Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth this month. The office of the governor has released the following statement: Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring June 19th as Juneteenth Celebration Day in Michigan. Juneteenth commemorates
Congressman Fred Upton is urging policies to help the energy industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. He testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy Tuesday, saying the industry has been hurt in multiple ways. “If there
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
South Haven Area Emergency Services has welcomed eight new citizen firefighters. A SHAES Fire Academy Graduation ceremony was held Monday, completing an eight month long process of training the volunteers and getting them certified. In addition to
State Representative Mary Whiteford of Casco Township held a rally in front of the Michigan Capitol Tuesday to call for reforms to Michigan’s unemployment benefits system. She says she’s heard from constituents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the
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
Southwestern Michigan College has sent a new class of graduates off into the world with its first ever virtual commencement. SMC President Joe Odenwald tells us because of COVID-19, a normal graduation couldn’t be held this year.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is sticking with her time line to move the state into the next to last phase of COVID recovery. She spoke to Michigan News Network this week. “People in Michigan are taking this seriously
Michigan is reporting 125 new cases of COVID-19 for Tuesday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 60,189 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported 18
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says the U.S. Supreme Court decision extending workplace protections to LGBTQ Americans is a “major victory for civil rights.” Following the Monday announcement, Nessel said the high court found that under federal
A couple of days after a massive racial equality march through Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, the Benton Harbor City Commission has approved a resolution declaring racism a mental health emergency. The move came during a Monday
Ford says it will finally unveil the new Bronco on July 9. Unfortunately, July 9 is also the 73rd birthday of OJ Simpson, who famously lead police on a chase while driving a Ford Bronco. Ford says
From the Associated Press — Some beaches along Lake Michigan are taking a hit from high water levels. The Escanaba Daily Press reports the vegetation that protects sandy beach areas is eroding. City recreation director Kim Peterson
From the Associated Press — Michigan’s health department is mandating coronavirus testing of all nursing home residents and staff after reporting the deaths of nearly 2,000 residents – about a third of all COVID-19 deaths across the
Racism and discrimination can be a tough subject to talk about, especially for parents and kids. Dr. Emily Mudd, a child psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, recommends asking kids what they’ve seen and letting them lead the
In this time of uncertainty for young people, a non-profit in Grand Rapids, Gems Girls Clubs, has launched an online initiative to help girls feel connected during this time of social distancing. They’ve launched Girls On The
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
State Representative Pauline Wendzel is hoping to see passage soon of legislation that would allow for the expungement of some criminal records in Michigan. She tells WSJM News a package of bills to expand the number of
$100,000 in grants to fight racism around Michigan have been announced by the Consumers Energy Foundation. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the company has seen the movement taking place across the country and wants to help.
The OutCenter of Southwest Michigan is “over the moon” that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of workplace protections for LGBTQ Americans. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News workers across the country are now
The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees has adopted a budget for the coming year. The college has released the following statement: Following a public hearing, the Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees, meeting remotely the morning
From the Associated Press — Organizers of a Michigan ballot drive to prohibit discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender people are evaluating whether to continue in the wake of a major victory in the U.S. Supreme Court.
From the Associated Press — The city of Detroit has removed a bust of explorer Christopher Columbus from a downtown spot after 110 years. A spokesman for Mayor Mike Duggan says putting it in storage will give
There were fewer than 100 new cases of COVID-19 reported around Michigan for Monday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 74 new cases were identified, along with two additional deaths. Since the start of
From the Associated Press — A Michigan lawmaker is proposing legislation to create a central database of disciplined police officers to boost accountability and help departments vet prospective new hires. The Detroit News reported over the weekend
The American Red Cross is now testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The Red Cross Great Lakes Division has released the following statement: Beginning today and for a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of workplace protections for LGBTQ Americans. The office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer has released the following statement: Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme
The Dowagiac Police Department is investigating two separate drive-by shootings that were reported over the weekend. It says officers were called to a home on James Street around 6:30 p.m. Saturday on a report of a shooting.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer this week signed legislation backed by state Senator Kim LaSata to change the way property taxes are collected in villages around Michigan. Senator LaSata’s office has released the following statement: A bill that would
