The dome of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. Legislators could soon be asked to send more state dollars to Detroit to help the new emergency financial manager. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
Thursday, March 28 2013 11:56 AM EDT2013-03-28 15:56:34 GMT
Michigan's tougher emergency manager law takes effect Thursday. However, its opponents are seeking to block it in federal court, saying the measure is unconstitutional.
Michigan's tougher emergency manager law takes effect Thursday. However, its opponents are seeking to block it in federal court, saying the measure is unconstitutional.
Tuesday, March 26 2013 11:22 PM EDT2013-03-27 03:22:01 GMT
On the day Kevyn Orr takes over the management of the city, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff goes back 40 years for a unique look back at the time Detroit elected its first African-American mayor.
On the day Kevyn Orr takes over the management of the city, effectively removing Mayor Dave Bing and the Detroit City Council from power, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff goes back 40 years for a unique look back at the time Detroit elected its first African-American mayor.
Monday, March 25 2013 11:14 PM EDT2013-03-26 03:14:42 GMT
As Detroit's new EFM takes the reigns, young adults with a vested interest in the city are concerned about the future. However, the governor wants them to know they can be part of the change and the solution.
As Detroit's new emergency financial manager takes the reigns, young adults with a vested interest in the city are concerned about the future. However, the governor wants them to know they can be part of the change and the solution.
Monday, March 25 2013 9:18 PM EDT2013-03-26 01:18:49 GMT
Kevyn Orr, Detroit's new financial emergency manager, met with several city leaders during his first day on the job, but not everyone is thrilled with his arrival.
Kevyn Orr, Detroit's new financial emergency manager, met with several city leaders during his first day on the job, but not everyone is thrilled with his arrival.
Monday, March 25 2013 7:23 PM EDT2013-03-25 23:23:58 GMT
Detroit's EMS and police departments are getting a much needed shot in the arm from the corporate world. There will be new ambulances in the next four to five months and 100 new patrol cars within 60 to 90 days.
Detroit's EMS and police departments are getting a much needed shot in the arm from the corporate world. There will be new ambulances in the next four to five months and 100 new patrol cars within 60 to 90 days.
Monday, March 25 2013 12:56 PM EDT2013-03-25 16:56:46 GMT
Fox 2's Maurielle Lue reports protestors are still gathering, waving flags and signs against Detroit's new E.F.M. (Emergency Financial Manager).
Fox 2's Maurielle Lue reports protestors are still gathering, waving flags and signs against Detroit's new E.F.M. (Emergency Financial Manager). Despite the snow and chilly temperatures, the protest was strong for more than half an hour.
Friday, March 22 2013 11:33 AM EDT2013-03-22 15:33:37 GMT
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Friday called for a mass, non-violent demonstration in Michigan to protest the appointment of an emergency manager over Detroit's finances.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Friday called for a mass, non-violent demonstration in Michigan to protest the appointment of an emergency manager over Detroit's finances.
Tuesday, March 19 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-03-20 02:32:53 GMT
We're days away from having an emergency financial manager on the job in Detroit. Tuesday, some citizens spoke out on the controversial measure.
We're days away from having an emergency financial manager on the job in Detroit. Tuesday, some citizens spoke out on the controversial measure.
LANSING, Mich. (WJBK) -
Now that an emergency financial manager has been appointed for Detroit, what can be expected from Lansing? Top Republican leaders say not a blank check.
Many believe it is important for the governor to score some early success with his new emergency financial manager. That could mean the governor will ask lawmakers for some financial aid to get there.
"He's got to figure out how to put at least a couple hundred million dollars in the hands of this person," said Sen. Bert Johnson, a Democrat.
However, the Senate Republican leader and the House Republican speaker are not about to put that amount of money in anybody's hands without some guarantees that it will work.
"There is no interest [in] our caucus in funding business as usual," said House Speaker Rep. Jase Bolger.
The Senate Republican leader said the whole state will "take a hit" if Detroit fails, but if the city wants lawmakers to impose a higher income tax rate on non-residents to raise more dollars, well, that could be in trouble.
"We'll talk about that," said Sen. Randy Richardville.
"Not very much, though, will you?" I asked.
"Probably not, especially the non-residents that feel that they've paid their tax burden already," he responded.
The governor has told Detroit residents to give the emergency financial manager a month to demonstrate some progress, but if that requires an influx of state dollars, Johnson doesn't see the Republican support.
"I don't know that this legislature would really have the appetite for the kind of money, the kind of resources that will really be necessary," he said.
Meanwhile, attorney Andrew Patterson asked the court to stop the emergency financial manager from going into office. He contends the governor did not have the legal right to negotiate the contract.
"All of his interviews in his search process have no authority in law, and he's spending state money that he's not authorized to spend," he said.
However, the judge did not immediately block the emergency financial manager.
For his part, the Republican speaker said he wants to see Detroit fixed, but he reported the state has already spent a lot of money with the new lighting and transportation programs there, and more money now, that's a question mark.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:13:17 GMT
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 12:21:59 GMT
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Tuesday, April 30 2013 10:02 PM EDT2013-05-01 02:02:40 GMT
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:25:11 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:23:14 GMT
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:57 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:20:23 GMT
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:38:20 GMT
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue.
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue. Thick black smoke and flames can be seen for miles. The Windsor Star is