From the Associated Press — Chicago’s mayor pledged an aggressive public health campaign aimed at the city’s black and brown communities amid alarm that black residents make up an overwhelming number of those to die of COVID-19.
The National Federation of Independent Business is applauding an announcement by Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey that a taskforce is being formed to look at safely reopening some businesses around the state. NFIB Michigan Director Charlie
Spectrum Health Lakeland is thanking those in the community who have shown support for the hospital and its staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spectrum Health Lakeland VP of Philanthropy Brandi Smith tells WSJM News some big donations
Congressman Fred Upton has announced nearly $4 million in grants to healthcare providers around southwest Michigan. He tells WSJM News the funds come as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act. “We
The House and Senate sessions today to extend the state of emergency in Michigan in response to COVID-19 were unlike anything anyone at the state Capitol has ever seen. WSJM News talked with Representative Pauline Wendzel about
The Nonprofit Times is recognizing a pair of area organizations on their list of the 2020 Best Nonprofits to Work For. The United Way of Southwest Michigan is ranked fourth and Kinexus Group is 36th of the
The demand for gasoline continues to plummet nationwide, down sharply from the daily average on March 1st. “Gasoline demand now, by GasBuddy metrics, is down over 50%,” GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan tells the Michigan News Network. “Some
Michigan’s COVID-19 cases are approaching 19,000. The latest figures from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services show an increase of 1,749 cases from Monday to 18,970 with 845 deaths statewide. The number of people who
Governor Whitmer’s emergency declaration is now extended through April 30 following action by the Legislature today once she signs the resolution passed by the House and Senate. The Senate rejected an amendment by Democrats to extend the
Nearly 800,000 people have filed for unemployment benefits in Michigan since mid-March. Governor Whitmer detailed the stunning impact of the coronavirus on the state’s economy. “The high volume we have seen outpaces any even in the toughest
The Benton Harbor Lowe’s store is now closed. According to MoodyOnTheMarket, the store is doing online sales for customers to pick up, but no one is allowed inside. The store received a cease-and-desist letter regarding its Garden
Help with signing up for health coverage is being offered to those who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 disaster. The State Emergency Operations Center has released the following statement: Michiganders who lose
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has selected a second site to serve as an alternate care facility for COVID-19 patients. That’s after the governor previously designated the TCF Center in Detroit as a care facility. The governor’s office has
River Valley High School is the winner of this year’s Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament, held by state Senator Kim LaSata. She hosts the contest each year, giving high schools throughout her legislative district a chance to submit
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is downplaying the political sparring that’s happened over the past few weeks with President Trump not remembering her name during press conferences when he’s said he’s told Vice President Pence to not call “that
The Detroit Zoo is taking precautions now that a tiger has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Bronx Zoo in New York. Detroit Zoo Director & CEO Ron Kagan says there are no coronavirus cases in animals
With small businesses hurting throughout southwest Michigan due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Market Van Buren is doing what it can to help them. Director Zack Morris tells WSJM News the Michigan Economic Development Corporation did make $112,000
A group of Michigan House Republicans have sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer asking her to reconsider her request for the Legislature to extend her emergency powers for 70 days. Among those to sign the letter
A second member of the Michigan House of Representatives has tested positive for COVID-19. Representative Karen Whitsett has been in self-quarantine since feeling ill in March. House Speaker Lee Chatfield has been notified of the illness for
Berrien County has recorded its second death as a result of COVID-19. the Berrien County Health Department has released the following statement: Berrien County is reporting 60 confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has reported
Spectrum Health Lakeland has launched a social media campaign to promote social distancing. Spokesperson Jessica Springer tells WSJM News the “We Stay Home For You” campaign is a way for people to show healthcare workers they’re doing
Michigan’s COVID-19 cases are up by just over 15-hundred from Sunday, standing at 17,221 with 727 deaths. The number of deaths has risen by 110 in the last day. Locally, there are 11 new cases in southwest
The Michigan Secretary of State is seeking workers for the May fifth elections to be held around the state. The State Emergency Operations Center has released the following statement: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is seeking election
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation is trying to help hospitality employees forced out of work due to coronavirus shutting down restaurants and hotels. They have a Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund now available,
The biggest unknown right now regarding COVID-19 around the state is the number of people who have recovered. Michigan’s chief medical officer, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, says given the first case in the state wasn’t recorded until about
Governor Whitmer is echoing the advice coming from the White House and is calling on anyone who has to leave their home for any reason during the coronavirus pandemic to wear a mask. “I encourage everyone to
If you are looking for your newspaper today, stop. The St. Joseph Herald-Palladium has temporarily suspended publication on Monday starting today. If you get the digital edition, there is also not a full newspaper published online, though
Michigan’s cases of COVID-19 are up to 15,718 as of Sunday afternoon, with 617 dead. In southwest Michigan, there are 18 new cases. Allegan County has 14, and increase of four; Berrien County has 58, up two
From the Associated Press — Officials in Michigan are warning that efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic could have a serious impact on relief and repairs during what is expected to be another tumultuous spring flooding season.
The Michigan National Guard is helping another food bank in the Detroit areas as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The guard was already helping to man four food banks around the state. The office of Governor Grethen Whitmer
