Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is sounding the alarm as COVID-19 cases rise rapidly across the state. Within the last 24 hours, 1,597 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Michigan. Whitmer addressed the surge in cases during a news conference Wednesday, where she said that Michigan is at a “dangerous moment” regarding coronavirus spread. COVID-19 numbers are on the rise throughout the entire U.S. Experts are looking at Wisconsin’s coronavirus numbers in an effort to predict -- and prevent -- a similar pattern in Michigan.

LANSING, Mich. The Michigan Republican Party is calling for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to apologize after she said she believes had protesters during the anti-stay-at-home rallies been Black, they would have been killed by law enforcement. That response has drawn criticism from Michigan GOP Chairman Laura Cox who said Whitmer owed members of the state police who guard the capitol an apology. You know she's the governor over the Michigan State Police. The calls to defund departments has become a rallying cry and policy push during nationwide protests.

COMMERCE CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. For months, outdoor playground equipment has been closed due to coronavirus, but for some children, playgrounds have always been inaccessible. RELATED: Livonia reopens school playgrounds, Dog Park after Michigan stay home order liftedAn inclusive playground in Commerce Township is a project Detroit News personality Stephen Clark has spent years raising money to build. Clarks granddaughter uses a wheelchair and the new park is the largest ramped playground in the Midwest. Named after Clarks granddaughter, Scarlets Playground is groundbreaking for children with special needs. More information on Scarlets Playground can be found on its official website here.

COLDWATER, Mich. Burt Reynolds and Jackie Gleason were on the big screen as a drive-in movie theater in southern Michigan reopened, despite business shutdowns during the coronavirus. Capri Drive-In co-owner Susan Magocs said she needs to make money and still can keep visitors safe. The theaters two screens opened Friday night near Coldwater in Branch County. Capri Drive-In offered Smokey and the Bandit, Jurassic Park, Trolls World Tour and Sonic The Hedgehog.Magocs cut capacity by 50%. Stephanie Freiny says theres nothing wrong with having fun if it can be done safely.

DETROIT – A local rapper’s song about Governor Whitmer has gotten so popular, he’s using it to give back to the community, through the song ‘Big Gretch’. GMac Cash raised money to buy the Governor new glasses, but when she wouldn’t accept them, he put the money to good use. If we don’t take care of each other, who is going to take care of us?” said GMac Cash. They didn’t expect it, they know anything about it, so that made it even better” said Gmac Cash. But the Governor’s office said, they couldn’t accept the glasses and wanted GMac Cash to use the money raised to help out the community.

Rapper takes money raised through 'Big Gretch' and gives back to DetroitPublished: May 16, 2020, 6:24 pmGmacCash's song about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has gotten so popular, he's using it to give back to the community.

BRIGHTON, Mich. – Some businesses in Michigan have opened up, despite Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order to remain closed amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. READ: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extends stay-at-home order until May 28A barber in Owosso was ticketed for doing so -- but a gym in Brighton has not been ticketed and likely will not be. Gyms are supposed to be among the last businesses to reopen under Whitmer’s order.

Brighton gym opens despite Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s stay-at-home orderPublished: May 8, 2020, 11:17 pmSome businesses in Michigan have opened up, despite Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order to remain closed amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

DETROIT – As part of the plan to reopen Michigan’s economy in phases, construction businesses began to reopen Thursday. Gretchen Whitmer signs executive order to resume construction, real estateIt’s good news for construction and trade workers, but employees aren’t flooding back to job sites just yet because their work is now scheduled apart. Mike Magnoli, with Michael Angelo Construction, said the job isn’t the same with only four people allowed inside a home at once. “We lost the two months," Magnoli said. The can do work electronically, but builders say that can take much longer than usual.

Builders concerned as construction resumes in MichiganIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

WIXOM, Mich. – As part of the plan to reopen Michigan’s economy in phases, construction businesses began to reopen Thursday. Gretchen Whitmer signs executive order to resume construction, real estateMichigan construction companies can resume commercial and residential work, real estate agents can start showing homes again in person and other outdoor jobs are allowed to bring employees back. Every business is different and will have its own changes in policies to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. Additionally, companies are limiting the amount of workers inside buildings with some businesses having more strict rules than others. It’s expected to be a much slower process to build a home than it has been before.

DETROIT – In-person home sales resume Thursday, but the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the real estate industry. New precautions will in place when Michigan real estate agents get back to seeing clients. Gretchen Whitmer signs executive order to resume construction, real estateSherice Orzechowshi, with Monzo Group Realty, said she will be able to see four clients at a time, with everyone maintaining 6 feet of distance. Monzo Group Realty owner Erick Monzo said his business made changes early on to be prepared. The real estate agency resuming has been a sign of hope for other workers after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered numerous businesses and halted many industries.

Gretchen Whitmer a pair of Cartier Buffalo sunglasses after a song went viral praising her handling of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Detroit rapper GmacCash’s “Big Gretch” caught fire over the weekend. Whitmer approves of Detroit rapper’s ode to her"It’s just a staple for the city a staple in Detroit,” Darrel Hasty said. The money was raised and the glasses were designed. "If Michiganders continue to stay home and stay safe, we will hopefully be able to get together for the cookout soon.”GmacCash responded by saying he will donate the money raised to community organization New Era Detroit.

DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, now affectionately referred to by her supporters as “Big Gretch," took to Twitter on Sunday night to share her approval of a song about her. Until then, Big Gretch says stay home and stay safe! — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) May 4, 2020Detroit rapper GmacCash’s “Big Gretch” praises the governor’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Whitmer, ‘that woman from Michigan’Whitmer has received both support and backlash toward how she has handled the COVID-19 outbreak, namely her stay-at-home order, which was extended until May 15 on April 30.

LANSING, Mich. – Protesters filled the state Capitol on Thursday, demanding Michigan reopen. Michigan has been under a stay-at-home order in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic since March 23. “This is the people’s House, you cannot keep us out,” the protesters chanted inside the Capitol building. RELATED: Court rules stay-at-home order does not infringe on constitutional rightsEarlier this month, protesters gathered in Lansing for “Operation Gridlock.” They also decried the stay-at-home order at that protest. MORE: Extending State of Emergency is not the same thing as extending stay-at-home orderThe State of Emergency for the state of Michigan expires at midnight Friday.

LAKE ORION, Mich. – Canterbury Village is postponing drive-in movies that were scheduled this week and next week. The postponement announcement was posted to the Canterbury Village Facebook page with the message that the “governor just shut us down.”According to the post, the governor halted the event. Keith Aldridge, who owns Canterbury Village, said there were plans in place to make the drive-in safe and socially distanced. You could listen to the movie on your FM radio and we decided against trying to do concessions," he said. When Canterbury Village posted to its Facebook page the governor shut the drive-in down, it became a keyboard war in the comments between those disappointed, those furious and others who support Michigan Gov.

Online predators target children forced to communicate virtually during Michigan stay-at-home orderPublished: April 29, 2020, 5:52 pmOur children are spending more time online doing school work, connecting with family and friends and simply having fun, and unfortunately, parents are not the only ones who know that. Federal investigators say online predators know that too.

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Royal Oak city commissioners voted to censure a commissioner who attended Operation Gridlock, a protest against Michigan’s coronavirus (COVID-19) stay-at-home order, earlier this month. READ: ‘Operation Gridlock’ -- Michigan stay-at-home order protested in LansingA censure is a formal condemnation. Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier called for Gibbs to resign after learning she attended the protest, saying she broke the law. She has filed a police report and is receiving protection from Royal Oak police after she said she was getting harassing phone calls, text messages and emails. MORE: Commissioner seeks police protection after attending ‘Operation Gridlock’Commissioners held a virtual meeting where they heard comments regarding the incident on Tuesday before voting 5-2 to pass the censure.

Gretchen Whitmer introduced another piece of her plan to reopen the state Monday, but Republican lawmakers say it isn’t enough. MORE: What does the “MI Safe Start Plan” mean for reopening Michigan? Under the “MI Safe Start Plan," businesses will open based on which workplaces pose the least risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission. “And the answer was it put too many people back to work.”Shirkey said he wants to see bolder action as the state moves to reopen. VIEW: Here’s what was reopened under the revised stay-at-home orderWhitmer said he wants to work with the Republican leadership, but Shirkey says he’s not interested in waiting any longer.

Facebook is launching a new video calling features to help more people stay connected amid stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. MORE: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand as of SaturdayFacebook’s new “Messenger Rooms” will host up to 50 people with no time limit for free. A Facebook user must host the call, but anyone can be invited to join it -- even if they don’t have a Facebook account. The Messenger Rooms are currently launching with a smaller capacity, but will soon reach the 50-user limit. Gretchen Whitmer extends stay-at-home order, with loosened restrictions

DETROIT – Detroit police busted street racers Friday night, issuing more than 30 tickets for violations of coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing rules. Police said they received multiple complaints about people street racing, drifting and driving recklessly in the area of I-96 and Warren Avenue on the city’s west side. Michigan’s stay-at-home order prohibits people from visiting with people who live in a different household. RELATED: What happens if you violate Michigan’s stay-at-home order? “We’re not going to have people getting killed on the street doing drag racing, drifting and generally driving recklessly.

DETROIT – Some businesses can begin restarting operations after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Michigan led to Executive Orders shuttering numerous workplaces. Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday that she was extending the state’s stay-at-home order until May 15, but the extension loosens some restrictions, meaning some people will soon be getting back to work. READ: Whitmer extends stay-at-home order, with loosened restrictionsWhile some businesses will begin reopening, changes are being made to adhere to guidelines laid out by the governor. CHECK: Here’s what was reopened in the revised stay-at-home orderLandscapers are getting back to the job and plant nurseries are reopening with this in mind. He owns Robson’s Greenhouse in Belleville, and he said his 42 greenhouses will look different this year.

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – City Commissioner Kim Gibbs is receiving protection services from Royal Oak police after filing a police report for allegedly receiving harassing phone calls, texts and emails. This news comes after Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier called for Gibbs’ resignation after she attended the “Operation Gridlock” protest in Lansing last week. MORE: ‘Operation Gridlock’ -- Michigan stay-at-home order protested in LansingFournier asked Gibbs to resign after saying her participation was illegal and put lives at risk. “I attended Operational Gridlock at the Capitol to support the voices of small business owners and their employees,” said Gibbs. “Commissioner Gibbs willfully violated the law and put countless lives at risk.

WOODHAVEN, Mich. – A Downriver photographer isn’t letting coronavirus stop her creativity. She has turned to sidewalk chalk art while her business is sidelined, and she is garnering a lot of attention. Watch the story above.

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier is calling for the resignation of Royal Oak Commissioner Kim Gibbs after she attended a protest in Lansing on Wednesday. Mayor Fournier asked Gibbs to resign from her position as a Royal Oak Commissioner, saying she broke the law by participating in Wednesday’s protest. She lacks the judgment and empathy to serve the people of Royal Oak,” Fournier said. If she cares about Royal Oak she will resign so we can begin healing from this black eye she has placed upon us. “As of today (Thursday), Royal Oak has lost 14 of our own to this virus.

All rights reserved)DETROIT – The Jewish Community Relations Council of Detroit (AJC) has publicly condemned the behavior and signage of protestors that participated in “Operation Gridlock” on Wednesday. Thousands of Michigan residents swarmed the Lansing capitol to protest Michigan Gov. MORE: Thousands protest Michigan governor’s social distance orderPhotos and videos from the protest show individuals holding posters with swastikas, comparing Whitmer to Adolf Hitler. “Regardless of one’s political views, the use of such imagery and symbolism is inexcusable,” AJC said. “The Nazi imagery is particularly galling as it comes only days before Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), which begins on Monday night.”AJC is requesting the protest organizers to condemn the behavior, as well.

Macomb County is awarding relief grants to 148 small businesses in the county to help mitigate any financial impact caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Related: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand todayMacomb County Planning & Economic Development earlier announced plans to assist 90 to 150 small businesses in the county. Macomb County was awarded $800,000 to distribute among small businesses from the Michigan Small Business Relief Program, officials said. Macomb County donated $30,000 to the cause for a total of $930,000 to aid small businesses. We organized an application process, fairly quickly, to disburse these relief funds to our businesses,” said Vicky Rad, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.

BELLEVILLE, Mich. – Robson’s Greenhouse in Belleville is usually extremely busy on Easter weekend. Gretchen Whitmer’s extended stay-at-home order deems greenhouses and garden centers non-essential -- impacting the industry’s busiest time of the year. Robson’s Greenhouse, a family-run business established in 1929, is only open from mid-May until June. “If we cannot get this stuff out it turns to garbage," says Kevin Robson, owner of Robson’s Greenhouse. He hopes others can enjoy his products during this time, as he says flowers are the “best mental health remedy.”

Whitmer has extended the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order until the end of April and included new restrictions. Whitmer has also prohibited travel between properties that people own in the state, including vacation rentals. Prohibitions on landscaping and lawn service business will remain intact, although some cities said they will allow lawn cutting services. “Every single exception you make to a stay home, stay safe order makes this more porous and makes it less likely to work. RELATED: What happens if you violate Michigan’s stay-at-home order?

Travel between residences in Michigan prohibited in new ‘stay home’ order restrictionsPublished: April 9, 2020, 11:10 pmMichigan Gov. Whitmer has extended the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order until the end of April and included new restrictions.

Gretchen Whitmer extended the state’s stay-at-home order Thursday, while adding several restrictions that weren’t in the original order. For instance, in the new order, which will be in effect until April 30, prohibits people from traveling between residences they may own. Read more about the extended order here. Both businesses and people who violate the order, which intends to promote social distancing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, are subject to penalties. If you violate orders related to the outbreak, you could receive a civil fine up to $1,000.

Gretchen Whitmer extended the state’s stay-at-home order until the end of the month on Thursday. READ: Michigan extends ‘stay home’ order to April 30 -- What you need to knowWhitmer said the order, which aims to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), is extended until April 30. See those models below:As of Thursday, there are 21,504 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 1,076 have died. Watch Thursday’s press conference below:Governor Whitmer provides update on COVID-19. https://t.co/3sM5b9RLT5 — Michigan State Police (@MichStatePolice) April 9, 2020Read More:

Michigan hairstylists out of work, but still can’t make house callsPublished: April 1, 2020, 4:31 pmHair and beauty are not considered “essential business” therefore they are closed right now per the Michigan governor’s orders. That has put stylists and salon owners in a bad spot.

Can bugs spread coronavirus (COVID-19)? How long can it live on gas pumps? Are pets safe? Published: April 1, 2020, 4:24 pmThere’s a lot of information and misinformation out there about the coronavirus (COVID-19), so Local 4 is letting viewers submit questions so we can find verified answers.

DETROIT – Hair and beauty are not considered “essential business” therefore they are closed right now per the Michigan governor’s orders. RELATED: Answers to questions about Michigan’s stay-at-home order“I have no source of income and can’t work right now, none of us can,” Chandler said. Her salon, Liquid Salon, has the product in stock in a number of different colors, and they are shipping for free. How easily the virus spreadsHow easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily.

As of March 23, there have been 7,000 Red Cross blood drive cancellations around the U.S., resulting in more than 200,000 fewer blood donations, officials said. With cancellations on the rise, Red Cross is facing a severe shortage of blood, officials said. The Red Cross will continue to host blood drives to provide much needed blood to those in need, officials said. Blood drives are exempt from bans on social gatherings, as they provide necessary resources that can’t be bought or manufactured. Click here to make an appointment to donate blood to the Red Cross in your area.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Versiti Blood Center of Michigan will remain open amid the state’s “stay-at-home” order due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. RELATED: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand as of Tuesday morningUnder Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s executive “stay-at-home” order, residents may leave their homes for Healthcare and Public Health Operations -- which includes visiting blood, plasma and platelet donation centers, officials said. “Versiti Blood Center of Michigan supplies blood to nearly 80 hospitals across the state," said Versiti Chief Medical Officer Thomas Abshire. Those interested in donating can schedule an appointment by calling 866-642-5663 or visiting their website here.