Following the Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission’s vote on the state’s new congressional maps this week, Congressman Fred Upton is keeping his options open about seeking re-election. In a social media post Wednesday, Upton wrote, “Michigan’s newly drawn
The majority of kids hospitalized with COVID-19 are not vaccinated. Around 12 to 20 children are hospitalized with COVID at Children’s Hospital of Michigan each day. Dr. Rudolph Valentini with the hospital spoke to Michigan News Network.
The Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission has approved new legislative district maps for the state, and they would alter southwest Michigan’s districts quite a bit. Starting with the U.S. House map, the commission on Tuesday approved the proposed
The Berrien County Health Department urges everyone to avoid large gatherings for New Year’s Eve. Deputy Health Officer Candi Gabrielse tells WSJM News COVID-19 transmission remains high in the county. Gabrielse says Omicron has not yet been
The Berrien County Prosecutor’s office has authorized charges in 23 cases involving threats to local schools since the shootings at Oxford High School in Oakland County on November 30. Assistant Prosecutor Russ Szwabowski tells us around 30
Michigan is reporting a total of 25,858 additional cases of COVID-19 for Tuesday and Wednesday combined. That’s an average of about 12,929 per day across the two days. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says
From the Associated Press — Michigan likely paid about $8.5 billion in fraudulent unemployment benefits over a 19-month period during the coronavirus pandemic, far more than previously estimated, according to a report released by the state. The
From the Associated Press — A federal judge has rejected claims by two white men who said they were the victims of illegal retaliation after objecting to how the Michigan State Police was trying to diversify its
Have you ever thought about completely changing your lifestyle? That’s what a Ferndale couple is doing after running 227 miles this fall to raise money and awareness about the Line 3 pipeline that runs from Canada to
From the Associated Press — Michigan developers with “transformational” plans to redevelop brownfield sites can continue to seek tax incentives after Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature extended the program for an additional five years. The state’s
From the Associated Press — Controlled detonations are planned in Grand Rapids as the police department’s bomb squad disposes of explosives and other hazardous materials. The Grand Rapids Police Department says intermittent detonations will be held between
After much debate and scrutiny, the Michigan Redistricting Commission has approved new legislative maps for the next decade. Eight of 13 members of the panel created by a voter-approved constitutional amendment voted for the 13-district Congressional plan.
A metro Detroit honor guard is trying to get to the nation’s capital. Sergeant Joseph Reardon is the team leader for the Westland Police Honor Guard, which is raising funds to make the trip. He told Michigan
The Michigan Department of Transportation has ended a contest to name some of its plows. MDOT spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells us about one of the most popular submissions. “”There were some great names,” Schirripa said. “The name
A case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been found in Allegan County. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services sent notice to the local health department this week. It says the Omicron case is
From the Associated Press — Michigan’s new redistricting commission has approved a U.S. House map, one that is fairer to Democrats than when the process was controlled by the Republican-led Legislature for two decades. In a landmark
2021 remained a good year for hunting and fishing in Michigan. Michigan Wildlife Council Chair Nick Buggia tells WSJM News sales of hunting and fishing licenses shot way up in 2020 when the pandemic started. And 2021?
The two latest recall petitions filed against Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad have been rejected by the Berrien County Election Commission. The body shot down petitions five and six on Monday, while the Berrien County Clerk’s office
12-28-21 WSJM Afternoon News
From the Associated Press — Michigan public schools can use non-teaching staff as substitute teachers the rest of the academic year under a law designed to address a shortage during the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer
From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation to prohibit Michigan’s new redistricting commission from citing exceptions under the Open Meetings Act to hold closed sessions. Her signature last week came days after the
To ensure City of Benton Harbor residents have enough water for the holidays, additional hours for distribution have been added from 12 to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31 at Benton Harbor High School. Residents can get
Governor Whitmer today announced that schools are recruiting and in the process of hiring 560 more school psychologists, school social workers, school counselors, and school nurses with the help of funding from the FY22 State School Aid Act. “The pandemic
The price of gas is about to jump for the first time in nearly two months. GasBuddy.com analyst Patrick DeHaan is expecting a price jump in the next two days in west Michigan. “Stations usually decrease their
If you want to start saving for your child or grandchild’s college education, now is a good time to do it. The Michigan Education Trust is kicking off a new pricing structure this month so you can
Making travel plans for next year? How about a cruise along the Great Lakes? Conde Nast Traveler has chosen Great Lakes cruising as one of the best travel options for 2022.Cruise the Great Lakes initiative chair Dave
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine Unit has received an award for its work during a campaign this year to catch drunk boaters. The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded the unit with a certificate of merit
A portion of Holden Road in the Baroda area has been closed by the Berrien County Road Department for a drain project. It says the Berrien County Drain Commission is working on the Sober and Becker Drain,
Congressman Fred Upton is decrying the divisive environment in Washington and around the country. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union over the weekend, Upton said nasty rhetoric in the national discourse is affecting the ability of
Jackson and Isabelle were the most popular names for babies born in Berrien County hospitals in 2021. Spectrum Health Lakeland has released its annual list. It says the top boys names were Jackson, Daniel, Oliver, Elijah, and
