LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s health director says that protesters who gathered outside of his Lansing home on Tuesday night to decry the state’s coronavirus restrictions are wasting their time. Read more: Michigan COVID restrictions in effect through Dec. 20: What to knowMichigan’s extended epidemic order is currently scheduled to expire on Sunday, Dec. 20. In a live, public video posted to Facebook Tuesday, protesters can be heard singing Christmas carols and calling on Gordon to lift the state’s restrictions and reopen businesses. On Wednesday, the state of Michigan reported 4,037 new COVID-19 cases and 83 new deaths since Tuesday. The state has reported a total of 446,752 COVID-19 cases and 11,018 deaths since the pandemic began.

LANSING, Mich. – A rally was held in Michigan on Wednesday called “Unmask Our Athletes.”The supporters of the rally believe mandating that children and teens wear masks while playing sports is not just a nuisance, but also a danger to their health. Players are required to wear masks to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). READ: Metro Detroit high school football athletes, parents gear up for season with COVID-19 restrictions implementedThe organizer told Local 4 that they want their voices heard. And masks can decrease the risk,” McGeorge said. The rally participants said it should be up to the parents to decide if their children will wear masks or not.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Members of the far-right Proud Boys group and counter-protesters clashed violently Saturday afternoon in western Michigan, resulting in arrests, police said. Counter-protesters staged their own event in the area at the same time as the rally that the Proud Boys had planned, according to local media reports. When the Proud Boys arrived, the confrontation ensued. A reporter for MLive.com, who was detained by police while recording live on Facebook, reported that some of the Proud Boys also used pepper spray on people. The male-only Proud Boys has been called extremist by the Anti-Defamation League and described as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

DETROIT U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy federal agents to cities across the country, including Detroit, amid ongoing national protests. It is deeply disturbing that President Trump is once again choosing to spread hateful rhetoric and attempting to suppress the voices of those he doesnt agree with. There is no reason for the president to send federal troops into a city where people are demanding change peacefully and respectfully. In Portland, theyve done a fantastic job. MORE: Federal agents, local streets: A red flag in Oregon

DETROIT Michigan state representatives revealed their plans to transform police and public safety Wednesday morning. The reform plans are coming from Detroiters and many -- Like Rep. Tenisha Yancey -- have law enforcement backgrounds. Yancey said facial recognition technology has to go due to how often it identifies people of color incorrectly. The press conference unveiled the Equal Justice for All plan, which revolves around four pillars of reform: police accountability, use of force protocols, community oversight and reinventing public safety. As a law enforcement veteran, he said the actions of the Minneapolis police toward George Floyd changed law enforcement forever.

LANSING, Mich. In a virtual campaign event, Sen. Gary Peters (D) touted recent proposals in the Senate on policing reform. Wendell Anthony and former Attorney General Eric Holder in the discussion which lasted just over an hour. Peters also criticized Senate Republicans for not passing what he considered meaningful reforms. The Republicans did not put forward the kind of concrete action that we need to take right now, he said. In a statement Peters opponent, John James called the event PR.Gary Peters doesnt speak for black people.

DETROIT Detroit Police Chief James Craig says major cities have looked up to Detroit for its lack of looting and damage amid ongoing protests. That is -- until Sunday night, when protesters were pushed by a Detroit police vehicle during a demonstration Downtown. Our police cars were attacked; there was an effort to gain entry into at least one of them, Chief Craig said. Clearly the officers had a concern for their safety.MORE: Detroit police chief: Officers who pushed through crowd in SUV feared for their safetyThe police chief is standing by his officers, who will remain on duty throughout the investigation into the incident. Read more about Detroit protests here.

The governors office says the four-pronged plan was developed in partnership with community leaders and law enforcement organizations. Require in-service training for all licensed law enforcement officers to maintain licensure. Authorize MCOLES (Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards) to do the following: Audit law enforcement agencies to ensure they are accurately reporting violations of law or improper use of force. On personnel:Provide incentive programs for law enforcement agencies to hire/retain officers who live where they work. All Michiganders, no matter their community or the color of their skin, deserve equal treatment under the law, Governor Whitmer said.

DETROIT – Black Lives Matter marches continue across Metro Detroit on Saturday more than one month after a Minneapolis policeman killed George Floyd. Some protesters are marching all the way from Livonia to Lansing this weekend to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement amid national unrest. The group plans to stop in Brighton on Saturday night and Okemos on Sunday night, then continue their march to Lansing on Monday. The distance from Livonia to Lansing is just under 80 miles. We’re hoping we spark a change for the Black Lives Matter movement.”The group will hold a demonstration at the Michigan State Capitol at 10 a.m. on Monday.

YPSILANTI, Mich. – A Black Lives Matter protest was held in Ypsilanti on Saturday in support of the nation’s condemnation of racism and police brutality. UPDATE June 23, 2020: Ypsilanti mayor resigns: ‘I am deeply sorry to have my service end on this note’Dozens of demonstrators gathered along Michigan Avenue Saturday afternoon amid Metro Detroit’s fourth week of protests following the killing of George Floyd. Saturday’s protest comes amid a controversial moment for Ypsilanti: Protesters have been demanding an apology from Ypsilanti Mayor Beth Bashert, a White woman, after making an inappropriate remark this week. All of those actions were racist,” Bashert said in the Facebook post. MORE: Ypsilanti mayor apologizes for racist comment about Black residentAnother protest is scheduled for Monday in Ypsilanti, as some critics are asking Bashert to resign.

The Michigan branch of NextGen America is hosting a virtual performance Saturday with Flint-based musician Tunde Olaniran as part of their Pride Week of Action.The musician is expected to offer a new performance created specifically for the event. The Nigerian-born, Flint-based musician is known for their unique and eclectic sound, fusing fast dance, electronic and hip-hop styles with socially-conscious lyrics. Olanirans first album, Transgressor, debuted in 2015 and their latest album, Stranger, was released in 2018. The musician has been featured on NPRs All Songs Considered and in New Yorker and PitchFork magazines, among others. Protestors are marching to demand change and decry racism and police brutality in the U.S.RELATED: Lawmakers use protest momentum to push state racial reforms

The action is being especially encouraged among marginalized communities, where policing -- and police brutality -- occurs more frequently. “You look at budgets and they’re focused on policing — they should be focused on education, transportation, access to health care, access to skills and leveling the playing field." So, yeah, I mean, the spirit of it, I do support that spirit of it.”Following the interview with The Root, Gov. Whitmer said she’s open to the idea of ending qualified immunity in Michigan. Whitmer also said she was open to legislation that would unseal police records, which New York lawmakers are expected to repeal.

DETROIT Around the country Americans are demanding change following the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a Minneapolis police officer. Americans are now marching and protesting for a second consecutive week to demand justice for Floyd and countless other Black Americans killed by police officers. Activists are calling for more than just justice, though -- they are calling for tangible change to prevent these tragedies from occurring in the future. Below are some resources to help explain what those demands entail and their significance amid the current national unrest. Policing alternative: Community-led public safety initiativesAdvocates believe that a new approach to public safety is necessary to ensure the safety of all American lives -- especially Black Americans who are disproportionately arrested, sentenced and killed by police around the country.

MONROE, Mich. Protesters are demanding answers after a Black teen was severely assaulted on Saturday evening at Sterling State Park. READ: White Newport man charged with assaulting Black teen in racially motivated crime in Monroe CountyDemonstrators gathered at St. Marys Park in Monroe on Monday afternoon to stand in solidarity with the teen. Devin Freelon, an 18-year-old senior at Orchard Center High School was attacked in what police are calling a racially-motivated crime. But like many other Black people in this country thats not what he has to worry about.A 42-year-old White man from Newport is accused of verbally attacking Freelon and his friends before hitting the teen in the face with a weapon. Lee James Mouat Jr. was charged Monday with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and ethnic intimidation.

DETROIT The Detroit City Council released a statement Tuesday urging the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners to adopt police reformations amid the national unrest over the killing of George Floyd. People across the country are protesting against police brutality and demanding change to prevent further tragedies from occurring in the future. Detroit organizers have demanded more widespread change that includes but goes beyond the police department, including a move to defund the police, make Detroit a sanctuary city, restore running water to all city residents and more. READ MORE: Detroit protest leaders list 11 demands ahead of meeting with mayor, police chiefLast week Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones announced her support for the peaceful protests demanding justice for Floyd and countless other Black Americans unjustly killed by police officers. We still see them and we will do right by them.You can read the Detroit City Councils full statement supporting police reform by clicking here.

DETROIT Another day of marching through the streets of Detroit came to a peaceful end Sunday night. Demonstrators were out past the citys 8 p.m. curfew, but the city allowed them to stay. Saturday Protest Coverage: Ninth night of protests ends peacefully in DetroitSunday Protest Coverage: Day 10 of protests, demonstrations in DetroitTo unite with everyone here in hopes that we can change the world," said Kim Brown. "We feel like its right to stand up for that.Just because Sundays protest ended pretty peacefully doesnt mean the numbers will die down. Im proud of Detroit and how were representing our protests," Brown said.

MONROE, Mich. Demonstrators are planning to gather at St. Marys Park in Monroe on Monday afternoon in solidarity with a local Black teen that was severely assaulted on Saturday evening. Officials say Devin Freelon -- an 18-year-old senior at Orchard Center High School who was poised to graduate this week -- was attacked at Sterling State Park in a racially-motivated crime. A 42-year-old man from Newport is accused of verbally attacking Freelon and his friends with racial slurs, and then hitting the teen in the face with a weapon. The racially-charged attack occurred amid a significant national outcry against racism following the killing of Black Minneapolis man George Floyd. Monroe protest organizers shared the event details for Mondays protest on Facebook demanding Justice for Devin and saying, This is why we march.RELATED: We can change the world -- Day 10 of protests ends peacefully in Detroit

DETROIT – Sunday was a day of demanding change. Thousands of people marched along some of Metro Detroit’s busiest streets calling for an end to racial inequality. RELATED: George Floyd protesters gather across Metro Detroit for second weekendDetroit’s 8 p.m. curfew came and went Saturday with protesters still in the streets, but the ninth night of protesting ended peacefully. From Michigan Avenue to Campus Martius, down Gratiot, up Jefferson Avenue to Hart Plaza and then back to Detroit Police Headquarters. Thousands of people marched roughly five miles, throughout Downtown Detroit, calling for a change.

DETROIT – Demonstrators are gathering across Metro Detroit to protest police brutality and social injustice almost two weeks after the killing of George Floyd. The second week of George Floyd protests in cities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties continued peacefully on Saturday. Detroit protests have remained peaceful during the week and organizers except it to remain that way Saturday. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder, while officers involved have been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. Watch coverage of national George Floyd protests from NBC News below:

DETROIT The streets of Macomb County were quiet Saturday night. Its hard to believe that nearly every inch of Hall Road was covered with protesters marching hours earlier. RELATED: George Floyd protesters gather across Metro Detroit for second weekendThousands took to the streets in Sterling Heights for yet another wave of protests that literally shut down traffic for hours on Hall Road. "Im just proud of this generation, because they are standing for truth today. Theyre standing for truth.At one point, a handful of armed members from the Michigan Militia silently appeared.

The now-former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with unintentional second-degree murder in addition to third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers involved in the incident have been charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and second degree manslaughter. Still, Ellison says he is committed to prosecuting the former Minneapolis police officers to the fullest extent of the law. For 100 years after that, we were held as second-class citizens -- including in the north, like in Detroit and Minneapolis. His message comes just days after Minnesota agreed to ban police chokeholds and neck restraints following the killing of Floyd.

DETROIT Demonstrators are gathering across Metro Detroit to protest the killing of George Floyd almost two weeks after he died at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. On the citys 10th day of protests Sunday, demonstrators are once again marching to demand change and call out racism and police brutality. Detroit protests have remained peaceful during the week and organizers expect it to remain that way Sunday. In Dearborn, a demonstration was held in the spot where a statue of former mayor Orville Hubbard once stood. Peaceful protests were also held in front of the Warren Civic Center and outside Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte.

DETROIT Since the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis, cities around the country -- including Detroit -- have seen protests against police brutality and racial inequality. As we end the week with more protests and more unrest, a group of religious leaders joined Local 4 for a roundtable to discuss working to be part of change in our community and this country. The congregants at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Detroit and many others are virtually fighting for a change in race relations. My sense is, and Im not alone in this, is racism is primarily a white problem, said Bishop Bonnie Perry, of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. They force themselves into the fire to steel themselves to fight for change.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – In a letter to congressional colleagues, Libertarian Rep. Justin Amash (MI-3) said he'll be introducing a bill to do away with the law that protects police officers from being sued while doing their jobs. Henning teaches criminal law and professional responsibility at Wayne State University. “Immunity has been part of the system since the mid-1960s,” he said. “We're going to see that police officer, being charged with a crime,” Henning said. The answer to that question may well be yes.”Amash’s, a former Republican, bill already has support from some of the most liberal members of the House of Representatives, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) and Michigan delegation colleague Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13).

DETROIT A 21-year-old woman from Brentwood, Tennessee was charged after bringing a taser to a George Floyd protest in Downtown Detroit last Sunday. Officials say she was ordered to the ground by police and a taser allegedly fell out of her pocket. A curfew for the city of Detroit was in effect on Sunday at 8 p.m. Many protestors refused to leave the city even with the curfew in effect, so police deployed tear gas and began making arrests. The citys curfew has since been revoked after protestors marched in Downtown Detroit for a sixth consecutive day on Wednesday.

DETROIT Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will hold a news briefing at 3 p.m. on Thursday to address the citys latest response to the George Floyd protests downtown. Protestors flocked to Downtown Detroit again on Wednesday for a sixth consecutive day to protest against police brutality and social injustice following the killing of George Floyd. Mayor Duggan enacted a curfew Sunday to help curb violence seen during nighttime protests last weekend. Duggan said Wednesday that a flip gets switched when night falls, when the days peaceful protests transform into something insidious -- primarily led by people who arent from Detroit. Protests in Downtown Detroit have been largely peaceful since they began last Friday.

DETROIT The Local 4 Defenders have continues to ask the Detroit Police Department about what theyve learned about individuals infiltrating peaceful protests to cause chaos. In the middle of the Detroit protest, one Metro Detroit mother saw others coordinating on walkie-talkies and carrying backpacks full of bricks. I started noticing bricks in the backpacks.She is not used to protests but she confronted them. Local 4 Defenders have repeatedly asked the Detroit police what they know. I am not going to talk about my intelligence.Aly and others say they wont let anyone come to mess with the main message.

DETROIT – Detroit police chief James Craig held a news conference at 2 p.m. on Wednesday to provide an update on the city’s response to recent protests against police brutality in the name of George Floyd. Chief Craig was joined by Deputy Chief Todd Bettison; Deputy Chief Elaine Bryant; Ray Winans, CEO of Keeping Them Alive and other members of the community. Protestors took to the streets of Downtown Detroit for a fifth consecutive day on Tuesday to protest police brutality and racial injustice. Tuesday’s peaceful protest became chaotic in the evening during a standoff with police and protestors who defied the city’s 8 p.m. curfew. MORE: Detroit mayor apologizes to journalists targeted by police while covering protests

DETROIT Young Detroiters have been garnering a lot of praise for their handling of some tense situations during the protests. One of the standouts has been a 22 year-old woman named Gabrielle Wilson. RELATED: Detroit authorities, community leaders working together to keep protests peacefulWilson has stood out for her strong message against police brutality and her ability to keep things calm. Wilson continues to work her shifts as a security guard and on no sleep, she continues to protest. Wilson has also stood out to Detroit film maker Stephen McGee.

RELATED: A parade, not a protest: Genesee County Sheriff supports Flint demonstrators during peaceful marchThe meeting today was scheduled last Thursday. We didnt even know Saturday was gonna be the Saturday it was that changed the world, said Sheriff Swanson. Wednesdays gathering was apart of a discussion about certain systemic racial inequalities plaguing our nation. Shame on police if we ever go back to to the way things were before he met that officer, concluded Sheriff Swanson. Sheriff Swanson also tells Local 4 this is only the first meeting of many that they are planning to have in Gennessee county about equality.

In a joint statement the Detroit leaders condemned the acts of injustice in the tragic murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor and the many other men and women whose lives have been cut far too short." MORE: Detroit business leaders speak out against racism, institute plans to combat systemic problemsTogether the leaders agreed to eliminate bias, racism, sexism and violence within their companies. Heres more of what the Detroit CEOs had to say Wednesday:Rev. And when that officer put his knee down on George Floyds neck, it ripped that scab off and its bleeding. Were here today to say that the conditions of systemic racism in law enforcement will change when everybody joins the cause.

DETROIT – Detroit police say 40 individuals from Detroit and throughout Michigan were arrested on Monday night during the city’s fourth night of protesting police brutality Downtown. MORE: Fourth night of protests against police brutality in Detroit ends peacefullyPolice say 34 men and 6 women were arrested on Monday amid the demonstration. Most individuals arrested at each of the four protests do not live in Detroit, police said. Other cities like Grand Rapids and Lansing also saw more violent protests over the weekend. WEEKEND PROTEST COVERAGE: 3 days of protests in Michigan: Here’s what happened

DETROIT Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan held a press conference Tuesday with Police Chief James Craig and Health Officer Denise Fair to provide an update on the citys response to recent protests and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The fourth night of protests in Detroit against police brutality in the name of George Floyd ended peacefully for the first time since demonstrations began Downtown on Friday. Officials say Mondays protest differed from previous protests as it was led by young people who were intent on remaining peaceful. Ive got nothing but love from white officers, black officers, everybody thanking me for kneeling to support George Floyd, Bettison said. The citys curfew will remain in effect as most violence and damage is committed at night, Duggan said.

DETROIT The outrage over George Floyds killing in Minneapolis has spilled over into violence around the country, but in Detroit, authorities and community leaders are working together to keep protests peaceful. From Detroit City Hall to the neighborhoods, people are making sure violence and vandalism is contained during protests. That success has a lot to do with the relationships police build with community leaders such as Maurice Hardwick, better known as Pastor Mo. Detroiters such as artists Trick Trick, Tray Little and Gabrielle Wilson all defended the city. You can hear from Bettison and Pastor Mo in Shawn Leys full video posted above.

Protests were organized in dozens of cities across America, which were mostly peaceful and calling for the end to racial injustice. At least 4,400 people have been arrested over days of protests, according to a tally compiled by The Associated Press. Here’s a look back at what happened around Michigan:Day 1 - Friday, May 29The first real organized protest was on Friday afternoon, starting at Detroit Police Headquarters. Detroit police ended up making dozens of arrests after a late-night standoff with a smaller group in Cadillac Square. Other smaller protests took place in Royal Oak, Livonia and Marquette.

Trump spoke to governors on a video teleconference that also included law enforcement and national security officials, telling the state leaders they have to get much tougher.Most of you are weak, Trump said. Were doing it in Washington, D.C. Were going to do something that people havent seen before." The president told the governors they were making themselves look like fools for not calling up more of the National Guard as a show for force on city streets. Americans are in pain, and desperate for leadership from the White House during one of the darkest periods in our lifetimes. Then I joined a call with my fellow governors and the current president that was deeply disturbing.

DETROIT Detroit Police Chief James Craig provided a live update on the status of Downtowns third night of protesting the killing of black Minneapolis man George Floyd. Protesters took to the streets of Detroit on Sunday for a third consecutive day of protesting police brutality and racial injustice. MORE: Demonstrators defy Detroit curfew amid third day of Downtown protestsDetroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced the curfew Sunday to help curb violence and arrests seen during Fridays and Saturdays protests Downtown. Craig also addressed allegations regarding excessive police force used during protests in Downtown Detroit on Saturday night, saying an investigation has been opened into at least one incident. WATCH: Demonstrators crowd Detroit for third day of protests

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The Michigan National Guard was activated Sunday at the request of Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss to support the city after protests turned violent Saturday night. Protestors moved through Grand Rapids later Saturday night and into Sunday morning, setting fires, smashing windows and looting after a day of peaceful protests. READ: Grand Rapids clean-up underway after night of fiery protestsOfficials say guard members will support civil authorities to maintain peace and repair property damage in Grand Rapids. The Michigan National Guard is already assisting with humanitarian efforts in communities across the state. We welcome the Michigan National Guard as an additional partner to increase our public safety preparedness as issues evolve.

DETROIT – Detroit leaders Mayor Mike Duggan, Police Chief James Craig and several local pastors addressed yet another round of protests Downtown. On Sunday hundreds of demonstrators crowded Downtown Detroit to protest against the recent killing of black Minneapolis man George Floyd. Police Chief Craig says that only 21 people of the 84 arrested Saturday were from Detroit. Both Mayor Duggan and Chief Craig said they respect people’s right to peacefully protest, but won’t tolerate violence here in the city. Justice for the family of George Floyd.”MORE: Leaders call out protesters from suburbs who participated in violent Detroit George Floyd protest

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Protests in Grand Rapids turned violent Saturday night amid statewide and national demonstrations calling out police brutality and racism. Protestors moved through Grand Rapids later Saturday night and into Sunday morning, setting fires, smashing windows and looting after a day of peaceful protests. Heavy damage was reported throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and many others tweeted videos and photos of volunteers cleaning up the downtown area on Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/aFqgwMWJ4H — Rosalynn Bliss (@mayorbliss) May 31, 2020Clean up efforts continue in downtown Grand Rapids near Rosa Parks Circle.

Similarly in Detroit, 84 demonstrators were arrested Saturday night amid the citys second day of protesting. In Flint, however, Saturday protests remained peaceful as demonstrators welcomed an unlikely participant: Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. I want to make this a parade, not a protest, Swanson said. In social media posts shared by Flint protestors, more police officers can be seen supporting the protest and even linking arms with black demonstrators in solidarity. EVEN SHERIFF Chris Swanson CAME OUT... Posted by Johnie Franklin III on Saturday, May 30, 2020Swanson made sure to condemn Chauvin and police brutality while showing support to the Flint demonstrators.