Monday News Summary 09-19-22
Mon, 19 Sep 2022 12:18:41 EDT


(Stories Courtesy of Michigan News Radio)


LATEST COVID NUMBERS
While COVID numbers are starting to ease across the U.S., the number of high risk counties in Michigan nearly doubled over the past week. 14 counties, including Macomb, Washtenaw, and Lapeer counties, are at high risk of transmission -- compared to 8 counties a week ago. The CDC recommends masking indoors regardless of vaccination status in high risk areas. 34 Michigan counties are at a medium level of transmission, while 35 counties are at a low level.

JANUARY 6 SENTENCE
A Metro Detroit man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. 47-year-old Anthony Robert Williams of Southgate was sentenced Friday to three years of supervised release after his prison term and ordered him to pay $2-THOUSAND dollars in restitution and a $5- THOUSAND dollar fine. In June, a jury convicted Williams of a felony count of obstructing the joint session of Congress for certifying the Electoral College vote. In a Facebook post three days after the riot, Williams called himself an "Operation Swamp Storm veteran" and referred to January 6th as the "proudest day" of his life.

AUTO SHOW DISPLAYS
Numerous car manufacturers have lavish displays for the Auto Show this year -- the first year the show is both indoors and outdoors. --Buick is showing their Wildcat EV concept. -- Stellantis brings the Ram Truck Territory and Camp Jeep tracks for the first time to show off their vehicles' capabilities. Professional drivers will take customers in Ram 1500 pickup trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and plug-in hybrid Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe SUVs. -- Vehicles from Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat are also on display.

STUDENT LOANS
Student loan relief applications could be available next month and the forgiveness program could help many people find the American dream. The American dream of owning a home has eluded many people and it's been hard for first time buyers to come up with a down payment and work through the mortgage applications process. 43 percent have said their student loan debt was the biggest obstacle holding them back. But now the National Association of Realtors figures the student loan forgiveness program may help some 45 million borrowers become homeowners; over 400- thousand of them here in Michigan. For many Michigan borrowers the forgiveness program could eliminate a third of their student loan debt, helping them qualify for a mortgage and save for the down payment.

BUSINESS SURVEY
Small business owners have noticed a dramatic change in the economy over the past few months. And it is not a change for the better. Four out of 10 small businesses believe they were in a recession. 62% say if we were not we would be within the next 12 months. That's the finding of the latest small business survey from Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses. Almost half of small business owners think things have gotten worse over the past three months With three main issues: difficulty finding and retaining qualified employees; Rising inflation; and issues getting supplies. Eight out of 10 small businesses across the country say they are motivated to vote in upcoming elections. The candidate they choose would most likely be one that supports empowering the small business administration to provide new programs and assistance to meet the current needs of small businesses.

CANADIAN HOLIDAY
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says today (September 19th) will be a holiday so that federal employees can mourn Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her state funeral. Trudeau says he's working with the provinces on a possible public holiday for other workers. The late queen visited the country 22 times as monarch.

SALMON STOCKING
The DNR will hold a virtual meeting tonight from 7:00-8:30 to propose increasing Chinook salmon stocking in Lake Michigan. After decades of fish stocking decreases to balance the salmon population, the DNR is seeking good indicators that a modest stocking increase may be warranted in Lake Michigan. The public's feedback is requested for tonight's virtual meeting.

MICHIGAN TRAILS
Whether it's on foot, horseback, a mountain bike, an ORV or in a canoe, you are invited to celebrate Michigan Trails Week this week. To pay tribute to Michigan's extraordinary trail system, find a new trail adventure, revisit your favorite route or make it social. Be sure to follow MiStateParks on both Facebook and Instagram to find ideas on how to celebrate all week long. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRTrails for more information, maps and ways to donate.

DETROIT OFFICER SHOT
A Detroit Police Officer listed in critical condition after reportedly being shot in the leg accidentally by a fellow officer around Sunday on the city's west-side. Police officials say the officers were responding to a suicidal persons call in the area when an American Bulldog from a home near-by broke loose from the neighbor charging the officers. One officer firing a single shot missed the dog and hit his Partner. The investigation is still underway.

GRAND VALLEY APARTMENT SHOOTING
Four men are injured following a shooting early Sunday morning at an apartment complex near Grand Valley State University. Police say none of the injuries are expected to be life-threatening. At 2:20 a.m. police responded to reports of a loud party at the apartment complex. When they arrived on the scene, gunshots were fired in the area. Officers began giving medical treatment to one man who was shot -- police say the three other men arrived at local hospitals shortly after the shooting. The university department of public safety says it's working with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, the City of Grand Rapids and other law enforcement agencies to curtail the violence and protect their community. They say they are also working with the owners and managers of the off-campus apartments that surround the Allendale Campus.

ALBION FIGHT
Five Albion Police officers sustained minor injuries and six others were arrested after a fight Saturday evening. The Albion Department of Public Safety says police received a report of a fight during the Festival of the Forks. When they arrived, they were told a person wearing a mask had a gun and a 15-year-old fitting the description was running down the street with other people. Some officers were injured by people who interfered, one woman allegedly punched an officer in the face. Police say they used tasers and pepper spray to control some and get those interfering away from the Officers. Six people , three adults and three juveniles were arrested.

BODY IMAGE POLL
You usually think teenage girls might have a negative body image of themselves, but a new national poll by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan shows it's affecting even more kids. Two in three parents say their child is self-conscious about some aspect of their appearance. Mott Poll co-director, Dr. Susan Woolford, says these findings reinforce research that as kids receive unhealthy messages about societal ideals, it can lead to a poor self image of themselves. She says that can lead to eating disorders, depression, and low self esteem.

GAS PRICES
Gas prices are down in Michigan to start the work week. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in the state is 3.81 -- down four cents from a week ago. The most expensive areas to buy gas in the state are Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Traverse City. The cheapest cities to fill your tank are Grand Rapids, Benton Harbor, and Lansing.

CALEDONIA HOUSE EXPLOSION
One person has been injured in a house explosion in Caledonia. WZZM reports the explosion happened just after midnight and investigators say it may have been caused by a gas leak, but the investigation is ongoing. Debris was found as far as 100 feet from the home.

QUEEN'S FUNERAL
The funeral for Queen Elizabeth is underway in London, and royal watchers are watching the funeral in Warren at the Commonwealth Club. However, the power went out, so they are watching the funeral by candlelight on their smartphones.

BAY MILLS CULTURAL CENTER VANDALISM
In Chippewa County , police say four children were responsible for the vandalism at the Bay Mills Cultural Center in Brimley last month. The four, ages 8 to 13, allegedly caused more than 20-thousand dollars in damage to the building. The juveniles will be prosecuted in tribal court. Tribal Police thank the community for helping bring the investigation to a close.

APPEALS COURT
Two high profile cases in Traverse City will be heard by the Michigan Appeals Court early next month. One case involves building heights in downtown Traverse City. According to the city charter, any building over 60 feet must go to a public vote. Also, the proposed Fishpass project will go before the appeals court . Traverse City and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission are appealing a judge's order that the project must go to a public vote. Both cases are scheduled to begin October 4th in Petoskey.

NORTHVILLE DOWNS
The Northville City Council will be discussing plans to redevelop the Northville Downs racetrack tonight. An ordinance about the project is on the agenda for tonight's meeting. Earlier this month, the Northville Planning Commission approved preliminary plans for the project -- which would involve demolishing the track and grandstands and building homes, apartments, stores and a park. Developers are hoping to start construction next Summer.


   

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