Government

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hinted Friday that she will soon reopen more regions of Michigan, expressing optimism as long as the rate of new coronavirus cases continues downward and testing increases. She did not specify when she may act, alluding to an announcement on additional areas in “coming days.” Her administration will discuss the issue internally Saturday. The governor’s stay-at-home order …

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s husband urged a business to get his boat in the water in time for Memorial Day weekend, according to social media posts, while she was publicly telling cooped-up residents to resist flocking to popular vacation areas during the coronavirus pandemic. Personal Facebook posts from NorthShore Dock owner Tad Dowker are no longer available. But The Detroit …

Sheriff’s deputies were called last week to investigate separate incidents of destruction of property. Deputies responded Tuesday to the 58000 block of U.S. 131 in Fabius Township, where forced entry into a barn was attempted. The building sustained minor damage. The second incident was an unrelated property-damage complaint in the 300 block of South Second Street in the village of …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday extended Michigan’s stay-at-home order by slightly more than two additional weeks, through June 12, while keeping theaters, gyms and other places of public accommodation closed until at least then. A day after a judge ruled in her favor in a lawsuit filed by the Republican-led Legislature, the Democratic governor also extended her coronavirus emergency declaration through June 19. Both …

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prevailed Thursday in a high-stakes challenge by Republican lawmakers who sued over her authority to declare emergencies and order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak. A 1945 law cited by Whitmer, a Democrat, is not limited to regional emergencies and can have no end date, said Judge Cynthia Stephens of the Court of Claims. The opinion …

A 21-year-old man faces a charge of open murder following an incident Thursday in Three Rivers. According to a media release from the Three Rivers Police Department, police were called at 9:43 a.m. to the 300 block of Middle Street. Upon arrival, investigators found a 59-year-old Three Rivers man dead at the scene. Due to the nature of the incident, …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday further relaxed stay-at-home restrictions, lifting a ban on nonessential health procedures late next week and letting residents immediately gather socially in small groups before the Memorial Day weekend. Retail businesses can reopen by appointment only, starting Tuesday, as long as there are no more than 10 customers inside at a time. People are required to …

Michigan’s top election official said Tuesday that absentee ballot applications will be mailed to all 7.7 million registered voters for the August primary and November general election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the step — announced as the state continues to confront the coronavirus pandemic — ensures no one “has to to choose between their health and their right …

Three items of new business will be discussed by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners today. During their twice-a-month meeting at 5 o’clock, commissioners will consider approving a grant for animal control. Other agenda items center on an Emergency Management/COVID-19 update from Emergency Management Services director Erin Goff and potential approval of a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response plan. The …

Restaurants, bars and other retail businesses can reopen in much of northern Michigan starting Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday — a key step for the tourism-dependent region before the Memorial Day weekend and summer season. Bars and restaurants, which have only been able to do pickup and delivery, will have to limit capacity to 50%. Groups will be required …