Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan Appeals Court Says Barbershop Must Close Despite Its Protests

By Rick Pluta • May 28, 2020

A Michigan Court of Appeals panel says a lower court judge got it wrong by refusing to enforce an order to shut down Owosso, Mich., barber Karl Manke, who gained fame or notoriety for cutting hair in defiance of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19 emergency orders. The orders include a ban on barbers and hair salons doing business during the declared crisis.

After Michigan school closure, switch to online learning could leave rural families behind

By Max Johnston • Apr 9, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic means Michigan schools are closed for the rest of the academic year.

Many districts are switching to online learning and it’s a big adjustment. It’s also a gamble because some families may not be able to access it.

School is still in session

Legislature to vote on extending Whitmer's emergency powers

By Rick Pluta • Apr 7, 2020

Governor Gretchen Whitmer gives an update on Michigan's repsonse to the COVID-19 pandemic on April 6, 2020. — Michigan Executive Office of the Governor

The Legislature will meet Tuesday to vote on a resolution to extend the emergency powers Governor Gretchen Whitmer invoked to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

The House and the Senate have adopted special rules for in-person voting while adhering to health protections.

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Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness has COVID-19 asks for Whitmer

By Max Johnston • Mar 31, 2020

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH) is asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for policy changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter signed by over 80 homelessness organizations in Michigan, the MCAH asked for funding for temporary housing and longer bans on evictions and foreclosures, among several other proposals.

Michigan should let some contractors work under 'stay at home' order, says lawmaker

By Max Johnston • Mar 31, 2020

The state house majority leader wants the Governor to let some Michigan businesses get back to work. State Rep. Triston Cole (R-Mancelona) said so in a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer late Monday.

Michigan schools, students, parents want clarity on school year

By Rick Pluta • Mar 27, 2020

The Greenfields stepped out for a safe social distance interview at Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. Left to right: Heather, Jill, Sonja and Gregory Greenfield from left to right, with Allison Greenfield up front. — Rick Pluta / Michigan Public Radio Network

School officials in Michigan will have to make some tough decisions very soon about the rest of the school year. One of them is whether to send layoff notices to teachers and other school staff who aren’t working.

That would save money for later in case the school year is extend to make up for days lost due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Northern Michigan schools prepare emergency child care centers

By Taylor Wizner • Mar 23, 2020

On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order mandating people stay in their homes.

People who work in hospitals, pharmacies and grocery stores and who provide other essential services are excempt.

To help exempt workers do their jobs, Whitmer asked northern Michigan educators to coordinate child care services and make emergency daycare centers available if needed.

Gov. Whitmer: Coronavirus tests should be reserved for most vulnerable

By Rick Pluta • Mar 17, 2020

The state Department of Health and Human Services reports there are 11 new confirmed cases in Michigan. That brings the total number of known COVID-19 cases to 65.

The state is reporting new cases in Jackson, Leelanau and Otsego Counties.

Michigan Governor to close bars and restaurants across the state

By Rick Pluta • Mar 16, 2020

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. — CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS

Update 3/16/20, 11:30 am: In addition to bars and restaurants, Gov. Whitmer’s executive order also closes gyms, spas and health clubs, casinos, as well as theaters and other performance venues across the state. Order restrictions will remain in place until Monday, March 30 at 11:59 pm.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will sign an executive order this morning that closes bars and restaurants in Michigan starting this afternoon. The emergency action is to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The ban will only apply to sit-down service.

Two coronavirus cases confirmed in lower Michigan

By Taylor Wizner • Mar 10, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer confirmed two people in Michigan tested positive for coronavirus and has declared a state of emergency.

Whitmer announced the development during a press conference late Tuesday night in Lansing.

Gov. Whitmer endorses Biden in Democratic primary

By Rick Pluta • Mar 6, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in Michigan’s March 10 presidential primary.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer cheers Medicaid work ruling

By Rick Pluta • Mar 5, 2020

Governor Gretchen Whitmer addresses the media recently. — Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio

A federal court has struck down Michigan’s requirement that adults enrolled in the Healthy Michigan plan must be working or in school, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature’s Republican leaders are at odds on what to do next.

Gov. Whitmer in Traverse City to support O'Neil for state house race

By Max Johnston • Feb 28, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was in Traverse City Friday to support Democratic State House candidate Dan O'Neil. She spoke to donors at a fundraiser at the Park Place Hotel.

Michigan high water summit addresses record-setting water levels forecast

By Daniel Wanschura • Feb 11, 2020

A home in Manistee sits dangerously close to an eroding bluff in Manistee. — GARY LANGLEY, FAA CERTIFIED SUAS PILOT / INTERLOCHEN PUBLIC RADIO

Michigan is preparing for more damage that could come from even higher water levels.

On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met with federal, state and local officials in Lansing for the first Michigan High Water Coordinating Summit.

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After State Of The Union, spotlight will turn to Michigan's Democratic governor

By Rick Pluta • Feb 3, 2020

Democrats are turning to Michigan’ s governor, Gretchen Whitmer, to deliver the English language response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night.

The choice highlights the central role Michigan and the industrial Midwest are expected to play in the presidential election this year.

Gov. Whitmer ready with “Plan B” for road money

By Rick Pluta • Jan 30, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she’s ready to go-it-alone to come up with money to pay for road repairs. That’s if Republicans won’t support her proposal for a fuel tax increase.

That was the message Whitmer delivered in her second State of the State speech Wednesday night.

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Lawmakers gear up for last week in Lansing for the year

By Cheyna Roth • Dec 10, 2019

State lawmakers plan to finish up their work in Lansing this week.

The state House is expected to vote on bills to restore funding for some of the items vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in late September.

Lieutenant Gov. Gilchrist signs first bill as acting governor in Michigan

By Cheyna Roth • Nov 22, 2019

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist signed his first bill Thursday. He's the first African American lieutenant governor to sign a bill into law. — Cheyna Roth / MPRN

Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist became the first African American Lieutenant Governor to sign a bill into law Thursday.

Whitmer heads to Israel on first international trip as governor

By Cheyna Roth • Nov 18, 2019

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is in Israel all week on a trip aimed at strengthening Michigan’s business ties with the country. The goal is to help Michigan compete for tech jobs that pay well.

Whitmer will travel between Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem to meet with government, business and nonprofit leaders.

The trip, according to a statement from Whitmer, is all about relationships. She said, “I look forward to a number of productive conversations on how we can strengthen our ties with our partners overseas and help attract more businesses and jobs to Michigan.”

Michigan joins majority of states to 'Raise the Age'

By Cheyna Roth • Nov 1, 2019

Starting in October 2021, 17-year-olds will no longer automatically be treated as adults in Michigan’s criminal justice system.

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Court says Line 5 tunnel plan can go forward, Whitmer to appeal

By Max Johnston • Oct 31, 2019

The Michigan Court of Claims ruled on Thursday in favor of Enbridge and its plan to house the Line 5 oil pipelines in a tunnel under the straits of Mackinac.

In 2018, former Gov. Rick Snyder signed a law authorizing the Mackinac Bridge Authority to oversee the construction of a tunnel for Line 5. Earlier this year Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a suit for state agencies to stop work on it. Enbridge also filed suit and now the court knocked down Whitmer and Nessel's order.