WHITMER

Hundreds of community members, supporters and public officials were at the investiture ceremony for Wayne County Third Circuit Court Judge Yvonna Abraham on

Michigan is expecting a budget surplus, but the governor and the GOP-led state legislature have different ideas on the best way to return that money to Michiganders. After Whitmer called on the legislature Thursday to approve a $500 rebate for Michigan’s working families, the state Senate instead passed a package of bills that include $2.7 billion in tax cuts. In a letter sent to legislative leaders Thursday, May 19, Whitmer urged them to work with her on the proposed rebate plan “MI Tax Rebate Right Now,” saying “the pain being felt by people is tangible.”Related: Gov. Whitmer wants to give $500 to working Michigan familiesThe details of who would be eligible for the money has not been specified. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, called Whitmer’s rebate plan a “pandering effort” and pointed to the long-lasting relief this tax plan hopes to provide.

As the federal government transitioned its spending from stimulus payments to infrastructure, many states have picked up the slack and are offering their own stimulus proposals for 2022. In 2021 and early 2022, the state sent out two rounds of stimulus relief to California residents totaling $9 billion, according to a recent press release from California Gov. Brian Kemp recently approved into law stimulus payments for residents in the form of a tax refund. IllinoisIllinois Democrats are proposing statewide stimulus checks that would arrive by September. The legislature is also working on two separate bills seeking to suspend the state’s gas tax for a year and suspend or cut the state’s grocery tax.

May is known for flowers, barbeque, and Memorial Day, but did you know it is actually Michigan Wine Month as declared by Gov. Whitmer? “Michigan Wine Country- Wine and Country Guide” is letting people know all about the wine scene in our state and where to get a taste.

ALBION, MI – Albion needs help raising funds for its annual Fourth of July fireworks show. The Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is looking to raise $16,000 for its annual 20- to 30-minute firework display at its July 4th celebration. Checks can be made out to Greater Albion Chamber and Commerce & Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 238, Albion, MI 49224, memo: Albion Fireworks. A cash and credit-card donation drop off is located at Greater Albion Chamber office: 403 S. Superior St.

Whitmer joined leadership at Wacker for a ribbon cutting and tour of their new North American Headquarters and state-of-the-art R&D lab in Ann Arbor. At the event, Gov. Whitmer answered questions about a lawsuit she filed with the...

A leaked draft decision indicating the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the federal constitutional right to abortions sparked a political firestorm thi

The Republican-led Michigan Senate has approved a 5% increase in base funding for K-12 schools but pared back Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposals to recruit and retain teachers and didn't include her proposed $1 billion fund for school infrastructure projects.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday that the state will be expanding Medicaid coverage.

The Michigan Democratic Party is challenging three top Republican gubernatorial candidates’ nominating petitions, alleging forged signatures and other issues that could keep them from qualifying for the GOP primary.

A group tied to Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon is challenging nominating petitions submitted by rival candidate James Craig, saying he likely did not turn in enough valid signatures to qualify for the GOP primary.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has made April 25 through May 1 Student Appreciation Week. The goal is to celebrate Michigan’s young people.

On Tuesday, Governor Whitmer announced that additional assistance would help out 1.31 Michiganders across the state.

MUSKEGON, MI – An upcoming candidate meet-and-greet in Muskegon is planned well ahead of the August primary election. The event will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Muskegon High School, 80 W. Southern Avenue. The meet-and-greet is hosted by the Muskegon County Democratic Party Black Caucus. The Black Caucus’ event specifically mentions races for Muskegon school board, county board, state Representative and Senator and 14th Circuit judge. The filing deadline is Tuesday, April 19, so it’s not yet known what offices will require primary elections.

Governor Whitmer became the first governor to file a lawsuit to protect abortion rights, in anticipation of a possible overturning of an ove

Macomb Township has voted to withhold funds that would go toward Great Lakes Water Authority arrearages and put the money in escrow.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – More than 6,500 homes and businesses are without power just south of downtown Grand Rapids. The outages were reported just after 4 p.m., April 5, according to the Consumers Energy Outage Map. There’s no power from Fulton Street to Alger Street SW and from U.S. 131 to east of Plymouth Avenue SW.Power is expected to be restored between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., according to the map. More from MLive:Jurors fail to reach verdict in alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer, to begin third day of deliberations

JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- A date has been officially set for three Jackson-area men to stand trial for their alleged involvement in a plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor. A jury trial for Joseph Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar is scheduled to begin on Monday, Sept. 12, according to court records. Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson previously predicted the trial could last at least two weeks. The pair are charged with one felony count each of gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts and felony firearms. The three last appeared in court for an entrapment hearing, which Wilson ultimately denied on March 1.

Former President Barack Obama returned to the White House for the first time since leaving office in 2017, touting his signature health care law at an event with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Biden. The three spoke about the Biden administration's efforts to bolster the Affordable Care Act and expand health care coverage. Watch their remarks.

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office said a student’s death at Davenport University student housing appears to be due to a medical incident with no suspicious circumstances. Kent County Sheriff’s Office deputies and medical personnel were dispatched for a medical call about 1 a.m. Sunday, April 3, to Davenport University student housing in Caledonia Township. Deputies and Caledonia Fire and LIFE Ambulance personnel attempted life saving measures, but they were unsuccessful, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office said. The investigation supports that there are no suspicious circumstances to the medical incident, police said. Investigators said they will coordinate with the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office on further findings and the incident remains under investigation.

BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI -- A 22-year-old woman who was reported missing has been found dead in the St. Joseph River, Michigan State Police reported Monday, April 4. Later that evening, about 8 p.m., MSP said Dube’s body was located in the St. Joseph River, near Berrien Springs. Dube was last seen by her mother around 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at their home in Berrien Springs, MSP said on Sunday. She was reported missing after her vehicle was found abandoned, police said. Read more:Avoid contact with Kalamazoo River, Portage Creek after diesel spill, police sayMan accused of stealing marijuana plants from Michigan propertyGov.

Monroe County Region varsity sports events or April 4-10

This case, in a lot of ways, is a first of its kind. A lot is going to be banking on how the evidence presented on both sides is overall perceived those selected to carry out this duty.

BERRIEN COUNTY, MI -- A state police dive team is searching the St. Joseph River near Berrien Springs as part of a missing person investigation. State police said the search is happening off U.S. 31 near Snow Road in Oronoko Towship of Berrien County. The missing person report and investigation was handled through the state police Niles post. Police did not release any further information about the investigation. Whitmer kidnap plot trial

OSCEOLA COUNTY, MI -- A 36-year-old man was seriously injured Friday, April 1 in a shooting south of Cadillac. Police said they identified a 34-year-old man as the shooter, but it wasn’t clear whether he faced any charges. They arrived to find the injured man and he was taken by Aero Med helicopter to a Traverse City hospital. Police said they identified a 34-year-old man as the shooter. Whitmer kidnap plot trial800 gallons of paint make Lake Michigan car ferry look like newDefendants felt ‘totally justified’ in alleged plot to kidnap Gov.

On Thursday, Governor Whitmer announced the appointments of Susan Dabaja to the Third Circuit Court of Wayne County for a partial term in order

On Thursday, Governor Whitmer announced the appointments of Susan Dabaja to the Third Circuit Court of Wayne County for a partial term in order

EAST LANSING, MI – The “Sparty” statue on Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing is still standing after being hit by a suspected drunk driver early Thursday morning. Police were called to the area of Kalamazoo and Beal streets at 4:18 a.m. March 31, for a report of a vehicle crashing into the Spartan statue on campus, according to MSU Police & Public Safety. The driver attempted to flee the crash scene on foot but was later found by officers and arrested for suspected drunk driving, police said. No injuries were reported and the statue itself did not appear to be damaged, police said. More from MLive:Construction foreman dies in fall from three-story project in Livingston CountyCousin admits he threw missing Michigan teen’s body in a dumpsterMan in alleged plot to kidnap Gov.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – An undercover FBI special agent who posed as an explosives expert told jurors that key figures in the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Federal prosecutors had asked that Bates and another undercover FBI special agent be identified in court by pseudonyms for their protection. Related:Guns, flexible handcuffs in home of defendant in alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot case says any help to defendants was intended to build trustUndercover FBI agent, informant come clean: This week in the Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot said in FBI recording‘I’m gonna terrorize people,’ alleged leader of plot to kidnap Gov.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – A man who was shot multiple times and died Tuesday in Muskegon County has been identified by police. Ulie Walker IV, 25, was identified as the victim shot Tuesday, March 22, according to the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office. Police said the month of the victim’s birth is being released because there are two people with the same name in Muskegon County. Shortly after 11 p.m. March 22, Muskegon County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of shots fired at Apple Carr Village in Egelston Township. Police are asking anyone with information to call the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office at 231-724-6259 or Silent Observer at 231-722-7463.

A second round of the Child Care Stabilization Grant program is now underway, and will distribute $365 million to give every full-time childcare professiona

GRAND HAVEN, MI -- Authorities lifted a lockdown at the Ottawa County courthouse in Grand Haven about two hours after a phone threat was received. The courthouse, 414 Washington Ave., went into a “soft” lockdown about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 22 because of a “possible threat of violence” received during a phone call. Authorities called for a police dog from the Grand Valley Department of Public Safety to respond to the scene. Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies said that an investigation into the “source and purpose” of the threat is ongoing. Whitmer kidnap caseQ&A with Grand Rapids’ new police chief: Earning trust in neighborhoods and transparency are priorities

Michigan consumers do not appear to be heading toward any kind of relief from higher gas prices. The Republican-led legislature voted to repeal the state’s 27 cents a gallon tax, not indefinitely but for several months. The average price of a gallon of regular in the state is $4.19 a gallon. If you have a 15-gallon tank, the savings would be $4.05.

Michigan consumers do not appear to be heading toward any kind of relief from higher gas prices. The Republican-led legislature voted to repeal the state’s 27 cents a gallon tax, not indefinitely but for several months. The average price of a gallon of regular in the state is $4.19 a gallon. If you have a 15-gallon tank, the savings would be $4.05.

It was another revealing day in court on Friday (March 18) for the men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The Islamic Institute of America (IIOFA) in Dearborn Heights held its fifth annual fundraising dinner at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center last Sunday to a

JACKSON, MI – Jackson Public Schools Superintendent was accused of harassing and bullying employees this week, accusations he adamantly denies. Whitmer as partial-term judgeAfter four months of temporary fill-ins, an attorney has been chosen as Jackson County’s next district judge. Man crashes vehicles, kills dog in drunken crime spree, police saySeveral people were injured and a dog was killed by a highly-intoxicated man near downtown Jackson Tuesday night, police said. Popular events are back in Jackson this yearFood trucks, classic cars and late-night films are back for the summer in downtown Jackson. The city of Jackson has approved several event applications from the Jackson Downtown Development Authority.

Testimony resumed on Thursday in the trial of four men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

IONIA COUNTY, MI -- A 19-year-old Grand Rapids area man died after a pickup went off a Saranac area road and struck a tree. Ionia County sheriff’s deputies responded about 6:30 a.m. Thursday, March 10 to West Peck Lake Road west of Kyser Road on a report of a crash. Police said a 2007 Toyota Tacoma was going east on West Peck Lake Road when it went off the road and struck a tree. More from MLivePolice release more details about Amish buggy crash in Montcalm County‘I’m gonna terrorize people,’ alleged leader of plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer says in secret recordingFormer township treasurer charged with embezzlement in Muskegon County

Governor Whitmer boasted strong economic numbers for the state, now in a steady swing upward, recovering from the COVID-9 crisis.

Governor Whitmer boasted strong economic numbers for the state, now in a steady swing upward, recovering from the COVID-9 crisis.

Case numbers and hospitalizations may be down but Doctors say we are not in the clear just yet from COVID as more variants may arise.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – Police arrested a Kalamazoo resident in connection to an alleged assault, and also recovered a handgun they believe was used in the attack. A 24-year-old Kalamazoo resident was taken into custody without incident, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officials said in a news release. Just before 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, Kalamazoo police officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Interfaith Boulevard for a felonious assault report. Upon arrival, officers located a 31-year-old Kalamazoo resident who was assaulted, according to the news release. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-488-8911 or call Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

After months of hearings, the jury has been selected in the federal trial of the men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The state’s governor and treasury are encouraging eligible families and individuals to claim both the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) w

MICHIGAN - $409 million in money is available in Michigan to provide grants to businesses that have suffered declining sales during the pandemic.

Early numbers from Dearborn precincts show low turnout for city residents in Tuesday’s special primary election to select a state representative for the 15

MONROE COUNTY, MI -- A head-on collision left two people severely injured and a freeway closed for several hours Saturday morning. At about 12:44 a.m. Feb. 26, troopers from the Michigan State Police Monroe Post responded to a two-vehicle crash on the I-75 freeway near Ready Road in South Rockwood. The Dundee Police Department assisted MSP with their drone to confirm no other passengers were ejected in the crash, police said. Troopers were also assisted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Berlin Township Fire Department and the Monroe County Ambulance. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call Anthony Nyberg of the MSP Monroe Post at 734-242-3500.

The local community is urged to participate in electing a new state representative for the 15th House District, after the seat was vacated by Mayor Abdulla

Students from across the state joined March For Our Lives, a national youth-led movement to end gun violence, at the state Capitol.

Windsor officials are seeking an injunction to end the “illegal occupation” of the Ambassador Bridge, and the city’s mayor said protesting truck drivers “will be removed,” if they don’t leave voluntarily.

US Department of Homeland Security warns Canada-style protests could start in California.

Governor Whitmer is urging Canadian authorities to resolve a multi-day Ambassador Bridge closure so manufacturing and agriculture in the Midwest can contin

BAY CITY, MI - Bay City will continue to be led by its current city manager after the city approved a new agreement to extend her employment at least into 2024. The Bay City Commission approved a new employment contract for current City Manager Dana Muscott during its regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 7. Muscott has held her role as city manager since 2017 in Bay City. Previously, Muscott’s annual salary was increased to $129,094.02 after the commission approved a $3,760.02 raise, or 3% increase, during the March 2, 2020 meeting. Based on Muscott’s approved annual salary amount from March 2020, she received a salary boost of $6,905.98 for 2021, or approximately over 5%.

On the Democratic ticket are Alabas Farhat and local attorney Jeffrey Pepper. One Republican, Ginger Shearer, formerly known as Virginia Polk, is also in t

Three names have emerged as contenders to fill the State House seat vacated by Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud through the end of the year.

More than 300,000 Michigan residents enrolled in a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace’s latest open enrollment period. Enrollment for 2022 followed a trend from recent years as more people turn to the marketplace for comprehensive health insurance. “Every Michigander deserves affordable, comprehensive health insurance, and thanks to record-breaking enrollment under the Affordable Care Act, more than 303,000 Michiganders now have the coverage and peace of mind that comes with a high-quality health plan,” said Governor Whitmer, in a prepared statement. Most Michiganders will have to wait until Nov. 1 to enroll in a health plan if they missed the 2022 open enrollment deadline, though there are exceptions for qualifying life events like childbirth, adoption, job loss, moving or divorce. For more information about how to use your health insurance, or for questions, concerns or complaints, contact DIFS between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.

LANSING - Governor Whitmer announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is distributing 10 million free KN95 masks to Michiganders

In 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed a tax increase from 3.9% to 4.35%, which was supposed to be temporary until 2015.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is planning to deliver a State of the State address in a virtual format on Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for help distributing COVID-19 test kits.

LANSING, MI -- Garrett Soldano is the first Republican gubernatorial hopeful to submit signatures to get on the ballot in 2022. When 2021 campaign finance filings are available, Soldano said they will show his campaign raised $1.2 million in the last eight months. Related: Republican gubernatorial hopeful Garrett Soldano models transparency platform off Whitmer’s promisesAnother potential game-changer is the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Soldano also addressed accusations from the Michigan Democratic Party that he hocked supplements as a way to fight off COVID-19. READ MORE ON MLIVE:State board approves language for election audit, $15 min.

File photoMICHIGAN – Michigan’s Governor Whitmer is urging residents to take advantage of the federal government’s free COVID-19 testing program. At-home, rapid COVID-19 tests are available for free at COVIDTests.gov, with every household eligible for four free tests that will be shipped directly to Michiganders’ homes. “The federal program to deliver free tests to every family is simple, easy, and effective. “Testing is a crucial tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and I encourage every Michigander to claim their free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov.”“Testing in addition to getting vaccinated and wearing masks are extremely effective tools in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS. “We are grateful for the efforts the federal government is taking to make testing easy and accessible for all Michiganders.

MICHIGAN -  Michigan's Governor Whitmer is urging residents to take advantage of the federal government’s free COVID-19 at-home testing program

New students from families with income under $50,000 can qualify. About 400 students who qualified were enrolled during the fall term, GVSU said.

Beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 18, Americans are able to start ordering at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government.

A father and his twin 6-year-old children were killed when their pickup truck slammed into the rear of a commercial truck in Bay County, police said.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is planning to deliver a State of the State Address in a virtual format on Wednesday, Jan. 26.

Insured Michigan drivers can expect a refund check of $400 in 2022 after Gov. Whitmer requested a surplus reported by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association be returned to residents.

Insured Michigan drivers can expect a refund check of $400 in 2022 after Gov. Whitmer requested a surplus reported by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association be returned to residents.

Here we go again. Another lead water crisis, this time, in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Biopharmaceutical company to generate 160 high-wage jobs in Ann Arbor with new Center of Excellence Facility.

Watch live coverage of the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference, held on Sept. 20-23 on Mackinac Island.

A judge says he would postpone the Oct. 12 trial of five men accused of planning to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

United Wholesale Mortgage announced Wednesday a sponsorship deal with Michigan State University that will give 133 student athletes $500 monthly stipends.

High school senior Varnika Chandra is active within her school community and beyond, operating a nonprofit that has been recognized by the governor.

The wall has come tumbling down and you’ll hear a new word in amateur sports: NIL which stands for name, image, and likeness.

A Wayne County judge took the Local 4 Defenders into the courtroom on Tuesday to reveal just how behind the system has fallen.

Defense for the accused ringleader of the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer argued that it wasn’t his idea at all.

Storms in late July left tree branches and limbs scattered and destroyed headstones and gates at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Pontiac. A group of volunteers came together to help clean it up.

Sajo’s of Clinton in Clinton Township is closing its doors for a month due to an employee shortage, according to the owner.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed several Senate Bills that will extend the validation of state driver’s licenses and personal identification cards.

Here are this morning's top stories.

Michigan Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence took a tour Friday of the areas of Metro Detroit hit hardest by the floods.

Here are tonight's top stories.

Fifteen months after the start of the pandemic COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted across the state.

For many people it is the fear of those new variants making them very reluctant to let go of the protocols that have made them feel safer for the past 14 months.

Lakeside Mall is hosting a job fair next week to hire for several of its retailers.

The last 15 months amid the pandemic have been filled with constant change -- which can be hard on everyone, but it’s especially difficult for children.

Here are this morning's top stories.

Monday is the last day that COVID-19 capacity limits and masking requirements will be in effect in Michigan, about 15 months after the first restrictions were put in place.

As COVID restrictions are dropped in Michigan, many adults are struggling to adapt to the change. Many children are struggling too.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a news conference Monday in Troy to put forward their plan to make an “historic investment to expand access to child care for families throughout Michigan,” according to the governor’s office.

As Michigan slowly reopens, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer rolled out a plan to use the Federal COVID Relief funding.

Michigan's governor is holding a news conference Thursday about the state's economy.

Clinic will take place at Zingerman's Greyline in downtown Ann Arbor.

Michigan’s Faster Horses music festival is returning this summer after being canceled last year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Whitmer spoke publicly after pictures of her and 12 other people inside an East Lansing bar surfaced on the far-right website, Beitbart.

Here’s what's coming up on Local 4 News at Noon.