Local News Archives

As next month’s elections are expected to bring a surge in voter turnout, one thing that could help Republicans is the state of the economy. September’s unemployment rate was 3.7%, the lowest it’s been since 1969. Congressman

Major construction is underway at the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi’s Rodgers Lake campus near Dowagiac. Pokagon Band Government Manager Jason Wesaw tells us they’re doing a major improvement project at a cost of $25 million on

In west Michigan, the Immigration Centers of America has proposed converting the former Deerfield Correctional Center in Ionia into a federal immigration detention center. Dennis Muchmore, who represents the Immigration Centers of America, told Michigan News Network

With a new city income tax in place, the work to ensure it’s implemented properly never ends for Benton Harbor city leaders. This week, the city commission approved the creation of an Income Tax Board of Review.

A workshop on the different types of assistance animals and the rules that apply to them is planned for next month in St. Joseph. Disability Network Southwest Michigan Education Coordinator Miranda Grunwell tells WSJM News there are

By Doug Cunningham Dr. Matt Longjohn says if elected to Congress he will work to raise wages that have stagnated for decades during Fred Upton’s terms in Congress. If you work for wages your buying power has

Residents of South Haven who might need some financial help repairing the exterior of their home could be in luck. South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM News that’s after action by the city council this

From the Associated Press — Rick Snyder has signed legislation to immediately prohibit marijuana-infused alcoholic drinks in Michigan. The law enacted Tuesday bars the use, possession or sale of marijuana-infused beer, wine, liquor and mixed drinks. Supporters

Set for this weekend is the fourth annual Michigan Maritime Museum Fright Nights in South Haven. The museum’s Ashley Deming tells WSJM News they’ll have the grounds decked out in a scary theme designed to thrill those

An armed robbery suspect is in police custody thanks to a very determined gas station manager in Allegan County. The Allegan County Sheriff’s Department tells us the suspect walked into the Clark station in Martin around 8:40

A possible settlement could be coming in a tax dispute between the city of Benton Harbor and Harbor Shores. At this week’s meeting, the Benton Harbor City Commissioners heard details about a proposed settlement from the golf

The national opioid crisis is being felt all over Michigan. In Washtenaw County there have 56 overdose deaths so far this year, an increase of more than 30% from a year ago. The Washtenaw County Opioid Summit

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the largemouth bass virus that killed hundreds of fish back in the early 2000s has been found in Cedar Lake in Alcona and Iosco counties. DNR Hatchery Manager Martha Van

The Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph is getting ready to unveil its new outdoor Sculpting Community along with a brand new sculpture by Richard Hunt. The piece from the Chicago artist was shipped into St. Joseph

By Doug Cunningham U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and GOP Senate candidate John James highlighted differences between them on healthcare when they met for debate. James is a staunch Trump backer who says Michigan needs new blood in

The AARP of Michigan is hoping the state’s voters will get themselves familiar with the variety of proposals set to appear on next month’s ballot before they hit the polls. Manager of Advocacy Lisa Dedden Cooper tells

The Greater Bridgman Chamber and Growth Alliance is integrating into the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce. Cornerstone’s Chris Heugel tells WSJM News the Twin Cities-based chamber started helping the Bridgman chamber when its previous leader moved out of

Rep. Fred Upton and Dr. Matt Longjohn faced off for an hour long debate Monday simulcast on WKZO and WSJM.  This is the closest re-election race Upton has faced since winning his seat in Congress in 1986.

From the Associated Press — The U.S. Coast Guard says ships can’t drop anchor in the Straits of Mackinac unless they have permission. The area between Michigan’s two peninsulas has an oil pipeline, known as Line 5, as

By Doug Cunningham The Berrien County Health Department’s efforts to protect the public from sexually transmitted diseases isn’t always embraced by everyone. Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad says STDs are rising here and across America. “We know

With hunters now hitting the woods, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking them to be on the lookout for bovine tuberculosis. DNR deer biologist Ashley Autenrieth tells WSJM News bovine TB is an ailment in

A finalized code of conduct at Benton Harbor Area Schools and new security procedures are close to being implemented. District CEO Robert Herrera told WSJM News after a meeting this week the new school resource officer set

St. Joseph Public Schools Superintendent Ann Cardon is hoping to help push for a change in how schools are funded in the state. This week, she spoke to the board of education about a report from the

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Domestic Violence Coalition of Van Buren County, located in Paw Paw is ready to help. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are

Feeding America West Michigan is conducting a study on a possible community food center in Benton Harbor. Marketing and Development Director Pattijean McCahill tells WSJM News the organization helps relieve hunger in 40 counties, but right now

The early enrollment numbers for Benton Harbor Area Schools this year are down slightly. District CEO Robert Herrera told WSJM News this week the counts are showing a loss of about 70 students from last year, which

The latest financial audit has found St. Joseph Public Schools to be in good shape. At a meeting this past week, the board of education was told the district in the last year spent slightly less than

A new report from the Michigan League for Public Policy shows a racial disparity in the state when it comes to the standardized test scores of students. The league’s Gilda Jacobs tells WSJM News the differences are