Things Are Getting Uglier And Uglier For Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

METRO DETROIT, MI — Republicans in the Michigan Senate on Thursday authorized a lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer if she allocates millions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds that haven’t been appropriated by the Legislature, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The resolution, approved on a party-line vote, is the latest skirmish in the ongoing battle between the Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature that stems in part from Whitmer’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey didn’t say in a floor speech Thursday why the power to limit Whitmer’s authority is needed, but spoke broadly about mask mandates and other restrictions to slow the virus's spread.

“The people of Michigan know what to do … And they're just waiting to be informed, inspired, encouraged and then trusted,” Shirkey said. "And right now we're still under an environment where this governor does not trust citizens of Michigan to do the right thing.” Read more on the Detroit Free Press

“Detroit Stories” Tops Billboard

Rock legend Alice Cooper tweeted he is “absolutely floored” by the support for “Detroit Stories,” which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart. It’s a first for Cooper in the 29-year history of the chart. Read more on Billboard.

Metro Detroit Headlines

• Whitmer May Face Criminal Charges In Nursing Home Deaths: Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido, a Republican, is advising family members of nursing home residents who died during the coronavirus pandemic about how to file a wrongful death criminal complaint with local police, via WXYZ.com.

• How To Get COVID-19 Shot At Rite Aid: The pharmacy is the latest to offer vaccine shots to Michigan residents, via Royal Oak Patch.
• $3.4M In Cash To Michigan Entertainment Venues: Your favorite place to have fun may be in line for grants of up to $40,000 from the Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program, via the Detroit Free Press.

“I place focus on the adults, who were irresponsible. Irresponsible gun owners. My message is they should be charged.”

— Detroit Police Chief James Craig, speaking after two children were shot in the same day

SPORTS TALK: The Detroit Lions are sending cornerback Justin Coleman into free agency as the club continues to cut costs. The Lions also released cornerback Desmond Trufant and linebacker Christian Jones, with the three cuts saving the club about $13.7 million, via MLive.com.

WEATHER IN A WORD: Bright

LET’S MAKE PLANS: For socially distanced family fun Saturday, check out “Birds in Your Binoculars,” at Lake Erie Metropark in Brownstone. Read more about it.

• 313 Weekend: Spring is coming, and Detroit is opening venue doors to people from all over the state. Read more about it.
• Maple’s Sweet Story: Kids learn all about maple sugaring at this event Saturday at Heritage Park in Farmington. Read more about it.

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