From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has called for spending a “historic” $250 million in federal coronavirus relief aid to upgrade state parks and trails. Thursday’s announcement comes as Senate Republicans propose a $1.5 billion
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images (FOLSOM LAKE, Calif.) — Folsom Lake, one of California’s largest reservoirs, is crucial to providing water to the state’s 40 million-plus residents. But this year, relentless heat and dry conditions have
Set to begin on Friday is the Hartford Strawberry Festival. Event Chair Patty Schroeder tells WSJM News the event had to be cancelled last year due to COVID, but they’re thrilled to be at it again this
If you own a large amount of land in Michigan, you can get paid by the state to let hunters use it. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Hunting Access Program allows the DNR to pay up
An expansion of Madeline Bertrand County Park near Niles is another step closer to being a reality now that the Berrien County of Commissioners has approved the purchase of 32 acres of property next to the park.
From the Associated Press — The Michigan Senate has voted to give drivers more time to renew an expired license and vehicle registration during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s also voted to pressure Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson
One of Bo Schembechler’s sons is speaking out about his alleged abuse by a University of Michigan sports doctor, and Coach Schembechler’s alleged failure to act. Matt Schembechler says he was among the victims of Dr. Robert
Michigan has 301 new cases of COVID-19 for Thursday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there were 40 deaths, with 28 being through vital records reviews to bring that total to 19,479. The state’s
The four Michigan Works Berrien, Cass, Van Buren offices are now officially back open for walk-in services. Benton Harbor and Paw Paw are both open Monday through Friday from 9 am to noon and 1 to 4
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a $250 million plan to update and modernize Michigan’s state parks and trails. The governor’s office has released the following: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today, in the shadow of the Mackinac Bridge from
Michigan State Police have arrested a California woman and a Mexican man after a traffic stop lead to the discovery of 51 packages of crystal meth worth over $1 million. They were pulled over in Covert Township
Now that pandemic restrictions are easing and things are getting back to normal, many people are feeling the urge to splurge. A new survey shows 44% of adults are willing to take on new debt in order
Western Michigan University is receiving a huge gift from some of its graduates who’ve donated a whopping $550 million to the school. It’s the largest gift for a public institution of higher education in U.S. history. WMU
Michigan State Police are investigating yet another death threat against Democratic state Representative Cynthia A. Johnson. The African American representative from Detroit says she received thousands of calls and threats after President Donald Trump’s attorney, Rudy Giuliani,
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education is going back to one meeting per month. After lengthy and contentious discussions at previous meetings about the board possibly dropping its work sessions — which are meetings held
From the Associated Press — Elected state officials would be required to disclose personal financial information and would be banned from becoming lobbyists until two years after leaving office under bills advancing in Michigan. Michigan is among
The Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus has released a bipartisan infrastructure plan. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News the group’s 58 members have been working on the compromise as way of breaking gridlock between the White House and
Set for June 26 is Lake Effect Pride, a celebration held each year by the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News the event wasn’t held last year because of COVID and it
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has signed off on pursuing a strategic plan for the district. Superintendent Andrae Townsel first brought the issue to the board in April and invited three consulting firms to
From the Associated Press — An executive order signed Wednesday by Governor Gretchen Whitmer creates a task force to examine Michigan’s treatment of juveniles in the state’s criminal justice system as well as factors that lead to
There are plans for a big development at the site of Nye’s Apple Barn in St. Joseph Township. St. Joseph Township Manager Denise Cook tells WSJM News property owner John Nye submitted an informal letter to the
A state grant of $152,000 is going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor. CEO Mackenzie Kastl tells WSJM News the grant comes from COVID dollars received by the state. It’s a Before and After
The Twin City Players will reopen its playhouse and resume performing live theater next month. The players announced this week the first performance will be July 16 after a tough time during COVID-19. There will be a
Michigan reported 257 additional cases of COVID-19 for Wednesday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there were seven additional deaths, bringing that total to 19,439. The state’s had a total of 891,314 COVID cases.
From the Associated Press — A former Michigan congressman says he survived a high-risk surgery to remove a mass and a blood clot near his heart. Paul Mitchell didn’t seek reelection in 2020 after two terms. He
As the nation and state reopens, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is asking everyone to enjoy their summer in a responsible manner. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has released the following: As summer heats up, Michiganders are
From the Associated Press — A former Detroit mayor says he dropped to his knees in January when he learned that President Donald Trump was releasing him after he had served a portion of a 28-year prison
From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed expanding government-funded preschool to 22,000 eligible but unenrolled 4-year-olds in Michigan, saying too many cannot access an “incredible opportunity” because of inadequate funding. The expansion is designed
Michigan is opening up another 1,000 Michigan Skills Scholarship program scholarships. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has released the following: A new wave of applicants can now apply for the Michigan Skills Scholarship program
From the Associated Press — A group of anonymous alumni has gifted $550 million to Western Michigan University. The school in Kalamazoo says it will receive the funding over 10 years. It will be divided among scholarships,
