Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Thursday, May 14, 2020:
-- COVID-19 numbers are up quite a bit in Michigan today, with 1,191 new cases being reported. But officials say Thursday's spike is due to several factors, including increased testing at correctional facilities. DETAILS HERE
-- During Thursday's re-open rally at the Michigan Capitol, video shows a dispute between protesters before police intervened. "A man with an ax showed up, somehow causing much more chaos and fear than the multiple men with guns." No one was injured. READ MORE
-- A militia group that brought guns to the rally said they weren't there to protest the governor's order. "We are here to keep the peace and make sure everybody has a right to peacefully assemble. We are here to make sure that everybody here stays peaceful." READ MORE
-- U.S. health officials on Thursday released some of their long-delayed guidance that businesses and other organizations can use as states reopen from coronavirus shutdowns.The tools are for schools, workplaces, camps, childcare centers, mass transit systems, and bars and restaurants. READ MORE
-- No one's in class right now, but if the Mitten State was in a room with a chalkboard at the front of it, a great big D- would be circled on it. Why? Because that's the grade the entire state just got from Unacast for its current efforts to stay home and follow social distancing guidelines to avoid spread of COVID-19. DETAILS
-- 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.
-- 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.
-- Gov. Whitmer weighed in on the gun in the Capitol 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 earlier this week, 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.
-- 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
-- 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.
-- 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.
-- 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.
-- 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.
-- 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!
