Today marks the 175th day since Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. That order is scheduled to expire on Friday, but the governor has already extended it several times. However, her authority to issue such an extension is being challenged in the courts. Lawmakers say such an action requires the approval of the state legislature. The issue went before the state court of appeals, where the governor prevailed. It has now moved on to the Michigan Supreme Court. The High Court had been scheduled to hear oral arguments on the matter tomorrow, but delayed the proceedings until September 9th, which is one week from tomorrow.
Michigan health officials reported there were 451 new cases of the corona virus and 7 additional deaths. Yesterday’s figures bring the state’s death toll to 6,480 among its 102,468 cases.
The corona virus pandemic has the chips falling at the MGM Grand Detroit Casino. It is laying off 11-hundred of its 28-hundred employees. The casino has been operating at a state-mandate 15-percent capacity since It reopened August 5th after being closed for more than four months. Company officials did say that those being laid off would be in line to be called back to work as conditions warrant.