Western Michigan University is receiving a huge gift from some of its graduates who’ve donated a whopping $550 million to the school. It’s the largest gift for a public institution of higher education in U.S. history. WMU
Michigan State Police are investigating yet another death threat against Democratic state Representative Cynthia A. Johnson. The African American representative from Detroit says she received thousands of calls and threats after President Donald Trump’s attorney, Rudy Giuliani,
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education is going back to one meeting per month. After lengthy and contentious discussions at previous meetings about the board possibly dropping its work sessions — which are meetings held
From the Associated Press — Elected state officials would be required to disclose personal financial information and would be banned from becoming lobbyists until two years after leaving office under bills advancing in Michigan. Michigan is among
The Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus has released a bipartisan infrastructure plan. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News the group’s 58 members have been working on the compromise as way of breaking gridlock between the White House and
Set for June 26 is Lake Effect Pride, a celebration held each year by the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News the event wasn’t held last year because of COVID and it
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has signed off on pursuing a strategic plan for the district. Superintendent Andrae Townsel first brought the issue to the board in April and invited three consulting firms to
From the Associated Press — An executive order signed Wednesday by Governor Gretchen Whitmer creates a task force to examine Michigan’s treatment of juveniles in the state’s criminal justice system as well as factors that lead to
There are plans for a big development at the site of Nye’s Apple Barn in St. Joseph Township. St. Joseph Township Manager Denise Cook tells WSJM News property owner John Nye submitted an informal letter to the
A state grant of $152,000 is going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor. CEO Mackenzie Kastl tells WSJM News the grant comes from COVID dollars received by the state. It’s a Before and After
The Twin City Players will reopen its playhouse and resume performing live theater next month. The players announced this week the first performance will be July 16 after a tough time during COVID-19. There will be a
Michigan reported 257 additional cases of COVID-19 for Wednesday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there were seven additional deaths, bringing that total to 19,439. The state’s had a total of 891,314 COVID cases.
From the Associated Press — A former Michigan congressman says he survived a high-risk surgery to remove a mass and a blood clot near his heart. Paul Mitchell didn’t seek reelection in 2020 after two terms. He
As the nation and state reopens, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is asking everyone to enjoy their summer in a responsible manner. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has released the following: As summer heats up, Michiganders are
From the Associated Press — A former Detroit mayor says he dropped to his knees in January when he learned that President Donald Trump was releasing him after he had served a portion of a 28-year prison
From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed expanding government-funded preschool to 22,000 eligible but unenrolled 4-year-olds in Michigan, saying too many cannot access an “incredible opportunity” because of inadequate funding. The expansion is designed
Michigan is opening up another 1,000 Michigan Skills Scholarship program scholarships. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has released the following: A new wave of applicants can now apply for the Michigan Skills Scholarship program
From the Associated Press — A group of anonymous alumni has gifted $550 million to Western Michigan University. The school in Kalamazoo says it will receive the funding over 10 years. It will be divided among scholarships,
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has approved the hiring of Fred Roseburgh as the principal of Benton Harbor High School. He most recently served as principal of Fair Plain Middle School. During a Tuesday
From the Associated Press — The Biden administration’s top education official visited a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at a Detroit-area college. It’s part of a White House effort to encourage similar efforts across the country. Education Secretary Miguel
Congressman Fred Upton has joined nearly all of his Republican colleagues in calling for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19. He tells WSJM News given the scope of the situation, it’s reasonable to ask House Speaker
Scholarships of $1,000 are being given out to 23 students around Michigan by Honor Credit Union as part of its Community Commitment Scholarship program. Honor Credit Union says its scholarships emphasize extracurricular activities and what that means
The Veggie Van will make its way to the Niles-Buchanan YMCA this month. Spectrum Health Lakeland says the Veggie Van is a mobile farmer’s market that offers fresh produce free of charge to anyone looking. The fruits
There is no swimming allowed at Silver Beach following an E coli test done on Tuesday. The Berrien County Parks Department says elevated levels of the bacteria were found in routine testing, and swimmers were told to
Michigan has 293 new cases of COVID-19 for Sunday and Monday. The Department of Health and Human Services says there were 56 deaths, with 37 being found during vital records reviews. So far, there have been 891,057
A Michigan House committee has approved legislation from state Representative intended to help restaurants and bars recoup liquor license fees paid during the pandemic. Wendzel’s office has released the following: State Rep. Pauline Wendzel’s legislation that will
Environmental-justice advocates urged the federal government to invest in restoring the Great Lakes, confronting the climate crisis and standing up for front-line communities. President Joe Biden’s proposed budget includes billions of dollars for water infrastructure projects in
After backlash for moving Secretary of State branches to making appointments online only, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced some changes this morning. “We have immediately added 350,000 new appointments for branch offices. They’re online and available
From the Associated Press — A man accused of killing two neighbors in southwestern Michigan told police that he shot them last week because they were too loud and he couldn’t sleep. That’s according to a court
A 13-year-old and a 16-year-old from Benton Harbor are recovering after they were shot in Benton Township late on Monday. The Benton Township Police Department says officers were sent to 105 South Fair Street around 11:40 p.m.
