MICHIGAN-GOVERNOR-KIDNAPPING-PLOT

Whitmer kidnapping trial symbol of discord in west Michigan

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Four men accused of scheming to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are on trial in a federal courthouse named for Gerald R. Ford, the former president known for moderation and bridge-building. It's a jarring contrast that reflects a growing political and cultural divide across the U.S. Anger and intense partisanship are showing up in western and northern Michigan, where the trial's jury members live. The region includes Grand Rapids, which Ford represented in Congress, plus farms, small towns and the Lake Michigan coast. Historically, the area has been known for Midwestern congeniality and mild-mannered leaders. But it has been torn by clashes over guns, race and the pandemic restrictions that prosecutors say inspired the plot against Whitmer.

GAS TAX-FREEZE-VETO

Whitmer signals veto of bill to freeze state gasoline tax

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signaled she will veto Republican-sponsored legislation that would freeze Michigan’s 27-cents-per-gallon gasoline and diesel taxes for six months amid high prices at the pump. The Democratic governor wants Congress to pause the federal 18-cents-a-gallon gas tax and 24-cent diesel tax. Whitmer said Friday she's “all in” on trying to get Michiganders relief. She says the focus should be on helping those who are struggling. The federal legislation supported by Whitmer would shift general funds to ensure there's no impact on road funding. Republicans say they'd do something similar if she signs the state bill.

PAROLE BILLS

Laws let parole board wait 5 years to review certain inmates

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — New laws allow the Michigan Parole Board to delay reviews of killers and other violent offenders so they occur every five years instead of every one or two years. The bipartisan measures signed Friday by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer address what supporters say was an unintended consequence of a 2018 law changing parole rules. The legislation was spurred by victims who survived Lansing-area serial killer Don Miller. Among the changes in the 2018 law was a provision that shortened the maximum period between parole reviews for an inmate who was denied despite having a high or average probability of release.

PRISON GUARD THREATENED-INMATE CHARGED

Inmate faces charges after threats made to prison guard

MILAN, Mich. (AP) — A man scheduled for release from a federal prison in Michigan could face additional time after authorities said he threatened to kill a prison guard and the guard’s family. The Detroit News reports that prosecutors unsealed a new case Friday against Jemel Thompson, hours before he was to leave the prison in Milan. The 32-year-old Thompson was serving a 10-month sentence for violating supervised release conditions stemming from a conviction for gun and drug crimes. He now faces six more years if convicted of threatening the guard. An affidavit by an FBI agent states that guards at the prison on Feb. 24 noticed graffiti in Thompson’s cell that threatened the guard.

MICHIGAN ELK SURVEY

DNR: Aerial survey shows Michigan's elk herd growing

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources says a survey conducted in January estimates that Michigan’s elk population has increased 5% since 2019. The DNR says the aerial survey over eight days in January covered 1,080 square miles of sample plots across the northern Lower Peninsula. The state's elk population is estimated to be between 870 and 1,684 animals. A total of 793 elk in 92 groups were observed and a population estimate model was used to account for the animals that may not have been observed during the survey. DNR deer, elk and moose management specialist Chad Stewart says “the latest estimates suggest that the elk herd remains healthy.”

TROLLEY CRASH

Northern Indiana bus crash sends 7 people to hospitals

GOSHEN, Ind. (AP) — Authorities say seven people have been were transported to hospitals following a bus crash Friday afternoon in northern Indiana. Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink says the Interurban Trolley bus struck a pole Friday afternoon. He says first responders needed to "extricate the driver and a few other patrons on the bus.” The Interurban Trolley provides public transit with two routes from Elkhart to Goshen and Mishawaka and three circulator routes connecting major corridors in and around the City of Elkhart

AP-US-MICHIGAN-GOVERNOR-KIDNAPPING-PLOT

Jury hears man discuss plan to abduct Mich. Gov. Whitmer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Prosecutors have played covertly recorded audio for jurors in which a man charged in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer specifically mentions abducting the Democrat. In the recording made in mid-July 2020 in Wisconsin, Barry Croft Jr. describes the possibility of using explosives to “rain down” fire on law enforcement “with a team standing by” to grab Whitmer. He adds without providing details about any plan, that they should execute “a quick precise grab.” Four men are on trial in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the alleged plot. Prosecutors say they were angry about pandemic restrictions Whitmer imposed. Defense attorneys say the men were big talkers who were entrapped by government informants and FBI agents.

WIND-BLOWN-ICE-SHANTY

2 men rescued from Saginaw Bay for 2nd time this week

FRASER TWP, Mich. (AP) — Two men have been rescued from the icy waters of Saginaw Bay for the second time this week after falling through unstable ice. The Saginaw News reports the two were trying to retrieve items they had to abandon during their first rescue Sunday when they needed to be rescued again Wednesday. Bay County Sheriff Troy Cunningham says deputies were dispatched after being alerted to two men being in the water after their boat capsized. He says "the two men were trying to retrieve equipment they’d been forced to leave on the ice from their previous ice rescue.” The two were taken to a hospital.

PRISON-DOG HANDLERS

Ruff news: Dog handlers at Michigan prisons get pay cut

MUNISING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan prisoners who are trusted to train dogs are getting a 42% pay cut to $1.54 per day after a mistake was discovered by the Corrections Department. Prisoners already receive low wages for their work behind bars. Now a pay cut from $2.65 per day hurts, especially when the job requires special skills. The Detroit Free Press says a Corrections Department official made a mistake by approving the higher pay rate around 2011. Men who train dogs at the Alger prison say they must have a good record and complete an eight-week training program to get the jobs. Louise Reichert of Escanaba says her Pomeranian was trained by prisoners. She says he's been a great pet.

KENNEDY LIMOUSINE-COMPANY CLOSING

Armored vehicle maker that retrofitted JFK's limo is closing

CINCINNATI (AP) — An armored vehicle maker that customized the limousine in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 is shutting down its operations. The company near Cincinnati filed a notice last week that it will layoff all 200 of its employees in Fairfield, Ohio, and close permanently. The company was known as Hess & Eisenhardt in the 1960s, when it reinforced Kennedy’s presidential limousine after it was built by Ford Motor Co. in 1961. Among the modifications added were removable transparent roof panels, a hydraulic rear seat that could elevate the president and steps for Secret Service agents.

News from © The Associated Press, 2022