The official 2024 state Christmas tree will soon be on display at the Michigan Capitol for the holiday season.

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

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

Operations were resuming Thursday at the Michigan Capitol building after it was targeted by an emailed bomb threat the day before.

The Michigan Legislature will adjourn nearly a month earlier than usual on Tuesday after Democrats lost a majority in the state House due to two state representatives winning mayoral races last week.

Michigan and Pennsylvania will emerge from the Tuesday election with House legislative chambers evenly split between Republicans and Democrats in yet another sign of how narrowly divided the two swing states have become.

The Michigan House has further advanced legislation that would outlaw companies from retaliating against employees for receiving abortions following its passage in the state Senate in March.

With absentee ballots in homes right now, the GOP hopefuls for governor turned the pressure up on each other at a debate in Grand Rapids.

One of the leading Republican candidates for Michigan governor was arrested by the FBI and charged for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot on Thursday morning.

Michigan Senate Republicans who investigated the state's presidential election say there was no widespread or systemic fraud.

The Wisconsin man charged for his alleged participation in a domestic terrorism plot that included storming the Michigan Capitol and kidnapping elected officials has been arraigned, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Tuesday.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is once again taking the lead on domestic terrorism across the country. The Homeland Security subcommittee on terrorism -- led by former CIA analyst and Department of Defense official Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin -- argued the U.S. should shift its focus from foreign terrorism to domestic. “While external threats remain, the single greatest threat to our country right now is the threat of domestic terrorism and the tensions and polarization between us,” Slotkin said. AdSlotkin cited a new Homeland Security threat assessment that detailed that 2020 was a perfect storm for radical domestic groups. “Our government must send its own message back by labeling extremist violence as domestic terrorism.

(AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)DETROIT – Michigan’s top Republican called the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, which resulted in five deaths including a Capitol police officer, a hoax, in a video posted to YouTube last week. Michigan GOP Senate Leader Mike Shirkey appears in a video posted on Feb. 3 by the “R.O.A.R. The video appears to show Shirkey meeting with Hillsdale County Republican Party officials, one day before the county voted to censure Shirkey. The reported video comes right after the New York Times published an article detailing Shirkey’s involvement with Michigan militias, who held armed protests at the Michigan Capitol last year over COVID-19 restrictions. For all these reasons, Mike Shirkey should be out.

(AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)DETROIT – A New York Times article published Tuesday details Michigan GOP leader Mike Shirkey’s involvement with militia groups and his empathy for insurrectionists at the U.S. Capitol. Allied Itself With Militants,” offers an inside look at how involved Michigan GOP leaders were in coordinating with militia groups through various protests in 2020, leading up to the riot at the U.S. Capitol in January. Next time tell them not to bring guns,” complained Mike Shirkey, the State Senate majority leader, according to one of the protest organizers. AdThe NYT also reports that Shirkey held a meeting with militia groups in his office to establish a “code of conduct.”“Do you tell your people to make sure that there’s not a live round in a chamber? You can read the full, in-depth New York Times article right here.

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.

She discussed the terror threats this weekend at the Michigan Capitol where law enforcement officials were on high alert over a scheduled protest. “If domestic terrorism is allowed to flourish that will be a physical threat to our citizens so I’m trying to grapple with that and shift feet,” she said. Michigan is clearly no stranger to domestic terrorists and extremist groups. Long a hot bed for anti-government groups the state has some of the most extensive domestic terror laws on the books. After the inauguration she said finding where these extremist groups are online, and how they train and coordinate will be the first steps in curbing this latest rise in violence.

LANSING, Mich. – Things were calm at the Capitol Building in Lansing Sunday. At its busiest, close to two dozen armed protesters gathered, but they were significantly outnumbered by police and National Guard. RELATED: Small numbers of protesters gather at fortified US capitolsLansing Mayor Andy Schor said there was no violence and no arrests were made. Timothy Teagan, who has attended protests in Michigan and other states, was armed with a rifle, cigarettes and beef jerky. More: Michigan law enforcement on armed Capitol protests this weekend: ‘We will be prepared’

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan law enforcement agencies are on high alert for expected armed protests at the Capitol in Lansing starting on Sunday. Michigan State Police, working with the Michigan National Guard and the FBI, have stepped up security around the Capitol and in surrounding areas, like Downtown Lansing. The FBI warned that armed protests are planned at all 50 state capitols leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration -- with protests expected Sunday in Michigan’s capital city. The Lansing Capitol Building will be closed over the weekend, and lawmakers will not be in session, amid the expected protests. More: Michigan law enforcement on armed Capitol protests this weekend: ‘We will be prepared’Follow updates from Local 4 reporters in Lansing below:

READ: Michigan AG asserts Lansing Capitol is unsafe as expected armed protest loomsThings were calm at the Capitol in Lansing Saturday night. Authorities installed six-foot barriers around the Capitol Building in preparation of armed protests Sunday. “I’m feeling much better regarding the events this weekend,” Nessel said. Michigan State Police troopers -- joined with members of the National Guard and Lansing police -- are ready for anything and everything. More: Michigan law enforcement on armed Capitol protests this weekend: ‘We will be prepared’

W/O metal detectors, the law enf agencies charged with security are virtually helpless to prevent such an incident. The Michigan AG alluded Friday that the lack of metal detectors may be due to beliefs that they “infringe” upon people’s rights. “The Capitol is not safe.”Just after the insurrection in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, Michigan’s Capitol Building was closed due to a threat. pic.twitter.com/AgA7uJvl54 — Mallory McMorrow (@MalloryMcMorrow) January 7, 2021The Michigan State Capitol is once again closed due to an outside threat. — Darrin Camilleri (@darrincamilleri) January 7, 2021Lansing Mayor Andy Schor is urging everyone to avoid the Downtown area as expected protests loom this weekend.

(AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)LANSING, Mich. – Airbnb is reviewing booked reservations in Lansing due to safety concerns over a Capitol protest scheduled to begin at noon Sunday. Government buildings in Lansing are boarded up in preparation of the expected armed protest at the state Capitol. “Due to increased law enforcement and safety concerns, we are reviewing recently booked reservations in Lansing set to take place during Inauguration week. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also commended the company for their efforts to keep Lansing safe. “The Lansing Police Department is appreciative for the assistance Airbnb is offering to help with potential future criminal investigations related to hate crimes here in Lansing,” Lansing Police Chief Daryl Green.

LANSING, Mich. – Government buildings in Lansing are boarded up in preparation of an expected armed protest at the state Capitol. In addition to heavy police presence the Michigan National Guard has been activated by Gov. The Lansing Police Department announced that there is an event planned for noon at the Michigan Capitol on Sunday, Jan. 17. Gen. Michael McDaniel, who served as the assistant general for Homeland Security, Michigan National Guard. Michigan State Police, working with the Michigan National Guard and FBI, says that have increased personnel and protective measures at the Capitol and in Downtown Lansing.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)LANSING, Mich. – Law enforcement agencies across Michigan are stepping up security measures at the Capitol and in surrounding areas to prepare for expected armed protests starting this weekend. Michigan State Police, working with the Michigan National Guard and FBI, says that have increased personnel and protective measures at the Capitol and in Downtown Lansing. The Lansing Police Department announced that there is an event planned for noon at the Michigan Capitol on Sunday, Jan. 17. “I can assure you that we take our responsibility for safeguarding the Capitol and those who work and visit here seriously and, together with our law enforcement partners, we will be prepared to ensure law and order.”On Friday, Michigan Gov. The FBI has warned local law enforcement agencies in all 50 states of possible armed protests at state Capitol buildings starting this weekend.

ANN ARBOR – Rep. Debbie Dingell and police departments across Washtenaw County have released a joint statement about community safety ahead of Inauguration Day. Although the group said no imminent threat within the county leading up to the inauguration has been reported, officials said they are working closely with their state and federal colleagues to ensure the community remains safe. “Together, we have been monitoring the activities related to the attack on the Capitol building in Washington D.C. and the subsequent fallout leading to the upcoming Presidential Inauguration,” read the statement. Ahead of expected armed protests this weekend at Michigan’s Capitol, Michigan State Police, the Michigan National Guard and the FBI now have an increased presence at the building and throughout downtown Lansing. To see the full statement, click here.

LANSING, Mich. – Officials in Lansing are on high alert as new precautions are being taken ahead of expected protests Saturday and Sunday. After the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building that left five dead, Michigan State Police raised the number of troopers patrolling Lansing. We just ask you do it safely and you respect our city, respect our state Capitol,” said Lansing Police chief Daryl Green. Militia group advises members to avoid protest at Michigan CapitolMichigan State Police are preparing for a protest expected Sunday at the state Capitol. A group that had planned to protest is now telling its members to avoid the Capitol.

Michigan State Police are preparing for a protest expected Sunday at the state Capitol. A group that had planned to protest is now telling its members to avoid the Capitol. READ: State to install 6-foot fence around Michigan Capitol building ahead of possible armed protestsREAD: ‘Michigan Capitol is not safe’: AG Dana Nessel warns new ban on firearms not sufficientMichael and Wendy Lackomar are part of the Southeast Michigan Volunteer Militia. Michael and Wendy said they are not sure if some of their militia will still go, but they think the protest may be calmer than expected. Michigan ‘prepared to respond accordingly’ if threat is made to state Capitol, Whitmer saysMembers of law enforcement are coordinating with the Michigan National Guard to make sure they’re prepared to respond to any sign of violence at the state Capitol, Gov.

LANSING, Mich. – All this week state capitals across the country have been preparing for expected protests ahead of the inauguration. On Friday morning a 6-foot fence will be built around the Michigan Capitol Building. State to install 6-foot fence around Michigan Capitol building ahead of possible armed protestsThe state of Michigan is planning to install a six-foot tall fence around the Capitol building due to the possibility of armed protests, Capitol Commissioner John Truscott said. The fencing will be installed Friday before potential weekend protests, according to the state. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately.

FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol in Washington. Joined by Michigan Rep. Fred Upon, Meijer was one of only 10 Republican House representatives to support the second impeachment of President Donald Trump on Jan. 13. “At the end of the day, this was a vote of conscience,” Meijer said during an interview on MSNBC Thursday morning. Just last spring, a group of armed protesters entered the Michigan Capitol Building and yelled at members of security outside the legislative chambers to be let inside. The Michigan Capitol Commission has unanimously voted to ban the open carry of firearms inside the building, but some officials argue that new rule is not enough to protect the Capitol and those working inside.

LANSING, Mich. – Concerns at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing are on the rise amid chatter of widespread protests in the days leading up to President-Elect Joe Biden’s Inauguration on Jan. 20. Under the recommendation of Michigan State Police, a six-foot tall fence around the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing will be completed Friday to guard against the possibility of violence. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol. Michigan State Police circled the Capitol Building in Lansing in large numbers -- on foot and on bikes -- ahead of the fence going up Friday. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.

The Michigan Capitol Building opened for the first time Wednesday. Democratic members of the Senate decried the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building that left five dead. Newly ensconsed House Speaker Jason Wentworth said working to restore trust in politicians starts with adjusting the Lame Duck Sessions. Another House Bill proposed prohibits legislators from voting on a bill that would personally enrich them or their families. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.

“Michigan is ground zero for those who are wishing to take over state government,” said Michigan AG Dana Nessel. I’m exceedingly worried.’”On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. Nessel said security inside the Michigan Capitol isn’t as impactful as she’d like. New Michigan Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth held a briefing Wednesday morning along side Speaker Pro Tempore Pamela Hornberger. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday.

LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan is planning to install a six-foot tall fence around the Capitol building due to the possibility of armed protests, Capitol Commissioner John Truscott said. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. The commission, which is responsible for overseeing the Capitol, voted 6-0 in favor of banning firearms from inside the Lansing Capitol building. “No lawmaker, reporter, staff member, or anyone who works in the Michigan Capitol should fear for their safety at work,” Whitmer said. I am hopeful that the Capitol Commission will recognize the need for further action, and I stand ready to assist in implementing this policy to keep Michiganders safe.”

LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 07: Armed Trump supporters take part in a demonstration at the Michigan State Capitol building on November 07, 2020 in Lansing, Michigan. I repeat-the Michigan Capitol is not safe,” Nessel’s tweet series concluded. After months of delay the Michigan State Capitol Commission finally put their authority to use and voted in favor of banning the open-carry of firearms inside the State Capitol. Those with concealed weapon permits are still allowed to carry firearms (concealed) into the State Capitol. The Michigan State Capitol Commission must take the next step and ban ALL firearms inside the State Capitol.

LANSING, Mich. – The FBI warned law enforcement agencies of possible armed protests at state capitols of all 50 states next week. Additionally, Michigan’s State Capitol Commission voted to ban open carry of firearms at the Capitol on Monday. READ: Democrats criticize ban on open carry of guns inside Michigan Capitol for not going far enoughREAD: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calls for ‘immediate action’ to ban all weapons at Michigan CapitolWith no checkpoints inside the Capitol, McMorrow said it is now harder for sergeants at arms to spot weapons if they can be concealed. Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel want a more comprehensive approach -- a ban on all weapons and possibly metal detectors and tighter security.

Gretchen Whitmer is calling for a ban on all weapons at the state Capitol, citing April’s armed protests in Lansing and the insurrection in Washington, D.C., last week. “No lawmaker, reporter, staff member, or anyone who works in the Michigan Capitol should fear for their safety at work,” Whitmer said. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. The commission, which is responsible for overseeing the Capitol, voted 6-0 in favor of banning firearms from inside the Lansing Capitol building. I am hopeful that the Capitol Commission will recognize the need for further action, and I stand ready to assist in implementing this policy to keep Michiganders safe.”

(Photo by Seth Herald/Getty Images)The Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted Monday to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. “After months of delay the Michigan State Capitol Commission finally put their authority to use and voted in favor of banning the open-carry of firearms inside the State Capitol. Those with concealed weapon permits are still allowed to carry firearms (concealed) into the State Capitol. The Michigan State Capitol Commission must take the next step and ban ALL firearms inside the State Capitol.”Gov. Today’s actions are simply not enough to do that.”Read more: Should guns be allowed in Michigan Capitol building?

In Michigan, concealed and open carry firearms are allowed in the Capitol, but signs have been banned since 2012 after right-to-work protesters came to the Capitol. The Michigan State Capitol Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the Capitol and ultimately for making a decision on the future of firearms, has pushed back on accepting the responsibility and its leadership maintains its role should be limited. Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) has released the following statement in advance of the Michigan Capitol Commission’s scheduled meeting Monday afternoon to discuss implementing a ban on the open carry of firearms in the Capitol Building:”Let me make this clear: The Capitol Commission’s proposal to ban open carry from the people’s building does not ban bullets. Polehanki posted this viral tweet from inside the Michigan Capitol building in April:Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us. Without a significant change in policy, lives will continue to be put at risk by domestic terrorists carrying weapons.”Read more: Should guns be allowed in Michigan Capitol building?

LANSING, Mich. – The riots in Washington, D.C. Wednesday that left five people dead has reignited debates over whether guns should be allowed inside Michigan’s Capitol Building. READ: FBI, Michigan federal prosecutor seek tips in deadly siege on US Capitol BuildingWith the new legislative session starting in days, security of the Capitol will likely take center stage. It’s impossible to come to work when you are under that constant threat,” Lasinski said. Security experts are now viewing that event as a potential practice run for those who stormed the U.S. Capitol Building Wednesday. “There should be no weapons of any kind in our Capitol,” Lasinski said.

LANSING, Mich. – A Michigan man is facing multiple felony charges after police said he threatened to kill a state representative and also made a false bomb threat. Michael Varrone, 48, of Charlotte, was arrested on Thursday after he reported that there was a bomb at the Michigan Capitol Building on Thursday, according to officials. Dana NesselVarrone was arraigned Friday before Magistrate Laura Millmore in 54-A District Court in Lansing on two counts of false report or threat of terrorism. He also faces one count of false report or threat of bomb/harmful device. One count of the false report or threat of terrorism is connected to the phone call he is accused of making on Dec. 12.

LANSING, Mich. – A man has been arrested by Michigan State Police after he reported that there was a bomb at the Michigan Capitol Building on Thursday, according to officials. Michael Varrone, 48, of Charlotte, could face charges after a review by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office. The employee reported the incident to the Michigan State Police. READ: Michigan Capitol Building reopens after threatThe threat comes one day after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn an election lost by President Trump. Many then surged to the Capitol after he incited them to go there as lawmakers debated the electoral votes.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Capitol Building was closed Thursday morning due to an unspecified threat. Michigan State Police brought in the bomb squad and K-9 unit to inspect the building and the all-clear was given. The threat was called in around 6:45 a.m.Now the Michigan Capitol Building is closed because of a threat. pic.twitter.com/AgA7uJvl54 — Mallory McMorrow (@MalloryMcMorrow) January 7, 2021The Michigan State Capitol is once again closed due to an outside threat. — Darrin Camilleri (@darrincamilleri) January 7, 2021Michigan’s Capitol Building closed today due to threat.

The state of Michigan and its 16 Electoral Votes have gone to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. READ: Michigan electors unanimously seal election win for Joe Biden, Kamala HarrisPolice were brought in to escort Electors into Michigan’s Capitol in Lansing on Monday. There was a lot of concern over the possibility of violence so Michigan State Police were out in full force. I will work just as hard for those of you who didn’t vote for me, as I will for those who did. READ: Michigan GOP Rep. Gary Eisen removed from committee after comments on Electoral College disruption

President Donald Trump listens during an event in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, on prescription drug prices. Experts on Michigan election law said the Board of State Canvassers' authority was limited in scope. The Michigan Legislature would be called on to select electors if Trump succeeded in persuading the board not to certify the results. In two Democratic-leaning counties in Wisconsin that are recounting votes, Trump’s campaign sought to discard tens of thousands of absentee ballots that it alleged should not have been counted. "It’s an open attempt to intimidate election officials, it’s absolutely appalling.

LANSING, Mich. – Thirteen people have been accused of participating in a scheme to kidnap Michigan Gov. READ: 13 charged in militia plan to kidnap Gov. Whitmer as hostage, overthrow Michigan government, feds sayClick the link above for a deep dive into the details of the scheme to kidnap Whitmer from her vacation home. The six men charged in federal court were arrested Wednesday night and face up to life in prison if convicted. READ: FBI: Group plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov.

Whitmer condemns threats ahead of planned protest at Michigan CapitolPublished: May 12, 2020, 6:45 amMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is condemning threats directed at her ahead of another planned protest at the state Capitol.

Dawn Perreca protests on the front steps of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Flag-waving, honking protesters drove past the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday to show their displeasure with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's orders to keep people at home and businesses locked during the new coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)LANSING, Mich. – Thousands of flag-waving, honking protesters drove past the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday to show their displeasure with Gov. Four sheriffs in the northwestern Lower Peninsula called Whitmer’s orders a “vague framework of emergency laws” that are frustrating citizens.