Alma hospital nurses vote to authorize strike, if needed, as contract negotiations continue
ALMA, MI -- Nurses at MyMichigan Alma hospital have voted to give labor contract bargainers the authority to strike, if necessary, as contract negotiations continue. The Michigan Nurses Association, in a statement released Wednesday, Jan. 25, said that 97 percent of nurses who work at the hospital voted in favor of the authorization. About 150 nurses work at the hospital. Their last labor contract expired in November. The next round of contract negotiations with hospital administrators is expected on Feb. 1.
mlive.comSheriff: Super drunk man crashes into patrol vehicle, flees scene following Midland Street brawl
BAY CITY, MI — Responding to an early morning brawl in the Midland Street Business District, a Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputy narrowly avoided being injured when a drunken driver crashed into his patrol vehicle. Police arrested the driver, a 25-year-old Bay City man. The man’s blood alcohol content had to be no greater than 0.03 before he was released, confirmed Jail Administrator Capt. MLive is not disclosing the man’s name until he is arraigned in Bay County District Court. Whitmer commutes life-without-parole sentence of Bay County woman convicted of murdering husband in 1990
mlive.comPolice: Teen boy, 13, brings loaded gun, ammo to Pinconning High School
PINCONNING, MI — A teenage boy is in custody after bringing a loaded pistol to Pinconning High School. About 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, a student at the school located at 605 W. Fifth St. told staff of another student having a handgun, said Michigan State Police Lt. Kimberly Vetter. Staff immediately pulled the 13-year-old male from class and isolated him in the office, Vetter said. In the teen’s possession, authorities found a loaded .22-caliber handgun with an extra magazine and ammunition, the lieutenant said. MSP troopers responded to the scene and took the teen into custody, lodging him at a local juvenile detention facility.
mlive.comDiBella’s Subs and swim school remain closed nearly a year after Ann Arbor shopping plaza fire
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Nearly a year after a fire destroyed several businesses, an Ann Arbor shopping center is crawling back toward reopening. The crews for the Big Blue Swim School were able to reclaim the space in early January. The Big Blue Swim School sign is set to be installed in the coming weeks. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Could you have COVID XBB.1.5? Symptoms for highly contagious new variantDitch the spa, keep the skincare at new Ann Arbor shopGov.
mlive.comIndiana man charged with arson in fire at Saginaw group recovery home
SAGINAW, MI — An Indiana man is facing an arson charge after allegedly setting fire to the group home he lived in on the city’s West Side. Initial reports indicated there were explosions heard from the basement, said Saginaw Fire Marshal Derron Suchodolski. The house is a group home for people in substance abuse recovery, operated by First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Suchodolski said. Investigators determined the fire had been deliberately set, with the concussive sounds having been caused by exploding aerosol paint cans in the basement, Suchodolski said. After spending the weekend in jail, Whitmore on Monday, Jan. 9, appeared in Saginaw County District Court for arraignment on one count of third-degree arson.
mlive.comGov. Whitmer appoints attorney Nabih Ayad to Detroit Wayne Port Authority Board
Whitmer appointed attorney and civil right advocates Nabih Ayad to the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority Board. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wayne State University and his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law. The focus of the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) is to plan, develop and promote Detroit as a freight transportation and distribution hub for U.S. Midwest and Southwestern Ontario businesses and their customers and vendors, for the purpose of fostering economic growth in Detroit, Wayne County and the state of Michigan. She is the president of the Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center Board of Directors. Jaafar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Communications from Wayne State University and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law.
arabamericannews.comSen. Debbie Stabenow announced she won’t seek re-election in 2024, opening up the seat in key swing state
Senator Debbie Stabenow will not seek reelection in 2024, the longtime Michigan Democrat said Thursday, opening up a Senate seat in a key swing state. As the first woman elected to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate, she’s been leading the fight for working families, the auto industry and farmers for a lifetime in Michigan and for Michigan in Washington, DC. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) released a statement Thursday on Stabenow’s retirement after 2024: “Senator Stabenow is a trailblazer and amazing senator for Michigan. Her distinguished record stands as a testament to her devotion to Michigan and families across our country. “I will miss serving with her, but know that her work — and our work together — for Michigan is not done.
arabamericannews.comBullets strike multiple Jackson homes, police say
JACKSON, MI - A shooting in Jackson early Monday resulted in bullets hitting multiple homes, police said. Officers responded to reports of shots fired around 12:20 a.m., Jan. 2 in the 100 block of E. Robinson Street in south Jackson, said the Jackson Police Department. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shell casings in the street, police said, adding that further investigation discovered bullets struck three different residences. Read more from The Jackson Citizen Patriot:Overdosing man fights Jackson police officers outside strip clubWhere and when homicides occurred in Jackson County in 2022Michigan doctor found dead in frozen pond remembered as dedicated psychiatrist, great neighbor‘Spiritual leader’ of Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot gets nearly 20 years in prisonFormer Jackson County deputy eases into new role as police chief
mlive.comBoy, 16, killed, woman injured in shooting outside Saginaw gas station
A 16-year-old boy died and a woman was injured late Sunday, Jan. 1, in a shooting outside a Marathon gas station in Saginaw, city police reported. The woman, 21, has a gunshot wound and is in “stable condition,” police said in a news release. Police were called about 10:22 p.m. to the gas station at 2740 E. Holland Ave. near E. Genesee Ave. on the city’s east side. A preliminary investigation indicates the shooting took place in the gas station parking lot. Saginaw police detectives are asking anyone with any information relating to this incident to call Detective Phil Graves at 989-759-1761.
mlive.comWoman dies in what police believe was alcohol-related crash New Year’s Day on I-94
A 42-year-old Lansing woman died in a crash police believe was alcohol-related early New Year’s Day on eastbound I-94 in Parma Township, west of Jackson. The woman was heading east before dawn Sunday, Jan. 1, and took the exit ramp onto Eaton Rapids Road, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reported in a news release. Emergency personnel were called to the scene at 4:04 a.m.Alcohol “appears to have been a contributing factor” in the crash, the sheriff’s office reported. The woman died at the scene of the crash. Read more on MLive:These Jackson County businesses closed their doors in 2022Michigan Gov.
mlive.comState police close M-40 until ‘dangerous weather subsides’
ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI – State police on Friday, Dec. 23, closed M-40 between M-89 and I-196 because of dangerous driving conditions. Rescuers have been on the scene of a crash on M-40 near 134th Avenue in Hamilton since 3:30 p.m., the state Department of Transportation reported. State police said that M-40 “has been shut down until dangerous weather subsides.”In a tweet, state police said: “Again, it’s wiser to #stayhome to avoid danger.”The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids said conditions continue to deteriorate. At 6:35 p.m., the weather service reported: “Blizzard conditions will continue through the evening with wind gusts in excess of 40 mph. The winds will slightly slacken tomorrow but expect snow showers to continue through most of the day.”Read more:Gov.
mlive.com‘I made mistakes.’ Defendants in Whitmer kidnap plot apologize, express regret at sentencing
JACKSON, MI -- After two long years in the court system, the criminal case against three Michigan men accused of aiding a terrorist plot came to an emotional end Thursday. Each of the three men took the opportunity to speak before the court prior to their sentencing. In their own words, they delivered emotional apologies to Whitmer, the people of Michigan and their own families. Before he was sentenced, Morrison renounced his affiliation with the plot and all other similar extremist ideologies he once believed in. RELATED: The ties that bind the men behind the plot to kidnap Gov.
mlive.comPoll: Michiganders want people, lower prices to be top priorities for next legislative session
Michiganders are expecting lawmakers to focus on matters that improve their daily livesLANSING – Looking ahead to the 2023-24 state legislative term, Michiganders are expecting lawmakers to focus on matters that improve their daily lives, like lowering the price of necessities and supporting schools. A poll conducted by EPIC-MRA on behalf of the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) examined opinions on a number of issues that Governor Whitmer and legislators may tackle when they return to Lansing in January. Eighty-seven percent of respondents support “providing additional state funding to provide assistance to the needs of different children, especially those in special education, learning English, living in poverty or living in isolated, rural areas” instead of our current one-size-fits-all per pupil funding model. The statewide survey included live interviews with 600 active and likely November 2024 voters between November 30 – December 6,. The sample was made up of 65 percent cell phones and the margin of error is +/- 4 percent.
arabamericannews.comAutomation company plans $5.7M expansion, up to 50 new jobs in Walker
WALKER, MI — An automation company based in Walker is planning an expansion that includes a $5.7 million capital investment and up to 50 jobs. The expansion at Axis Automation, 3220 Northridge Dr. NW, was announced by Gov. Our future is bright, and investments like this one by Axis Automation will help us continue moving our state forward,” she said. “Congratulations to the team at Axis Automation on your continued growth and success! “Axis Automation is adding to a growing list of diverse manufacturing and service businesses that call our Northridge industrial park home.
mlive.comMore than 200 guns confiscated from state crackdown on illegal possession by parolees, probationers
Photo: Michigan State Police via WWMTGovernor Whitmer’s office said this week that a new initiative to tackle the number of illegal guns off the streets has seen hundreds of guns being confiscated before they are used in crimes. The updated numbers say that the Operation Safe Neighborhoods program has led to operation law enforcement officials conducting 1,767 check-ins with felony offenders, leading to 205 illegal guns. The new initiative builds on a larger program to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education and the justice system. There are roughly 32,000 probationers and 8,500 parolees in the state, of which 20 percent have been convicted previously of a gun crime. There are roughly 32,000 probationers and 8,500 parolees in the state, of which 20 percent have been convicted previously of a gun crime.
arabamericannews.comBridget McCormack to be first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court
Kyra Harris Bolden sits at her Michigan Supreme Court seat for a photo with her family, Governor Whitmer, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement and retiring Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. Photo: Office of the GovernorKyra Harris Bolden will be appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court beginning next year and will succeed Justice Bridget Mary McCormack as the first Black woman to serve on the high court. Michigan Supreme Court justices are nominated by state political parties. “I am incredibly honored to be chosen by Governor Whitmer for this appointment to the Michigan Supreme Court,” said Bolden.
arabamericannews.comKyra Harris Bolden to be first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court
Kyra Harris Bolden sits at her Michigan Supreme Court seat for a photo with her family, Governor Whitmer, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement and retiring Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. Photo: Office of the GovernorKyra Harris Bolden will be appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court beginning next year and will succeed Justice Bridget Mary McCormack as the first Black woman to serve on the high court. Michigan Supreme Court justices are nominated by state political parties. “I am incredibly honored to be chosen by Governor Whitmer for this appointment to the Michigan Supreme Court,” said Bolden.
arabamericannews.comKyra Harris Bolden to be the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court
Kyra Harris Bolden sits at her Michigan Supreme Court seat with her family, Governor Whitmer, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement and retiring Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. Photo: Office of the GovernorKyra Harris Bolden will be appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court beginning next year. Michigan Supreme Court justices are nominated by state political parties. – Kyra Harris Bolden“I am incredibly honored to be chosen by Governor Whitmer for this appointment to the Michigan Supreme Court,” Bolden said.
arabamericannews.comWhitmer reflects on Nov election, misinformation around public health and more in interview
Governor Whitmer during a recent visit to the offices of The Arab American News. Photo: The Arab American NewsDETROIT —Fresh off a double digit election victory over a Trump-backed candidate, Governor Whitmer spoke at the 50th anniversary gala for ACCESS in Detroit on Thursday. ACCESS now has 10 locations and more than 120 programs in Metro Detroit offering a wide range of social, economic, health and educational services. “Our local public health officers have been on the front lines; they are the people that have been respected, revered and listen to,” Whitmer said. “Politicians who are trying to serve themselves… are dangerous, whether it’s undermining an election or undermining public health measures and we saw a round rejection of that in this last election.
arabamericannews.comWhitmer, Democrats get sweeping wins in divided Michigan
But even as state Democrats celebrated their sweep of state offices and apparent majorities in the State Legislature, Whitmer publicly promised to work with both parties while sprinkling in references to Democrats’ priorities. About half of Michigan voters said they worried that her views were too extreme. Whitmer’s calls for bipartisanship and unity Wednesday reflect the reality that she still leads a divided state following Democrats’ victories. Michigan Democrats hoped the proposal would lead to high voter turnout statewide and give the party key victories in U.S. House and state legislative races. About a third of Michigan voters said that their family is falling behind financially.
arabamericannews.comMan dies in Wyoming workplace accident
WYOMING, MI -- A man died following a workplace accident at Weller Truck Parts on Gezon Parkway SW, police confirmed. The accident happened about 7:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at the business, 1500 Gezon Parkway SW. Details of the accident were not immediately clear. Wyoming police continue to investigate the incident. More from MLiveProp 3 fight eclipses $50 million: ‘Yes’ outraising ‘No’ and polling aheadPolice identify 81-year-old woman killed in West Michigan stabbingDixon nearly matches Whitmer’s fundraising.
mlive.comChelsea Hospital providing free Thanksgiving meals
CHELSEA, MI – Whether you’re alone on Thanksgiving or are unable to afford a meal, Trinity Health Michigan’s Chelsea Hospital is providing a free meal to community members. The meal is 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24, inside the Chelsea Hospital dining room, 775 S. Main St. Due to continued COVID-19 safety precautions, capacity is being limited, and fewer people will be seated at each table. Masks are required inside the hospital when people are not eating. People who registered for the dinner will be notified and the meal will be provided for easy at-home heating.
mlive.comKalamazoo library evacuated after false threat
KALAMAZOO, MI – A false threat was made at the Kalamazoo Central Library on Wednesday morning. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the library, 315 S. Rose St., for a report of a bomb threat that ended up being a general threat, KDPS Public Information Officer Jay Shatara said. The threat was made after someone was denied services, Shatara said. The patrons and staff were safely evacuated, library Communications Manager Farrell Howe said. Staff and patrons were able to safely return to the building.
mlive.comTestimony ends in trial for Jackson-area men charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot
JACKSON, MI -- Closing arguments and jury deliberation will begin early next week in a trial for three men accused of aiding a plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor. Depending on the length of arguments Monday, jury deliberation could began toward the end of the day, Wilson said. A directed verdict is a ruling made if a judge finds evidence offered during testimony is not enough to prove a defendant guilty. Whitmer.”Ballard argued that Morrison was not present for many of the Wolverine Watchmen training sessions outlined in testimony. RELATED: The ties that bind the men behind the plot to kidnap Gov.
mlive.comMichigan to pay $20M to people wrongly accused of fraud
Photo via ShutterstockLANSING — State lawmakers have agreed to set aside $20 million to settle a lawsuit by thousands of people who were wrongly accused of fraud when seeking unemployment benefits. It followed an agreement reached by the Attorney General’s Office and lawyers for people who said their constitutional rights were violated. Their case got a boost in July when the Michigan Supreme Court said they could seek financial relief from the state. “This settlement honors my commitment to ensure those falsely accused by their government receive fair compensation for their suffering,” Nessel said. The Michigan Supreme Court broke new ground with its 4-3 summer opinion, saying the state government can be held liable when constitutional rights are violated.
arabamericannews.comFormer Detroit area priest convicted in 7-year-old’s sex assault
DETROIT, MI -- A former Detroit area priest has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old boy in 2004. Joseph Baker, 60, was convicted Thursday, Oct. 13, by a Wayne County jury of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Baker was accused of assaulting the boy at St. Mary Parish in Wayne. Related: Michigan’s clergy abuse probe identifies 454 accused priests, 811 victimsState Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the conviction Thursday. “We must all commit to breaking down the walls of silence that so often surround sexual assault and abuse.”More from MLiveMichigan State president’s resignation concerns Gov.
mlive.com16-year-old identified as person who stole vehicle with toddler inside, set him along road
KENTWOOD, MI -- Police have identified a 16-year-old as the person who stole a vehicle with a toddler inside, then set the boy along a road. Kentwood police on Thursday, Oct. 13 said Kent County prosecutors have authorized juvenile charges against the teen for auto theft, child abandonment, lying or obstructing police and malicious destruction of property less than $1,000. The parents of the boy were near the vehicle when it was taken. The bus driver called 911 and, soon after, a different bus driver pulled up at the theft scene and said she just passed a small boy on the side of the road. The driver, Sue Figueroa, quickly drove back, picked up the boy and took him back to the parents.
mlive.comReport of shooting at Muskegon home, police investigating
MUSKEGON, MI -- Muskegon police are investigating a report of a shooting in the 1800 block of Ray Street. Police responded to the area about 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. The area is near Laketon Avenue and South Getty Street. More from MLiveHomicides are down but Michigan has a new ‘most-violent’ city, FBI stats revealFishermen rescue unresponsive person from Grand River near fish ladderDefendant in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot admits shame, embarrassment before sentencing
mlive.comOne shot at Dearborn hotel, police negotiating with barricaded gunman
DEARBORN, MI -- Police are negotiating with a barricaded gunman at a Dearborn hotel after one person was shot Thursday, Oct. 6. Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin told media during a 4:15 p.m. briefing that a person with a long gun was barricaded in a hote room. He said a dispute between the person and hotel staff, involving money, preceded the shooting. Police worked to evacuate the hotel and asked the public to avoid the area. Whitmer kidnap plot admits shame, embarrassment before sentencingTips sought in Upper Peninsula roadside dumping investigation
mlive.comGov. Whitmer kidnap figure has sentence reduced for helping convict former co-defendants
Whitmer kidnap plot. Whitmer kidnap plot suspects ends without rulingCroft and Fox, considered leaders of a multi-state plot to kidnap Whitmer, were convicted of conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, both potential life offenses. Whitmer kidnap trialJudge in Whitmer kidnapping plot trial explains why juror wasn’t dismissed after attorney complaintGuilty verdict in Whitmer kidnap case highlights anti-government threats to public officialsMen found guilty of leading plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer kidnap trial called pot-smoking moronsFBI pushed ‘hapless’ client into Gov. Whitmer kidnap caseKidnapping Gov.
mlive.comTemps expected to reach dangerous levels Wednesday in Metro Detroit: How to keep yourself safe
Meteorologists are warning Michiganders about extreme heat Wednesday as there is an excessive heat watch being advised and The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a few tips to keep cool during the high-temperature day.
Temps expected to reach dangerous levels Wednesday in Metro Detroit: How to keep yourself safe
Meteorologists are warning Michiganders about extreme heat Wednesday as there is an excessive heat watch being advised and The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a few tips to keep cool during the high-temperature day.
Northern 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.
Michigan 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.
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.
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.