Barber Karl Manke, of Owosso, gives a free haircut on the steps of the State Capitol during a rally in Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Gretchen Whitmer and reopened his shop last spring during the coronavirus pandemic was fined $9,000 for violating licensing rules, including joining a protest where hairstylists cut hair on the Capitol lawn. The Board of Barber Examiners on Monday accepted an administrative law judge's findings and issued the fines for violations — including barbering on the Capitol steps, where he was not licensed to operate. The fines were levied against both Manke and his business, and $6,000 stemmed from his participation in the Capitol demonstration last May. In a March 1 report, Administrative Law Judge Stephen Goldstein said his argument “may have merit," but the tribunal had no jurisdiction to address constitutional issues.

Barbers and hair stylists are protesting the state's stay-at-home orders, a defiant demonstration that reflects how salons have become a symbol for small businesses that are eager to reopen two months after the COVID-19 pandemic began. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)LANSING, Mich. – A judge dismissed disorderly conduct charges Monday against six hair stylists who were ticketed last spring during a protest at the Michigan Capitol. The women were cutting hair to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's decision to keep barber shops and salons closed for nearly three months because of the coronavirus pandemic. Many barbers and hair stylists emerged as activists in Michigan, inspired by the defiance of Karl Manke, a barber in Owosso, who dared state authorities to shut him down.

OWOSSO, Mich. – Charges have been dropped against a Michigan barber who defied Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders at the time and reopened his shop during the coronavirus pandemic. However, 77-year-old Karl Manke reopened his shop in Owosso in early May. Attorneys said the state Supreme Court’s decision on Whitmer’s emergency powers led prosecutors to drop the case. State regulations are still trying to revoke Manke’s license.

(AP Photo/Anupam Nath)LONDON — Ireland’s government is putting the country at its highest level of coronavirus restrictions for six weeks in a bid to combat a rise in infections. The board members hail from top California top universities and medical providers, along with state and local public health officials. ___AUSTIN, Texas -- Health officials in Texas have reported 4,319 COVID-19 hospital patients, the most since Aug. 28. Khan’s remarks come amid a slight increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths in recent weeks. Pakistan also reported 440 new confirmed cases, raising its total cases to 323,452 since February when Pakistan reported its first case.

DETROIT (AP) The Michigan appeals court has ordered a barber who has been defying the states coronavirus restrictions to close his shop. READ: Judge rejects request for temporary restraining order that wouldve shut down Owosso barberKarl Manke reopened his shop in Owosso on May 4 in defiance of Gov. The appeals court ruled Thursday that Manke failed to rebut the states claim that barbershops and hair salons pose a risk to public health. READ: Owosso barbers license suspended after refusing to close shop amid pandemicManke told The Associated Press that he doesnt care what the appeals court said and that hell continue to cut hair. MORE: Owosso barber refuses to close shop amid Michigans stay-at-home order

The coronavirus has contributed to more than 5,000 confirmed deaths in Michigan, the fourth-highest toll in the country. Gretchen Whitmers closure of nonessential businesses is among the nations toughest and is in effect at least through May 28. I can truly see this through both lenses, said Weaver, who does not plan to attend the protest scheduled for Wednesday. One of the things I want to emphasize, Michigan, all of you business owners, you beauticians, you barbers, massage therapists all of you. Wednesday's Operation Haircut protest is being organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition, which led a car-based rally against Whitmer's orders in April.