALL firearms inside the State Capitol.

(Photo by Seth Herald/Getty Images)The Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted Monday to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. “After months of delay the Michigan State Capitol Commission finally put their authority to use and voted in favor of banning the open-carry of firearms inside the State Capitol. Those with concealed weapon permits are still allowed to carry firearms (concealed) into the State Capitol. The Michigan State Capitol Commission must take the next step and ban ALL firearms inside the State Capitol.”Gov. Today’s actions are simply not enough to do that.”Read more: Should guns be allowed in Michigan Capitol building?

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A state panel on Monday banned the open carry of guns in Michigan’s Capitol, a week after an armed mob rioted in the U.S. Capitol and following a plot last year to storm the statehouse. Moves to ban weapons at the statehouse have been pushed since April, when protesters opposed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 restrictions, some armed with long rifles and other weapons, entered the Michigan State Capitol demanding to be allowed into the legislative chambers. The Michigan Capitol Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the Capitol, had been reluctant to issue rules for firearms, but it shifted course Monday and issued the order to ban open carrying of weapons. The Livonia Democrat said Monday before the panel vote that an open carry ban does not go far enough and will lead to a false sense of security for those who work at and visit the Capitol.

In Michigan, concealed and open carry firearms are allowed in the Capitol, but signs have been banned since 2012 after right-to-work protesters came to the Capitol. The Michigan State Capitol Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the Capitol and ultimately for making a decision on the future of firearms, has pushed back on accepting the responsibility and its leadership maintains its role should be limited. Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) has released the following statement in advance of the Michigan Capitol Commission’s scheduled meeting Monday afternoon to discuss implementing a ban on the open carry of firearms in the Capitol Building:”Let me make this clear: The Capitol Commission’s proposal to ban open carry from the people’s building does not ban bullets. Polehanki posted this viral tweet from inside the Michigan Capitol building in April:Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us. Without a significant change in policy, lives will continue to be put at risk by domestic terrorists carrying weapons.”Read more: Should guns be allowed in Michigan Capitol building?

Brian Charles Watson, Wikimedia Creative CommonsMichigan State Capitol. Felony charges have been filed against a man who made a phone call Thursday claiming there was a bomb at the Michigan Capitol building.The building was temporarily closed while authorities determined there was no bomb. "The other two charges against Varrone stem from Thursday's bomb threat.The court set Varrone's bond at $50,000 cash. "Around 6:45 a.m. on Thursday, Varrone allegedly called the Michigan Capitol Building and said everyone needed to evacuate because the building was going to explode. By 9 a.m. authorities determined there was no bomb.

FILE - In this April 15, 2020, file photo, protesters carry rifles near the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, Mich. In May, armed protesters forced their way into the Michigan Statehouse to object to pandemic-related lockdowns. Less than three weeks ago, crowds forced their way into the state Capitol in Salem, Oregon, to protest the building’s closure to the public during a special legislative session on coronavirus measures. “Anybody who was surprised by the fact that they stormed the Capitol, I don't know where they were. Indeed, protests by far-right militia groups are planned in Olympia, Washington, next week when the Legislature convenes there.

Brian Charles Watson, Wikimedia Creative CommonsMichigan State Capitol. Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us. Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof vests are wearing them. I have never appreciated our Sergeants-at-Arms more than today. #mileg pic.twitter.com/voOZpPYWOs — Senator Dayna Polehanki (@SenPolehanki) April 30, 2020A threat has prompted the temporary closure of the Michigan Capitol building on Thursday morning, one day after a violent mob of President Donald Trump zealots stormed the U.S. Capitol.In a message to employees, the state House said the threat was received early Thursday morning,Michigan State Police confirmed they were investigating.“You will be notified when the building is reopened,” the message read.The nature of the threat was unclear as of Thursday morning.The Republican-controlled Michigan Capitol Commission resisted calls last year to ban guns from the Capitol building.

Brian Charles Watson, Wikimedia Creative CommonsMichigan State Capitol. All House offices have been closed tomorow because credible threats have been made as Michigan’s electors to the Electoral College will meet at the Capitol. My office will monitor voicemail and are available to assist you by email at KevinHertel@House.MI.Gov — Kevin Hertel (@RepHertel) December 13, 2020Another day, another alert that the Capitol is being shut down out of concern for everyone’s safety. That being said, I’m proud of our electors and hope they can complete their duty tomorrow safely and with as little controversy as possible. “That being said, I’m proud of our electors and hope they can complete their duty tomorrow safely and with as little controversy as possible.”

LANSING, Mich. – Dozens of parents and coaches protested on Friday afternoon at the Michigan State Capitol pushing for Gov. Organizers of the rally said the restrictions are taking a toll on the mental health of students. Athletes and parents across Michigan, including the U.P., made the trip to Lansing. READ: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 426,294; Death toll now at 10,456The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Michigan has risen to 426,294 as of Friday, including 10,456 deaths, state officials report. The state crossed the 10,000 mark in total deaths earlier this week.

Remember 1,000 years ago in December, 2019, when everyone was afraid that the grislycould inspire mass shootings? New details from the alleged domestic terrorist plot to murder Gov. One was to recruit 200 men to storm the Capitol while Congress was in session, take hostages, and execute them on television over the course of week. "Private Facebook groups have been linked to the alleged domestic terrorist plot. Fourteen other men have been charged in connection to the plot.

and “Stop the steal,” supporters of President Donald Trump protested at state capitols across the country Saturday, refusing to accept defeat and echoing Trump’s unsubstantiated allegations that the Democrats won by fraud. In Atlanta, outside the state Capitol in the longtime Republican stronghold of Georgia, chants of “Lock him up!” rang out among an estimated 1,000 Trump supporters. Contrary to the claims of Trump supporters, there has been no evidence of any serious vote fraud. More than 1,000 people gathered at the Texas Capitol in Austin, with police keeping Trump and Biden supporters on opposite sides of the street. Even in a place that wasn't close, Trump supporters gathered in droves to express support for him and vent frustration over the outcome of the election.

DETROIT – Controversy at the Michigan State Capitol continues after an already troubling week, amid the alleged domestic terrorism plot to kidnap the governor. WATCH Local 4 News at 11Metro Detroit weather: Relatively warm with clouds overhead, Saturday eveningSaturday evening will be cloudy but warm in most of southeast Michigan. A northeasterly wind off Lake Huron will develop north of Hall Road (M-59), which means cooler conditions for our North Zone. Detroit and most of Southeast Michigan will have temps in the upper 60s and low 70s. 4 Fast FactsFriday, Oct. 9, 2020 -- Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020

LANSING, Mich. – Controversy at the Michigan State Capitol continues after an already troubling week, amid the alleged domestic terrorism plot to kidnap the governor. RELATED: Letter criticizes Michigan governor for not warning legislature about domestic terror plotIt’s safe to say it has been a busy and scary week at the Michigan State’s Capitol building, especially after the FBI stopped alleged threats to kidnap the governor. Saturday, Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, spoke out about the threats, “I think the plot was evil, plotted by evil men and it needs to be condemned. Why weren’t we in the Legislature warned of the plot to take hostages at the Capitol? I am also alarmed the Lieutenant Governor recently blamed Michigan Republicans for the evil plans of these unstable men.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya File)A plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor has put a focus on the security of governors who have faced protests and threats over their handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The only time a U.S. state governor died of assassination was in Kentucky in 1900, when Kentucky Gov. In the same city this spring, current Kentucky Gov. In April, a man was charged after being accused of making threats against Beshear and Kentucky State Police troopers online. ___Follow Mulvihill at http://www.twitter.com/geoffmulvihill__Thurs article has been updated to show that former Kentucky Gov.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Brian Titus, who offered an old friend, Adam Fox, a job and a place to stay, said Fox had to be crazy to allegedly plot the kidnapping of Gov. He has known Fox since Fox was a kid, and helped him out by letting him work at the store. You’re safe.”If he had known, Titus said, he would have kicked Fox out long ago. “If I knew that, I would’ve called police.”Read more:13 men face charges in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer says after kidnapping plot revealedPlot to kidnap Michigan Gov.

Brian Charles Watson, Wikimedia Creative CommonsMichigan State Capitol. Unlock Michigan, the group caught using illegal tactics in a petition drive to strip Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s of her emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic, has submitted 539,000 signatures to state officials on Friday — the same day President Donald Trump announced he tested positive for COVID-19.Supporters, most of whom weren’t wearing masks, gathered in Lansing with dozens of boxes of petitions.The group needs 340,047 signatures to repeal the 1945 emergency powers law that authorizes Whitmer to impose restrictions to keep residents safe during the pandemic. Unlock Michigan insists the process should only take 60 days and has threatened to file suit if it takes longer.If the signatures are certified before the end of the year, the Republican-controlled Legislature has the authority to approve the repeal. “Because we took swift action, the health of our families and our economy are faring better than our neighbors in other states.”

The second annual domestic violence awareness rally at the state Capitol will focus on addressing legislation changes for victims. Melissa Beal of Adrian Township organized last year's rally with Tanesha Ash-Shakoor, founder of Voices of Color!, a Lansing nonprofit providing legal advocacy for domestic violence victims. The Adrian Township woman has had her own journey through hell as she is also a domestic violence survivor. The Chicago Police Department reported an 12% increase in domestic violence calls from the beginning of the year through mid-April. For those who cannot make it, the rally will be livestreamed on Facebook at State of Michigan Domestic Violence Rally.

LANSING, MI - Two Democratic state senators introduced legislation Tuesday to ban guns from inside the Michigan State Capitol. The legislative action follows the Michigan State Capitol Commission’s recent rejection of a proposal to completely ban firearms in the Capitol building. Commissioners who voted down the gun ban wanted legislative input before doing so. That’s not the case in the U.S. Capitol, many Capitol building across the country nor the nearby Michigan Hall of Justice. Committee to investigateGun ban debate at Michigan Capitol to resume this weekMichigan Capitol Commission agrees it can ban guns, but stops short of doing so1,000 open-carry gun activists converge on Michigan Capitol lawn

DETROIT – Black Lives Matter marches continue across Metro Detroit on Saturday more than one month after a Minneapolis policeman killed George Floyd. Some protesters are marching all the way from Livonia to Lansing this weekend to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement amid national unrest. The group plans to stop in Brighton on Saturday night and Okemos on Sunday night, then continue their march to Lansing on Monday. The distance from Livonia to Lansing is just under 80 miles. We’re hoping we spark a change for the Black Lives Matter movement.”The group will hold a demonstration at the Michigan State Capitol at 10 a.m. on Monday.

The battle over stay-at-home orders and the pace of allowing businesses to reopen have taken an increasingly partisan bent. In Wisconsin, the state Supreme Court took Republicans side in throwing out the Democratic governors stay-at-home order. Thats what we ask.AdvertisementShe said lives have been saved because of the states stay-at-home order, which is effective through May 28. The place is bustling!Officials in some cities across Wisconsin, however, are choosing to continue following the states stay-at-home orders. In Minnesota, small retail stores will be allowed to reopen starting Monday, when the states stay-at-home order expires.

Adding to the pressure are protests against stay-at-home orders organized by small-government groups and Trump supporters. They staged demonstrations Saturday in several cities after the president urged them to "liberate" three states led by Democratic governors. Protests happened in Republican-led states, too, including at the Texas Capitol and in front of the Indiana governor's home. Trump, whose administration waited months to bolster stockpiles of key medical supplies and equipment, appeared to back protesters. "LIBERATE VIRGINIA, " Trump said in a tweet-storm in which he also lashed out at New York Gov.

A protest organized by "Michiganders Against Excessive Quarantine" gathers people to drive around the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan on April 15, 2020. The three states Trump targeted have Democratic governors. Trump also said he was not concerned that the large gatherings of protesters could spread the disease to others. A group calling itself "Liberate Minnesota" staged a protest Friday afternoon outside the residence of the state's governor, Tim Walz. People take part in a protest for "Michiganders Against Excessive Quarantine" at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan on April 15, 2020.

Dawn Perreca protests on the front steps of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Flag-waving, honking protesters drove past the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday to show their displeasure with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's orders to keep people at home and businesses locked during the new coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)LANSING, Mich. – Thousands of flag-waving, honking protesters drove past the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday to show their displeasure with Gov. Four sheriffs in the northwestern Lower Peninsula called Whitmer’s orders a “vague framework of emergency laws” that are frustrating citizens.