Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus outbreak in Michigan on Wednesday, May 6, 2020:
-- 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. Gretchen Whitmer claiming her emergency declaration, extended until May 28, is unconstitutional. But does it have a chance in court? READ MORE.
-- Because of a nearly $350 million budget shortage, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan suspended anti-blight programs across the city, and delivered the grim news that entertainment -- including Detroit's cash cow casinos -- may not reopen for months. DETAILS
-- While coronavirus testing increases in Michigan, newly discovered cases are declining. The health department said Wednesday there are 657 new cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 71 new deaths. That brings the totals to 45,054 cases and 4,250 deaths in the state throughout the coronavirus pandemic. MORE HERE.
-- The fate of field hospitals dotted across metro Detroit to handle overflow patients from the coronavirus crisis is being questioned as expenses mount and the number of cases continues to fall. Subusban Collection's hospital has five patients and a price tag of $1 million a month. DETAILS
-- 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.
-- Federal authorities and State Police are offering a $5,000 reward to help find two suspects involved in a deadly shooting of a Flint Family Dollar security guard after a dispute over wearing a mask. One suspect has already been arraigned in the killing. DETAILS HERE.
-- 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.
-- In the midst of a conversation with WWJ's morning show about protests and lawsuits against her stay home order, and safety in public parks early on Tuesday, Gov. Whitmer issued a dire warning for people across Michigan. READ MORE
-- Where's the beef? There were no hamburgers, only chicken, on the menu at Wendy's locations in metro Detroit — due to dwindling meat supplies amid the pandemic. DETAILS HERE.
-- The Michigan State Capitol Commission wants to ban guns inside the state Capitol Building, but determined that it doesn't have the authority. This after the vice chair says an armed protest group "really took a threatening stance." READ MORE.
-- The Big 3 are planning to reopen their North American auto factories within two weeks, potentially putting thousands of workers back on the assembly line — and it appears the UAW is on board. DETAILS HERE.
-- After photos showed human remains stacked in a hospital room, and at least one report of a misplaced loved one, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued an emergency order related to the handling of bodies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. LEARN MORE.
-- Gov. Whitmer has announced more than $3.3 million in financial relief going to 657 bar and restaurant owners across the state. The money is meant "to help tide them over" until they can reopen. DETAILS HERE.
-- There are pickup locations from Detroit to Orion, to Romeo as Forgotten Harvest works to get groceries to struggling families. For anyone who might need a little help with food this week, see the distribution SCHEDULE HERE.
-- The number of Michigan residents considered recovered from COVID-19 has nearly doubled since last Saturday, with more than 15,659 Michiganders now officially declared survivors of the coronavirus. This includes everyone who was diagnosed on or before April 1. MORE HERE
-- Bars and casinos in Michigan will stay closed, and restaurants will be limited to carryout and delivery only at least until May 28. One of three new executive orders signed by Gov. Whitmer last week extended the State of Emergency. DETAILS 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
-- For the first time, a major U.S. study has found that an experimental drug works against the new coronavirus — and federal government officials say they will work to make it available to appropriate patients as quickly as possible. READ MORE.
-- 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!
