Michigan Democrats are back in full legislative control thanks to victories in two state House elections.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign a bill that would allow for HOV or carpool lanes in Michigan along I-75.

The Michigan House has approved new legislation that would expand the state’s hate crime law to include protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s everything we know about the bill.

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.

Legislation that would expand Michigan’s hate crime law to include protections for the LGBTQ+ community would not make it a felony to address a person by the wrong pronouns.

A law to require an adult-sized changing table in most places with public restrooms will be reintroduced in the Michigan House.

Michigan is one step closer for a law to be in place that’ll make it illegal to hold and use a cell phone while driving.

After passing in the state House and Senate, bills changing Michigan's driving rules could take effect on June 30.

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Thursday that will permanently outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in the state.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was in Lansing with Michigan lawmakers for a gun safety rally Wednesday.

The state Senate has just voted to repeal Michigan’s right-to-work law.

In a late-night session, the Michigan House voted for universal background checks along party lines 56-53—the first of proposed new gun legislation in the wake of the mass shooting at Michigan State University.

The Michigan House is expected to vote on House Bill 4001 Thursday morning, which, if approved, sends $180 checks which Governor Gretchen Whitmer refers to as “Inflation relief,” to everybody who files a tax return.

Michigan was the third most mentioned state in the almost 850-page investigation report that revealed new information about the Trump campaign’s fight to overturn the election, and the lengths it went to undermine the voters of Michigan.

Here’s where you can find Michigan general election results for Michigan State House races on Nov. 8, 2022.

There are new developments surrounding the battle over certifying Michigan’s results in the 2020 election.

State Representative Steve Carra is proposing that Jan. 6 -- the date of a deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in 2021 -- be recognized as “Remembrance Day” in Michigan.

House Democrats are calling for the creation of a committee to investigate whether former Speaker Lee Chatfield committed financial improprieties while in office.

Top Michigan Republicans on Tuesday denounced a state House candidate over his remarks about rape, the latest in a number of controversial comments from the man who narrowly won a special GOP primary a week ago.

Republicans who control the Michigan Legislature have agreed on a plan to cut taxes, advancing a bill that will be vetoed because there is no deal with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Tuesday is an election day in Michigan -- that is, if you’re a voter in one of four Michigan House districts with a special election race.

Put the phone down: That’s the goal of bills that moved through the Michigan House on Tuesday.

Here’s what is coming up on Local 4 News at 11:

Ali Hammoud said he can’t go on defending Jones, claiming there was a “breakdown in the relationship.”

Jones was sentenced to jail Tuesday after he was accused of violating his bond a third time.

"Action must be taken to protect the public’s interest," said Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth.

Michigan State Rep. Jewell Jones (D-Inkster) brought a handcuff key with him into jail this week.

An independent commission is drawing out Michigan’s new political maps, but time is running out to get the job done.

Detroit will see an increase in funding of about $27 million. That money could go a long way to help repair buildings, replace books and equipment and set the district on a better path forward.

The funding raises the amount of money spent on each student from $8,100 to $8,700.

Michigan House of Representatives approved a new state budget Thursday before the July 1 deadline, including record funding for local schools.

Legislation that would lift barriers on organ donation has passed the Michigan House.

Michigan lawmakers are advancing a package of bills that would ban most cell phone use while driving, as well as increase penalties for doing so.

The fate of the House proposal is unclear as legislative budget negotiations ramp up.

Police say a Michigan lawmaker who was arrested for drunken driving and resisting officers threatened to call Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and told state troopers it wouldn't be good for them because he oversees their budget.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan House on Thursday approved a bill to encourage internet companies to provide broadband access to underserved areas after the coronavirus pandemic shone a light on that need. Equity in internet access and how to fund it has been discussed by policymakers in Michigan in the past. Michigan ranked 19th among the states in 2020 for best internet coverage, prices and speeds by BroadbandNow, but Rep. Michele Hoitenga, who represents Manton in northern rural Michigan, said that is not good enough. The state Senate will next review a House amendment and the bill could then head to Gov. The Senate bill and a similar House bill that aims to create a tax exemption for broadband providers are tie-barred, meaning one cannot become law without the other.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan House is again preparing to serve as a platform for the state’s innovators and creatives to connect with the worldwide audience that attends the South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) next week. In the moment it was devastating, but even within a couple days it was clear the right decision had been made,” said Ted Velie, a co-founder of Michigan House. We were thrilled then, that SXSW found a way for us to still connect this year.”AdOver the course of the five day virtual conference, Michigan House will host three Official SXSW Panel Discussions, a virtual meet-up for entrepreneurs, a Michigan Startup Portfolio, and a Michigan House Booth on SXSW’s digital platform. AdSee the schedule below for the panels, organized by Ann Arbor SPARK’s Komal Doshi, and the Michigan-focused SXSW event. Hosted by Start Garden, Ann Arbor SPARK, Detroit Startup Week & MEDCTo attend the free event, register here.

SXSW will have a series of Michigan-focused events this year.

After months of back-and-forth, Congress finally has a second COVID-19 stimulus bill. But what does that mean for Michigan residents? With the deal done, the stimulus money will soon make its way to Metro Detroiters. The $900 billion deal will give those making under $75,000 roughly $600, but there is also a payout for dependents. Some people have already received emails, calls and texts saying they need to provide personal information to get the money.

What to know today 🌅Michigan’s new COVID-19 order now in effectThe updated restrictions allowed many entertainment venues to reopen with limited capacity. Federal virus relief bill: Top Capitol Hill negotiators sealed a deal Sunday on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. Michigan House approves $483 million COVID relief bill: The Michigan House announced Monday morning it has approved a $483 million COVID-19 relief bill that was passed by the Senate on Friday night. Michigan’s 7-day average for new COVID cases declined to 4,010 as of Saturday, Dec. 19. According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 17.5 million COVID cases have been reported across the country as of Saturday.

The Michigan House announced Monday morning it has approved a $483 million COVID-19 relief bill that was passed by the Senate on Friday night. According to the House, the bill includes:$64 million in small business survival relief$220 million to extend unemployment benefits$45 million in direct payments to workers who have been impacted by the virus$75 million for hospitals and healthcare workers,$22 million for increased testing$57 million for vaccine distributionThat adds up to $483 million in relief. The Senate voted 35-2 to approve Senate Bill 748. Congress is expected to pass a relief bill today that includes stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, rental and eviction relief, money for schools and small business loans. As we continue working to eliminate this virus, I urge all Michiganders to be smart and stay safe.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Senate passed a $465 million COVID-19 relief bill during session Friday night. The Senate voted 35-2 to approve Senate Bill 748. Some of the money distribution includes:$220 million for unemployment$48 million for COVID vaccine distribution and testing$45 million in grants for workers laid off or furloughed in business impacted by restrictions$55 million in small business survival grantsThe bill is set to go to the Michigan House on Monday. UPDATE: Michigan House approves $483 million COVID relief billREAD: Michigan revises COVID-19 order to reopen high schools, some entertainment venuesWatch the report in the video posted above. After her friend Wayne County sheriff Benny Napoleon died from COVID-19, Whitmer said when it comes the vaccine distribution is bottlenecked due to Washington.

DETROIT – The Michigan House and Senate Oversight committees subpoenaed Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey and Livonia City Clerk Susan Nash. Both cities had a number of precincts where the poll books did not match the vote tally and are not explained. Both city clerks have until Jan. 12 to present documents explaining how the election was handled. The Michigan House and Senate are holding hearings on alleged voting irregularities, which have found no proof of fraud at this point and nothing to suggest the vote in Michigan was not secure or accurate. House Oversight Chair Matt Hall, of Marshall, issued the following statement Tuesday after a joint hearing of the House and Senate Oversight committees:

DETROIT – On Tuesday, the Michigan House and Senate Oversight Committees voted to issue subpoenas to Livonia City Clerk, Susan Nash, and Detroit City Clerk, Janice Winfrey, for information related to the 2020 general and primary elections. Under the subpoenas both Winfrey and Nash have until 5 p.m. Jan. 5, 2021 to provide information and documents on how they ran the elections. Tuesday’s vote was made only one day after Michigan electors unanimously cast 16 Electoral College votes for Joe Biden for president. House Oversight Chair, Matt Hall, of Marshall issued the following statement after the joint hearing of the House and Senate Oversight Committees. “The House and Senate Oversight Committees have heard testimony and claims about this election.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Rep. Cynthia Johnson is under investigation after she posted on social media a response to the many violent, vulgar and racist death threats she’s received. The video, posted Tuesday night, has quickly gone viral and legislative leadership removed her from her House Oversight Committee assignments Wednesday. “My soldiers, they are soldiers for Christ, soldiers against racism, soldiers against domestic violence, soldiers against domestic terrorism,” Johnson said. Rep. Johnson has been removed from her committee assignments, and we are looking into further disciplinary action as the proper authorities conduct their own investigations. Whitmer, Secretary Benson, Rep. Johnson herself, and others.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Rep. Cynthia Johnson, the Democratic chair of the House Oversight Committee is receiving death threats due to the election. She posted several of the threats to social media. After both Democratic and Republican representatives have received threats of violence over the election, Michigan Assistant Minority Floor Leader Laurie Pohutsky posted on Twitter about the SNL sketch. The SNL skit was amusing, I guess, but last night my caucus was trying to figure out how to keep those on that committee safe from the deluge of death threats they’re receiving. I’m sorry to be a bummer and I’m glad people enjoyed the skit, but the reality of it is heinous.

“Saturday Night Live” took aim at Rudy Giuliani and a witness that went viral during a hearing before the Michigan House earlier this week on the 2020 election. “Rudy Giuliani (Kate McKinnon) tries to make an argument to prove widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election,” the cold open is captioned. Laurie Pohutsky, a Democratic state representative for Michigan’s 19th House District reacted to the SNL skit on Twitter. I’m sorry to be a bummer and I’m glad people enjoyed the skit, but the reality of it is heinous. — Laurie Pohutsky (@lpohutsky19) December 6, 2020More: Giuliani to Michigan Republicans: Pressure Legislature on Biden winWatch the “SNL” cold open below:

In an open letter to the Detroit Lions, a group of Michigan lawmakers are endorsing Dearborn native and 49ers defensive coach Robert Saleh as the team’s next head coach. For many in our state, and across the globe, the Detroit Lions hold a special place in our lives. We look forward to future success through transitioning to a new manager and head coach.”“Speaking of head coach, we have one name in mind — Robert Saleh,” the letter continues. Ultimately, it’ll be up to the new general manager to hire a new head coach. More: 4 candidates for next Detroit Lions head coach

LANSING, Mich. – While supporters of President Donald Trump stood outside the Michigan House office building, Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani testified before Michigan House on Wednesday, claiming massive voter fraud in Detroit. Giuliani brought with him witnesses, who signed affidavits that have already been presented in court in Trump campaign lawsuits and have been dismissed or pulled by the campaign. READ: Giuliani to Republicans: Pressure Legislature on Biden winThe Michigan Senate held a similar hearing on Tuesday. Michigan House Republications made it clear that Wednesday’s hearing was not about overturning election results in Michigan, but about listening to people who claimed they saw irregularities at the TCF Center in Detroit. Disputing President Donald Trump’s persistent, baseless claims, Attorney General William Barr declared Tuesday the U.S. Justice Department has uncovered no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the 2020 election.

LANSING, Mich. – The Donald Trump campaign sent attorney Rudy Giuliani to Michigan’s capitol on Wednesday to testify before the Michigan House. He is raising questions about the election process, even though the state’s results have already been certified. UPDATE: Giuliani to Republicans: Pressure Legislature on Biden winMichigan is one of the battleground states that the Trump campaign has been targeting. The campaign is also asking Wisconsin’s Supreme Court to disqualify more than 220,000 votes in heavily-Democratic counties. READ: Michigan Legislature to hear from Rudy Giuliani Wednesday evening on 2020 electionSo far, the Trump campaign has not had any success with the legal challenge it has filed.

LANSING, Mich. – President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, will appear before the Michigan House Oversight Committee Wednesday evening. He will discuss the allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 General Election. As of Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, no judge has seen any evidence on which to rule. The Michigan Legislature has two committees listening to claims about election irregularities. A Michigan Senate hearing, where those who identified themselves as GOD poll watchers made claims about the vote-counting process at the TCF Center, lasted seven hours.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan House Oversight Committee will be hearing from Rudy Giuliani Wednesday evening on allegations of election fraud in Michigan. Giuliani has made a series of allegations about the 2020 election that have not been backed by evidence or data. The legislature has two committees listening to claims about election irregularities. The Michigan House committee will hold a similar hearing Wednesday. Streaming video of Wednesday’s House Oversight Committee hearing can be seen here.

LANSING, Mich. – A day ahead of Michigan lawmakers returning to work in Lansing, mayors and business leaders on Monday called on the federal and state governments for coronavirus pandemic relief as Gov. “I think 2021 and 2022 are going to be some of the toughest times facing municipal governments certainly since the Great Recession, perhaps even worse,” said Michigan State University professor Eric Scorsone during a Monday press conference. Scorsone has done work with Michigan municipalities like Lansing, Flint and Detroit. READ: Michigan governor, state legislature far apart on COVID-19 responseAlso on the table for discussion is the state’s election. There has been no evidence of fraud in Michigan’s election and the Michigan Board of State Canvassers certified the 2020 election results last week.

LANSING, Mich. – In a letter addressed to Michigan legislative leaders, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking for three pieces of major legislation -- a $100 million state-based stimulus package, permanent extension to unemployment benefits and more public health measures. The letter is the first public attempt to appeal to legislative leaders directly with concrete measures. Small Business Saturday is here and the stakes are higher than ever for local businesses in the pandemic. The state has launched a new “Support Local” campaign to help Michigan Businesses make it through the winter.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield on Wednesday slapped down calls by some Republican lawmakers for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s impeachment for her actions mitigating the spread of COVID-19. However, Chatfield said an effort to impeach Whitmer would lack merit and would be every bit as “shameful” as the impeachment efforts against President Donald Trump. The people of Michigan deserve a seat at the decision table, Chatfield said in a statement Sunday. Chatfield said House Republicans stand ready to act in a bipartisan way when Whitmer decides it is worth her time.

The Republican-led Michigan State House and Senate will hold hearings on the “voting and counting process” in the state, according to House Speaker Lee Chatfield. The proposed inquiry comes as President Trump is seeking to stop vote counting in key election states, including Michigan. There is no evidence of voter fraud tied to the 2020 Michigan election. Republicans are expected to keep control of the Michigan House. Michigan Republicans held a press conference on Friday, alleging voter fraud in Michigan, but offered no evidence to back the claims.

LANSING, Mich. – On Monday morning, Michigan’s chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun appeared remotely before a joint House and Senate committee that is overseeing the state’s COVID-19 response. Lawmakers questioned her on a range of topics, often with the seeming intent to identify the data used by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in her Executive Orders. The COVID-19 is a medical and public health event. Khaldun said Michigan did submit an interim COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan to the CDC on Friday.

House Bill 5334 amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of US-10 in Warren Township in Midland County in honor of Corporal Casey P. Zylman. Senate Bill 132 amends the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of US-12 in Lenawee County in honor of Michigan State Trooper Rodger M. Adams. Senate Bill 432 amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to revise an exemption of certain property from taxes collected under the General Property Tax Act. Senate Bill 1066 amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to transfer and deposit $37.1 million from the Michigan Film Promotion Fund to the state’s general fund for fiscal year (FY) 2019-20. The bills would have amended the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to make it easier and cheaper for for-profit property finders to get access to Michigander’s private data.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan lawmakers approved a COVID-19 response plan early Wednesday morning. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus-related executive orders. Senate bill 1094 is aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes by implementing recommendations of the Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force. House bill 6159 would provide liability protections for health care providers for services related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for approval.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer campaigns with Dan O'Neil, a Democratic candidate for the Michigan House in Traverse City, Mich., Friday, Oct. 9, 2020. Whitmer visited the area the day after police announced a foiled plot to kidnap the governor. (AP Photo/John Flesher)

The Michigan governor has signed a bipartisan Return to Learn package of bills outlining instructional requirements for the 2020-2021 school year. These bills will help schools implement their comprehensive safety plans going into the 2020-21 school year. I am proud of this bipartisan package and will continue working with everyone who wants to ensure our schools are safe during COVID-19. Many districts, facing pressure from teachers and mixed reaction among parents, are starting with remote-only instruction due to COVID-19. COVID-19 learning plans must be submitted to its ISD or authorizing body by October 1, 2020.

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is comprised of four Republicans, four Democrats and five independents who were selected at random from a pool of more than 9,000 applicants. The commission is made up of people from most parts of the state, but most come from eastern Michigan and none live in the Upper Peninsula. Three of the 13 are not white, which is roughly in line with the percentage of non-white residents in the state. The commission will begin meeting in the fall and use census data to redraw lines by Nov. 1, 2021. The commission was formed after voters passed a state constitutional amendment in 2018 to allow an independent group of Michigan residents, instead of partisan legislators, to redraw the states electoral boundaries.

Tim Kelly has won the Republican nomination for U.S. House in Michigans 5th congressional district. Kelly defeated Early Lackie for the nomination. He will go up against incumbent Rep. Dan Kildee in November. Related: Latest Election newsMore: Election resultsMichigan Primary Election Results 2020Primary Election Results by county:

Ken Haddad is the digital content manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter.

Michigan’s ban on evictions amid the coronavirus pandemic has been extended until July 15. Gretchen Whitmer’s order to temporarily ban evictions was set to expire June 30, but on Friday her office announced she signed Executive Order 2020-134 to extend the temporary suspension of evictions until July 15. Tenants whose back rent is not completely covered by the Eviction Diversion Program will be entered into manageable payment plans facilitated by Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-17, according to Whitmer’s office. The program was created following the passage of Senate Bill 690, which passed unanimously out of both the Michigan House and Senate on June 17. The legislation appropriated $60 million in Coronavirus Relief Funding to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for the creation of a rental assistance program to assist tenants and landlords after the eviction moratorium concludes.

LANSING, Mich. Michigan House and Senate lawmakers said they will announce the Return to Learn plan on Tuesday. Related: Michigan schools face budget cuts amid coronavirus pandemicState Rep. Pamela Hornberger and Sen. Lana Theis, chairs of the House and Senate education committees, will deliver an overview of the bicameral plan. School districts were forced to shift to remote learning during the unprecedented school closures, which many werent prepared to do. Whitmer says the Michigans Return to School Roadmap will be released on June 30. Gretchen Whitmer to outline next steps for schools to reopen this fallMeanwhile, Michigan State University has compiled an array of recommendations and guidelines from the CDC and other research, officials said.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) Colleges athletes could be paid for the use of their names, images or likeness rights under bipartisan legislation approved Wednesday by the Michigan House, which overwhelmingly sent the bills to the Senate for consideration. The measures would prohibit in-state schools, the NCAA and athletic conferences from blocking student-athletes from being compensated. They also would no longer make it a crime for agents to enter into contracts with student-athletes. This is all about treating all students fairly, including our student-athletes, said a sponsor, Rep. Brandt Iden of Kalamazoo County's Oshtemo Township, who played tennis at Kalamazoo College. He has said players are the driving force behind billions in revenue for the NCAA, universities and colleges.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic will hold a hearing on Thursday to discuss issues with the state’s unemployment system. Who: Committee members from both the Michigan House and Senate, including state Rep. Matt Hall (R-Marshall), who chairs the bipartisan committee; Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio; various concerned citizens from across Michigan who have experienced issues with Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. -- Watch it live in the video player above. Related: Michigan Gov. Whitmer: Everyone who qualifies for unemployment benefits will get them

LANSING, Mich. – A second member of the Michigan House Democratic Caucus has tested positive for COVID-19. Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) is doing well and appears to be on the other side of her illness, according the House. “I also am praying for her speedy recovery, and for the safety of her friends and family,” said House Democratic Leader Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills).“Rep. Whitsett’s positive result in another reminder that everyone must follow the recommended guidelines and in practice social distancing to stop the spread of this virus. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms should contact their medical provider.”On March 26, it was reported Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).