The Powerball jackpot for Saturday’s drawing has climbed to $435 million. Michigan Lottery spokesperson Jeff Holyfield tells us it’s the eighth largest Powerball jackpot ever. “The cash option is $273 million, and if somebody wants to take that
The Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter is turning 50 this weekend. Executive Director Gail Philbin told Michigan News Network the organization has 150,000 members and supporters across the state. They tackle environmental issues on all fronts. “It’s important to have
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners could take over the county road commission. Board Chair Jon Hinkelman tells WSJM News they’ve asked Berrien County Administrator Bill Wolf to draft a report on how that might work. Hinkelman
Congressman Fred Upton is co-sponsoring legislation to authorize the construction of a new lock at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. The Soo Locks Modernization Act would approve the needed funding for a new shipping lock.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is planning yet more freeway work in Berrien County. It tells us drivers should know there will be paving done on I-94 between mile markers 39 and 43 near Watervliet starting on
Legislation outlawing female genital mutilation and allowing victims to receive significant civil damages is headed to the Michigan Senate. That’s following overwhelming approval by the House this week. Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News she’s
Indiana Michigan Power is planning a major improvement project in southwest Michigan. Spokesperson Tracy Warner tells WSJM News they’re going to invest $146 million in new transmission lines and poles. “We’re looking at rebuilding and upgrading some
Governor Snyder and Republican legislative leaders say that have reached a tentative framework on making changes to Michigan’s teacher retirement system. They reported the agreement after a meeting at the Capitol Thursday. The progress means Snyder will
Congressman Fred Upton is praising a vote this week by the House Energy and Commerce Committee to advance the FDA Reauthorization Act. He says in a new video the act reauthorizes the FDA user fee programs for prescription
A Michigan House committee has approved a plan banning local governments from declaring themselves sanctuary cities. State Representative Beau LaFave, of Iron Mountain, tells us it also prohibits governments from penalizing police and others who call Immigration
A shooting in Benton Township is being investigated. Police tell WSJM News 22-year-old Andrew Butler was shot in the left arm by a shotgun just before 1 p.m. yesterday at the Blossom Acres housing complex. They have
A plan from state Senator John Proos to encourage more young people to study math and science while also giving them information on what career fields will be hot in their areas has been approved by the
Work is now underway on the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan’s new shelter. Director Jill Svoboda told WSJM News at Thursday’s groundbreaking the new place on M-139 in Royalton Township will be better for the animals. “It
State Representative Kim LaSata tells us it wasn’t an easy decision, but she had several reasons for voting in favor of legislation easing restrictions on carrying concealed handguns this week. The bill approved by the state House
Kinexus has come out in favor of a plan to encourage businesses to bring large numbers of well-paying jobs to Michigan. The Good Jobs for Michigan plan is legislation that would give tax incentives to companies that create
Officials across Michigan have been split on the handgun legislation approved this week by the Michigan House. Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey is among those against it. The plan eliminates a requirement to get a license to
From the Associated Press — A western Michigan city is looking to break a mark set by the Guinness World Records for the most people simultaneously making sand angels at a beach. “Be Someone’s Angel” is scheduled for
The Michigan House has passed a package of four bills that would make concealed pistol licenses optional for people living in the state. The primary bill passed 59 to 49 Wednesday while others passed on similar votes.
The Berrien County Prosecutor has decided no criminal charges will be sought in the carbon monoxide poisoning death of a 13-year-old boy in the pool area of a Niles hotel. Prosecutor Michael Sepic told us Thursday negligence
Michigan State Police Recruit School is in session, with a record 159 prospective rookie troopers beginning 26 weeks of training. First Lieutenant Mike Shaw told Michigan News Network the department has been actively recruiting new personnel from
A few more repaving projects for Berrien County have been announced by the Michigan Department of Transportation. MDOT engineer Chris Jacobs says they’re starting next Thursday on M-139 in the city of Niles, and then moving on to
The latest higher education budget from the Michigan Legislature includes a 2% funding boost for the state’s 15 public universities. State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker tells WSJM News it also includes a cap on how much each school can
The Van Buren Conservation District will soon be sending out surveys to residents near Hartford and Watervliet to find out more about how people are affecting the water quality locally. The district’s Erin Fuller tells WSJM News they’re
Two people are hospitalized as the result of a car crash in Cass County. The sheriff’s department tells WSJM News that a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Adam Tyszka of Cassopolis went across the center line on M-62
Former FBI Director James Comey will testify before a U.S. Senate committee this morning at 10 a.m. We will be carrying ABC News coverage of the entire hearing live on News/Talk 94.9 WSJM. Tune in or listen
A new extended kindergarten program could be coming to Benton Harbor Area Schools. Curriculum Director Patricia Robinson tells WSJM News it will essentially be two years of kindergarten for kids who don’t yet seem ready for further advancement. “During
It’s almost time for the Hartford Strawberry Festival. Co-chair Patty Schroeder tells WSJM News it’ll be Friday and Saturday, packed with music, games, runs, parades, a magic show, a renaissance fair, bed races, a pie eating contest, and
A plan from state Representatives Dave Pagel and Kim LaSata to close a property tax loophole involving vacation homes has passed the Michigan House. LaSata tells us some out of state residents who own second homes here
A repaving project will get started on M-51 from Dowagiac to just west of Decatur next week. Michigan Department of Transportation engineer Steve Brink tells us it’s about 9 miles of road, and they’re adding rumble strips.
Work continues on the state budget. Representative Dave Pagel tells WSJM News the big sticking point has been the teacher pension system. GOP leaders in the legislature want to move teachers over to 401(k) style plans. He’s
