Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Wednesday, May 13, 2020:
-- A pair of Congresswomen from Michigan are calling for an investigation into alleged unsafe working conditions at Amazon fulfillment centers amid the pandemic — including the one in Romulus. READ MORE
-- He's been in business for 59 years and went 6 weeks without a paycheck. A Michigan barber who refused to keep his shop closed has had his license suspended. "Our whole constitutional system and everything's getting turned on its head — all in the name of good intentions." READ MORE
--- More than 31,000 state employees will be impacted by a belt-tightening move by the government Michigan due to COVID-19. Non-managers will be forced to take two layoff days period, which is expected to save the state around $80 million. DETAILS HERE.
-- As Michigan State Police and legislators prepare to face armed demonstrators at the Capitol in Lansing Thursday, a state Republican leader says he wants anyone seen brandishing a firearm arrested. LATEST HERE
-- All Detroiters age 60+ can now get tested for COVID-19 for free at the former state Fairgrounds, without an appointment or a prescription. The announcement was made as the city topped 10,000 cases. READ MORE
- Statewide, the health department on Wednesday reported there are 370 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 40 new deaths. That brings the totals to 48,391 cases and 4,714 deaths in Michigan. TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
-- Capacity will be limited to 160 cars per showing to keep up social distancing — but plans are moving ahead to for a drive-in movie theater at Lake Orion's Canterbury Village later this month. DETAILS HERE
-- Another big event in Michigan is officially off due to the virus. Officials at the Mackinac Bridge Authority says the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk is canceled. Organizers cite safety of all involved, It is expected to return in 2021. The event has taken place since 1958, the year after the bridge opened to traffic.
-- Included in the new coronavirus relief bill pending on Congress: A second, more generous round of direct stimulus payments that would total up to $6,000 per household. LEARN MORE
-- An area lawyer well known for his television and billboard campaigns is returning $2 million in federal funds he requested during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Mike Morse says he decided to return the money he collected through the paycheck protection program so that it can go to other small businesses that are hurting more than his own. GET DETAILS
-- After speaking live on WWJ 950 about the fear legislators felt over armed protesters in the Capitol and the chilling effect that has on democracy, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave another talk where she dashed hopes for sports fans -- and others who are bristling under the stay home order and ready to resume public life. Whitmer told the WKQI-FM not to look forward to a robust events, even in the fall. SEE WHAT SHE SAID HERE
-- Crowd-funded billboards seen around metro Detroit are encouraging everyone in Michigan to reopen their businesses next week — regardless what the governor's executive orders say. The man behind the push is calling it "Take Yourself To Work Day." READ MORE.
-- As coronavirus orders gradually ease, the Detroit Archdiocese says Catholic mass is set to resume on May 19 — with some health and safety guidelines in place. DETAILS HERE.
-- Officials at MGM Grand say things will look a lot different when they are finally able to reopen in Detroit. MGM on Tuesday released a seven-point safety plan for facilities that include the MGM Grand Detroit casino. READ MORE.
-- While they stress "it's not a cure," an Ann Arbor-based company says lab tests found its nasal antiseptic can kill COVID-19. The product will available on Amazon next week. DETAILS HERE.
-- A state legislator from metro Detroit has introduced a resolution calling for a ban on guns in the Michigan State Capitol Building except by law enforcement, saying "Intimidating legislators, staff, and visitors with guns during session is an affront to the democratic process." LATEST HERE.
-- A decision on whether guns should be banned in Michigan's Capitol building in Lansing has been put off for now. The Michigan State Capitol Commission voted Monday to set up a committee to study the issue. LATEST HERE.
-- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer weighed in on the gun issue while speaking live with WWJ 950, while also addressing whether gambling could return in the form of online-only, why the state remains closed while most of the deaths are in nursing homes, and more. FULL DETAILS HERE
-- Whitmer says she knows Michiganders have a lot of questions about the state's response to COVID-19. At a news conference, she offered answers to the top six questions her office is asked the most. READ MORE.
-- Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, is warning Congress that if the country reopens too soon during the coronavirus pandemic, it will result in "needless suffering and death." LATEST HERE. Some health experts are warning of a possible second surge of COVID-19 cases as Michigan, too. READ MORE.
-- The CEO who runs the lobbying group for the Big Three and other manufacturers is bracing its membership as the state unemployment fund dwindles. DETAILS
-- Tens of thousands of Michiganders are now deemed survivors of the coronavirus. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 22,686 people are considered recovered from COVID-19 after surviving 30 days post diagnosis. This number includes all people who tested positive for the virus on or before April 8. MORE
-- Freep.com is reporting the summer start for Mackinac Island has been pushed from the last week of April to the last week of May ... to late June by COVID-19. MORE HERE
-- How soon will you feel comfortable dining out? A bar and restaurant group in Michigan is asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to let them reopen on May 29, laying out a plan to do it safely. READ MORE.
-- Michigan is missing out when it comes to the amount of federal help to states feeling the weight of the outbreak, according to an analysis by the Associated Press. DETAILS
-- The U.S. unemployment rate hit 14.7% in April, the highest rate since the Great Depression, as 20.5 million jobs vanished in the worst monthly loss on record. The figures are stark evidence of the damage the coronavirus has done to a now-shattered economy. MORE HERE.
-- Should former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick be released because of the pandemic? While officials say prisons are a breeding ground for the coronavirus, there are renewed calls to set him free. MORE HERE.
-- "Social distancing cannot be achieved by swimmers in a wave pool," officials say, announcing that both Oakland County waterparks, in Madison Heights and Waterford, will not open for the 2020 season. DETAILS HERE.
-- A look at some recent cancelations: Announced last week, the 2020 Ann Arbor Art Fair has been canceled. All public events and recreational activities in Madison Heights — including parades and summer camps — have been canceled through Labor Day.
-- Feel like you're drinking more during the pandemic? You're not alone. Blake's Hard Cider, the biggest cidery in the Midwest, is thriving despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.The company saw a 60% spike of cider sales in the first quarter as they distribute to grocery stores across 18 states, in addition to the bars and restaurants that are now shuttered. DETAILS.
-- Two men accused in the shooting and killing of a Flint security guard over a dispute about wearing a mask are now behind bars. A total of four people have been charged inthe case. READ MORE.
-- After police say he admitted to wiping his nose on a the shirt of a store clerk enforcing a mask rule, a Genesee County man was released to his house — with conditions similar to the stay-home order. LATEST HERE.
-- In another mask dispute, a woman who ran for Roseville mayor in 2017 is facing charges — accused of attacking a Nino Salvaggio's employee and then spitting on police officers. READ MORE.
-- A Downriver man is facing a terrorism threat charge after he allegedly spit at personnel at two area Detroit-area hospitals to intentionally spread the coronavirus. READ MORE.
-- Warren Mayor Jim Fouts says police officers will be "randomly" stopping by businesses in Michigan's third largest city — checking to make sure they're complying with social distancing and other virus orders from the governor. DETAILS HERE.
-- Republican legislative leaders in Michigan have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Whitmer claiming her emergency declaration, extended until May 28, is unconstitutional. But does it have a chance in court? READ MORE.
-- The New York Times reports Whitmer is among four possible vice presidential candidates who have a strong interest in running alongside Democratic candidate Joe Biden. But now comes this article, quoting an unnamed staffer, who says the governor is not only interested, but is "keenly interested"in the job. MORE HERE.
-- While the governor and Republican leaders are bickering over who has authority in a state of emergency, the two sides are also preparing to battle it out over severe cuts to state services due to the economic impact of the coronavirus on the state budget. DETAILS HERE
-- Need some help figuring out how to get your stimulus check? There's a website for that. DETAILS HERE.
-- Many businesses have temporarily closed their doors as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, but there are plenty of restaurants still open across metro Detroit for carryout and curbside pickup. Hungry? CHECK THE LIST.
-- The three main symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough and shortness of breath. In order to mitigate risk of spreading COVID-19, everyone is encouraged to take action to reduce the spread, including: wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; avoid handshakes; avoid contact with people who are sick; and stay home when you are sick. Officials are urging social distancing -- staying at least six feet away from other people -- to help flatten the curve.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 where we will remain live, local and committed to bringing you the latest information during this outbreak. >>LISTEN LIVE!
