From the Associated Press — Michigan lawmakers have voted to weaken a policy that prohibits oceangoing cargo ships from releasing ballast water at state ports until it has been treated to kill invasive species, despite Governor Rick Snyder’s opposition to
Due to the seasonal surge in ridership, Amtrak is adding extra trains in Michigan for the holidays. Marc Magliari is the rail line’s spokesman and says their trains that go between Chicago and Detroit typically have about
Congressman Fred Upton is back to work after a weekend in Italy attending the wedding of his niece. He says the wedding of supermodel Kate Upton and former Detroit Tigers and now Houston Astros’ pitcher Justin Verlander
The state of Michigan has been able to collect more than 791,000 pounds of food and $320,000 with its latest Harvest Gathering food drive. The Michigan Secretary of State’s office works with the Michigan Attorney General on
There is now a text to 911 program in place in Cass County. The sheriff’s department tells us you can reach 911 with a text message of up to 256 characters, no video or pictures. Texting has
The Berrien County Health Department is hoping everyone in need of health insurance will use this open enrollment period to apply for coverage. Health department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the Affordable Care Act is still
Now that Benton Harbor is getting its own city income tax, we thought we would check in with a couple of other Michigan cities that have municipal income taxes to see how it’s worked for them. James
There were some surprises in this week’s St. Joseph city elections. Two incumbents — Fran Chickering and Mary Goff — lost out to two newcomers, Peggy Getty and Laura Goos. Mayor Mike Garey tells WSJM News that
Lincoln Elementary School in St. Joseph has received its National Blue Ribbon Award. Lincoln School is one of just 342 schools nationwide to be recognized this year by U.S. Education Secretary Betsy Devos as a National Blue
Celebration Cinema is now taking votes in its annual Celebrated Service awards. Spokesperson Emily Loeks tells WSJM News the theater chain each year salutes businesses in its service areas that go out of their way to make customers feel special. “It has
Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters calling for a federal investigation into the maintenance of the Line 5 oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. Enbridge is now asking for state authorization to install 22 new anchors
A Roaring 20s-themed series of events will be held next weekend in South Haven. The visitors bureau’s Scott Reinert tells WSJM News it’s time for Women’s Only Weekend from Thursday the 9th through Sunday the 12th. That’s
A ribbon cutting is planned for tomorrow on a dune restoration project in South Haven. The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission’s Chris Martin tells WSJM News they’re celebrating the completion of work at the Syndicate Park Dune. “They’re
From the Associated Press — Michigan would cut its penalties for defrauding the unemployment benefits system under legislation approved by the state House. The measure is included in an eight-bill package sent to the Senate Wednesday. It was proposed in
The South Haven Police Department wants to help those that are buying or selling items on the internet feel more secure when meeting people they don’t know. It’s working on setting up an E-Commerce Exchange Zone at
Michigan lawmakers are hearing testimony this week on bills that will allow CPL holders to carry concealed weapons in schools. State Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof is the sponsor of the legislation and opened the hearing with
The people have spoken. After a lively campaign over a city income tax proposal in Benton Harbor, the tax has been approved by voters. The numbers late on Tuesday were very close, with 511 voting yes and
Another round of local elections in Berrien County has come and gone, and we have the results from the Berrien County Clerk’s office. Aside from the Benton Harbor income tax proposal on Tuesday, which passed, voters in
The new mayor of South Haven will be Scott Smith. Voters in the city headed to the polls Tuesday, selecting Smith to be the mayor over opponent Paul VandenBosch on a vote of 703 to 389. The
The new Republican tax proposal has benefits and drawbacks, but it’s mostly a positive. That’s the take of Andrews University Professor Lucile Sabas. She teaches accounting and economics, and tells WSJM News what the House GOP has
Ownership of a piece of road in South Haven has been transferred from the Van Buren County Road Commission to the city. The South Haven City Council on Monday approved a resolution, making it official. The road
Reducing Michigan’s high number of residential fire fatalities is the goal of a new statewide Community Risk Reduction plan announced this month by Michigan Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. He tells WSJM News Michigan has ranked in the
Several Michigan companies are on a trade mission to China and South Korea. Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Jamie Clover-Adams, told Michigan News Network trade is important with countries like China. “I
Consumers Energy is reminding everyone there’s no need to struggle with heating bills this winter. The utility’s Whitney Skeans tells us there are a variety of places to turn for home heating help. Also, the utility offers
Target has issued a statement on the upcoming closure of the Benton Township store. A spokesperson tells WSJM News the decision to close the Target at 960 Fairplain Drive was not made lightly. She writes Target has
From the Associated Press — Republican lawmakers are renewing their attempt to let gun owners carry their weapons inside Michigan schools, day care centers and other gun-free zones. Fast-tracked legislation up for a vote in a Senate committee
The new Republican House tax reform proposal is not getting praise from everyone. Michigan League for Public Policy Legislative Coordinator Rachel Richards tells WSJM News it will benefit high wage earners while leaving low and middle income
From the Associated Press — High school graduates in Flint and four other Michigan communities could benefit from the state’s “promise” scholarship program under legislation signed by Governor Rick Snyder. The Promise Zone law allows communities that secure
The Southwest Michigan Enforcement Team tells us it arrested two people as part of a Benton Harbor drug raid on Monday. It tells us officers searched a home at 1135 Superior Street. Inside, they say they found
The Silver Beach Hotel in St. Joseph is in hot water with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. It’s going to have its liquor license suspended for nearly three weeks this month after four violations last year. The
