Latest Michigan news, sports, business and entertainment at 9:20 p.m. EDT

ELECTION 2022-MICHIGAN GOVERNOR

‘We are ready to run’: Whitmer submits reelection petitions

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has submitted voter signatures to run for reelection, saying Michigan needs continued strong leadership as it emerges from tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first-term Democrat thanked about 100 boisterous supporters near the Capitol Thursday before she and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist submitted the petitions that candidates must file. She said they encountered surprises like “something out of fiction” but “stood our ground and delivered” for residents. After, the governor declined to assess the 10-plus Republican candidates vying to challenge her. The field will narrow after the April 19 filing deadline.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR-DONATIONS

Donations for Ukrainians pour into Detroit-area warehouse

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (AP) — Donations intended to assist those both\ defending and fleeing Ukraine are pouring into a Detroit-area warehouse. Dozens of volunteers have been sorting, packing and shipping items ranging from diapers and feminine hygiene products to medical supplies and non-lethal personal protective gear since the beginning of the Russian invasion last month. Standard Trucking has allowed volunteers to use the logistics company’s warehouse and loading dock in the Detroit enclave of Hamtramck. Two air shipments of about 3,000 pounds each have been sent to Poland so far, and an even bigger shipment is set to go out this weekend. All items are donated, as is the cost of the shipments.

ELECTION BILLS

Michigan Legislature sends more election bills to governor

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Legislature has sent more election-related bills to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, this time to address inaccurate addresses and dates of birth in Michigan’s voter file. Republicans say the legislation would fix issues uncovered by 2019 and 2022 audits and ensure the database is accurate. The measures are opposed by Democrats including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, however, making vetoes likely. The bills would require the secretary of state in certain circumstances to remove voters who were given a “placeholder” date of birth — because the actual date is unknown and needs follow-up — or who haven’t voted since 2000.

MICHIGAN GOVERNOR-KIDNAPPING PLOT

FBI: Accused wanted ‘tyrant’ Gov. Whitmer tied up on table

A key figure in an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was secretly recorded telling an undercover FBI agent that he wanted to restrain the “tyrant” on a table, then pose for a photo “like we just made the biggest drug bust.” The 2020 recording of Adam Fox was played to jurors Thursday. Fox, Barry Croft Jr., Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta are charged with conspiracy. Prosecutors say they turned their anger toward government in 2020 into a plot to kidnap Whitmer because of the restrictions she imposed during the early months of the pandemic. The trial started March 8 and could last for weeks.

AP-US-COUNTRY-CLUB-FIRE

Sheriff: Workers maybe sparked country club fire with torch

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — Surveillance camera footage shows maintenance workers using a propane torch prior to a blaze that destroyed a century-old clubhouse at a suburban Detroit country club. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said the Oakland Hills Country Club has estimated the loss of the clubhouse at about $80 million. Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Thursday that the footage appears to show the workers attempting to douse a small fire in a wall using a garden hose on Feb. 17. Bouchard says investigators could have a preliminary finding on the cause of the fire next month. He did not mention the possibility of criminal charges.

DRONE PHOTOS

Michigan’s top court looking at legality of drone evidence

LONG LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — In the months ahead, the Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments in a conflict between drones and the U.S. Constitution’s protection against illegal searches. Local officials used aerial photos as evidence in a lawsuit filed against a couple in Long Lake Township, near Traverse City. Todd and Heather Maxon were accused of violating a zoning ordinance and creating a nuisance with cars and salvage material. The Maxons say using a drone without a court order violated the Fourth Amendment. The Michigan Court of Appeals agreed in a 2-1 decision a year ago.

MICHIGAN LAWMAKER-DRUNKEN DRIVING

Michigan lawmaker sentenced in drunken driving case

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan state Rep. Jewell Jones has been sentenced to two years of probation and will not serve any additional jail time for his drunken driving conviction or for violating the terms of his bond. The 26-year-old Inkster Democrat pleaded guilty in February to driving while intoxicated in April 2021 and other charges. He violated the terms of his bond by tampering with his ankle monitor and consuming alcohol, and was sent to jail for 60 days starting in mid-September. Jones was removed from his legislative committee assignments in September. He was sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, meaning after his two-year probationary period, his record can be sealed.

AUTO INSURANCE

House speaker: No changes to auto insurance law this term

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Bills intended to fix a Michigan law that slashed auto insurance payments for crash survivors’ post-acute care are dead for the term. Republican House Speaker Jason Wentworth, a backer of the 2019 law, said Wednesday it’s time to move on. Legislators in both parties have introduced measures to change the law, which last year curbed or cut what hospitals, residential care facilities and home providers can charge car insurers for care. The law is credited as a major reason for $400 per-vehicle refunds being issued to insured drivers. But critics say it’s putting at risk the care of seriously injured drivers.

PROSECUTOR CHARGED-PENSION FROZEN

Judge freezes pension of former suburban Detroit prosecutor

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) — A judge has frozen the pension of a former Detroit-area prosecutor recently sentenced to prison for obstructing justice during an investigation of how he spent campaign donations. An Oakland County judge signed an order last week freezing the nearly $6,900-a-month pension former Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith has been receiving since 2020. The Detroit Free Press reports the Michigan Attorney General’s Office had requested that the pensions of Smith and his former chief of operations, Derek Miller, be frozen in a pending embezzlement case.Both men are charged in that case, which involves the misuse of drug and forfeiture funds in the prosecutor’s office.

MICHIGAN GOVERNOR-KIDNAPPING PLOT-DEFENDANTS

Snapshots of 4 men charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Jurors have unflattering snapshots so far of four men charged with plotting to strike back against government by kidnapping Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. During the first two days of testimony, prosecutors introduced videos, messages and secretly recorded conversations full of antigovernment screeds. Federal Judge Robert Jonker told the jury to not try “to pull it all together just yet.” The trial in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which is expected to last weeks, is scheduled to resume Thursday. It was suspended earlier this week after an essential participant tested positive for COVID-19. Barry Croft Jr., Adam Fox, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta are charged with conspiracy. Lawyers have signaled an entrapment defense.