From the Associated Press — The Michigan House has unanimously approved bills designed to lift restrictions that prevent people with a criminal record from obtaining occupational licenses. The bipartisan legislation, which was sent Thursday to the Senate
Two people have been arrested in a Benton Township drug bust. The Southwest Enforcement Team has released the following: A narcotics search warrant executed by SWET-West detectives resulted in the seizure of multiple firearms, illegal drugs, and
Michigan is reporting 1,313 additional cases of COVID-19 for Friday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there have been a total of 110,832 cases of the illness in the state since the start of
More than 32,700 children were neglected or abused in Michigan last year. In an effort to help them and their parents, the 18th annual Pam Posthumus Auction will be held online Monday through Wednesday next week. Executive
The Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force and Spectrum Health Lakeland are holding an online forum later this month on human trafficking. It is free and will include tools and steps to help people engage with victims.
From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has clarified her order requiring masks in organized sports, saying they must be worn in training and competition only when athletes can’t consistently keep 6 feet apart. The measure
Outdoor visits will be allowed at residential care facilities in Michigan under an order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The department has released the following: People living in residential care facilities such as
President Trump started out the week by suggesting a COVID-19 vaccine could be ready in time for the election in November, raising some concerns the administration could pressure the FDA to speed up the vaccine’s approval for
Virtual learning could prove to be a benefit for teaching Michigan kids about sexual health. The Michigan Department of Education worked this summer on a series of sex education webinars for educators. Brittany Batell, with the Michigan
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is thinking about how to handle all of the COVID-19 funding the county has been getting from the federal government. During a Thursday meeting, Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough said the Finance Committee
The Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan is warning about a driveway paving scam. It says a woman in Mecosta County has reported a man going by the name of Angelo George coming to her door with
Lake Michigan College has announced that it will be offering free tuition for those who were frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic. LMC has released the following statement: Lake Michigan College is among the community colleges participating in the
This is opening weekend for the Niles Scream Park this year. Park manager Pete Karlowicz says their 47th year brings something brand new. “We have to do it this year, and that’s make reservations,” says Karlowicz. “If
Michigan is reporting 924 additional cases of COVID-19 for Thursday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there have been a total of 109,519 cases of the illness in the state since the start of
The area’s jobs picture is looking better than had been expected. Kinexus Group chief operations officer Jake Gustafson says summer has improved since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The job bounceback is much better than we
Another record broken when it comes to how many people plan to vote absentee in November. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says as of Tuesday this week, more than 2.1 million have requested an absentee ballot,
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has slammed the Trump administration for denying a request that the federal government pay for National Guard operations in response to COVID-19. The governor’s office has released the following: Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released
Governor Whitmer is announcing a new program to offer tuition-free college for thousands of Michiganders who served on the front lines during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic. The Futures for Frontliners program offers those without
The search continues Thursday for a swimmer who went missing in Lake Michigan off South Haven on Monday. South Haven Area Emergency Services says the 19-year-old from the Jackson area was swimming with an 18-year-old companion when
The Benton Township Police Department is looking for four suspects in a shooting that occurred overnight Thursday. It says officers were called to Spectrum Health Lakeland hospital around 1:45 a.m. on a report of a gunshot victim.
With the U.S. House going back in session next week, Congressman Fred Upton is hoping to make quick work of a stalemate over the next coronavirus relief package. He tells WSJM News lawmakers in Washington have to
The use of city credit cards in Benton Harbor will be watched more closely by city commissioners following a discussion this week. At a Monday meeting, Mayor Marcus Muhammad noticed the monthly bills included a more than
A community recycling event is planned for this month at Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph. Berrien County Parks Department Environmental Property Manager Jill Adams tells WSJM News they’ll take foam, household electronics, and household chemicals.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is advising everyone of an aquatic training exercise planned for this week in Niles. It says Michigan’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division from Region 5 will be conducting a joint live
Michigan is reporting 783 additional cases of COVID-19 for Wednesday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there have been a total of 108,595 cases of the illness in the state since the start of
Michigan’s Emergency Operations Center has released guidance for gyms and fitness centers as they are allowed to reopen this week. The center has released the following: Following the newly launched Ambassador Program to help businesses reopen safely,
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is taking to YouTube to get the message out concerning needed election law updates. She has launched a “Ready for November” series featuring discussions with special guests to explore those issues. “Democracy
Additional food assistance has been approved for Michigan families throughout September. The State Emergency Operations Center has released the following information: Approximately 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits during the
Saying Donald Trump is not fit for the job of President, Democratic nominee Joe Biden said he is during a speech at the UAW in Warren on Wednesday. “He’s on track to be the first President since
From the Associated Press — A legislative leader says a bill that would let Michigan clerks start processing absentee ballots the day before Election Day isn’t dead. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey told The Associated Press that
