A federal judge has blocked Michigan’s new ban on straight-party voting, a law that was passed by Republicans but criticized by Democrats as a way to discourage turnout among minorities. Judge Gershwin Drain signed an injunction Thursday, a
It was a priority for Michigan Republicans when this legislative session began, but not anymore. Speaker Kevin Cotter says an attempt to repeal the state’s prevailing wage law is off the table for the remaining 20 legislative
New information coming from our reporting partners at WKZO radio in Kalamazoo that Larry Gordon, the man who shot and killed two bailiffs at the Berrien County Courthouse, was also a volunteer at his daughter’s elementary school.
Efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking and combat the problem will be the focus of a fall conference in Ann Arbor. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission on Thursday announced the
Sign language interpreters in Michigan now have to meet new standards. Vicki Levengood, with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, says those who are deaf or deaf and blind need experts able to interpret complex things for
Some new city officials are in place in South Haven. This month, the city welcomed Travis Sullivan to serve as the new clerk. He comes to South Haven from Kalamazoo, where he worked in several positions in
The annual police National Night Out is coming up next month. The event is held each year in communities all over the country to help the public get better acquainted with their law enforcement agencies. Locally, the
Brace yourself for some hot days going into this weekend. National Weather Service meteorologist Evan Webb says Thursday is expected to have a heat index into the 100s around west Michigan. Friday will be hotter. “Friday looks like
The drivers of newer model cars are more likely to be stranded along the side of the road, but not necessarily because the cars are breaking down more often. A new report from AAA of Michigan finds
Rock collectors have been flocking to a state park in Covert that has seen broad expanses of stone because of high water levels. MLive reports that Van Buren State Park is typically known for its massive dunes and
An appeals court has blocked an order that stopped Michigan prosecutors from seeking new no-parole sentences for potentially hundreds of prisoners. No one has been sentenced yet. But county prosecutors plan to disclose by Friday whether they’ll again
Enbridge Energy Partners will pay a $61 million penalty for the costliest inland oil spill in U.S. history under an agreement with federal officials. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice announced the settlement
Michigan State Police are investigating a former Covert Township police officer for an alleged sexual assault. Police Chief Jay Allen tells WWMT-TV the officer resigned yesterday after the case was turned over to the Van Buren County
The latest Berrien County land auction is being called the biggest one yet. The event, held on Tuesday at the DANK in Benton Township, attracted an overflow crowd. “We actually postponed the auction about 40 minutes to
High temperatures are expected to be in the 90’s in southern lower Michigan tomorrow through Saturday. Consumers Energy’s Brian Wheeler says you can save energy and a little money by setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when
The 131st Michigan State Police Trooper Training Academy is underway in Lansing. For the first time in 99 years, there are now three going on at the same time, as the state police works to increase its
A special honor for state Senator John Proos from the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals was announced this week. The group has named him its Legislator of the Year for his efforts to promote treatment courts
Michigan’s delegates at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland have already witnessed plenty this week. Monday brought an ill-fated attempt by anti-Donald Trump elements to open up the convention so he could be denied the presidential nomination.
Lake Michigan College is starting from scratch in its search for a new president. The board of trustees on Tuesday opted to expand its search, hiring the Pauly Group, out of Illinois, to help. Board President Mary
$1.1 million has been generated for Berrien County as a result of the latest land auction. County Treasurer Bret Witkowski says the event held at the DANK Tuesday was the biggest yet. “This was, by far, the
The weather is heating up around southwest Michigan, and pet owners are being reminded to keep their dogs and cats safe. Berrien County Animal Control Director Val Grimes says if your animal is used to the air
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is now taking registrations for its 3rd annual Rivalry Run. The runs raise money for the organization, which supports a variety of causes in Berrien and Cass Counties. This year’s run
A lawyer running for judge in western Michigan is apologizing after describing a black judge as an 800-pound “silverback” gorilla. Eric Grimm, who is white, says the email about Muskegon County Judge Gregory Pittman was a “lapse of
A two-story, wood-frame house on Detroit’s northwest side became the 10,000th vacant structure torn down as part of Mayor Mike Duggan’s massive plan to eliminate blight. An excavator was used to quickly tear down the house Tuesday on
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have saluted 21 young men who graduated from the Michigan State Police Youth Leadership Academy this year. WSJM’s Andrew Green has more.
An anti-nuclear group is asking questions about allegations that security guards at the Palisades nuclear plant were allegedly either skipping or not adequately performing fire inspections at the plant. As a result, 20 members of the security
The United Way of Southwest Michigan has a lofty goal for its fundraising this year. Campaign chair and St. Joseph Public Schools superintendent Ann Cardon says they’re shooting for $4 million. “Last year the community really stepped
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have saluted 21 young men who graduated from the Michigan State Police Youth Leadership Academy this year. At Monday’s meeting, they were introduced to the latest graduates. MSP trooper Maurice Burton says the kids who
Benton Harbor City Hall could soon get some work. At a Monday meeting, commissioners tabled a resolution to allow just under $160,000 of facade work, saying they need additional information. City Manager Darwin Watson says city hall
Some Van Buren County school children have helped out with painting one of the road commission’s plows. Van Buren County Road Commission Engineer-Manager Larry Hummel says the agency held a contest, asking kids from all over the
