Whitmer and GOP-led legislature clash on how to return state budget surplus to Michiganders
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.
mlive.comStimulus 2022 update: 10 states are proposing payments to residents
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.
mlive.comNorthern Michigan isn’t the only region with great wineries
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 looking for support for annual July 4th fireworks show
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.
mlive.comWhitmer Answers Questions About Lawsuit Filed To Protect Abortion Rights In Michigan
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...
detroit.cbslocal.comMichigan Senate passes 5% base funding increase for schools
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.
Meet the candidates at upcoming Muskegon meet-and-greet
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.
mlive.comPower out for more than 6,500 homes, businesses, near downtown Grand Rapids
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
mlive.comTrial scheduled for Jackson County men accused in Whitmer kidnapping plot
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.
mlive.comObama returns to White House for first appearance since leaving office
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.
news.yahoo.com18-year-old student died of medical incident at Davenport University housing, police say
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.
mlive.comMissing woman found dead in St. Joseph River
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.
mlive.comState police searching Southwest Michigan river in missing person investigation
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
mlive.comMan seriously injured in shooting south of Cadillac
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.
mlive.comSuspected drunk driver crashes into ‘Sparty’ statue at Michigan State University
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.
mlive.comAlleged leaders of plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen excited by bomb video, undercover FBI agent says
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.
mlive.comPolice identify victim of Muskegon County homicide
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.
mlive.comLockdown lifted at Ottawa County courthouse after phone threat
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
mlive.comMichigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer backs pause on sales tax on gas
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 Governor Gretchen Whitmer backs pause on sales tax on gas
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.
JPS superintendent accused of harassment, attorney appointed judge: Jackson headlines March 12-17
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.
mlive.comGrand Rapids area man dies in early morning Ionia County crash
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
mlive.comKalamazoo police arrest assault suspect and recover a handgun
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.
mlive.com2 seriously injured in head-on crash in Monroe County, police say
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.
mlive.comDearborn voters urged to participate in March 1 special primary election to decide on a state representative until year’s end
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
arabamericannews.comBay City approves new employment contract for City Manager Dana Muscott
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%.
mlive.comMore Michiganders get health insurance as enrollment increases in 2022
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.
mlive.comGarrett Soldano says being first to submit petitions for governor shows strength in his ‘grassroots army’
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.
mlive.comHere’s how to get a free COVID-19 tests shipped directly to your Michigan home
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.
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