Michigan Democratic Party Chair Brandon Dillon says Republicans in the Michigan Legislature are making a mistake by planning to gut a proposal to raise the minimum wage. The legislature on Wednesday approved the ballot measure to make
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is now signing up volunteers for its annual “Rake a Difference” Day of Action for Seniors. The organization’s Julee Laurent tells WSJM News that’s the day when hundreds of volunteers fan
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is being criticized by Democrats for not taking a stand on a lawsuit brought by 20 Republican attorneys general and the governors of Maine and Missouri against the federal government over the
Legislation to create a state mental health crisis hotline is being backed by state Representative Mary Whiteford. She tells us the Michigan Cares Hotline would connect people with professional services when they need help. “That’s what this
Recently-deceased Berrien County Register of Deeds Lori Jarvis has been memorialized in the Michigan Senate. On Wednesday, state Senator John Proos spoke on the floor about Jarvis, who passed away June 14 due to a car crash.
From the Associated Press — An audit of Michigan’s Children’s Protective Services cites numerous deficiencies in the system that has been under court oversight for 10 years. The scathing report released Thursday by the state Office of the
The public is invited to an open house planned for the Palisades nuclear power plant next week. Palisades owner Entergy tells us the informational open house will be held Wednesday at the Palisades Emergency Operations Facility and
It remains to be seen who is behind the microphone for the telecast of Friday’s Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park against the St. Louis Cardinals. TV broadcast partners Mario Impemba and Rod Allen reportedly got into
No support for the Republican gubernatorial nominee is coming from the current Republican governor of Michigan. Rick Snyder was asked if he was going to endorse Attorney General Bill Schuette at an event in Grand Rapids this
A U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee panel is diving into drinking water issues regarding the suspected carcinogen PFAS. Congressman Fred Upton joined the Subcommittee on Environment for the hearing Thursday and outlined the situation in the
A west Michigan business titan has died. Richard DeVos, the co-founder of Amway, owner of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, and father-in-law of U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, was 92. A family spokesman says he died
Hundreds of law enforcement officers from all over Michigan will be taking part in torch runs for the Special Olympics starting this weekend. Special Olympics spokesperson Aaron Mills tells WSJM News the organization is the official non-profit
Preserve the Dunes is offering a special tour of a Berrien County lakeshore park this weekend. President Marcy Hamilton tells WSJM News an expert from the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy will present information on the environment on
Ground will be broken next week on a new health clinic in Niles. The Cassopolis Family Clinic Network tells us the new $8.5 million Niles Community Health Center will be 31,500 square feet with more than 20
Michigan State Police are investigating the murder of a child in Van Buren County. They tell us troopers out of the Paw Paw post were sent to a home in Almena Township on Tuesday on a report
The city of Benton Harbor is going to repave the streets surrounding a housing project this year. Community and Economic Development Director Stephanie Scott-Sims tells WSJM News Buss Avenue and Sickle Street in the area of what’s
Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association VP Mike Nystrom says the employer’s group is continuing to insist that the Operating Engineers union ratify the industry’s labor contract proposal before road and bridge projects will continue. “We’re at a
From the Associated Press — The Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature has passed bills that would increase the state’s minimum wage to $12 an hour and require paid sick leave. The passage of the bills on Wednesday prevents public votes
Students in the Detroit Public Schools Community District won’t be drinking from the fountain at school anytime soon, as they will be using bottled water and water coolers. The decision was made after tests showed elevated levels
The lockout of some 2,000 union road construction workers is likely to impact several projects in southwest Michigan. The Michigan Department of Transportation tells WSJM News the labor stoppage initiated by the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association,
The impact of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal that rocked Michigan State University is being felt at all of the state’s public universities. State Representative Kim LaSata of Berrien County chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on
There’s plenty going on lately at the Benton Harbor Community Development Department. This week, city commissioners learned more about the HUD-funded home rehabilitation program, now back in action. Community Development Director Stephanie Scott-Sims told them it pays
A major milestone is about to be marked by the Three Oaks Masonic Lodge. It’s celebrating 150 years this month with a re-dedication of its building on North Elm Street. Lodge Master Tom Oldenburg tells WSJM News
From the Associated Press — Organizers of a ballot initiative that would raise Michigan’s minimum wage to $12 an hour say they will sue if the Republican-led Legislature adopts the proposal but then weakens it later in
Police officers from all over Michigan will be in New Buffalo this month for training on mental health crisis intervention. Riverwood Center Jail Diversion Supervisor Gretchen Carlson tells WSJM News the training teach those who work with
From the Associated Press — Tens of thousands of people participated in the traditional Labor Day walk across the Mackinac Bridge. Organizers made changes to the 61st annual event and allowed to begin from either end of the
A Benton Harbor man is hospitalized after a farm accident in Cass County Tuesday afternoon. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department tells us 66-year-old Willie Lewis was lying down in a field in the 2300 block of Lake
Red Arrow Highway between Glenlord and Hilltop roads will be dedicated for Michigan State Police Trooper Robert Mihalik this weekend. The state Legislature approved the honorary designation for Mihalik earlier this year, and the ceremony will be
Ford posted a strong sales report for August, led by booming sales of the Lincoln Navigator and Ford F-150 pick up. Auto analyst John McElroy told Michigan News Network this week sales were up just over 4%
A family’s home in Dowagiac is badly damaged after a fire ripped through it Monday night. Dowagiac Deputy Fire Chief Robert Smith says lightning may be to blame for starting the blaze in the 200 block of
