A civil, wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court following the death of a 16-year-old alleges that video from a Michigan youth facility recorded the teen saying “I can’t breathe.” Attorney Jonathan Marko
School leaders across Michigan are warning lawmakers that districts are facing unknown costs related to the coronavirus and budget cuts will only add to the problem. Oakland Schools Superintendent Wanda Cook-Robinson is part of the School Finance
One thing that’s now up and running each weekend is the St. Joseph Farmers Market. St. Joseph Today’s Amy Zapal tells WSJM News they started the market on June 6, and people have been responding well. “We’ve
The organizers of a unity march on June 13 have been honored by St. Joseph City Commissioners. During a Monday virtual meeting, Gwen Swanigan, Tiera Wallace, and Trenton Bowens were all given honorary St. Joseph street signs
A package of tobacco regulation bills is headed to the Michigan House, and some health organizations are concerned that it doesn’t go far enough to protect children. Senate Bills 781 and 786 passed the Senate last week,
The Region IV Area Agency on Aging is urging seniors and their loved ones to make this Wednesday Senior Action Day in Michigan. Chief Operating Officer Christine Vanlandingham tells WSJM News it’s a chance for everyone to
The South Haven Police Department is reminding residents of the rules surrounding fireworks as the Fourth of July approaches. It says state law allows Michiganders to use consumer grade fireworks, which means things like firecrackers, bottle rockets,
The Annie E. Casey Foundation is out with its national 2020 Kids Count Data Book, which ranks the states on how well they provide for the well being of children. Michigan League for Public Policy Kids Count
Berrien RESA has selected Eric Hoppstock to be the next district superintendent. Hoppstock is currently RESA’s assistant superintendent and chief academic officer, and he’ll take over his new role on July 1. The Berrien RESA Board of
The Krasl Art Center has announced a plan for reopening. The Krasl has released the following statement: Krasl Art Center (KAC) is happy to announce the reopening of the galleries and The Shop for Friday, June 26. Policies
From the Associated Press — Dozens of people in the Detroit area have been bailed out of jail during the coronavirus pandemic by nonprofits pushing to dismantle the cash bail system. The Detroit Free Press reports that
COVID-19 numbers in southwest Michigan continue to improve. After having no new cases of the illness to report for Sunday, Berrien County had one new case for Monday. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human
From the Associated Press — Michigan’s chief election officer says she is cautiously optimistic about preparations for the 2020 elections amid the coronavirus outbreak, emphasizing the state can avoid failures seen elsewhere by giving people clear choices
Michigan state parks has resumed collecting admission fees after a three-month break because of the coronavirus. The recreation passport costs $12 when renewing a license plate registration through the secretary of state or $17 at park entrances.
From the Associated Press — Some medical schools in Michigan are increasing their class size because they’re receiving an influx of applicants during a time marked by a shortage of physicians. The Lansing State Journal reports that
From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the state’s Department of Health and Human Services to no longer work with a company that provided staffing for a facility where a 16-year-old died earlier this
Volunteers are being sought to help clean up Michigan’s forests this summer. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the “100 in 100 Forest Challenge,” inviting residents to clean up 100 forests in 100 days. DNR
Michigan is reporting 146 new cases of COVID-19 for Sunday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 61,230 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported three
The Veggie Van is coming back to southwest Michigan. Spectrum Health Lakeland spokesperson Jessica Springer tells WSJM News it’s a mobile farmer’s market that gives away locally-produced vegetables and fruits. “The goal of this program is to
The property tax due date is fast approaching. Berrien County Treasurer Shelly Weich tells WSJM News due to COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer moved it back to June 29. If you still owe on your taxes, the treasurer’s
Police say they believe the body of a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River in Royalton Township on Friday has been found. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department says the man went under while helping
The South Haven City Council has approved a short-term plan to address flooding near the intersection of Dunkley Avenue and East Wells Street, just to the east of the Black River. City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM
South Haven Area Emergency Services was able to contain a small fire at Clementine’s restaurant on Saturday. SHAES says it was called to the restaurant at 500 Phoenix Street around 1:30 p.m. when employees smelled smoke. The
Be careful if you’re having a campfire this weekend. There’s an elevated risk of wildfires statewide because of hot, dry weather. Michigan Department of Natural Resources resource protection manager Don Klingler told Michigan News Network this week
Michigan is reporting 255 new cases of COVID-19 for Saturday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 61,084 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported 20
Postponed and not cancelled. That’s what leaders at the Berrien County Youth Fair are saying about the event for this year. Due to COVID-19 and uncertainty about what the situation and rules will be in August, the
Fifth Third Bank has made a $7,000 donation to Southwestern Michigan College for Steve’s Run. Due to the pandemic, a virtual run will be held this year from July 25 through August 1. SMC President Joe Odenwald
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River on Friday. It says deputies were called out to the river about a mile from the Jasper Dairy boat
Just hours after the Michigan House on Thursday approved a resolution opposing Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s policies on nursing homes during the coronavirus pandemic, the Michigan Senate followed suit. State Senator Aric Nesbitt tells WSJM News state policies
from the Associated Press — Employers added jobs in 46 states last month, evidence that the U.S. economy’s surprise hiring gain in May was spread broadly across the country – in both states that began reopening their
