From the Associated Press — The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to look again at a law that allows communities to collect millions of dollars from poor criminal defendants. The money helps pay salaries, keep lights on
From the Associated Press — A teacher in southwestern Michigan says he’s on a one-week hunger strike outside his school to draw attention to climate change. Josh Gottlieb says he took a week off without pay to
From the Associated Press — A program at the University of Michigan to combat struggles that low-income and first-generation college students can face is getting $40 million from the Judy and Fred Wilpon Family Foundation. Former New
From the Associated Press — The global computer chip shortage cut into third-quarter profits at both Ford and crosstown rival General Motors, with both companies having to temporarily close factories, pinching supplies on dealer lots. Ford’s net
Congressman Fred Upton is urging House leadership to take up a bill that would encourage the production of more semiconductor chips in the United States. He tells WSJM News the auto industry is struggling with a shortage
Berrien County families can do a little early trick or treating this Saturday with Berrien County Animal Control’s trunk or treat event. About 30 local businesses will be set up in the parking lot of Animal Control’s
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday saluted three local businesses that made donations so it could purchase a new thermal imaging drone. Undersheriff Chuck Heit tells us LeValley Chevrolet, Lane Automotive, and Orchard Hill Sanitary Landfill
Cornerstone Alliance is offering businesses in Benton Harbor free water testing as the city continues its efforts to replace old lead water lines that have led to some samples testing high. Eligible businesses are those located in
Intercare is offering assistance to those who sign up for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act with some sessions featuring trained community health workers during this open enrollment period. Intercare tells us more: InterCare Community Health
From the Associated Press — Republican lawmakers have passed veto-destined bills that would let Michigan students attend private schools and pay other educational expenses with scholarships funded by taxpayers who would get tax credits for their donations.
From the Associated Press — A woman has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for a drunk driving crash that killed a Michigan state trooper. Thomasina Jones was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty in Ionia County
Construction zone safety continues to be an important issue in Michigan. West Michigan state Representative Mark Huizenga testified before the state House Transportation Committee this week about an effort to revolutionize the equipment used in work zones
The state Senate passed a package of bills that would prohibit school districts from requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine or wear a mask. Democrats slammed the measures. They include Rosemary Bayer of Beverly Hills, who
A 22-year-old Dowagiac woman is hospitalized after being hurt in a Cass County crash. Melanie Greenleaf was taken by ambulance to the hospital. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says 37-year-old Julie Hoven of Edwardsburg was trying to
With elections around the state next Tuesday, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is urging voters to turn in their absentee ballots in time. The Secretary of State’s office has released the following: Ahead of Election Day
With consumer prices spiking on a variety of items nationwide, Congressman Fred Upton has co-sponsored the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act. It’s intended to help alleviate the supply chain bottlenecks at ports across the country, especially in
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says it has received approval from the federal government to use U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services funds to remove lead from homes in Benton Harbor. The department
Michigan Gas Utilities is warning customers about an increase in home heating prices coming this winter. Spokesperson Matt Cullen tells WSJM News there’s a general increase in the price of natural gas. “The daily average price for
Berrien County residents have an extra chance to get unneeded electronic items recycled for free Wednesday. Berrien County Parks Director Jill Adams tells WSJM News Green Earth Electronics Recycling in St. Joseph will stay open later than
The Berrien County Trial Court is receiving some major grants to help continue its specialty courts programs. The court announced this week it’s gotten notice of three grant awards from the State Court Administrator’s Office, totaling $446,000.
Utilities in Michigan are raising awareness about the ways consumers can get involved in cleaning up the energy grid, including by participating in community solar projects. The projects involve multiple customers subscribing to solar-energy generation, and then
From the Associated Press — Legislation to eliminate the sales tax on menstrual products in Michigan passed in the state Senate on Tuesday. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has backed an end to the so-called “tampon tax” in
From the Associated Press — A Michigan group has raised $2.5 million from a liberal nonprofit to fight a Republican-backed ballot drive that would toughen voter ID requirements, ban the unsolicited mailing of absentee ballot applications and
From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has directed the state to expedite the ordering of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5-11 so it is quickly available once the federal government soon gives the green
With an election next week for the St. Joseph City Commission, two members of the body are hanging up their hats. During a Monday meeting, Commissioner Jeff Richards and Mayor Mike Garey were saluted for their service.
From the Associated Press — A Michigan State University study has concluded that community solar expansion in Michigan would contribute nearly $1.5 billion to the state’s economy over 30 years. The East Lansing school says the installation
The next engagement of the South Haven Speaker Series will be this Thursday, and the topic of discussion will be Afghanistan. The series says Hope College Political Science Professor Joel Toppen, whose academic work focuses on U.S.
Lake Michigan College has announced the return of cross country to its athletics programs. It’s been more than 40 years since LMC had cross country, and Athletic Director Melissa Grau tells WSJM News the talks about bringing
From the Associated Press — Business owners on Michigan’s Mackinac Island are celebrating a big rebound in tourism this year after fewer visitors made the journey to the island in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many
Advocates for reproductive care in Michigan are echoing the Department of Justice’s call for the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate the ruling, which allows Texas to ban most abortions after six weeks. The plea comes as another
