The town of Portage, Michigan is coming to grips with the death of the teen in Times Square, as her sister remains hospitalized. Principal Eric Alburtus at Portage Central High School told Michigan News Network Alyssa Elsman graduated
From the Associated Press — A panel is recommending that Michigan restore the pay of statewide elected officials to levels that were in place before a 10% cut was imposed in 2010. The State Officers Compensation Commission said
Self-defense is claimed in a shooting death in Benton Township earlier this month. At a Thursday hearing, Jade Roy testified that she and her boyfriend, Derrick Bailey, encountered her ex-boyfriend the night of May 1 at the
One of the two men accused of attacking Michigan State Police Trooper Garry Guild is headed to prison. 21-year-old Michael Barber faces up to 15 years behind bars for the most serious conviction, assault with intent to
Police are looking for a suspect in a Thursday shooting in Benton Harbor Police from agencies all over Berrien County have paid tribute to the fallen from within their ranks Police had to kick several hundred colleges
From the Associated Press — Groups that want to legalize recreational marijuana and repeal a law that requires union-level wages on state-financed building projects can begin gathering voter signatures. The Board of State Canvassers approved the form of
A plan that would establish a statewide definition of truancy has been approved by the Michigan Senate. The legislation from state Senator Tonya Schuitmaker lays out what counts as being chronically absent, and then creates a process
The Fourth of July Parade is coming back to South Haven. They didn’t have one last year, but Assistant City Manager Kate Hosier tells WSJM News it’s back on. The route will be a bit different this year.
Police are looking for a suspect in a Thursday shooting in Benton Harbor. The department of public safety tells us it happened around 6:30 at the intersection of Main and McCord. Officers arrived to find 38-year-old Dondrell
Coming up this Saturday is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year for the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. It’s the annual Bids for Barks auction, set to be held at Pier 1000 in Benton
The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety is asking for the public’s help in finding a man who’s been missing since last week. It tells WSJM News Willie Brand was last seen Wednesday, May 10 in the area
A plan from state Senator designed to encourage more high school kids to take STEM classes has received its first hearing. Proos tells WSJM News his legislation would let students get a special STEM certification if they
An annual event to honor fallen police officers from Berrien County has been held in St. Joseph. The Berrien County Police Officer Memorial Day Program took place Thursday at Lake Bluff Park. Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey told
Lincoln Township police are investigating after several cars were damaged by gunfire at a Stevensville dealership recently. We’re told it happened at Tyler Honda on Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville at the end of April. Someone opened
Police in South Haven are keeping their eyes peeled for alcohol on the beach this summer. Police Chief Natalie Thompson tells WSJM News an incident Wednesday at South Beach illustrates why it’s not allowed. Several hundred Kalamazoo College
05-18-17 WSJM News Now 5 PM
It’s almost time for the third annual Southwest Michigan Mini Maker Fair. The event below the bluff in St. Joseph will feature the work of all sorts of makers, says organizer Joe Rommel. He tells WSJM News
Michigan’s roads will be busy this Memorial Day. AAA of Michigan is predicting 1.2 million Michiganders to travel 50 miles or more during the holiday weekend. Spokesperson Susan Hiltz told WKZO News the economy is the reason travel keeps
While all of the focus has been on President Trump’s various controversies, there is regular old work to do in Congress. That includes crafting a federal budget. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News he’s optimistic key programs
A plan to close a tax loophole that’s hurt southwest Michigan communities is moving forward in Lansing. State Representative Dave Pagel tells WSJM News under current rules, some owners of vacation homes in Michigan claim the homestead
St. Joseph residents are being advised that the city will be spraying for weeds this Friday at Lake Bluff Park. They’re trying to get a dandelion problem under control. Weather permitting, the spraying of a herbicide will
Coming up this weekend is the 13th annual Lory’s Place Run, Walk, and Rock. It’s major fundraiser for the St. Joseph-based Lory’s Place, which helps people cope with grief. Director Lisa Bartoszek tells WSJM News everyone will
The Michigan Senate has made short work of legislation designed to prevent female genital mutilation. On Wednesday, it unanimously approved a plan to make FGM illegal in Michigan. It also passed a bill to make it illegal
Police agencies from all over Berrien County will gather in St. Joseph Thursday to remember the fallen. It’s the annual Police Officer Memorial Day Program at the Berrien County Law Enforcement Memorial located in Lake Bluff Park.
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad tells us he’s hoping there can be reconciliation following controversy this week about some text messages made by Benton Harbor High School Football Coach Elliot Uzelac. Uzelac came under social media fire for
State officials have reached released their revenue estimate for Michigan, finding more money for school aid, but less money for the state’s general fund in the next budget. The revenue estimating conference, which was held Wednesday in
Congressman Fred Upton has waded into President Donald Trump’s latest controversy, urging the former FBI director to testify to Congress about a report Trump spoke with him about his investigation into Lieutenant General Michael Flynn. The House Oversight
From the Associated Press — The state says Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to 4.7% in April, further depleting the ranks of jobless people. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget said Wednesday the rate fell from a
From the Associated Press — Human trafficking victims forced or coerced into prostitution could get certain criminal charges deferred or dismissed under a bill approved by the Michigan Legislature. The state Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would allow
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center is gearing up to offer another summer of St. Joseph lighthouse tours. Curator Tracy Gierada tells WSJM News they’re changing it up a bit this year so the public has more
