The Buffalo Bills upgraded their patchwork group of receivers by acquiring Amari Cooper in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane opened training camp by firing back at an anonymous critic of quarterback Josh Allen.

Japan has issued its first new banknotes in two decades, yen packed with 3D hologram technology to fight counterfeiting.

The NFL hadn’t experienced a week of inept offenses like it did this past weekend in nearly a decade.

Stefon Diggs was back on the field practicing, and Bills coach Sean McDermott said whatever lingering issues from last season that raised concern and confusion over the absence of Buffalo’s top receiver a day earlier have been resolved.

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

Cincinnati's 27-10 win at Buffalo might have prevented the NFL from starting a new tradition.

Bills coach Sean McDermott is trying to keep things light as a major snowstorm hits Buffalo and disrupts the team's schedule.

Micah Hyde considered canceling his charity softball game after hearing about the shooting Saturday at a Buffalo supermarket.

Local 4′s money expert Rod Meloni sat down with LaTonya Edwards, a 53-year-old single working mother of three young men hear more about her financial situation, and to see if any improvements could be made.

Local 4′s money expert Rod Meloni sat down with Jason and Trish Keith from Dearborn to hear more about their financial situation, and to see if any improvements could be made.

Many Metro Detroit residents are receiving calls from people pretending to work for DTE Energy, threatening to shut off services.

A new bill introduced in Lansing is looking to hold power companies accountable when the power goes out.

A new set of bills in Lansing aim to expand Michigan’s statute of limitations for sexual assault.

The state of Michigan will no longer apply its 6% sales tax to tampons and other menstrual products, thanks to bipartisan legislation that was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Kansas City’s 42-36 win over Buffalo capped a divisional round in which the other three games were decided on final-play field goals giving the visitors wins.

More than 1,000 sexual abuse victims of a University of Michigan sports doctor would get a window in which they could sue the school for damages under new bills that the Legislature will consider.

The state of Michigan will no longer apply its 6% sales tax to tampons and other menstrual products, thanks to bipartisan legislation that was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Removing lead from drinking water pipelines has been a key piece of Democrats sweeping bills, but the clock is ticking to get both the bills passed as Michiganders again have to worry if their water is dangerous.

Automatically paying bills means that, chances are, you might never actually open them -- which means you may not even know what you’re paying for.

The bills were the latest of dozens Whitmer has vowed will stop at her desk.

Clerks are confused, frustrated and want to know why they’re being asked to do another review of the 2020 General Election.

With the president coming here to push his Build Back Better Plan there is an important question that needs to be answered.

Of course, the veto has the support of Detroit NAACP President, Reverend Wendell Anthony.

Several election bills passed by the Michigan legislature were vetoed Sunday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Metro Detroit nonprofit Wayne Metro Community Action Agency exists to offer help to local residents in need.

County officials are urging anyone struggling to pay rent to apply for CERA benefits.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed several Senate Bills that will extend the validation of state driver’s licenses and personal identification cards.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is signing four bills into law Wednesday that are designed to help Michigan veterans.

Michigan lawmakers have unveiled bipartisan bills that would require updated use-of-force policies and make changes designed to hold police accountable for misconduct a year after the slaying of George Floyd.

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey and several mayors from across the state were in Lansing Tuesday voicing opposition to election bills proposed by Michigan Republicans.

“We are witnessing state legislators acting as if their anti-American effort to take away citizens freedom to vote is somehow the right thing to do,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

On the first day of Michigan Legislature’s return to session Tuesday, the steps of the state Capitol were flooded with people saying to stand up for voting rights.

DETROIT – The $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill could be on President Joe Biden’s desk by the end of the week -- but when will the stimulus payments make their way to citizens? Local 4′s Hank Winchester spoke with Sen. Debbie Stabenow on Monday from Washington. READ: Stimulus check update: When to expect $1,400 payments and who’s eligible? The bill includes a $1,400 stimulus payment for individuals earning less than $75,000 and couples making less than $150,000. As the COVID-19 bill moves forward, citizens should update their information with the IRS.

Is your significant other making money mistakes that are affecting you? If your significant other is making a money mistake that’s affecting you, then you’ll want to take a look at these tips. “Couples fight over money more than other things like chores, what’s for dinner and togetherness,” said money savings expert Andrea Woroch. Money can be a big source of strife with your significant other, especially if you don’t do this:“The first common mistake I see a lot of couples make when it comes to money is postponing the ‘money talk,’” said Woroch. And set aside free money in your budget so each of you have a spending account.

It was an enormous mistake in the opening minutes of the AFC championship game on Sunday, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid could have easily given his young wide receiver the cold shoulder. They're going to keep me up, keep me motivated — make sure I don't have my head down,” Hardman said. They have been without Sammy Watkins since Week 16 because of a calf injury, and the veteran wide receiver was a surprise scratch on Sunday, putting pressure on Hardman and fellow wide receiver Byron Pringle to continue to pick up the slack. “We are a group of guys that want to be perfect and strive for that perfection, no matter what we do. I think we're going to take that same mentality into the Super Bowl.”___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

LANSING, Mich. – Legislation that allows for alternatives to jail and aims to limit recidivism in Michigan were among the dozens of new laws Gov. Among the measures were 20 based on the recommendations of the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration formed in 2019. The task force heard testimony from hundreds of people and reviewed 10 years of statewide arrest and court data after the state’s incarcerated population nearly tripled over four decades. “Despite the challenges 2020 presented, I am proud of the incredible work we have done as a state to reform our criminal justice system,” said Whitmer. “After establishing the bipartisan Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration we were able to make real and meaningful change that will impact the lives of thousands of Michiganders.

Gretchen Whitmer has signed a 20-bill package that aims to shift away from using jail and arrests as punishment for traffic offenses unless someone is a danger to the public. The bipartisan package of criminal justice reform bills resulted from recommendations by the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, according to the state. “I’m extraordinarily proud of our collective work over the last two years to understand and improve the criminal justice system,” Lt. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs a 20-bill package aiming to reshape penalties for traffic offenses on Jan. 4, 2020. The bill package aims to shift people away from jail unless they are a danger to the public.

They do have a sack in an NFL-record 71 straight games and have sacked Philip Rivers 15 times during seven games while he played for the Chargers. Rivers has had two or more TD passes in five straight games. He had career bests of 10 catches for 163 yards last week, and Ridley's seven 100-yard games lead the NFL. The 19 straight seasons without losing both games to a divisional opponent is an NFL record. The Jaguars have allowed at least 24 points in each of those 13 games, an NFL record.

One bill focuses on keeping those with minor violations, such as failure to appear in court, out of jail by eliminating mandatory minimum sentencing in certain cases. The repercussions for failing to appear are a heavy burden for many, said Sen. Sylvia Santana, who sponsored the legislation. The Legislature has heard for two years from jail officials and others involved in criminal justice about inefficiencies and shortcomings. The legislation would require a court to promptly notify the state health department when a juvenile is taken into custody for violating certain court orders. Courts would be required to hold a hearing to determine whether a juvenile violated a court order and where to place the juvenile.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – A curious parent requesting information from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools received a bill charging him nearly a quarter of a million dollars for the documents. “I wanted to know why the decision was made, what science and what facts were used and are continuing to be used,” Parrelley said. The father received a letter from the district saying that the cost of Plymouth-Canton Community School district records is $222,458.50 and requires paying half up front. “I checked the lottery numbers and I have not come through on them yet, which is my next best deal.”The school district told Local 4 that it “takes every Freedom of Information request it receives seriously. In this particular matter, the request captured an extremely broad range of potential keyword searches and covered an unbounded timeframe.

“And I was at that moment, probably like a lot of us, needing some help.”That is when the Heat and Warmth Fund, or THAW stepped in to help the family. It continues to provide assistance with utility bills to families during difficult times in their lives. “Any season is bad when you can’t afford utilities,” said Brandi Turner THAW Utility Assistance Center Manager. All day Tuesday, Local 4 viewers can help THAW keep the lights and heat on for these families by donating to the Gift of Warmth telethon. To donate to the Gift of Warmth telethon, click here: https://thawfund.org/donate/online/Gift of Warmth telethon: You can donate to help families in needWatch more

DETROIT – Saunteel Jenkins spoke with Rhonda Walker on Tuesday morning about what The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) does to help people across Michigan. Jenkins, the CEO of THAW, said the organization is helping frontline workers make ends meet. She said anyone having trouble paying bills should contact THAW for help. Gift of Warmth telethon: You can donate to help families in needAll day Tuesday, Local 4 viewers can help THAW keep the lights and heat on for these families by donating to the Gift of Warmth telethon. Anyone in an energy crisis can apply for help from the Heat and Warmth fund.

The Heat and Warmth Fund, or THAW, continues to provide assistance with utility bills and to help these people during a very difficult time in their lives. “Any season is bad when you can’t afford utilities,” said Brandi Turner THAW Utility Assistance Center Manager. Tuesday THAW Telethon -- 800-866-8429As of 6 p.m. Tuesday a total of $68,350 was raised with the goal of reaching $100,000 by the evening. To donate to the Gift of Warmth telethon, click here: https://thawfund.org/donate/online/All day Tuesday, Local 4 viewers can help THAW keep the lights and heat on for these families by donating to the Gift of Warmth telethon. Every dollar donated will be used to help pay utility bills.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)The AFC doesn’t lack for drama or star power even though Tom Brady has taken his talents to Davis Beach. WEST: The Chiefs (8-1) are still the class of the conference despite a hiccup against the resurgent Raiders (5-3), who won 40-32 at Arrowhead Stadium on Oct. 11. Mahomes became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 100 TD passes, doing it in 40 games, four fewer than Dan Marino. The Broncos (3-5) have been waylaid by injuries and COVID-19 opt-outs, exposures and infections and Drew Lock went 45 drives without a TD pass.

That means that going into tonight’s Saints-Buccaneers showdown, home teams are 65-65-1 so far this season. That homefield advantage has largely been erased with sparse crowds or no fans at games because of the coronavirus pandemic. Las Vegas though has taken control on its first two drives of the second half. Neither had started an NFL game, but both have been in the league much longer than DiNucci. The Tennessee Titans already lost left tackle Taylor Lewan for the season, and now they are without left guard Rodger Saffold.

Gretchen Whitmer signed a multiple bill package into law that both Democrats and Republicans have been working on for the last year in the Legislature. Under the Michigan Clean Slate Bills the state will be the first in the nation to have an automatic expungement process. This will help people with minor crime convictions or former marijuana convictions and some traffic offenses. Under the bill package the state will set up a computer system to process those automatic expungements. The bills target minor crimes, but not major felonies or traffic offenses like Driving Under the Influence incidents.

(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)NASHVILLE, Tenn. – All New York Jets players and coaches have tested negative for COVID-19, and Sunday's game against Arizona will be played on time. We look forward to our game this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.”During the summer, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had a similar false positive. By sending everyone home from the facility Friday morning, the Jets took the appropriate steps under the NFL/NFLPA COVID-19 protocols. The league already postponed, then rescheduled the Titans’ game with Pittsburgh from Oct. 4 to Oct. 25 during the outbreak. That would be the sixth NFL game to be rescheduled — all this month.

Michigan would automatically expunge the criminal records of hundreds of thousands of residents under sweeping “clean slate” bills that received final legislative approval on Thursday. They would be eligible seven years after their misdemeanor sentence and, in the case of a felony, 10 years after their sentence or prison term, whichever occurred last. In Michigan, an expungement — or set aside — clears the public record of a conviction so it does not appear in a background check. Law enforcement still keeps a non-public record, but no longer have to disclose their past on job applications or other forms. “Making expungement cheaper, easier and available to more residents than ever before will remove the barriers that hold too many people back.”

Since Floyds death in late May, there have been about 450 pieces of policing reform proposals introduced in 31 states, according to a count by the NCSL. Many states had finished their normal legislative session at the time of Floyd's death and are planning to address police accountability next year. But some states are having special sessions this year and others moved quickly to pass bills during the normal legislative calendar. Now lawmakers are set to debate a wide range of policing and other reforms in a special session starting later this month. Lamont Bagby, chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, said its unfortunate that Floyds death was necessary to create a sense of urgency for policing reforms.

LANSING, Mich. More than 2,000 of the coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths in Michigan have occurred in nursing homes. That puts Michigan in, or near, the top 10 in the nation in nursing home fatalities. Gretchen Whitmer about it on Tuesday, she pushed back on the suggestion that Michigan handled the virus badly when it comes to nursing homes. READ: Michigan governor vetoes nursing home bill calling it a political gameI think I would challenge you on the statement you just made, Whitmer said. Hes the one who brought forth the bill Whitmer vetoed.

Gretchen Whitmer signed several bipartisan budget bills into law Friday, while she vetoed nursing home legislation. Whitmer vetoed Senate Bill 956, which she believes would have jeopardized the health of Michigans nursing home residents and other COVID-19-positive patients. Vetoed LegislationProtecting the health and safety of nursing home residents and their staff continues to be a top priority for my administration, said Whitmer. Senate Bill 956 is nothing more than a political game that would relocate vulnerable seniors without any requirement for consent, doctors approval, or notification to patients and their families. Last week, Whitmer extended protections by continuing limited and temporary restrictions on the entry of individuals into health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities.

Gretchen Whitmers COVID-19 nursing home policies spoke out Saturday. Whitmer said she vetoed Senate Bill 956 Friday because she believes it would have jeopardized the health of Michigans nursing home residents and other COVID-19-positive patients. COVID-19 patients have been placed in nursing homes with healthy residents since the beginning of the pandemic -- a policy the legislature disagreed. A new policy, sponsored by Sen. Peter J. Lucido, aimed to prohibit the transfer of people who have COVID-19 into nursing homes and long-term care facilities unless a facility was capable of keeping the patients separate. Health officials claim more about one-third of Michigans COVID-19 deaths came in nursing homes.

“I am proud to work with Senator Moss and Secretary of State Benson to provide much-needed relief for drivers whose licenses have expired during the State of Emergency. While in-person and mail renewals remain on hold, residents can still renew their licenses, state ID cards and vehicle registrations online at Michigan.gov/SOS. For the current state of emergency, Michigan drivers and holders of state IDs are safe from any expired driving penalties. Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-47 on April 13, which temporarily extends the expiration of driver’s licenses, state ID cards and vehicle registrations — that occur during the state of emergency — until June 30, 2020. Whitmer extends expiration of driver’s licenses, state ID cards

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan lawmakers announced a bill package that would give all residents the chance to obtain state identification cards or driver’s licenses, even if they can’t prove legal presence, according to a news release. The bills are called The Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom, and the Economy) bills, and would apply to residents who meet the definition of having residence in Michigan. "I am proud that such a broad-based coalition has come together to support driver’s licenses for those who cannot prove their legal residence. It is time to update Michigan’s laws to enhance safety on the road, grow our agricultural economy, and protect human dignity,” Chang said. They also ensure that all members of our communities can continue making valuable contributions to our home and economy without fear.”