98.3 The Coast: Recent Episodes
Mid-West Family - Southwest Michigan
The Best Mix all day for Michigan's Great Southwest! Listen live at 98.3 FM in Berrien, Cass or Van Buren Counties, online at 983thecoast.com, or on the 98.3 The Coast app on Android or Apple.
FULL SHOW: Monday, October 13th, 2025
Curious if we look as bad as we sound? Follow us @BrookeandJeffrey:
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Have a knack for trivia? Well, so does Brooke… Try to answer as many questions right as you can in 30 seconds. If you answer more correctly than Brooke, you win 100 bucks! Good luck!
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We sent Jose and Alexis to one of the scariest haunted houses in the area to ask the guys and ghouls in line a simple question...
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Our listener admits her request during dinner was a little OUT OF BOUNDS. She’s worried it was TOO MUCH for her date to handle, and you can decide for yourself in your Second Date Update podcast!
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In your Phone Tap, we call a guy who recently sold his car and has to ship it across the country, and it’s NOT gonna be easy AT ALL.
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Don't give that creep at the bar your number! Slip him the Loser Line number instead and we'll play his awful voicemail on the air!
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Weird news stories from around the world… with a healthy dose of lasers added in. Does it make sense? No not really, but it doesn’t have to… it’s Laser Stories!
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Are these celebs CANADIAN or something else?
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Part 1
The woman on the phone today saw a cute guy and although her first move was UNORTHODOX… apparently it worked!
Part 2
There’s a thin line between sharing and OVER-sharing. One of our listeners wishes she had learned that lesson BEFORE texting her guy after their date... then we wouldn’t be in the position to help her with a Second Date Update!
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We're pitting the generations against each other with the ultimate trivia game, it's Brooke vs. Alexis!
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FULL SHOW: Friday, October 10th, 2025
Curious if we look as bad as we sound? Follow us @BrookeandJeffrey:
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Have a knack for trivia? Well, so does Brooke… Try to answer as many questions right as you can in 30 seconds. If you answer more correctly than Brooke, you win 100 bucks! Good luck!
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In today’s Second Date Update we learned about a CRAZY technique, that involved one man, 200 DMs and a surprisingly high rate of success!
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What would you do if the MOM of your date called you before you two had even met? We’d guess you’d either run for the hills OR you’d be today’s Phone Tap victim!
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There's a bizarre recurring dream that thousands of people are all having, and with so many similarities it's freaking everyone out...have you had the dream too?!
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Can you name the most popular Superheroes with their own solo movie?
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Weird news stories from around the world… with a healthy dose of lasers added in. Does it make sense? No not really, but it doesn’t have to… it’s Laser Stories!
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FULL SHOW: Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Curious if we look as bad as we sound? Follow us @BrookeandJeffrey:
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Have a knack for trivia? Well, so does Brooke… Try to answer as many questions right as you can in 30 seconds. If you answer more correctly than Brooke, you win 100 bucks! Good luck!
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There’s a strange new phenomenon happening in Europe...it costs less than $2 per person and is making its way to the USA this weekend! Plus, when you’re leaving the airport there’s one thing you should always do before you head out, or you'll end up like the man today whose bank account is $20,000 lighter!
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We’re doing a little something different today, it’s our first ever Awkward THURSDAY Phone Call!
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In your Phone Tap, we call a woman who is STRUGGLING with tech issues trying to get into her email, but we’ve got the best artificial intelligence IT director in the entire company to help!
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Today we got a special request to NOT CHANGE the voice of the Masked Speaker... She's THAT proud of what she did to her ex-boyfriend wayyyyy back during prom season... It's the UN-MASKED Speaker!
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We're playing "Tourist Trap or FULL OF CRAP!"
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FULL SHOW: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
Curious if we look as bad as we sound? Follow us @BrookeandJeffrey:
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Have a knack for trivia? Well, so does Brooke… Try to answer as many questions right as you can in 30 seconds. If you answer more correctly than Brooke, you win 100 bucks! Good luck!
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One of our listeners says he DOUBLED his response rate from women by making ONE LITTLE CHANGE to his profile pic. Hear how and why in your Second Date Update podcast!
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Today’s Phone Tap victim just booked his FIRST EVER international flight, so before he flies we’re offering him some of the most ELITE accommodations to ever grace the skies!
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Cheaters have gotten away with things for too long! In BUSTED, you tell us the ways you've caught someone cheating and then we can laugh through the pain together!
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Weird news stories from around the world… with a healthy dose of lasers added in. Does it make sense? No not really, but it doesn’t have to… it’s Laser Stories!
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Are these REAL lesser-known Superheroes or did we just make them up?
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Brooke got WRITTEN UP after her first game coaching soccer, Jose had a near-miss with a SCORPION, Alexis had a few secret cocktails with some listeners, and Jeff's family's new magazine is on store shelves! It's time to go around the room and share what's on our minds!
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FULL SHOW: Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
Curious if we look as bad as we sound? Follow us @BrookeandJeffrey:
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BrookeandJeffrey.com
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Have a knack for trivia? Well, so does Brooke… Try to answer as many questions right as you can in 30 seconds. If you answer more correctly than Brooke, you win 100 bucks! Good luck!
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One of our listeners needs our help with an IN-LAW INFESTATION. We’re gonna try to assist and get her mother in law out of her home in a brand new Awkward Tuesday Phone Call!
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Today’s Phone Tap Victim has been so upset and frustrated with her brand new phone, luckily for her, we’re ready to help her “HATCH” the new phone of her dreams!
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Over the years, today's Masked Speaker has been receiving approximately $20,000 in FREE gifts and services... She has no idea WHY but she does know she's not ready to turn it down!
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It's National Taco Day! So we're talkin' bout Tacos!
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FULL SHOW: Monday, October 6th, 2025
Curious if we look as bad as we sound? Follow us @BrookeandJeffrey:
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BrookeandJeffrey.com
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Have a knack for trivia? Well, so does Brooke… Try to answer as many questions right as you can in 30 seconds. If you answer more correctly than Brooke, you win 100 bucks! Good luck!
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We scoured the back pages of Craigslist to find the best (or is it worst?) entries from their Missed Connections section! Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless, this might be the place for you!
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One of our listeners completely FROZE while on his date and it all happened because of one ominous question she asked… Hear what it was in your Second Date Update podcast!
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In your Phone Tap, we call a guy who works at a ski rental shop, and his boss commandeered our special ops services to track down any renters who don’t pay their fees!
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Don't give that creep at the bar your number! Slip him the Loser Line number instead and we'll play his awful voicemail on the air!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weird news stories from around the world… with a healthy dose of lasers added in. Does it make sense? No not really, but it doesn’t have to… it’s Laser Stories!
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Are these REAL Hallmark Holiday movies or just plot lines we made up?
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Part 1
The guy from today’s Second Date Update said he got a text that completely BAFFLED HIM considering how good his first date went...You’ll hear about the weird message he received coming up.
Part 2
An interaction on the dance floor led to one of the most embarrassing situations we’ve heard in a Second Date Update!
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We're pitting the generations against each other with the ultimate trivia game, it's Brooke vs. Alexis!
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FULL SHOW: Friday, October 3rd, 2025
Curious if we look as bad as we sound? Follow us @BrookeandJeffrey:
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A new name in Hollywood is putting fear into the entire entertainment industry... Plus, companies say they aren't holding back on letting your phones listen to your convos anymore! We're going to update you on everything A.I in our first ever ROBO ROUNDUP!
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Have a knack for trivia? Well, so does Brooke… Try to answer as many questions right as you can in 30 seconds. If you answer more correctly than Brooke, you win 100 bucks! Good luck!
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Out of all the times we've asked listeners if they want to go on a Second Date NEVER have we heard the answer we did today! It's one of the most bizarre endings of all time...
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In your Phone Tap we call a woman who has been applying to work remotely from her job for over and year and although she’s now been approved… we have a WAY different definition of what “remote” means.
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Weird news stories from around the world… with a healthy dose of lasers added in. Does it make sense? No not really, but it doesn’t have to… it’s Laser Stories!
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Can you identify these instruments just from a sound clip?
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FULL SHOW: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Curious if we look as bad as we sound? Follow us @Broo keandJeffrey:
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A fast food controversy is rocking the internet after somebody leaked a major secret involving a popular chain...Plus, a TV news crew got the surprise of a lifetime and they caught it on camera! Hear it all in a brand new TikTok Click Shock!
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Have a knack for trivia? Well, so does Brooke… Try to answer as many questions right as you can in 30 seconds. If you answer more correctly than Brooke, you win 100 bucks! Good luck!
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In today's news:
- Lawton man safe after nearly freezing to death following car crash
- Ret. Congressman Upton says rocky waters ahead for Congress
- Berrien Community Foundation scholarship season is here
- and more!
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In today's news:
Residents of Three Oaks Township are being assured they'll have adequate police protection now that the township's agreement with the village of Three Oaks for police has come to an end.
Berrien County Treasurer Shelly Weich is planning a series of meetings around the county to help property owners in danger of foreclosure get caught back up on their taxes.
An officer with the Bangor Police Department has been placed on administrative leave while the Van Buren County Prosecutor's office investigates the possible solicitation of a minor.
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Cubby is a male 2-year old Labrador Retriever mix. This handsome fellow is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Cubby weighs 64 pounds. Please call or visit the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about our boy, Cubby.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County Commission organizes for 2025; calls for unity
- Unemployment up regionally
- Three Oaks Township ends law enforcement agreement with Three Oaks Village
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has started out the new year by holding its organizational meeting.
The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate in Michigan ticked up in November.
Three Oaks Township is no longer being provided police services by the village of Three Oaks Police Department.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County's sheriff warns of new phone scam
- Area congressman says lifting the Federal govt.'s debt limit is coming
- Michigan DNR extends late antlerless firearm season
- and more!
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In today's news:
The water levels in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron have been trending down.
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is gearing up for its 2025 breakfast and Business Recognition Awards ceremony, set for February 21.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced a new extended hunting season.
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In today's news:
- Southwest Michigan home prices continue to set records
- South Haven New Year's Eve fireworks celebration tonight
- Two commercial poultry facilities in Ottawa test positive for bird flu
- and more!
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In today's news:
Jimmy Carter is being remembered for his work with Harbor Habitat for Humanity.
Meanwhile, home prices in Southwest Michigan reached record highs in November.
South Haven is ready to celebrate and ring in the new year with its annual New Year's Eve Celebration Tuesday night.
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In today's news:
- Two suspects in custody connected to multiple self-storage break ins
- Bangor man arrested on kidnapping charges
- Berrien Co. seeking to increase marijuana safety education
- and more!
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Cinnamon is a male 6 year old orange and white cat. He came to Al-Van Humane Society as an owner-surrender, through no fault of his own. Cinnamon's family was simply unable to care for him any longer. He is very sweet and loving, and one of the staff favorites here at the shelter. Cinnamon is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and FIV & FELV negative. If you are interested in adopting please visit Al-Van.org/adopt and fill-out an adoption application.
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In today's news:
It was a busy year for the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
The Berrien County Health Department is seeking a grant from the state to fund its marijuana education campaign.
The Van Buren County Board of Road Commissioners has approved the 2025 budget for the Van Buren County Road Commission.
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The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has been awarded a $60,000 grant by the Corewell Health Foundation to support two of its non-profit subsidiaries.
The Buchanan City Commission has approved a contract with new City Manager Tony McGhee.
A celebration will be held this weekend for a Berrien County student who completed his Eagle Scout project this year.
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In today's news:
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has been awarded a $60,000 grant by the Corewell Health Foundation to support two of its non-profit subsidiaries.
A celebration will be held this weekend for a Berrien County student who completed his Eagle Scout project this year.
The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven will kick off a new Lecture Series in January.
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Be Healthy Berrien has been awarded a $150,000 grant to address health issues in Benton Harbor.
The Berrien Community Foundation had a banner year in 2024.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is reflecting on a busy construction year in 2024.
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Sarah and Zack recap a successful 2024 and invite the public to go to smrchamber.com to nominate a deserving business for one of several awards at the Annual Breakfast in February. Get details at SMRChamber.com!
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All lanes of I-94 in Stevensville are now open following the completion of the first year of the I-94 rebuilding project in Berrien County.
St. Joseph residents are being advised that part of Broad Street will be closed for a week in January.
The city of Buchanan has been awarded a $230,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to construct a new boat launch on the St. Joseph River at Riverfront Park.
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In today's news:
All lanes of I-94 in Stevensville are now open following the completion of the first year of the I-94 rebuilding project in Berrien County.
A Michigan activist who's made a big difference in her community will be among the guest speakers at the 2025 Michigan Black Summit in Benton Harbor in February.
St. Joseph residents are being advised that part of Broad Street will be closed for a week in January.
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Meet Hemi! This young kitty came to our shelter last month in need of medical attention as she got her paw stuck in an engine fan belt. Because Hemi's injuries were bad, she had to have her right front leg removed. Hemi is such a loveable kitty and is searching for her forever home, a cozy place where she can snuggle up on a blanket on those cold winter days. Hemi has been spayed and vaccinated. If you’re looking to bring Hemi into your home, her adoption fee is only $20.00. Please call or visit Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about this brave and heroic girl, Hemi!
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Berrien County Animal Services is hoping to get a little more space.
A new charitable foundation has been launched in Southwest Michigan, supporting non-profits throughout the region and into Indiana.
Lake Michigan College employees have continued a Christmas tradition by delivering holiday food baskets to individuals and families in need.
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In today's news:
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners isn't expecting more out of Lansing this year.
Berrien County Animal Services is hoping to get a little more space.
A new charitable foundation in Southwest Michigan has been launched, supporting non-profits throughout the region and into Indiana.
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In today's news:
- Area congressman says negotiations continue to avert Federal govt. shutdown
- New concerns over new traffic configuration at US-12 and M-51 in Niles
- Benton Harbor mayor promises to do his part in fight against antisemitism
- and more!
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In today's news:
Several elected officials in Berrien County have officially been sworn in for their new terms.
The Berrien Community Foundation had a banner year in 2024.
Congressman Bill Huizenga is among the Republicans in the U.S. House who dropped their support for a federal government spending bill this week, increasing the likelihood of a government shutdown come midnight Friday.
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In today's news:
- How the $20 million EPA grant to Benton Harbor will be managed
- Hartford homicide suspect set for extradition from Indiana
- Michigan State Police asking drivers to slow down for winter weather
- and more!
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In today's news:
Be Healthy Berrien has been awarded a $150,000 grant to address health issues in Benton Harbor.
State Senator Aric Nesbitt hasn't been impressed with how Democrats have managed the final few days of the legislative session.
The $20 million EPA grant announced this week for Benton Harbor will result in a wide range of resiliency programs in the community in the next three years.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor breaks ground on waterfront park
- St. Joseph's Dickinson Park renovations near phase one completion
- Cass County starts search for new county administrator
- and more!
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In today's news:
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is now taking nominations for its annual Volunteer Leadership Awards.
The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has acquired a new preserve in Van Buren County.
South Haven is getting ready to ring in the new year with its annual New Year's Eve Celebration, set for December 31.
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In today's news:
- St. Joseph Public Schools starts search for new board president
- No short-term rental regulation coming from the state, for now
- Restaurants and workers face uncertain wage future with inaction in Lansing
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Berrien County's outgoing drain commissioner strikes back at commissioners; says adjustable-rate loan a good deal
- New foster care service ramps up in Southwest Michigan
- Stevensville McDonald's closes permanently
- and more!
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In today's news:
Berrien County Drain Commissioner Christopher Quattrin is responding after Berrien County Commissioners this week questioned the financing arrangement set up for a drain project in Chikaming and New Buffalo townships.
There's a new foster care service in Southwest Michigan, and it's hoping to find some volunteers with the start of the new year.
A new book on the history of Niles is in the works.
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Goose is a 2 year old male Hound dog, and is as sweet as he can be! He loves food and treats, and using his nose. Goose doesn't seem to mind other dogs, but would probably prefer chasing other animals. Goose can also be a little shy at first, but it doesn't take him long to warm up. If you love the sounds and antics of Hounds, Goose might be your perfect match! Please contact Van Buren County Animal Control at 269-621-4624 or visit the shelter at 58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about this great guy, Goose!
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In today's news:
- Area leaders gather to hear potential solutions to lack of housing availability
- Outgoing Drain Commissioner projects reviewed for millions in overspend
- Sparkle Showdown voting opens in South Haven
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will soon seek to refinance a loan paying for a drainage project in Chikaming and New Buffalo townships.
Friends of Berrien County Animal Services has received a grant to help reduce overcrowding at the Berrien County Animal Shelter.
The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra is launching a new fundraising campaign as it seeks to match a grant.
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In today's news:
- Slick road conditions and cold temperatures will persist through midday
- Speed cameras are coming to road construction zones
- Parks funding headed for Silver Beach and Chikaming
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Silver Beach Playground fundraising campaign has reached its goal.
The city of St. Joseph is in strong financial shape, according to its latest audit.
Several grants for parks around Southwest Michigan were announced by the state this week, and one is for a brand-new park being planned in Chikaming Township.
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In today's news:
- One arrested for Benton Harbor apartment arson
- St. Joseph renews contract with local development org.
- Lincoln Township holds first meeting under new form of government
- and more!
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In today's news:
The city of St. Joseph will continue its economic development partnership with Cornerstone Alliance in 2025.
Berrien RESA is working with school districts and police agencies throughout Berrien County to better plan for school emergencies.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is welcoming news that construction of a barrier to stop the invasive carp from reaching Lake Michigan is about to get started.
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In today's news:
- St. Joseph boutique hotel project moves forward with tax freeze
- Whooping cough cases up in Berrien County
- South Haven announces new police chief
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Lincoln Township Library is getting ready to celebrate the completion of its renovation project, and residents are invited to come and see for themselves.
The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department has announced the appointment of a new undersheriff.
Whooping cough is on the rise, not only statewide but also locally in Berrien County.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber talks to Zack about this Saturday's upcoming Bridgman Holiday Village event, plus a Housing seminar, ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours for December, and more, all at SMRChamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Car/train crash in Coloma kills one, injures three
- Statewide short-term rental legislation nearing passage in Lansing
- Silver Beach playground fundraising complete
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Silver Beach Playground fundraising campaign is at its end.
State Representative Joey Andrews is nearing a deal on legislation to regulate short term rentals in Michigan.
This week brought a blast of winter weather to Southwest Michigan, and things did not go smoothly out on the roads.
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Bluey is a female two-year old Heeler mix. She weighs 35 pounds. Bluey is up-to-date on vaccines but is not spayed at this time. Please call or visit the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about beautiful Bluey.
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In today's news:
- National Weather Services says winds topped 70 miles per hour this week
- Area blood banks calling for more donations to avoid winter shortage
- Buchanan's Shop with a Cop program hits stores this weekend
- and more!
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In today's news:
This week's winter weather has created a threat to the blood supply in Michigan.
The city of Bridgman is gearing up for its annual Christmas celebration next Saturday, December 14.
The winter weather we've endured this week in Southwest Michigan brought with it some pretty remarkable wind gusts on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County's newly-elected sheriff officially takes oath
- Palisades restart still on track for Oct 2025
- Annual death report shows some post-pandemic stabilization
- and more!
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In today's news:
Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit has been sworn in.
The Niles Scream Park is donating more than $147,000 to non-profits around Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana this year.
The Van Buren County Road Commission has been awarded a state grant to resurface Kalamazoo Street in South Haven from Blue Star Highway north to the South Haven city limit.
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In today's news:
- Another 6-month moratorium on South Haven short-term rentals
- Area law enforcement stepping up drunk driving patrols
- Palisades Nuclear Power Plant info session in Benton Harbor today
- and more!
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In today's news:
- South Haven city council extends short term rental moratorium
- December is HIV awareness month
- Berrien County Sheriff emphasizes safe driving during holiday season
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In today's news:
- Apartment blaze displaces residents in Geneva Township
- Multi-car crash closes I-94 for hours near Hartford
- After heated discussion, Benton Harbor hires its city manager
- and more!
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Sweet Bella, 2 year old Rot Shepard mix. Great with people, kids and other dogs. Not tested with cats. House trained,spayed and up to date with shots. She is a big puppy so best with older kids because of size. Would be a great second dog. She loves the couch, the perfect buddy to watch the game. Please call Animal Aid 269-934-7729 to meet this special girl.
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In today's news:
Monday's winter storm led to treacherous conditions throughout Southwest Michigan.
An 80-year-old Paw Paw man is facing charges after police say they found more than 1.5 pounds of meth in his home.
Construction on the first phase of the Lakeshore Trail is set to begin next year, and the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is seeking to raise the last bit of funding needed.
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In today's news:
- Winter Storm Warning in effect 10am Monday until 10am Tuesday for Berrien and Cass counties
- Sheriff warns of fresh phone scam happening now in Van Buren County
- Salvation Army red kettle ringers are collecting donations
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Salvation Army has kicked off its Red Kettle Campaign for the season, stationing bell ringers outside of Southwest Michigan businesses to collect donations for the organization.
Tickets are now available for the Michigan Black Summit Gala, to be held in Benton Harbor on February 8.
The city of Buchanan is moving toward a partnership with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
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In today's news:
- Area U.S. Rep. previews 2025 agenda for Congress
- Coloma man killed in fatal crash in South Haven
- Niles High School football team plays for state champ title at 12:30
- and more!
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In today's news:
With a new Congress and a new president taking office in January, what will be the priorities in Washington? Congressman Tim Walberg tells us the budget will be an immediate issue.
Three major grants have been awarded to Present Pillars, a Benton Harbor-based advocacy group that promotes fatherhood and champions the cause of fathers.
Thanksgiving is here, and that means some of us will be drinking. With that in mind, Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit has a few reminders for people. He tells us police will be watching out for drunk drivers, especially tonight.
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In today's news:
- Dial a Ride finds insurance at four times the current price
- South Haven hires first female schools superintendent
- Niles Vikings football team "doing what they say can't be done"
- and more!
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In today's news:
The U.S. House of Representatives gets back to work next week, and Congressman Tim Walberg says it does have some important business to get done before the end of the year.
The Buchanan City Commission has hired a new city manager.
The Whirlpool Appliance to benefit the United Way of Southwest Michigan has been extended through the end of Monday.
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Sarah joins Zack to talk about upcoming December events, including NextGen Networking, the Strong Towns Housing 2-Day Summit, and Bridgman Holiday Village. Get details on these great events and more at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Missing Geneva Township teen returned home safely
- Holtec sets next Palisades Nuclear restart open house
- Share the road, AAA says you'll have 2.6 million travel partners in Michigan
- and more!
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In today's news:
An open house will be held next week for the public to learn more about the effort to restart the Palisades nuclear power plant.
The Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary is working this week to help families around Benton Harbor have a happy Thanksgiving.
Present Pillars in Benton Harbor has honored several men who have helped make the community a better place in the past year with its third annual Pillar Awards Gala, held on Saturday.
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Meet Cyrus, a charming tabby kitten looking for his forever home! This playful little guy is always up for a game of chase or a cuddle session on your lap. Plus, smart guy Cyrus is learning how to walk on-leash! His foster home includes other cats and dogs, so he is well-socialized and would make a wonderful addition to any family. Cyrus's estimated birthday is April 23rd, 2024, he is neutered and up-to-date on all of his vaccinations. Come meet Cyrus and see if he's the purr-fect match for you! Reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our sweet Cyrus!!
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In today's news:
- Interviews complete for Benton Harbor's next city manager
- Area entrepreneur wins $15k for best business pitch
- Seat belt usage down in Michigan (put on your seatbelt!)
- and more!
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In today's news:
Interim Benton Harbor City Manager Alex Little is likely to have the "interim" dropped from his title soon.
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has held its HYPE Pitch Competition to reward entrepreneurs for their innovative ideas.
Lake Michigan College is planning a Law Enforcement Hiring Fair for next month.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor's Dial a Ride service scrambling to find new insurance
- Berrien County approves budget that pulls $20 million from reserves
- South Haven schools has two finalists for superintendent
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is seeing the results of its efforts to expand broadband internet around the county.
City leaders in Benton Harbor are waiting for an update on the status of Dial Ride's insurance.
Southwest Michigan is getting four new Michigan State Police troopers following the graduation of 52 new troopers from the 147th Trooper Recruit School in Lansing this week.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County Sheriff's deputies bust 123-pound cocaine shipment
- Local econ. development group Cornerstone hires new CEO
- Paw Paw man back in custody after low-speed chase
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is working with the Drug Enforcement Agency after a major cocaine bust on I-94 this week.
Cornerstone Alliance has announced the appointment of Marla Schneider as its new president and chief executive officer.
This is National Apprenticeship Week, and Michigan Works is taking time to focus the spotlight on some successful apprentices right in Southwest Michigan.
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In today's news:
- Hundreds turn out for Unified Civics Monuments dedications
- Benton Harbor approves contract for Bobo Brazil Community Center rehab
- South Haven hearing on Short Term Rentals results in delayed action
- and more!
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In today's news:
A crowd of hundreds came out in both Benton Harbor and St. Joseph on Tuesday for the unveiling of sister monuments to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Niles man is facing a charge of assault with intent to murder following a shooting on Monday.
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved a contract with Abonmarche to provide design and construction services for the upcoming renovation of the Bobo Brazil Community Center.
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In today's news:
- Suspect arrested in Niles Speedway shooting Monday
- Upton Drive in St. Joseph finally complete
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission sets public hearing for Palisades emergency plan
- and more!
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In today's news:
We're expected to see some pretty big waves on Lake Michigan this week.
The ribbon has been cut on the Upton Drive reconstruction project in St. Joseph.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold a meeting on the reopening of the Palisades plant this week.
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In today's news:
- Opportunities for Stevensville residents to weigh in on new master plan
- Book thieves clean out area free library boxes
- South Haven School Board President stepping down
- and more!
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In today's news:
A suspect has been arrested in a string of armed robberies at retail locations around Berrien County.
Two meetings will be held next week for Stevensville residents to have their say about what kinds of developments should be in the next village master plan.
A brewery and restaurant in Buchanan is hoping the thieves who took all of the books out of its Little Free Library will see themselves on the news and feel ashamed.
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: Our FFF pet is Kernal! Kernal is a bully mix, but he's so sleek and slender he looks a little like a small greyhound! He is such a gentle, loving soul that he is STRESSED OUT at the shelter and needs to find a home as soon as possible. He just spent the long weekend in a foster home where he took two days to fully decompress and then was ready to come out and be part of the family, which included two other young male dogs. He has been in playgroups at the shelter and can be a little pushy with other dogs but is easily corrected. He is the definition of a velcro dog - he wants to be with his people all the time, but can also just hang on his own in his crate. He seems to not care about cats at all, but we always recommend a slow introduction. He is also terrific with kids, but again, we always recommend respectful children. He is neutered, vaccinated, heartworm negative and microchipped. His adoption fee is sponsored as he needs to find a great home quickly. Come and scoop up this best boy today! Contact Berrien County Animal Control at 1400 S. Euclid in Benton Harbor, 269-927-5648, to learn even more about Kernal.
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In today's news:
- Evidence tampering charge lodged against Stevensville woman in Eau Claire shooting
- Data center tax breaks move forward again in State Legislature
- Van Buren scores $3.9 million grant for 40th Street Bridge in Waverly Township
- and more!
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In today's news:
A second suspect has been charged in a fatal shooting in Eau Claire this month.
Time is running out for the public to offer input on Berrien County's proposed Five Year Parks Plan.
The Van Buren County Road Commission has been awarded a major grant for a bridge replacement project.
Berrien County will have to draw on its reserves to balance its budget for 2025.
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In today's news:
- Cass County drug bust yields four arrests
- Housing summit to address lack of affordability in Berrien County
- Benton Harbor High School prepares to honor legendary basketball Coach Wilhite
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber will hold a two-day summit next month for community leaders to discuss ways to help reduce the housing shortage in the area.
A longtime community volunteer from St. Joseph will be in Detroit Thursday to receive an honor at the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards.
The Berrien County Trial Court will hold its annual Adoption Day celebration on Monday, November 25.
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In today's news:
- Harbor Shores rolls out big plans for next development phase
- Drug overdoses level off in Berrien County
- MSU offers good governing course
- and more!
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In today's news:
The real estate arm of Harbor Shores has been busy lately, planning new housing projects all over the Benton Harbor area.
Overdose deaths in Michigan decreased last year.
The MSU Extension office in Van Buren County will hold a seminar next month to help new local government leaders prepare to serve effectively.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber introduces us to the new name for Tri-County Head Start, which is now known as Flowers Early Learning Center. Find out more about them at flowersearlylearning.org
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In today's news:
- Berrien County budget adjusting for $900,000 gap caused by property tax loss
- FEMA invites public to view new flood maps
- Berrien County Cancer Services group sets giveback night
- and more!
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In today's news:
A Bangor man is dead and a Lawrence woman seriously injured following a two-vehicle crash in Van Buren County's Geneva Township on Monday.
Heading toward a new year, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners is looking at adjusting the county's budget.
The Morton House Museum has announced its latest Preservation Awards, highlighting efforts in the community to maintain historically significant structures.
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In today's news:
- Area students honor and learn from veterans on Veterans Day
- Benton Harbor faces use-it-or-lose it deadline for community center grant
- LMC prepares to cut the ribbon on a new hoop house
- and more!
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This sweetheart has lost her way and is in search of her forever home, where she thinks her friends, the seven dwarfs, may be awaiting. Snow White has such a carefree and happy attitude and, although a senior dog, she still acts like a puppy when it’s playtime. Snow White enjoys her time outside and won’t pass up the opportunity for a quick roll in the yard. While updated on all her vaccinations, Snow White still needs to be spayed. If you’re looking to bring Snow White home, her adoption fee will be $65.00. Please call or visit Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about sweet Snow White.
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In today's news:
Benton Harbor City Commissioners continue to talk about renovating the shuttered Bobo Brazil Community Center.
A ribbon cutting is planned for next week to celebrate the completion of a hoop house at Lake Michigan College's South Haven campus.
Southwest Michigan area schools are recognizing veterans this Monday.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County prioritizing after power shift in State Legislature
- Actions already happening after fate of two marijuana questions decided
- Michigan Maritime Museum looking for new executive director
- and more!
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The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering the ramifications of this week's elections for the Michigan Legislature.
There were two marijuana proposals on the ballot in Berrien County this week, and one passed while one failed.
There's a new resident inspector at the Cook nuclear power plant in Bridgman.
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In today's news:
- Double-fatality car crash in Allegan Township
- Post-election plans shared by Federal and State lawmakers
- Holiday festivals and fun announced
- and more!
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In today's news:
It's the day after Election Day. We have reactions from the winners.
Michigan Democrats will no longer have full control of the state.
The South Haven ice rink is soon to be open to the public.
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In today's news:
- Election results still coming in from Berrien County
- Van Buren County returns complete
- Some races still too close to call at 5 am
- and more!
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In today's news:
It's Election Day.
As deer season approaches, state and local law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to buckle up and stay alert.
Present Pillars in Benton Harbor is planning its third annual Pillar Awards Gala for this month.
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In today's news:
- It's Election Day! Polls are open 7am to 8pm
- Suspect in Eau Claire shooting of firefighter arraigned
- Benton Harbor approves new contract for water plant operation
- and more!
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In today's news:
Arraignment has been held for the suspect in a weekend shooting in Eau Claire.
Around 40 water service lines, and possibly more, were found in need of replacing in Benton Township after recent elevated lead levels were found.
There's been a new leadership shuffle at the Cook nuclear power plant in Bridgman.
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In today's news:
- Outpouring of sadness following first responder's shooting death in Eau Claire
- New details from Sister Lakes Halloween morning homicide
- Michigan State Police announces new 5th District Commander
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Benton Township notified of elevated lead levels
- MDOT reminds drivers to stay aware of time change
- Experts say leaving your leaves in your yard helps the ecosystem
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Bernie is a 5 year old Bernese Mountain mix. Bernie appears to love people and other dogs. He is up to date on his vaccinations and is neutered. He weighs 92 pounds. Please call or visit the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about our big handsome boy, Bernie.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor man arrested as suspect in Sister Lakes homicide
- SW Michigan Chamber invites Strong Towns author to area
- Early voting continues with stronger-than-expected turnout
- and more!
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In today's news:
- SWM Chamber to host housing crisis event
- DNR urges hunters to watch out for Chronic Wasting Disease in deer
- The U.S. Department of Energy releases Community Benefits Plan for Holtec Palisades restart
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In today's news:
- 56-year-old Baroda man dead after vehicle/pedestrian crash
- Anchors Way road-raising project moves forward
- I-196 in Van Buren County reopens for the winter
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Berrien County Sheriff Department's Trick-or-Treat safety tips
- I-196 open in Van Buren County
- St. Joseph City continues to work on the Anchor Way infrastructure project
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In today's news:
- City of St. Joseph leaders updating strategy to attract business and residents
- Speedway project at I-94 and M-139 appears ready to start
- Berrien Co. govt working with MSP to lower speed limits on area roads
- and more!
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In today's news:
- City of St. Joseph unveils new economic plan
- St. Joseph Township's Pizza Hut project postponed
- How to get rid of "ladybugs"
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Sarah and Zack talk about upcoming ribboncuttings and Business After Hours in the next two weeks for you to be part of. Head to smrchamber.com to register and for details.
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In today's news:
- Large early voting numbers surprise election officials
- Corewell Health Lakeland teaming with WMU for medical education
- Former President Bill Clinton will be in Benton Harbor and South Haven Wednesday
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Huge turnout in SWM for early in-person voting
- WMU Medical School and Corewell Health announce new partnership
- Fernwood Botanical Garden announces new executive director
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In today's news:
- Developers plan new life for former Berrien Hills Country Club property
- Slow down! I-94 construction zone doubles in number of crashes
- In-person voting underway
- and more!
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In today's news:
The construction zone on I-94 between St. Joseph and Stevensville has really kept police busy this year.
A major development is planned at the former Berrien Hills Country Club.
A Berrien Springs dentist has been named the president of the Michigan Dental Association.
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In today's news:
- Swatting calls across Michigan cause false alarms at area schools
- Former U.S. Rep Fred Upton throws his support to Kamala Harris
- Whirlpool Corp. CEO says election uncertainty weighing on company results
- and more!
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In today's news:
Multiple school districts were placed on lockdown in Berrien County on Thursday due to a swatting call.
Leaders with the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority are working to find a new insurance carrier for Benton Harbor's Dial A Ride service after getting word in September it's being dropped by its insurance.
Retired Congressman Fred Upton has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
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In today's news:
- More than 17 percent of Michiganders have already sent in their vote
- SW Michigan Chamber scores big investment to attract new workers
- National Prescription Drug Takeback collection site in Niles Saturday
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph is dreaming big as it prepares to begin renovations to the Pricilla Upton Byrnes Center, the soon-to-be-former home of the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center at 601 Main Street.
The Michigan Growth Office has announced a $100,000 grant for Discover Southwest Michigan, an organization started by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber to help attract workers to the region.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says conditions are ripe for wildfires around the state right now.
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In today's news:
- An update from St. Joseph's Heritage Museum on their future
- US Environmental Protection officials bring $5 million for pollution reduction
- Bridgman Courtyard 2.0 planning underway
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph is planning to reimagine itself once things have calmed down from its move out of the Pricilla Upton Byrnes Center in the coming year. Also, it's no longer running St. Joseph Lighthouse Tours.
Construction has started on a new rain garden in Three Oaks.
Bridgman, Hartford, and Benton Harbor are among the recipients of Michigan Shared Streets and Spaces grants announced this week.
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In today's news:
- Mixed-use development Project T in Benton Harbor makes another step forward
- Stevensville launches crowdfunding campaign to improve area park
- Update on 650 acre land sale in Van Buren and Allegan counties
- and more!
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In today's news:
The village of Stevensville has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help pay for the construction of a pavilion at Hickory Creek Park.
Set for Tuesday is the Emerge Innovation Hub's fourth annual PitchFest in Benton Harbor.
As Halloween approaches, the city of St. Joseph will host a Truck or Treat event for the kiddies this Saturday.
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In today's news:
- Curious Kids' Museum announces details of land purchase and pending move
- County secures state grant to help demolish the Harbor Shores Modern Plastics building
- Police on the lookout for drives illegally passing stopped school buses
- and more!
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Beautiful Taquito is a small, 50 pound, female, 2-year-old German Shepherd dog who came in to us on March 22nd as a stray from Berrien Center. She was adopted in April – but her owner had health issues that caused him to have to surrender her back to us in August. He told us that she is a fantastic dog, and we agree! She is housetrained, great on a leash, smart and sweet. Taquito has done well with kids, but is not a fan of other dogs, at least in the shelter. We have done a test with our shelter cat; she and they didn’t seem to mind each other very much, so we think she might do well with a slow introduction. German Shepherds tend to struggle in the shelter environment, and you can feel Taquito’s anxiety level rising. She is spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, microchipped and heartworm negative. She is available to adopt for $31 through the end of October. Contact Berrien County Animal Control at 1400 S. Euclid in Benton Harbor, 269-927-5648, to learn more about Taquito.
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In today's news:
A mixed use commercial and residential development is planned for Oronoko Township.
There's a high-speed internet project in the works in Hagar Township.
Berrien County is teaming up with Bainbridge Township to repair a damaged boat launch.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County seeks $2 million to help pay for Juvenile Center updates
- Three Oaks might soon have a new health office
- South Haven boil order lifted -- then crews deal with unrelated sewage overflow
- and more!
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In today's news:
Some big work is coming up at the Berrien County Juvenile Center.
The Berrien County Health Department is studying the possibility of opening an office in Three Oaks.
The Hagar Township Board of Trustees is working on an ordinance to govern marijuana dispensaries in case they ever come to the community.
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In today's news:
- Governor Whitmer brings the Harris-Walz bus to St. Joseph
- County official urges more than talk about building a new jail for Berrien County
- United Way of SW Mich sends urgent call for Rake a Difference volunteers
- and more!
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In today's news:
Some restrooms will be installed at Dickinson Park in St. Joseph next year following action this week by city commissioners.
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is making an urgent call for volunteers to rake leaves for seniors next month as part of its Rake a Difference event.
The Benton Township Board of Trustees has been briefed on the latest things happening at public housing sites around the community.
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Taz is a drop of sweetness wrapped in a snazzy tabby cat coat! All he wants from his new family is to be loved. Taz had something wrong with his eye when he came to us and we had to have it removed. That has not squelched his kitten energy one bit! Taz's favorite playtime activities include climbing cat trees, chasing springs and wand toys, and wrestling with a fellow foster kitten. When he isn't playing, Taz is a cuddly boy who gives kisses and likes to curl up with you for a nap. The humans who adopt him will no doubt be extra compassionate and have boundless affection! Taz's estimated birthday is 06/22/2024, he is neutered and fully vaccinated. Contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org or via private message to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PawsOfHopeSwMich) to learn more about this terrific little guy. Taz is one special kitten!
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In today's news:
- Update on St. Joseph's anti-RV parking ordinance
- Martin Luther King III set to help celebrate Unified Civic Monuments unveiling
- State Representative Paquette protests Kellogg food additives
- and more!
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In today's news:
Martin Luther King III will be in the Twin Cities for the unveiling of the Unified Civic Monuments next month.
State Representative Brad Paquette is lending his voice to the chorus calling on Kellogg's to stop using artifical dyes in its children's breakfast cereals.
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is coming to Benton Harbor.
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Zack updates you on three Wednesday, October 16 events to attend across the area, along with details on the November Business After Hours event. Check these out and more at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Local State Rep. sees potential for compromise on tipped wage fight
- Coloma schools hear from Berrien County's prosecutor on bullying
- Halloween fundraiser set for Watervliet girl battling Batten Disease
- and more!
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In today's news:
State Representative Joey Andrews has been meeting with restaurant owners and staff for the past few months to find out how they feel about coming changes to the state's minimum wage and paid sick time laws.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission have announced the 38 individuals, businesses, and non-profits who will be honored at the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards for their commitment to volunteerism, service, or philanthropy next month, and among the honorees are some Southwest Michigan residents.
In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Coloma Community Schools has invited Berrien County Prosecutor Amy Byrd to talk to students about cell phone use.
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In today's news:
- No charges to be sought in South Haven related to antisemitic flyers
- Authorities say "no connection" among suspicious fires in Benton Harbor
- Fees to use some Silver Beach facilities going up
- and more!
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In today's news:
The village of Three Oaks is getting closer to lifting its water boil order.
The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety says fires at vacant buildings in recent months appear to have no connection to each other.
The South Haven Police Department says no hate crime charges will be filed after anti-Semitic flyers were distributed in the city last month.
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In today's news:
- Even before the ribbon cutting, new Benton Twp. Dollar General store robbed
- Former South Haven substitute arrested for assault
- LMC reports another increase in enrollment
- and more!
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In today's news:
The new Dollar General store on M-139 in Benton Township has already been robbed.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has accepted $386,000 in grants to continue running the county's specialty courts.
Three deputies with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department have been honored with Lifesaving Awards for their quick action to save lives.
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In today's news:
- Dozens of Michigan residents helping after Florida hurricanes
- MDOT invites residents to open house to view M-139/Main Street 2026 plans
- Andrews University secures National Science Foundation grant
- and more!
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In today's news:
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have given the green light to a liquor license for a new cigar lounge planned for the Arts District.
What's next for Ibrahim Parlak?
Lincoln Township is going to help the village of Stevensville pay for a sidewalk project.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor Public Schools sets ban on cell phones
- Two dead in Allegan County crash in Monterey Township
- Berrien and Cass law enforcement arrest six for meth; more charges expected
- and more!
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In today's news:
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have formally approved the plans for improvements at Hall Park.
Plans are already being made for the next Michigan Black Summit in Benton Harbor.
Everyone's invited to a Fire Safety Fun Night being planned by South Haven Area Emergency Services this week.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor approves paid parking near marijuana stores
- Berrien County moving forward with Juvenile Center upgrades
- PrancerPalooza is coming to Three Oaks
- and more!
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In today's news:
Ibrahim Parlak is weighing his next move now that he's been granted some relief in his fight to avoid deportation.
Coming up this Saturday and Sunday is the annual Whirlpool Appliance Sale to benefit the United Way of Southwest Michigan.
A celebration is being planned for this December in Three Oaks to mark the 35th anniversary of the release of Prancer, a 1989 film that was shot there.
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In today's news:
- Galien River County Park prepares for reopening
- Local restauranteur celebrating latest in non-deportation case
- State still considering 2024 changes in Short Term Rentals
- and more!
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Betsy is a 6 year old German Shepherd mix. She spayed, up to date on her vaccinations, and weighs 43 pounds. Betsy does very well with other dogs. She is smart and knows how to sit, shake, and speak! Betsy would do best in a home without small children. She is available at no cost in the "Senior to Senior" adoption program. Please call or visit the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about Betsy.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County clears land of $500k debt in Three Oaks; prepares for development
- Benton Harbor schools considering $500k in security upgrades
- South Haven neighborhood under boil order after workers puncture a water main
- and more!
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In today's news:
- A second racist incident near South Haven sparks a public letter from the mayor
- Benton Harbor Michigan Works! offices closed for mold remediation
- Major sewer work coming to Benton Township
- and more!
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In today's news:
Pickleball enthusiasts in Southwest Michigan have a chance to play all year round now as the South Shore Health and Racquet Club has opened its new indoor courts.
City of South Haven Mayor Annie Brown says "hate has no place and will not be tolerated in South Haven" in light of recent racist events.
The Van Buren County Road Commission is reminding property owners of the rules for placement of political signs near roadways.
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In today's news:
- Effort to keep young talent in Southwest Michigan celebrates $500k boost
- 150-unit senior housing complex proposed for Benton Township
- St. Joseph tells farmers market vendors there's little to be done about protestors
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien Talent Collaborative has received a $500,000 state funding boost to help support workforce and economic development in Southwest Michigan.
Michigan Works in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties is now taking applications for the next round of Going Pro Talent Fund grants.
A Chikaming Township community has been named by HGTV as the most expensive place in Michigan to live.
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Jasmine joins Zack to chat about three upcoming Ribbon Cuttings and details on the next Business After Hours, all in the next two weeks! Get details at smrchamber.com.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor's Dial a Ride transit service loses its insurance
- Palisades restart gets a big Federal boost
- More changes to St. Joseph's plan to address downtown parking
- and more!
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In today's news:
Holtec International has officially closed on a $1.52 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to restart the Palisades nuclear power plant.
The cleanup of Ox Creek has gotten a boost now that the former Modern Plastics property in Benton Harbor has been purchased by Harbor Shores.
Benton Harbor leaders are working to address a major challenge to the city's Dial A Ride service. Dial a Ride was dropped by its insurance holder last week.
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In today's news:
- Federal officials are in the region to tout nearly $3 billion in Palisades restart funds
- South Haven police investigating anti-Semitic fliers; one suspect questioned
- Public meeting set on upcoming improvements to Red Arrow Highway
- and more!
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Bella is a spayed 4 year old female. Really, Bella is just a big puppy who loves attention. She is good with other dogs, fascinated by cats, and great with kids. When she isn't being a sweet couch potato and getting belly rubs, Bella loves going for walks. Please consider giving this beautiful dog a loving forever home. Call Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan at 269-934-7729 or send an email to animalaidswmi@gmail.com for more information about beautiful Bella.
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In today's news:
State Representative Joey Andrews is looking into what he can do to help Bridgman Public Schools after a settlement was reached this week between American Electric Power and Lake Township that will result in a reduction in the amount of taxes AEP will have to pay for the Cook nuclear power plant.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit this week to the United States hasn't impressed Congressman Bill Huizenga.
The Berrien County Road Department is planning an informational session for next month to unveil its construction plans for Red Arrow Highway in 2025.
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In today's news:
- Harbor Shores is growing - purchasing the former Modern Plastics site
- Local I&M crews head to George to help after Hurricane Helene
- South Haven begins its search for a new school superintendent
- and more!
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In today's news:
180 crew members and 40 vehicles from Indiana Michigan Power have left for Georgia to help out with the response to Hurricane Helene.
A package of legislation intended to attract large data centers to Michigan has made some progress in the state Legislature.
There's a new superintendent at South Haven Public Schools.
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In today's news:
- Bridgman public schools expect staff and program cuts after Cook tax decision
- Updates on suspect involved in Saylor's Pizza Port crash in Niles
- Absentee ballots for Nov. 5 election set for mailing today
- and more!
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In today's news:
The settlement reached between Lake Township and American Electric Power in their state tax tribunal dispute over the value of the Cook nuclear power plant will have an effect on the budgets of several local governments in Berrien County, but it could have been worse.
Berrien County Register of Deeds Laura Freehling has been named the Register of the Year by the Michigan Association of Registers of Deeds.
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is preparing for its next Whirlpool Appliance Sale, and the event this time will be in a better venue.
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In today's news:
- The Cook Nuclear property tax assessment fight is over
- SMC announces new scholarship program for out-of-district students
- Buchanan moving to reinstate EMS tax assessment
- and more!
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In today's news:
Indiana Michigan Power and Lake Township have reached a settlement in a tax tribunal dispute over the value of the Cook nuclear power plant.
St Joseph Public Schools is receiving some security upgrades.
Coming up this Saturday at the GhostLight Theater in Benton Habor will be the 2024 Manhattan Short Film Festival.
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In today's news:
- Finances are tight in Benton Harbor, but officials expect revenue relief soon
- Critical insurance decision coming for Dial a Ride service
- Area voters have several issues to decide this November
- and more!
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In today's news:
When Berrien County voters head to the polls on November 5, they'll be casting ballots in more than just the presidential election, state, and county races. There will also be an assortment of ballot proposals to decide.
September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, and the Berrien County Health Department is reminding everyone of things they should do to keep themselves healthy.
The city of Benton Harbor is finding itself strapped for cash as it waits for the summer property taxes to come in.
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In today's news:
- Medical experts encourage residents to double up on flu and COVID immunization
- Tight residential real estate market remains in SW Michigan
- New study to look at most dangerous animal/vehicle crossings in Michigan
- and more!
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Blue and Lucky are a bonded pair of small dogs. Blue is a 5-7 year old Shih Tzu mix. Lucky is a 2-5 year old Chihuahua mix. They came to us when their parents became too old and infirm to care for them. Do you need an out-of-the-box duo to keep you laughing for days? These two might be perfect for you! They are kid-tested and approved, and mostly house-broken. We don't think they'd care too much about having a cat or two in their new home! They are microchipped, heartworm negative, and up-to-date on vaccines. We are offering this dynamic duo for $100.00. Available at Berrien County Animal Control at 1400 S. Euclid in Benton Harbor.
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In today's news:
The future of Benton Harbor's Dial A Ride service could be in jeopardy.
Present Pillars in Benton Harbor is planning an Expungement Resource Fair for next month.
Hundreds of bicyclists will be at Love Creek County Park next month for Love Biketober Fest 2024.
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In today's news:
- Identification of Silver Beach body recovery confirmed
- Holtec finds additional work at Palisades steam generators
- Berrien County Commissioners surveyed on meeting frequency
- and more!
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In today's news:
Repair work at Galien River County Park will begin on Monday.
The Palisades Nuclear Power plant will need additional testing on its steam generator, according to Holtec's latest preliminary result inspections.
Michigan Trails Week is coming up next week.
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In today's news:
- Nine injured in two-car collision in Van Buren County
- Body pulled from Lake Michigan at Silver Beach
- Berrien Community Foundation awards $269k in grants
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reconsidering its meeting schedule.
A group of Chikaming Township residents has come together to try to preserve 16 acres pristine property that had been slated for development.
The latest state budget included $150,000 for renovations at Bridgman City Hall.
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In today's news:
- Two well-known area businesses announce closures by year's end
- Lack of rain having an impact on area crops
- Benton Township getting new equipment
- and more!
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In today's news:
Crops in Southwest Michigan are being affected by the lack of rain the region has experienced the last several weeks.
A mass text messaging service is being brought to the city of Benton Harbor.
A Van Buren County educator known for innovative leadership and dedication to the students has been honored with an Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to talk about the upcoming Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting at Hungerford CPAs & Advisors, plus NextGen Networking in Bridgman, a visit to The Aesthetics Lounge & Spa St. Joe, and the Professional & Soft Skills Boot Camp. Get details at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor city officials say solving youth violence will take a village
- OK2Say marks 10-year anniversary
- Area congressman aims to reduce China's influence on college campuses
- and more!
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In today's news:
Michigan State Police and partners marked the tenth anniversary of the OK2Say student safety tipline on Monday.
Berrien County Cancer Service will be raising money and having some fun with the community next month with its Pink Toilet Time Outs at Watermark Brewing Company in Stevensville.
The South Haven Speakers Series will conclude its tenth season next week with a presentation on gun violence.
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In today's news:
- Former GGs Grocery building destroyed by fire
- Van Buren man arrested for assault with intent to murder
- Beach visitors reminded of pier dangers
- and more!
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Midnight is our sweetest girl, only about 3-4 years old. Midnight is a Labrador Retriever-Pit Bull Terrier mix, and is so friendly and loving! She likes to play fetch, give kisses, and sit in your lap to get pets. We haven't heard Midnight bark even once! She does well with kids, other dogs, and cats. Midnight is spayed and keeps her kennel spotless. Midnight would make an amazing family pet or companion, or anything you needed her to be! Please contact Van Buren County Animal Control at 269-621-4624 or visit the shelter at 58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about our amazing girl, Midnight!
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In today's news:
Berrien County is entering the design phase for its new 911 and Emergency Operations Center in Buchanan.
Legislation from Congressman Bill Huizenga aims to help prevent suicides among veterans.
No additional cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile Virus have been found in Van Buren or Cass counties.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor schools closed today after disruptions at the high school
- New plans for illegal block parties in Benton Charter Township
- The Unified Civic Monuments Project gets a big financial boost
- and more!
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In today's news:
Benton Harbor Area Schools will be closed on Friday following fights on Thursday that led to early dismissal.
The Unified Civic Monuments Project, the effort to construct monuments to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, has received a new boost.
Storms that blew through southern Berrien County on August 27 did about $12 million in damage.
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In today's news:
- Lame duck drain commissioner set to start new $1 million project
- Effort to stop erosion at Hagar Park underway
- South Haven school put on brief lockdown
- and more!
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In today's news:
Enrollment is expected to be up at Southwestern Michigan College this fall.
The fundraising effort to support the Silver Beach Playground Project has reached the 90% mark.
An effort is getting started to reduce erosion at Hagar Park in Hagar Township.
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In today's news:
- Area events honoring the memory of those lost on 9/11
- New commitments to address youth violence around Benton Harbor
- A sign of the times -- an area restaurant plans to eliminate indoor dining
- and more!
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In today's news:
Police, elected leaders, and clergy are calling on the Benton Harbor community to come together in an effort to prevent violent crime.
The Region IV Area Agency on Aging is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
St. Joseph City Commissioners want to take a look at some local ordinances to determine if they can be updates to make life easier for residents.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's news:
- EEE and West Nile Virus detected in Van Buren and Cass counties
- Leaders gathering to address deadly violence in Benton Harbor/Benton Twp
- Paid parking proposal still evolving for downtown St. Joseph
- and more!
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In today's news:
- 22 year old victim of fatal shooting in Benton Township Sunday
- MSP looking for highway sign shooter
- Modern Plastics factory sold
- and more!
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Klondike is a 3 year old Australian Shepherd mix. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on his vaccinations. He weighs 35 pounds. Please call or visit the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about our handsome blue-eyed guy, Klondike.
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In today's news:
Just as the new COVID boosters become available, the Berrien County Health Department is seeing a spike in respiratory illnesses in the area.
The Berrien County Treasurer's office has held the county's first land auction of the year.
Representatives from up to 60 colleges, universities, trade schools, and branches of the military will be on hand when Lake Michigan College hosts its annual College Night at the Mendel Center on September 16.
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In today's news:
- South Haven-based American Twisting sold to North Carolina company
- Andrews University ranked among nation's best in new survey
- Niles Scream Park begins new season with new scares tonight
- and more!
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In today's news:
We reported this week the city of Benton Harbor is allowing some soil borings to take place at Jean Klock Park in preparation for Peninsula Fiber Network's Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure project. But what is the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure project?
A presentation on the Constitutionality of Presidential Succession will headline Lake Michigan College's annual Constitution Day celebration this month.
A new season of the Niles Scream Park begins Friday.
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In today's news:
- Two people recovering from knife wounds after family fight near Lions Park
- South Haven woman arrested for pulling a gun on a McDonald's line-cutter
- MSP provides school resources for emergency preparedness
- and more!
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In today's news:
Two people are recovering after an assault involving a knife in St. Joseph early Wednesday.
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is now seeking volunteers for this year's Rake a Difference event.
The Berrien County Veteran Services Office is hosting a County Wide Luminary Event in support of the Suicide Prevention Coalition this month.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor leaders pledge to address rising youth crime
- South Haven's Sherman's Dairy Bar to close permanently
- Drivers reminded to watch for children and stopped school buses
- and more!
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In today's news:
Galien River County Park in New Buffalo has been closed due to damage from a storm last week.
With a new school year underway, the Berrien County Sheriff's Department is reminding drivers of the rules regarding school buses.
The city of St. Joseph is adding some new cremation lots at City Cemetery to allow more people to be interred there.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to chat about upcoming events all across the area with great local businesses! Check out smrchamber.com to see them and register today!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bubbles was found wandering on her own by a Good Samaritan who took her to Al-Van Humane Society. Bubbles is estimated to be around 4 months old and currently weighs 15 pounds. We think she will be a medium sized dog when fully grown. We suspect that Bubbles' lineage might include some Husky, but don't know for sure. Bubbles is looking for a home that is prepared for a puppy and will take her through basic training. She is a very sweet and happy puppy. Bubbles is spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting Bubbles please fill out an application at al-van.org/adopt.
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In today's news:
Holtec International is touting the progress it's made so far preparing for the reopening of the Palisades nuclear power plant in Van Buren County.
With Labor Day here and the summer about over, the fundraising campaign for a new playground at Silver Beach County Park is nearing its home stretch.
Set for Monday is the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk.
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In today's news:
- Benton Township residents advised to wait for corrected utility bills
- Benton Harbor Schools considering cell phone policy
- The Tri-State Regatta is this weekend
- and more!
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In today's news:
Benton Township residents are being advised of a problem with this month's utility bills.
The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is welcoming the graduation of four deputies from training academies.
Set for this weekend is the annual Tri-State Regatta.
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In today's news:
- Crews still working to restore power in southswest Berrien County
- Benton Harbor's mayor excused from lead water lawsuit
- I-94 project in Berrien County likely to cause traffic congestion over Labor Day
- and more!
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In today's news:
Officials in Hagar Township are working to address erosion along the shore of Lake Michigan at Hagar Park.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will be lifting lane restrictions in construction zones, where possible, this Labor Day weekend.
Indiana Michigan Power has enlisted employees from Rockport, Indiana to Bridgman, Michigan as part of a clothing drive to help veterans.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's news:
- Power outages along Michigan/Indiana border in SW Mich.
- Scaled-back project moving forward at Whirlpool Centennial Park
- Van Buren Co. is looking for a new undersheriff
- and more!
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In today's news:
St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a new plan for improvements to Whirlpool Centennial Park after the initial plan proved to be too expensive.
The Buchanan City Commission has begun work to reestablish the city's Downtown Development Authority.
The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department has parted ways with its undersheriff.
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In today's news:
- Excessive heat warning (105+) until 10 pm ET for SW Michigan
- Bird flu detected in Van Buren Co. dairy herd
- Silver Beach Pizza is staying put
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Cook nuclear power plant is waiting to hear more from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission following a special inspection at the plant last week for diesel generator failures.
AAA of Michigan has some advice for those travelling this Labor Day weekend.
The St. Joseph City Commission will consider an employment agreement for new City Manager Emily Hackworth this week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's news:
- Love triangle leads to police shooting in Benton Harbor
- US Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin stumps for "new generation" of Democrats
- M-139 roadwork delayed, roadway remains closed
- and more!
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In today's news:
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin campaigned in Benton Harbor Friday.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has received the latest county medical examiner's report, detailing deaths reported in the county in 2023.
Set for this Saturday is the Tru Dat Music Festival in Stevensville.
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Atlas is 75 pounds of pure love! He may look like an intimidating German Shepherd mix, but he absolutely is not! He is 3 years old, and gets along with absolutely everyone (except maybe cats). He is the king of play dates! He plays well with all dogs and people, but is also happy to sit alone and play with a toy. Atlas loves the water so would be a great buddy to take to the lake. He has done well with children at adoption events. We can't think of a single negative thing to say about this boy, except maybe he likes cats too much. Atlas is neutered, microchipped, HW negative, and up-to-date on vaccines. Available for $30 at Berrien County Animal Control at 1400 S. Euclid in Benton Harbor.
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In today's news:
- Special inspection at Cook Nuclear expected to conclude today
- Back to school reminders from law enforcement
- Sarett Nature Center hosts annual Family Festival this weekend
- and more!
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In today's news:
A special inspection underway at the Cook nuclear power plant is expected to be complete by the end of the week.
The Ghostlight Theater in Benton Harbor is now the proud owner of its building.
A South Haven woman is charged with criminal sexual conduct in a child exploitation case.
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In today's news:
- Local voices at Democratic National Convention anxious to bring energy home
- South Haven working toward new Short Term Rental rules
- School bus driver training coming to LMC
- and more!
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In today's news:
The South Haven City Council continues crafting a new short term rental ordinance.
The Berrien County Prosecutor's Office is marking the retirement of two key staff members. Berrien County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Taylor and canine advocate Mr. Weeber will both officially step down Friday.
Part of Upton Drive in St. Joseph will close next week as part of the city's ongoing reconstruction project on the road.
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In today's news:
- Human case of West Nile reported in Berrien Co. resident
- Local representation at Democratic National Convention
- New dune protection measure to be introduced today
- and more!
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In today's news:
A human case of West Nile virus has been reported in Berrien County.
The United Way of Southwest Michigan has released its 2025-2028 Community Impact Agenda for Change, a document that outlines its priorities for the next three years.
On hand for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week is Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to talk about upcoming Business After Hours and Commerce & Conversations events on Thursday, plus the next NextGen Networking event, and a Ribbon Cutting in Bridgman next Tuesday. Get details at smrchamber.com!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's news:
- Special NRC inspections at Cook Nuclear after multiple diesel generator failures
- Benton Harbor exercise court moves forward
- Local real estate executives react to new rules on commissions
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has launched a special inspection at the Cook nuclear power plant in Bridgman following multiple diesel generator failures at the facility over the last two years.
Four educators from Southwest Michigan have been honored by Youth Solutions at the organization's eighth annual Summer Summit, held in Mount Pleasant.
Last weeks Berrien County Youth Fair was a success, according to fair director Karen Klug. Just a little over 97,000 people attended the annual summer event last week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's news:
- Buchanan opens applications for city commission vacancy
- New assistant superintendent for St. Joseph Public Schools
- Algae issue reported on some South Haven beaches
- and more!
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In today's news:
St. Joseph Public Schools continues to make changes in its leadership as Amy Dirlam takes the role of assistant superintendent for the upcoing school year. We chat with her.
South Haven beachgoers may notice some green along the shore this weekend as green algae is becoming an issue.
You can ride Michigan's ORV trails for free this Saturday and Sunday. It's a free ORV weekend.
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What about Bob? Well... Bob came into the shelter in May of 2023 as a stray. Bob is still looking for his forever home, and is our longest resident here at the shelter. Bob is full of energy, yet also easy going. He enjoys spending time outdoors soaking up the sun! Bob has been updated on all his vaccines and is ready to begin the next chapter of his life. If you're interested in bringing Bob into your home, his adoption fee is only $40.00. Please call or visit Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about handsome Bob.
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In today's news:
- Niles boil water order remains in effect
- All of Michigan's Rite Aid stores closing
- Update on ambulance stolen from hospital in St. Joseph
- and more!
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In today's news:
Hot on the heels of the recent closure of five beaches around Berrien County due to high E coli levels, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners has accepted the latest state grant to pay for water testing at beaches each week.
Lincoln Township has received a clean, unmodified audit for the most recent fiscal year.
A boil water advisory is in place in some areas of Niles following testing this week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's news:
- First the mayor, now Buchanan loses part of their economic development team
- Benton Harbor reviewing new public space near Emma Jean Hull flats
- Bridgman creating new public market and business incubator
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Lincoln Township Board of Trustees has agreed to explore the establishment a Greater Stevensville Chamber and Growth Alliance in partnership with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and the village of Stevensville.
A use for the former Rite Aid building in Bridgman has been found.
There have been some changes in the city government in Buchanan. Mayor Sean Denison resigned during Monday's city commission meeting, citing political nastiness and unfounded accusations from some members of the community.
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In today's news:
- Buchanan's mayor resigns after political incivility allegations
- Lincoln Township moves forward with manager interviews
- New apprenticeship program in Niles gets $500k boost
- and more!
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In today's news:
A state grant of $500,000 is going to the new Berrien County Collaborative to help set up an apprenticeship program using the former Lake Michigan College campus in Niles.
The Berrien County Youth Fair is underway all week in Berrien Springs, and everyone's invited to head over for some rides, games, food, and fun.
Some designs for wayfinding signs set to be installed around St. Joseph have been coming in for city commissioners to consider.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor's Modern Plastics property up for auction
- Niles Township to reconsider recreational marijuana sales
- Silver Beach Pizza seeks long-term lease renewal
- and more!
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In today's news:
Voters in Niles Township will get to decide in November if marijuana businesses are going to be allowed in the community. The
The city of Benton Harbor could soon name a street in honor of artist Richard Hunt.
A new basketball court is being installed at Benton Harbor High School.
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In today's news:
- Berrien Co. beaches cleared for swimming after E. coli levels drop
- Gov. Whitmer asks for federal assistance for local cherry growers
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis found in Van Buren County
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Swimming still closed at five Berrien County beaches
- Gov. Whitmer and Rep. Andrews to host town hall next week
- Berrien Community Foundation promotes new website offering resources
- and more!
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In today's news:
The beaches remain closed.
A renovation project is being planned at the Berrien County Health Department's Niles office.
The Berrien County Youth Fair is next week.
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In today's news:
- Swimming remains closed at five Berrien County beaches on Lake Michigan
- The OutCenter calls for Public Safety Dept. representation
- I-94 project moves to M-139 interchange next week
- and more!
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In today's news:
It will be at least Friday before swimming is deemed safe at five Berrien County beaches that tested for elevated levels of E coli this week.
The OutCenter in Benton Harbor is calling on Benton Harbor City Commissioners to establish an LGBTQ liaison in the public safety department following an incident during the organization's Pride Fest in June.
The Berrien County community came out in support of law enforcement's with this week's National Night Out events.
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In today's news:
- Area election results
- Several Berrien County beaches closed due to E. coli contamination
- Whirlpool Corp. raises $3 million for area youth
- and more!
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In today's news:
Whirlpool has raised more than $3 million for Berrien County youth with its 21st Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event, held on Sunday and Monday.
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have rejected a lease with a private property owner that would have enabled the city to set up a small fitness park downtown.
The South Haven Speaker Series will welcome retired Congressman Fred Upton and Congresswoman Debbie Dingel to speak about bipartisan collaboration next month.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber talks to Zack about the upcoming Friday ribboncutting for Tri-County Head Start, plus a Business After Hours at United Way, and a NextGen Networking in late August at Sturgis Bank's St. Joseph Banking Center. Get details at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- It's primary election day in Michigan
- State Rep. Andrews says minimum wage increase for servers is good
- Drunk driving enforcement stepping up all August
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Michigan's AG visits St. Joe to warn of elder fraud
- New playground contract approved for Silver Beach
- Moves to expand business in Stevensville moving forward
- and more!
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Rose is a female 1-year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix. Rose is a super-sweet girl who loves to play fetch. She is always happy to be rewarded with treats for being 'a good girl!' Rose only weighs 34 pounds. She is spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, and microchipped. Please call or visit the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to meet our sweet, sweet Rose.
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In today's news:
The Stevensville Village Council has signaled its interest in creating a Greater Stevensville Chamber and Growth Alliance to help accelerate economic development in the area.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved a contract for the construction of a new playground at Silver Beach County Park.
The Berrien County Historical Association says this summer's Berrien Springs Pickle Festival was a resounding success.
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In today's news:
- Confirmed fatality in Stevensville car/train accident
- Berrien County's drain commissioner receives more heat about lawsuit cost
- Hartford mayor speaks out about police chief controversy
- and more!
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In today's news:
A 28-year-old Stevensville man is dead after the car he was driving was struck by a train on Wednesday.
The release of Michigan native and Marine Corps veteran Paul Whelan from a Russian prison is being welcomed by leaders across Michigan.
With the recent minimum wage decision from the Michigan Supreme Court, bars and restaurants will most likely have to change business models.
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In today's news:
- Area businesses concerned over impact of court's minimum wage ruling
- Local leaders taking steps to reduce illegal block parties
- Lawrence Twp. fires its fire chief
- and more!
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In today's news:
Federal, state, and local officials all gathered at Lake Michigan College on Wednesday for a summit on Ox Creek.
The Buchanan City Commission has once again postponed the approval of an agreement with Live Buchanan.
The Michigan Supreme Court has overruled the state Legislature and reinstated major changes to the state’s minimum wage and sick leave laws.
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In today's news:
- No-swim advisory for Warren Dunes due to E.coli
- St. Joseph Harbor dredging begins this week
- Benton Heights candidates forum held
- and more!
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In today's news:
Taking place Wednesday at Lake Michigan College is a summit on Ox Creek.
Swimming was not allowed at Warren Dunes State Park on Tuesday due to high E Coli levels detected in the water.
A new early education center is opening in Millburg.
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In today's news:
- Illegal block parties a concern for area businesses
- City of Benton Harbor leaders call for better park signage
- Michigan's AG coming to St. Joseph this weekend
- and more!
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In today's news:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she is not on the shortlist to be the running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris as Harris runs for president.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will be in St. Joseph this weekend.
Congressman Bill Huizenga is seeking to block the Environmental Protection Agency from penalizing Berrien and Allegan counties for not meeting air quality standards.
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In today's news:
- City of Hartford looking to dissolve their police department
- County governments receive report on how to use Artificial Intelligence
- Early voting is underway in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties
- and more!
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A $200,000 grant from the state to study issues at the Berrien County Jail has been accepted by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners.
State Representative Joey Andrews secured the jail study grant for the county last year, and commissioners on Thursday authorized the county sheriff’s department to enter into an agreement with the state for the funds.
Berrien County Administrator Brian Dissette tells us they’re going to study whether the jail should be replaced or simply renovated to meet evolving needs. Issues at the jail have been under discussion for years.
“The prior sheriff, Sheriff Bailey, would often talk about the complications of having the current jail,” Dissette said. “Parts of it go back to the 50s. It’s based on a model where you’ve got multiple floors, and the use of elevators are required. I think that what you tend to see now on more modern jails would be one-story facilities built in like a pod-like formation. That then reduces your total labor costs.”
Dissette says they’re also going to study whether the juvenile facility and adult jail should be under one roof to save even more on costs.
The grant will enable the county to hire a consultant who can study the issue and organize previous studies into one comprehensive document. With the state grant now approved, the county will put together a request for proposals to hire that consultant.
The Berrien County Veterans Services Office is offering some veterans in the area an opportunity to get new tires for their vehicles.
Veterans Services Director Maureen Adams tells us a grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has made the new program possible.
“One of our projects was a little lower cost than we anticipated, and so we wanted to come up with a creative way to utilize those monies, and so we decided on a tire replacement program,” Adams said. “We’re well aware that a lot of people are living paycheck to paycheck, and that tires are just out of reach for some people, and we wanted to be able to help.”
Adams says tires are a common expense that many don’t think about when planning support services, even though not being able to afford tires can keep someone from making it to work.
The Veterans Services Office has enough funding on hand to help 15 to 17 veterans get new tires for their vehicles, and it’s planning to award the aid based on need. The program will run through September 20, and as that date approaches, Adams says the eligibility will expand.
Adams encourages any veterans who think they might qualify for help to call the office and get an application. Applying will mean submitting some paperwork showing income and other factors, so she urges those thinking about it to reach out soon.
ABC News(CHICO, Calif.) — Wildfires are exploding across the West, especially in California, where the Park Fire has now grown to be the biggest in the state this year.
The largest of several wildfires in the state is the Park Fire, burning in Butte and Tehama counties, just north of Chico, which grew to over 348,370 acres on Saturday with 0% containment. At least 134 structures have been destroyed by the blaze, which has grown to the 7th largest fire recorded in California history in only two days.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for Butte and Tehama counties due to the Park Fire, as well as Plumas County, due to the Gold Complex Fire, which combined have burned more than 424,000 acres.
“We are using every available tool to protect lives and property as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat these challenging fires. Stay safe and remain alert for instructions from local authorities as dangerous fire weather conditions continue,” Newsom said in his statement.
Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, has been arrested on suspicion of arson for starting the Park Fire after he allegedly pushed a burning car into a gully in Bidwell Park, near Chico, according to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey.
There are more than over 2,400 personnel, six helicopters and 153 fire engines assigned just to the Park Fire.
The Lake Fire, in Santa Barbara County, is the second-largest burning in the state at the moment at over 38,000 acres, though it is 90% contained after sparking July 5.
Meanwhile, farther north, the Durkee Fire in Oregon had grown to over 288,000 acres on Friday morning with 20% containment, according to the Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management. It was sparked on July 17 by a lightning strike and has grown to the largest fire in the country this year.
More than 500 people fighting the fire, as rain fell overnight in the area, providing some relief for firefighters.
The pilot of a single-engine fire tanker carrying retardant was found dead on Friday in Grant County in eastern Oregon after the aircraft was reported missing, according to the Bureau of Land Management.
Smoke spreads across several western states
The smoke from fires in Northern California and Oregon is spreading across several states, including Idaho, Montana and North Dakota, which will all see regions under “very heavy” smoke conditions — the second-worst level.
The Air Quality Index is expected to rise above 150 in Boise, Idaho, on Friday, which would put it in the “unhealthy” category, the fourth of six levels. In Butte, Montana, the Air Quality Index was forecast to be in the 100 to 150 range and “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABC News(CHICO, Calif.) — Wildfires are exploding across the West, especially in California, where the Park Fire has now grown to be the biggest in the state this year.
The largest of several wildfires in the state is the Park Fire, burning in Butte and Tehama counties, just north of Chico, which grew to over 348,370 acres on Saturday with 0% containment. At least 134 structures have been destroyed by the blaze, which has grown to the 7th largest fire recorded in California history in only two days.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for Butte and Tehama counties due to the Park Fire, as well as Plumas County, due to the Gold Complex Fire, which combined have burned more than 424,000 acres.
“We are using every available tool to protect lives and property as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat these challenging fires. Stay safe and remain alert for instructions from local authorities as dangerous fire weather conditions continue,” Newsom said in his statement.
Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, has been arrested on suspicion of arson for starting the Park Fire after he allegedly pushed a burning car into a gully in Bidwell Park, near Chico, according to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey.
There are more than over 2,400 personnel, six helicopters and 153 fire engines assigned just to the Park Fire.
The Lake Fire, in Santa Barbara County, is the second-largest burning in the state at the moment at over 38,000 acres, though it is 90% contained after sparking July 5.
Meanwhile, farther north, the Durkee Fire in Oregon had grown to over 288,000 acres on Friday morning with 20% containment, according to the Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management. It was sparked on July 17 by a lightning strike and has grown to the largest fire in the country this year.
More than 500 people fighting the fire, as rain fell overnight in the area, providing some relief for firefighters.
The pilot of a single-engine fire tanker carrying retardant was found dead on Friday in Grant County in eastern Oregon after the aircraft was reported missing, according to the Bureau of Land Management.
Smoke spreads across several western states
The smoke from fires in Northern California and Oregon is spreading across several states, including Idaho, Montana and North Dakota, which will all see regions under “very heavy” smoke conditions — the second-worst level.
The Air Quality Index is expected to rise above 150 in Boise, Idaho, on Friday, which would put it in the “unhealthy” category, the fourth of six levels. In Butte, Montana, the Air Quality Index was forecast to be in the 100 to 150 range and “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Amy Fracker has been named the new executive director of Mitten’s Children Museum, following Wendi Onuki’s resignation last month.
Before joining the Mitten Children’s Museum, Fracker was the Director of Development at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, in addition to serving in several leadership roles in arts and cultural organizations.
Fracker says she’s looking forward to joining the team at the South Haven museum, and believes it’s a place to educate young children and families.
The museum board of directors says it selected Fracker based on her leadership, and it believes she can drive innovation and growth in programming, community outreach, and fund development.
In today's news:
The city of Hartford could abolish its police department.
The city of Benton Harbor may have found a location for some outdoor fitness equipment it purchased in 2021 but hasn't used.
Berrien County Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford's term serving on a National Association of Counties committee on artificial intelligence has come to an end now that the committee has finished meeting and released its report.
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Casper is a 1 year old male Pit Bull Terrier mix and he is one of the happiest dogs you will ever meet! Casper loves other dogs, people, toys and treats, and just everything!! He is one of our longer shelter residents and really needs to get out and find his forever family. We think Casper would fit into almost any kind of family and keep everyone smiling. He really is just a great boy and so loving! Please contact Van Buren County Animal Control at 269-621-4624 or visit the shelter at 58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about our guy with the happy and smiling face, Casper!
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In today's news:
- LMC to build new athletics fields
- Berrien County Jail options study moving forward
- Health department advice on avoiding area ticks
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has formally accepted a $200,000 grant from the state to study possibilities for the Berrien County Jail.
The Michigan Secretary of State branch office in Benton Harbor will be closed next week.
Coming up next week in Buchanan will be an Olympic watch party as hometown hero Hannah Roberts competes in Paris.
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In today's news:
- Canada's wildfires sending smoke to our region
- Buchanan holds off on Live Buchanan contract
- Gobles man arrested for allegedly reaching for firearm against police
- and more!
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In today's news:
Ok2SAY, the state's student safety program, reported its highest incident reporting period ever in 2023.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan is planning its fourth annual Unity Day for this Friday in Benton Harbor.
The Berrien County Veterans Services Office is offering some veterans in the area an opportunity to get new tires for their vehicles.
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In today's news:
- More FOIAs filed with Berrien County over drain commission lawsuit
- FEMA rejects Southwest Michigan tornado assistance request
- Benton Harbor man sentenced for stolen gun possession
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Whirlpool Foundation welcomed middle school girls from schools all over Berrien County to Lake Michigan College this week for a technology camp.
St. Joseph City Commissioners have given the green light to the Sandbar and Grille on Lakeshore Drive to continue offering outdoor music later at night than what would normally be allowed this summer.
One of the suspects charged in the robbery of the Benton Township Dunham's Sports store in November of last year has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to discuss upcoming NextGen networking opportunities, plus a groundbreaking for Surf Internet in Bridgman, maximizing your Chamber membership with Chamber 101, and a 50th Anniversary Celebration at KOA Coloma/St. Joe. Details at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Berrien County pulls the plug on parking pilot at Silver Beach
- Dunham's gun thief sentenced to federal prison
- Area democrats coalesce around VP Harris
- and more!
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In today's news:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the race for president.
A Detroit high school teacher will begin a run across the state of Michigan on Tuesday. The run kicks off in South Haven and will end on St. Clair Shores next Monday.
Chikaming Township is applying for two more grants to help develop Kohn Park, the new park it's planning for the site of a former fire station in Sawyer.
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In today's news:
- Michigan democrats react to Biden dropping campaign bid
- Today is the last day to register to vote in the August 6 primary
- Drowning in Juno Lake
- and more!
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In today's news:
Corewell Health says some of its computer systems remain affected by the global technology outage on Friday.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has approved the sale of the Riverwoods property to the South Haven Area Recreation Authority, potentially beginning a major parks project in the area.
Berrien County Central Dispatch is looking at expanding the use of technology now in place at its dispatch center to locations all over the county so first responders can more effectively do their jobs.
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Navia and Oreo are two perfect pups who really need to get out of the shelter and into their forever homes. Navia is a one-year-old caramel swirl; Oreo's an 8-month-old fudge swirl. They play super well together, but don't need to be adopted together, though we don't think they'd mind hanging out and snuggling on the couch after wearing themselves out with an enthusiastic romp around your backyard. These two fantastic dogs have special reasons why they are featured this week: Navia is our longest term adoptable dog - she's been with us since April of this year, though we really don't understand why she hasn't been snapped up. She plays well with everybody and was a champion in her 4th of July foster home. Oreo is a newer resident, but he finds the shelter environment very stressful and hurts himself in his kennel. He is spending his nights with one of the staff who thinks he is just about the best puppy she's ever met! He's done well with the four other dogs in his foster home, though can be an annoyance to older dogs (what puppy isn't?) Navia and Oreo are both bully mixes; Navia is about 50 pounds and we think Oreo will be about the same. They both are mostly housetrained, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and heartworm negative. Neither have lived with cats, but with proper introductions and some training we think they might do just fine. Both are available at Berrien County Animal Control for just $30. Come meet them at Berrien County Animal Control at 1400 S. Euclid Benton Harbor M-Th 9-5:30, Fri 9-2:30 or this Saturday from 9-12.
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In today's news:
- SW Michigan's State House candidates face off
- U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga calls for resignation of Secret Service director
- New playground project moving forward at Silver Beach
- and more!
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In today's news:
Congressman Bill Huizenga is calling for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
Berrien RESA is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the Brandywine Community Schools Board of Education.
A bid has been awarded for the replacement of the Silver Beach playground.
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In today's news:
- SW Mich candidates for State House races set to talk about youth issues
- New superintendent for SJPS ready for August 1 start
- Suspect arrested in Niles allegedly in possession of stolen firearms
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Benton Township Board of Trustees has voted to formally accept a state grant of $1 million to start a new park in Benton Heights.
Indiana Michigan Power has filed a new generation resource plan with the Michigan Public Service Commission outlining how it intends to meet the electricity demands of its customers in the coming years.
One man is facing gun charges after an investigation into illegal gun sales in Cass County this week.
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In today's news:
- St. Joseph Schools puts two millage renewals on November's ballot
- South Haven expanding its social district
- Trump/Vance rally set for Sat. in Grand Rapids, VP Harris in Kalamazoo today
- and more!
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In today's news:
Now underway in Hartford is the Van Buren Youth Fair.
The South Haven City Council has voted to expand the city's social district.
The St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education is asking voters to renew two school millages in the November election.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor approves Brownfield redevelopment plan for Project T
- Early voting to get underway July 27
- I-196 resurfacing project about to start
- and more!
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In today's news:
Reactions to the Trump assassination attempt are pouring in from around Southwest Michigan.
Volunteers are being sought for a mural painting project in Benton Harbor this week.
With elections on August 6, county clerks around Michigan are preparing to offer early voting for nine days leading up to the date.
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In today's news:
- Local officials react to the Trump assassination attempt
- Michigan State Police in Milwaukee for GOP Convention
- Indiana homicide suspect arrested in New Buffalo
- and more!
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Douglas Sacha/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — A man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of a 13-year-old girl on July 4, Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida announced Friday.
The victim, Rose Dieujuste, was heading to a friend’s house in the complex where she lived when she was attacked, officials said.
During a press conference Friday, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the suspect, 28-year-old Jerry Dorisme, is facing first-degree felony murder charges.
“Rose’s murder shook our community and our agency — anytime a child is murdered we all collectively grieve,” Mina said.
Mina said Dieujuste’s body was discovered in a utility closet, “partially naked and barely alive,” in the apartment building by a family member.
“Her friend found Rose’s cell phone and shoes in the staircase in that apartment building and reached out to Rose’s family,” Mina said during the press conference. “And the family member was knocking on doors to see if they could find Rose. And then they entered the utility closet and ultimately found Rose in that closet.”
The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead, according to Mina.
The sheriff called the attack against Dieujuste “random and senseless.”
ABC News’ Orlando affiliate WFTV reports that Dorisme’s records show “several previous arrests, including lewd and lascivious behavior and a conviction for child abuse.”
Dorisme did not have an attorney listed in Orange County court records.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
In today's news:
A Hartford man is in police custody after a carjacking in St. Joseph on Friday morning.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has taken new steps to make way for the new M-63 Corridor Lakeview Trail, a paved trail planned along M-63 between Higman Park Road and Monte Road, near the Whirlpool headquarters.
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission has launched a new water quality survey for residents of Berrien and Cass counties.
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Bubby is a male terrier-mix. He arrived at the shelter last September and is still searching for his forever home! Since he joined us, we have learned that Bubby is deaf. He has shown us that he is a mild-mannered gentleman who enjoys his walks in the afternoon sunshine and all the attention he can get. As you can tell from his photos, Bubby has no problem lounging around the office as he’s become one of our favorites! Bubby has been neutered and is up to date on all his vaccinations. If you would like to bring Bubby into your home, his adoption fee is $40.00. Please call or visit Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about this brilliant boy, Bubby.
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In today's news:
- Benton Township scores $1million for new park
- Pay-as-you-leave gets another test this weekend at Silver Beach
- NRC hosts community meeting regarding Palisades restart
- and more!
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In today's news:
Benton Township residents will soon have a new outdoor recreational park, as the township is in the beginning stages of development.
The St. Joseph City Commission has voted to hire Emily Hackworth as the new city manager.
Michigan Works of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren has been awarded a $3.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish new apprenticeship programs.
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In today's news:
- St. Joseph to select new city manager at noon
- Silver Beach traffic pilot program set again this weekend
- Michigan U.S. Senator Peters says Pres. Biden is "sharp as ever"
- and more!
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In today's news:
A pilot program intended to reduce traffic congestion around downtown St. Joseph will be attempted again this weekend at Silver Beach County Park.
A grant of $1 million has been awarded to Benton Township for a park project.
Local delegates will be heading to Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention next week.
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In today's news:
- St. Joseph Schools superintendent resigns -- new leader confirmed
- Berrien County Drain Commissioner race sparks war of words
- Vail Rubber relocating operations to Royalton Township
- and more!
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In today's news:
St. Joseph Public Schools Superintendent Jenny Fee is stepping down.
Vail Rubber Works of St. Joseph is expanding into Royalton Township.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation intended to make the roads safer for plow drivers during the winter.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber talks to Zack about a great ribboncutting on Wednesday at Forever Clean Soap Works, plus this Saturday's 75th Birthday Bash in Bridgman, and more! Find it all at smrchamber.com.
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In today's news:
- Weekend parking pilot at Silver Beach gets mixed reviews
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission to discuss Palisades environmental review
- Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff is this weekend
- and more!
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In today's news:
Two people are safe after being rescued from Lake Michigan off South Haven by the Van Buren County Marine Patrol on Saturday.
A pilot program to reduce traffic in downtown St. Joseph was tried out at Silver Beach County Park this past weekend.
Coming up this weekend is the 62nd annual Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff in downtown St. Joseph.
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In today's news:
- LMC sees big jump in enrollment
- Area congressman fights to keep federal roads clear of protests
- Lead utility pipe testing underway in St. Joseph Charter Township
- and more!
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In today's news:
Lake Michigan College is projecting a big jump in enrollment for the fall semester.
Democrats from Berrien and Van Buren counties celebrated the Fourth of July this week together in Suth Haven, and they were joined by a prominent guest. California Governor Gavin Newsom stopped by the gathering to stump for President Joe Biden.
Police and fire agencies are reminding all Southwest Michigan residents to be safe this Fourth of July weekend.
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In today's news:
- New development approved on Riverview Drive in Benton Harbor
- Indiana Michigan Power raising rates
- Area congressman weighs in on President Biden's cognitive issues
- and more!
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In today's news:
There are big plans for the former Chase Bank building at 400 Riverview Drive in Benton Harbor.
The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department has arrested two suspects in a child sexual abuse case.
A couple of multi-million dollar sewer projects have been approved by the Benton Township Board of Trustees
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In today's news:
- Fatal traffic accident in Niles Twp.
- Dunham's kidnapper faces life in prison
- Independence Day public fireworks celebrations start tonight
- and more!
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In today's news:
The population in Southwest Michigan continues to drop, led by Berrien County.
Congressman Bill Huizenga doesn't believe the Supreme Court ruling this week granting presidents immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts is as big of a deal as many are saying.
A Benton Harbor man has pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence for his role in the robbery and theft of guns from the Dunham's Sports store in Benton Township earlier this year.
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In today's news:
- Michigan State Police increase speed enforcement
- Benton Harbor moves to demolish 27 abandoned homes
- Two juveniles arrested for Bridgman burglaries
- and more!
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In today's news:
Benton Harbor City Commissioners are seeking a new grant to restore and reopen the Bobo Brazil Community Center.
The next lineup for the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College has been announced, and it includes a visit from a sports legend.
Michigan State Police are teaming up with law enforcement agencies across the state this month to crack down on speeding.
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In today's news:
There's word that Whirlpool Corporation might be the target of an acquisition bid by German engineering group Robert Bosch.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help finding a missing girl.
Michigan State Police are urging everyone around the state to learn the warning signs of suspicious behavior so they can take action to report it as part of the new Stop a Plot campaign.
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In today's news:
- Southwest Michigan community rallies to support area teen injured in crash
- Senior center millages on August 6 ballot
- No names to appear on Aug. 6 ballot for Lincoln Township Clerk race
- and more!
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Meet Kramer, an adorable 10 month old tabby cat teenager with a joyful, playful spirit and a heart full of curiosity. Flashing his striking stripes and bright eyes, Kramer is always ready for a new adventure! Whether he's chasing after a toy mouse or cuddled up in a cozy blanket, this little feline is sure to bring joy and laughter to anyone lucky enough to cross his path. With his charming personality and endless energy, Kramer is the purr-fect companion for anyone looking for a furry friend to brighten their day. His foster home includes other cats and dogs, so he is a well-socialized fellow! Kramer's estimated birthday is 09/12/2023. He is neutered, up-to-date on all vaccines, and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. Reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to arrange a meet-and-greet with our curious fellow, Kramer.
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In today's news:
Two teenagers are safe after being rescued from Lake Michigan off the South Haven pier on Thursday.
Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren has secured $1.7 million in competitive grants from the State of Michigan's Going PRO Talent Fund.
Coming up this Saturday is the Benefit Car Show at Maiden Lane Park in St. Joseph.
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In today's news:
- Data center tax break is stalled in Lansing
- DNR says dead gulls was not a result of bird flu
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission visits St. Joseph
- and more!
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In today's news:
Unit 2 of the Cook nuclear power plant has been taken offline due to a leak on a charging pump discharge control valve.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved a rebranding for Berrien County Animal Control.
A new state budget has been approved by the Michigan Legislature, but not everyone's a fan.
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In today's news:
- Missing teen from Benton Township found safe
- Michigan State Police launch Stop-A-Plot campaign
- Buchanan prepares to borrow millions for infrastructure renewal
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Police investigating robbery at Berrien Springs store
- Opioid settlement contracts awarded in Berrien County
- Botham Avenue reconstruction project moves forward despite tree concerns
- and more!
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Zack talks with Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber about a few events coming up in early July: a Ribbon Cutting at Forever Clean Soap Works, Bridgman's 75th Birthday Bash, the 64th Annual Chamber Golf Outing (sold out!), and a Business After Hours at Four Winds New Buffalo's pool deck! Details at smrchamber.com.
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In today's news:
- Paid parking plan approved for downtown St. Joseph
- Kayakers rescued over the weekend
- Buchanan native makes the 2024 Olympics
- and more!
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In today's news:
Former Hartford Police Chief Tressa Beltran has been sentenced to at least 40 months in prison in a drug case.
Buchanan's Hannah Roberts will be back at it at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris next month.
The city of Coloma is getting closer to a new addition in Randall Park with a new splash pad.
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In today's news:
- Police arrest suspect in triple stabbing case
- Michigan DNR investigating dead gulls in Benton Township
- Drivers still need more hands-free education
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is investigating a large number of dead gulls that have been seen along Napier Avenue and Pipestone Road in Benton Township this week.
Tuesday will bring the third Whirlpool Foundation Day of Impact in Benton Harbor as more than 120 volunteers work to spruce up Charles Yarbrough Park.
The Michigan State University Extension office in Berrien County is planning an extended Michigan Viticulture Field Day for this summer.
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Need a girl in your life who also needs you? Well, we have the perfect dog for you! Our sweet Paris came to us after a very rough start in life, but she is resilient. Paris is 6 years old, weighs about 40 pounds, and appears to be a Border Collie Mix. Paris is a very smart girl, eager to please, walks easily on-leash, loves people, and is a volunteer favorite. Paris might be a bit shy when you first meet her, but once she knows you we can pretty reliably predict that she will become your Heart Dog. Sadly, Paris is heartworm positive and will be treated with funds from Friends of Berrien County Animal Control. The adoption fee for Paris is sponsored.. but if you're not ready to adopt we will be happy to allow a Berrien County resident to foster or foster-to-adopt, something we're not usually able to do, but we love her so much and want to see her settled in a home so badly! Paris is at Berrien County Animal Control, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.
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In today's news:
- Previewing public safety ballot questions set for Aug 6
- Cornerstone Alliance reviewing priorities before new CEO search
- Tiscornia Beach closed for WWII reenactment invasion preparation
- and more!
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In today's news:
With the Fourth of July just a couple of weeks away, AAA forecasts 2.6 million Michiganders will travel over the holiday.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is opposing a state plan to change one of the services provided by conservation districts throughout Michigan.
Cornerstone Alliance will conduct an assessment of its goals, needs, and strengths as it prepares to search for a new leader.
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In today's news:
- Groundbreaking for two new monuments to Dr. King
- More hot weather and more ways to stay cool
- Local opposition to making the AR-15 the state firearm
- and more!
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In today's news:
It's the third day of extreme heat in Michigan with more than four million people under an Excessive Heat Warning.
The South Haven City Council has entered into an agreement with the city's Local Development Finance Authority and the Downtown Development Authority to ensure that money generated from a proposed recreation millage actually goes to that purpose.
A Detroit area woman is in Southwest Michigan this week speaking to children about water safety, two years after her daughter drowned in Lake Michigan.
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In today's news:
Cornerstone Alliance has announced its interim leadership plan with President Rob Cleveland slated to leave the organization next month. Cornerstone said on Tuesday its board has appointed John Janick and Christina Frank to take on key leadership roles during this transition period.
Recall petition language submitted against Benton Harbor Public Schools Board of Education Trustee Elnora Gavin has been rejected by the Berrien County Election Commission.
The city of Benton Harbor is holding the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for the new Martin Luther King Jr. monuments.
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In today's news:
- New parking penalties approved in Benton Harbor
- Sheriff's office warns about impersonation scam
- Suicide prevention focus in Berrien County
- and more!
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In today's news:
Van Buren County residents are being offered a chance to share how severe weather affects them and their lives as the county drafts a new hazard mitigation plan.
Police in Benton Harbor have been busy with stolen vehicle complaints lately.
With hot weather bearing down on Southwest Michigan this week, pet owners are reminded that if they're feeling the heat, then their furry friends are as well.
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In today's news:
- Heat wave settles over Southwest Michigan - be careful!
- New Buffalo receivers $600k for lead water line replacement
- New ORV regulations in Van Buren Co.
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien Community Foundation has awarded an $81,000 For Good Grant to the Berrien County Parks Department for a new playground at Silver Beach County Park.
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is looking for teams to sign up for its Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races taking place next month.
The city of New Buffalo has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the state to replace lead water lines.
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Phillip came to Cass County Animal Control last month, a good boy in search of a new home. He is a super energetic 2-1/2 year old Australian Cattle Dog Mix who enjoys burning off that energy outdoors! Don’t let his high energy fool you though, as Phillip enjoys the companionship of his human friends as well. Phillip is fully vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered. If you’re looking to bring Phillip into your home, his adoption fee is only $40.00. Phillip and the rest of his shelter friends can be seen on our website: ccacshelter.org. Please contact Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our fabulous Phillip.
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In today's news:
- Heatwave predicted for Southwest Michigan next week
- Berrien County wine fight court case decided
- St. Joseph Youth Sports complex update
- and more!
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In today's news:
With a heat wave coming on Monday, everyone's reminded to take some precautions to ensure they don't wind up with a heat-related illness.
A former Berrien County Commissioner and longtime public servant has been honored by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners.
A Benton Harbor man has been sentenced in a federal guns and drugs case.
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In today's news:
- Area workforce data shows disturbing aging trend
- Michigan restaurants still struggling post pandemic
- New park planned for Sawyer
- and more!
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In today's news:
St. Joseph City Manager John Hodgson has gotten high marks from city commissioners in his latest performance evaluation.
There's an effort underway to construct a new park in Chikaming Township, and supporters will gather next week to learn more about the plans and start raising funds.
State Senator Aric Nesbitt is backing legislation intended to help property owners more easily remove trespassing squatters.
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In today's news:
- Public Wi-Fi project celebrated in Benton Harbor
- Departing Cornerstone Alliance president reviews role
- Stevensville downtown development group advances
- and more!
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In today's news:
The search for a new St. Joseph City Manager is nearing its home stretch.
St. Joseph City Commissioners have accepted an easement on riverfront property near Corewell Health South as Friends of Berrien County Trails envisions a new St. Joseph River Trail through the area.
Roads in Southwest Michigan are ranked as some of the worst in the state by the Transportation Asset Management Council.
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Sarah joins Zack to chat about next NextGen networking opportunity, an Open House & Ribbon Cutting for "The Boardwalk," a Business After Hours at Ravitron, and more! Get registered at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Leadership shakeup at regional economic development group
- New lifesaving tool deployed at Silver Beach
- Redevelopment money sought for Pleasant Street Plaza
- and more!
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In today's news:
Cornerstone Alliance President Rob Cleveland is stepping down.
Market One Director Zach Morris is urging Michigan lawmakers not to forget rural communities as they update the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve, or SOAR, Fund to attract more development in the state.
Silver Beach has received the donation of a lifesaving robot.
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Jacob is a year old black and white male cat. Jacob loves people and cuddling, and will be an awesome buddy. He is a very talkative fellow and loves all the attention he can get! Jacob is neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Please call or visit the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to see our friendly guy, Jacob! No appointment needed!!
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In today's news:
Actor and Benton Harbor native Erni Hudson is in Benton Harbor this weekend to speak with the community, inspire high school graduates, and celebrate an honorary street renaming for him.
Benton Township is receiving a state grant of nearly $20 million for a water project.
Now back in action for the summer are the lifeguards at Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County GOP announces MAGA event
- Fentanyl poisoning charges in region and new warning of lethal drug
- June is Men's Health Month - area MD gives young men advice
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien County Republican Party is planning a major gathering for this month, and the public is invited.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten has announced the filing of several charges against a Kalamazoo County man accused of contributing to a fentanyl death last year.
The Cook plant buoy is now back out in Lake Michigan for the year.
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In today's news:
- Coloma standoff with police leaves one dead
- Van Buren County talks about upcoming road millage vote
- Benton Township woman on a mission to reduce gull presence at Orchards Mall
- and more!
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In today's news:
A Coloma woman is dead following a standoff with police on Wednesday morning.
The Berrien County Trial Court is warning everyone of a jury scam.
A Benton Township woman is on a mission to rid the Orchards Mall of its gull problem.
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In today's news:
- Buchanan water bills will be re-mailed after Past Due error
- Holtec reports Palisades restart on track
- D-Day reenactment set for Tiscornia Beach June 22
- and more!
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In today's news:
The South Haven City Council has approved a six month moratorum on new short-term rentals in the community as new zoning rules to govern the properties are drawn up.
Coming up this month will be Lest We Forget's reenactment of the D-Day invasion to mark the 80th anniversary of the world-changing event on June 6, 1944.
Plans for a residental comerical development in St Joseph township are on hold apparently due to red tape with MDOT.
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In today's news:
- More than 2.5 pounds of cocaine seized in Benton Harbor arrest
- Hit and run fatality investigated in Cass County
- Krasl Art Fair returning to the Bluff in July
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff is set for July13 and 14, and thousands are expected to come to downtown St. Joseph.
Yet more recall petitions have been filed against elected officials in Benton Harbor.
Coming up this week is the Hartford Strawberry Festival.
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Meeko is a 3 year old terrier mix. He is extremely happy and friendly! Meeko loves to be outside, rolling in the grass, playing with toys, or just hanging out. He really loves squeaky toys and throwing them up in the air so he can chase them! Meeko did okay with cats and seems to like other dogs. He is also neutered and up to date on vaccines. Please contact Van Buren County Animal Control at 269-621-4624 or visit the shelter at 58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about our sweet and happy guy, Meeko!
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Southwest Michigan’s Afternoon News for 05-31-24
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The Berrien County Health Department has teamed up with the Van Buren/Cass County District Health Department to provide free dental screenings to kindergarteners.
Berrien County Health Officer Guy Miller tells us those dental screenings now go hand in hand with vision and hearing screenings for kids before they start school.
“In December, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Law,” Miller said. “This is really something that’s joining those hearing and vision screenings also required for kindergarten.”
The two health departments have joined forces to hire a dental hygienist who can do the screenings. Miller says they’re looking to address any issues that might be found while the child is young, before they become serious.
“It’s really a five minute, quick exam by a dental professional. They’re looking at children’s teeth, looking at their gums, just to see if there’s any findings.”
The screenings are free, and no insurance is needed.
Miller says the health department will be out and about at schools and other organizations to hold clinics in the coming months. Any parents who want to sign their child up for the free hearing, vision, and dental screenings can do so at the Berrien County Health Department’s website.
ABC AudioAcclaimed actor Daniel Brühl has appeared in films like All Quiet on the Western Front, Inglorious Basterds and Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War as Baron Zemo — a character he reprised in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
But in the upcoming Hulu series Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, Brühl takes on the titular fashion icon — and does it in French.
Based on Raphaëlle Bacqué’s biography Kaiser Karl, the multilingual star takes the designer through his career’s early days. Hulu teases that the six-episode series tracks “the rise of Karl Lagerfeld through the world of 1970s Parisian high fashion.”
That said, Brühl tells ABC Audio he was still surprised by the glitz and glamor of taking the series right to the heart of French popular culture, the recent Cannes International Film Festival and at the show’s premiere in Paris Tuesday.
“Very glamorous. I mean, the French do it so well,” Brühl said of his Cannes experience to ABC Audio.
“Also, there was a premiere at the Rex, you know, which is that old iconic, gigantic cinema. And, you know, to be there with a show is incredible. And it’s treated … like cinema, you know, it’s so incredible. I feel deeply honored.”
Brühl explained he and his co-star Théodore Pellerin were driven to that venue in a pair of matching vintage white Rolls-Royces. “And then the after-party was, you know, wonderfully organized in that ’70s style,” the actor says.
He added with a laugh, “I mean, the French really know how to do these things, I have to say.”
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld will debut on Hulu and Disney+ on June 6.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The city of Dowagiac and the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to create the new Dowagiac Walking Challenge this summer.
The two are inviting everyone to take to the great outdoors for a total of nine scenic walks between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Those who take part are told to post about their latest walks on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag “DowagiacChallenge” and a photo of the walker at the location. Those who complete all nine Walking Challenge routes will receive a Dowagiac Walking Challenge patch to show off to their friends.
The routes are between 1.5 and 3.9 miles, and include strolls at the Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary, the SMC Campus, and Rudolphi Woods, among other places. The full list of locations is below.
DOWAGIAC WOODS NATURE SANCTUARY 1.5-mile loop
DOWNTOWN SCULPTURE TOUR 2-mile loop
RIVERSIDE CEMETERY 1.5-mile loop
RUDOLPHI WILDLIFE REFUGE 1.1-mile loop
SMC CAMPUS 1.5-mile exploration of campus
RUDOLPHI WOODS 3.9-mile walk
MANSION WALK 1.5 miles – Gardner Mansion to Lee Mansion and back
RUSSOM PARK TO DOWAGIAC AIRPORT 2 miles out and back
WIND SONGS SCULPTURE AT MIDDLE SCHOOL TO BURLING PARK 2 miles out and back
You can register for the Dowagiac Walking Challenge right here.
Southwest Michigan’s Afternoon News for 05-31-24
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In today's news:
- Health officials announce second Michigan case of a farmworker with bird flu
- $200k donation to area YMCA from local credit unions
- St. Joseph officials look for ways to shore up beach renourishment
- and more!
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In today's news:
There still has been no movement on dredging in the St. Joseph River for the summer boating season this year.
A donation of $200,000 is being made to the YMCA of Greater Michiana by United Federal Credit Union and Honor Credit Union.
The OutCenter is hitting the road for a series of LGBTQ+ pride events in June.
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In today's news:
- New prosecutor appointed for Berrien County
- Governor announces new energy and housing initiatives
- New paid parking plan floated for downtown St. Joseph
- and more!
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In today's news:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a new effort to reduce housing and energy costs in Michigan.
A boutique hotel is being developed at a historic property in Buchanan.
Berrien County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Byrd has been appointed as Berrien County Prosecutor.
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In today's news:
- Gun violence prevention advocates set local events to call for change
- Road construction updates in Berrien Co.
- Benton Harbor farmers market set for new season
- and more!
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In today's news:
Gun violence prevention leaders in Michigan gathered Tuesday to announce their Silence the Violence month of action campaign.
The Benton Harbor Farmers Market will be reopening for the season next month.
Whirlpool is expanding its Feel Good Fridge program by working with HelloFresh to get more fresh meat and produce into food pantries around the country.
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Sarah joins Zack to talk about upcoming ribboncuttings and a NextGen Networking opportunity. Get registered and see all of the events at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- One in custody after early morning shooting in Benton Harbor
- Berrien County's early voting gets high marks
- Traffic alert in Niles area at US-12/M-51 interchange
- and more!
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In today's news:
There will be a public open house regarding the reopening of the Palisades nuclear power plant next month.
Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler says early voting for the first time ever this year went surprisingly well.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has voted to seek grant funding to continue the county's three specialty courts and to explore the possibility of creating a new one.
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In today's news:
- Michigan health officials on alert for more human cases of bird flu
- Area law enforcement kick of Safe Summer 2024 to curb gun violence
- Day two of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship continues in Benton Harbor
- and more!
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In today's news:
The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship is now officially underway at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor.
The Berrien County Baord of Commissioners has accepted a $10,000 grant from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation for the Silver Beach Playground project.
The village of Stevensville is asking residents to fill out a new survey as it drafts a 2025-2030 Parks Plan.
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In today's news:
- Michigan farmworker confirmed to have contracted bird flu from infected dairy cattle
- Recall effort launched against two Benton Harbor commissioners over alcohol
- A Golden Bear scholarship legacy in Southwest Michigan
- and more!
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In today's news:
Whirlpool and the PGA of America have announced continued support for the Jack and Barbara Nicklaus KitchenAid Senior PGA Champions for Change Scholarship Program through 2029.
The number of ALICE households in Southwest Michigan has been growing.
With the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship now underway at Harbor Shores, organizers say none of the excitement would be possible without the team of volunteers who sign up each year to help.
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In today's news:
- Interview for interim Berrien Co. Prosecutor role happens tomorrow
- Area animal control at max capacity; lowers adoption fee
- South Haven needs a new police chief
- and more!
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In today's news:
The Berrien County Animal Control shelter is at capacity, and leaders are hoping more people come forward to adopt some dogs this week to free up some space.
As the 84th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship is held at Harbor Shores for the final time starting this week, tourism leaders around Southwest Michigan are reflecting on what the event has meant for the region.
A free community concert will be held Wednesday in Benton Harbor as a celebration of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship about to get started at Harbor Shores.
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In today's news:
- Preparations nearly complete for KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship
- Fatal shooting victim in Benton Harbor identified
- Life-saving medication installed in South County building
- and more!
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In today's news:
Customers of the Benton Harbor municipal water system are starting to pay their bills again.
Red Arrow Highway in New Buffalo Township will remain closed to through traffic until at least Monday.
The St. Joseph Memorial Day Parade will be next Friday.
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In today's news:
- A deadly weekend in Benton Harbor after gunshots early Sunday
- Red Arrow Highway construction delays reopening
- Benton Harbor residents paying their water bills again
- and more!
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In today's news:
Customers of the Benton Harbor municipal water system are starting to pay their bills again.
Red Arrow Highway in New Buffalo Township will remain closed to through traffic until at least Monday.
The St. Joseph Memorial Day Parade will be next Friday.
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Meet Mella! Mella is a sweet girl who is looking for her next forever home. She came to the shelter last October as her owner was unable to care for her. Mella would be best as the only pet in her new home because she enjoys her human counterpart's company more than her other 4-legged friends. She has been updated on all her vaccinations but will need to be spayed. If you are looking to bring Mella into your home, her adoption fee will be $65.00. Mella and the rest of her shelter friends can be seen on our website: ccacshelter.org. Please contact Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our beautiful Mella!!
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In today's news:
- Alleged ATM thief results in police pursuit through St. Joe & Benton Harbor
- Cook Nuclear Plant No. 2 back online after steam leak
- Lincoln Township reviews short-term rental ordinance
- and more!
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In today's news:
Coming soon to Silver Beach County Park will be a lifesaving robot.
Berrien County could be getting a sobriety court.
A ribbon cutting is planned for next Friday for Countryside Academy's new elementary school building.
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Southwest Michigan's Morning News for Wednesday, May 16, 2024
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In today's news:
20 police officers who have fallen in the line of duty were remembered at a ceremony on Wednesday in downtown St. Joseph.
Work has started on the new pedestrian island being installed in Main Street in downtown St. Joseph.
Could food trucks soon be allowed in Lincoln Township?
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In today's news:
- Car chase near Buchanan ends with shots fired and one suspect in jail
- Holtec reports progress on nuclear power plant restart
- Nye's Apple Barn development stopped again
- and more!
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In today's news:
The St. Joseph Township Board of Trustees has rejected a rezoning request for the Nye’s Apple Barn site on Niles Road.
A suspect is in custody and Michigan State Police are investigating after a chase and officer-involved shooting on Tuesday in Buchanan Township.
The new mural on the bluff stairs in downtown St. Joseph is now finished.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber shares details on several ribbon cuttings this week and next week, and our next NextGen Networking event around the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at the Livery next week. Get details and register now at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Great year predicted for blueberries - but area cherries and peaches suffer
- Corewell Health cuts the ribbon on new health center
- Coloma splash pad named in honor of community leader
- and more!
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In today's news:
The wild temperature swings we had this past winter have taken a toll on Southwest Michigan fruit crops.
The grand opening has been held for Corewell Health's new Corewell Health Center for Wellness in Benton Harbor.
Coming this Saturday will be a Spring Makers Market in Benton Harbor.
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In today's news:
- Law enforcement finds explosive device in area yard
- Options for road funding might include GPS monitoring
- Area beach clean up efforts looking for volunteers
- And more!
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In today's news:
The city of South Haven will seek a new parks and recreation millage in the August primary election.
The Michigan Department of Transportation continues to prepare drivers for the coming of a new way to pay for road maintenance.
All of Michigan could see the northern lights tonight.
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Meet Midnight! He was a shy young cat who found himself alone in the world until he ended up in the yard of his foster volunteer. Although Midnight is a bit reserved when you first meet him, you'll soon see that he is a gentle soul with a kind heart. Midnight enjoys those quiet moments-- soft whispers of affection, the touch of a caring hand. Midnight will quietly and deeply love the family members who choose to share their home with him. Midnight's foster home includes dogs and other cats, so he is accustomed to sharing a home with other well-socialized pets. Midnight is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, tested negative for FeLV-FIV, and faithfully uses his litter box. Contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to arrange a meet-and-greet with our handsome fellow, Midnight.
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In today's news:
- Expect Red Arrow Highway closures at Exit 23 next week
- Benton Harbor's schools superintendent staying put
- New tri-county waste plan forming
- and more!
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In today's news:
Part of Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville will be closed next week.
A Lifesaving Award has been given to a deputy with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department for his efforts to help a woman in medical distress this year.
Reopening for the season this Sunday is the Bridgman Open Air Market.
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In today's news:
- Cleanup continues after Tuesday's severe storms
- St. Joe superintendent talks about what's next after failed $98 million bond
- Former Mercy Hospital development site contamination adjusts plans
- and more!
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In today's news:
With voters rejecting a $98 million bond request from St. Joseph Public Schools Tuesday, it will be back to the drawing board for district leaders.
The National Weather Service has field teams in Southwest Michigan this week, looking into reports of several tornadoes in Cass, Van Buren, St. Joseph, and Kalamazoo counties.
Coming soon to downtown Buchanan will be the return of Munchie Mondays.
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In today's news:
- Southwest Michigan tornado emergency Tuesday - severe winds, large hail, and numerous reports of damage in Kalamazoo, Cass, and Van Buren counties
- Special election results for area schools
- Actor Ernie Hudson honored in Benton Harbor
- and more!
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In today's news:
Retired Congressman Fred Upton was in Washington on Tuesday for the release of a new report on biothreats to the United States.
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have voted to rename part of a street in honor of actor Ernie Hudson.
The Berrien County Veterans Services Office is opening a new location in Niles.
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In today's news:
- Police confirm two in stable condition after weekend shooting in Benton Harbor
- MDHHS reopens area office after health hazard remediation
- Benton Harbor approves social district
- and more!
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In today's news:
A 5-year-old girl is one of two victims of a drive-by shooting in Benton Harbor on Saturday.
Police have located a body in the St. Joseph River.
The cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor are preparing for this Saturday's Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade.
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Introducing Katrina, an adult female Black Mouth Cur/Carolina mix. Katrina is curious, friendly, playful, and smart! She weighs 63 pounds. Katrina is spayed and up-to-date on vaccines. Please contact Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about our beautiful Katrina!
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In today's news:
- Broadband internet expansion continues in Buchanan Township
- DNR research vessel measuring fish around St. Joseph
- Benton Harbor considering social district
- and more!
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In today's news:
Now in St. Joseph is the Michigan Department of Natural Resources research vessel, the Steelhead.
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved an agreement with Midwest Energy and Communications to expand broadband internet to another 266 unserved properties, most of them in Buchanan Township.
The Benton Harbor City Commission is expected to consider the creation of a social district downtown on Monday.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor's mayor says delinquent water users have options
- Southwest Michigan's new Corewell leader has focus on expanding healthcare
- Top concern of Michigan's small business is... continued inflation
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Meth bust lands 51-year-old Berrien County man in jail
- Special election next Tuesday puts many school funding proposals on the ballot
- State Sen. Nesbitt has ideas to grow Michigan
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Area congressman supports crackdowns on college protests
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission hears from Holtec on Palisades safety
- Chikaming Open Lands team helps rescue a Great Horned Owl
- and more!
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Sarah joins Zack to chat about upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Networking events, and a special Bridgman CGA event, all happening in the next two weeks with details at SMRChamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Effort to dredge the St. Joseph River for rec. boaters is stalled
- Pushback on State Rep. Andrews' short-term rental bills
- Pedestrian island back on track for St. Joseph's Main Street
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Michigan State Police puts wounded trooper back on duty
- Upton Middle School named Evergreen School by EGLE
- Local officials facing primary challenges in August
- and more!
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Meet Kyan...he is just a big softie! This sweet boy came to us as a stray. Kyan loves to go for walks, and does pretty well on a leash! He has just enough energy to get some playtime in, but not so much that he is overwhelming with his size. Kyan doesn't mind other dogs, and he enjoys snuggles with his favorite people. He weighs around 75 pounds, is neutered, vaccinated, heartworm negative, and microchipped. We estimate him to be 1-2 years old. Go to al-van.org/adopt to fill out an application if our big, adorable Kyan seems like your perfect match.
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In today's news:
- Whirlpool Corp. job cuts expected next week
- Flurry of Republican primary challenges in Berrien County
- One down, two to go in NFL Draft in Detroit
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Huizenga cracks down on Iran
- St. Joseph is Bee City, USA
- Going Pro Talent Fund Grants
- Crime Victims' Rights Week
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Berrien County's prosecutor stepping down
- New Buffalo Area Schools building housing
- SW Mich housing market sales plunge in March
- and more!
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In today's news:
- A new candidate running for Berrien County Prosecutor
- The Bicentennial Bridge is back open for boat traffic
- Bridgman School District admits it overtaxed; reimburses $1.2 million
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Update: Former St. Joseph city manager to resign from Meridian Twp. post
- Emergency dredging for the St. Joseph River stalled
- Actor and Benton Harbor native Ernie Hudson helps entertain local youth
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Former St. Joseph city manager's actions under scrutiny
- Benton Harbor and EGLE argue over water planning
- Area U.S. Rep Bill Huizenga reports on southern US border
- and more!
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to talk about upcoming Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours events, plus the summer golf outings. Sign up and get details at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- A new waterfront plaza planned for Benton Harbor
- 91st Miss Blossomtime is crowned
- Weko Beach Earth Day cleanup this weekend
- and more!
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Meet Grant, a stunning one-year-old pure breed Doberman Pinscher! This very handsome boy is good with other dogs, plus he is crate trained and house-trained. Grant is a sweet and affectionate pup who loves to cuddle-up with his human companions. He also enjoys going for walks and playing in the yard, but knows how to unwind after a long day. Grant is a loyal and devoted canine companion who will bring endless joy and love to his new family. If love and loyalty is what you're looking for, look no further than Grant! Grant is up-to-date on vaccines and will be neutered on April 23rd. Please contact Paws of Hope at adoptions@pawsofhope.org to learn even more about our handsome guy, Grant.
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In today's news:
- Lincoln Township Trustees push back on proposed short-term rental legislation
- Berrien County Sheriff says border discussions important to Southwest Michigan
- NOAR sets fundraiser for Berrien County Bail Fund
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Homeowners glad to be alive after Monday semi crash and police shooting
- Lincoln Township trail gets boost from federal dollars
- Hagar Township files FOIA request to get details on drain bill
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Suspect pleads guilty to Dunham's firearm robbery
- Lincoln Township considers changing its form of government
- Hagar Township combats beach erosion
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Suspect rams St. Joseph Twp. police and residence before being shot dead
- Buchanan teacher named regional Teacher of the Year
- Berrien County Drain Commissioner race could be contentious
- and more!
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In today's news:
- It's Eclipse Day! Expect peak (96%) coverage at 3:09 pm ET (SW Mich)
- St. Joseph man dies in fatal tractor accident
- Have you tried forest bathing? It's a thing at Chikaming Open Lands
- and more!
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Gnarly isn't gnarly at all! She is a two year old Staffordshire-mix. Gnarly loves her toys and would very much like to have someone to play with. She is spayed and up-to-date on all vaccines. Please contact Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about our awesome girl, Gnarly!
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In today's news:
- Lake Michigan College unveils new mainstage name at the Mendel Center
- The Benton Harbor celebration honoring artist Richard Hunt is Saturday
- Moves to regulate short term rentals in Michigan spark in Lansing
- and more!
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In today's news:
- MDOT Open House event set for future of Main Street in St. Joe
- Two people announce for Berrien County Treasurer office
- Preparing for 95% solar eclipse in SW Michigan
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor approves joining St. Joseph River dredging project
- Michigan State Police looking for more women in law enforcement
- Dowagiac woman returns to Jeopardy!
- and more!
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Sarah and Zack talk about the upcoming golf events in Spring and Summer, plus a NextGen networking event, Business After Hours & ribboncuttings, and more! Details on everything you hear in the podcast can be found at smrchamber.com.
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In today's news:
- Police report another smash and grab at Dunham's
- Benton Harbor has a new interim city manager
- Best in Grass competition coming to Michigan
- and more!
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In today's news:
- House fire appears total loss in Benton Township
- U.S. Rep. Walberg under fire for Gaza comments
- Local officials hopeful for billions in data center investments
- and more!
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Rue and Midgee are bonded sisters, born on November 29th, 2023. These ladies are up-to-date on shots, spayed, and good with the litter box. They are available through Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan, and we offer two for one on adoption fees. Please see our posts on our group Facebook page or call 269-983-7729.
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In today's news:
- Bridgman band director reinstated after public support
- Berrien County has a new mobile command center
- Berrien Springs Pickle Festival preparations underway
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Officer-involved shooting results in one arrest in Benton Harbor
- Policymakers hail Palisades restart loan
- Berrien County man wins $200k in lottery
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Feds to announce $1.5 billion today for Palisades restart
- More police presence planned for Silver Beach this summer
- Still no decision from Bridgman Public Schools regarding band director
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Silver Beach playground swings forward
- Bridgman School Board gets an earful of support for band director
- Drain Commissioner says he's saving Berrien County money
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Fire at Morton School in Benton Harbor appears intentional
- Niles economic engine shocks community by sudden closure
- Cost of Berrien County drain project drawing questions
- and more!
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Your Furry Friend this week is Bailey from Berrien County Animal Control. Bailey came to us as a skinny and pregnant young dog. She was a great mama and all of her puppies have been adopted, so now it's all about Bailey! Bailey has a gray coat and is sleek and well muscled, weighing in at around 60 pounds. We think she is house-trained! Bailey gets along with most other dogs, loves to run with friends in the play yard, and is very treat motivated. Through the end of March, all of our adult dogs-- including Bailey --are just $17.00 to adopt! Spayed/Neutered, micro-chipped heartworm tested (Bailey is negative!), and up-to-date on vaccines. You can meet Bailey and her 30 available furry friends at Berrien County Animal Control, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. No appointments necessary during the week. For weekends, please call 269-927-5648 in advance to schedule an appointment.
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In the news:
- Medal of Valor awarded to Berrien County Sheriff's deputy
- St. Joe River dredging takes another step forward
- Spring refueling happening now at Cook Nuclear
- and more!
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In today's news:
- State lawmakers seek answers over quiet closure of Benton Harbor state office
- Area state reps unite for package of Michigan-specific nuclear legislation
- Benton Harbor/St. Joseph YMCA launches capital campaign
- and more!
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In today's news:
- South Haven moves lifeguard issue forward
- Farmers concerned about early warm weather pests
- Groundswell of support for suspended Bridgman HS band director
- and more!
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Sarah joins us to talk about a new leader in the Bridgman CGA, plus details on great Ribbon Cutting and Business After Hours events, and more! Visit SMRChamber.com for everything you need to know.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor to restart water shutoff notices for delinquent bill payers
- Coloma schools adding their bond proposal to the May 7 vote
- Field of Honor will be on display at Senior PGA Championship
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Counselors on site at Ballard Elementary after Friday's bomb threat
- No word when state health office will reopen in Benton Harbor
- Recall attempt fails in Buchanan
- and more!
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Muffin is a 2-year old female mini Pit Bull Terrier mix. Muffin only weighs 35 pounds and she is absolutely adorable! She came to us as a stray and warmed up to people instantly, showing us what a sweetheart she is. Muffin loves to play ball and will take as many treats as you will give her. We're unsure of how Muffin will be with other dogs, but she doesn't seem to mind the dogs here at the shelter. Muffin is the kind of girl who will be happy to go everywhere with you, but also enjoy hanging out on the couch. Please contact Van Buren County Animal Control at 269-621-4624 or visit the shelter at 58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about our happy, sweet, goofy, playful, friendly, and cute Muffin!
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In today's news:
- St. Joseph dredging contract moves forward
- Red Arrow Highway at New Buffalo closures related to construction
- Stolen sawmill recovered!
- and more...
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In today's news:
- Nye's Apple Barn property moves again toward rezoning
- St. Joseph River dredging could bump into sturgeon spawn
- New scanner sees everything at Berrien Co. jail
- and more!
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In the news:
- Van Buren Sheriff releases identity of fatal crash victim
- Lincoln Township Beach set for improvements
- South Haven still talking about lifeguards
- and more!
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In today's news:
- St. Joseph Schools talking about its $98.5 million bond proposal
- Area congressman expects little from DC in 2024
- Spring break measles warning for international travelers
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Dredging in St. Joseph River remains top concern
- Child dies in Michigan from flu virus
- Housing development moves forward in Benton Harbor
- and more!
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Introducing Anita! She is a four year old Labrador Retriever mix. Anita is a happy, fun, playful, and loving girl. She only weighs 41 pounds. Anita is spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, and microchipped. Please contact Humane Society of SW Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about cute little Anita!
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In today's news:
- Berrien County Commission gets an earful on Silver Beach traffic
- Multiple business break-ins reported in Berrien County
- Area members of Congress respond to President Biden's SOTU speech
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor Armory gets $1M state grant for restoration
- Suspect charged in $700k theft from Four Winds
- Former area congressman says third party US president candidate likely
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Emergency effort organizing dredging for St. Joe River this spring
- South Haven still considering reviving lifeguard program
- Lincoln Township Clerk files for Berrien County Clerk race
- and more!
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to talk about the registration and sponsorship window opening for two golf outings for 2024, plus upcoming NextGen Networking and an Open House. Details at smrchamber.com
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In today's news:
- Whirlpool Corporation cuts jobs -- says more on the horizon
- St Joseph City Commission hits pause on Berrien County playground
- Prepare for traffic delays on I-94 from Benton Harbor to Stevensville
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Weekend fire displaces apartment residents in Lincoln township
- Michigan GOP convention favors Trump
- Big marijuana money distributed to local communities
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Broadband construction to connect underserved communities continues
- Free CDL training offered by Michigan Works!
- Robotics competition in Berrien Springs this weekend
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Officials confirm two tornadoes on Michigan's east side
- New principal at Stewart Elementary in Lakeshore district
- Unified Civic Monuments project reaches major fundraising goal
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Election results
- Wild weather and two tornado warnings last night
- Judge rules Michigan GOP chair was properly removed
- and more!
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In today's news:
- It's presidential primary day; polls are open until 8 pm
- Reconstruction of Upton Drive finally slated to begin
- It's National Invasive Species Awareness Week
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Debate over state effort to regulate short term rentals
- Benton Harbor superintendent earns effective rating
- Remembering Don Alsbro, founder of Lest We Forget
- and more!
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Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe!
Charming is a 1-1/2 year old male cat. He and his brothers were abandoned in an empty storage unit in Berrien Springs. Charming is quiet and sweet, craves your attention, and will sit patiently as he nudges your hand. He gets along with dogs and other cats. Charming is neutered and up-to-date on shots. Call Animal Aid of SW Michigan at 269-934-7729 or visit the website at animalaidswmi.org if you'd like to know more about Charming. He is a gentle soul who deserves a loving home.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County's Clerk will not seek reelection
- County examines local impact of state's new red flag law
- State Senator seeks to protect Michigan from illegal immigration
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Berrien County GOP waiting to see where to send delegates
- Early voting slow locally, so far
- The Southwest Michigan School Spirit Tournament is back
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Road construction coming soon to I-94 between Benton Harbor and Stevensville
- Celebration of life set for iconic artist Richard Hunt
- Michigan GOP set to use the courts to oust Kristina Karamo
- and more!
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Sarah talks with Zack about last Friday's announcements and award winners at the Business Recognition Awards & Annual Meeting, and we preview the upcoming Thursday night Business After Hours with the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. Get details at smrchamber.com!
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In the news:
- Suspect who leads police on three-county chase is in custody
- Short-term rental moratorium in South Haven
- Survey of St. Joseph downtown garners massive response
- and more!
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In today's news:
- LMC, Berrien RESA, Chamber announce new apprenticeships program
- Area congressman criticizes Biden LNG export ban
- Y-Country Cares raises record high amount for St. Jude
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Nye's Apple Barn property once again considered for commercial development
- Early voting starts this weekend
- St. Joseph's superintendent interviewing for Grand Rapids role
- and more!
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In today's news:
- 2024 will be the last KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores
- US Senator Peters looking to set new training for new AI technology
- Lincoln Township purchases Hickory Creek property for new trails
- and more!
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In today's news:
- St. Joseph City Commission says no to allowing RV parking in front driveways
- St. Joseph Township pauses development of exercise facility and apartments
- Hagar Township renovating public safety building
- And more!
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In the news:
- Afternoon shooting leaves one seriously injured in Benton Harbor
- Police release more details on Sunday shooting in Benton Township
- St. Joseph City Commission approves donation-only Krasl Art Fair
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Two shot in Benton Township Saturday
- Fatal crash in Cass County
- Public invited to St. Joseph Downtown Vision discussion set for Tuesday
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Napier between 94 and 31 will remain a four-lane road
- U.S. Rep. Huizenga talks border security
- Secy of State Benson set to speak at the Michigan Black Summit
- and more!
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In today's news:
- River Valley School District asking voters for millage renewals
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission asking questions about Palisades restart
- New Whirlpool-created exhibit at Curious Kids Discovery Zone
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Gunshot technology advances in Benton Township
- Drain commissioner issuing rebates to St. Joseph Township
- Lifeguards considered (again) for South Haven
- and more!
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Sarah Spoonholtz joins Zack to talk about this week's Ribbon Cutting, plus a Chamber Chat for members next week, and the last chance to get tickets for the Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast, which happens Friday, February 16th! SMRChamber.com for more!
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In today's news:
- One killed in Cass County explosion
- Homicide investigation underway in Benton Township
- MLK memorial finally approved in Benton Harbor
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Convicted sex offender arraigned on new charges involving 14 year old
- Short term rentals introduction expected in Lansing
- Former parks director honored for legacy of service
- and more!
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Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by the Mason Jar Cafe in the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District!
Meet Lindsey! Lindsey is a 7 year old female Labrador Retriever mix who weighs in at 61 pounds. Lindsey is very well-mannered. She responds to basic obedience commands such as "sit, down, stay, speak, and leave-it." Lindsey is spayed, up-to-date on vaccinations, and microchipped. Please contact Humane Society of SW Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about lovely Lindsey!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's news:
- Protests meet President Biden in Detroit
- Trial continues for man accused of OWI - killing Van Buren Co. roadworker
- Berrien Co. is sending eyes in the sky to get new aerial photos
- and more!
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In the news:
- Three Benton Harbor men sentenced in federal firearm case
- The last store to close at Orchards Mall reopens for brief sale
- Michigan Supreme Court denies We the Parents appeal
- and more!
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In the news:
- Palisades restart getting $1.5 billion boost from Biden Administration
- President Biden headed for Detroit tomorrow
- $3.6 million awarded for economic development site in Berrien County
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Capital improvements plan for Harbor Towers
- Bridge demolition set in Niles
- Lots of local outdoor activities this weekend
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Motorists urged to watch for flooded roadways
- Red Arrow Highway Linear Trail progress update
- Invasive weed removal event this weekend at Warren Dunes
- and more!
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Here's Sadie! This loveable blonde is looking for her forever home today and is so excited that she could hardly contain herself for her photo shoot! Sadie will behave like a lady once she burns off some of that Labrador Retriever energy. Sadie just celebrated her 6th birthday, sadly on the day she joined her buddies here at the shelter due to extenuating circumstances. She loves her treats and will melt your heart when you meet her. If you want to welcome Sadie into your home, her adoption fee is only $40.00. She has already been spayed and microchipped. Sadie and the rest of her shelter buddies can be seen on our website: ccacshelter.org. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our beautiful Sadie!!
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In today's news:
- Governor brings $300k grant to Benton Harbor for housing
- South Haven preps for next weekend's 30th Ice Fest
- Lions prep for San Francisco
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Governor Whitmer provides legislative priorities list for 2024
- Local lawmaker reaction to the governor's proposals
- 7 parolees arrested on drug and firearm-related charges in Van Buren Co.
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Area congressman tours problem public housing tower
- Silver Beach Pizza owner asks city for its property
- Blossomtime Parade route changed
- and more!
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Sarah has details on upcoming NextGen Networking, Ribbon Cuttings, and more events from smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- St. Joseph Schools put $98.5 million bond on May ballot
- 50-year lease between city and school approved for Dickinson Park
- Looking at competitive state rep. races
- and more!
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Mark & Chris talk with Tyler from Boulevard Inn & Bistro.
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Congratulations Detroit Lions for advancing in the playoffs!
In today's news:
- Governor talks politics on Face the Nation
- Cass County man arrested for shooting roommate
- Concerning rise in Flu and COVID in Cass/Van Buren counties
- and more!
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Meet Snoopy!This handsome boy came to Al-Van Humane Society from animal control, and he is just the sweetest guy. He instantly wanted to be friends with everyone! Snoopy is great with his sit cues, and loves treats. Snoopy is eager to please! He's always ready with a smile to warm your heart, and he's definitely open to meeting kids and family pups! He'll bring so much happiness to your home. Snoopy is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and heartworm negative. If you'd like to meet this adorable boy, please go to al-van.org/adopt to fill out an application.
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In today's news:
- Short term rental legislation is back in Lansing
- Michigan's GOP defaults on $500,000 loan
- Buchanan veteran gets a BIG check from the VA
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Area lawmaker hopes the governor "says nothing" in state address
- Proposal to register homeschool children draws fire
- Local movement seeks to put in Barry Sanders for one more play
- and more!
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In the news:
- Main Street survey launched for anyone interested in St. Joseph
- Contract negotiations continue for Berrien County Sheriff's department
- New Michigan economic survey released - outlook mixed
- and more!
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For the latest news and weather in real time, tune to 94.9 FM and check our website, WSJM.com.
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In the news today:
- Frigid temperatures continue -- be careful
- Former area congressman on Iowa Caucus results
- Spirit of MLK awards announced
- and more!
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In today's news:
- LMC kicks off weeklong celebration of MLK
- Frigid temps continue
- Manufacturers offered a nontraditional labor source
- and more!
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Dior, in spite of her stylish name, is not a fancy girl! She is estimated to be around 2 or 3 years old, and is a sturdy girl who weighs about 50 pounds. Dior is a great dog to take for a walk and hang out with. And, she has a secret: This girl can dance!! She does an adorable party trick for treats and is very treat motivated. Dior waited a long time for her spay appointment, but it finally happened! She is now spayed, tested heartworm negative, is up-to-date on vaccines, and microchipped - a bargain at only $85.00. Stop by Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) on Mondays-Thursdays (9:00-5:30) and Fridays (9:00-2:30) to meet our dancing queen Dior. She'll be twirling for treats!
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In today's news:
- Winter storm warning in effect for West Michigan and most of the state
- Congress turns focus to Benton Harbor's troubled high-rise
- Three Berrien County deputies recognized for lifesaving efforts
- Former Blossomtime royalty wins talent competition at Miss America
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Unified Civic Monuments Project headed for final BH approval
- Indiana Michigan Power prepping for snow-related outages
- Lincoln Township wrestling with EGLE over beach area improvements
- And more!
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Truck Driver Reunited With His Cat!
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Paris names street after David Bowie!
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In today's news:
- New gunshot detection tech reviewed for Benton Harbor
- Survey coming on downtown St. Joe's Main Street
- New hiking challenge (with prizes) in SW Michigan
- and more!
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Taylor Swift at the Golden Globe awards, bad joke? She's probably already written a song about it.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber chats with Zack about upcoming events including NextGen networking, Chamber 101 sessions for an education on your membership, and the Business Recognition Awards and Annual Meeting in February. Get details and register at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Buchanan city commissioner censured
- Former Blossomtime royal competing for Miss America
- As respiratory illnesses rise, expect longer wait times at the doctor
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Meijer mPerks program hacked
- Economic development grant opportunity in Stevensville
- Water system upgrades coming to Eau Claire
- and more!
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Austin is a 2-1/2 year old male Husky mix. This handsome boy weighs in at 50 pounds. He is neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and microchipped. Please contact Humane Society of SW Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about awesome Austin!
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In the news:
- South Haven sued over beach flags leading to 2022 drownings
- LMC prepares for MLK week
- Ballot initiative underway to restore local solar decisions
- and more!
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In today's news:
- $2 million grant for Southwestern Michigan College nursing program
- New cabin rentals coming to Benton Township
- Area hospitals report they're at capacity but no visitor mask mandates, yet
- and more!
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In today's news:
- New manufacturing complex moves forward in Benton Township
- St. Joe Harbormaster gives insights on Manitowoc incident
- Second annual Michigan Black Summit set for LMC in February
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Bulk freight ship briefly stuck in St. Joseph River channel
- Next steps after Orchards Mall back taxes paid
- Michigan sells winning Powerball ticket
- and more!
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to announce the nominees for the Business Recognition Awards and how you can attend the breakfast event to vote, as well as Chamber Chats coming up in January, a NextGen event, and a 2024 Health & Wellness Kickoff Event, too! Find it all at smrchamber.com
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Duke is a big teddy bear! He wants to be your best buddy, but doesn't quite realize how strong he is. Duke is about 1 year old. He loves to play with anyone who will share a toy with him and would be a wonderful couch buddy. Being part Rottweiler, Duke could use some training. He is very curious about other animals but would not do well with smaller pets. Call Animal Aid of SW Michigan at 269-934-7729 to learn more about Duke.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County could owe series of tax refunds to Cook Nuclear
- Michigan's Recreation Passport fee going up
- ADA-accessible kayak launch planned for Buchanan
- and more!
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Daniele talks about Christmas events around Southwest Michigan!
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In today's news:
- Area governments could lose millions from Cook reassessment
- Berrien County judge admonished for behavior
- Bears in the Air delivering to hospitalized St. Joseph children today
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Design for MLK monument paused by BH City Commission
- Planned Chick fil A receives final approval from Benton Township
- St. Joe robotics team enjoys successful competition
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Buchanan recall petitions move forward
- Area congressman praises military pay increase
- Chick-fil-A decision expected today in Benton Township
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Arts District icon Richard Hunt dies at age 88
- Buchanan recall petitions up for review
- Van Buren County investigating weekend shooting
- and more!
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Meet Pot Roast! He weighs 75 pounds, is around 4 years old, and is one tall drink of water! Goofy guy Pot Roast was adopted from us in February 2022. Pot Roast is back with us now and he is an absolute favorite of our stronger dog walkers. He LOVES his walks, never jumps on people, and has happily lived with older kids. Pot Roast is starting to show some signs of kennel stress by running in circles and wanting more attention than our staff can give him. He understands basic commands such as sit, shake, and paw, and is food motivated. We think he'll be a very willing learner. Pot Roast is neutered, micro-chipped, up-to-date on all vaccines, and heartworm negative. Because we are currently at full capacity, we are offering $40.00 reduced adoption fees for our adoptable dogs. Stop by Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) on Mondays-Thursdays (9:00-5:30) and Fridays (9:00-2:30) if you would like to meet Pot Roast. If you can't make it during these hours, call the shelter at 269-927-5648 to see about scheduling an out-of-hours appointment. If you have other dogs in your home, please bring them to the meet-and-greet (with up-to-date vaccines and dog license) and plan to drive them home separately if you choose to adopt. Pot Roast is a wonderful guy and deserves to find his place in the world!
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In today's news:
- Governor's population growth council reports recommendations
- New 9-1-1 tower site selected in Berrien County
- New land preserve area added in Chikaming
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor schools looks at updating buildings
- Lincoln township broadband moves
- LMC awards area woman Spirit of Nursing award
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Work begins to kickstart development across from Schu's in St. Joe
- South Haven's new Four Seasons project is complete
- Buchanan hires a new (former) city manager
- and more!
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Sarah Spoonholtz joins Zack to talk about an upcoming Chamber Chat and NextGen Networking opportunity, plus the announcement of the Business Recognition Award nominees coming Friday, and how you can get your tickets for the Annual Breakfast at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Short term rentals advance in St. Joseph
- MSP hosting Santa at Niles post this weekend
- AAA says 3.6 million Michiganders will hit the road soon
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Puppy scam warning from AG Nessel
- Police chase crosses counties before Elkhart man is arrested
- Zip line headed for local New Year's celebration
- and more!
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Beautiful Paisley is a female calico kitten with an estimated birthday of May 25th, 2023. With her exotic "eyeliner" and colorful coat, Paisley is an eye-catching kitten. Paisley was saved from a frightening ride as a hitchhiker under the hood of a pickup truck. She has blossomed into a very loving kitten. While in foster care, Paisley has learned to enjoy toys and she thinks wand toys are the best! She has also become friends with the other cats in her foster home. Paisley is spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, tested negative for FeLV-FIV, and faithfully uses her litter box. Reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org for more information about our perfect Paisley!
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Bryan just released a new Christmas Album called 'Welcome Winter'. He chats with Paul Layendecker about a 'missed opportunity' to headline Smooth Jazz at Sunset thanks to Covid. You won't believe what he's 'been up to!' AND he's coming BACK to Southwest Michigan for a December 16th performance at The Acorn Theatre!
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Gokul Nair, Whirlpool global IT director and member of the UWSM board chats with Paul Layendecker about the ongoing online appliance sale to benefit United Way! USWM.org.
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In today's news:
- High-speed chase ends with two arrests on 94 at US-131
- Berrien County schools suing Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok
- Bridgman drain work is moved forward
- and more!
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Lucky is a male 11-month-old mixed breed dog. He weighs 23 pounds, is up-to-date on vaccines, but is not neutered at this time. A voucher for neutering will be provided. Lucky is great with cats and other dogs. Please contact Humane Society of SW Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about adorable Lucky!
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Welcome to December! In today's news:
- Area congressman seeks long-term federal spending reductions
- Corewell suffers Michigan data breach
- Tickets go on sale today for St. Joe Beer Fest
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Buchanan's city manager resigns
- St. Joe Public Schools Foundation makes generous donations
- Stuff A Truck campaign a major success
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Buchanan City Commission's special meeting tonight
- Area home prices high / sales declining
- Area Red Kettle Campaign kicks off
- and more!
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to discuss the upcoming events from SMRChamber.com, including a Business After Hours event, and the Bridgman Holiday Village!
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In today's news:
- Reasons identified for Buchanan city manager suspension
- Caution urged on Lake Michigan during high winds
- MSP starts commercial truck safety campaign
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Light Up The Bluff is almost here
- Consumer's Energy gets $100 million federal reliability grant
- Bail help coming to Berrien County
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Federal charges brought against Dunham's firearms suspects
- Benton Harbor rejects redo of local water study
- Interim sheriff interviews take place today
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Computers blamed for last week's Amtrak derailment in New Buffalo
- Union Pier home of US Ambassador vandalized
- Benton Harbor community leaders celebrate schools debt forgiveness
- and more!
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In the news today:
- Suspects arrested, guns recovered after Dunham's burglary/kidnapping
- New 9-1-1 system tests successful in Berrien County
- Bridgman drain problems meeting tomorrow at Weko Beach
- and more!
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Meet Gunner! He is the 3rd longest resident here at Cass County Animal Control, coming to us in February 2023 as a stray dog. Gunner is a younger male. We are guessing that he is only 2 to 4 years old. Gunner is a very good looking guy and is full of playful energy! He enjoys going for walks, playing with toys, and getting belly rubs at every opportunity!! Goofball Gunner loves to be around people. He'll even abandon his toys just to get up and greet people (as seen in a photo!). Gunner is neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our great goofball, Gunner!!
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Happy Friday! In today's news:
- Amtrak hits vehicle near New Buffalo
- Benton Harbor gun conversion ring leader sentenced
- Amazon is building a solar farm in Van Buren County
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Update on officer injured in Monday shooting in Coloma
- Benton Harbor master plan advances
- Reminder for hunters for online reporting
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor's Project T moves forward
- St. Joseph pursuing class action money for PFAS
- I & M warns of utility scams
- and more!
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber reminds us of Wednesday's deadline for nominations for the Annual Business Recognition Awards, plus details on upcoming Chamber Chats and Business After Hours events. It's all at smrchamber.com!
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In today's news:
- Suspect dead, Coloma officer recovering after shooting
- USDA buys $100 million in Michigan apples
- Only 1 part per billion lead levels measured in Benton Harbor water
- and more!
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In today's news:
- More wrap-up from the all-but-done state legislative session
- One dead after police chase ends in St. Joseph early Sunday
- Used car deals coming soon?
- and more!
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- If you’re ready to be a true-blue hero to a handsome, rusty orange furball, Ghost needs you! Ghost is affectionate and, once he’s used to you, he loves being held and cuddling up against your shoulder. But since his previous owner passed away, young Ghost feels a bit lost. He’s hoping for a kind-hearted soul who’ll show him that the world is a bright place again—and that he is loved. Ghost thinks batting around a catnip ball is the most fun ever! But the way to his heart may well be through his tummy—his foster volunteer says his favorite time of day is dinner time! Ghost gets along great with other cats and pairing him with a more confident buddy might just make his world a brighter place. Ghost is neutered and vaccinated. Can you be Ghost’s hero and give him his forever home? Reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org for more information about our handsome Ghost!
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Happy Friday!! In today's news...
- Whether Trump can be on the ballot in Michigan questioned in court
- State legislative session comes to a close
- Berrien County budget might be reduced $3 million by Cook Plant revaluation
- and more!
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Daniele talks about upcoming events in St. Joe, including the upcoming Luminaries and Holiday shopping!
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor's mayor previews new term
- Man with crossbow arrested in Dowagiac
- Left lane ban considered for semis
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Election results
- Congress censures one of its own
- Winter festivities schedule for St. Joe updated
- and more!
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In today's news...
- It's election day
- Benton Harbor questions water plan
- Motorcycle crash claims life of Edwardsburg man
- and more.
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In today's news
- Fatal bicycle/auto crash in Buchanan Twp.
- Debt forgiveness coming for Benton Harbor Schools
- Energy legislation moving in Lansing; solar grants coming to SW Mich
- and more!
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Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, in the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District.
Panini is a two year old male Australian/Cattle Dog Mix. Panini is an active guy who loves to go for walks and likes to be outside all day long. We are working with him every day to improve his leash skills. Panini seems to really enjoy the company of other dogs. However, he does not like cats. Panini is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccinations. Please contact Humane Society of SW Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about our precious Panini!
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Today in the news...
- The Boys and Girls Club of SW Michigan was denied a $2-million federal grant to fight violent crime
- The Berrien County Board of Commissioners, is preparing for the expansion of high speed fiber internet in the county.
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission have announced the 42 winners who will be honored at the 2023 Governor’s Service Awards this month in Detroit, and one of the award recipients is Diane Young of Benton Harbor.
- Set for November 25 is the first ever Reindeer Run 5k and Kids' Rudolph Romp in downtown South Haven. Mitten Children's Museum Director Wendi Onuki tells us they're holding the event to raise funds for the museum and to have some fun.
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Daniele from St. Joe today fills us in on what's happening in St. Joe and Southwest Michigan!
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Coming up today, Dave Wolf is filling in for Ken today.
Five people have applied to be the Interim Berrien County Sherriff after Paul Bailey retires at the end of this season. Four are in the Sherriff's office, one is from out of state.
Congressman Tim Walberg he wouldn't support the censure of a fellow member of congress just because he doesn't agree with their opinion.
Governer Whitmer released a new video promoting her green energy plan for Michigan.
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Lisa Cripps - Downey talks about Gotch doing good, and a special tax-free way you can donate to your favorite charity.
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In the news this morning:
- Snow! Watch for slick roads, then rain this weekend
- Paid family leave considered in Michigan Legislature
- Berrien County election preview
- And more!
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber talks to Zack about the Business Recognition Awards Nominations (still time to nominate a local organization!), the National Civics Bee, a NextGen gathering in South Haven, and a Business After Hours event coming to Four Winds Casino New Buffalo. Get details at smrchamber.com!
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Talking with Chris Frank from Cornerstone Alliance and Julie Lavanway, President of Hanson International about women in manufacturing.
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In today's news:
- Broadband internet help coming to more areas of SW MI
- Avenue Family Network changing its name
- A local sports club celebrates 70 years
- and more!
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Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe!
Meet Handsome! This aptly named boy came to us as a stray, and he's a gentle giant. Okay, well, he's not GIANT, but he's a big boy who wants all your love! He loves to go for walks and sniffing adventures. He is doing well on a leash, and we think he would do even better with a harness. He has huge potential for being a great walking companion and is eager to learn. Handsome is open to meeting other dogs; he chooses his favorites! He likes to be around his people and dogs with whom he feels comfortable and safe. He really is a good, happy boy! We estimate Handsome to be in the area of 3-4 years old, and he is 70 lbs. He is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and heartworm negative. If you'd like to meet this dapper gentleman, please go to al-van.org/adopt to fill out an application.
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In today's news:
- Solar power grab advances in Lansing; Berrien Co. disappointed
- Lawsuit advances to keep Trump from the 2024 Michigan ballot
- Whirlpool's United Way Appliance Sale happens this weekend
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Protest set in Lansing against state control of local solar farm decisions
- Mass casualty shooting in Maine
- West Nile Virus confirmed in Berrien County
- and more!
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Gokul Nair from Whirlpool Corp and United Way Board has all you need to know about this weekend's Appliance Sale Event to raise funds for United Way!
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In today's news:
- Curious Kids fully reopens one year-plus after fire
- St Joe mayor reflects on time in office
- Strep is on the rise and treatment drug is short
- and more!
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In today's news:
- Apparent conflict of interest called on State Rep. Joey Andrews
- Hiring fair for local law enforcement this week
- New 9-1-1 tower making progress in Buchanan
- and more!
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Friends share love of astronomy with neighborhood.
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Kim Kardashian gets called for potential jury duty...does she get picked? Mary Lou Retton in ICU due to rare form of pneumonia and suffers setback. What's new in theatres this weekend.
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Hallmark's Countdown To Christmas starts today. Most American's say they would be willing to buy a house that was considered haunted. Top five unexpected things that make us happy.
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P!nk has a respiratory illness that is causing her to cancel her west coast shows right now. Gwen Stefani gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Josh Groben is leaving Broadway's "Sweeny Todd" in January.
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Meet Athena Jean! Athena Jean is back! Unfortunately, after three years she has come back into our care due to unfortunate circumstances with her owner. Athena is around 8-11 years old, but she has a young spirit and enjoys an active lifestyle. She prefers the company of people over other animals. In her down time, Athena Jean enjoys relaxing with her human and showing all the love she has to give. Athena Jean is unaltered and has a microchip. Her adoption fee is only $65. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our adorable and awesome Athena Jean!
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Happy Friday! In today's news:
- Contract negotiations formally open for Meijer store workers
- Berrien County property values (and tax assessments) keep rising
- Lots of road project updates
- And more!
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Pink plumbing van raising awareness and money for cancer research.
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Kevin Costner and ex now on speaking terms. Last weekends SNL season premiere had the highest viewership since 2020. Travis Kelcey just bought a mansion in Kansas City.
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John Legend celebrates 10th wedding anniversary. Missy Elliott is going into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The majority of Americans are "over" Taylor Swift.
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Daniele, the Events and Operations Manager at St. Joe Today is here to talk pumpkins, witches, music and more.
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In today's news:
- Michigan's State House moves state control over solar farms forward
- A local congressman's son is safely home from Israel
- Only one SW Michigan Rite Aid is slated for closure
- And more!
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17 year old gets second chance at life and pays it forward.
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Monty Python And The Holy Grail is coming to the big screen in December. Lifetime announces holiday movie lineup. Nat Geo working on 3 documentaries for Disney + with some big name narrators.
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Pepper X is now officially the world's hottest pepper. 17 year old girls are the teens who spend the most time on their phones. You still have time to vote for one last toy for the National Toy Hall of Fame.
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Graham Nash sells music catalog. Britney Spears tells all about relationship with Justin Timberlake in new memoir out next week. Bon Jovi back in the studio recording a new album.
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In this morning's news:
- Tri-county health survey happening now to prioritize area improvements
- Benton Harbor leaders call for ban on flavored tobacco
- US Senator Gary Peters calls for customer improvement experience
- and more!
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Newly retired Grandma wins a million dollars with Lottery ticket!
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Taylor Swift allegedly buys private suite at Arrowhead Stadium AND a house in KC. Margot Robbie may be ready for kids.
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Top Halloween costumes for pets. Apple TV showing The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown for free this weekend. % of people who say they have actually seen a ghost.
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Taylor Swift remastered song will be featured in new animated movie "Migration" coming out in December. Dolly Parton to perform new music during Thanksgiving day halftime show. Rolling Stones new album comes out Friday.
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In today's news:
- Benton Harbor City Commission moves Project T forward
- Newly released document describes larger plan for Palisades
- 10th Annual Project Personal Care kicks off in South Haven
- And more!
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In this afternoon's news...
- Michigan poll shows Trump beating Biden / Whitmer beating Trump
- New document shows cost of Palisades restart higher than stated
- Pipestone detour for three weeks starts tomorrow
- and more!
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Cornerstone Alliance CEO, Rob Cleveland is here with Economic and Business Development Manager with Indiana Michigan Power, Shelley Klug to discuss their connection with each other and the community.
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Halloween decorations are helping charity.
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The passing of Suzanne Somers plus two more TV-movie icons that passed over the weekend. Guess what was big at the box office this weekend.
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It's National Bosses Day. Ice cream is as addictive as heroine? Get a happiness boost from a hobby.
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Taylor Swift makes a surprise appearance on SNL. Madonna's first Celebration concert was explosive and a huge success. Michael Buble touring in Mexico and receives and award from that country.
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In today's news:
- Fatal weekend collision takes the life of an Iowa woman
- UFCU expands into Battle Creek
- Area guest speaker talks prosthetics and how you can help
- And more!
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Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by the Mason Jar Cafe!
Meet Moca!
Moca is a three-year-old female German Shepherd and she is ready to nuzzle her way right into your heart! Moca is intelligent, energetic, loves attention, and is very eager to please. She would be the "paw-fect pal" for someone with an active lifestyle because she loves to be outside, enjoys hiking in the dunes, playing in water, and is always ready for an adventure! Moca would fit best in a family with older children or teenagers because she is a big girl who enjoys bouncy fun! When it comes to other pets, Moca would accept another dog who respects her space, but wouldn't be recommended with cats because she likes to chase them when they get the zoomies. Moca knows basic obedience commands, and will do anything for a treat! She has never had an accident in the house!! Moca is spayed, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our magnificent Moca!
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Moca is a three-year-old female German Shepherd and she is ready to nuzzle her way right into your heart! Moca is intelligent, energetic, loves attention, and is very eager to please. She would be the "paw-fect pal" for someone with an active lifestyle because she loves to be outside, enjoys hiking in the dunes, playing in water, and is always ready for an adventure! Moca would fit best in a family with older children or teenagers because she is a big girl who enjoys bouncy fun! When it comes to other pets, Moca would accept another dog who respects her space, but wouldn't be recommended with cats because she likes to chase them when they get the zoomies. Moca knows basic obedience commands, and will do anything for a treat! She has never had an accident in the house!! Moca is spayed, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccines. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our magnificent Moca!
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Chicago marathon runner for charity becomes 1 millionth to cross finish line since race began.
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Do you think Taylor Swift is over exposed? The Golden Bachelor is heating up and fans are loving it. Over 700 celebrities have signed an open letter in support of Israel and condemning Hamas.
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Friday the 13th fun facts. National M&M Day fun facts. There's a solar eclipse tomorrow.
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Singer Joe Jonas now wants divorce proceedings to be done privately and not in court. Here are some audience rules for the Era's movie. Ed Sheeran has his own watch you can buy just in time for the holidays.
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In today's news:
- Berrien County Commission adds opposition to state solar power grab
- High school student athlete endorsement deal advances
- Bangor Apple Fest is this weekend
- And more!
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Air Force Captain saves hiker's life in Yosemite National Park.
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Today I sampled a Caramel Apple Moscato.
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Jada Pinkett-Smith's new memoir coming out next week. Damon Wayans Jr. is now a talk show host. Taylor's "Eras" movie is opening TODAY instead of tomorrow.
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It's National Farmer's Day!!! You might be brushing your teeth all wrong. Powerball winning ticket from California-again! World's oldest sky diver dies days after her feat.
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Another new music release from the Troll's movie. Elton John supporting company that make sure musical artists get paid. Sir Rod Stewart is celebrating the anniversary of his Knighthood.
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Daniele, the Events and Operations Manage at St. Joe Today is here to let us know about the last Farmer's Market, art classes, Halloween fun and more.
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Good morning! In the news today:
- Fight brews between local and state officials over solar farm control
- Former Congressman Upton weighs in on Speaker of the House race
- Go Big or Go Gnome launches and you're invited to participate
- and more!
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Woman saves kitten while running Chicago marathon.
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Most popular Halloween costumes for adults this year are...? Michael Jackson Pepsi jacket to be auctioned off. Alec Baldwin may be charged once again in Rust movie shooting.
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Will there be a Seinfeld reunion soon? The world's largest pumpkin ever grown set a record on Monday. Rethink using the soad fountain at your favorite fast food place-here's why.
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Christina Aguilera confirm Las Vegas residency starting New Year's weekend. Britney Spears gets hefty ticket for driving without her license and insurance card. Bruno Mars fled Israel and left all his on stage production equipment behind.
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BCF President, Lisa Cripps-Downey is here with Benton Charter Township Supervisor, Cathy Yates to talk about Benton Township Pubic Parks input sessions open to the public.
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In this morning's news:
- Candidate forum for St. Joseph City Commission
- Bike auction this weekend
- Benton Harbor finalizes superintendent contract
- and more!
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High schooler grows and donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce.
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Netflix announces dates for the final seasons of The Crown. Arnold Schwarzenegger's new book hits stores today. Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid seem to be the latest "hot couple"....Taylor & Kelcey who?
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It's World Mental Health Day. Farmer's Almanac says it's gonna be a cold and snowy winter around here. Guess what's going to be the most popular Halloween costume this year.
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Katy Perry is the new face of new Dolce & Gabbana fragrance. Kelly Clarkson & ex battling over daughter River Rose's future singing career. Joe Jonas speaks out against Taylor Swift's 'high school' comments about his marriage.
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In the news today:
- Negotiations stall between City of St. Joe and Curious Kids Museum
- St. Joe City Commission backs off updates to Tiscornia Beach Park Master Plan
- Pokagon Band asks Dowagiac schools to stop using Chieftains mascot
- And more!
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Chris Frank, VP of External Affairs at Cornerstone Alliance brought in special guest Matt Foley from Bread + Bar to talk about how the business is serving the community.
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Third grader gets her books published, donates proceeds to buy books for low- income families.
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The Rock speaks out about Maui Fund after backlash. Mean Girls reunion for Superbowl commercial. Here's what topped the box office this weekend.
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It's Indigenous People's Day in Michigan. Tonight is another Powerball drawing. Grocery stores seeing slight decline in food purchases due to Ozempic?
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Bruno Mars cancels show in Israel-shows his support for residents online. Drake taking a year off due to health issues. Ed Sheeran's Autumn Variations #1 in UK
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In this morning's news:
- Holtec taking more steps to restarts Palisades Nuclear
- Growing Michigan council readies proposals for the governor
- Whirlpool Corp. Appliance Sale for United Way coming soon!
- and more!!
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Frank is a six month old male black and white kitten. Frank is a playful little dude, and he loves to snuggle. Frank is up-to-date on his vaccines and has been neutered. His adoption fee is only $60.00 with approved applications. Please contact Humane Society of SW Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about fabulous Frank!
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Dick Butkus passes away at the age of 80. Britney Spears father in hospital in serious condition. What's new in theatres this weekend.
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Taylor's "Era's Concert" movie pre-sale tickets have already exceeded $100 million! Why Adele is caller her fiance her husband. Ed Sheeran goes back to high school.
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In this morning's news:
- Berrien County Commissioners hold off on opposing state control of local decisions around solar and wind farms
- State lawmakers introduce bill to let high school athletes sign endorsement contracts
- People are still distracted while driving, and they're not putting down phones
- And more!
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Jamie Lynn Spears out on DWTS and Britney fans couldn't be happier. Drew Barrymore's head writers quit.
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It's World Teacher Day-say thank you to a teacher you know. CDC to stop printing Covid vaccine cards. Favorite Halloween candy by state.
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Beyonce set a Billboard concert tour record. Taylor leads the nominations for the Europe MTV Music Awards. Kelly Clarkson will be back doing Kellyoke on her talk show Monday.
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I have the perfect red blend for Halloween.
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Race Director, Veronica Jackson is here to talk about next weekend's big race that you can still register for.
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In today's news:
- Charges brought in campaign against gun violence in Benton Harbor
- Explosions on Tiscornia Beach were only a test
- Residents requested to avoid clogging storm drains with leaves
- and more!
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BCF Program Director, Susan Matheny and Ashley Hines from the Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation talk about the Alamar Nonprofit Sustainability Grant that was awarded to BHCDC.
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K-9 herds 30 goats back to safety.
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Michael Jordan is the first athlete to make the Forbes 400 Richest Americans list. Paris has a huge bed bug problem. The mayor of Minneapolis is keeping his fingers crossed for a Taylor Swift appearance this weekend.
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National Alert System Test TODAY at 2:20pm. National Taco Day fun facts. Have you put up your outdoor Christmas decorations yet?
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Will NYSYNC really get together for a reunion tour? Madonna's Celebrations Tour merch proceeds will all go to charity. Poison's Bret Michaels reveals scary medical diagnosis.
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In today's news:
- Local congressional reaction to the House Speaker's removal
- Covered bridge effort revived for Kal-Haven Trail
- Spare Some Change for Cancer fundraiser planned
- And more!
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104 year old woman sets sky diving world record in Chicago.
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Taylor Swift is giving the NFL a big boost. Patrick Stewart has a new memoir out today. Today is Mean Girls Day on Paramount+
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Wrangler is coming out with pink denim in honor of Barbie's cowboy outfit. Girl Scout cookie prices rising this year. Pizza for breakfast is pretty popular in the US.
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Lady Gaga dog kidnapping case finally settled. Mariah Carey doing a Christmas Tour with stops in Chicago and Detroit. Ed Sheeran's live Autumn Variations album out today along with videos for each song.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to talk about the Annual Business Recognition Awards now open for nomination at smrchamber.com plus other great happenings!
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In this morning's news:
- City of Dowagiac offers free water filters after lead contamination alert
- A new invasive water plant is found in Berrien Springs
- Benton Harbor considers decriminalizing minor offenses
- And More!
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Pete Davidson crashes his car again. Scream 7 will start production next year. Here's what was big at the box office this weekend.
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Forbes Richest American's list is about to drop. McRib is coming back.....again. It' National Name Your Car Day.
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Lizzo is asking judge to dismiss the harassment lawsuit against her. Britney Spears posted a brand new knife dance video on social media over the weekend. Beyonce's Renaissance Tour will now become a movie coming out in theatres in December.
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The Director of The Women's Business Center, Kristin Patzer is here to talk about National Women's Small Business Month and how the WBA is celebrating with an event.
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Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe in the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District!
Lucille is a stunningly beautiful female cat. Lucille was abandoned, along with several Ragdoll cats, by a breeder. She is good with children and with dogs. Lucille gets along well with male cats but seems to be jealous of other female cats. Lucille is spayed. Please call Animal Aid of SW Michigan at 269-934-7729 to meet the very charming Lucille.
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In today's news:
- Government shutdown averted
- Benton Harbor mayoral debate
- Drug deaths up in Berrien County
- and more!
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Hawaii ukulele festival makes big donations to families.
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Taylor Swift say NO to the NFL on using her music. Harry Styles buys mansion to convert into a nursery. Britney Spears "knife dance" prompts fans to call for another welfare check.
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Becky from Animal Aid of SW Michigan has a beautiful cat named Lucille up for adoption. She also has information on a kitte yoga event, kitten college and an adption event coming up soon.
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Good morning! In this morning's news:
- Sentencing for teenager convicted of multiple homicides in Oxford School shooting
- Ban on banning plastic grocery bags moves through State House
- Preview of next weekend's New Buffalo Harvest and Wine Fest
- And more!
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Join me as I taste an affordable Sauvignon Blanc and rate it on my five cork scale of drinkability and affordability.
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219 dogs just set a Genius Book of World Record for this!
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Late Night shows to return Monday. CBS made a good decision airing Yellowstone. "Deal or No Deal Island" coming next year.
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Here's are the photos we have the most of on our phone. It's National Good Neighbor Day with some fun facts. Taylor Swift will be at the Chiefs/Jets game this Sunday.
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Lady Gaga has a new product line out to benefit her Born This Way charity. Katy Perry is lender her voice to Peppa Pig's big 3 part special debuting next year. Jason Mraz is in 2nd place after this week's DWTS.
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Events and Operations Manager Daniele Crevier talks about Octoberfest festivities, painting at Sarette, dogs in a fountain and more happening this weekend around town.
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Good morning! In today's news,
- Former President Donald Trump visits Michigan
- It's time to get your covid and flu vaccines
- 100 Women Strong in Berrien County announces honorees
- And more!
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The California town where the dogs rule....literally.
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Writer's strike is over-Actor's strike still happening. Britney Spears mom is broke and had to take a job. 35th season of Amazing Race is tonight.
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If you've ever been dishonest about liking a meal someone cooked for you, you're in the majority. The IRS is gonna get you if you bought and sold Taylor Swift Era's tour tickets and don't report it as income. Fun facts on National Chocolate Milk Day.
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Usher is the half time performer at February's big game...with a new album and tour after that. Madonna is giving fans new music before her Celebrations tour starts. Harry Styles is off the market-again.
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BCF President, Lisa Cripps-Downey is here to talk about their 71st Annual Meeting and Celebration and the recipient of the Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant, Danielle Grandholm, Executive Director of Rising Kites.
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In today's news...
- President Biden visited striking union workers
- Former President Trump visits Michigan today
- South Haven Firefighter's Memorial gets some love
- U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg says talks continue on the federal budget
- And more!
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In the news this afternoon...
- President Biden visits striking UAW workers in Michigan
- Congressman Tim Walberg applauds Ford EV project pause
- City of St. Joseph gets sticker shock on Whirlpool Centennial Park project
- and more!
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Crocodiles help save dog from drowning after falling in a river.
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The Hollywood writer's strike could be over this week. Tiger Woods is a caddy for his son Charlie. It's the big 2-1/2 hour DWTS season premier tonight!
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Ryan Seacrest reveals what he'll change on Wheel of Fortune once he takes over as host. Spicy chicken nugs are back at McD's for a limited time. It's National Pancake Day.
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Who "really" kicked everyone out of a KC restaurant after the Chief's game? Was it Taylor or was it Travis? Adele kicked out some rowdy fans at her Las Vegas show last weekend. Alicia Keyes is coming out with a new beverage called...Alicia Teas.
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Debbie Ramirez, Director of Volunteer Engagement at UWSWMI talks about "Rake A Difference Day" and the need for volunteers for November's big day of raking for senior citizens who can't do it themselves.
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In today's headlines
- Answers on the helicopters this past weekend
- Marshall EV plant is paused
- Curious Kids Museum sale stalled
- Roof sit fundraiser in Watervliet this weekend
- And more!
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In the news this afternoon:
- Did you hear the helicopters over the weekend?
- 15-year-old Benton Harbor teen is fatally shot
- Roof sit fundraiser set for this weekend in Watervliet
- And more!
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VP of External Affairs, Chris Frank and Business Development Coordinator, Jillian Nadolski are here to talk about their support of Emergency Preparedness Month.
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Couple who met on dating app share same birthday and met each other in kindergarten.
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It's National One Hit Wonders Day-here are the votes for the top 10. Heinz & Kraft making gummy versions of hot dogs, mac n cheese, pickles just in time for Halloween. Keep your eyes peeled for a message in a bottle for a chance to score an overnight lighthouse stay near Mackinac Island.
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Taylor Swift big attraction at Chief's game yesterday. Kelly Clarkson speaks out about being single. Olivia Newton John's platinum album re-release.
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In today's news, a fatal gun incident happened over the weekend in Benton Harbor, law enforcement is stepping up construction zone safety in Van Buren County, a rabid bat was found in our region, park officials are looking at new playground equipment for Silver Beach, and more...
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Meet Pumpkin, available for adoption from Cass County Animal Control.
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Older couple stuck in rip current get rescued by couple on sufboards.
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Drew Carey has been paying for striking writer's meals for the past five months. America's Got Talent gets a spinoff. What's new in theatres this weekend.
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Saying goodbye to summer and hello to the top 10 states to visit in the fall. At home spelling bee parties are the "it" thing.
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Harry Styles top among those being considered to perform the next James Bond theme. Madonna tour merch now available. Bernie Taupin's new memoir #5 on NYTBSL.
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Happy Friday and happy last day of Summer 2023! Here's your morning news headlines:
- Calls for new environmental study seek to slow plans for Palisades Nuclear
- West Nile Virus found in humans in West Michigan
- Leaders preparing for next steps on Orchards Mall
- Happening today: Berrien County Veterans Stand Down event
- And more!
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Daniele gives us a rundown of everything happening in and around town this weekend.
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A dog named Lucky finds himself in an unlucky situation.
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Cabbage Patch Doll documentary coming out on Black Friday. Could the writer's strike finally be over? Jamie Lynn Spears blasted for special treatment on DWTS.
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A.I. can speak...chicken? Kraft Singles recall due to plastic wrapper defect. Otsego outhouse mishap.
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Boy George has new memoir coming out. Jackson Browne re-releasing debut album. Jewel has a 25th anniversary album re-release coming soon.
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In this morning's news for Southwest Michigan:
- A prolonged UAW strike will hurt SW Michigan economy
- Suspect dies in police custody days after tasing
- Candidate forum set for St. Joseph City Commission
- Van Buren has a new K9 officer
- And more!
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WSJM's Jonny Reinhardt talks with Lisa Cripps-Downey with Berrien Community Foundation regarding "Food For Good"
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79 year old working on getting high school diploma.
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Vanna White finally gets a raise. Kevin Costner finally gets divorced. Danny Masterson's wife has not filed for divorce.
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Garlic is your new bathroom deodorizer. 70% of people surveyed say they don't like the taste of water. Olive oil prices are skyrocketing.
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Ed Sheeran's Autumn Variations album will also have a live version coming out soon. Taylor Swift is encouraging her fans to register to vote. Tay was also spotted wearing an opal pendant in NTC....Travis Kelce's birthstone....I'm sure it doesn't mean anything....or does it?
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Good morning! In today’s WSJM Morning News...
- The US auto strike continues.
- A convicted murderer is sentenced to 25-50 years in prison.
- Roadrunners beware, there’s a coyote alert in Benton Harbor.
- DNR says squash those spotted lantern flies!
And more.
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Three daughters share same birthday/separate years.
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Hollywood union pressuring DWTS to halt production before next week's debut. More women coming forward with Russell Brand assault claims. Chris Rock needed therapy after Oscar slap.
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Happy 41st Anniversary to the emoji. Try these things to beat fatigue without drinking coffee. Disney World shut down briefly yesterday because of this.
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Ariana Grande officially files for divorce. Katy Perry sells her music catalog. Iconic Phil Collins hit now Monday Night Football's opening theme.
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Sarah and Zack talk about the Navaquest Really Smart Marketing FREE workshop, a Ted Talk Speaker on October 2nd, and the St. Joseph City Commission Candidate Forum on October 10th. Get details on this and more at smrchamber.com!
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Jackie Yates, Manager of the Women's Business Center is here to talk about three big events coming up for people interested in starting their own business.
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"Coat Angel" see donations of 590 coats to hand out this year.
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Where you can get National Cheeseburger Day deals! Make sure you're wiping down your Smartwatch band. High heels will eventually wreak havoc all over your body if you wear them every day.
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Justin Timberlake has a new album and tour for 2024. Sia's new album drops next year too. Is Adele really married???
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Charity group cares for pets of struggling families.
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These things might be causing your fatigue. New poll reveals what Americans think is the ideal nap time. Lab grown vs. natural diamonds.
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Chicago releasing a new Christmas compilation album. New dating rumors about Taylor Swift. Beyonce rents 11 villas in French Polynesia for her birthday.
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Good morning! You can find the stories here online (along with additional information and updates) at WSJM.com. Thank you for listening and have a great weekend!
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Fall Fest, shopping deals, performances and more all happening in and around town this weekend. Daniele from St. Joe Today gives us the full scoop.
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Thrift store manager returns lost cash worth $5k
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Full lineup of DWTS! Masked Singer swaps out a judge. Bill Maher's show "Real Time" will go on without writers.
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Post pandemic work-life balance. Perfume that smell like....a phone book??? National Toy Hall of Fame nominees for 2023!
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John Mayer and Jewel stepping up to do charity concerts this month. Bonnie Tyler joins exclusive YouTube club. Carrie Underwood adding dates to her Las Vegas residency.
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Thank you for starting your day with us!
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Today BCF Program Director Susan Matheny talks about volunteering with BCF volunteer Ann Marie Marlow.
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12 year old saves man from drowning.
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Jamie Lynn Spears a contestant on DWTS. National Book Foundation cancels Drew Barrymore. Oprah slammed on social media for her Maui fund.
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OTC cold medicine doesn't really work, according to the FDA. New A.I. Coke flavor? The countries that consume the most beer.
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News local to Southwest Michigan provided by the WSJM Newsroom.
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We're joined by Emily Kirchner, Senior Manager of Communications at Whirlpool and Jennifer Tomshack, Communication Director at United Way of SWMI to talk about Whirlpool's Move To Make A Difference Day happening this Saturday.
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Missing airport dog found after 3 weeks.
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Drew Barrymore audience members asked to leave for wearing WGA pins. GMA's Robin Roberts gets married. Brady Bunch house finally sells.
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IPhone 15 comes out today. McDonald's getting rid of self-serve soft drink stations. Students staring at the letter A before taking a test perform better.
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Ed Sheeran crashes wedding. Christina Aguilera gets Las Vegas residency. You can have dinner with Melissa Etheridge.
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A selection of morning news headlines from Southwest Michigan from WSJM.
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Amazon driver from Portage, MI saves man from fire.
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Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis make online apology for character letters they sent to judge in Danny Masterson case. Drew Barrymore doing season 4 of talk show despite writer's strike-following policies. Who were the big winners at the box office over the weekend?
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9/11 #GirlHammer Fall wedding trends.
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Ed Sheeran show cancellation in Vegas leaves fans furious. Rihanna's new baby's name finally revealed. Beastie Boys immortalized in NYC.
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Chris Frank, VP of External Affairs with Cornerstone Alliance along with Sherrif Paul Bailey are here to talk about how 9/11 has changed our emergency preparedness.
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Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe!
Bugsy is a 1-year old male Labrador Retriever-Springer Spaniel mix. Bugsy is an energetic fellow. Give him a tennis ball or squeaky toy and he will entertain himself for hours! He is a little too playful for cats and likes to select his own dog friends. Bugsy is searching for an active family with the time and patience to help him learn good canine manners. He is up-to-date on vaccines but has not yet been neutered. Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our busy guy, Bugsy.
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Teacher donates kidney to fellow teacher.
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Jimmy Fallon accusations. Danny Masterson sentenced. What's new in theatres this weekend.
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Chocolate chip pancake Pop Tarts are a real thing now. Gatorade is testing a new drink....water. Kate Spade brand just came out with couture dog items for under $100.
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Daniele, the Events & Operations Manager at St. Joe Today talks pumpkins, plays, and paper making happening in and around town this weekend.
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100 year old tortoise wanders away from home, gets himself in trouble, and finds his way back home again.
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Tom Brady new spokesperson for Delta Airlines. Aaron Rogers just shared his UFO experience. You can start streaming The Barbie Movie next week.
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Weird things people add to their chili. Most annoying NFL fan bases. Tik Tok tea trend.
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New album from the Rolling Stones headed your way next month. Freddie Mercury memorabilia sells for millions. Bruce Springsteen suffering from peptic ulcers-postpones tour.
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Vita Peres and Nicole Ferrar from Telamon Corporation join BCF Program Director, Susan Methany to talk about their Golden Acorn Classroom Mini-Grant award.
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Rare spotless giraffe finally gets a name.
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Bob Barker's official cause of death. PETA wants part of Hollywood Blvd. renamed after Bob Barker. Whoopie Goldberg misses premier of new season of The View due to Covid.
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Joe Jonas files for divorce. Taylor Swift's Era's Tour movie ineligible for an Oscar. Diana Ross leads Beyonce audience in Happy Birthday.
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Man run 100 miles to raise awareness for depression and suicide.
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Bob Newhart turns 94 today! The Barbie movie surpasses THIS movie to become this year's top grossing movie of 2023. What was the top movie over the holiday weekend?
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American workers are feeling under appreciated. Boomers on phone over 300 hours a year. Universities with the best food.
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Saying goodbye to two prominent musicians over the weekend. Update on Celine Dion.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is here to chat about a trail ribbon cutting, our next NextGen networking event, and a Business After Hours coming up! Details at smrchamber.com!
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Foster dog saves family from fire.
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New Prince Harry docuseries on Netflix. New movie Ferrari receives 7 minute standing ovation in Venice. Oprah and The Rock form fund for Maui fire victims.
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Things to look forward to in September. Fantasy football fanatic states. Labor Day facts.
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Taylor's Eras Tour is now a movie. Ed Sheeran's new Autumn Variations album cover is designed for you to customize to your liking. Mariah Carey's "Music Box" now has a 30th anniversary re-issue.
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$4 painting turns out to be lost art worth $250k
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Meg Ryan has new Rom-Com coming out in October. Burger King being sued for false advertising. Selena Gomez slammed for violating rules of actor's strike.
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More and more Americans are bored at work. The Barbie effect is real at concession stands. Record breaking alligator captured in Mississippi.
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Taylor Swift being blasted by environmentalists. Nick Carter is accused of sexual assault for the third time. Lauren Daigle offering sensory rooms at her concerts.
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Sailboat Ragatta, Artisan Fair, Outdoor Concerts and more are a part of the holiday weekend fun. Daniele from St. Joe Today fills us in.
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Chris Jaybin from Fernwood Botanical Garden joins BCF Program Director, Susan Matheny to talk about For Good Grants.
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93 year old woman sews quilts for shelter dogs.
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Late night hosts ban together to make podcast to benefit writers. Bob Barker tribute to air tomorrow night on CBS. Sarah Jessica Parker adopts Carrie Bradshaw's cat.
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National Beach Day fun facts. Window blind hack to keep your house cooler. Shopping hack to keep you from buying what you don't need.
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Katy Perry spills about her favorite things in Vegas after her residency there. Taylor Swift sets another record. Sara Bareilles performs at US Open.
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United Way is teaming up with Whirlpool Corporation for their "Move To Make A Difference Day" coming up for everyone on Saturday, September 16th. Find out more.
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Wedding ring found in lake after 14 years.
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Simone Biles makes gymnastic history. This Dancing With The Stars pro won't be returning this season. Preview of the women on The Golden Bachelor tomorrow night.
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Over 80% of American's say they are on their phone during mealtime. America's most hated foods. Who should play at next year's big game halftime show?
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Streamy Award winners. Taylor Swift just ended her Era's tour in Mexico. Elton John spent night in hospital due to fall.
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VP of External Affairs, Chris Frank and Assistant to VP of External Affairs, Jenna Huffman-Schmidt are here to talk about Kee Boon Mein Kaa Powwow happening this Labor Day weekend.
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106 year old WWII veteran throws out first pitch.
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Bob Barker tribute. Adam Sandler has new movie out on Netflix starring his family. What was top at the box office this weekend.
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Pumpkin spice trash bags??? "Barbie Girl" group Aqua going out on tour. US Open starts today. Hurrican Idalia to hit Florida on Wednesday.
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Kelly Clarkson is re-releasing a deluxe version of her new album next month. Adele drama as she shuts down a security guard during a performance. Adele also suffered sciatica pain at a show over the weekend and had to sit on the edge of the stage to perform.
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With a new school year about here, Michigan students are being reminded of the OK2Say tipline. OK2Say was launched in 2014 as a way for students to anonymously seek help with threatening situations in their schools. Program
Set for September 14 is an annual fundraiser for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan. The center’s Stephanie Crider tells us Voices for Children: Memories at Millcreek will be held at The Millcreek Wilde in Watervliet
The Niles Scream Park has announced 16 scholarships to mostly Niles area high school students. Park Manager Pete Karlowicz tells us the non-profit park gives the scholarships to young people who have volunteered there. “We have volunteers
ABC News (WASHINGTON) — Martin Luther King Jr.’s only grandchild was among those who gathered on the National Mall Saturday to honor the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, a prominent moment in the Civil Rights
ABC News/SkordleTV (CHOCTAW, Okla.) — A teenager was killed and several people were injured after gunfire erupted at a high school football game in Oklahoma Friday night, police said. The shooting occurred at Choctaw High School during
JB Lacroix/WireImage Legendary TV star Bob Barker, who hosted the famed game show The Price Is Right for 35 years, has died. He was 99. Barker died at his home the morning of Saturday, August 26, his
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have voted to apply for a $2.5 million grant to fix up and reopen the Bobo Brazil Community Center. At a meeting this past week, Assistant City Manager Alex Little said the funding
WCVB (BOSTON) — Seven people were shot at a Caribbean carnival celebration in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, according to police. Police responded to reports of multiple people shot just before 8 a.m. Saturday, BPD Officer Michael Torigian told
WJXX (LAKE CITY, Fla) — A 12-year-old girl died this week after shots were fired into her Florida home. Police in Lake City, Florida, said officers found the girl suffering from a gunshot wound on Thursday night.
ABC News (MOSCOW, Idaho) — Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho college students last fall, have asked the judge to nix cameras in the courtroom “for the remainder of the
5 year old helps raise $16,000 for Maui fire survivors.
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Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District!
Meet Tater-Tot! This guy is a seven month old American Bulldog mix. Tater-Tot is amazing! He is full of love and likes to be sure you feel the love!! Tater-Tot is up-to-date on vaccines but has not yet been neutered. He is with Van Buren County Animal Control, Phone 269-621-4624, 58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057. Please reach out to them to learn more about their terrific little guy, Tater-Tot!
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More on the Michael Oher drama. Jamie Foxx has a new movie coming out soon. What's new at the box office this weekend.
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Walmart is testing drone delivery. National Park Service Founders Day. Tomorrow is National Dog Day!
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Ed Sheeran's second NEW album this year coming out next month. Daughtry's new single is about A.I.-watch the video at 983thecoast.com under music news. A Taylor Swift song is being used in new TikTok trend with cats.
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80 year old "paperboy" saves a life on his route.
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Kevin Hart is in a wheelchair after racing his NFL friend. Halle Berry gets divorced and has to pay HOW MUCH in child support? Barbie movie to get special IMAX release.
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Starbucks put PSL back on their menu TODAY. Dogs love women more because of this one reason-find out what it is. August 24th is the "sickest" day of the year.
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Britney Spears gets a new puppy. Taylor's "Look What You Made Me Do" re-released now available. Beyonce wants fans to all wear silver to her concerts in September-find out why.
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Daniele, the Events & Operations Manager at St. Joe Today is here to talk about a family fun event at Sarette Nature Center, a classic car show, outdoor concerts and more all happening this weekend.
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All 5 year old wants for her birthday is to donate her hair to Locks of Love
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Drew Barrymore has a stalker. Britney Spears gets to keep the dogs-except one. What's happening on TV this fall.
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It's National Cheap Flight Day. Child care costs are going up. Atari 2600 getting a reboot.
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Taylor Swift bringing Era's tour to Indianapolis next November. Scooter Braun is losing client left and right. Lizzo out in public-not addressing her law suit.
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I spoke with Lori Marciniak, Executive Director of The Curious Kids Museum regarding their fire and what they are aspiring to do moving forward.
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Football star donates hundreds of school supplies to hometown.
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Al Roker celebrates 69th birthday. Charlize Theron shuts down facelift rumors. The Golden Bachelor premiers September 28th.
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Tips for finding lost items. Salmonella outbreak linked to turtles. National Tooth Fairy Day fun facts.
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Rihanna announces baby #2. Adele beats this addiction. Justin Bieber might have a new album coming out soon.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber tells us about a NextGEN networking opportunity for Young Professionals tomorrow, a mural unveiling Thursday, and a Groundbreaking for Corewell Health in Bridgman next week. Get details and register at smrchamber.com!
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Chris Frank and Dr. Hamel from Corewell Health discuss Corewell's story and connection with Cornerstone Alliance and their impact on our community.
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101 year old woman sets world record in production of Peter Pan.
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Peace talks between King Charles and Prince Harry set for September. Tori Spelling in hospital amidst her divorce. Did Barbie reign at box office for 5th straight weekend?
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Tropical Storm Hillary wreaking havoc in California. Darker paint colors will be the trend in 2024. It's National Senior Citizens Day!
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Kelly Clarkson's kids perform on stage with her in Vegas. Josh Grobin sick with Covid-sidelined from Broadway's Sweeny Todd. N'SYNC reunion???
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Summer lifeguard job training helps college student save his grandfather's life.
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87% of parents get back to school blues! The latest wedding trend-tattoos??? 80 is the new 60.
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Enrique Iglesias in concert in Chicago in November. Ed Sheeran's hot sauce brand now available in the US. Justin Timberlake to star in new Netflix thriller.
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This one-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, also known as Red Heeler, is ready to find his forever home. Patch came into our shelter very unsocialized, so we have been working with him to build confidence and trust. Like most young dogs, he will have bursts of energy but does enjoy keeping things laid back. It doesn’t take long for this guy to warm up and show you his sweet personality. We recommend Patch finds a home with knowledge about his breed and with a big yard for him to run around in. Patch’s adoption fee is $65. If you are interested in meeting Patch please call Cass County Animal Control at 269-445-3701 or stop in and see him at 323 N. M-62 Highway Cassopolis, MI 49031.
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Daniel, the Events & Operations Manager at St. Joe Today tells us about outdoor concerts, the artisan fair and farmer's market, a soapbox derby and more happening this weekend.
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Age is just a number. Here are some seniors out there having fun.
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Alec Baldwin may still go to trial over "Rust" shooting. Cher has her own wildlife refuge. Barbie beat Batman at the box office.
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Happy 41st Anniversary to the compact disc. Twitter trend "Signs You're In Your 40s" hilarious answers. It's National Thrift Store Day.
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Taylor Swift turned down next year's big game half time show. Britney Spears in talks to do Oprah interview while in the midst of divorce drama.
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Susan Matheny, Program Director, talks about all the "good" things happening with BCF and our community.
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Man raises therapy dogs and donates them to police departments to help with PTSD.
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The Mark Zuckerberg/Elon Musk cage match probably isn't going to happen. Young & Restless star, Eric Braden (Victor Newman) is now cancer free! The family tragedy that caused Kathryn McVee and David Foster to cancel the rest of their Asia tour.
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National Roller Coaster Day fun facts. People are calling for Sandra Bullock to return her Oscar for The Blind Side due to Michael Oher scandal. If you could return to a major historical event which one would it be? - Find out the number one event Americans would want to return to.
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Madonna finally announces new dates for Celebration Tour. P!nk makes history in Wisconsin. Adele left in tears after on stage gender reveal for fans.
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Jennifer Tomshack, Communications & Marketing Director at United Way of SWMI and Emily Kirchner, Sr. Manager of Communications at Whirlpool Corporation talk about Whirlpool's Move to Make a Difference Day coming up September 16th!
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Popsicle business gives proceeds to help Maui victims.
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Jonathan Scott is engaged!!!! Michael Oher suing Tuohy family over "false" adoption. Margo Robbie can now afford a Malibu Beach House after Barbie movie.
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This is the average amount of debt the average American has. Pet myths. AI can guess your password by listening to you type.
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Ed Sheeran has another new album coming out next month. Madonna cannot tour without a team of doctor approvals. Taylor Swift college courses expand to Europe.
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Chris Frank, VP of External Affairs at Cornerstone Alliance talks with Anna Beebe from Midwest Glass and how they are helping our community.
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Community rescues old schoolhouse.
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Floyd Mayweather helping Maui wildfire victims. Jurassic Park back in theatres this month for 30th anniversary. Barbie #1 at box office for 4th straight week.
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Reasons why you're always tired. Black licorice could help fight pancreatic cancer. World's largest cruise ship ready to set sail in January.
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Mick Fleetwood's Maui restaurant lost in wildfire. Katy Perry hints at new album. Taylor Swift tried her hand at acting again.
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Slim Shady is a bundle of joy with a mischievous streak! He is a fun-loving all-gray kitten, as curious as can be, and has an adventurous spirit. His friends call him "Shady" and he has a lot of friends in his foster home... dogs, other cats, and people! Shady adores everyone and can often be found playfully interacting with others while creating heartwarming friendships. Shady's friendly nature makes him the life of every party, always seeking attention and spreading happiness wherever he goes. With his sleek gray coat and charming personality, Slim Shady is the coolest companion you'll ever have! Shady's estimated birthday is March 25th, 2023. He is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. Please send an email to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org or a private message to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PawsOfHopeSwMich) to learn more about the coolest cat of them all, Slim Shady!
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Mom and daughter go to space together.
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Kevin Costner admits he is now a Swiftie after attending her show. Sandra Bullock had unofficial "marriage" ceremony with Bryan Randall years ago. What's new at the box office this weekend.
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Rose colored Barbie Birkenstocks are selling out fast. "Brotox" is now a thing for guys. Perseid meteors will peak this weekend.
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Harry Styles has a new lip balm that's flavored with pepper. Taylor Swift helps Michael's Craft Stores with jewelry making kit sales before shows. Madonna's family vineyard for sale in norther Michigan.
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Daniele, the Events & Operations Manager at St. Joe Today talks about concerts, plays, markets and more happening around town this weekend.
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Family donates hundreds of Barbie dolls to Ronald McDonald House charity auction.
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Big Brother contestant booted due to racial slur. Important cast member of FBI: Most Wanted will not return for next season. Brad Pitt to star in new Netflix "Mad Max" type movie.
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It's National Spoil Your Dog Day. New tarantula species found in Iran. New avacado that changes color when ripe.
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Lada Gaga has added this to her makeup line. Pink fan goes into labor during her show in Boston and walks to the hospital to deliver. Taylor Swift gets an 8 minute standing ovation after her last Era's tour show in LA.
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Chris Hurdle, BCF Program Coordinator brings in guests Kristin McKay and Jen Maurer from the YMCA of Greater Michiana to talk about For Good Grants.
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Gas pump gadgets raise money for schools and charities.
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Corey Feldman files for divorce. Billy Porter forced to sell home due to writer's strike. Catch the Michael Jackson experience in Vegas this month.
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Ireland says goodbye to Sinead O'Connor. Taylor Swift leading the nominees for MTV's VMAs. Harry Styles sets tour record.
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8 year old saves her grandfather's life.
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Sandra Bullock's life partner passes away from ALS. Natalie Portman files for divorce. Jeopardy season 40 will launch with a twist due to writer's strike.
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It's International Cat Day. It's National Pickleball Day. AND it's National "Sneak Some Zucchini On Your Neighbor's Porch Day"
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Daughtry has new album coming out. Dua Lipa has new album coming out. Stand Up To Cancer benefit concert happening next Saturday.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber talks with Zack about the Business After Hours happening at the South State Street location of United Federal Credit Union this Thursday, plus Chamber Day with the Detroit Lions, and an upcoming NextGen event, all found at smrchamber.com!
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We are talking with members of the Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance about their recent trip to Washington D.C. and their Third Thursday event coming up.
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Tons of sweet corn donated to charity.
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Battle of the billionaires. Barbie is 1st solo female directed movie to make 1 billion. Barbie #1 for third straight weekend.
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Is Monday or Friday the least productive work day? The hour of the day we crave sweets the most. "Weird Barbie" doll now available for purchase.
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Update on Celine Dion from her sister. Pink is paying tribute to Sinead O'Connor at her summer concerts. Neil Diamond musical giving back to Parkinson's Foundation.
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First grade teacher forms his own literacy campaign to put books in barbershops.
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Barbie puts Ryan Gosling on the Billboard charts. The Notebook is being made into a Broadway musical. What's new in theatres this weekend.
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The history behind National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Monopoly Scrabble is a real game coming out in October. Exploding watermelons!
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Daniele, the Events & Operations Manager at St. Joe Today talks about Chalk The Block, Sarrett Nature Center's animal event, Antiques on The Bluff and more, so you can plan your weekend.
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Former British soldier walks 19,000 miles for military charities.
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Leah Remini suing Church of Scientology. Tori Spelling living in RV with her 5 kids. Barbie Monopoly is now a thing.
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The makers of Uno willing to pay big for you to play their new game. What are the biggest pickleball cities in the US? Perseid meteors should be big tonight.
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Miley Cyrus is the face of new Gucci perfume. Ed Sheeran builds chapel for famous friends who come to visit. Cher sells music catalog.
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Today's we're talking about a special BCF grant for a new Beach Wheelchair for Silver Beach county park.
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93 year old climbs Yosemite's Half Dome.
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The Barbie movie could be banned in the Middle East. Restaurants are serving up the "Paul Rubens" sandwich right now. Joe gets Bubbles in the divorce from Sophia.
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It's National Ice Cream Sandwich Day! Gwyneth Paltrow offering her guest house as an Air BnB. Don't use these items if you're renting an Air BnB.
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Find out who Elton John is vacationing with after his long tour. LL Cool J is going back out on tour after 30 years. Taylor Swift gives her truckers a HUGE raise.
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Dr. Applegate, Superintendent of Niles Community Schools talks about the CTE Public Awareness Campaign with United Way.
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Students raise money for teacher's medical bills.
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RIP Pee Wee. Suzanne Sommers announces she has cancer. Pete Davidson out of rehab and on tour.
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Things to look forward to in August. How Americans like their sandwiches. What are the best peanut butters?
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Madonna publicly credits her children for her recovery. Lady Gaga bringing her Jazz & Piano residency back to Vegas. Billy Eilish doing a solar powered show at Lollapalooza.
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Mattress company uses excess material to make pet beds for animal shelters.
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Kevin Costner's wife finally moves out of their estate, but not off their property. Guess which movie was number one at the box office over the weekend...and more.
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Use the "Barbie Test" to screen potential dates. Would you ever make a formal complaint about your neighborhood ice cream truck? If you can't stand these five things you are officially old.
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Taylor Swift fans create an earthquake...sort of. Hotel service workers in L.A. are on strike and want Taylor to postpone her Eras tour there this week. Ed Sheeran slings dogs in Chicago.
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We spoke with Chris Frank, VP of External Affairs and her guests regarding the Going Pro Program and how it is impacting Berrien County.
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UPS driver saves dogs from their burning home.
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The new Exorcist movie trailer is giving people nightmares. Sophia V. and Joe M. now in a custody battle over their dog. Harry and Meghan are spending time apart to figure things out.
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National Chicken Wing Day fun facts. Is it iced tea or ice tea? Pilots testify under oath they have seen and flown with UFOs.
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Randy Meisner passes away at age 77. Jonas Brothers are adding more dates to their "The Tour" tour. Huey Lewis & The News to re-release "Sports" on vinyl in September.
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Coco is such a handsome guy. He has been here at the shelter for 478 days! During his stay, Coco has been a complete gentleman. He has a bit of a boujee side to him, as he's very particular as to which bed is his! When it comes to treat time, Coco takes his treats gently and is very grateful. He is also good around kids and other animals. Coco has a pretty laid back temperament. Coco is one of our senior dogs here at the shelter. He has been neutered, microchipped, and fully vaccinated. His adoption fee is only $40.00. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our boujee boy, Coco.
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Events and Operations Manager, Daniele Crevier, is here to tell us about all the fun events to take advantage of this weekend.
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Sweet gentleman who waves at cars everyday gets some nice gifts to help him keep doing that.
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Hulk Hogan is engaged...again. Snoop Dog is joining the ranks of artists showing solidarity with writers/actors. Mattel is planning more toy based movies.
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Beat the heat hacks. Vacation photos we hate to see online. Impulse buying is down...by how much?
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RIP Sinead. Spotify letting Swifites rank their favorite "Eras". TV series based on Taylor Swift songs may be coming soon.
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President Biden's dog needs help from The Dog Whisperer. Jeopardy contestant boycotting the Tournament of Champions competition in solidarity with striking writers. Dave Chappel back on tour and will be in Chicago-find out when.
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Mega Millions could turn into Mega Billions. It's so hot in Phoenix right now people shoes are melting. Adopt these 8 habits by the time you're 40 to add and extra 20 to your life.
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And season 22 judges for American Idol are.....? Lady Gaga/Tony Bennett documentary coming in September. Herb Alpert congratulates Taylor Swift on beating his record.
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Emily Kirchner, Senior Manager of Communications at Whirlpool Corporation joins BCF Program Director, Susan Matheny to talk about Backpacks For Good.
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Hero dog receives cash reward for finding fugitive.
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Jack Black speaks out about actors strike. David Letterman spotted in Iowa bagging groceries. Amy Schumer was almost Barbie.
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Barbie fun facts. How to tell if your dog loves you. What parents spend on back to school
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Kelly Clarkson's album is not selling well. Ed Sheeran sings at karaoke bar and fans go crazy. Cher launches Gelato brand.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber tells us about the need for blood in the community today with a blood drive, plus Business After Hours events this week and in August, Detroit Lions game opportunities for Chamber members, and an upcoming NextGen mixer! See it all at smrchamber.com!
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Chris Frank, VP of External Affairs brings in Adrian Miller from Special-Lite to talk about the business and their community event happening tomorrow.
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Baseball stadium cat ready to retire and find a forever home.
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Jamie Foxx talks to fans on IG about his "illness". Shark Tank Shark files restraining order against former contestants. Of course Barbie was number one at the box office-here's what rounded out the top five.
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P!nk kicks off her Summer Carnival Tour Today and we have tickets for you when she makes her stop at Wrigley Field in Chicago! It's National Drive-Thru Day. Twitter is rebranding to "X".
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Yet another singer is hit by something thrown onstage. Find out who. Taylor Swift beats the Beatles. Tony Bennett tributes.
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Baseball stars create special day for cancer patients.
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Are you wearing pink today in honor of Barbie opening in theatres? Comic-Con celebrities not allowed to participate when on strike. Shark Week starts Sunday on Discovery.
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Millennials are not pro-marriage these days. Do you think you're being underpaid at work? New theme park to rival Disney World being built in Oklahoma.
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Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors Live" box set coming out in September. Wham! documentary on Netflix has their digital sales up over 500%!!! Arianna Grande not ashamed to expose she was dating someone before filing for divorce.
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Adorable Neva came to Al-Van Humane Society from another shelter to get a new set of eyes on her. She's a playful and affectionate girl who is full of energy. She'll be perfect for a person or family who loves to be outside! Neva does know basic cues, but she gets very excited and likes to jump for toys and treats. She's very friendly with people and gets along well with other dogs. Neva weighs about 53 pounds and we estimate her to be 5-6 years old. She is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. If you'd like to meet this sweet girl, go to al-van.org/adopt to fill out an application. Neva's adoption fee is only $50 this month during Empty the Shelters sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation!
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Daniele Crevier is the Events and Operations Manager at St. Joseph Today and is here to tell us about all the events that are happening this weekend and the rest of the summer.
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Scuba diver known as Merman Mike finds engagement ring lost in bottom of lake.
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Kim K's "Skims" shapeware brand is making billions! Maria Menounos is a new mom. Is Renee Zellweger really engaged???
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So you didn't win the Powerball....but we hope it isn't a celebrity who did! Netflix woes. Happy National Moon Day.
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Ed Sheeran showers birthday gifts on his biggest "littlest" fan. Beyonce has a new perfume coming out soon. Elton John made HOW MUCH per minute during his farewell tour???
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BCF President, Lisa Cripps-Downy talks about "Gotcha Doin' Good" and "Backpacks For Good"
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$3 thrift store vase turns into $13,000 treasure.
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Lionel Richie has a new fragrance coming out today called Easy Like Sunday Morning. Harry & Meghan gossip. Tiger Woods ex-girlfriend dropping her $30 million lawsuit against him.
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National Hot Dog Day fun facts. How long does it take you to relax on vacation? Get ready for new pumpkin spice beer next month.
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"The Singers Talk" book out soon to benefit St. Jude's. Madonna getting more active on social media again...ready to get back it. Taylor Swift made another honorary mayor.
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Superintendent of Niles Community Schools, Dr. Dan Applegate joins us to talk about the Berrien College Access Network and Career and Technical Education and how the United Way is supporting these efforts.
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A man and his dog lost at sea for months finally get rescued last week.
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CBS adding "Yellowstone" to their Fall lineup due to writer's strike. Lindsay Lohan is now a new mom. Sophia Vergara just filed for divorce.
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Where are the countries worst drivers, really? Don't throw away your old iPhones! Is it really that bad to break up with your current wireless provider?
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Taylor Swift breaks a record previously held by Barbara Streisand. Harry Styles gets waxed seven times. Of King & Country kicks off Christmas concert tour in Chicago.
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We're joined by Chris Frank, VP of External Affairs @ Cornerstone Alliance and Kristen Patzer, Director of the Women's Business Center to talk about the grand opening of Sticky Spoons Jam in Niles, July 21st-23rd.
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Rubber Ducks float down lazy river for charity.
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Ty Pennington recovering from throat surgery. William Shatner investing in Space Crystals company so we all can have the opportunity to send out DNA to the moon. What topped the box office this weekend.
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Go out and buy those lottery tickets! Perseid meteor showers start tonight. Extreme heat in the US and what we really prefer summer temperatures to be.
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Elton John's Farewell Tour sets huge records. Taylor Swift is also setting records and could catch up to EJ. Goo Goo Dolls 25th anniversary vinyl release.
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The St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education is studying the feasibility of creating an early childhood center in the district. At a meeting this past week, the board approved an agreement with United Federal Credit Union
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images/STOCK (FARGO, N.D.) — Police in Fargo, North Dakota, say one of their own was killed in a shooting Friday, an incident that also critically injured two other officers and injured two civilians. The suspect died
Lincoln Township could soon implement a system to easily notify residents of things happening in the community. Lincoln Township Clerk Stacy Loar Porter tells us the Civic Plus mass notification system could send out text messages, emails,
Hollywood actors strike! New survival show coming to CW next month. What’s new at the box office this weekend.
America’s favorite ice cream flavors. Mac N Cheese Day fun facts. Two big lottery jackpots up for grabs this weekend.
Lisa Marie’s cause of death revealed. Billy Joel adding dates to his last Madison Square Garden residency. Taylor Swift releases digital album with live cuts on 7/13.
Daniele, the Events and Operations Manager, dishes about the Mike Yore Classic Car Show, Artisan Fair, Friday Night Concert Series and more happening this weekend.
Best Drama and Best Comedy series Emmy nominees. Mission Impossible sneak peek portends big sales for this summer’s big blockbuster. Anthony Michael Hall is a dad at 55.
What was the number one selling item during Amazon Prime days? Use these tricks to make a red light change quicker. Hacks to beat the summer heart.
The Eagles add more tour dates. Get cheap(er) tickets to some Las Vegas residency shows this summer. Luther Vandross is the latest musician to have a movie made about them.
Kevin Costner is being taken to the cleaners in divorce. Top Chef announces new host. The Super Models docuseries coming to Apple TV in September.
Get ready to take a Hallmark Christmas cruise. The most and least stressed out cities in America. Burger King’s new cheeseburger without the burger.
Britney Spears new book finally coming out in October. Billie Eilish also on Barbie soundtrack. Taylor Swift breaks the internet in France.
Tree trimmer is the only one to be able to rescue a kitten stuck in a tree for several days.
The countersuit against Lady Gaga in her dognapping case has been dismissed by the judge. Ryan Reynolds on his role as “Ken”. Hugh Jackman will be back on screen next May in Deadpool 3.
Researchers are saying to stop drinking diet soda now! Amazon Prime days today and tomorrow-here’s what we’re buying-here are the states that love it the most.
Sam Smith is back on tour after being on vocal rest since late May. He also just revealed he’ll be featured on the “Barbie” soundtrack. Madonna is now starting to reschedule her Celebration tour.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber tells us about the FREE Bridgman Beach Bus, the annual Golf Outing, and two upcoming Business After Hours events. Get more details at smrchamber.com!
Chris Frank, VP of External Affairs and Julie Curtis from the SB International Airport are here to talk about about Delta restarting their non-stop flights to Detroit.
Madonna out in NYC. Jamie Foxx out in Chicago. Tops at the box office over the weekend.
Couples who turn in together are happier. Are you dumping your rich friends because you can’t afford them? The most annoying things people do online.
Elton John is officially done touring. Harry Styles is the latest musician to get hit with an object on stage. Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner get back together…..sort of.
Meet Nala! She is a two-year old female Terrier Mix. Nala walks well on-leash and seems to like all of the shelter staff. Nala might be a bit shy when she first meets you. She prefers to
Meet Nala! She is a two-year old female Terrier Mix. Nala walks well on-leash and seems to like all of the shelter staff. Nala might be a bit shy when she first meets you. She prefers to be the only animal in her new home. Nala is up-to-date on her vaccinations. Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our little Nala. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Madonna needed Narcan to be revived last month. Alan Alda is auctioning off MAS*H keepsakes for his charity. Big horror movie opening this weekend.
The Eagles say farewell this year. Stevie Nicks has a big box set coming out. Macy Gray is back with a band and is out on tour.
Daniel, the Events and Operations Manager at St. Joe Today gives us a rundown of what’s happening this weekend.
Tom Cruise wants to represent Mission Impossible brand into his 80s. Jennifer Lopez defends her alcohol brand. Tori Spelling does NOT want to get divorced.
Is it easier for you to keep resolutions in the summer? Keep brushing to prevent Alzheimer’s. Lamborghini is all out of gas powered cars!
Elton John’s Farewell Tour sets records. Is Carrie Underwood’s mom a bad influence? Is P!nk moving to Australia…permanently?
Meet Blue! He is a very energetic young adult Bluetick Coonhound who came to us last week. Blue is looking to upgrade his lifestyle and meet some new friends! Blue is currently awaiting his turn to go to the veterinarian’s office to have his vaccinations updated and get neutered. If you’re interested in adopting Blue today, his adoption fee will be $65.00. Blue and the rest of his shelter buddies can be viewed at our website: https://cassmi.animalservices.website/shelterpronet/home.spn. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our good boy, Blue.
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Meet Blue! He is a very energetic young adult Bluetick Coonhound who came to us last week. Blue is looking to upgrade his lifestyle and meet some new friends! Blue is currently awaiting his turn to go to
Madonna still very ill at home. Naomi Campbell welcomes a baby boy at 53. The last Indiana Jones movie opens this weekend.
Beyonce releases new tour merch on Amazon. Is Rihanna getting married? Taylor Swift continues to have positive effects on US economy.
Daniele, the Events Coordinator at St. Joe Today gives us the rundown of everything happening around town during the long holiday weekend.
Simone Biles is coming back!!! Jamie Foxx illness still a mystery. Pete Davidson in mental health rehab.
Should ketchup really go in the fridge? FAA approves testing on flying car-for real! AAA holiday travel stats.
Madonna postpones tour due to health issues. Kelly Clarkson says this one thing got her through her divorce. John Legend and wife Chrissy welcome 4th baby.
Susan Matheny, Program Director at BCF talks about special scholarships with scholarship recipient Nathan Hawks.
Hikers pitch in to help a fellow hiker who lost his luggage/equipment before dream hike.
Did you groan when you learned who will be replacing Pat Sajak as host of Wheel of Fortune? There is also a new Superman and Lois Lane for the next movie coming out in 2025. And you
If you feel like you’re drowning in debt, you are not alone. Find out how much average debt the average American has and what they would do to get rid of it.
Frankie Valli gets married….again…at age 89! Lewis Capaldi is stopping touring for the foreseeable future. Taylor Swift is making a major impact on our economy!
Angela Bassett to receive honorary Oscar. Netflix receives backlash for choosing to air this movie. Lindsay Lohan is getting ready to welcome her first baby.
Fan throws her mom’s ashes up on stage at P!nk show. Here are the top five best conversation starters. The top things people really look for in a partner.
Taylor Swift signed guitar auctions off for $120k for charity. Ed Sheeran is the opening act at his own show. Backstreet Boys announce next year’s all inclusive vacation spot with them.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber tells us about this month’s blood drive occurring today, along with details on this Friday’s Independence Day Celebration at Watermark Brewing’s Solarium, and the 61st Annual Golf Outing in mid-July!
Vanna wants a BIG raise. Sarah Ferguson has breast cancer. Spiderman makes a comeback at the box office.
Tips on how to sleep better in hot weather. Do most American’s wake up before their alarm or hit the snooze? It’s Take Your Kid To Work Day.
Adele talks to her audience about deep sea exploration and takes a poll. BET Awards focus on music and a tribute to Tina Turner. Beyonce’s back-up dancers have her back.
Today we are talking with President and CEO of Cornerstone Alliance, Rob Cleveland and Kristen Patzer, Director of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance about the 2024 Kitchenaid SPGA and how businesses can get involved.
Power tool company donates $100k worth of tools to a high school program in Mississippi.
Dash is a fun girl, and she promises to bring a dash of excitement and joy into your life! With an estimated birthday of 04/09/2023, the fun and games are just beginning. This video was taken during Dash’s first adoption event. Was she scared? Was she nervous? Absolutely not!! She had a new toy to play with and playing was her top priority! However, our sweet Dash was found alone and afraid. Her rescuer took her home and immediately contacted a friend from Paws of Hope. Dash doesn’t want us to sugar coat things because she was so afraid on the day of her rescue that she hid in her rescuer’s dashboard! Now you know how Dash got her name! Since her harrowing rescue, Dash has blossomed into a brave and confident kitten. Her foster home includes dogs and other cats, so Dash is becoming a well-rounded girl. Dash is up-to-date on vaccinations, tested negative for Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids, and will be spayed when she reaches four pounds. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our darling little Dash!
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Dash is a fun girl, and she promises to bring a dash of excitement and joy into your life! With an estimated birthday of 04/09/2023, the fun and games are just beginning. This video was taken during
Titanic director, James Cameron weighs in on the submersible implosion. Kennedy Center Honor recipients announced. What’s new at the box office this weekend.
Domino’s Pizza can ping your phone to find you anywhere you want a pizza. Americans are much more stressed than just five years ago. Baby Shark bath toy recall.
Kelly Clarkson now saying her new album isn’t about divorce. Minneapolis is now Swiftieapolis while Taylor Swift is in town. Taylor Swift has a no scaling law named after her in Brazil with a harsh punishment if
Daniele from St. Joe Today tells us about live music venues, plays, markets and events happening in and around town this weekend.
Who might be the next host of Wheel of Fortune? Price Is Right contestant dislocates shoulder in excitement. Kevin Costner’s divorce is getting a tad ugly.
The best summer jobs for teens. Annoying things our neighbors do in summer. It’s National Kissing Day.
Harry Styles stops the show so pregnant woman can use the restroom. Niall Horan talks about his life with One Direction. Scott Hoying from Pentatonix has new album coming out in July.
Drew Barrymore taking a social media break for the summer. Sex & City celebrating 25th anniversary this month and Sarah Jessica is doing the talk show circuit. Meghan Markle is NOT going to be a spokesperson for
We’re talking with BCF Program Director, Susan Matheny and Dunn Scholarship recipient Joy Bradley.
Pair your pizza with wine contest where you could win $25,000! Do early birds live longer than night owls? How many times should you wear your jeans before you wash them?
A new Katy Perry box set is coming out this fall. Taylor Swift international tour dates set. Rick Astley has a new album coming out this fall.
“1923” filming delayed due to writer’s strike. Leo DiCaprio saves woman from drowning. Tom Cruise gets humble at movie premier.
Ice cream fun facts. Is cilantro really America’s favorite herb? Bambi to be made into a live action film.
Elton John gets a new puppy. Taylor Swift sets another record. Don Henley says the Eagles aren’t ready for a farewell tour just yet.
We spoke with Jennifer Tomshack, Marketing and Communications Manager at United Way of SWMI about their video series “We Ask You” and how you can participate.
Linda Hamilton joins “Stranger Things”. Deion Sanders may have his foot amputated. What was big at the box office over the weekend.
Freezing your head is better than that 3rd cup of coffee in the PM. Haagen-Dazs has a new ice cream like yogurt available. It’s National Bring Your Cat To Work Day.
Adele is back in Vegas and her tickets are going for how much??? Cyndi Lauper speaks up about not being inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Kourtney K. and her rocker husband are expecting.
Al Pacino’s new baby boy name revealed. Other octogenarians who are celebrating not BIRTHS, but birthdays this weekend. What’s new at the movies this weekend.
Here is who the NFL is considering for next year’s big game half time show. Harry Styles does a gender reveal in the middle of a concert. New WHAM! documentary coming to Netflix.
Garlic Toast is about 2 years old, neutered, and most probably an American Staffordshire Terrier Mix. Garlic Toast is a volunteer favorite who often gets to sit up at the front desk and help out the staff
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has a few great events for your business or non-profit to be part of in June, along with details on the 63rd Annual Golf Outing in July with teams filling
The 11th annual Benton Harbor Peace Walk will be next Wednesday starting at Benton Harbor High School. Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education Trustee Elnora Gavin tells us it’s a chance for everyone to come together
The South Haven Area Community Foundation has awarded $72,000 to 24 non-profits to help support educational, cultural, art, and youth programs and projects in the South Haven area. Its South Haven High School student affiliate, Youth Advisory
This is Perry Mason, a male 3-year old Labrador Retriever mix. He loves to talk to you and will share all the stories of his life! He also loves to go for walks and seems to enjoy the company of other dogs. He has not yet been tested with cats. Perry Mason is up-to-date on vaccines, but has not been neutered yet. Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our happy guy, Perry Mason.
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Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network in Cassopolis has found a new way to combat opioid overdoses with the distribution of naloxone. It’s gotten a naloxone vending machine. Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator EJ McAndrew tells us Wayne State University
Legislation from Congressman Bill Huizenga aims to make it easier for startup businesses to attract investment by revising who may be considered an accredited investor by the SEC for participating in private offerings of securities. He tells
The Annual Maker’s Trail Festival is this Saturday at Weko Beach in Bridgman. The event attracts thousands to the beach each year to try out the offerings of local breweries and more. St. Joseph Today’s Daniele Crevier
Berrien County Animal Control has gotten some recommendations for improving its operations from a consultant who was in town this year. Speaking to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners Thursday, animal shelter manager Ashley Herr said Outcomes
Those experiencing emergency medical situations in the St. Joseph area will soon have better facilities to be treated at. Officials at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph unveiled its new emergency department to members of the
Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey will throw out the first pitch at the Detroit Tigers game on Monday. He tells us retired Chief Deputy Robert Boyce learned of the opportunity for a law enforcement official to throw
Flick Pick is a podcast about movies. In today’s episode, Andrew Green reviews The Boogeyman, which is a movie now in theaters. This is a horror picture based on a short story by Stephen King. It’s about
Taylor Swift’s song “August” soundtracks the new teaser trailer for season 2 of Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty. “This Love (Taylor’s Version)” was used in the trailer for season 1 of the Jenny Han series, and her
The Michigan Department of Transportation is advising drivers there will be nightly double lane closures on eastbound I-94 at Pipestone Road starting this Sunday. The agency says the closures are for bridge repairs. They’ll be in effect
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Berrien County Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford to the Michigan Community Corrections Board. Community Corrections Board members serve in an advisory capacity and they are charged with reviewing and recommending improvements to corrections programs.
ABC/Christopher Willard Sony Pictures Television is reportedly raiding its catalog for kid-skewing versions of some of its famous properties. On the horizon, The Hollywood Reporter notes, could be an animated update of the classic sitcom Bewitched, as
Atlantic Patrons of a Blue Bottle Coffee shop in Culver City, California, got the surprise of their lives this week when Kelly Clarkson offered them a serenade along with their lattes and cappuccinos. A tech entrepreneur named Arjun Rai told Entertainment Tonight that
Tribeca Enterprises Robert De Niro turns 80 on August 17, and to celebrate, New York City will be hosting De Niro Con. “It’s hard to know what to get Bob for his 80th birthday,” admitted Jane Rosenthal,
New York Yankees/Getty Images Earlier this year, Jonas Brothers did a mini-residency on Broadway, and Nick Jonas says one day he’d like to see a Jonas Brothers Broadway musical. Speaking to Variety, Nick says, “Broadway is a first love of mine. Our Broadway
The Environmental Protection Agency has terminated its Safe Drinking Water Act order with the city of Benton Harbor. This means the city has done what’s required by the EPA to ensure its drinking water meets safety standards
On May 20, several days after the owner of Orchards Mall in Benton Charter Township reportedly agreed to install sonic anti-bird devices, we visited the mall to document the bird population in one area. On June 8,
‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’, ‘Andor’ – Lucasfilm As part of Variety‘s continuing “Actors on Actors” chats, Rogue One veteran and Andor lead — and massive Star Wars fan — Diego Luna flew from the Disney+ show’s London set to
Allure/Ben Hassett Lindsay Lohan is opening up about her life as she prepares for motherhood. In her cover story for Allure‘s June issue, the actress, who is expecting her first child with husband Bader Shammas, discussed her
Lev Radin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Wildfire smoke from Canada has clouded much of the Northeast, leaving millions of Americans exposed to unhealthy levels of particulate matter. Here’s what you need to know on
Lev Radin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Wildfire smoke from Canada has clouded much of the Northeast, leaving millions of Americans exposed to unhealthy levels of particulate matter. Here’s what you need to know on
A 33-year-old Indiana man who threatened Taylor Swift has been arrested and faces charges of harassment, stalking, intimidation and invasion of privacy, reports the Times of Northwest Indiana. The charging document obtained by the paper says that Mitchell Taebel posted a voice
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office (WINONA, Minn.) — The ex-partner of a Minnesota mother who has been missing since March under suspicious circumstances has been arrested in connection with her disappearance after human remains were found amid the
Jimmy Fontaine Matchbox Twenty has a great offer for one lucky fan: a VIP trip to their concert in Long Island, New York, complete with hotel, airfare, front-row seats and more. All you need to do to win
Paramount+ On Thursday, Paramount+ revealed the trailer of Special Ops: Lioness, the spy series from Yellowstone franchise and Tulsa King creator Taylor Sheridan. As previously reported, Oscar winner Nicole Kidman stars and serves as an executive producer
Srini Alaparthi (R) speaks with ABC News while sitting next to lawyer Ricky Patel. — ABC News (NEW YORK) — It’s been a year since one family’s dream trip quickly turned into a nightmare, when a woman
Netflix © 2023/Park Young-Sol To all the boys – and girls – Kitty Song-Covey has loved before. When Anna Cathcart found out that her To All the Boys fan-favorite character would be exploring her sexuality as part of Netflix’s spinoff XO, Kitty,
What A DJ/What A Music/Warner Records Bebe Rexha already has one Billboard chart record: Her song “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line stayed at number one on the publication’s Hot Country Songs chart for a record 50 weeks. Now she’s just
Another Air Quality Action Day is in effect for millions of people in Michigan due to the smoke that has drifted over the state from wildfires in Canada. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
Residents looking forward to shopping for discount clothing and home goods at the new Ross Dress for Less in Benton Township will have to wait a little bit longer. While the storefront sign is up in between
L-R: Cooper, Grylls – National Geographic for Disney/Jeff Ellingson Survival expert Bear Grylls is putting a whole new group of celebrities to the test. National Geographic has just dropped a new trailer to a new season of
Netflix Hold onto your spooky hats, because Wednesday Addams is about to take a chilling turn in the upcoming season of Wednesday. Star Jenna Ortega spilled the black beans, revealing that a romance between Wednesday and her
The renovation of South Haven’s Kids’ Corner Park is nearly done. Public Works director Bill Hunter gave an update to the city council this week. “As you can see, the poured place surface is in. The engineered
The renovation of South Haven’s Kids’ Corner Park is nearly done. Public Works director Bill Hunter gave an update to the city council this week. “As you can see, the poured place surface is in. The engineered
Danny Bonaduce doing great after brain surgery. Prince Harry testifies in court against British tabloids. Jennifer Lopez movie “The Mother” is one of the biggest ever on Netflix.
Remember Sun-In from the 80s???…..It’s back! A wine/water box combo in stores later this month. Why we love summer.
What Beyonce is wearing on stage during her world tour. Is Justin Timberlake’s marriage in trouble….again? Ed Sheeran shares his secret to a healthy work/life balance.
Claire Herhold with the Michigan Maritime Museum talks about what’s new there, all kinds of summer fun for families and their big antique boat show coming up on June 17th.
Susan Matheny, Program Director at BCF and Brook Blanchard with Youth Development Company are here to talk about For Good Grants and how one is helping YDC’s summer camp program.
What would you do if you won the lottery? Find out how man helped his home country in Africa.
What movie is causing a pink paint shortage? 19 Kids and Counting are now adults and speaking out about the show with books and documentaries. The Super Mario Brothers movie is now super on streaming platforms.
Our favorite road trip snacks. Another fast food diet helps a man lose 60 lbs.-find out how. What do you believe you’re really good at…until somebody tells you you’re not.
Freddie Mercury memorabilia touring the globe before it gets auctioned off-find out what’s part of the collection. Another Taylor Swift breakup. Lewis Capaldi is ill again and cancelled his charity appearance-find out how much he donated because of it.
We talk about how you can become involved with United Way of Southwest Michigan’s advocacy program.
We spoke with Jerry Price and Bryan Joseph, co-founders of the Lake Breeze Music Festival, about what to expect at this year’s event on July 8th.
Introducing Jenna Huffman-Schmidt, the new Assistant to Vice President of External Affairs.
Imagine having a baby one day and walking across the stage to receive your college diploma the very next!
Padma Lakshmi is leaving Top Chef. Danny Bonaduce is having brain surgery today. The new Spiderman pushes The Little Mermaid out of the top box office slot.
Taylor Swift welcomed Maren Morris on stage with her in Chicago and announced dates for her Eras international tour. Ed Sheeran may be back in court as the estate of Marvin Gaye plans to appeal.
Set for June 25 is the second annual OutCenter Harbor Country Hearts Party in Three Oaks. The OutCenter’s Mary Jo Schnell tells us it’s a big fundraiser for the Benton Harbor center, and they’ll give out their first ever Leadership in Education Ambassador Awards. The guest speaker will be Chasten Buttigieg, husband of Pete Buttigieg.
“Chasten has a history as an educator and is a phenomenal spokesperson and ally regarding schools and the schools that are LGBTQ safe,” Schnell said.
Schnell says the awards are for a school board member, educator, and Gay Straight Alliance Club sponsor that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering equitable teaching practices and safety for LGBTQ youth.
“We know that there’s a lot of phenomenal board members, teachers, school counselors out and doing amazing work in the districts across the tri-county area. These three folks are great representatives of all the folks doing work as school board members, teachers, and school counselors.”
The awards are going to Rachel Wade, Chris Beushausen, and Emily Burge. Wade is the president of the Lakeshore Public Schools Board of Education, Beushausen is a teacher at New Buffalo Area Schools, and Burge is a permanent substitute at Brandywine Community Schools. Tickets to the party at Froehlich’s event space are $100 and you can still get them. Schnell notes all who attend will receive a signed copy of Buttigieg’s book, I Have Something to Tell You.
Michigan Works and the Michigan Department of Transportation have teamed up for a summer jobs program for young people. Mary Morphey with Kinexus in Benton Harbor tells us the Youth Development Mentoring Program will hire 40 young people to do manual labor including grounds maintenance, park and ride upkeep, and more. She says it’s a good way for someone between 16 and 24 to earn money this summer.
“Not only do youths get paid while they’re on summer break to do some labor, they will also be receiving some mentoring throughout the summer, which is an awesome experience when you look at the young people potentially being hired into other positions after they’re done with school,” Morphey said. “They’ll also be learning about the engineering and transportation career pathways and all the positions that are needed to make those things run.”
The program is open to anyone between 16 and 24 who is enrolled in high school, a GED program, college, or who has a high school diploma, GED, or degree. They’ll work 40 hours per week through September, earning between $15.50 and $21.50 an hour. Morphey says the deadline to apply is June 19. You can find the application page right here.
After a burst of steam in March, the housing market in southwest Michigan chilled in April, with sales and selling prices falling behind last year. The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors says the number of homes sold in April in the region was down 26% from the same month last year. The average selling price was also down, at $324,000, compared to $364,000 last year, or an 11% decline. Inventory is slightly up bringing the inventory of houses for sale up to 3.3-month supply. It was 2.5 months in April last year. The number of bank-owned or foreclosed homes as a percentage of all transactions stayed at 3% in April, the same as in March. The National Association of Realtors says home sales have been bouncing back and forth because of a combination of job gains, limited inventory, and fluctuating mortgage rates over the last several months.
Carlos Barquero/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — As Pride Month kicks off, the continuing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation that has grown over the past several years is on the minds of many people, and event organizers across the country say they have prepared for this and have implemented security protocols that ensure performers and attendees can have fun without fear.
“Are we increasing our plans for security? The answer is no, not because we don’t see the need for it, but because our plans have been incredibly robust to begin with for many years,” said Dan Dimant, the media director for NYC Pride.
Cameron Jay Harrelson, the parade director for Georgia’s Athens Pride, said that hosting such events in the deep South has always made organizers “hyper aware and hyper-focused” on safety.
“That feels a little more heavy this year with the attacks that we’ve seen in legislation, in politics across the country,” Harrelson said.
The Department of Homeland Security has recently sounded the alarm on the growing threat of violence or extremism, but queer communities nationwide say they have been prepared for backlash for years.
Since the Pulse club massacre in Orlando, Florida, in 2016 that left 49 dead at the LGBTQ+ venue – and after the recent November mass shooting at a Colorado queer bar that killed five – the community has been on high alert.
“We’re in a very scary time,” said Harrelson. “We saw what happened in Colorado Springs not too long ago. We saw what happened at Pulse several years ago … we know what the next iteration of anti-LGBTQ protesters are capable of, so we have to be prepared, hyper aware and vigilant.”
Fears of violence aren’t new for the LGBTQ+ community. According to DHS, about 20% of all hate crimes reported throughout the country in 2021 were motivated by bias linked to sexual orientation and gender.
Event goers can expect heavy security, blocked off streets, ample medical personnel, and more at Pride events throughout the country.
In states with few firearm restrictions like Texas, Jeremy Liebbe, director of security for Dallas Pride, told ABC News that there are layers of police, security and threat management both invisible and visible to the public for all events in the city.
“State law allows us to restrict who can possess a firearm at Dallas Pride,” Liebbe said. “Both unlicensed possession of firearms and licensed open carry of handguns will be prohibited with the requisite signs” during the festivities.
Where there are counterprotesters, event goers may be shielded by volunteers who block out the hate so attendees can enjoy the festivities in peace.
“We actually have a group of what we call our queer dads,” said Harrelson. “They are a group of fathers of queer kids, queer youth. And they are coming and holding these large sheets … and they just stand in front of protesters and completely block their signage, their sound, everything.”
In some cases, the themes of Pride events this year will be reflective of the issues going on around the country facing the queer community.
Organizers say they are highlighting the communities most vulnerable to legislative attacks in recent years, including restrictions facing drag performers and transgender health care.
“If you’re going to try to take away our drag, we’re just going to add more,” Kylan L. Durant, president of the Oklahoma City Pride Alliance, told ABC News.
“Then also we have always put – and even more so this year – putting emphasis on having trans performers on the stage, too, because we know that that is part of the community that is hard hit with a lot of this legislation.”
Event organizers say that it’s natural for participants to have a heightened sense of awareness amid the current political climate – but they say going back into hiding is exactly what hateful threats are aiming to do. Still, they say people should do what makes them feel the safest.
“We understand the reality of it and we understand people are gonna feel hesitant this year,” said Durant. “But I also want to remind folks that’s the thing that they want to do. They want to instill fear so we don’t have the celebration, so we don’t show up to be around each other.”
Dimant added, “There are bad actors out there who are making threats, who are sharing falsehoods, who are just spreading hateful rhetoric. And they’re doing that so that you’ll stay home and you won’t show up at Pride and live your truth.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
WFTV(FLORIDA) — A 24-year-old Florida woman is facing criminal charges after she allegedly left two children in a car that caught fire while she was shoplifting at a mall, according to the Oviedo Police Department.
Alicia Moore, who was arrested for an unrelated warrant, was charged with aggravated child abuse and arson, according to a police report.
Moore parked her car in the parking lot of a Dillard’s at the Oviedo Mall, leaving the children inside her car. Moore was then observed inside Dillard’s with another male and began to shoplift items, according to police. The two were watched by security for an hour, police said.
Moore then began to exit Dillard’s about an hour later, only to see her vehicle engulfed in flames. She then dropped the merchandise before exiting the store, according to the police report.
Citizens who saw the vehicle engulfed in flames helped the children escape, authorities said. Law enforcement and fire rescue were notified.
The children were rushed to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital for medical attention and suffered first-degree burns from the fire, according to police.
The vehicle was totaled in the incident, according to police.
While in custody, the child neglect and arson charges were added. She faces a $15,000 bond for the child neglect charge.
Police said they do not know how the fire was started but placed blame on Moore, saying she was “neglectful,” according to the police report.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
CREDIT: WCHS(WEST VIRGINIA) — A 29-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a West Virginia state trooper is in police custody, according to the ATF’s Louisville Office.
Law enforcement responded to a shooting complaint in Mingo County, West Virginia, on Friday where they encountered Timothy Kennedy who began shooting at police. Troopers said they were met with gunfire when they responded to a shooting complaint near Matewan.
A trooper was fatally shot in the ensuing gunfire.
“I am absolutely heartbroken tonight to report that Sergeant Cory Maynard of the West Virginia State Police was fatally wounded in an incident this afternoon near Matewan,” West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said.
“The brave men and women of law enforcement, and all first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, are an inspiration to us all,” Justice said in a statement.
The governor’s office has ordered all U.S. and West Virginia flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the following trooper starting immediately.
The manhunt for Kennedy delayed graduation ceremonies at Mingo Central High School and emergency workers urged area residents to stay indoors while police searched for the suspect.
Justice said multiple law enforcement agencies joined a widespread search of the Beech Creek area to look for the suspect ahead of his arrest.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Yuichiro Chino/Getty Images(IDAHO) — Investigators are probing the digital footprint of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect accused of killing four Idaho college students in an early morning attack last year, according to new court documents.
The documents include search warrant applications for some of Kohberger’s internet activity and some additional phone records, as well as some of the four victims’ social media accounts. There is “probable cause to believe” that those records could yield evidence regarding the November killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin and Madison Mogen at the girls’ off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, the documents say.
Though they do not reveal details of what the warrants obtained, the records indicate that prosecutors have launched an expansive examination of Kohberger’s activities online as they probe the suspect’s possible connection to the victims – and the crimes he is accused of committing.
“The case has only just begun once you make an arrest,” said Robert Boyce, an ABC News contributor and retired chief of detectives in the New York Police Department. “You want to see what he was looking up. You want to know what he was saying, whether under his or under an assumed name on these platforms.”
“They want to establish his state of mind, who he talks to and what he talks about,” Boyce said. “There could be probative materials there.”
The Latah County Prosecutor’s Office, leading the case against Kohberger, did not reply to requests from ABC News for comment.
Kohberger, 28, was indicted last month on charges including four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. At his arraignment last week, Kohberger declined to offer a plea, so the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
A trial date was set for Oct. 2.
Prosecutors allege that in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, Kohberger, a Ph.D. student at Washington State University’s department of criminal justice and criminology, broke into an off-campus home and stabbed to death four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21.
After a more than six-week hunt police zeroed in on Kohberger as a suspect, tracking his white Hyundai Elantra, cell phone signal data, and recovering what authorities say was his DNA on a knife sheath found next to one of the victims bodies, according to court documents. He was arrested on December 30 in Pennsylvania, after driving cross-country to spend the holidays at his family home in Albrightsville, PA.
The murder weapon has not been recovered, authorities have said.
Among the new documents are search warrant applications for Kohberger’s accounts on Reddit, Google and TikTok, as well as the four victims’ Snapchat accounts, and additional records from AT&T.
Investigators obtained information from the suspect’s Reddit account this spring, including his public posts and private messages with other users; saved files and photos; and location data, court documents show.
Investigators had also previously obtained records from Kaylee Goncalves’ Reddit account, earlier court filings show.
In the affidavit for Kohberger’s arrest, officials noted he had previously “posted a Reddit survey which … asked for participants to provide information to ‘understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision making when committing a crime.'”
From Kohberger’s Google account, investigators, according to the new filings, have also pulled extensive records: emails, including drafts and trash; “hangouts” and “chats” including photos; his Google Drive, including “documents, spreadsheets, presentations and files, and associated metadata.”
The warrant also obtained information about his search and browsing history; calendar events and contacts, Google Play purchases, along with his Google Pay transactions; court documents show.
“You want to develop a profile of him in your case, sometimes a psychological profile,” Boyce said.
“They want to put a knife in that sheath, because they don’t have it right now. So you want to see if he bought it somewhere online, you’re looking at credit card receipts,” he added. “The more evidence you can put before a judge, the better you’ve got.”
Investigators also obtained additional AT&T records for a subscriber “unknown at this time,” for the specific time period of June 23, 2022 to August 1, 2022 “including any messages, records, files, logs, or information that have been deleted but are still available,” including cell tower pings that transmitted outgoing and incoming calls.
Investigators previously used cell tower data to link Kohberger to the killings’ crime scene, court documents show.
Records from “Strava,” an internet service which allows users to track their physical exercise and share their performance on social networks, were also obtained, filings show – including “biometric information” like “exercise data,” session logs, geolocation data, contacts and photos. Names and accounts obtained were redacted, but the search warrant application says there is “information related to the investigation” into the students’ killings.
Records related to the four victims’ Snapchat accounts were also obtained, according to the documents, including “communications or other messages sent or received by the accounts,” logs of previous snaps, stories and chats, and “all records pertaining to communications between Snapchat and any person regarding the user or the user’s Snapchat accounts, including contacts with support services, and all records of actions taken, including suspensions of the accounts.”
“There’s a lot to this case, technology-wise. It’s an evolving and changing field but it’s the best evidence you have – because it’s irrefutable, unbiased, human error-free,” Boyce said. “It may not be one knockout punch – but there could be overwhelming circumstantial evidence.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Aitor Diago/Getty Images(SOUTH CAROLINA) — The viewing service for Cyrus Carmack-Belton, who was allegedly shot and killed by a South Carolina gas station owner, is being held Friday, according to Leevy’s Funeral Home. His funeral is planned for Saturday.
Rick Chow, 58, was arrested and charged with murder in connection to 14-year-old Cyrus’s death, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department said. Chow wrongly believed Cyrus had shoplifted several bottles of water, police said.
“He did not shoplift anything,” Sheriff Leon Lott said during a press conference Monday. “We have no evidence that he stole anything whatsoever.”
Summit Parkway Middle School, where Cyrus was a student, released a statement on Facebook, Thursday remembering what it said was its “young Eagle.”
“He was intelligent, humorous with quick wit and well-liked by his classmates,” the post said. “We could always depend on Cyrus to ask questions beyond the scope of the topic as he often would seek to understand, rather than accept and move on.”
The school noted that he had dreams of owning a tattoo shop.
During a press conference Monday by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Lott said there was a verbal confrontation inside the store before Cyrus left and took off running.
Lott said the convenience store owner, who police said was armed with a pistol, and his son chased after the teen.
The sheriff told reporters that Cyrus fell during the chase, got up, and “at some point” during the chase, the store owner’s son said that the teen had a gun.
“The father shot the young man in the back,” Lott said. According to law enforcement, a gun was found close to the teen’s body.
Veronica Hill, a public information officer for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, told ABC News in a statement Friday that “Cyrus was in possession of the gun, but in South Carolina a juvenile cannot legally own a handgun.” She added that the office is investigating the gun’s origin.
Naida Rutherford, the Richland County coroner, said during the press conference that Cyrus died from “a single gunshot wound to his right lower back” that caused “significant damage to his heart and hemorrhaging.”
According to a sheriff’s office incident report obtained by ABC News, the shooting is not believed to be “a bias motivated incident.”
ABC News reached out to Chow’s attorney, James Snell, Jr., in the wake of the murder charge, but his office declined to comment.
On Thursday, Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron E. Gipson said in a statement his office will determine whether any additional charges will be made in the incident once it has conducted a full review.
This week’s shooting was not the only alleged incident involving Chow.
Hill told ABC News in a statement Wednesday that Chow has had two prior confrontations with alleged shoplifters that resulted in him firing a weapon — in 2015 and 2018 — but his conduct in those incidents “did not meet the requirements under South Carolina law to support criminal charges.”
Todd Rutherford, who represents Cyrus’s family, told ABC News in a statement Wednesday that “what happened to [Cyrus] wasn’t an accident. It’s something that the Black community has experienced for generations: being racially profiled, then shot down in the street like a dog.”
“One beacon of hope is seeing the resilience of the Black community as they wrap their arms around this family that has joined the club that no Black family ever wants to be a part of,” he continued.
ABC News’ Meredith Deliso and Teddy Grant contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
d3sign/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — COVID-19 cases may be increasing again in New York City, new wastewater data hints.
Nearly all of the 14 wastewater treatments plants in the city are currently in the “high” detection level category, meaning likely 50 or more cases per 100,000 people, according to the NYS Wastewater Surveillance Network dashboard, which was updated Friday.
What’s more, two-week trend data shows that just three of the plants are seeing decreases in virus detection.
Reported case numbers have not jumped. But fewer people are getting tested than earlier in the pandemic, so case numbers are a less reliable indicator of COVID-19 spread.
Health experts told ABC News that wastewater tracking is a good early detection tool for monitoring potential future upticks, but it’s too early to determine what it means.
“Wastewater data can be a very helpful indicator of what is taking place,” said Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation office at Boston Children’s Hospital and an ABC News contributor. “Now, it’s an indication of the level of virus that people might be shedding, but it’s not 100% related to the amount of illness people are experiencing.”
He continued, “Because with the significant amount of immunity from previous infections, from vaccination, there may be community transmission, but it may be asymptomatic and so what wastewater can’t tell you is actually the severity of the cases in the community.”‘
Wastewater surveillance checks for the virus in sewage — from households and buildings — that contains human fecal matter.
Because at least half of COVID-19 patients shed genetic material from the virus, or viral RNA, in their feces, the same tests that can determine if someone is positive can also detect the virus in wastewater samples.
When people shed the virus in their stool, they are often in the early stages of the infection, meanings levels of the virus in wastewater samples will often occur before the number of cases rise.
Reported COVID-19 cases have remained relatively flat since mid-April at about 270 cases for a seven-day rolling average, according to data from the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Hospitalizations and deaths have also remained relatively flat.
“Wastewater data is…unbiased,” Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, told ABC News. “It just depends on the amount of virus circulating in the community, so although the absolute number might be debatable, that trend is always something that makes us pay attention.”
However, he cautioned not to panic and said just because there are areas of the city in the “high” category, that does not mean a surge is imminent.
While the end of mitigation measures such as masking and some waning immunity may play a role if cases increase, Chin-Hong said the U.S. is in a much better position than it was in years past.
“In the old days, we just kind of had to be subject to the whims of the virus, but now we have weapons to fight back,” he said. “And even if vulnerable populations are infected, they could avert or prevent hospitalization and death by taking advantage of these early, antivirals taken early in the course of disease, like Paxlovid and remdesivir and molnupiravir.”
The experts said it’s natural that wastewater data is going to ebb and flow and it is not going to stay low all the time. However, because everyone has a different risk tolerance, the data can help people decide if they want to modify their behavior.
“Knowing that viruses circulating may inform people about the kinds of activities you want to take part in,” Brownstein said. “So just like you bring an umbrella for rain, you may change your behavior if you know that viruses are circulating. This is not a reason to panic. But more information can help empower people to make their own decisions.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The Greater Bridgman Area Council for Growth and Advancement has announced the lineup for its summer Courtyard Concert series. The live music shows will be presented in the newly improved downtown Bridgman Courtyard on Lake Street. A crowdfunding campaign made some additions to the space possible. The CGA says the concert series is all acoustic, to be held each Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. from June 11 through August 27. Kicking off the series on the 11th will be local favorite, Lexi Adams. Each Courtyard Concert will be free to attend, inviting all residents and visitors to revel in the rhythm of local music in the heart of Bridgman. The CGA says it’s excited to welcome everyone to see the talent.
The full lineup:
June 11: Lexi Adams
June 18: Zack Taylor & The Redfield Flyers
June 25: Marco Villareal
July 2: Kris Huntley
July 9: Abbie Thomas Trio
July 16: O’Brother
July 23: John Derado
July 30: Paul Erdman
August 6: Jim St. James & Dean Rouch
August 13: Ronn Barany
August 20: LeAnn Stutler
August 27: Chris Behre
Hospitals across Michigan and the United States are making a new effort to screen patients for suicide risk. Here in southwest Michigan, Corewell Health has been doing that for years. Corewell Niles Emergency Department Nurse Manager Camille Stacey tells us Corewell doctors in the ER and in regular offices make it a point to ask patients questions based on the Columbia Suicide Scale.
“You just start with straight asking people, ‘In the last 30 days, have you had any thoughts of harming yourself,’ and if they say yes, then you get more in depth questions,” Stacey said. “Have you thought about acting on those thoughts? Have you made a plan to hurt yourself?”
Stacey says depending on the patient’s answers, the level of concern can rise. If a patient is thought to be in danger, Corewell will connect them with help, possibly asking that they not leave the hospital until that happens. Stacey says suicidal thoughts are common and people often don’t know how to respond.
“I think people are looking for a judgement free ear to disclose this information if they’re struggling with these thoughts.”
Research shows around half of those who commit suicide had interacted with the healthcare system in the month before their death. A team of Michigan Hospitals has formed an initiative called MI Mind to coordinate how they screen patients for suicide risk. While Corewell isn’t part of that group, Stacey says the system has always taken suicide screenings seriously, and she’s glad others are doing so.
Iris and Titus are litter mates whose estimated date of birth is 02/18/2023. Iris is a grey tabby and Titus is a brown tabby with bold dark stripes. Titus wants to cuddle and likes to talk to you about cuddling. Iris likes toys that roll and loves to climb on her cat post, and she can sometimes be chatty. Both kittens do well with the older cats in their foster home. They are up-to-date on vaccinations, tested negative for FeLV-FIV, and are fastidious in their litter box usage. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org if you’d like to know more about Iris and/or Titus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iris and Titus are litter mates whose estimated date of birth is 02/18/2023. Iris is a grey tabby and Titus is a brown tabby with bold dark stripes. Titus wants to cuddle and likes to talk to you about cuddling. Iris likes toys that roll and loves to climb on her cat post, and she can sometimes be chatty. Both kittens do well with the older cats in their foster home. They are up-to-date on vaccinations, tested negative for FeLV-FIV, and are fastidious in their litter box usage. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org if you’d like to know more about Iris and/or Titus.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Rock is back for more Fast and Furious fun. Season 20 of the Bachelorette is ready to go with its list of suitors. What’s new at the box office this weekend?
Foods that boost your brain. National Donut Day fun facts. Sunday is National Cheese Day with more fun facts.
Forbes richest self-made women include these musicians. Billy Joel to end his Madison Square Garden residency next year.
Daniele Crevier, Events and Operations Manager at St. Joseph Today tells us about all the fun things happening in and around town this weekend.
Kim Cattrall agrees to make an “appearance” on “And Just Like That”. Danny Masterson of “That 70s Show” fame is going to prison. Disney’s “Moana” to be made into a live action film.
Fancy picnics are the latest dating trend. How to deflate someone who insults you. Hurricane season starts today-find out what meteorologists are predicting.
Pink takes a lake vacay before her big tour starts this month. Celine Dion is working on a comeback. Tina Turner’s music is trending on the Billboard Charts.
President of BCF, Lisa Cripps-Downey talks about their Food For Good initiative and how you can help.
Al Pacino to become a dad again at 82! Freddy Kruger is now 75 and doesn’t want to make anymore Nightmare of Elm Street movies. Al Roker back on “Today” after total knee replacement.
Sunglasses on your dashboard can be dangerous! Words we Google how to spell. Do certain foods actually taste better in summer?
Ed Sheeran serves drinks to his fans. Sia gets real about autism. Is Katy Perry dropping another hint about leaving American Idol?
Martin Scorsese met with the Pope to discuss plans to make a movie about Jesus. Johnny Depp breaks his ankle and postpones his band tour dates. What were the biggest movies at the box office this weekend.
That bright red cherry dipped cone at DQ is no longer. A senior prank that went too far. And a group of seniors that built a house.
Stub Hub announces its hottest summer ticket sales. Kelly Clarkson reveals the reasons why she is moving her talk show across the country. TikTok’s hot debate on the best karaoke songs of all time.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to chat about today’s Blood Drive at Shadowland Ballroom, the upcoming Wine & Nine Chamber Golf Outing, and a Ribboncutting for a new Century 21 Affiliated office in Berrien Springs on June 20th. Visit smrchamber.com for more!
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has reached out to township officials across the county to help them plan for green energy projects. At a meeting this past week, commissioners and township representatives heard from MSU Extension’s Tyler Augst, who has worked on sample zoning rules for wind and solar projects. Augst told them it serves communities well to be prepared for such developments. It’s also appreciated by the developers.
“One of the things that they’re looking for is really just guidance,” Augst said. “As they go out into communities, they don’t know what the rules of the road are, so they often find themselves in protracted developments where it’s back and forth. But if communities can be proactive with their planning like it’s designed to do, they can get out there and sort of plant their flag and say, ‘Listen, this is what’s important to us. This is how we want to regulate this.’ Then developers can have that sort of efficiency of sighting as they look across the state. ”
Agust focused on possible dual uses for properties where solar farms are constructed. He presented several examples of dual uses, like parking areas, and said zoning should cover where the developments are allowed because they can work about anywhere. Township officials across the county are being advised to prepare for the coming boom in solar and wind energy, being mindful of plans for decommissioning when such projects run their course.
There’s a new complete Makerspace at Our Lady of the Lake Elementary School in St. Joseph, and it’s being integrated into the everyday learning of the students. Principal Sherri Kirschner tells us the space features a Glowforge Laser Cutter and Engraver, 3D printers, circuits and bots, a Lego station, software, engineering and electrical packs, and more. The students can be creative and use their math and tech knowledge to craft almost anything they want.
“They get to use all of their critical thinking skills, and it basically tells them that it’s OK to fail sometimes,” Kirschner said. “Just try to try again to make it better.”
Kirschner says teacher Lindsey Goshgarish is leading the use of the Makerspace and will make it part of common student activities next school year.
“She will team up with the classroom teacher to see what they’re working on in math or what they’re working on in science, or how they can incorporate it into our ELA program, and then they will design projects that they work on in the Makerspace to complement our basic core curriculum.”
Kirschner says the evolving workplace and economy mean it’s more important than ever for students to develop teamwork, critical thinking, and tech skills. The Makerspace was possible thanks to a $50,000 donation from a school supporter. She says Our Lady of the Lake is the only elementary school she knows of to have such a space.
Charlotte Area Transit System(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) — Newly released surveillance footage shows a dramatic shootout between a North Carolina public bus driver and passenger while the bus was in motion.
The shooting occurred on May 18 on a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus, after the passenger asked the driver to get off between stops near the Steele Creek Premium Outlet Mall, the transportation agency said.
During an approximately two-minute exchange, the passenger, identified by authorities as 22-year-old Omarri Shariff Tobias — can be heard saying, “I dare you. I dare you to touch me. I’m going to pop your a–,” in the footage, released Friday by CATS.
Tobias then walks away and can be seen pulling a firearm out of his jacket pocket, as two other passengers are visible seated on the bus, before moving back towards the front door of the bus and turning to face the driver.
The driver, identified by CATS as David Fullard, then pulls out his own firearm and both exchange rapid gunfire. CATS said it has been unable to determine who fired first. Multiple bullet holes can be seen in a transparent partition that separates the driver from passengers.
The driver then stopped the bus and left his seat as Tobias crawled his way toward the rear of the bus. The two bystander passengers had also quickly moved to the rear of the bus during the exchange of gunfire.
The driver continued to fire his gun after the initial exchange, the video shows. While standing in the aisle, he fired toward the rear of the bus where Tobias was ducking for cover. After Tobias and another bystander were able to open the rear door and exit, Fullard exited from the bus’ front door and fired at Tobias again, CATS said.
Both men were struck by gunfire in the shooting — the driver in the arm and the passenger in the abdomen — and transported to a local hospital, CATS said. Both are expected to recover from their injuries, the agency said.
One of the bystanders could be seen tumbling to the ground as Tobias exited the bus, though both bystanders were unharmed in the incident, CATS said.
Officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the scene and confiscated both firearms, police said.
CATS interim CEO Brent Cagle called the incident a “tragic expression of the gun violence in our community.”
“We will not be able to solve this problem on our own. However, CATS is committed to doing what we can to address this with our partners at CMPD, and our partners at RATP Dev who employ and manage our bus operators,” Cagle said in a statement on Wednesday.
Tobias has since been arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries, communicating threats and carrying a concealed firearm, police said. He is currently detained at the Mecklenburg County jail, online inmate records show. It is unclear if he has an attorney who can speak on his behalf.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has not yet announced whether charges will be brought against Fullard, who has been fired, CATS said.
Fullard was an employee of RATP Dev/Transit Management, which does not allow employees to carry weapons while working, CATS said.
Fullard’s attorney said he had the gun because he didn’t feel safe on the job, ABC Charlotte affiliate WSOC reported.
CATS said it also determined that Fullard did not follow standard safety protocols, including de-escalation, during the altercation.
“Ninety-nine percent of CATS transit happens without any operator needing to engage emergency protocols. In this case, the operator did not leverage any,” CATS said, noting that Fullard could have just let the passenger off the bus between the stops in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will start several bridge repair projects on I-196 in Allegan County this coming week. It says it’s investing $8.3 million to improve five bridges. They are the two Blue Star Highway bridges over I-196 at exits 36 and 41, as well as 107th, 109th, and 114th avenues. The project involves deck replacements, rebuilding approaches, substructure improvements, and slope restoration. It will mean lane closures and traffic shifts on the highway. The bridges over I-196 will be closed and detoured. The Blue Star Highway bridge over I-196 north of Saugatuck, and the 107th Avenue bridge over I-196 south of Glenn are scheduled to close Tuesday. The project will continue through November. MDOT says it will extend the life of the bridges and make them safer.
Kevin Mazur/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights ManagementThe first night of Taylor Swift‘s three-night engagement at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium was full of surprises.
Variety reports that at Friday’s show — the same day she dropped the deluxe ‘Til Dawn edition of Midnights — she premiered the video for her “Karma” remix with Ice Spice. Then at the end of the night, Ice Spice came out and the two performed the track together.
In the video, which Taylor directed, she appears in a series of fabulous looks, taking part in a series of fantastical scenarios: She’s sitting inside an hourglass, covered in gold, lying on a giant cat, standing inside a giant light bulb and more.
Then Ice Spice appears, sitting inside a giant floating shell and holding up a pearl, to deliver her verse. The two then climb to the top of a staircase into outer space, lasso some planets, and paddle off in a gondola, before the clip ends with Taylor bringing an unseen man a latte with a clock etched in foam.
Taylor also welcomed another guest — New Jersey native and frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff — who joined her for the Reputation track “Getaway Car.”
On Instagram, Taylor wrote, “Last night in Jersey was [mind-blowing]!!! The way the whole stadium screamed when Ice literally popped up unannounced – Getting to world premiere the ‘Karma’ music video I directed with my dancers who were in it – Playing ‘Getaway Car’ with Jack and hearing everyone shout the lyrics – I love you @icespice I love you @jackantonoff I love you all in that crazy crowd last night – can’t wait to get back out there tonight.”
The Eras tour continues Saturday and Sunday in New Jersey.
(Video contains uncensored profanity.)
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
San Francisco District Attorney’s Office(SAN FRANCISCO) — The family of a man fatally shot by a security guard in a San Francisco Walgreens last month during an apparent shoplifting altercation has filed a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit.
Banko Brown, 24, died on April 27 following an altercation with the guard, police said. The guard, 33-year-old Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, has not been charged in the shooting.
Attorneys for Banko’s parents announced Friday they have filed a civil lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court against Walgreens, Anthony and Kingdom Group Protective Services, which provides security for Walgreens and employs Anthony.
“Deadly force was not the way to handle this,” civil rights attorney John Burris told reporters during a Friday press briefing, calling it a “petty theft situation.”
“You’re talking about taking a person’s life in connection with $15, $14,” Burris said.
The lawsuit claims that Walgreens and Kingdom Group Protective Services have encouraged their armed security officers to use force to detain suspected shoplifters.
“Walgreens is responsible,” Burris said. “It’s Banko’s blood that’s on their heart and on their conscious and on their hands.”
A Walgreens spokesperson told ABC News they are not commenting on the lawsuit. ABC News has reached out to Kingdom Group Protective Services.
A Walgreens spokesperson previously told ABC News: “We are offering condolences to the victim’s family during this difficult time. The safety of our patients, customers and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our stores.”
A spokesperson for Kingdom Group Protective Services told ABC News previously that it is “fully cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation of this extremely unfortunate incident and are deeply saddened by the loss of Banko Brown’s life. At this time, we are not permitted to comment further.”
ABC News was unable to reach Anthony for comment.
The incident took place at a Walgreens in downtown San Francisco on April 27 just after 6:30 p.m. PT, according to the police report. The surveillance video, which does not have sound, purportedly shows Brown attempting to leave the store without paying for a bag full of items. The on-duty and lawfully armed security guard, Anthony, stops Brown then the two engage in a struggle. The two struggle for less than a minute until Anthony pins Brown to the ground, as shoppers continue to enter and exit the store.
The video then purportedly shows Anthony letting go of Brown, who picks up the bag and heads for the exit. Brown turns around and walks backward out the door then appears to step toward Anthony. Anthony lifts his gun and fires a single shot, striking Brown in the chest. Brown falls to the ground just outside the store.
In an interview with police, Anthony said he told Brown to “put the items back” but that Brown “refused” and was “aggressive.” Anthony said he went to take the items but that Brown fought to keep them and repeatedly threatened to stab him as a struggle ensued. Police said a knife was not found on Brown.
Attorneys for Brown’s family also pushed back against claims that Brown threatened to stab the guard, saying Friday that witnesses have not corroborated that.
Brown, who struggled with homelessness, worked as a community organizer for the Young Women’s Freedom Center, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that provides support for young women and transgender youth across California.
In seeking at least $25 million in damages, Burris said they want the lawsuit to send a message that “the value of a human life cannot be diminished because of their station in life, who they are.”
“This was a young person, 24 years old, whose life was taken unnecessarily so,” Burris said.
The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges against the security guard, citing insufficient evidence that Anthony was not acting in lawful self-defense.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta this week agreed to review the district attorney’s office’s decision this week to see whether it was an “abuse of discretion,” ABC San Francisco station KGO reported.
Brown’s parents are calling for murder charges against the guard.
“I would like him to go to prison for life,” Brown’s mother, Kevinisha Henderson, told “Good Morning America.”
Brown’s funeral service was held Thursday, a month after he was killed.
“[I’m] in a state of shock, it’s still hard to believe,” Henderson said. “It’s very hard for me.”
ABC News’ Morgan Winsor and Tenzin Shakya contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Delray Beach Police Department(DELRAY BEACH, Fla.) — A missing youth basketball coach in Florida was found dead nearly a week after police said he was last seen going for a run.
Makuach Yak, 31, was found dead Friday evening inside the Delray Oaks Natural Area, a park in Delray Beach, Florida, local authorities said.
“Right now, it appears his death is not criminal in nature,” the Delray Beach Police Department said in a social media post.
The medical examiner will determine Yak’s cause of death, and the investigation remains open, police said.
Yak, a youth basketball coach from Delray Beach, was supposed to coach on May 20 but was nowhere to be found, his friend and business partner, Tate VanRoekel, told ABC West Palm Beach affiliate WPBF.
Home security footage shared with WPBF recorded Yak in his front yard around 6:30 a.m. that day in a purple shirt and black shorts, the station reported.
VanRoekel told WPBF that Yak’s wallet, keys, cellphone and Apple Watch were “all on the counter, just sitting there.”
In the days since he was reported missing, friends and family have held search parties throughout Delray Beach, a city on Florida’s east coast located between West Palm Beach and Boca Raton.
Friends also spread the word through a Facebook group, Missing: Find Coach Yak.
“We ask that you pray for his family and all who loved him. We are devastated,” the group posted on Friday.
Yak, a native of South Sudan who was also known by the name Paul, coached youth basketball in the South Florida region. He competed in cross country at Augustana University in South Dakota and once had ambitions to compete in the Olympics, according to a 2018 Des Moines Register profile of the runner.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Delray Beach Police Department(DELRAY BEACH, Fla.) — A missing youth basketball coach in Florida was found dead nearly a week after police said he was last seen going for a run.
Makuach Yak, 31, was found dead Friday evening inside the Delray Oaks Natural Area, a park in Delray Beach, Florida, local authorities said.
“Right now, it appears his death is not criminal in nature,” the Delray Beach Police Department said in a social media post.
The medical examiner will determine Yak’s cause of death, and the investigation remains open, police said.
Yak, a youth basketball coach from Delray Beach, was supposed to coach on May 20 but was nowhere to be found, his friend and business partner, Tate VanRoekel, told ABC West Palm Beach affiliate WPBF.
Home security footage shared with WPBF recorded Yak in his front yard around 6:30 a.m. that day in a purple shirt and black shorts, the station reported.
VanRoekel told WPBF that Yak’s wallet, keys, cellphone and Apple Watch were “all on the counter, just sitting there.”
In the days since he was reported missing, friends and family have held search parties throughout Delray Beach, a city on Florida’s east coast located between West Palm Beach and Boca Raton.
Friends also spread the word through a Facebook group, Missing: Find Coach Yak.
“We ask that you pray for his family and all who loved him. We are devastated,” the group posted on Friday.
Yak, a native of South Sudan who was also known by the name Paul, coached youth basketball in the South Florida region. He competed in cross country at Augustana University in South Dakota and once had ambitions to compete in the Olympics, according to a 2018 Des Moines Register profile of the runner.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Ariel Skelley/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Top teachers across the country say they face major hurdles in the classroom — including staffing shortages, the pinch of low pay and addressing students’ mental health — many of which stem from closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, a recent ABC News survey found.
“I think teachers are just the fabric of our communities,” Rebecka Peterson, the 2023 educator of the year, told ABC News earlier this year. “And I think we have to think of big and small ways that we can wrap our arms around teachers and remind them how important they are to us individually and to us as communities.”
For this story, ABC News solicited responses from each state teacher of the year winner to see what they viewed as the greatest current challenge facing educators.
Thirty-five out of the 55 teachers answered and the rest elected not to participate, according to a spokesperson for the Council of Chief State School Officers, which runs the state teacher of the year program.
The issues that the group highlighted include navigating advancements in technology, teaching larger class sizes and more.
The two most common answers were meeting students’ social, emotional and academic needs and solving the staffing shortage.
Despite emerging cultural flashpoints in the classroom like instruction on LGBTQ topics, book bans and the appropriateness of discussing critical race theory, the teachers instead pointed to student mental health, low pay and burnout as causes for concern.
Iowa’s teacher of the year, Krystal Colbert, described the latter as a “real” and “recognizable” crisis that deserves more attention.
Meeting students where they are
Nine respondents said what deserves the most attention is how to reach students who may be struggling amid broader emotional challenges, whether it’s what they called a youth mental health crisis or trauma brought on by the pandemic.
Maine’s Matt Bernstein believes it’s time to maximize this moment.
“Meeting the needs of all students is a responsibility that educators are proud to take on, but it is challenging and takes a lot of work, energy, and dedication,” Bernstein, a professional learning coach, wrote in the survey.
He and other educators stressed how cultivating relationships is also a solution for a problem they described as largely created by social isolation and distance learning when schools shuttered three years ago to limit the health risks of COVID-19.
“By building solid relationships and comprehensively investing in education, we have a better chance of ensuring that every student can achieve their full potential and contribute to the success of our society,” wrote Alabama fifth-grade teacher Reggie LeDon White.
Washington, D.C.’s Jermar Rountree, a health and physical education teacher and 2023 national finalist, explained that kids also need movement, which will help them handle their emotions.
“We as teachers need the support to be able to handle the traumatic experiences that our students are coming to school with,” Rountree wrote “Teachers are constantly swimming upstream to meet students where they are, but after the pandemic we do not even know where to begin. However, one place to start would be to prepare our new teachers on what to expect and how they can be severely helpful to our veteran teachers. Giving all teachers the tools to be successful increases the [professional] lifespan of a teacher 2 times over.”
Teachers have to accommodate students not only in their lessons but in all aspects of life, according to Stephane Camacho Concepcion, a Guam elementary school teacher.
“Educators have to be able to be counselors, social workers, and etc to ensure that they [children] have all they need to have a successful academic journey,” she wrote.
Recruiting and retaining teachers
According to experts, education departments, agencies and associations, 42 states and territories report ongoing shortages this school year.
Seven teacher of the year respondents — from rural Alaska to New Jersey — indicated they’re feeling that strain.
“Shortages have always been fairly normal, but the past few years have seen the shortages drastically increase,” wrote Alaska first-grade teacher Harlee Harvey, a 2023 national finalist. “This provides issues for several reasons. First, students are without highly qualified teachers in their classrooms, which will negatively impact the quality of instruction. Second, it puts an additional burden on teachers and paraeducators who have stayed, increasing the stress of their jobs and the likelihood that they will step away from our schools as well,” she added.
Arizona’s Ty White, who teaches high school chemistry, explained that the “massive” shortage is more pronounced in rural districts in the U.S., especially for aspiring educators.
“Since most university driven teaching programs are located in larger cities, many teachers aren’t familiar with rural communities to begin with,” White wrote. “When these new teachers start job searching and find rural job postings, they are often less attractive because in states with Local Education Agency control, salaries are not competitive with larger communities.”
In New Jersey, where state officials have said special education, science and math teachers are in high demand, Christine Girtain called for better funding practices that would help instructors earn more amid the shortage.
The National Education Association (NEA) found that teachers make thousands less than they did a decade ago when adjusted for inflation. The average salary of classroom teachers declined by an estimated 6.4% over the past decade, according to NEA data.
“Teachers should not have to work 2nd & 3rd jobs to afford to live,” Girtain, a high school science teacher and director of authentic science research, wrote. “We need larger nationwide investment in funding education and paying teachers a living wage.”
School safety
Two respondents included school safety in their answers to this survey. Still, recent fears of gun violence also has other teachers on edge.
Melissa Collins said learning loss was this nation’s greatest education challenge. But in the wake of the mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, Collins said she hopes the massacre prompts legislators to pass more gun reform.
“I don’t have a hand to carry a gun,” the state’s teacher of the year told “Good Morning America” in March. “My hands are full because I am carrying our future leaders.”
Respecting the profession
Respect remains a major challenge facing public educators, too, the surveyed teachers said.
Rebecka Peterson, this year’s national teacher of the year, aims to use her platform to share positive messages about education. But recently she told ABC News that many teachers still feel they aren’t valued as much as they should be.
“What every teacher says when I ask them the recruit and retain [question], right, they come back to respecting and appreciating the profession,” Peterson said last month before being honored with a crystal apple at the White House.
Most teachers in Peterson’s cohort agree: The lack of appreciation is undeserving of the job.
“In any other profession, professionals are treated with respect and dignity,” Kentucky sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher Mandy Perez wrote in the ABC News survey. “We deserve to be treated with the same importance and value,” she wrote.
Tara Hughes believes respecting education could even improve working conditions for teachers. “Uplifting the education profession and retaining teachers will lead to smaller class sizes, resulting in higher student engagement, the ability to meet academic and social-emotional needs, and a decrease in teacher burnout,” Hughes, who teaches Pre-K in New Mexico, wrote.
Working with the community to respect and prioritize students’ needs is at the top of Missouri English teacher Christina Andrade Melly’s agenda.
“Public education is a public good – we have to respect it and invest in it for our students to thrive,” Melly wrote, adding, “All of us want our students to be successful, and we must remember how to work together towards that goal.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Richard Reininger(NEW YORK) — Board games like Monopoly, Clue and The Game of Life are iconic in many Americans’ lives and in pop culture. Now some designers are exploring a wider range of topics, including how to use games to spark discussion about bigger issues.
One of those games, Daybreak, is set to launch this spring after years of development to tackle one of the most complex topics of all, how to bring the world together to combat climate change.
“The game started from a conversation on what could we do about climate change as game designers,” game designer Matteo Menapace told ABC News. “We felt we can use games to talk about climate change, to model this big problem in a way that is playable, that is understandable by players and in a way that gives people agency over their choices.”
In Daybreak, players take on the role of world powers like the United States, European Union and China and have to negotiate ways to achieve drawdown, which is the point when greenhouse gas emissions are reduced enough to prevent temperatures from continuing to rise. Instead of playing against each other players work together to win against the game, but the whole group will lose if any player has too many communities in crisis from the impacts of climate change.
Designers Menapace and Matt Leacock, who also designed the game Pandemic, said they were overwhelmed by all the problems associated with climate change at first, but wanted to use their skills to help do something about it.
They said the game became a way for them, and they hope for players as well, to process their feelings about climate change and better understand the possible solutions.
“I think that just watching it kind of play out through the dynamics of the game made it also easier to kind of understand and get my arms around and feel better about. So it was a very positive thing for me to develop it. And I’m kind of hoping that people who play the game will have a similar experience,” Leacock said.
Board games surged in popularity in recent years, with a 33% increase in sales in the first year of the pandemic, according to market research firm Circana. Several independently designed games like Cascadia and Wingspan have taken on nature-related themes and have been recognized with multiple design awards.
But even with the gains in popularity, it actually isn’t the first time board games have been used to help players interact with or learn more about nature.
Sherri Sheu curated an exhibit at the Science History Institute in Philadelphia focused on environmental board games. Sheu’s work as a historian focuses on environmental history and she said there are clear parallels between what you see in games from decades like the 1960s and 70s and the conversation about environmental issues going on at the time.
“I think most people tend to think of board games as fun family entertainment. As things that we’re just we play on a Saturday night with our friends or we’re playing at home with our families and usually we’re thinking more about, more in terms of who’s cheating at Monopoly than we’re thinking about what we’re learning from these games,” Sheu said.
“But what we discovered is actually that game makers and game designers have just been fascinated by environmental issues and have made a lot of games about environmental issues over the last 50 years,” Sheu said.
She said some of those games, like Litterbug a children’s game that teaches about the consequences of littering or Clean Water, a game created after the passage of the Clean Water Act, came at a time in the 1970s when people were becoming a lot more politically engaged and aware of environmental issues.
“These board games really serve as a way of both harnessing this really strong energy that people are having about protecting the environment, that they want to get out there, that they want to do something about it, and also showing that these issues can often be quite complex,” she told ABC News.
Adam Procter, a professor at the University of Southampton’s Winchester School of Art who teaches game design, said he sees a similar energy in his students today who come to work with him because of his focus on using gameplay to tackle difficult topics.
Procter and his students helped test Daybreak. In those sessions, he said he noticed that even losing the game sparked conversations that relate to climate solutions in the real world.
“Afterwards, the conversation about what they think they should do better and that .. they want to play like almost straight away again, too, because they suddenly realize ‘oh okay, we need to collaborate on this. We should definitely have done more of that. I think we need to invest in this technology or these things’,” Procter told ABC News.
“And so the conversation after the game is really interesting because they certainly are having conversations about the climate crisis, which is not just, it’s not a topic you just want to bring up,” Procter said.
Leacock and Menapace said that despite the serious nature of the subject matter, the game had to be fun. And that in addition to providing a fun experience with friends and family, the game can help people navigate the anxiety and sense of overwhelm that’s often connected to climate change.
Leacock said the game provides a safe space to talk about climate-related topics and they also plan to include links to resources to learn about the real world equivalents of the scenarios in the game.
“You’re seeing that you can actually make a difference or that people, society can make a difference. So you’re less likely to be caught up in a feeling of doom and that can feel pretty empowering,” he said.
Daybreak will be shipped to people who pre-ordered it in June and is expected to be available online and in stores later this spring.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
New to the city of Bridgman this summer is the Bridgman Beach Bus at Weko Beach. It’s partnership of the city, local businesses, and the Greater Bridgman Area Council for Growth and Advancement to offer a free shuttle between town and Weko Beach on Saturdays and Sundays. It launched this weekend. The CGA’s Tara Heiser tells us those who can’t find parking at the beach can park in town and get a free ride to their destination.
“We had a roundtable discussion meeting with about 30 or 40 businesses a couple of months ago, and one of the things that came out of that conversation was a free bus service to the beach,” Heiser said.
Recommended lots are city hall, the library, and Toth Park. Bridgman City Manager Juan Ganum says the city thinks this is a great idea.
“It’s no secret that we have major congestion at Weko Beach on an annual basis during the summer months, and in particular, on the weekends when the weather is great,” Ganum said. “So, we’ve heard from a number of folks, both residents and visitors, who say when they arrive at the beach, there’s no parking available.”
Ganum says the city won’t lose out on revenue because if the Weko Beach lot is full, then that’s all the revenue they were going to get. The Bridgman Beach Bus at Weko Beach launches this weekend. Stops will include Sunset Dunes Vacation Rentals, Biggby Coffee, the Bridgman Public Library, and the Get-A-Way Grill and Cubbie Bar.
Emergency Shelter Services has opened its new resale shop in Benton Harbor. The ribbon cutting for ESS 6 Degrees Resale, previously known as 6 Degrees, was held this month. Emergency Shelter Services Director Reshella Hawkins tells us the store moved from its previous location on Main Street to 53 West Wall Street.
“We have clothing, we have gently used furniture, knickknacks, all kinds of things that we sell,” Hawkins said. “It’s really a nice, nice new facility.”
Hawkins says after COVID, they wanted a change, and she’s proud of the location she describes as clean, refreshing, and welcoming.
“All of the items that we receive are donated items from people in the community, and people are giving really nice items, gently used items for people to refurnish or replenish.”
Hawkins says the resale store is also a place for people to find help to avoid homelessness. All proceeds from sales go to Emergency Shelter Services. You can check out the new store now. It’s open Mondays through Saturdays.
The Twin City Players’ Board of Directors is excited to announce its 2023-2024 Mainstage Season – featuring six entertaining productions. The season represents TCP’s 91st year of producing community theatre in Southwest Michigan and runs September 2023 through June 2024.
TCP’s Mainstage season’s slate of shows includes:
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, September 8 – 24, 2023, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig. TCP Director: John Taylor. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stopped the Orient Express in its tracks. The next morning, an American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed, his door locked from the inside. Isolated with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on famed detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer before they strike again.
The Revolutionists, October 20 – November 5, 2023, by Lauren Gunderson. TCP Director: Peggy Harrington. Four feisty, courageous women lose their heads in this irreverent comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris while they grapple with their legacy, their life’s purpose, and their surprising friendships.
Parfumerie, December 1 – 17, 2023, adapted by E.P. Dowdall. TCP Director: Cassi Holmes. This adaptation of the play that inspired several movies (You’ve Got Mail & The Shop Around the Corner) and a Broadway musical (She Loves Me), is a warm, gentle comedy that follows the tangled tale of Parfumerie employee George Horvath. Just days before Christmas, George’s boss fires him after suspecting him to be his wife’s lover. Meanwhile, George’s own love life goes awry when he discovers that the pen pal he has fallen in love with is a co-worker with whom he constantly feuds. Only the truth can lead to a happy resolution in this old-fashioned, romantic Christmas tale.
The Red Velvet Cake War, March 1 – 17, 2024, by Jones Hope Wooten. TCP Director: Anna Pille. In this uproarious Southern-fried comedy, three of the Verdeen cousins could not have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion. As a parade of wildly eccentric Verdeens gather on the hottest day of July, smackdab in the middle of Texas tornado season, things spin hilariously out of control and a jaw-dropping high-stakes wager is made on who bakes the best red velvet cake. You’ll wish your own family reunions were this much fun!
Rumors, April 19 – May 5, 2024, by Neil Simon. TCP Director: Scott Bradford. When they gather to celebrate a wedding anniversary, four New York power couples experience a severe attack of Farce. At a tastefully appointed townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and someone must get “the story” straight. As the confusions and mis-communications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. Tony Award winner!
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, June 7 – 30, 2024, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, new book by Douglas Carter Beane, original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. TCP Director: Jacob Holmes. This enchanting, Broadway adaptation of the beloved musical will put a spell on audiences of all ages. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella showcases some of the songwriting duo’s loveliest tunes, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” as well as some new characters and surprising twists. Add a dash of fairy-tale romance, magical onstage transformations, the iconic pumpkin, and glass slippers—and you’re guaranteed to have a ball! Tony, Drama Desk, & Outer Circle Award winner!
Tickets are $12-$17 plus a $1 per ticket fee. Group rates are available. All seats reserved. Tickets available August 1, 2023, at twincityplayers.org and 269-429-0400. A Flex Pass will be available this summer. Performance times: 7:30 pm Friday/Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. All performances take place at the Twin City Players Playhouse, 600 West Glenlord Road, St. Joseph, Michigan.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and Rumors are presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com. The Revolutionists and The Red Velvet Cake War are presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. www.dramatists.com. Parfumerie is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. www.playscripts.com. Cinderella is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization. www.concordtheatricals.com.
About Twin City Players
Formed in 1932, Twin City Players is a volunteer based nonprofit organization that strives to engage the community in quality theatre that changes lives and to be recognized for organizational excellence producing quality performances in southwest Michigan. The TCP Playhouse is located at 600 West Glenlord Road, St. Joseph, MI. For more information about TCP, call 269-429-0400 or visit us at twincityplayers.org.
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Tom Hanks earns his honorary doctorate from THIS prestigious university. Where you can watch the new “Barbie” trailer. What’s new in theatres this weekend.
Troll is a young male cat who is well-muscled and has a unique coat. His body is white but his ears and tail are black! Troll was found in Benton Harbor during the spring of 2023. After being on his own and fending for himself, Troll very much appreciates the love and care he receives in his foster home. A few cans of Fancy Feast will seal the deal and make Troll your new BFF! Troll is neutered and up-to-date on vaccines. Please contact Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 or infoanimalaidswmi@gmail.com if you’d like to meet our terrific Troll!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Troll is a young male cat who is well-muscled and has a unique coat. His body is white but his ears and tail are black! Troll was found in Benton Harbor during the spring of 2023. After being on his own and fending for himself, Troll very much appreciates the love and care he receives in his foster home. A few cans of Fancy Feast will seal the deal and make Troll your new BFF! Troll is neutered and up-to-date on vaccines. Please contact Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 or infoanimalaidswmi@gmail.com if you’d like to meet our terrific Troll!
What Americans truly love to grill. Fun and weird places to road trip this summer. These are the things Americans are saying make a memorable vacation.
Sam Smith cancels concert four songs in-find out why. Lady Gaga uses TikTok makeup hacks? Taylor Swift has an official sandwich named after her-find out what is it and where you can get it.
Daniele Crevier, the Events and Operations Manager at St. Joe Today talks about the first farmer’s market of the season, an arts event happening in Benton Harbor and tons of other fun things going on over Memorial Day weekend.
The Brady Bunch house is for SALE!!! Family Feud contestant on trial for murdering his wife. The Family Stallone is back for season 2 on Paramount +.
Dr. Beach’s pick of the top U.S. beaches for 2023. It’s National Wine Day! Dad picks up son on last day of school….on a horse.
Goodbye to Tina Turner. Broadway.com awards Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban. Lewis Capaldi’s new documentary.
Chris Hurdle, Program Coordinator at BCF talks about grants application that are coming due, “Food For Good” and how YOU can help, and their “Gotcha Doin’ Good” campaign.
Did Jamie Foxx have a stroke? The Voice finale. Will Labron James retire or stay with the Lakers one more season?
Netflix is cracking down on password sharing starting NOW. Kraft singles get a new “easier” wrapper. Pool season is here…..a reminder of “pool rules”.
Katy Perry may leave American Idol. A Taylor Swift song is now the American Heart Association’s CPR theme. And Taylor has a new exhibit at the New York Museum of Art & Design.
A “Brat Pack” documentary is in the works. You can pre-order your Indiana Jones movie tickets now. The Little Mermaid remake hits theatres this weekend.
Zoo animals that do and don’t enjoy visitors. The cities with the most mosquitos. Advantages of joint vs. separate bank accounts.
Niall Horan announces a 2024 North American tour-find out when he’ll be in Chicago. Ed Sheeran feels uncomfortable watching his documentary. Cher turns 77.
Ashley Butler, Director of Community Engagement at Cornerstone Alliance is here to talk about the Water Taxi between St. Joe and Benton Harbor. The link she mentions is here: https://exploremishore.com/
Ryan Seacrest may have a new cooking show in the works. Do you prefer one Jeopardy host over another? Here are the top movies at the box office from the weekend.
Do you take your shoes off in your house-do you ask others to? AI can now mow your lawn. Starbucks is changing out their cubes.
The richest British artists are…. There’s more than one way to see Taylor Swift in concert-find out how. Donna Summer’s collection is being auctioned off starting in June.
Belle is a beautiful girl who originally came to us as a stray, and appears to be a Husky or Husky-mix. Belle has been nothing but sweet since she’s been with us! She loves people, playing, and receiving plenty of affection. Belle has one blue and one brown eye, and it’s so hard to resist those gorgeous eyes! Belle does well on a leash, and adores going for walks. She has gotten along with other dogs around her size, but cannot live with any small dogs or other small animals. Belle is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and heartworm negative. We estimate her to be around 6 years old, and she’s a nice medium size at 43 pounds. If you are interested in meeting our sweet and beautiful Belle, please fill out an application at al-van.org/adopt
Belle is a beautiful girl who originally came to us as a stray, and appears to be a Husky or Husky-mix. Belle has been nothing but sweet since she’s been with us! She loves people, playing, and receiving plenty of affection. Belle has one blue and one brown eye, and it’s so hard to resist those gorgeous eyes! Belle does well on a leash, and adores going for walks. She has gotten along with other dogs around her size, but cannot live with any small dogs or other small animals. Belle is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and heartworm negative. We estimate her to be around 6 years old, and she’s a nice medium size at 43 pounds. If you are interested in meeting our sweet and beautiful Belle, please fill out an application at al-van.org/adopt
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Pricilla Presley denied burial at Graceland. Alec Baldwin is a grandpa! What’s new at the movies this weekend.
Red and white wine drinkers have completely different personalities-find out if you fit the data. It’s National Pizza Party Day-what are America’s favorite toppings? Would you pay for an empty seat next to you on your next flight?
Here’s how you can pre-order Taylor Swift’s new re-released album. Order tickets now if you want to see Garth Brooks in Vegas next year. What Sting would sing at karaoke night.
A “One Good Thing” journal for students helps Oklahoma teacher win the National Teacher Of The Year award.
Harry & Meghan’s car chase. Jason Mamoa to host Shark Week. Martha Stewart shares her secrets to looking great at 81.
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Weinermobile changes its name to WHAT??? Depression and exhaustion are at all time high levels-here’s how to fix it.
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What’s going to happen on The Voice season finale? Adele makes YouTube history. Selena Gomez is planning on two more TV cooking shows.
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Daniele Crevier, the Events & Operations Manager with St. Joe Today tell us about shopping events, craft classes and more happening in SW Michigan this weekend.
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Today I’m sampling Decoy’s 2021 Merlot. Find out where it ranks on my 5 cork scale based on drinkability and affordability.
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Dog who climbed a mountain needed to be rescued at the top.
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Writers strike is going to affect these award shows. There is a “senior citizen” Bachelor coming to ABC this fall. Are Tom Brady and Kim Kardashian dating or not?
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Will chocolate milk go away as part of public school lunches? What are the top dog loving state? Apple is developing voice replicating ability.
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Beyonce to launch a new hair care line. Missy Elliott earns another big honor. Shawn Mendes speaks about his own mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month.
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President of the Berrien Community Foundation, Lisa Cripps-Downey talks about “Food For Good” fund and how it is helping food insecurity in Berrien county.
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We’re talking with Lynn Moersch-GOTR Board Chair and Lisa Hansen from United Federal Credit Union, Presenting Sponsor for GOTR and their Celebration 5k happening this Friday the 19th.
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Mom has four children who are all graduating this month.
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Martha Stewart makes history with her cover photo! Jamie Foxx is out of the hospital and ready to host a new music game show. You can now watch this year’s biggest movie at home.
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Be on the lookout for an asteroid passing earth today. This will be the busiest Memorial Day weekend for travelers since the pandemic. The World’s Oldest Dog just celebrated his 31st birthday.
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Guess who is taking Blake’s place on The Voice. Stevie Nicks is adding 13 new stops to her solo tour this year. Rod Stewart was surprised with two new grandbabies last week-find out if they are boys or girls.
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Sarah Spoonholtz from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber tells us about this week’s Ribboncutting at the new 6 Degrees Resale Store location, as well as a Thursday, May 30th Blood Drive at Shadowland Ballroom, and sponsorship availability for the upcoming Wine & Nine Golf Outing! Get details at smrchamber.com.
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We spoke with the Women’s Business Center’s Kristin Patzer about two big events they are holding this week.
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The Smoothie Shop is helping people with special needs.
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Johnny Depp signs historic deal with Dior for how much??? You can now buy the set of “Cheers” and other iconic TV sets. The biggest box office movies over the weekend.
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This tropical scent is now proven to make mosquitos fly away from you fast. This popular flavor of Goldfish crackers is back in stores now. Pickleball courts are now taking up old Bed, Bath & Beyond spaces.
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Kelly Clarkson addresses toxicity issues behind the scenes of her show. Taylor Swift had security guard tossed out of her concert-find out why. She’s also seen out with new boyfriend in NYC.
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Pickleball fans play to raise money for charity.
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Ben Affleck caught slamming car door after Jen gets in the car. Kim K. look alike who died of cardiac arrest now appears it was a homicide. What’s new in theatres this weekend?
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Get all kinds of Mother’s Day fun facts!
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Pentatonix starring in Netflix holiday movie. Would you buy contacts that were used to see a Taylor Swift concert? Maroon 5 to debut a dramatic new single on The Voice next week.
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Nala is a very sweet girl, only about a year old, who had to fend for herself all winter long. Nala might take a bit to warm up to you, but she loves to be petted and sit beside you and the dog! Yes, our Nala has no fear of dogs! Nala is also fitting in with the resident cats in her foster home. She prefers not to be picked up, but is very loving. Nala has been spayed, is negative for FeLV-FIV, and up-to-date on vaccines. Please reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our beautiful Nala.
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Nala is a very sweet girl, only about a year old, who had to fend for herself all winter long. Nala might take a bit to warm up to you, but she loves to be petted and sit beside you and the dog! Yes, our Nala has no fear of dogs! Nala is also fitting in with the resident cats in her foster home. She prefers not to be picked up, but is very loving. Nala has been spayed, is negative for FeLV-FIV, and up-to-date on vaccines. Please reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our beautiful Nala.
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MLB – Major League Baseball
Last Night
Kansas City Royals 4, Chicago White Sox 3
Tigers and Cubs were off
Royals 4, White Sox 3 – Fermin’s bunt in ninth gives Royals 4-3 win over White Sox
Freddy Fermin followed a leadoff walk by Nick Pratto and a single by Matt Duffy with a perfectly executed sacrifice bunt in the ninth inning, giving the Kansas City Royals a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox. Reynaldo López took the loss for the White Sox. Scott Barlow pitched a perfect ninth to earn the win. The Royals nursed a 3-1 lead into the eighth, but the White Sox tied it up with a two-out rally against Aroldis Chapman. Andrew Vaughn and pinch-hitter Carlos Pérez singled, and Luis Robert Jr. bounced a tying double off the chalk of the left-field line.
Tonight
Seattle (Gonzales 2-0) at Detroit (Boyd 2-2), 6:40 p.m. News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM 6:15
Chicago Cubs (Smyly 3-1) at Minnesota (Gray 4-0), 8:10 p.m.
Houston (France 0-0) at Chicago White Sox (Kopech 1-3), 8:10 p.m.
NBA – National Basketball Association Playoffs – Round 2 (Best of 7)
Last Night
Boston Celtics 95, Philadelphia 76ers 86 (Series tied 3-3)
Denver Nuggets 125, Phoenix Suns 100 (DEN wins 4-2)
Celtics 95, Sixers 86 – Tatum’s 4th-quarter 3s push Celtics past 76ers 95-86; force Game 7
Jayson Tatum missed his first six 3-pointers before he drilled two straight clutch ones late in the game that pushed the Celtics past the Philadelphia 76ers 95-86 to send the Eastern Conference semifinals back to Boston for Game 7. The defending conference champs are in familiar territory. Boston trailed 3-2 last season in the second round against Milwaukee before it won Game 6 on the road and the clincher at home. Game 7 is Sunday in Boston. Tatum scored 19 points. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey each scored 26 points for the 76ers.
Nuggets 125, Suns 100 – Nuggets blow past Suns 125-100, advance to Western Conference finals
Nikola Jokic scored 32 points, Jamal Murray added 26 and the Denver Nuggets advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2020 by beating the shorthanded Phoenix Suns 125-100 in Game 6 on Thursday night. Denver’s series victory comes two seasons after the Nuggets were embarrassed in a second-round postseason sweep by the Suns. This time, it was the Suns who were embarrassed. On their home floor, too. Denver jumped to an 81-51 lead by halftime. The Nuggets will play in the conference finals for the first time since they lost to the Lakers in five games in the Florida bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tonight
New York Knicks at Miami Heat, 7:30 p.m. (MIA leads 3-2)
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers, 10:00 p.m. (LAL leads 3-2)
NBA – Lakers coach Ham expects Anthony Davis to play in Game 6 vs Warriors
Lakers coach Darvin Ham said he excepts Anthony Davis to play Friday night in Los Angeles, adding that the eight-time All-Star big man is “not showing any signs of anything” and is not in the NBA’s concussion protocol after being hit in the head late in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals. Davis is “doing great,” Ham said, and is probable for Game 6 against the Golden State Warriors. Davis was hurt by what appeared to be an inadvertent shot to the head from Golden State’s Kevon Looney midway through the fourth quarter of the Warriors’ 121-106 victory in San Francisco.
NBA – Heat, Lakers get another chance to move on; Knicks, Warriors on brink
Whatever it takes. That’s the credo at this time of year in the NBA playoffs. It’s why New York teammates Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes are playing 48 minutes. It’s why Miami’s Jimmy Butler is playing through ankle soreness. It’s why Golden State’s Stephen Curry is taking more shots per game than he ever has in a playoff run. It’s why the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis will likely play through whatever is ailing him after he had to leave early Wednesday night. The Heat play host to New York and the Lakers play host to Golden State on Friday. Both home clubs have 3-2 series leads.
NHL – National Hockey League – 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Round 2 (Best of 7)
Last Night
Carolina Hurricanes 3, New Jersey Devils 2 – OT (CAR wins 4-1)
Dallas Stars 5, Seattle Kraken 2 (DAL leads 3-2)
Hurricanes 3, Devils 2 – OT – Jesper Fast scores on OT power play, Hurricanes eliminate Devils in Game 5
Jesper Fast deflected in a shot by Jesperi Kotkaniemi on a power play at 7:09 of overtime to give the Carolina Hurricanes a series-ending 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. Fast’s deflection while shielding Akira Schmid set off a celebration for the Hurricanes, who never led until the final play and twice trailed by a goal before winning the best-of-seven series 4-1 to reach the Eastern Conference final. In the first tight game of the second-round matchup, Fast made amends for when he popped a puck over the goal in front of an open net in the first period. Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns also scored for Carolina, and Frederik Andersen made 27 saves.
Stars 5, Kraken 2 – Hintz has 2 goals, Pavelski scores again as Stars take 3-2 series lead over Kraken
Roope Hintz scored two goals and had an assist, Joe Pavelski scored his seventh goal of the second-round series and the Dallas Stars beat the Seattle Kraken 5-2 in Game 5. The Stars have a 3-2 series lead. Pavelski also had an assist on Hintz’s second goal, which ricocheted hard out of the net with 8:37 left for a two-goal lead, though play continued for nearly a half-minute before a replay review that confirmed the score. Radek Faksa added an empty-netter. Game 6 is Saturday in Seattle. Adam Larsson and Jared McCann scored for Seattle.
Tonight
Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:00 p.m. (FLA leads 3-1)
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights, 10:00 p.m. (Series tied 2-2)
NFL – NFL season kicks off with Super Bowl champion Chiefs hosting LionsS
Patrick Mahomes and the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will kick off the season against the upstart Detroit Lions in a matchup of high-powered offenses and they’ll host Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch on “Monday Night Football” in Week 11. Aaron Rodgers will make his New York Jets debut in the first Monday night game of the season against the Buffalo Bills and later faces the Miami Dolphins in the NFL’s first Black Friday game on Nov. 24. Thanks to Rodgers’ arrival in the Big Apple, the Jets will have six nationally televised games, including their first Sunday night game since 2011 vs. the Chiefs on Oct. 1.
Indy500 – Defending Indy 500 champ Ericsson back at Brickyard, seeking new contract
Marcus Ericsson spent most of his career trying to show he could win races. Now the defending Indianapolis 500 champion and current IndyCar points leader has another goal: proving his newfound success is no fluke. The 32-year-old Swede is making a strong case for a contract extension with Chip Ganassi Racing. He won the season-opening race in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has four straight top-10 finishes. He now returns to Indy with his image plastered all around the city.
MWL – Midwest League Baseball
Last Night
Lansing 4, West Michigan 2
Lake County 6, Great Lakes 5
Wisconsin 3, South Bend 1
Today
Lansing Lugnuts at West Michigan Whitecaps, 11:05 a.m.
Great Lakes Loons at Lake County Captains, 6:35 p.m.
South Bend Cubs at Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 7:40 p.m.
MHSAA – High School Sports
Yesterday
Baseball
Portage Central 11, St. Joseph 1 – Game 1
St. Joseph 3, Portage Central 2 – Game 2
Bridgman 8, Buchanan 5
Cassopolis 17, Bloomingdale 2 – Game 1
Cassopolis 17, Bloomingdale 0 – Game 2
Decatur 15, White Pigeon 0 – Game 1
Decatur 15, White Pigeon 4 – Game 2
Hartford 12, Marcellus 6 – Game 1
Hartford 6, Marcellus 2 – Game 2
Three Rivers 11, Constantine 8 – Game 1
Three Rivers 10, Constantine 6 – Game 2
Girls Soccer
Fennville 4, Michigan Lutheran 2
Berrien Springs 4, Coloma 1
New Buffalo 8, Covert 0
Comstock 8, Hartford 0
Saugatuck 4, Wyoming Potter’s House 0
Softball
Lakeshore 7, New Prairie 5
Portage Central 6, St. Joseph 3 – Game 1
Portage Central 12, St. Joseph 1 – Game 2
Paw Paw 6, Coloma 5 – Game 1
Coloma 12, Paw Paw 1 – Game 1
Watervliet 13, Bridgman 3
Decatur 11, White Pigeon 0 – Game 1
Decatur 6, White Pigeon 0 – Game 2
Hartford 10, Marcellus 2 – Game 1
Marcellus 16, Hartford 15 – Game 2
Centreville 18, Lawrence 0 – Game 1
Centreville 18, Lawrence 1 – Game 2
Gobles 12, Fennville 0 – Game 1
Gobles 17, Fennville 0 – Game 2
Lawton 6, Howardsville Christian 5 – Game 1
Lawton 15, Howardsville Christian 6 – Game 2
Today
Baseball
Eau Claire at Our Lady of the Lake, 4:15 p.m.
Michigan Lutheran at River Valley, 4:15 p.m,
Mattawan at Edwardsburg, 4:00 p.m.
Coloma at Paw Paw, 4:00 p.m.
Brandywine at Dowagiac, 4:00 p.m.
Holland Black River at Martin, 4:30 p.m.
Vicksburg at Plainwell, 4:00 p.m.
Loy Norrix at Kalamazoo Central, 4:00 p.m.
Tekonsha at Mendon, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Eau Claire at Our Lady of the Lake, 4:15 p.m.
Michigan Lutheran at River Valley, 4:15 p.m,
Otsego at Edwardsburg, 4:00 p.m.
South Haven at Coloma, 4:30 p.m.
Brandywine at Dowagiac, 4:00 p.m.
Vicksburg at Plainwell, 4:00 p.m.
Kalamazoo Central at Schoolcraft, 4:30 p.m.
Marcellus at Colon, 4:30 p.m.
Tekonsha at Mendon, 4:30 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Lakeshore at Portage Central, 6:30 p.m.
Our Lady of the Lake at Kal. Hackett, 5:00 p.m.
Hamilton at South Haven, 6:30 p.m.
Coloma at Buchanan, 5:00 p.m.
Bridgman at Watervliet, 6:30 p.m.
Battle Creek Lakeview at Mattawan, 6:30 p.m.
Plainwell at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix, 6:30 p.m.
Edwardsburg at Kalamazoo Central, 6:30 p.m.
Niles at New Buffalo, 6:00 p.m.
Three Rivers at Quincy, 5:30 p.m.
Delton-Kellogg at Parchment, 6:30 p.m.
Allegan at Wayland, 6:45 p.m.
Schoolcraft at Comstock, 5:30 p.m.
Gull Lake at GR Forest Hills Northern, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
Track and Field
SMAC Conference Meet at Battle Creek Lakeview, 9:30 a.m.
Girls Tennis
SMAC Conference Meet at Portage Central/Portage Northern, 8:30 a.m.
WeekDate
DETROIT LIONS
CHICAGO BEARS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
1
09/10/23
at Chiefs (THU)
Packers
Jaguars
2
09/17/23
Seahawks
at Buccaneers
at Texans
3
09/24/23
Falcons
at Chiefs
at Ravens
4
10/01/23
at Packers (THU)
Broncos
Rams
5
10/08/23
Panthers
at Commanders (THU)
Titans
6
10/15/23
at Buccaneers
Vikings
at Jaguars
7
10/22/23
at Ravens
Raiders
Browns
8
10/29/23
Raiders (MON)
at Chargers
Saints
9
11/05/23
BYE
at Saints
at Panthers
10
11/12/23
at Chargers
Panthers
Patriots (Germany)
11
11/19/23
Bears
at Lions
BYE
12
11/26/23
Packers (Thanksgiving)
at Vikings (MON)
Buccaneers
13
12/03/23
at Saints
BYE
at Titans
14
12/10/23
at Bears
Lions
at Bengals
15
12/17/23
Broncos (TBA)
at Browns (TBA)
Steelers (TBA)
16
12/24/23
at Vikings
Cardinals
at Falcons
17
12/30/23
at Cowboys (SAT)
Falcons
Raiders
18
01/07/24
Vikings (TBA)
at Packers (TBA)
Texans (TBA)
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Daniele, the Events and Operations Manager at St. Joe Today tells us about Mother’s Day events, The Blossomtime Parade and tons of other events happening in and around town this weekend.
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Students create world’s longest friendship bracelet.
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Kathy Bates back in Matlock reboot. Arnold Schwarzenegger has a documentary coming out next month. General Hospital’s most popular nurse has passed away.
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Covid health emergency is officially over. Marshmallows that change color? Americans love our road trips.
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Rihanna’s baby name revealed. Sia gets married. Does Taylor Swift have a secret memoir coming out this summer?
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Chris Hurdle, Program Coordinator with BCF and his guests Regina Strother, BHHS English teacher and Dmyron Gidrey, Media Communications instructor at BHHS talk about the Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grant and how it has helped the students at Benton Harbor High School make a movie based on a novel.
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Young author donates book sale proceeds to his youth football league.
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Di Nero a dad….again! The Bachelor In Paradise couple had some trouble in paradise. Tom Hanks has a debut novel out in stores now.
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Experts says these paint colors in your home are now outdated! Find out the top honeymoon destinations for 2023. What states are eating the most bananas.
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Britney Spears documentary coming up on FOX. Ed Sheeran promises he was never asked to sing at the coronation. Harry Stiles has a comic book about him.
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Today we spoke with Debbie Ramirez, Volunteer Engagement Director at United Way SWMI about their winners of their annual Volunteer United Youth Scholarships.
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Dog finds a kidney donor for owner.
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Harry had his lips read at the coronation-find out what he said. The real reason why Kevin Costner’s wife is leaving him. Selma Blairs book about MS comes out in paperback today.
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It’s National Tear Tags Off Mattress Day-why is it a felony? It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Spring cleaning scents we love.
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It’s Billy Joel’s birthday today! Kelly Clarkson moves to NYC along with her talk show. Britney Spears autobiography delayed again-find out why.
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Kristen Patzer, Director of Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance tells us about two informative events happening this month.
Lawncare service goes viral doing good deeds and surprisingly receives $10,000 to donate to a veteran they helped.
Sad news for “Yellowstone” fans. Who won the major categories at last night’s MTV awards? What happened to Prince Harry after the coronation?
You’re going to sound old if you still use these phrases. You are old if you don’t know what these phrases mean. At what age did you start to feel old? Find out if you fit the norm.
Here’s what Lionel and Katy sang at the King’s Coronation party. Ed Sheeran still has a hard time talking about these things. Taylor Swift is set to re-release another of her re-recorded albums in July-find out which one.
With spring in the air across southwest Michigan, the local trees aren’t the only things turning over a new leaf.
South Haven’s Taste unveiled a two-month interior renovation with a “soft” opening in April, and Owners Heidi Gesiakowski and Chef Joel Gesiakowski are ready to show off the restaurant’s new look ahead of its 10-year anniversary May 15.
“The opening was not soft,” Heidi said. “We opened the doors and the floodgates opened. The customer’s reactions were just outstanding.”
From a more open floorplan and accessible entrance to new booths and expanded bar seating, the Gesiakowskis said with the anniversary coming up, they knew they wanted to make a change to their restaurant at the corner of Kalamazoo and Phoenix Streets.
“We decided to put our twist on it and make it our own,” said Joel, who first met Heidi while she was bartending at Harborside Bistro in the mid-2000’s. “It’s not like we were boring after 10 years, but it just kind of re-excited me about the whole thing. It’s like running or opening the brand new restaurant without moving locations. It’s like a rebirth.”
The new half moon-shaped booths seat tables of up to six or seven, according to Heidi and Joel, and were custom built in Detroit.
” I’ve never actually sat in a more comfortable booth in my life,” Joel said. “So, we’re really happy with that.”
There is also a new private dining room featuring a 10 foot long live edge Red Oak table that seats up to 12 people.
“It’s definitely a showstopper,” Joel said. “It took six grown men to lift this piece of wood into the restaurant.”
During summer months, it will used as private dining for groups, and in the offseason, Chef Joel will be creating intimate cooking experiences.
“A three-course meal with a drink to match every course,” Joel said. “We haven’t hashed out all the details yet, but I’m thinking about running a menu for a whole month and doing it maybe two to four times.”
In addition to the physical changes, Joel said there are a couple of menu changes, including a seafood dip with shrimp, crab, lobster and cream cheese served with toasted pita. They’ve also added a new “seafood Rangoon” sushi roll. Both items are already a hit, according to Joel.
Some other changes include the ability for patrons to be able to make reservations through the restaurant’s website, tastesouthhaven.com. The Gesiakowskis said they also plan to celebrate their 10-year anniversary with a special deal for their customers. For updates, or to see current hours as the summer season approaches, follow the restaurant’s Facebook page.
With spring in the air across southwest Michigan, the local trees aren’t the only things turning over a new leaf.
South Haven’s Taste unveiled a two-month interior renovation with a “soft” opening in April, and Owners Heidi Gesiakowski and Chef Joel Gesiakowski are ready to show off the restaurant’s new look ahead of its 10-year anniversary May 15.
“The opening was not soft,” Heidi said. “We opened the doors and the floodgates opened. The customer’s reactions were just outstanding.”
From a more open floorplan and accessible entrance to new booths and expanded bar seating, the Gesiakowskis said with the anniversary coming up, they knew they wanted to make a change to their restaurant at the corner of Kalamazoo and Phoenix Streets.
“We decided to put our twist on it and make it our own,” said Joel, who first met Heidi while she was bartending at Harborside Bistro in the mid-2000’s. “It’s not like we were boring after 10 years, but it just kind of re-excited me about the whole thing. It’s like running or opening the brand new restaurant without moving locations. It’s like a rebirth.”
The new half moon-shaped booths seat tables of up to six or seven, according to Heidi and Joel, and were custom built in Detroit.
” I’ve never actually sat in a more comfortable booth in my life,” Joel said. “So, we’re really happy with that.”
There is also a new private dining room featuring a 10 foot long live edge Red Oak table that seats up to 12 people.
“It’s definitely a showstopper,” Joel said. “It took six grown men to lift this piece of wood into the restaurant.”
During summer months, it will used as private dining for groups, and in the offseason, Chef Joel will be creating intimate cooking experiences.
“A three-course meal with a drink to match every course,” Joel said. “We haven’t hashed out all the details yet, but I’m thinking about running a menu for a whole month and doing it maybe two to four times.”
In addition to the physical changes, Joel said there are a couple of menu changes, including a seafood dip with shrimp, crab, lobster and cream cheese served with toasted pita. They’ve also added a new “seafood Rangoon” sushi roll. Both items are already a hit, according to Joel.
Some other changes include the ability for patrons to be able to make reservations through the restaurant’s website, tastesouthhaven.com. The Gesiakowskis said they also plan to celebrate their 10-year anniversary with a special deal for their customers. For updates, or to see current hours as the summer season approaches, follow the restaurant’s Facebook page.
The city of Buchanan and the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF) have teamed up once again to present The Common Summer Concert Series at Buchanan Common in the heart of downtown.
With styles ranging from rock and Motown to progressive bluegrass and jam, the series features performances from both local and national touring artists. There will be a total of 16 days of music between June 1 and Aug. 31 at the outdoor amphitheater and its expansive green space bordered by McCoy Creek.
Highlighting the lineup is a special Wednesday show from the The Sam Grisman Project, which features the son of Mandolin legend and Jerry Garcia collaborator David Grisman. The four-piece Sam Grisman Project pays tribute to the music of Garcia and Grisman throughout their long and storied careers.
“The name Grisman goes pretty far,” said Michael Rowland, President of the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation. “We’re really excited to have them, but in addition to that we have a lot of other great shows.”
Most of the shows will take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, with Thursdays being more local-oriented artists and Saturdays being for regional and national acts.
“Most of the Saturday shows you can expect a bigger production,” Rowland said. “Thursday shows are more acoustical. They obviously have sound and lights and everything, but they’re more local bands and just a little bit more mellow.”
Other highlights include the two-day Chippewapalooza Festival, which will feature acoustic music on Friday, Aug. 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. and electric music from noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 12. Other regional and national acts include a Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute by David Gerald on June 24 and a Shakedown Saturday with The Happy Campers on Aug 24.
‘Business development’
The MGCF is an organization that works to foster a community of philanthropy in the areas of education, healthcare and culture.
“That culture bucket is always a difficult bucket to fill in Buchanan,” Rowland said. “Long ago, we got involved with the concert series to bring free, equitable music to the community and give them opportunities to not only experience something that normally would be kind of a more expensive than venture to be able to do, but it also provides some business development for the community.”
Rowland said the concerts bring about 10,000 people to Buchanan each year, which is a boon for the entire community.
“We have a ton of great businesses here downtown and it’s very unique that we have this open air amphitheater that we can bring major acts like the Sam Grisman Project,” Rowland said. “It’s a really neat project … that alone has some ripple effects. We’ve seen that, um, not only in helping local businesses downtown and providing resources to the community, but also the ripple effect that has on our nonprofit community.”
This year, proceeds from concessions will be going to different nonprofit organizations. Those who wish to donate can do so at mgcf.org.
See the photo below for the full list of shows:
For more information, visit Buchanan Common on Facebook.
Celebration Cinema is raising money to support mental health services this month through the sale of its popcorn. The theater chain says it’s donating fifty cents from the sale of every large popcorn bucket for the month of May to support the Hope Network Foundation, among others. The money raised will be dedicated to Hope Network’s outpatient therapy and counseling, residential programs, and community services promoting mental health across the state. Other recipients of support will be I Understand, The Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Be Nice’ campaign, and Community of Hearts. The fundraiser will not increase popcorn prices for customers. Celebration’s Emily Loeks says while everyone’s watching superheroes on screen, the chain is “glad to play a role in supporting every-day heroes who fight for their own mental health and reach out to support and advocate for others.”
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images/STOCK(OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss.) — A teenager was killed and six others were injured in a shooting at a Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurant Friday night, authorities said.
Police responded to a shooting shortly before 11 p.m. local time at The Scratch Kitchen in Ocean Springs, east of Biloxi.
Responding officers found seven shooting victims at the scene, including a teenager who had died from his injuries, Ocean Springs Police Capt. Ryan LeMaire said. The police department identified the victim as 19-year-old Chase Harmon of Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The surviving victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment, said police, who did not provide details on the extent of their injuries.
There are no suspects in the shooting at this time, police said.
The Scratch Kitchen is located on a busy strip in downtown Ocean Springs that’s lined with restaurants and bars. It was offering Cinco de Mayo specials at the time of the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Ocean Springs Police Department at 228-875-2211.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images/STOCK(OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss.) — A teenager was killed and six others were injured in a shooting at a Mississippi Gulf Coast restaurant Friday night, authorities said.
Police responded to a shooting shortly before 11 p.m. local time at The Scratch Kitchen in Ocean Springs, east of Biloxi.
Responding officers found seven shooting victims at the scene, including a teenager who had died from his injuries, Ocean Springs Police Capt. Ryan LeMaire said. The police department identified the victim as 19-year-old Chase Harmon of Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The surviving victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment, said police, who did not provide details on the extent of their injuries.
There are no suspects in the shooting at this time, police said.
The Scratch Kitchen is located on a busy strip in downtown Ocean Springs that’s lined with restaurants and bars. It was offering Cinco de Mayo specials at the time of the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Ocean Springs Police Department at 228-875-2211.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for The Recording Academy(NEW YORK) — The indictment of rapper Young Thug on gang-related charges in May 2022 sparked a movement in the music industry against the use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal proceedings. Now as the hip-hop star awaits trial in Georgia, the issue is gaining bipartisan support from lawmakers across the country, who are introducing bills on the federal and state level to limit the controversial practice.
Missouri state Rep. Phil Christofanelli, a Republican sponsoring the bill in his state, told ABC News on Tuesday that using artistic expression in court proceedings could have a “chilling effect” on freedom of speech and his bill is designed to regulate the practice and protect the First Amendment.
“For me, it’s about free speech,” he said.
“If you have a criminal system where your unrelated artistic creations can be brought against you as evidence to take away your life or liberty, that’s about as chilling an effect as you can get,” he added.
Rap lyrics have been used by prosecutors in the U.S. for decades as alleged evidence in criminal cases, but their inclusion in the indictment of Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug in Georgia brought national attention to the practice and sparked a movement across the music industry to “Protect Black Art.”
Recording Academy President Harvey Mason, Jr. told ABC News on Wednesday that using artistic expression in court is a “slippery slope” and sets a “dangerous precedent.” “Bills like this are opportunities to stand up,” Mason said, adding that legislation that limits the use of artistic expression in court will have “repercussions across all the creative areas” and will protect the “rights of creators” across genres and disciplines.
Missouri House Bill No. 353 or the Restoring Artistic Protect Act is known as the “Rap Act” and is named after the federal bill introduced in Congress last year.
Christofanelli said the bill got unanimous bipartisan support in committee and groups “across the ideological spectrum” testified in favor of the bill, including right-leaning organizations dedicated to protecting the First Amendment and progressive groups focused on “criminal justice reform and racial justice.”
The bill, which was included as an amendment to a Senate bill on judicial proceedings, passed the Missouri House on Tuesday and is expected to go up for a vote in the Senate before the legislative session ends on May 12.
“There’s a little bit for everybody to love in this issue, and I think that’s why it’s done pretty well, even in a very conservative state like Missouri and a liberal state like California,” Christofanelli said.
California became the first state to adopt a law limiting the use of lyrics in court when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law in Oct. 2022.
Democratic Reps. Hank Johnson of Georgia and Jamaal Bowman of New York reintroduced the The Rap Act on Capitol Hill last week – a bill that was first introduced last year and helped inspire legislation on the state level.
A similar bill in Louisiana sponsored by Republican Rep. and Speaker Pro Tempore Tanner Magee passed in the House last week and is also expected to go up for a vote in the Senate this month.
In New York, Democratic Sens. Brad Hoylman and Jamaal Bailey co-sponsored the “Rap on Trial” bill last year. The bill passed in the Senate, but never made it to the state assembly and is up for a Senate vote again this year. Similar bills have also been introduced in Maryland and Illinois.
The bills would essentially require prosecutors to prove to a judge without the presence of a jury, that the lyrics in question have a factual nexus to an alleged crime and were intended to be taken literally as a representation of the defendant’s true thoughts or statements.
“We want there to be a hearing before a judge outside of the jury’s presence to make sure that this type of evidence isn’t used to unfairly prejudice jurors against artist defendants,” Christofanelli said.
Although the legislation addresses all artistic genres, research outlined in the 2019 book “Rap on Trial” by Erik Nielson and Andrea Dennis shows that the practice of using lyrics in court disproportionately impacts rap musicians.
“Rap music is the only fictional form — musical or otherwise, that is targeted this way in the courts,” Nielson previously told ABC News.
“It’s absolutely racist,” he added. “Essentially what’s happening is rap music is being denied the status of art.”
Mason said that the Recording Academy is deploying its members to states across the country to provide grassroots support and meet with lawmakers to advocate for the issue.
“This is exactly what the Academy is for,” Mason said.
“Anytime we can jump into action to protect or support or uplift our music community to enable them to do what they do, that’s what we are here for.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The Bridgman Open Air Market will reopen for the summer on Sunday, May 14. Market manager and founder Nick Schmidt tells us it started about six years ago, featuring locally grown produce, and took off.
“We actually started at a different location than we’re at right now with five vendors, and we’re now at somewhere between 35 and 50,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt says the market moved to the United Federal Credit Union parking lot on the corner of Lake Street and Red Arrow Highway after its initial success, and now features all kinds of goods.
“We’re really craft heavy. So, we have woodwork people, we have people that do crochet items. We have bakers, we have produce vendors, we have eggs. People sell tumblers with the vinyl stickers and stuff on them. Painters. I mean, you name it, you’ll probably find it at the market. We have some of the most talented people in in the area.”
The market will have special events this year.
“This year we’re also going do one that we started last year, which we call our Makers Markets, where for the whole month of September, every Sunday will feature several of our crafters or artisans that will sit down and will instruct people how to do the craft that they do.”
They’ll also have a Kids Day, an Adopt a Pet Day, and a Halloween celebration. Schmidt estimates around 1,000 people walk through the market each Sunday.
“The biggest attraction to our market is the fact that we have such a variety and that everything is local and everything you buy at our market is going to be grown or made by the person behind the table,” Schmidt said.
The market will be held each Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Barring severe weather, it’s rain or shine. Schmidt recommends people stay up to date on the latest market plans at its Facebook page, Facebook.com/BridgmanOpenAirMarket.
Drew Barrymore drops out of hosting the MTV Awards this Sunday. Pamela Anderson just launched a new swimwear line. Here’s the lineup for the Coronation Ceremony tomorrow.
Big events this weekend include: Cinco de Mayo, King Charles Coronation & the Kentucky Derby. Here’s how to watch and celebrate.
Chief is a 2 or 3 year old male Tabby cat. He is a big boy, weighing in at 12 pounds. Chief likes to snuggle on a cozy lap. He also enjoys being read to. Chief is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccinations. Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our terrific guy, Chief.
Ed Sheeran speaks up about his trial victory and why he’s still disappointed. Celine Dion never met the actors in her new movie “Love Again”-find out how she did her scenes. There is another Brit music award and musicians should make room on their mantle is their music gets streamed a lot.
Chief is a 2 or 3 year old male Tabby cat. He is a big boy, weighing in at 12 pounds. Chief likes to snuggle on a cozy lap. He also enjoys being read to. Chief is neutered and up-to-date on his vaccinations. Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our terrific guy, Chief.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Craig Blankenhorn/HuluPadma Lakshmi is serving up another season of her Hulu series Taste the Nation, premiering Friday. It looks at food and immigration issues in various communities all around the United States, but she tells ABC Audio, “We don’t just go into an immigrant community or an indigenous community, find out about them and then rinse and repeat.”
“We’re looking at the whole big issue of immigration in this country, which is so central to the foundation of our republic and so integral to the continued evolution of America,” Lakshmi explains. “We would not be a superpower if it wasn’t for all of the generations of Americans who have come here and given us the best of their cultures and stayed and helped to build this country.”
That diversity, says Lakshmi, is also one of the reasons the food is so great in the U.S.
“American high-end chefs, you know, Michelin star chefs and the like, have been influenced by all the different brown and Black folk that work in their kitchen,” she shares. “You open the door to any five-star restaurant in New York and you look at who is in the kitchen staff, it’s all immigrants.”
So what’s on tap for season 2?
“In Puerto Rico, we’re looking at sovereignty and food sovereignty specifically, but also just whether they should be a state, whether they should continue as a territory. With the Cambodian episode in Lowell, Massachusetts, Cambodians came there as refugees with nothing but the shirts on their backs. And within a generation they have revitalized Lowell so much so that they one in four Lowellians is Cambodian,” she says. “In the Nigerian episode in Houston, we talk to Nigerian Americans, but we also tackle a very sensitive topic about Blackness in America.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Atlantic RecordsEd Sheeran‘s got a lot to celebrate Friday: Not only did he just emerge victorious in the copyright trial over “Thinking Out Loud,” but his new album, Subtract, is here. Plus, at 11 a.m. ET, Subtract The Visual Album will premiere on YouTube. And his North American tour kicks off on Saturday, May 6, which also his wife, Cherry‘s, birthday.
Subtract is a collaboration with Aaron Dessner from The National, who’s been working with Taylor Swift for the past three years. In fact, Ed gives Taylor credit for the entire project. Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Ed says, “She was the inspiration for it. She hooked me up with Aaron.”
While Ed said he was hesitant to work with the same guy Taylor worked with, he says she told him, “I think it’d be really important for you as an artist to do what I did and work with Aaron because this is what it did for me. And I think you and he should work together.”
“So that sort of opened the door to it. And I am incredibly grateful. I’m making some of the most meaningful music to me that I’ve made in a very long time,” Ed notes.
Subtract, which is the final album in the British pop star’s mathematical-themed series, boasts a total of 14 tracks with the deluxe version adding four additional songs. Both include previously released tracks “Eyes Closed” and “Boat.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
“Bejeweled” video still: Courtesy of TAS Rights Management.What is New York City doing to welcome Taylor Swift‘s Eras Tour to the area later this month? Well, let’s start with an entire museum exhibit dedicated to her “artistic reinventions.”
Taylor Swift: Storyteller is described as a “career-spanning look” at Taylor via her outfits, props, memorabilia, jewelry and other aspects of her visual presentation. The exhibit, which starts May 20 and runs through September 4, will focus on how she “transforms herself through costume” and “subverts female archetypes through storytelling.”
Among the items on display will be the cheerleader and ballerina outfits Taylor wore in the “Shake It Off” video, the red wedding dress and bellhop uniform she wore in the “I Bet You Think About Me” video and the sparkly ensemble from the “Bejeweled” video.
The museum will also run a series of programs and events inspired by Taylor, like video and film screenings and karaoke sing-alongs. The museum’s store is also going to stock a curated selection of Taylor merch. You can find information about tickets and more at madmuseum.org.
Taylor’s tour arrives at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on May 26.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Jamie Foxx connects on social media from his hospital bed. Emma Watson is done with acting-for now. Late night hosts are paying their writers during their strike…for one week, at least.
There is now a new Pickleball Sandwich-here’s where you can get it. Celebrating Star Wars Day. This one fast food staple leads to a 12% increase in depression.
Here are your 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees. Taylor Swift has a new boyfriend??? More news on Ed Sheeran’s trial.
We spoke with Daniele, the Events and Operations Manager to find out about hikes, yoga, rummage sales and more happening in and around town this weekend.
We spoke with the organizers of this year’s Berrien County National Day of Prayer happening Thursday, May 4th.
Program Director, Susan Matheny talks about “Gotcha Doin’ Good” and other ways BCF is currently helping our community.
Kevin Costner’s wife has filed for divorce. The writer’s strike in the entertainment industry is effecting all the late night talk shows and SNL. DWTS returning to ABC this season.
2023 wedding trends. Fast food restaurants that offer wedding packages. Will clipping coupons soon become a thing of the past?
Find out who will be the fill in judges this weekend on American Idol. Find out what Ed Sheeran plans on doing if he loses his trial. And find out who the most body positive influencers are in the music world.
Will Prince Harry appear in uniform this weekend at the Coronation? Find out who ruled the red carpet at last night’s Met Gala. Kim Kardashian is taking acting lessons.
Most common dog walking injuries. “Too Many Tabs Open” stress is a thing. Your kids really are listening to you….about THESE things.
Saying goodbye to another music legend. Katy & Lionel will be at the Coronation this weekend so who will be the fill in judges on AI? Another 80s icon is going on tour this summer-find out who and where they will be.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber previews a bunch of Groundbreaking, Ribbon Cutting, and Business After Hours events coming up this week and next week in Michigan’s Great Southwest! See how you can get involved at smrchamber.com!
Courtesy of Kelly Shannon(NEW YORK) — Kelly Shannon was excited when she found out she was pregnant. With a daughter under the age of 2, Shannon and her husband had been actively trying for a second child.
The Alabama couple’s happiness quickly turned to heartbreak when testing revealed just three days before Christmas there was an 87% chance the baby had Down syndrome.
Shannon had asked for genetic testing because the couple wanted to tell family the baby’s gender at Christmas. She was pregnant with a girl.
“I spent the next few weeks trying not to get too attached, but it’s hard not to love a baby you have prayed for,” Shannon told ABC News.
At an appointment with a maternal fetal medicine specialist in January, Shannon was counseled on resources available for parents of children with the disorder. However, more scans and test results showed there was evidence of swelling in the baby’s head and body wall, a heart defect and a tumor on the baby’s abdomen that was about one-third the size of the baby and growing.
While none of the baby’s conditions on its own would warrant a termination under the guidelines of the one hospital in the state still providing abortions, Shannon’s specialist strongly believed this combination of symptoms made it extremely unlikely the pregnancy would survive to term or through labor and delivery. Her physician believed the hospital would be able to provide her with abortion care despite Alabama law prohibiting abortions at all stages of pregnancy.
“The likelihood of the baby surviving was negligible,” Shannon said. “Even if she did survive to term, it would be unlikely she’d survived through labor. And if she did survive through labor, then we’d be looking at multiple corrective surgeries immediately after birth.”
A report from her physician that was shared with ABC News confirmed the doctor had “conveyed the high likelihood that the findings may lead to an intrauterine demise [of the fetus] due to heart failure or neonatal demise.”
Dr. Carrie Rouse, a maternal fetal medicine specialist in Indiana who did not treat Shannon but reviewed some of her records, said that if she would have seen Shannon she would have counseled her on the same options: continuing her pregnancy and providing her the best care available, including potentially delivering early, or terminating the pregnancy.
These are the same options Shannon’s specialist in Alabama gave her, according to physician reports shared with ABC News.
“It is truly a tragedy that someone’s options for what to do with their pregnancy and their own body is dependent on their zip code,” Rouse told ABC News. “I just feel so sad for her and for her family and her physicians that are put in this position to where she can’t access — and they can’t provide — the care that she has been counseled about and has opted for in her own home. It’s so hard. It’s devastating.”
Alabama is one of 15 states that has ceased nearly all abortion services since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last June, ending federal protections for abortion rights.
Shannon and her husband decided to pursue termination and she filled out the necessary paperwork. An abortion would need to be approved by several hospital committees made up of doctors.
On Jan. 20, Shannon’s specialist called her and informed her that while one committee had approved the abortion, a higher-level committee denied permission, telling Shannon this was the hardest phone call she had to make in her professional career, Shannon said.
“That was probably the lowest, maybe the lowest or second lowest point of the whole traumatic experience,” Shannon said. “I was sitting in my car talking to her and I couldn’t form words. I just sat there and sobbed. I was in a parking lot and I pulled out my phone, and I texted my husband, I was like, ‘I need you to come see me and I need you to bring our daughter.'”
“I didn’t even feel like I had the ability to get out of the car until I saw her and had a reason. I didn’t have any motivation to move until I could see my daughter again,” Shannon added.
Shannon said the committee — made up of 13 physicians in the University of Alabama, Birmingham’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Department — said its decision was final unless the fetus developed a complication called hydrops fetalis, in which large amounts of fluid build up in a baby’s tissues and organs causing extensive swelling.
“The committee felt that since each condition was by itself potentially survivable — not that they would lead to any kind of quality of life, just that they could potentially lead to life — that under Alabama law they did not think that my case met the criteria for termination,” Shannon said.
Shannon’s fetus did not develop hydrops, so she was left unable to access abortion care, she said.
“The other thing that was happening was the state district attorney in Alabama was also going on the news and actively talking about pursuing convictions for anybody in performing abortions in Alabama,” Shannon said.
“UAB is the only place in the state that provides that service, so they were also trying really hard to make sure that they could protect their ability to do that for other women,” Shannon said.
ABC News requested comment from Shannon’s doctor, but they declined. Instead, UAB Hospital said in a statement to ABC News: “UAB does not perform elective abortions. We provide care to women who present to us in need of pregnancy-related care within the law.”
Shannon had to drive to Richmond, Virginia, to access abortion care. She left at 11 a.m. and arrived in Richmond at 2 a.m., after stopping several times along the way, she said.
The hospital arranged housing for Shannon at no cost through a hotel partner. While her insurance was employer-based and covered the procedure, Shannon said she received a $2,089 bill from Virginia Commonwealth University. She said she had already paid about $600 for the procedure.
The couple said it still hopes to grow their family when they are ready.
“This has been the single most painful and traumatic experience of my life and our lives, and anybody who wants to stand up and say that abortions are wrong or that people shouldn’t be able to make their own decisions about abortion care just need to recognize that it’s not a black and white issue,” Shannon said. “It is complicated and I wouldn’t wish this on anybody.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
xijian/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory on Tuesday calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of connection in the United States.
“Lacking connection increases the risk for premature death to more than 60%. Put simply, this social disconnection increases the risk for premature death to the same levels as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said in a statement.
The report cites recent research showing that approximately half of U.S. adults experienced loneliness daily, even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It highlights that a lack of social connection can present significant health risks, as loneliness can increase risk of premature death by 26% and social isolation by 29%, according to a meta-analysis cited in the advisory.
According to the report, insufficient social connection has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression and dementia.
Additionally, loneliness was reported among the primary motivations for self-harm, according to a systematic review cited in the advisory.
“Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity and the addiction crisis,” Murthy said.
Social connection can reduce the health risks associated with isolation and loneliness. One study found that frequently confiding in others is associated with up to 15% reduced odds of developing depression among people who are at higher risk due to a history of traumatic or adverse life experiences.
The advisory lays out a framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection, which provides recommendations for individuals, governments, workplaces, health systems and community organizations that aim to increase social connection and improve overall health. This type of strategy has never been implemented before in the United States.
These recommendations include infrastructure changes, such as developing parks and libraries that enhance social connection, policy changes allowing for paid family leave and accessible public transportation, and more research to efficiently address social isolation.
The framework also includes training for healthcare providers to allow for intervention if a patient is at risk for loneliness and its significant health consequences. It also notes that digital environments should be further evaluated, particularly how online interactions can potentially hinder meaningful connections.
Lastly, the recommendations call for the cultivation of a culture of connection, stating that the informal interactions of everyday life can significantly influence social connection.
“By taking small steps every day to strengthen our relationships, we can rise to meet this moment together… And we can ensure our country and the world are better posed than ever to take on the challenges that lay ahead,” Murthy said.
There are some immediate steps you can take to reduce loneliness and increase social connection, such as reaching out to a friend or family member.
“People often incorrectly assume that disclosing painful truths or emotions with a trusted other will be a turn off or perceived as a burden. Quite the opposite typically occurs,” Justin Baker, the clinical director of the Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative (STRIVE), told ABC News.
“Instead of feeling like a burden, sharing a common struggle typically brings people together and strengthens the existing relationship,” Baker said.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text 988. Trained crisis counselors are available for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueThe 2023 Met Gala has arrived.
On Monday, Hollywood stars, designers and fashion insiders are gathering at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Benefit in New York City, one of fashion’s biggest nights.
The Met previously announced that the dress code for the benefit will be “In Honor of Karl,” paying tribute to the late famed and often controversial fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who died in February 2019.
The star-studded fundraiser marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s spring 2023 exhibition, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.”The co-chairs for this year’s star-studded gala include Dua Lipa, Penélope Cruz, Roger Federer and Michaela Coel, along with Vogue’s own Anna Wintour.
Here are some of the nights looks:
A$AP Rocky: The rapper wore a Gucci look that features a white dress shirt, black tie, and black jacket up top, with red quilted skirt and jeans underneath.
Bad Bunny: The rapper rocked an all white custom suit by Jacquemus with a 26-foot train embroidered with white flowers. He accompanied the look with slicked back hair and pearl studs.
Cardi B: Cardi arrived at the Gala in a classic black-and-white ballgown reminiscent of Lagerfeld’s staple look. Up top, it began with a white shirt collar and fluffed out to a black gown. She wore evening gloves, a black headband , and large dangling pearl earrings.
Doja Cat: The “Kiss Me More” singer paid tribute not only to Lagerfeld, but to his beloved white Burmese cat, Choupette, wearing a form-fitting jewel-encrusted Oscar de la Renta sleeveless dress, complete with a cat-eared hood. She also wore a prosthetic feline nose showing her complete commitment to the look.
Dua Lipa:Lipa opted for a Chanel bridal gown that closed the 1995-1996 Chanel runway show. The sleeveless white dress features black and silver trim, which she paired with an over 200 carat diamond necklace.
Jack Harlow: Jack Harlow arrived in a dark navy Tommy Hilfiger two-piece pant and jacket set. He paired the look with black boots and a red shirt that peeked through the top of the jacket.
Janelle Monae: Janelle pulled off a wild transformation first appearing in a large black and white conical coat before removing it to reveal a sheer wire-framed dress with a sequin black bikini underneath.
Jennifer Lopez: The multi-hyphenate fashionista wore a sultry custom Ralph Lauren gown that was a black silk velvet halter on top and a light pink satin skirt on the bottom. She rocked long black evening gloves.
Jared Leto: Leto also paid tribute to Lagerfeld’s cat, showing up in a full-blown cat costume. His identity wasn’t revealed until he removed the giant cat head.
Kendall Jenner: Jenner glittered on the Met steps in a Marc Jacobs black sequined body suit with a silver crystal-embellished collar. The sleeves were cape like, draping down to the ground behind her. Her hair was in a sleek pony and she wore sky high platform boots.
Kim Kardashian: Showing off her famous figure, the Kardashians star wore a draped skirt and top with a bone-colored corset that consisted of over 50,000 freshwater pearls custom Schiaparelli. She paired the look with pearl drop earrings, a chunky choker and ring made from crystals and unique baroque pearls. The look took 12 artisans over 1,000 hours to create.
Kim Petras: As an homage to Lagerfeld’s Chanel era and the classic black and white color palette, the singer wore a short white dress that had two black strips across it. The dress, by Marc Jacobs, was paired with a white and black pair of the designer’s calf height, chunky heel Kiki boots.
Kylie Jenner: The makeup mogul wore a custom one-shoulder red Jean Paul Gaultier bearing a high thigh slit and asymmetrical neckline. The dress featured a long train that transformed into a shiny blue cape, which Kylie had draped around her shoulders at first.
Lil Nas X:Lil Nas X stunned in a look by Pat McGrath and Dior Men, wearing only a metallic thong as the rest of his body was covered in silver paint and precisely places jewels.
Lizzo: Lizzo owned a full Chanel look, which consisted of a black full-length black dress with the top half featuring a beaded corset. She accessorized with Lagerfeld’s iconic fingerless loves and wore her hair up with short bangs.
Olivia Rodrigo: The “drivers license” singer wore a black-and-white Thom Browne fringe gown that boasts florals at the top. She wore a sleek bun with short bangs and natural makeup with a berry lip.
Rihanna:The Fenty founder wore an all-white custom Maison Valentino look that featured a five-meter train and 30 camelias made of 500 petals.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Republic Records/TAS Rights ManagementAt Record Store Day last month, Taylor Swift‘s exclusive vinyl offering folklore: the long pond studio sessions was a top seller — but it turns out it sold so many copies that it’s made history.
The LP, which was limited to 75,000 copies, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 album chart. According to her record label, that’s the highest-ever chart debut for a Record Store Day vinyl release. It’s also the first vinyl-only release in the modern era to land in the top 10 of that chart.
The previous sales record for a Record Store Day release was 35,000 units; Taylor’s LP sold 75,000 copies.
Taylor now has three albums in the top 10 on the Billboard 200: In addition to the long pond studio sessions, Midnights is at number four, and Lover is at number 10. Taylor now ties with Whitney Houston as the only female solo artist ever to achieve this.
folklore: the long pond studio sessions, which was previously available digitally, documented Taylor’s first-ever live performances of the songs on the album with her collaborators Jack Antonoff, The National‘s Aaron Dessner and Bon Iver‘s Justin Vernon back in September of 2020.
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Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office(NEW YORK) — Federal, state and local officials are searching for two inmates who escaped from a Virginia jail, including a man who’s suspected of being involved in the murder of a North Carolina deputy, according to authorities.
Alder Marin-Sotelo, 26, and Bruce Callahan, 44, escaped “sometime” over the weekend from the Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville, which is about 70 miles west of Richmond, according to the Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Department. The sheriff’s department said it was notified about the escape around 4 a.m. Monday.
Callahan is convicted of multiple federal drug charges and Marin-Sotelo is convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm, the sheriff’s department said. Both are from North Carolina, the department said.
Alder Marin-Sotelo is also a defendant in the murder of deputy Ned Byrd of the Wake County Sheriff’s Department in North Carolina, Wake County officials said.
Alder Marin-Sotelo and his brother, Arturo Marin-Sotelo, were indicted on murder charges in the August 2022 slaying and both pleaded not guilty, Raleigh ABC station WTVD-TV reported. Arturo Marin-Sotelo allegedly shot Byrd four times after the deputy stopped to check out a suspicious truck, according to WTVD.
The Wake County Sheriff’s Department, who said the escape took place around 1 a.m. Monday, said, “We are working with our state and federal partners, as well as local authorities in Virginia to ensure all resources are being used to bring the defendant back into custody.”
The U.S. Marshals are leading the manhunt, according to a source familiar with the investigation.
The Marshals later announced a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the capture of Callahan. The FBI is leading the investigation for Marin-Sotelo, according to a press release, and the Marshals are assisting in the case.
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We revisit our conversation with the President of Cornerstone Alliance, Rob Cleveland, and his resent trip to North Carolina regarding community development.
Staff at a Florida fire station welcome 16 new family members over the past year. 91 year old grandpa starts his own business to make sure his great-granddaughters can go to college debt free.
Jack Nicholson was spotted out-alive and well. Carol Burnette just sold her L.A. home for a ton of money. The Super Mario Brothers movie was on top of the box office over the weekend-find out how much is has grossed worldwide so far.
No Mow May-are you participating for the bees? The top things that bug us about our neighbors. What are the most attractive scents?
Willie Nelson’s has a huge 90th birthday party. Ed Sheeran is coming to Chicago in July!!! Barry Manilow’s new musical hits NYC this fall.
From the moment she dropped out of Loyola University the mid-1990’s, Zena Burns has worked to establish herself as a leader in the male-dominated worlds of media, entertainment and technology.
Now, the Dowagiac resident is looking to use some of her knowledge and connections in those industries to provide guidance and perspective to young women with similar aspirations.
This month, Burns launched a new podcast, My 23-Year-Old Self: True Stories From the Come Up to have conversations with successful women in media, entertainment, and technology about advice they’d give their younger selves when they were coming up in their careers.
Burns said the inspiration for the series came as she – now in her 40s – reflects on advice she would want her younger self to know.
“Coming up, there were so many things I wish I’d known,” said Burns, who got her first job in the industry at 23 years old. “Especially navigating these fields that still aren’t predominately female-led. … It’s really intended not only to give young women in these fields advice, but really to give anyone in business advice about how to navigate some common challenges while hearing some amazing women talk about their own experiences professionally as well.”
The journey
Living in Chicago in the mid-1990’s, Burns dropped out of the honors program at Loyola University to take a publicist position at The Smashing Pumpkins-owned record label, Scratchie Records.
Burns moved to New York City in 1999 to become Entertainment Director and Managing Editor at Teen People, where she began rubbing elbows with big names – and future big names – in the entertainment industry.
“I gave Katy Perry her first piece of national press,” Burns said. “It was a really, really fascinating time.”
From there, Burns was recruited to work for Clear Channel Radio, and help them transform the radio stations into the digital brands now known as iHeartMedia and iHeartRadio.
In 2015, Burns moved back to the Chicago area and founded a business development company Moxie Coalition with a desire to do her own thing in the industry.
In 2018, she joined Moxie client Futuri Media as Senior Vice President of Content and Special Projects. Futuri is a provider of cloud-based audience engagement and sales intelligence software for media companies.
Giving back
At each of her stops, Burns said she often had discussions with female colleagues about challenges while moving up the ladder in male-dominated industries.
This is what sparked the idea for My 23-Year-Old Self.
“Part of the reason I wanted to start this podcast is because we are obviously in a time where so many people are working remotely,” Burns said. “Young people don’t have as much opportunity now to just catch people in the office and have conversations in the hallways or duck into someone’s office when they need some advice about how to handle a certain situation.”
Burns said it’s not always easy to initiate a conversation over Slack or email, so she wanted to create a digital space for them to happen.
“I think it’s really important that younger generations still have an outlet to get that type of mentoring, to get that type of advice,” Burns said. “Also, I think that it’s really important for people who have achieved a certain measure of success to give back and to help share some wisdom. No one got to where they are now by themselves.”
When word of her podcast got around, Burns said people in the entertainment industry started reaching out to tell her they wish they had a resource like this when they were young.
Industry executives, thought leaders and celebrities she’s never met also have inquired about wanting to share their stories on the podcast, which has two episodes live as of April 27.
“Part of the reason I think I’ve gotten such a tremendous response from people is because they want to give back,” said Burns, adding the podcast will feature male allies as well. “They want to share that knowledge.”
Burns interviewed Radio Hall of Fame inductee Ellen K for her first interview, and last Friday released a conversation with April Carty-Sipp, an executive for the National Association of Broadcasters. The latter episode was recorded live at the NAB convention in Las Vegas.
“What we’ve already started to talk about in some of the episodes are not just tales of people’s journeys, but really specific and actionable advice,” said Burns, who also owns the 1870 House short-term rental in Dowagiac, has taken over organization of the city’s summer concert series was honored as a 2022 Moody on the Market Bold Woman of the Year.
It was for Moody she shared a piece of advice stemming from a conversation she once had with Prince:
“Prince called me wanting to talk about the music business. Much of the hour we talked that day was him sort of yelling at me about various things happening in the business that he didn’t like. At one point, I voiced an opinion, and he got quiet and then said, sternly, ‘Zena, we’re gonna need to hold hands and pray.’ But you know what? I listened to his side of things, stood my ground where I felt strongly, and by the end of that conversation, he was jokingly asking if I had office space for him. That reminded me that confidence is important, even if disagreeing with the greatest artist of all time!”
My 23-Year-Old Self: True Stories From the Come Up is available on most streaming platforms. Find more at my23yearoldself.com.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
The southwest Michigan housing market picked up steam in March after slowing down in January and February. However, at the close of the first quarter of 2023, the numbers show the market is no longer as red hot as it was in the past two years. The Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors says in March, the number of houses sold fell 3% from March of last year. For the whole quarter, home sales were down 12% from 2022. The inventory of houses for sale gained 15% from a year ago, bringing the inventory of houses for sale up to a 3.2 month supply compared to 2.2 months in March 2022. The current inventory is still low for the market area. The average selling price in March of 2023 was $321,000, compared to $313,000 in March of 2022, a 3% increase. The association says the number of bank-owned or foreclosed homes as a percentage of all transactions was 3%, up from 2% in February. Association Executive Alan Jeffries says for March, “the market’s previous sales frenzy and across-the-board record-setting sales and selling prices have settled to pre-peak years activity.”
Courtesy Wilson Hayes(NEW YORK) — Weeks of shoulder pain landed a reluctant Whitney Nichols in urgent care. As a previously healthy 24-year-old Black woman, she pleaded for additional testing to uncover the cause of her pain. As a last resort, the doctor ordered a CT scan of her chest. The result, blood clots in both of her lungs.
Even after this seemingly scary diagnosis and after being transferred to a hospital, Nichols said she felt dismissed when a doctor told her she would be fine.
Nichols, now 29 and a graduating medical student, reflected that these interactions with dismissive doctors made her feel “so alone in that space” and unsafe.
But Nichols said that night, everything changed when a Black physician, Dr. Erika Walker, walked into the room. Walker explained the blood clots were serious but treatable. Walker advised Nichols to stop taking her estrogen-based birth control, which can increase the risk of blood clots, and prescribed medication that would break up the clots.
She said it was great ” … just seeing somebody that I felt like I could be comfortable with.”
Black people make up 13% of the U.S. population, but Black doctors are not equally represented. For example, only 7% of primary care physicians are Black, according to a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association. Amid a growing recognition that Black Americans experience disparities in health and medical care, new research suggests that Black patients are more likely to live longer and healthier lives when their primary care doctors are also Black.
Michael Dill, director of Workforce Studies at the Association of American Medical Colleges team, analyzed the relationship of Black primary care physicians and the health outcome of the people who lived in those same areas, evaluating 1,600 U.S. counties. Dill and his colleagues found that a 10% increase in Black primary care doctor representation was associated with an extra month of life expectancy for Black patients.
The higher the representation of black physicians in the workforce per county was associated less death of any cause for county residents, Black and White patients. Thus, even people not actively being treated by Black physicians benefitted from their presence like the results published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in April of 2023.
“We found that diversifying the physician workforce … is important for improving public health,” Dill told ABC News.
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, past chair of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees, said the data was “shocking” but “in a motivational way.” Mukkamala said this data can be used to advocate for equitable hiring practices at hospitals and health care systems so that doctors and staff look like the communities they serve.
Researchers said when doctors have similar cultures and lived experiences to the patients, they may be more likely to take their concerns seriously, which results in better life expectancy.
For over 150 years ago, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) were established to provide Black students the opportunities to advance their education when they were unwelcome at existing public and private institutions of higher education. Traditionally HBCUs are a large producer of Black physicians.
Dr. Erica Sutton, associate dean at Morehouse School of Medicine said, “feeling heard, perhaps listening as well, and then translating that into patient centered care patient driven treatment plans,” is the essence of why Black physicians can impact their patients’ health.
Dill said there is no shortcut to increasing workforce diversity. “This is not a problem we can fix in a couple of years,” Dill said. “This is the work of generations.”
Mukkamala, Sutton, and Whitney are involved in programs that aim to increase and inspire young children of diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in science, education, technology and math, including The American Medical Association’s Back to School Program, Morehouse’s health careers programs and Student National Medical Association.
“This isn’t something that you can tell somebody in college to convince them to [pursue medicine],” Mukkamala told ABC News. “Those seeds get planted early on in grade school.”
Sutton is hopeful for the future.
“I think that one of the things that we’ve seen recently in this country is a renewed interest in inclusivity belongingness … we definitely try to teach at HBCUs is that these [less diverse] communities do include you,” Sutton told ABC News. “It’s not us and them…that community is enriched by your presence.”
Danielle Craigg, MD is a senior General Preventive Medicine & Public Health Resident at Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.
Sotonye Douglas, MS is a graduating medical student from Quinnipiac University, Frank H Netter Medical School, beginning General Surgery Residency in June 2023, and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.
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Exhibitor handbooks are now available for the 2023 Berrien County Youth Fair. Books and entry forms can be picked up at the fair office in Berrien Springs, all Berrien County public libraries, the Berrien County 4H office, and at several businesses. The fair says the handbooks can also be viewed online. The books contain information on how to exhibit, exhibitor rules, registration deadlines, and a complete listing of all classes available. To show off an animal at the fair, an exhibitor must be five to 20 years of age as of January 1st of this year. The registration deadlines begin on June 1, first with large animals, and continue from there. Each exhibitor will receive an exhibitor season pass for free admission to the fair for the entire week, and each exhibit will be judged and given an A, B, or C award. Depending on how an animal ranks, the exhibitor will receive a ribbon. The fair office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A special drop box is just outside the office doors and contains a supply of books and entry forms.
Businesses to pick up an exhibitor handbook:
Baroda City Mills in Baroda
Country Heritage Credit Union in Buchanan
Tractor Supply Company and Rural King in Niles
Watervliet Fruit Exchange in Watervliet
Siefert’s Farm Supply in Three Oaks
Tractor Supply Company in Stevensville
Luna is a 3 year old female dog who just joined Paws of Hope last Sunday. She owes her unique looks to her Chihuahua lineage and a mystery mix that we suspect might include Dachshund and maybe some type of terrier such as Rat Terrier. Luna only weighs 12 pounds. We have learned that Luna enjoys going for walks, sitting by a window where she can observe nature and the neighbors, and gets along well with the cats in her foster home. We suspect that Luna will do well with most dogs, although we haven’t yet introduced to other dogs. So far, Luna has been a very quiet girl and seems to prefer to be near her foster mom, either on her lap or beside her. Luna has mild “cherry eyes” but doesn’t rub her eyes or have discharge. She was just spayed on Wednesday, is microchipped, heartworm negative, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Please reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our lovely Luna.
Luna is a 3 year old female dog who just joined Paws of Hope last Sunday. She owes her unique looks to her Chihuahua lineage and a mystery mix that we suspect might include Dachshund and maybe some type of terrier such as Rat Terrier. Luna only weighs 12 pounds. We have learned that Luna enjoys going for walks, sitting by a window where she can observe nature and the neighbors, and gets along well with the cats in her foster home. We suspect that Luna will do well with most dogs, although we haven’t yet introduced to other dogs. So far, Luna has been a very quiet girl and seems to prefer to be near her foster mom, either on her lap or beside her. Luna has mild “cherry eyes” but doesn’t rub her eyes or have discharge. She was just spayed on Wednesday, is microchipped, heartworm negative, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Please reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our lovely Luna. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tristan Fewings/Getty ImagesJonas Brothers fans already love Nick Jonas, but a new interview with his wife, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, will likely make them love him more.
Speaking to the spring digital issue of Today, Priyanka reveals that when she met Nick, she doubted things would work out because he was a 25-year-old “rock star” and she wanted to “settle down” and have a baby.
“I wanted stability, and I didn’t give Nick enough credit until I went out with him on our first date,” Priyanka, who was 35 at the time, explains. “We spent the whole evening together, and I realized my husband is just like an old soul. He’s stability in human form.”
She gushes, “He’s my cheerleader. He’s the most secure man I’ve ever been with. He gets extremely excited at my wins.”
Not only that, Priyanka says, but Nick “takes off my extensions at the end of the night. He fixes my dress when I walk off stage and makes sure it looks right when I’m on the carpet. He brings me my coffee first thing in the morning.”
Are you swooning yet? Well, there’s more. Priyanka also appears on Elle’s May digital cover, and she tells the magazine that she and Nick never fight over who’s going to take care of their daughter, Malti, or do the chores.
“We just feel a sense of contribution when it comes to the not-fun stuff,” she says. “I don’t remember having a conversation where I’m like, ‘I need you to do more of this.’”
She also gives one valuable tip: “If you see your partner doing something every day that seems boring for them, just surprise them by doing it. It’s the sweetest thing in a marriage.”
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(L-R) Peter Gould, Burnett, Gilligan, Rhea Seehorn, Odenkirk — Greg Lewis/AMC/Sony Pictures TelevisionCarol Burnett owes her life — or at least her Better Call Saul character’s life — to series star Bob Odenkirk.
Burnett, who joined the sixth and final season of AMC’s Breaking Bad prequel, played Marion, the mother of Pat Healy‘s Jeff, who recognizes Saul from his days in Albuquerque. The penultimate episode, titled “Waterworks,” ends with Marion recognizing Saul before calling the police and Saul making a run for it.
“Carol, there’s something that you should know,” Odenkirk told the audience during Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love on NBC Wednesday night. “[Series creator Vince Gilligan] wanted my character to kill you in that scene. Look at him, he’s shaking his head. His exact words to me were, ‘Saul ends up killing Carol Burnett.’ And if I remember correctly, he didn’t say, ‘Kill Carol’s character,’ he said, ‘Kill Carol Burnett.’ But I refused, and I told him I’d walk.”
“I was willing to risk my career and never working in this town again. Because I didn’t want little children who watched our show — and I hope many of them did — to see me on the street and say, ‘Mommy, that’s the man who killed Carol Burnett,'” he joked. “That’s all I wanted to say. That I’m your real friend and Vince is not. And one more thing, Vince and I, and everybody on our show, we think you’re the greatest.”
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Tony McGeeThe music of bestselling British pop duo WHAM! is now on TikTok, and a new singles collection is on the way, as well as a documentary.
WHAM! The Singles: Echoes From the Edge of Heaven collects all the hits George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley pumped out in their four years of superstardom, including “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom,” “Everything She Wants,” “I’m Your Man,” “Bad Boys” and “Last Christmas.”
The package will be available as a deluxe 7-inch vinyl singles carrying case, CD, two-LP vinyl (black and colored), CD and digital. It’s available to preorder now and is due to be released on July 7.
Meanwhile, WHAM! The Documentary is coming to Netflix on July 5. It’ll tell the story of the duo’s formation in 1982 through their final show at London’s Wembley Stadium in 1986.
The film features “unprecedented access to George and Andrew’s personal archive,” according to a press release, and will include rare and previously unheard interviews with George, who died in 2016, and Andrew.
The celebration of WHAM!’s catalog follows George’s posthumous nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We’ll find out if he’s made it in sometime in May.
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ABCBy now, we all know that Meghan Trainor has no edit button. But it seems like every day she takes the expression “TMI” to the next level.
Speaking with Access Hollywood about her new pregnancy handbook, Dear Future Mama, Meghan revealed that when she and her husband, Daryl Sabara, were trying for a second child, she would tell everyone in her family every time they’d, er, “try.”
“I live with my whole family, and my brothers live in my house,” she explained. “And I was like, ‘Hey, we’re trying for a baby tonight.’ You know, like I’m announcing it.”
“I’m also obsessed with the science of it,” she continued. “So I’m like, ‘Guys, if I’m pregnant, I’m implanting right now!’ And they’re like, ‘Ugh.’ And I’m like, ‘Well it’s so cool!’ They’re my best friends and they’re gonna hear it whether they like it or not.”
Earlier this week, Meghan made headlines when she talked on her Workin’ On It podcast about how having sex with her husband is sometimes painful for her because she’s been diagnosed with a muscle spasm condition “down there.” During the conversation, she actually said, “I wish I could make Daryl smaller.”
A fan tweeted, “I wish people would share LESS sometimes.”
Meghan and Daryl are now expecting their second child, a boy. Their son, Riley, is 2.
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Slaven Vlasic/Getty ImagesJerry Springer, the former mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio, whose eponymous daytime show transformed talk television, has died, ABC News has confirmed. He was 79.
According to his rep, Springer “died peacefully Thursday at his home in suburban Chicago.”
Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family, added: “Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word.”
He continued, “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
The statement concluded, as his shows did, with a final thought: “To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider following his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization. As he always said, ‘Take care of yourself, and each other.'”
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Paramount PicturesOn Thursday, Paramount Pictures dropped an action-packed trailer for its June 9 release, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
Set in 1994, the movie has In The Heights‘ Anthony Ramos as a human caught in the middle of an intergalactic conflict: Fan favorites like Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (veteran Peter Cullen) must team up with once-hidden robots in disguise that take the form of fearsome jungle creatures known as The Maximals, to face Unicron, a massive, planet-eating robot.
“How big is this guy?” Ramos’ military vet character asks Prime, only to have one of the Autobots, Mirage (Pete Davidson), quip, “Well, he eats planets, so, like, way bigger than a planet.”
Later, Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh‘s voice can be heard coming from a robotic eagle, Airazor, who urges Prime, “Optimus, we must trust each other to protect the home we all share.”
The gorilla-like leader of The Maximals, Optimus Primal, is voiced by Ron Perlman. He tells Prime, “This is about the fate of all living things.”
Prime answers, “Let them come.”
What follows are clips from a bonkers action set piece, which has the Autobots riding on the backs of the bot beasts, fighting an army of robotic scorpions.
The movie also features Dominique Fishback, and the voices of Pose Emmy nominee Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez as the Transformer ninja Nightbird, Game of Thrones Emmy winner Peter Dinklage as Unicron’s enforcer Scourge and Ted Lasso‘s Cristo Fernández as the Autobot Wheeljack.
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Apple TV+Ghosted, starring Chris Evans and Ana de Armas, has become the most-watched movie debut to date for Apple TV+, according to Deadline.
The movie, which debuted April 21, saw viewership climb through Tuesday, pulling in 328,500 viewers, according to numbers crunched by streaming tracker Samba TV.
That tops the first two days of Apple TV+’s previous hits, the 2021 sci-fi film Finch with Tom Hanks, 2022’s Ryan Reynolds/Will Ferrell holiday musical Spirited, and last month’s video game-centered thriller Tetris, according to data quoted by the trade.
Ghosted has Evans playing a man whose “grand romantic gesture” — following the “perfect” woman who ghosted him to Europe — exposes her job as an international spy.
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Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that he doesn’t think Disney’s lawsuit against him “has merit.”
“I think it’s political,” DeSantis said during a press conference in Jerusalem as he visited Israel.
“Do you want one company to have their own fiefdom, or do you want everyone to live under the same laws?” he added. “The days of putting one company on a pedestal with no accountability are over in the state of Florida.”
Disney, the parent company of ABC News, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida on Wednesday against DeSantis and various state officials over a campaign the company alleges was “patently retaliatory, patently anti-business, and patently unconstitutional.”
The lawsuit follows the state oversight board’s decision to void “publicly noticed and duly agreed development contracts which had laid the foundation for billions of Disney’s investment dollars and thousands of jobs,” according to the legal filing. The company’s lawsuit called the move “a targeted campaign of government retaliation — orchestrated at every step by Gov. DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech — now threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights.”
DeSantis, who is expected to launch a 2024 presidential campaign in the coming months, embarked on an international trade mission on Monday that will take him to Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He is leading a Florida delegation to Israel, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to meet with government and business leaders.
The Florida governor has been at odds with Disney since the company publicly criticized a DeSantis-backed controversial state law that restricts content concerning sexual orientation and gender identity in grades kindergarten through third grade. The Parental Rights in Education Law has been dubbed by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law who argue it paints LGBTQ topics as taboo or inappropriate. Meanwhile, supporters of the law say it allows parents to decide what their children can learn about certain subjects.
After DeSantis signed the bill into law in March 2022, Disney released a statement citing concerns of discrimination, saying the legislation “should never have passed and should never have been signed into law.” DeSantis has since aimed to take control over Disney’s special tax district that allows the Florida theme park and resort to govern itself, according to the company’s lawsuit. The Florida Legislature voted to dissolve the former governing board of the district and create a DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District in its place. The board voided a contract made before the CFTOD was in place, according to the lawsuit.
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Jason Koerner/Getty ImagesAfter his surprise ousting at Fox News, Tucker Carlson addressed his fans in a video posted to Twitter Wednesday night that has gone viral.
Sitting at his home studio, wearing a suit and tie, Carlson opened by noting, “One of the first things you realize when you step outside the noise for a few days is how many genuinely nice people there are in this country…people who really care about what’s true…So that’s heartening.
He continues, “The other thing you notice when you take a little time off is how unbelievably stupid most of the debates you see on television are. They’re completely irrelevant. They mean nothing…Trust me, as someone who has participated in them.”
Seemingly hinting at grist for a future platform, Carlson added, “And yet at the same time…the topics that will define our future, get virtually no discussion at all: War, civil liberties, emerging science, demographic change, natural resources…Debates like that are not permitted in American media.”
He expressed, “Both political parties and their donors have reached consensus on what benefits them. And they actively collude to shut down any conversation about it. Suddenly, the United States look very much like a one-party state.”
Calmly taking “the liars” to task, Tucker added, “Where can you still find Americans saying true things? There aren’t many places left, but there are some, and that’s enough. As long as you can hear the words, there is hope.”
The tweet from who was, until his exit Monday, the host of the highest-rated cable news program on television, drew equally impressive numbers on Twitter: It’s been viewed more than 44.6 million times and counting, and liked nearly 650,000 times.
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fstop123/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Some women are willing to go the distance to preserve fertility — and make it more affordable.
After the age of 30, a woman’s fertility decreases every year, leading some women to turn to fertility preservation treatments, such as egg freezing, so they can delay starting a family while ensuring their chances of having one.
Egg freezing for fertility preservation is a process that has been around since the late 1990s, according to the National Institute of Health. The technique, which includes retrieving and subsequently freezing a woman’s viable eggs, was first used for young women with cancer who are at risk of infertility as a result of their treatment.
Now, it’s being offered to all women who are typically 38 and younger “who want to preserve the option of having healthy, genetically related children at a later date,” according to the National Institutes of Health.
However, egg freezing comes at a cost.
In the U.S. broadly, among the 180 clinics listed in Freeze Health’s Compare Clinics tool, the average cost for one cycle of egg freezing is, on average, approximately $12,450. That price tag doesn’t even include multiple cycles or annual storage fees, which can range between $600 to $800.
The high cost drives some women, like Spring Inés Peña, to go abroad in search of an insurance policy for their fertility that won’t break the bank.
“I figured, you know, Spain might be a nice little European relaxed vacation where I can go and do this very important procedure,” Peña told ABC News’ Good Morning America.
Peña, a 36-year-old from Los Angeles, traveled to Barcelona for her egg-freezing procedure. In Europe, the median cost of egg freezing is about 40% of the cost in the U.S. and in Spain, it’s even less expensive, according to data from Freeze Health.
Jennifer Lannon, the co-founder of Freeze Health, a free resource that allows women to compare clinics, said the price matters.
“It naturally makes sense that a lot of women have been catching on to this and whether they have friends or family abroad, they’re traveling for work, or they just want to take a trip somewhere else and save some money. They’re choosing to go to a cheaper location,” Lannon said.
According to Lannon, 1,000 women per month will click on Freeze Health’s guide to international egg freezing. She said the most popular countries are Mexico and Spain.
“If you’re looking to stay close to the U.S. and perhaps in the same time zone, maybe for work purposes, then Mexico tends to be the best option,” Lannon said. “If you’re looking to travel to Europe, then Spain, and specifically Barcelona, tends to be one of the hottest cities with the most options, the most reasonable prices, and also just does the most volume of egg freezing.”
The number of assisted reproductive technology cycles performed using embryos from frozen patient eggs or embryos increased from 32,180 in 2011 to 129,692 in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
National data on success rates are scarce. One study found that the frozen egg live-birth rate is around 42%.
“It’s not a panacea. It is not a guarantee — the largest challenge is after the egg is frozen. It’s supposed to be a backup, that’s all it’s designed for,” said Dr. Karenne Fru, the medical director at OMA Fertility.
According to the CDC, there are several things to consider when opting for medical tourism. The risk of infectious disease and antibiotic resistance is higher in some countries and continuity of care may be challenging if you need follow-up care in the U.S. Importantly, you should be sure to look into your provider. Some countries’ requirements for maintaining licensure, credentialing and accreditation may be less than what would be required in the United States.
Aside from the physical challenges, freezing eggs abroad has its downsides, including language barriers. Ultimately, for Peña, the vacation and two cycles of egg freezing were worth the trip abroad.
“So with the vacation included and two cycles, since I did end up doing two, that ended up being what it would have cost for me to do it here in L.A., one cycle with no European vacation included,” she said. “So it was about half price.”
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Michigan State Police have released bodycam footage of the traffic stop on I-94 near Paw Paw on March 7th that resulted in the state’s largest fentanyl bust. Twenty-five-year-old Brahajan Martinez-Garcia of California was pulled over for having a black frame blocking his license plate and for driving erratically and consented to a search of the car after saying not everything in it was his. A red bag with four bricks of fentanyl was found in the back of the car and police learned about two more kilos of fentanyl in Michigan for a total seizure of six kilos of the drug worth nine-million-dollars. Martinez-Garcia remains in the Van Buren County Jail awaiting trial.
Michigan State Police have released bodycam footage of the traffic stop on I-94 near Paw Paw on March 7th that resulted in the state’s largest fentanyl bust. Twenty-five-year-old Brahajan Martinez-Garcia of California was pulled over for having a black frame blocking his license plate and for driving erratically and consented to a search of the car after saying not everything in it was his. A red bag with four bricks of fentanyl was found in the back of the car and police learned about two more kilos of fentanyl in Michigan for a total seizure of six kilos of the drug worth nine-million-dollars. Martinez-Garcia remains in the Van Buren County Jail awaiting trial.
Deadline reports Cara Delevingne has joined the 12th season of FX’s American Horror Story, as a series regular, joining season 9 vet Emma Roberts and franchise newcomer Kim Kardashian. Details of Delevingne’s character haven’t been revealed. The latest season — based on Danielle Valentine’s thriller novel Delicate Condition, due out in August — is described as a feminist update of Rosemary’s Baby. It reportedly follows “a woman who becomes convinced that a sinister figure is going to great lengths to make sure her pregnancy never happens,” per the outlet…
ABC’s General Hospital leads all other nominees for the 50th Daytime Emmys with 19 nods, followed by CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful with 14, The Young and the Restless with 13 and NBC/Peacock’s Days of Our Lives with 11. The Kelly Clarkson Show leads the talk field with 11 noms, followed by The Drew Barrymore Show and The Jennifer Hudson Show with seven and six, respectively. The full list of nominees can be found at The 50th Annual Daytime Emmys’ website…
Better Call Carmy: Bob Odenkirk is joining the cast of FX’s heralded drama The Bear, according to Variety. The trade says the Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul veteran will fill an as-yet-unrevealed guest role. The series, which follows Golden Globe winner Jeremy Allen White‘s hotshot chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, who in the second season will be trying to transform his family’s troubled Chicago eatery into a fine dining establishment. The series returns in June…
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Today we’re heading to Spain to sample a wine from one of the greatest wine regions in the world.
Melissa McCarthy is People’s new beautiful person cover model. Down Syndrome Barbie. Roz is coming back to the “Frasier” reboot.
Your cell phone is SO dirty-how dirty? Food & Wine’s new list of the top 10 U.S. cities for foodies. It’s National Administrative Professionals Day-so go buy them some flowers.
The life of Harry Belafonte. What Ed Sheeran said on the witness stand yesterday. Madonna just announced what’s she’ll be wearing during her Celebrations tour.
Debbie Ramirez, Volunteer Engagement Director, talks about their annual Volunteer United Youth Scholarship Award winners.
Deion Sanders helps a 98 year old woman with a kick off for her favorite college football team.
Crazy “Dancing With The Stars” judge, Len Goodman has passed away. Richard Lewis announced he has Parkinson’s disease. Mayim Bialik is working on a “Blossom” reboot.
It’s National Telephone Day-find out when the rotary phone became a thing of the past. You have until tomorrow to use those big, blue Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons. Ozempic for weight loss is causing HAIR loss.
Adele and James Corden will make you cry with the last Carpool Karaoke. Matchbox 20 has a new album coming out next month and their first single is pretty trippy. Watch for the Jonas Brothers to perform on Thursday night’s first NFL draft show.
St. Joseph City Commissioner Lynn Todman will not be seeking reelection. At Monday’s St. Joseph City Commission meeting, she made the announcement. Todman said, “I have a job that makes my life challenging.” Todman works for Corewell Health, where she is the Vice President of Health Equity and Community Partnerships. This sometimes causes her to miss commission meetings or be late. That fact is not lost on her. Therefore, Todman’s seat on the commission will be up for grabs. This year’s elections will see the seats of Mayor Laura Goos, Todman, and Commissioner Brook Thomas up for a vote. Neither Goos nor Thomas said Monday whether they will seek additional terms. The deadline for them to file is today.
Isaac Lane Koval/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — A study released in the Journal of the American Medical Association last week has shed some new light on how breast cancer rates have been disproportionately affecting Black female patients and pressed for earlier screenings.
The study found that Black women had the same risk of dying from breast cancer if they were screened starting at age 42 as the general population had with screenings starting at the recommended age of 50.
Researchers, who examined data from 415, 277 breast cancer deaths between 2011 and 2020, found that breast cancer death rates for women between 40 and 49 were highest among Black female patients, with a rate of 27 deaths per 100,000.
“These findings suggest that health policy makers and clinicians could consider an alternative, race and ethnicity-adapted approach in which Black female patients start screening earlier,” the authors wrote.
Although the researchers noted that there is “currently insufficient data to make specific recommendations for different racial and ethnic populations,” they said that race and ethnicity need to be factored in to “optimize the benefit of screening.”
The study didn’t prospectively test what would happen if screening started earlier, but instead used the data to calculate a risk threshold for breast cancer based on the screening age.
For screenings that started at 50, Black female patients reached that threshold for breast cancer at 42, while non-Hispanic white females did so at 51, American Indian and Alaska Native and Hispanic females at 57 years, and Asian and Pacific Islander females at 61, according to the study.
For screenings that started at 40, Black females would reach the risk threshold level at 34, white females at 41, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native and Asian or Pacific Islander females at age 43 years, researchers said.
Researchers acknowledged their study didn’t look at the possible risks of earlier breast cancer screening for various races and ethnicities, such as false positives and the mental and emotional toll of waiting for test results.
“Although Black women may experience disproportionate rates of false positives because of breast density, the added risk of false positives from earlier screenings may be balanced by the benefits associated with earlier [breast cancer] detection in this group,” researchers said.
The report concluded that to decrease breast cancer mortality, “the starting age for the general population could be decreased from 50 to 45 or 40 years like what is done for colorectal cancer screening in the U.S,” and “health policy makers may consider the alternative, risk-adapted approach in which individuals, such as Black females, who are at high risk are screened earlier.”
Several organizations have different recommendations for breast cancer screenings.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force says women ages 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every two years, and women 40 to 49 should talk to their doctors about mammograms.
The American Cancer Society, which found that Black women have the lowest five-year relative breast cancer survival rate compared to all other racial/ethnic groups, recommends that women at mean risk levels should start annual mammography screening from age 45 years but have the opportunity to start from age 40 years.
Dr. Arif Kamal, the chief patient officer of the American Cancer Society, told ABC News that more research is showing a trend of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer, and earlier screenings that are tailor-made based on a patient’s race, may be needed.
“I think it highlights beyond race, people should evaluate their own risk of breast cancer, such as family history and the age at which they were diagnosed,” he told ABC News.
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Mint Images/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Jury selection is set to begin Tuesday in the defamation and battery case brought by former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll against former President Donald Trump.
Carroll sued Trump in November, alleging that he defamed her in a 2022 Truth Social post by calling her allegations “a Hoax and a lie” and saying “This woman is not my type!” when he denied her claim that Trump raped her in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the 1990s.
She added a charge of battery under a recently adopted New York law that allows adult survivors of sexual abuse to sue their alleged attacker regardless of the statute of limitations.
Trump has repeatedly denied Carroll’s allegations.
It’s unclear whether Trump will himself will travel to New York City to attend any portion of the civil trial. His attorney, Joe Tacopina, told Judge Lewis Kaplan Thursday that Trump will make that decision as the trial proceeds.
“Because the decision of the defendant, who is not required to appear as a civil litigant, will be made during the course of the trial, we are not yet in a position to advise the Court in this regard,” Tacopina wrote the judge. “However, we will inform the Court as soon as a decision is reached, particularly in light of the logistical concerns that will need to be addressed in coordination with the Secret Service, the Marshals Service, and the City of New York.”
The trial is expected to last about five days.
Kaplan last week denied Trump’s attempt to delay the start of the trial for four weeks. Trump had sought a one-month delay on the grounds that a “cooling off” period was necessary following intense media coverage of his criminal indictment in Manhattan last month in connection with an alleged hush money payment to an adult film actress.
“There is no justification for an adjournment,” the judge ruled. “This case is entirely unrelated to the state prosecution.”
Carroll previously sued Trump in 2019 after the then-president denied her rape claim by telling The Hill that Carroll was “totally lying,” saying, “I’ll say it with great respect: No. 1, she’s not my type. No. 2, it never happened. It never happened, OK?” That defamation suit has been caught in a procedural back-and-forth over the question of whether Trump, as president, was acting in his official capacity as an employee of the federal government when he made those remarks.
If Trump is determined to have been acting as a government employee, the U.S. government would substitute as the defendant in that suit — which means that case would go away, since the government cannot be sued for defamation.
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Photography by Keith Getter (all rights reserved)/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Significant flooding is happening along the Mississippi River this week, from Minneapolis to Davenport, Iowa.
Several river gauges are in major flood stages and are under flood warnings for surrounding areas, as some spots could reach the highest river flooding levels in 20 years.
McGregor, Iowa, may see historic flooding, as the area is expected to crest just one foot under the all-time highest on record, which was set back in 1965.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation Monday for 10 counties in the state, which allows state resources to be used to help with the flooding.
Chilly temperatures are expected across parts of the Ohio, the Tennessee Valley and into the Northeast on Tuesday morning.
Frost and freeze alerts are in effect across eight states that could be dangerous to crops or other sensitive vegetation and outdoor plants.
The temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-30s in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, with both cities under freeze watches.
Pittsburgh is expected to reach 32 degrees Tuesday morning, as well as Charleston, South Carolina.
A few severe storms capable of hail and damaging wind gusts may develop across parts of Florida on Monday — a severe thunderstorm watch is also possible if the storms get strong enough.
More than two feet of rain brought Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to a standstill nearly two weeks ago, shutting down the city’s airport and stranding drivers on flooded streets.
A severe storm threat begins in Texas on Tuesday with an area from Dallas to Austin and San Antonio at risk for damaging winds, hail and possible tornadoes.
Another day of severe storms is possible across the same region in Texas on Wednesday and could expand east to Shreveport, Louisiana.
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amphotora/Getty Images(FORT WORTH, Texas) — Three people were arrested in Texas after one of them pepper-sprayed protesters outside a restaurant hosting a drag show, police said.
The incident unfolded in Fort Worth on Sunday afternoon when a small group of people from an anti-LGBTQ nonprofit called Protect Texas Kids arrived at Fort Brewery and Pizza to stage a protest across the street from the restaurant during a scheduled drag show. A group of counter-protesters — dressed in black, wearing helmets and outer tactical vests — also showed up and stood in front of the restaurant, many of them armed with handguns and long guns, according to the Fort Worth Police Department, which said it was monitoring both groups via a city-owned surveillance camera.
At approximately 12:50 p.m. CT, police observed a member of the counter-protest group — later identified as Samuel Fowlkes, 20, of Weatherford, Texas — cross the street and approach the Protect Texas Kids group, then allegedly spray them with pepper spray. Officers attempted to arrest Fowlkes on scene, but police said he evaded their efforts and swung his closed fists at them.
As the officers tried to stop Fowlkes and place him in handcuffs, another member of the counter-protest group — later identified as Christopher Guillot, 33, of Lewisville, Texas — intervened and swung an umbrella at the officers, hitting one of them in the face, according to police. The officers then attempted to arrest Guillot.
Both Fowlkes and Guillot continued to resist arrest, prompting police to deploy a directed response unit to assist. When the officers instructed the rest of the counter-protesters to move to the sidewalk, away from the situation, a third member of the group — later identified as Meghan Grant, 37, of Dallas, Texas — repeatedly tried to charge past the officers to gain access to Fowlkes and Guillot, police said. An officer attempted to stop Grant by pushing her back toward the sidewalk, but she refused to comply and was taken into custody, according to police.
On Monday, police released footage from city cameras and an officer’s body-worn camera showing Sunday’s incident. In the videos, a counter-protester is seen spraying a substance at a small group protesters. The videos also show the tense situation between counter-protesters and police, including the moment an officer was struck in the face by an open umbrella. Some of the counter-protesters are seen evading and resisting arrest, while others are heard shouting at the officers.
“Our main goal during any protest event is to provide a safe environment that respects all participants’ constitutional rights, while effectively maintaining public peace and order,” the Fort Worth Police Department said in a press release on Monday. “However, those who choose to violate the law and assault others will be arrested and charged.”
Online jail records for Tarrant County show Fowlkes is facing four counts of assault causing bodily injury, one count of evading arrest or detention, one count of resisting arrest and one count of assaulting a peace officer. He was being held on $22,500 bond. Guillot is facing one count each of interfering with public duties and assaulting a peace officer. He was being held on $9,500 bond. Grant is facing one count each of interfering with public duties and resisting arrest. She was being held on $4,000 bond, according to jail records.
It was unclear whether any of the three suspects had obtained attorneys.
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Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department(LAS VEGAS) — An arrest has been made over the murder of a homeless man living in a Las Vegas drainage canal that happened two months ago.
The incident occurred on Feb. 20 at approximately 2:40 a.m. when the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a report of an unresponsive male located by a drainage canal near Arville Street and Harmon Avenue, just two miles west of famed Las Vegas Boulevard.
“The investigation led by the LVMPD Homicide Section indicates the victim lived inside the drainage canal where the shooting took place,” authorities said in a statement released on Monday. “After being shot, the victim exited the canal and collapsed.”
The unnamed victim was declared dead at the scene of the crime, police said.
A break in the case came last Thursday, however, when LVMPD detectives were able to identify 34-year-old Jemiah Garner as a suspect in the murder that happened two months ago.
Garner, who was already in custody on unrelated charges at the Clark County Detention Center, was rebooked last Thursday for open murder with a deadly weapon, police said.
Authorities have not released any information on the potential connection between the two men or what may have led up to the shooting but the investigation into the case is ongoing.
Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com.
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South Haven City Councilman Joe Reeser is challenging Mayor Scott Smith in the November election. Reeser made the announcement yesterday, saying he can better help the city with several issues it faces from providing economic growth, getting more affordable housing, and balancing the use of short-term rentals with promoting tourism as an important industry. He says as a business owner for more than 30 years, he learned the importance of listening to customers and suppliers and incorporating their feedback into making tough decisions. Reeser has been an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters for the past 17 years and is on the South Haven Housing Commission.
South Haven City Councilman Joe Reeser is challenging Mayor Scott Smith in the November election. Reeser made the announcement yesterday, saying he can better help the city with several issues it faces from providing economic growth, getting more affordable housing, and balancing the use of short-term rentals with promoting tourism as an important industry. He says as a business owner for more than 30 years, he learned the importance of listening to customers and suppliers and incorporating their feedback into making tough decisions. Reeser has been an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters for the past 17 years and is on the South Haven Housing Commission.
Thinkstock/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — A man who allegedly attempted to burn down a church with Molotov cocktails after it planned to hold a series of drag show events has been charged with federal crimes.
The incident occurred on March 25 when the 20-year-old suspect involved in the attack — Aimenn D. Penny of Alliance, Ohio — threw Molotov cocktails at the Community Church of Chesterland in Chesterland, Ohio, in an attempt to burn the church to the ground after learning the church was holding multiple drag show events the following weekend, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.
Penny was initially arrested and charged with federal offenses on March 31 but the Department of Justice formally announced all the charges he would be facing on Monday.
“A federal indictment was returned charging [Penny] with a violation of the Church Arson Prevention Act for using Molotov cocktails against the Community Church of Chesterland, in Chesterland, Ohio, in an attempt to burn the church to the ground,” the Department of Justice said. “He was also indicted on one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, one count of malicious use of explosive materials and one count of possessing a destructive device.”
Penny could face a lengthy jail sentence for his role in the attack, officials say.
“If convicted, Penny faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for the violation of the Church Arson Prevention Act. Penny also faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison for the malicious use of explosive materials charge and up to 10 years in prison for the possession of a destructive device charge,” the Department of Justice said. “In addition, if convicted of using fire to commit a federal felony, Penny faces a 10-year mandatory prison sentence that will run consecutively with any other prison term imposed.”
Following the attack, the Cleveland Field Office of the FBI gathered information that Penny was part of a White Lives Matter group that espouses racist, pro-Nazi and homophobic views and that at a March 11 drag queen event in Wadsworth, Ohio — just two weeks prior to the Molotov cocktail attack on the Chesterfield Church — Penny joined members of the group who showed up carrying flags with swastikas and yelling homophobic slurs, prosecutors said.
Penny reportedly attended the event wearing military-style gear and carrying a firearm.
According to an affidavit released on March 31 Penny was interviewed by police last October after handing out racist flyers and told authorities that he believed African Americans were a “problem” and that there was a civil war coming between races.
Police found a handwritten manifesto, a Nazi flag and other memorabilia during a search of his home, according to the affidavit.
“PENNY stated that he was trying to protect children and stop the drag show event,” the affidavit said. “PENNY stated that night he became more and more angry after watching internet videos of news feeds and drag shows in France and decided to attack the church. PENNY stated that he would have felt better if the Molotov cocktails were more effective and burned the entire church to the ground.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Deckert and Matthew W. Shepherd for the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorneys Jacob Warren and Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, the Department of Justice said.
The FBI Cleveland Field Office’s investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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SONGPHOL THESAKIT/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Over the weekend, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he had tested positive for COVID-19, his third time battling the virus.
Lopez Obradour, who suffered a heart attack in 2013, wrote on Twitter on Sunday that his case is mild and that “my heart is at 100 percent.”
Studies suggest that most Americans have been infected with COVID at least once but a growing number have been infected multiple times.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not provide reinfection data but state-level data paints a varied picture.
Data from the New York State Department of Health shows that about 8.5% of total infections are reinfections. In Washington state, about 1% of all infections are reinfections as of October 2022, the latest date for which data is available, the state health department said.
Experts say reinfection is caused by a number of factors — including waning immunity and more transmissible variants — but the risk is highest for those who are vulnerable to serious complications from COVID.
What is the risk of being reinfected?
There are several factors tied to a person’s likelihood of being reinfected.
As of March 19, CDC data shows the COVID-19 case rate for unvaccinated people was 81.11 per 100,000 — more than three times higher than the rate of 25.81 per 100,000 among people fully vaccinated and boosted.
While being fully vaccinated and getting the bivalent booster shot can lower the risk of reinfection, studies have shown that immunity does wane over time.
Additionally, the chances of reinfection increases if a person lives in a county with high community transmission levels versus low transmission levels.
Another study from the CDC looked at essential workers who had previously been infected. It found that being unvaccinated, not frequently wearing a mask since first infection and being Black all increased the risk of being reinfected.
“The reality is three years into the pandemic, we know that infection is dependent on a variety of factors, including prior immunity,” said Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation office at Boston Children’s Hospital and an ABC News contributor. “It’s not impossible especially over a long period of time, with immunity waning, whether that’s through infection or through vaccination.”
He continued, “We’ve seen many people with two, three, even four times COVID infection. It’s related to behavior. It’s related to practices around masking or travel.”
Role of variants
Currently, XBB.1.5, a subvariant of omicron, makes up the majority of new COVID cases in the U.S., CDC data shows.
Meanwhile, another subvariant, XBB.1.16, which was first detected in India, makes up nearly 10% of new cases.
Dr. Maria van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s technical lead for COVID-19, said at a briefing that the variant “has one additional mutation in the spike protein, which in lab studies showed increased infectivity.”
Currently, no data suggests XBB.1.16 causes an increase in more severe illness, hospitalizations or deaths.
Brownstein said it’s important to stay vigilant because a new variant could change how likely reinfection is.
“We still have concern about being thrown a curveball when it comes to variants,” Brownstein said. “So far, we’re seeing a pretty predictable path along this omicron front but it is possible we’ll see something completely out of left field that could challenge that underlying immunity that we’ve had from previous infections and vaccines.”
Is reinfection dangerous?
Brownstein said there has been conflicting data on whether or not COVID reinfection raises the risk of chronic illness. Having a prior infection, however, does offer some protection, experts say.
“At the end of the day having the underlying immunity is beneficial … some level of immunity will provide some cross protection to new variants,” he said.
Brownstein said there is still a risk for those who are more likely to have severe complications from COVID-19, including the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.
Additionally, every COVID infection increases the risk of someone developing long COVID, which occurs when a person has ongoing symptoms of COVID lasting three months or longer.
“The concern that we have is not just about hospitalizations and deaths; it’s the long-term chronic impact of COVID,” Brownstein said. “And each time that you get infected, there’s a potential for having longer-lasting symptoms, which we’ve seen strong data support, how debilitating some of these impacts can be for the population.”
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ABC/Randy HolmesTuesday, April 25, in Arizona, Seal is kicking off his 30th anniversary tour, during which he’ll play his first two albums — Seal and Seal II — in their entireties. Seal says he’s excited to dig into the parts of those albums he doesn’t normally do in concert.
“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do more than to tour and play those songs,” he tells ABC Audio. “I don’t necessarily play stuff from the old albums, other than the kind of pinnacle tracks like ‘Kiss from a Rose,’ ‘Prayer for the Dying,’ and ‘Crazy’ and things like that … so it’s a great opportunity to be able to do that, especially with Trevor.”
“Trevor” is Trevor Horn, who you may know as the guy with the big glasses in the “Video Killed the Radio Star” video. He’s the frontman of The Buggles, but he’s also a legendary producer who signed Seal to his first record deal and produced Seal’s first two albums. The Buggles are opening for Seal on the tour, then Horn will join him onstage as musical director.
“What makes it, I guess, even more exciting for me is that [Trevor] is M.D.-ing those songs that he produced,” Seal says. “So if it is possible to replicate and enhance upon every bit of emotion of those records, he’s going to be the person to do that.”
But no matter what song he’s singing, Seal says he has one goal in mind when he does concerts.
“If you were to say, ‘OK Seal, what do you hope to achieve with these live shows — other than everyone having a good time?’ My answer would be I just want to connect,” he tells ABC Audio. “When we are connected, I think that’s when we’re at our most beautiful.”
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ABC/Sami DrasinFollowing talk of a possible spinoff of The Big Bang Theory, Mayim Bialik, who played Amy Farrah Fowler on the original CBS sitcom, says she’d be open to making an appearance, if she’s asked.
“We’re all still pretty close, so there was a lot of texting going on,” the Jeopardy! host told E! News at the Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala on April 22, “And I asked my agent. He was like, ‘I don’t know.’ I guess no one knows at this point, but I can’t wait to find out.”
“I’ll do anything related to anything like that,” adds, Bialik, 47, “But yeah, we really have no idea. So I’m in the same boat as everyone else.”
Meanwhile, Bialik is eyeing a potential reboot of her 1990s sitcom, Blossom, in which she starred as the titular character, Blossom Russo.
“We’re thinking about coming back,” said Mayim. “There’s a lot of things that have to happen … But Don Reo, our creator, and I have finally been able to find a breath and an opening in my life and schedule where we’re ready to talk about it actively.”
“A lot of shows from the ‘90s have been rebooted,” noted Mayim, who’s hopeful Blossom can get the revival treatment as well.
“We were on from ‘90 to ‘94, so we were right in that pocket,” she continued, “and I’m just excited to think about putting our own spin on what it would be like to see where these characters are.”
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Today we’re speaking with Zach Vaughn, Director of Community Improvement at @Cornerstone Alliance about the revitalization of the former Rite Aid building on M-139.
Find out which Young & The Restless star has cancer. Michelle Yeoh to star in new Disney + series. What were the top movies at the box officer over the weekend.
It’s National Bucket List Day. What you can see in tonight’s sky. Most dangerous national parks.
You still have time to vote for your favorites to be inducted into this year’s Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Colbie Caillet has a new album coming out after 7 years. Meghan Trainor gets real about pregnancy woes.
Hailey Manligiis(LOS ANGELES) — Elaine Gilmer has seen the performance of “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, over 100 times, but Saturday evening’s show was one to remember.
“The dragon’s head started to glow, and I see fire and kind of smoke coming out,” she said with hesitation. “I was like, ‘Oh … they added some new stuff because that didn’t didn’t happen like that before.’”
However, Gilmer’s daughter Elyssa began to realize that the fire from the animatronic dragon’s mouth appeared to spread to the body of the 45-foot creature, which is styled after the storybook villain of Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent.
“We saw some small explosions coming out of the head, and then, all of a sudden, the whole dragon was just engulfed, and then, all of a sudden, the worker started coming around escorting everybody out for safety,” Elaine said.
Videos of the incident quickly circulated online, showing the massive dragon wholly engulfed in flames — an uncharacteristically chaotic ending for the show that usually climaxes with Mickey Mouse casting a spell to defeat Maleficent.
All cast members were evacuated from Tom Sawyer Island, where the show is staged, due to the fire, according to a Disneyland official. The Anaheim Fire Department reported no injuries related to the incident, according to ABC News affiliate KABC.
“The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time,” wrote the official.
Dark plumes of smoke emanated from the dragon and impacted nearby attractions, prompting Disneyland to clear some guests from the area.
“I would love to say that I was cool for the whole thing, but obviously there comes a little moment where it’s worrisome because it starts to spread a lot,” said Brenda Coutiño, who was visiting Disneyland from Tucson, Arizona. “I thought it was gonna cut into the buildings, and since there’s so much connected to that little island — I was just a little scared that it would spread out.”
Park guests reported that the incident was shocking initially, but the response, including moving some guests from impacted regions, went relatively smoothly.
Videos of the incident show guests watching and recording the show’s unplanned conclusion while a loudspeaker informs them that the “performance cannot continue due to unforeseen circumstances.”
The live show uses water and fire special effects to tell the story of Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, interspersed with clips from classic Disney movies.
Disneyland describes the show as “Daring heroes and epic villains do battle on a grand scale in an incredible nighttime show — starring Mickey Mouse.”
The fire cut off the show as it neared its conclusion. Recently refurbished, the show typically concludes with fireworks and visit from a steamboat full of dancing Disney characters and fireworks.
“The dragon is usually the highlight — that’s what most people look forward to,” Elyssa Gilmer said. “We always love that part, so it’s exciting to watch; it’s kind of sad knowing that [the fire] happened.”
Disney has not released a timeline for reopening “Fantasmic!”
ABC News’ Flor Tolentino contributed to this report.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Hailey Manligiis(LOS ANGELES) — Elaine Gilmer has seen the performance of “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, over 100 times, but Saturday evening’s show was one to remember.
“The dragon’s head started to glow, and I see fire and kind of smoke coming out,” she said with hesitation. “I was like, ‘Oh … they added some new stuff because that didn’t didn’t happen like that before.'”
However, Gilmer’s daughter Elyssa began to realize that the fire from the animatronic dragon’s mouth appeared to spread to the body of the 45-foot creature, which is styled after the storybook villain of Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent.
“We saw some small explosions coming out of the head, and then, all of a sudden, the whole dragon was just engulfed, and then, all of a sudden, the worker started coming around escorting everybody out for safety,” Elaine said.
Videos of the incident quickly circulated online, showing the massive dragon wholly engulfed in flames — an uncharacteristically chaotic ending for the show that usually climaxes with Mickey Mouse casting a spell to defeat Maleficent.
All cast members were evacuated from Tom Sawyer Island, where the show is staged, due to the fire, according to a Disneyland official. The Anaheim Fire Department reported no injuries related to the incident, according to ABC News affiliate KABC.
“The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time,” wrote the official.
Dark plumes of smoke emanated from the dragon and impacted nearby attractions, prompting Disneyland to clear some guests from the area.
“I would love to say that I was cool for the whole thing, but obviously there comes a little moment where it’s worrisome because it starts to spread a lot,” said Brenda Coutiño, who was visiting Disneyland from Tucson, Arizona. “I thought it was gonna cut into the buildings, and since there’s so much connected to that little island — I was just a little scared that it would spread out.”
Park guests reported that the incident was shocking initially, but the response, including moving some guests from impacted regions, went relatively smoothly.
Videos of the incident show guests watching and recording the show’s unplanned conclusion while a loudspeaker informs them that the “performance cannot continue due to unforeseen circumstances.”
The live show uses water and fire special effects to tell the story of Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, interspersed with clips from classic Disney movies.
Disneyland describes the show as “Daring heroes and epic villains do battle on a grand scale in an incredible nighttime show — starring Mickey Mouse.”
The fire cut off the show as it neared its conclusion. Recently refurbished, the show typically concludes with fireworks and visit from a steamboat full of dancing Disney characters and fireworks.
“The dragon is usually the highlight — that’s what most people look forward to,” Elyssa Gilmer said. “We always love that part, so it’s exciting to watch; it’s kind of sad knowing that [the fire] happened.”
Disney has not released a timeline for reopening “Fantasmic!”
ABC News’ Flor Tolentino contributed to this report.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
There will be a lot of sewer work in Benton Harbor in the coming years if all goes according to plan. At a meeting this past week, city commissioners approved a project planning document that will have the city seek around $20 million from the state Drinking Water Revolving Fund for sanitary sewer work. Elaine Venema of civil engineering firm Fleis and VandenBrink said work is needed throughout the city, not only on sewer lines, but on infrastructure like lift stations.
“In 2017, 30% of the pipes, the wastewater gravity pipes, were over 100 years old, and another 30% were between 76 and 100 years old. So, that’s about 60% of the city’s wastewater infrastructure that’s probably beyond its useful life.”
Venema said the city is on a good position to get loan forgiveness, or just to receive the funds in the form of a grant. The only way to know is to apply to the state. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the need for the infrastructure work is critical and must be done. If all goes well, a project plan could come together this fall with construction starting in the fall of next year. It would take a couple of years to complete. Before anything is final, another approval would be needed from the city commission.
Since opening Full Circle Café & Espresso Bar downtown Stevensville seven years ago, owners Jayme and Ryan Bendoski have tried to be the kind of people who use their position to give back to the community.
Now, they are the ones seeking the community help as they make difficult decisions in the fight to keep their business afloat.
How it happened
About six months ago, the Bendoskis said they realized Full Circle was no longer profitable the way it was being operated. They were burning through their COVID relief money and struggled to balance the increased costs of food and paying competitive wages with the quality of products and service customers have grown to expect.
They took on a loan to buy some time and figure out how to right the ship. They began offering evening hours, expanded the menu and negotiated a deal with DoorDash. By the end of 2022, though, it became obvious more drastic changes were needed.
At the end of March this year, Full Circle told its customers that April was going to be the month that could make or break the business. They laid off three employees, removed some menu items, closed the café on Wednesdays to cut payroll and even issued a Facebook plea for customers to come in and support them due to an uncertain future.
The good news, Jayme said, is the community responded.
“We did the highest numbers of sales we’ve ever seen three days straight,” Jayme said. “It was insane. It was amazing. I cried every day. I was just taking to people to their tables, listening to these inspirational things that they’re telling me … and then just crying. It’s been lots of highs and lows these last couple of weeks.”
Even with the influx of in-store support, Jayme said there is still a long way to go if they want to be sustainable – and time is of the essence.
“It’s a literal cash flow game right now in terms of keeping the lights on,” she said. “We never thought we’d be here.”
Hands up, not out
Even as the financial situation at Full Circle became more dire in recent weeks, the Bendoskis didn’t want to ask for handouts. In fact, when friends of the café offered to create a GoFundMe, they initially refused.
“My husband and I were both like ‘no, we’re not expecting handouts,’” Jayme said. “Sure, we’re asking customers to come in and help us, but to ask for donations didn’t sit right.”
Jayme said they have always seen the business as a platform to help others, not the other way around.
“For seven years, we’ve taken a lot of pride in being the helpers – being the ones that are helping the family that’s raising money for their kiddo with cancer, or supporting the kids’ ball teams,” Jayme said. “To turn the tables and not only have to say ‘no’ to that stuff when we’re asked and to be the ones needing the help, it sucks.”
Jayme said the couple’s pride wouldn’t allow them to take money for nothing – until one of the customers offered a different perspective.
“One of the amazing humans that was really pushing for this and really feels like it can help us was like ‘this isn’t a handout, this is a hand up,” Jayme said. “It’s literal full circle. Sometimes you’re the helper, sometimes you’re the one needing the help. She literally single-handedly changed our minds about it in the course of a couple hours.”
The GoFundMe has raised nearly $3,000 as of Friday night, with a listed goal of $50,000. All money will be used to keep the business going through April, which Jayme said is historically one of the slowest months they have.
Becoming sustainable
If Full Circle is able to make it until May, The Bendoskis have a new business plan ready to increase profitability in addition to the payroll cuts and menu changes. New hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
On days the café is closed, Jayme and Ryan will focus on the catering side of the business. They’ve also entered into a partnership with Radtke Farms to utilize the café kitchen for cooking Radke jams once catering orders are complete, as another way to increase revenue while cutting payroll. They are connecting with resources like Cornerstone’s Women’s Business Center and the small business mentors at SCORE.
“We’re not just asking for a Band-Aid of money because that’s not going to fix the actual problem,” Jayme said. “Helping us in this way, supporting us right now will hopefully allow us to tweak the things that need to be tweaked and affect change for the business long-term.”
Additional changes may include switching to counter service or QR code menus for outdoor seating, additional changes to hours of operation, streamlining kitchen efficiency, building the grab-and-go counter and working with the building owner to resolve ongoing plumbing issues that have closed the café during busy times.
“My husband and I, we did not go to school to be business owners,” Jayme said. “It’s kind of like this business has grown into something that we never even really thought that it could or would. The sales volume is not the problem. We have the sales volume, but it’s that we have to correct the model.”
With all the changes, though, Jayme said Full Circle intends to maintain the high standards of quality the customers expect.
“Our customers have an expectation for a certain level of quality of our product and there’s not a lot we can do to change that,” she said. “They also have high expectations of our customer service, so this is where we’re hoping to have wiggle room to change things, while still holding on to their love and support. … It is our hope that all of these changes will be the difference between Full Circle surviving at all, and thriving for years to come.”
To support the Full Circle GoFundMe, click here.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
Colby Jack is a super handsome and smart guy who appears to be a German Shepherd mix. Sadly, Colby was tied to a sign at Al-Van Humane Society, so we do not know his history. We do know that Colby always wants to please us and is very treat-motivated. He is outrageously intelligent, well behaved, and knows all of his cues (sit, shake, off, down, speak, spin, high five, etc.). Colby loves to run around and have fun, and will also show-off his goofy side. Because Colby resource guards high-value food items, his adopter must understand how to manage that behavior, and he must go to an adult-only home. Colby Jack is neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, and heartworm negative. He weighs 65 pounds and we estimate him to be around 3-1/2 years old. Please complete Al-Van Humane Society’s online application at al-van.org/adopt if you are interested in adopting Colby Jack
Michael J Fox has a new documentary coming out. Alec Baldwin charges have been dropped but he could still be recharged. What’s new at the box office this weekend.
What the color of your phone says about you. How spring cleaning actually makes you feel. What we’re all secretly tired of dealing with.
Harry Stiles makes Billboard’s list of Top 10 Tour of All Time-find out who he knocked down to 10th place. Enya releases “A Box Of Dreams” as an LP set. Taylor Swift and her friends spend time in NYC and “unfriend” Joe Alwyn on social media.
The years-long battle over short-term rentals in South Haven won’t be going away anytime soon. The city council held a forum on the issue at South Haven High School last night with five roughly 15-minute presentations followed by a short break and over an hour of public comment. Mayor Scott Smith says he was not surprised by anything he heard from either side.
“I think these are a lot of the same topics we’ve heard over the last 10 years, so I think it’s an ongoing struggle with balancing what is a desirable community, how do you control that desirability of folks wanting to come in, move into our town on a part-time or recreational basis and gobbling up that demand.”
Walt Plechaty of Neighborhoods Need Neighbors said in his presentation that South Haven has almost as many short-term rental properties as Grand Haven, Saugatuck, and Traverse City combined. There are 497 business non-exempt short-term rentals in South Haven, and a total of 708. South Haven Vacation Rental Alliance’s Ashley Greer counters with the fact that none of the STRs in the city are owned by corporations, and $44.7 million was spent in the city last year by short-term renters, not including their lodging price.
The years-long battle over short-term rentals in South Haven won’t be going away anytime soon. The city council held a forum on the issue at South Haven High School last night with five roughly 15-minute presentations followed by a short break and over an hour of public comment. Mayor Scott Smith says he was not surprised by anything he heard from either side.
“I think these are a lot of the same topics we’ve heard over the last 10 years, so I think it’s an ongoing struggle with balancing what is a desirable community, how do you control that desirability of folks wanting to come in, move into our town on a part-time or recreational basis and gobbling up that demand.”
Walt Plechaty of Neighborhoods Need Neighbors said in his presentation that South Haven has almost as many short-term rental properties as Grand Haven, Saugatuck, and Traverse City combined. There are 497 business non-exempt short-term rentals in South Haven, and a total of 708. South Haven Vacation Rental Alliance’s Ashley Greer counters with the fact that none of the STRs in the city are owned by corporations, and $44.7 million was spent in the city last year by short-term renters, not including their lodging price.
Babe’s Lounge in Benton Harbor has new owners and a new name. Starting immediately, the historically-popular local landmark will be known as Babe’s Riverview Bar and Grill.
On Thursday, Keith Polaskey, owner of Heaven Scent Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, formally took ownership of Babe’s from Pauline Couvelis. Keith and his wife Angela will operate the business. Babe’s was first established by James “Babe” Couvelis in 1958 on Main Street in Benton Harbor, but it eventually moved to Riverview Drive in the 1970s. The ownership transition to Polaskey has been whispered about for weeks but it is now official and already the renovations to freshen the riverside property are underway.
The business at 565 Riverview Drive is in a prime location for nearby developments underway. The bar is currently closed and as soon as the liquor license transfer is complete (expected in the next day) Babe’s will reopen.
The new Babe’s owners have exciting plans and updates in store. The exclusive interview with Keith and his wife Angela will be posted on our partner site, Moody On The Market.
North Carolina-based rock band Big Something gave a new meaning to high energy Thursday night in Benton Harbor.
As a 4/20 concert to benefit the Benton Harbor Parks Department kicked into high gear at The Livery, a thunderstorm rolling up the lakeshore could be seen lighting up the venue’s windows throughout the performance.
Watch as lightning puts on a show in the venue’s window at the top left at the beginning of the video, and keep watching for a taste of why Big Something is t̶o̶k̶i̶n̶g̶ taking festivals and venues across the country by storm.
The band closed its first set with two rocking David Bowie covers:
In addition to a portion of proceeds going to local parks, the concert served as a kickoff party to this weekend’s Funk Fest, which brings more funky music along with special beer releases and funky food specials.
Flexadecibel from Muskegon will headline Friday’s festivities on stage, while popular Grateful Dead Tribute band The Happy Campers will debut original material in addition to performing a set of Grateful Dead dance numbers to keep the party funking Saturday night.
Daniele from St. Joe Today talks about events happening around town this weekend and some “save the date” events.
Twilight to be made into TV series. Ray Romano gets a stent after 90% artery blockage. Bridget Fonda spotted in Hollywood but says she’s never, ever returning to work there.
McDonald’s to offer extra “special sauce” for dipping for a limited time, with a catch. Daily Queen offering .85 cent Blizzards for a limited time, also with a catch. Make sure to cash in for your $4 award in Facebook’s class action lawsuit.
This one Taylor Swift merch item is in high demand. David Foster is the latest musician to sell his music. Elton John wants to travel the world….once he’s done traveling the world-find out where he wants to go first.
Today we spoke with Susan Matheny, Program Director for BCF and Mr. Ernst Jacques, math teacher at Eau Claire High School about the Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grant.
A new Judd’s documentary is coming out-find out when. Police release body cam video of Jeremy Renner’s snow plow accident. Charlie Sheen to star in a new sitcom with Sebastian Maniscalco.
It’s National Garlic Day AND National Banana Day-so here are some fun facts about both. Plus, Netflix is going to stop sending out movies after 25 years-find out when.
Metallica releasing ASL videos of all songs on their new album. Lionel Richie sworn to secrecy about Coronation song he’ll sing. Alicia Keys coming to Chicago this summer-find out when and how to get tickets.
Former Hartford police officer Mathew Mistretta has been acquitted of using excessive force during an arrest nearly three years ago. Jurors deliberated for only around two-and-a-half hours yesterday after the four-day trial before delivering their verdict. Mistretta was seen in a social media video taking Lauro Espino to the ground believing he was the suspect in a shooting. Espino admitted he was drunk, bleeding from his head and speeding at the time but was not involved in a shooting.
Former Hartford police officer Mathew Mistretta has been acquitted of using excessive force during an arrest nearly three years ago. Jurors deliberated for only around two-and-a-half hours yesterday after the four-day trial before delivering their verdict. Mistretta was seen in a social media video taking Lauro Espino to the ground believing he was the suspect in a shooting. Espino admitted he was drunk, bleeding from his head and speeding at the time but was not involved in a shooting.
Miss Spirit took the crown as Miss Blossomtime 2023 last night at The Mendel Center. Hear her and her court talk about their experience and what they look forward to this year as they represent Blossomtime.
How one professor is using old laptop batteries to turn gas powered bikes into electric bikes.
How and when will Yellowstone end? It’s curtains for The Phantom. Angry Birds are building their nests at a new company.
Tax Day facts! This cuisine has taken over Italian food as American’s favorite. This fast food restaurant is about to improve their hamburgers.
Who will be James Corden’s last Carpool Karaoke guest and musical show guest? Sting is doing a North American tour this fall. Ed Sheeran is set to release his 2nd single from his new album.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to chat about the upcoming 10 Year Celebration of Logan Center, as well as two career fairs, and a groundbreaking at the New Heights CCDA facility. Find out how you can attend these events and get more out of your Chamber membership at smrchamber.com!
This morning we welcomed Karl Krause the new Mr. Blossomtime and his court to The Coast Morning Show.
Rob Cleveland, President & CEO of @Cornerstone Alliance talks about his recent trip to NC to be on The Advisory Services Panel and how those ideas can be applied to Berrien County.
Another big weekend for the Super Mario Bros. movie. Are Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson really brothers? LIVE says goodbye to Ryan Seacrest.
Don’t store these items in your bathroom. A battery operated microwave? Gifts for the girl grad in your life.
American Idol judges to perform at King Charles coronation. Find out who is making guest appearances on Kelly Clarkson’s new album.
UniversalThe Super Mario Bros. Movie collected an estimated $87 million at the weekend box office — the best-ever second-weekend domestic gross for an animated film — bringing it’s total domestic earnings so far to $347.8 million dollars and $678 million globally.
The horror flick The Pope’s Exorcist, starring Russell Crowe, opened in second place with an estimated $9.1 million.
John Wick: Chapter 4 hung on to third with an estimated $7.925 million. That brings its North American tally to $160 million after four weeks and $349 million worldwide.
The horror comedy Renfield, starring Nicolas Cage as Dracula, bowed in fourth-place with just an estimated $7 million against a $65 million production budget.
Rounding out the top five was the Ben Affleck-directed Air, delivering an estimated $7.7 million.The sports drama has earned $33.28 million at the domestic box office and $54 million globally.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
John Shearer/Getty Images for Katy PerryKaty Perry recently announced the final dates for her successful Las Vegas residency show PLAY, but the good news is that fans who weren’t lucky enough to see that show are finally going to get their chance to see her perform.
“I still love making music. I still love spreading light and love. I know there’s a lot of people who couldn’t make it to Vegas,” Katy tells OUT magazine. “The last time I was on tour was in 2018. I’m … due. How about that? I’m due to go out and see the kids that couldn’t make it to Vegas.”
But when she does go out on tour, she explains, it won’t be anything like the oversized spectacular that is PLAY.
“I wish I could bring it to the rest of the world, but it’s just not technically possible to cart around [over-the-top] toilets and bathtubs,” she tells the magazine, referring to the giant-sized props she uses in her show.
However, she notes, “Closing a chapter on PLAY allows me to start a new chapter. I’m so excited for the potential of my story to continue.”
We may get a hint of what to expect from a non-Vegas Katy performance in May when she sings at King Charles‘ coronation in England. And in addition to her American Idol duties, Katy says there’s another reality TV show competition she wants to appear on: RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“It’s absolutely on my bucket list,” she tells OUT of being a guest judge on the award-winning show. “We’re just trying to figure out the best date to do it. I adore Ru and that is an iconic show. I’m inspired by that show daily.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Jimmy FontaineMatchbox Twenty‘s comeback single from Where the Light Goes, their first new album in 10 years, is “Wild Dogs (Running in a Slow Dream).” Despite what the title might suggest, the song isn’t actually about wild dogs. Instead, frontman Rob Thomas explains, it’s about that time when you’re young and you finally find your “people.”
In the chorus, Rob sings, “And when you hear it calling/Out underneath your window/There’s a world outside that’s waiting/Saying come on, come on, come on!” What he’s singing about, he says, is something that actually happened to him, and to a lot of other kids, too.
“If you’re a kid and you grew up in the suburbs at all, there’s a lot of nights where it’s, like, one in the morning and your friends are knocking on your window for you to sneak out the window and go out, y’know, and make bad decisions!” Rob tells ABC Audio.
But more generally, Rob says, the song is about how important those friends are to have when you’re that age, especially if you’re not one of the “cool kids.”
“If you’re a little off and you’re kind of a misfit when you’re young…when you finally do find that other group of misfits, usually they’re more creative than others,” Rob explains.
“They’re a little more sensitive — like you are — and they’re more welcoming of you and all of your flaws and all of your differences,” he notes. “And so when you find that group that makes you feel like that, there’s something really, really special about it.”
On Friday, Matchbox Twenty released an acoustic version of “Wild Dogs (Running In a Slow Dream).” Where the Light Goes, the band’s first album since 2012’s North, is due May 26.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Four people are hospitalized after being hurt in a rollover crash on Interstate 196 in South Haven Township Saturday afternoon. Three of the victims are kids. Their conditions have not been released by police. The crash happened near the 19 mile marker just south of the Phoenix Street exit.
Four people are hospitalized after being hurt in a rollover crash on Interstate 196 in South Haven Township Saturday afternoon. Three of the victims are kids. Their conditions have not been released by police. The crash happened near the 19 mile marker just south of the Phoenix Street exit.
Upcoming special elections take place May 2. A number of the questions on area ballots include school bonds. One of the larger school districts in Berrien County is Lakeshore Public Schools.
Lakeshore’s May 2023 bond is for $19.9 million.
Last year, the school district surveyed area residents on what they might support in a bond issue. Based on the results, Lakeshore leaders crafted a high-priority needs proposal.
Superintendent Greg Eding says among a number of things, it will go toward replacing boilers, roofs, resurfacing parking lots, and bringing schools into compliance with the Americans with Disability Act.
“The facilities should not get in the way of student learning and it’s starting to become that way right now. That’s starting to happen,” said Superintendent Eding.
The scope of the bond work includes Hollywood Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Stewart Elementary, Middle School, High School, and Transportation projects.
If the bond is approved, residents are expected to pay $90 annually, or $7.50 per month, for a home with an estimated value of $200,000.
Information about the bond question is available on Lakeshore school’s website, including the full list of planned improvements.
The vote is set for May 2.
St. Joseph City Commissioners have accepted a $1.4 million state grant for the upcoming Upton Drive reconstruction project. At a meeting this past week, City Engineer Tim Zebell told the commissioners the state TEDF grant was originally $1 million, but some help from Abonmarche got that up to the $1.4 million. Of course, Zebell told us the overall project will cost $7.5 million.
“What we’re looking at now is $1.4 million in TEDF, or Transportation and Economic Development grant funding, for roads and drainage,” Zebell said. “We have $1.3 million in DWSRF, or Drinking Water State Revolving Fund low interest loan with some grant monies assigned to that. Then $1.1 million in CWSRF for the sewer side of things. So, grantwise and with low interest loans, we’re at $3.8 million, leaving the city’s share at $3.7 million.”
Zebell says the work will rebuild Upton Drive from Momany Drive to the St. Joseph River and also involve the replacement of a sewer line under the river. Increased costs have complicated things, and the city has to assess soil contamination on neighboring properties before proceeding. Still, the plan is to open bids in June and start the construction in September.
Michigan State Police throughout southwest Michigan have launched a billboard campaign to recruit new troopers. MSP Fifth District Lieutenant DuWayne Robinson tells us the billboards sport the phrase, “Live Local, Serve Local.”
“The billboards are going to highlight the fact that anyone interested in working with Michigan State Police will not only be able to work for a great department, but they will also be able to come back home and live local in their home town where they grew up,” Robinson said.
Robinson says as troopers retire or move elsewhere, the need for new staff is always present. The nine billboards unveiled this week focus on the ability of new recruits to have a say on where they are assigned. Billboards will be going up along M-139 in Benton Harbor, on Red Arrow Highway in Paw Paw, and on M-51 in Dowagiac, among other places. Five are already up, while the other four are coming soon. They’ll stay up for a full year months and offer information about how to become a state police trooper.
Another Big Bang Theory spin-off is on the way. Who made Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people? How Vanna White keeps her letter turning arms toned.
Brook is a female Boxer-Pitbull Terrier Mix, who is estimated to be 3-5 years old. She arrived at the shelter as a stray in November 2022. Brook has very good manners and is a well-behaved girl. She has a calm demeanor, loves going for walks, and is very easy to handle. Brook is great with other dogs, and even does well with cats. We think she would also do well with kids. Brook is crate trained, house trained, up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm negative, and spayed. Please contact Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or 269-927-5648 to learn more about our lovely lady, Brook.
Brook is a female Boxer-Pitbull Terrier Mix, who is estimated to be 3-5 years old. She arrived at the shelter as a stray in November 2022. Brook has very good manners and is a well-behaved girl. She has a calm demeanor, loves going for walks, and is very easy to handle. Brook is great with other dogs, and even does well with cats. We think she would also do well with kids. Brook is crate trained, house trained, up-to-date on vaccines, heartworm negative, and spayed. Please contact Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or 269-927-5648 to learn more about our lovely lady, Brook.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One Direction NOT reuniting for James Corden’s last Late, Late Show…or ARE they? Britney Spears autobiography FINALLY is going to get published. Is Taylor Swift causing kids to skip school?
Last summer, Hollywood actor-turned-cannabis farmer Jim Belushi hand-harvested Cassopolis’ Highway Horticulture to be the exclusive Michigan cultivator for his Belushi’s Farm-branded line of products.
On Wednesday, April 19, Highway Horticulture and its retail operation Sunset Coast Provisions will be featured on Belushi’s Discovery Network TV show Growing Belushi, which follows Belushi, his family and their team at Belushi’s Farm as they make their mark in the cannabis industry.
Highway Horticulture Lead Cultivator Nick Luhowy said Growing Belushi filmed segments at their grow facility and Sunset Coast in Cassopolis, as well as at Green Stem Provisioning and last summer’s Blues Brothers concert in Niles.
“What they’ll show about our facility is the actual cultivation, the actual plants, staff – in two days of filming they asked questions on every methodology that we use to put quality first,” Luhowy said. “That’s Jim’s thing, it’s got to be high quality … we get along brilliantly in that respect. From what we’ve seen, the episode will focus mainly on the dispensaries, his new interest in Michigan and us cultivating for him.”
Luhowy – who previously was nationwide lead cultivator for the Chicago-based, publicly-traded Green Thumb Industries and founded of Phenotype Farmers in Seattle – said his commitment to producing the best product at Highway Horticulture aligns perfectly with Belushi’s mission of creating a gateway to healing through cannabis medicine.
The Belushi’s Farm product line is created under Highway Horticulture’s InnerState Craft Cannabis, which Luhowy said has Michigan’s largest selection of cannabis strains and strives to grow the highest-quality product possible.
“Of course, everyone likes to say that,” said Luhowy, on growing high quality cannabis. “We take a great deal of pride in it by making sure we have more diversity, because consumers don’t buy the same thing as often as people like to think. … To give people that opportunity to find new stuff that appeals to them that we’ve spent six months vetting. It’s not a very lucrative process on our end, but it separates us dramatically.”
While Luhowy is flattered to have his operation featured on a national scale, he said he is more grateful that someone like Belushi, who has great influence and reach, cherry-picked Highway Horticulture to be a partner.
“I’m humbled that Jim is not just trying to expand for profit,” Luhowy said. “He actually wants to have people know that they can go to his brand because it’s cultivated perfectly, and it represents diverse genetics. He loves consumer feedback because he wants to tailor his offerings to the people of Michigan. You just never see that. Most companies grow for profit, or just high potency or something very monotone. He is a different breed – he’s got more of a grower’s heart to him than any celebrity I know. …
“That’s incredibly humbling to see someone at that celebrity level so focused on quality. I mean, that’s the best compliment I can give the guy is he cares more about the people and the plant than any of these other celebrities I’ve met.”
The Growing Belushi episode airs at 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 on Discovery Plus.
To listen to the full interview with Luhowy, see the podcast player below.
By Ryan Yuenger
Ryany@wsjm.com
Emergency renovations at the Lake View Terrace High Rise in downtown St. Joseph are progressing, but tenants won’t be returning until this summer.
The emergency repairs at the 107-unit, public housing structure are going well. The building at 601 Port Street next to the river had to be shut down in January.
All residents were relocated to area hotels while crews gutted every apartment to replace galvanized pipes that were leaking, and in many cases causing mold to grow in the walls.
Shane Franks of Greenspan Construction is part of the contractor team for the renovation. He says the project is on track, inspections are going well, and it’s a mega undertaking.
“Everything in this building has been renovated — 107 kitchens, 107 bathrooms, and about 65,000 square feet of flooring,” said Franks.
And while the repairs are going well, officials at the St. Joseph Housing Commission say it appears residents will not be able to return until July, when the renovation is complete.
Lake View Terrace is the one and only facility operated by the St. Joseph Housing Commission. Its stated mission is to, “…provide a safe, secure, quality of life surrounding for our elderly and handicapped families in the most efficient and cost effective manner.”
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The memory and spirit of Grant Gondrezick Sr. was present in the the Benton Harbor High School student commons Wednesday evening as the friends and family gathered in celebration and support of his only son.
With a tear still in his eye and an image of his father on a pendant hanging from a chain around his neck, BHHS senior Grant Gondrezick II signed his letter of intent to play Division 1 college basketball for Elon University.
The signing ceremony was simultaneously celebratory and and emotionally heavy for all in attendance – but especially for the Tigers’ standout guard. He broke down in tears listening to family, coaches and mentors speak about how proud the elder Gondrezick would be of his son.
Then, it was the younger Gondrezick’s turn to speak about his dad, who died unexpectedly in 2021.
“I lost my father – somebody who spent a lot of time with me and tried to show me the ropes,” said Gondrezick, whose dad played in the NBA and became a pillar of the Benton Harbor basketball community as well as the community at large. “Losing a father and being the only boy, trying to figure that out was hard – and it still is hard.”
Gondrezick comes from a large basketball family, with generations of high-level players and coaches on both the Gondrezick and Harvey branches of the family tree. His sister Kysre was a star for Benton Harbor before becoming the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA draft.
His dad, however, was his biggest influence and best mentor.
“I felt like I lost the only person that believed in me, that told me I was going to play basketball – that I was going to play in the NBA,” he said. “I’m just honored and I’m humble to be able to go to the next level and just keep doing what I love to do and keep my dad’s name alive. … It’s been a long journey. It’s still going, but I just want to say thank you. I’m just blessed and I thank God.”
Many in attendance spoke of how much the elder Gondrezick meant to the Benton Harbor community, and how proud they were to see his son carry on that legacy.
“Without him, none of this would be possible,” said Lisa Harvey, mother of Gondrezick II. “The commitment and the seeds he has sown so his son is standing here, benevolent, and receiving this scholarship here today. We wanted to acknowledge him because he would be extremely proud of his son.”
Benton Harbor High School Principal Frederick Roseburgh said he met Gondrezick II when he was just “Little Grant.”
“He wasn’t that tall,” Roseburgh said. “However, he is very tall in his actions and his endurance and his commitment. Grant has been through a lot, and the things he has been through have shown how strong of a young man he really is. … I’m just so thankful that he continued to show his endurance and his commitment to one of the things I know his father wanted to see him do. He could have given it all up and he didn’t, so I thank you for that – and I’m sure your family does too.”
See more photos and a video of the signing ceremony on the WSJM Facebook page or click the links below:
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
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Benton Harbor-based Medic 1 Ambulance service could soon be expanding.
At the regular Oronoko Township board meeting Tuesday, Medic 1 Director Jason Wiley informed trustees the ambulance service has an agreement in principle to take over service of several Berrien County municipalities currently serviced by Pride Care Ambulance.
Wiley said he was approached last November by several municipalities in northern Berrien County while he was still interim director, but put the decision on hold until recently.
“It’s going to take place in a couple different stages over the next eight months,” Wiley said. “We’ll be taking over the entirety of north Berrien.”
Pride Care currently services Coloma Township, the city of Coloma, Hagar Township, Bainbridge Township and the city of Watervliet in Berrien County. They also service all of Kalamazoo County and 14 other municipalities across Cass and Van Buren counties.
Medic 1 currently services Baroda Township, Benton Township, Berrien Township, City of Benton Harbor, City of Bridgman, City of New Buffalo, City of St. Joseph, Chikaming Township, Lake Township, Lincoln Township, New Buffalo Township, Oronoko Township, Royalton Township, Sodus Township, St. Joseph Township, Village of Berrien Springs, and Watervliet Township, and Weesaw Township.
The agreement would still need to be approved by the Medic 1 board, and Wiley said the details of the contract are still not finalized. He did say, however, the agreement means Medic 1 will need to add two new ambulances to its fleet and hire additional staff. The first ambulance would potentially arrive sometime this summer.
Wiley said in terms of potential hires, there are 30 EMT students between area CTE classes and their night class, and there are an additional 26 paramedic students – 21 of which have been paid via grant money to go to class tuition-free. He said Medic one and other regional ambulance services combined forces to apply for the grant.
If Pride Care leaves Berrien County, the move would leave Medic 1 and SMCAS as the only two ambulance services in the area, Wiley said.
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David Crosby’s cause of death revealed. Taylor Swift is changing her set lists on the fly-find out why. Melissa Etheridge is coming to New Buffalo-find out how to get tickets.
We’re joined by Anna Murphy, President & CEO of UWSWM and Marketing & Communications Director, Jennifer Tomshack to talk about their ranking and acknowledgment in “Non-Profit Times” and their big celebration coming up this month.
A former Lakeshore High School student is returning to her alma mater.
The Lakeshore School Board announced Monday at its regular meeting they will be hiring former district student Sarah Blazic to be a high school math teacher next year.
Assistant Superintendent Julie Powell said during the meeting she is confident Blazic will be a great hire.
“She killed it in the interview,” Powell said. “She was a rockstar.”
Blazic, formerly Sarah Klug, currently teaches math at Berkley High School near Detroit. Powell said said she is very well liked at Berkley, but neither her nor her husband had family there, so they decided to come back to Lakeshore.
“We said this at the table of the interview … whenever we’ve bet on our own people, it’s paid off for us,” Powell said. “Every time we invest in a Lakeshore graduate, it has paid off. So we’re really excited. It’s not easy to fill any of our positions and she’s going to be great.”
Blazic received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Michigan and her Masters from Michigan State.
While Lansing has seen a lot of legislative action this year, local officials say one area that’s lacking is finding enough money to fix and maintain public roads.
When you fill up your car’s gas tank, nearly 70 cents per gallon is tax. A portion of that goes to roads. With the growing adoption of electric vehicles, however, governments are collecting less fuel tax, meaning less money for the roads.
From 2019 to 2021, electric vehicles avoided contributing about $50 million to the roads in Michigan.
Van Buren County Road Commission Director Bret Witkowski said, “Most of our formula to fund the roads comes from gas tax. If they’re not using gas, they’re not funding the roads.”
Witkowski says it’s not a party issue or pitting gas cars versus electric; it’s about making sure those using the roads are paying for them.
Among the solutions he’d like considered, a mileage-based use tax –report the miles driven per year and pay accordingly. Another solution, up the flat fee for car registrations.
Without action and at the current rate of EV adoption, the deficit is projected to grow to as much as $95 million a year by 2030. So far, the state legislature is not moving toward any remedy.
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Kristen Patzer, Director of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance joins me today with guest John Richmond, Founder of Goodbye Money Stress. John will be the guest speaker at the WBC’s next OWN series seminar on April 18th.
fstop123/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Well before a federal judge in Texas issued his ruling on the abortion drug mifepristone, abortion providers across the country said they had been preparing for what they called a “worst-case scenario.”
In his April 7 decision, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of the Northern District of Texas ruled in favor of Alliance Defending Freedom — a conservative Christian legal advocacy group — that asked him to reverse the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone, an oral medication typically taken with misoprostol to end a pregnancy.
The advocacy group’s lawsuit said mifepristone is unsafe and that the FDA didn’t study it closely enough before approving its use. The FDA and mainstream medical doctors insist this isn’t true, and that there have been no safety concerns during the 23 years the drug has been on the market.
Now, Kacsmaryk’s issuing of a nationwide injunction on mifepristone — set to take effect by Friday — may impact as many as 64 million women of childbearing age in the U.S.
“This is something that can cause confusion. It’s something that can cause fear,” Dr. Gopika Krishna, a board-certified OB-GYN in New York, told ABC News of both the lawsuit and the judge’s decision. “And that affects our patients and our patients’ understanding of what’s available to them and what options are safe.”
Here are six questions answered by abortion providers and reproductive policy experts about how the judge’s decision may impact women:
1. If I live in a state where abortion is legal, does the Texas abortion pill ruling impact me?
Yes, the injunction on mifepristone is nationwide, affecting even states where abortion, including medication abortion, is legal.
That means drug manufacturers will have to halt production and distribution of mifepristone for the U.S. market.
Eventually, after supply of the drug dwindles, patients will not be able to access mifepristone from any provider, whether it’s via telehealth or inside a clinic.
In states where abortion is legal, providers would only be able to offer in-clinic surgical procedures or opt to provide medication abortions using only one other medication, misoprostol. Doctors say that method is safe and mostly effective but can also cause more side effects.
2. When does the ruling go into effect?
For now, mifepristone remains accessible because Kacsmaryk gave the federal government seven days to appeal his ruling.
On the same day Kacsmaryk’s decision was released, April 7, the Department of Justice and drugmaker Danco Laboratories, which produces the brand name version of the drug, appealed it to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
“Today’s decision overturns the FDA’s expert judgment, rendered over two decades ago, that mifepristone is safe and effective,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “The Department will continue to defend the FDA’s decision.”
GenBioPro, the manufacturer of generic mifepristone, responded to Kacsmaryk’s ruling and said they were confident in the legality of the drug.
“Nothing in the court’s order changes the decades of science and evidence regarding mifepristone’s safety and efficacy. As we review the court’s order, we will continue to make our product available,” Evan Masingill, CEO of GenBioPro, said in a statement.
3. What is mifepristone and what role does it play in medication abortion?
A medication abortion involves the use of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken orally.
It is not a surgical procedure, and the FDA says both medications are safe enough to be mailed to a patient following a telehealth or in-person visit from a certified provider.
In most cases in a medication abortion, mifepristone is taken first to block the hormone progesterone. Then 24 to 48 hours later, a second pill, misoprostol, is taken to empty the uterus.
“Mifepristone is a medication that’s been on the market for decades. It has many, many scientific articles and research that have supported it’s safety, and it’s something that is used quite often for abortion care but in other situations as well,” said Krishna, also a fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health. “Misoprostol is a medication that, again, has been used for many, many years, has lots of good evidence and data supporting its safety, and it’s a medicine that we use not only in abortion care but in other aspects of OB-GYN care as well.”
In addition to its use in abortion care, mifepristone is also used currently for miscarriage care, according to Krishna. It remains unclear how the judge’s ruling will impact miscarriage care. The plaintiff had asked for the judge to only block the drug for purposes of abortion, but it’s possible availability will dry up since it’s primary purpose was to end a pregnancy.
The medication is also FDA-approved to treat patients with Cushing’s syndrome, a disorder in which the body makes too much of the hormone cortisol, according to the National Institutes of Health. That medication, however, is manufactured and provided to patients at a different dose. The judge’s ruling would still allow for the availability of that drug.
Guidelines from the FDA, which first approved medication abortions in 2000, advise that abortion-inducing pills are safe to use up to 70 days, or 10 weeks, of pregnancy, though evidence shows it can be safe even later in pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
While the FDA has continued to approve mifepristone for abortion care, individual states can still set laws about dispensing mifepristone within their state.
Last week, Wyoming became the first state to ban medication abortions separate from a ban on all abortion services.
4. Does the Texas ruling mean medication abortion is no longer available?
The Texas judge’s ruling means that, for now, the FDA-approved method of medication abortion — using both mifepristone and misoprostol — is available. But that could change by Friday unless the higher court intervenes.
Abortion providers told ABC News though that they are prepared to offer misoprostol-only medication abortions in states where it is allowed.
“We are preparing a misoprostol-only regimen,” said Dr. Ashley Jeanlus, a board-certified OBGYN in California. “The misoprostol regimen is a bit longer and it utilizes more pills to complete it, so we’re just adjusting our clinic to be able to help patients that way.”
More than one dozen states currently restrict access to medication abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute .
5. What is misoprostol?
Misoprostol is a medication that the FDA currently approves for the use of treating gastric ulcers.
However, there are several off-label uses for obstetrical and gynecological purposes including treating postpartum hemorrhaging and softening and opening the cervix for patients ready to give birth vaginally, experts told ABC News.
When it comes to its use in pregnancy, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and dilates the cervix, which will expel an embryo.
A misoprostol-only regimen for abortion not only takes longer to complete, but can also come with more side effects, including nausea and diarrhea, Dr. Laura Laursen, an OB-GYN at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, previously told ABC News.
Studies though show that while using misoprostol with mifepristone is more effective, using misoprostol-only is safe. One 2019 study found “misoprostol alone is effective and safe and is a reasonable option for women seeking abortion in the first trimester,” while a larger review of data published in 2020 also found it safe and effective in terminating a pregnancy.
Rachel Jones, principal research scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, said in many cases, it will not be a quick fix for abortion providers to pivot to using a misoprostol-only regimen.
“It’s not a regimen that has been used in clinical settings in the U.S. very often,” Jones said, adding, “And anytime a medical practice is changed, it takes it a while for everything to get in place and running smoothly.”
Krishna said she worries the judge’s ruling means providers like herself will not be able to offer patients comprehensive reproductive care.
“As clinicians, we really want to make sure that we are offering our patients all of these options and they can make a decision based on what they feel is best for them, not a decision that they have to make because of what’s limited to them by law,” she said. “So there are options for medication abortion with the removal of mifepristone, but it is still something that we’re really worried about because it’s the medically unnecessary removal of a medication that we know is safe.”
6. Could the Texas judge’s abortion pill ruling be overturned?
Yes, the ruling can go through an appeals process, meaning it would move to higher courts for other judges to decide.
Jones said that for abortion rights advocates, there is “not a lot of hope” for the appeals process given previous rulings by courts that would see the case.
Ultimately, the case could go as high as the U.S. Supreme Court, the same court that last year overturned Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to abortion that had been the law in the U.S. for almost 50 years.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Walker Family(AKRON, Ohio) — A special grand jury will be seated Monday to decide whether to indict any of the eight Akron, Ohio, police officers involved in the death of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man who was shot more than 40 times following a 2022 attempted traffic stop, an episode that sparked riots in the city last summer.
Bracing for the Summit County grand jury’s decision, businesses in downtown Akron began boarding up windows over the weekend and the city has erected a fence and barricades around the courthouse where the special grand jury will be empaneled specifically to hear evidence in the Walker case.
“The city of Akron has been preparing for the grand jury results since last summer,” Stephanie Marsh, a spokesperson for the city, said at a news conference Friday. “The most important part of our preparation has been building relationships with our community members and establishing better lines of communication.”
Authorities are hoping to avoid a repeat of what occurred last summer when police used tear gas to disperse angry demonstrators gathered outside police headquarters and arrested about 50 protesters on charges of rioting, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct and misconduct at an emergency. The charges against most of those arrested were later dropped.
Anticipating “strong reactions to the impending grand jury decisions,” city officials have created a demonstration zone near the courthouse “to allow for residents to safely demonstrate, protest and exercise their first amendment rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances,” reads a statement issued on the city’s recently relaunched critical information website.
Prosecutor explains grand jury process
Craig Morgan, the city of Akron’s chief prosecutor, took the unusual step on Friday of holding a livestream seminar to explain to the community the basics of the grand jury process.
“A grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence,” Morgan said. “The purpose of the grand jury is to determine whether sufficient probable cause exists to charge a person or persons with a particular offense or offenses.”
Morgan said the state Attorney General, which is prosecuting the case, is presenting evidence to the special grand jury because in Ohio, most “felony matters flow through the grand jury at the beginning of the process.”
“This is done often in situations involving extremely lengthy investigations, investigations that involve a high volume of evidence and complex legal issues,” Morgan said.
Nine Summit County registered voters will be empaneled as primary grand jurors and three to five people will be picked to serve as alternates, Morgan said. At least seven jurors are required to vote yes in order to issue an indictment, also referred to as a true bill.
Morgan warned that any protesters who resort to violence will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The types of things that will cause a protest to transition into people being arrested is when windows are being smashed and fires are being set, people are being subjected to physical harm,” Morgan said.
He said it is expected to take a week for prosecutors to present the case to the grand jury.
“The variable, the unknown, that we don’t have is we don’t know how long it will take jurors to deliberate,” Morgan said.
Shot 46 times
The fatal shooting involving Walker unfolded just after midnight on June 27, 2022, when two police officers attempted to stop Walker for a minor vehicle equipment violation, police said. Walker led officers on a brief car chase before exiting out the passenger side door while his vehicle was still moving and attempted to run, authorities alleged.
Walker was unarmed when he was fatally shot while running away from eight officers, who opened fire on him, body camera footage released by the city showed.
An autopsy determined Walker suffered 46 gunshot wounds, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office. Walker had injuries to his face, heart, both lungs, liver, spleen, left kidney, intestines, pelvis, iliac artery and several bones in his legs, according to the medical examiner.
About a week after Walker’s death, officials released police body camera footage from the incident. During a news conference, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett freeze-framed a section of the footage capturing a flash of light coming from Walker’s car and said it appeared to be the muzzle flash of a gun fired from the driver’s side of the vehicle and aimed at pursuing officers.
In a second body camera video, officers are heard radioing that a shot was fired from Walker’s car. The footage shows an officer following Walker’s Buick off Route 8 and continuing the pursuit on side streets.
Mylett said as Walker jumped from his vehicle and ran, he appeared to reach for his waistband, turn toward the officers and move an arm forward, prompting the officers to open fire.
While the video confirmed Walker was unarmed when he was shot, Mylett said the body camera footage also captured a handgun with a separate loaded magazine and what appeared to be a gold wedding band left on the driver’s seat of Walker’s car.
While the eight officers who fatally shot Walker were initially placed on administrative leave, they were all reinstated to active duty in November. The officers were assigned to administrative duties due to a staffing “crisis,” according to Mylett said.
‘How do you need that many bullets for one person?’
Walker’s family is hoping justice will prevail and the officers are all indicted.
“That was too much. Too much. How do you need that many bullets for one person?” Walker’s mother, Pamela Walker, told ABC News in last July. “And he was a slight-build guy. He was 6 (foot) 2, but he only weighed probably 160 pounds. And I’m sure probably two of their bullets would have killed him anyway. And you needed eight people to be shooting at him like that? I can’t even fathom how you can stand there and just empty out your gun on someone who’s running away from you, who was running away whether he had a gun or not.”
None of the officers involved in the Walker shooting or their attorneys have spoken publicly about the case.
Akron’s Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 7, the union that represents the officers, released a statement early in the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s independent probe of the shooting defending the actions of the officers.
“The decision to deploy lethal force as well as the number of shots fired is consistent with use of force protocols and officers’ training,” the union said.
According to the union, the officers “reasonably believed that Mr. Walker presented an immediate threat of serious physical harm or death and lawfully, based on their training as well as state and federal law, discharged their weapons.”
The union’s statement added, “We believe the independent investigation will justify the officers’ actions, including the number of shots fired.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Washington Department of Ecology(TACOMA, Wash.) — The Tacoma Fire Department has issued a temporary shelter-in-place for some areas near Tacoma, Washington, as authorities continue to respond to a fishing vessel that has been on fire since Saturday and is carrying diesel and freon.
Since the Kodiak Enterprise caught fire Saturday morning while moored in the Hylebos Waterway of Tacoma, the fire has since progressed, and is now about 100 feet from the boat’s freon tanks, the Coast Guard said in their latest release Sunday.
Freon can be toxic if inhaled “in large quantities or in a confined space,” the Coast Guard said, but the release of freon in the atmosphere does not pose any risks to the general health and safety of the public at this time.
The temporary shelter in place is in effect for residents living in northeast Tacoma, Browns Point and Dash Point neighborhoods. The city asked those living in these areas to remain indoors and limit exposure to smoke.
“Residents concerned about smoky conditions can provide additional protections by keeping doors closed and shutting outside air vents,” Jim Ferrell, mayor of neighboring city, Federal Way, told residents living in the Twin Lakes and Green Gables neighborhoods on Twitter. “Residents may also want to avoid any strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.”
The Tacoma Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington Department of Ecology are responding at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
kali9/Getty Images(SANTA CRUZ, Calif.) — A 5-year-old girl was shot and killed on a Bay Area freeway Saturday night just before 7 p.m., the California Highway Patrol said.
The shooting on Interstate 880 near Dixon Landing Road was one of two reported in the area, Santa Cruz Police said.
Three suspects were arrested in Santa Cruz County, officials said. Santa Cruz Police said they initiated a car stop after locating a vehicle at about 9:30 p.m. that they suspected of being involved with the shootings.
“The vehicle did not yield, and a pursuit was initiated,” police said in a statement. “During the pursuit on Hwy 17, officers observed the vehicle’s occupants discarding a firearm from the car. The suspect driver stopped a short distance later.”
Police later recovered the firearm thrown from the vehicle, they said.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABC News(NEW YORK) — A storm, for once, isn’t going to move cross-country this week, however, near-record-breaking temperatures will.
A major warming trend is expected to move across much of the country in the next few days, with temperatures coming in close to normal for the first half of the week but forecast to soar to summertime levels by Thursday and Friday.
Phoenix is expected to hit the high 90s this week, with Tuesday reaching 99 degrees and Las Vegas will reach 90 degrees on Monday.
Temperatures in Denver will hit the mid-80s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Billings, Montana, will reach 82 degrees on Tuesday, before an expected nearly 30-degree drop the following day, where the temperature is forecast to reach 55 degrees.
Meanwhile, a series of storms moving onshore in the Pacific Northwest will be dropping more rainfall.
As that storm moves eastward, the rainfall combined with above-normal temperatures will be melting much of the thick snowpack, which could contribute to flooding issues from Montana to Nevada throughout the week, with many rivers west of the continental divide likely seeing an abundance of water due to snow melt in the coming weeks.
Dozens of record-high temperatures may break across the East Coast, with cities like Philadelphia, New York and Boston heading into the 70s and 80s.
Philadelphia will reach 80 and 84 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
New York City is expected to reach 75 degrees on Wednesday, 77 on Thursday and 79 degrees on Friday.
Syracuse, New York, is forecast to hit a high of 84 degrees on Friday, while temperatures in Manchester, New Hampshire, will reach 81 degrees.
Last month, much of upstate New York and New Hampshire received heavy snow, with more than 2 feet of snow falling in several regions along the East Coast because of a nor’easter in March.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Jennifer Thompson(NEW YORK) — The bodies of a father and son who went missing while on a kayaking trip in Arkansas last month have been recovered, authorities said Sunday.
The bodies of Chuck Morris, 46, and Charley Morris, 20, were recovered after 24 days of efforts, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said in an announcement, adding: “Our heart goes out to the family of Chuck and Charley Morris, and we are thankful today that we can help bring closure.”
Jennifer Thompson had told ABC News last month that she believed her husband and son likely drowned after one fell into the cold Beaver Lake in Arkansas from a kayak and the other tried to rescue him. Lt. Shannon Jenkins of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office had confirmed at the time that the two were presumed dead.
“What saved me from the beginning of this is that they died together; they were together,” Thompson said.
Her son Charley was a sophomore at Ohio Wesleyan University where he played violin and guitar, competed as a three-season runner, led the orchestra, and aspired to be a lawyer. Her husband Chuck was a father to Charley and a 12-year-old daughter, as well as an acclaimed percussionist with the electronic-jam band Lotus.
According to Chuck’s bandmate Jesse Miller, Lotus had just finished a 25-city tour. Charley was home for vacation, and the family decided to travel from Kansas City to Beaver Lake, Arkansas to unwind.
“We thought it would be a great idea for Chuck and Charley to be able to get on the kayaks before a storm hit,” Thompson said.
While she and her daughter went into town, “the boys” went out on the kayaks on March 16, despite the cold water, strong currents and three-foot waves.
When Thompson returned, Chuck and Charley were nowhere to be found, which was not initially a cause for alarm.
“We got home, and they weren’t back yet. My husband being the adventurer that he is, we’re like, ‘oh, they must be having a great time,'” she said.
According to Thompson, “crisis mode” set in as time passed. They drove around the lake twice, scanning the water for the father-and-son kayakers. After failing to find them, Thompson called the police later that afternoon.
Rescue teams searched the area for days using helicopters, drones, sonar and dogs. Neighbors also used their boats to aid in the rescue.
On the first night, they recovered a kayak, and the next day another, Thompson said. They later found Chuck’s hat and his coat, but other than those traces, the two men disappeared.
“I guess the first couple of days I really just wanted to hold out some hope,” Miller recalled. “You know, as that dwindled, and the reality became more real, I guess the grief started to set in a little bit more.”
Looking back, Thompson said the cold and choppy conditions on the lake were “for all intents and purposes a perfect storm for drowning.”
As the rescue continued, friends of the family and fans of Lotus began an outpouring of support online, including a GoFundMe to support the family’s expenses. With the grief came memories of the father and son — musical dynamos who Thompson described as “beautifully gentle, loving men.”
“Chuck was fun and creative and funny, and Charley was pensive and serious and very much believed in the responsibility of people to be good,” she said.
Miller, who spoke to ABC on behalf of the band Lotus, said that while the group is grieving their late band member, they remember Chuck as a great musician, father and friend.
“When he was on stage, and he was playing that music, he embodied just beauty and spirit and love,” Thompson added.
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UniversalLet’s go, Mario! The Super Mario Bros. Movie topped the box office delivering an estimated $146.4 million domestically in its three-day opening weekend and $204.6 million in its first five days.
The impressive debut makes the animated adventure film the biggest opening of 2023 with a $377.6 million worldwide tally. It also broke records for the biggest animated film surpassing Frozen 2’s record of$358 million and became the top-grossing video game adaptation ever over Warcraft‘s $210 million.
Super Mario Bros., which featured characters voiced by Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Seth Rogan, Keegan-Michael Key, Charlie Day, and more, also now stands as the highest-grossing debut for an Illumination film and the second-biggest debut ever for an animated title over Finding Dory.
Remaining in second at the box office was John Wick: Chapter 4. The Keanu Reeves-led movie added another $14 million to its tally, bringing its total to $147 since opening three weeks ago.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves dropped to the third slot in its second week of release with $14.5 million, while Mat Damon’s Air came in fourth with $14 million.
Scream VI rounded out the top five, adding $3.3 million to its total.
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Christine Hahn/Resorts World Las Vegas/Concerts West/AEG PresentsEither Katy Perry can’t do math, or she plans to extend her Las Vegas residency beyond what’s already scheduled.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that over the weekend, Katy played the 50th show of her PLAY residency at Resorts World Las Vegas. From the stage, she said she was “halfway-ish” through the show’s run. But since there are only 20 dates of the show left on the 2023 calendar, the paper notes, we should expect an announcement that it’ll continue into 2024.
Katy posted footage to her Instagram story showing her celebratory treat: the number 50 spelled out in dozens of what looked like mushroom-shaped cupcakes.
The PLAY show is a solid hit and continues to sell out, the paper reports. The elaborate show includes eight costumes just for Katy, as well as a dozen backup dancers, seven musicians and 11 set pieces, including a giant toilet and an equally huge bathtub that weighs 6500 pounds, a huge animatronic rat, rocking horses, spinning mushrooms and dancing toothbrushes.
Katy has said that when PLAY is done, she might tour the world, but, she told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in August, “I will always want to come back to do a show.”
However, she teased, “It will not always be PLAY, because I grow creatively and I want to change, so it could be a whole other show.”
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The city of South Haven has lifted its boil water advisory for part of the city. It went into effect after crews accidentally broke an 8-inch pipe when replacing a fire hydrant at Broadway and Huron on Friday. It was for the area from Broadway Street to Blue Star Highway and Erie Street south to South Haven Place. The broken pipe resulted in a low water pressure situation.
The city of South Haven has lifted its boil water advisory for part of the city. It went into effect after crews accidentally broke an 8-inch pipe when replacing a fire hydrant at Broadway and Huron on Friday. It was for the area from Broadway Street to Blue Star Highway and Erie Street south to South Haven Place. The broken pipe resulted in a low water pressure situation.
The Berrien County Health Department is spending April educating young people about the dangers of underage drinking. Prevention specialist Lisa Peeples Hurst tells us the message is often about how alcohol can harm a young person’s brain.
“There is some brain science that tells us that the human brain doesn’t stop growing physically until age 21 to 25,” Peeples Hurst said. “So, if you introduce any substance, but especially alcohol, to a developing adolescent brain, it can do some damage even before the brain has reached full development.”
Hurst says in 2021, 29% of Berrien County high school students reported having alcohol in the last month, while this year, the number is down to 25%. However, alcohol is still the number one substance used by young people, even edging out vaping. Peeples Hurst notes parents also need to hear the health department’s message, noting there are legal consequences for giving alcohol to a young person. You can find information on teens and drinking right here.
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images/STOCK(ISLE OF PALMS, S.C.) — A South Carolina beach partially filled with high school students participating in a “senior skip day” descended into chaos Friday afternoon as gunfire injured at least six beachgoers.
Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett said that five of the six injured were teenagers, though one older beachgoer was also injured. Police were already at the beach responding to two fights when the shooting began around roughly 5:20 p.m. on Friday afternoon, according to Cornett.
“A large crowd of individuals that apparently were part of a group from senior skip day had gathered on the beach,” Cornett said at an evening press conference. “There were a couple of altercations that took place and during one of those altercations, there were several shots that were fired.”
Cornett said that his department has multiple suspects in custody, though they do not know if they have the actual shooter detained at this point. Law enforcement also recovered multiple firearms at the beach which was shut down after the incident.
“We have weapons recovered, but we cannot say that they were the weapons involved in the incident,” Cornett said.
Video from the scene of the shooting showed hundreds of beachgoers running from the area amid a cacophony of screaming and police sirens.
Some of the victims were transported by ambulance to a local area hospital though authorities confirmed that multiple others self-transported. The shooting prompted a massive response from local, state and federal agencies, according to Cornett.
Cornett said that his department had preemptively ramped up the number of officers on duty in anticipation of the spring break increase in beach activity as seniors participating in the “skip day” tradition took the Friday off before Spring break en masse.
“It is heart-wrenching to hear of this senseless act of violence, especially so close to home,” South Carolina Senator Tim Scott said of the incident online.
With a population of roughly 4,000 residents, Isle of Palms is a coastal city located on a barrier island in Charleston County.
“This should have been a joyous occasion for high school students on Senior ‘Skip Day’,” South Carolina congresswoman Nancy Mace said. “Incredibly sad, and just horrific.”
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Kena Betancur/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has assembled a team of seasoned litigators to prosecute former President Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with hush money payments made to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The seven assistant district attorneys have a wide range of experience in the legal world, particularly when it comes to fraud and white-collar crimes.
Here’s a look at the team, based on information provided by the DA’s office.
Susan Hoffinger
Susan Hoffinger serves as the Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Investigation Division for the Manhattan DA’s office.
She earned her law degree from Columbia Law School and has extensive experience in white-collar cases, both as a prosecutor and defense attorney.
From 1992 to 2000 she served as an assistant DA under former Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau in the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Trial Bureau, and the Frauds Bureau.
She went on to become the founding partner of the Hoffinger Firm, where she spent over 20 years as a defense attorney focusing on criminal defense, state and federal civil litigation, and regulatory matters.
There she specialized in representing individuals and entities charged with tax fraud, securities fraud, antitrust violations, money laundering, bribery, health care and insurance fraud, falsifying business records, and larceny.
Hoffinger returned to the Manhattan DA’s office last year following the resignations of two ADAs who were handling investigations into Trump. In December it was her trial team that won the conviction of the Trump Organization on tax fraud charges.
Christopher Conroy
Christopher Conroy has worked in the Manhattan DA’s office for 27 years and currently serves as an Executive Assistant District Attorney and Senior Advisor to the Investigation Division.
A graduate of Fordham Law School, he started in the DA’s Trial Bureau in 1996 and has worked in several other divisions including the Frauds Bureau and the Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit, where he was appointed deputy unity chief in 2006.
In 2011, Conroy moved to the DA’s Major Economic Crimes Bureau and worked his way up the ranks to chief in September 2015.
During his nine-year tenure in that bureau, he oversaw several major cases involving violations of U.S. sanctions and New York state laws on falsification of business records, including investigations into Société Générale S.A., Standard Chartered Bank, and Unicredit Bank AG.
Catherine McCaw
Catherine McCaw serves as the Manhattan DA’s Counsel to the Investigation Division.
She graduated from Harvard Law School in 2009 and clerked for Judge Richard Holwell in the Southern District of New York and Judge Chester Straub of the Second Circuit.
McCaw worked in private practice for a few years before joining the DA’s office in 2015, where she worked her way up the ranks.
She has handled several major cases including fake heiress Anna Sorokin, aka Anna Delvey, and Mitchell Kossoff, a real estate attorney who was convicted of stealing over $14 million from individuals and companies.
Peter Pope
Peter Pope serves as the Executive Assistant District Attorney for Gun Violence Prevention, a position that the Manhattan DA created last year.
A Yale Law School graduate, Pope began his career as a prosecutor in the Manhattan DA’s office under Robert Morgenthau in 1987, in the trial division.
He moved into long-term wire and grand jury investigations, then into organized crime infiltration of labor unions. Among his cases was the 1992 prosecution of Bonanno crime family capo James Galante on charges of racketeering involving the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’ Union.
Pope was appointed the inspector general for the New York City School Construction Authority in 1995, where he investigated waste and corruption.
In 2000, Pope was named Deputy Attorney General of New York State under then AG Elliot Spitzer, and ran the office’s Criminal Division. His team worked on several high-profile cases including corruption investigations into then-New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi.
When Spitzer was elected governor in 2006, Pope became the Director of Policy for New York State and would remain in the position for four years.
After spending some time in private practice, Pope returned to the New York AG’s office as the chief of the Investor Protection Bureau before retiring in 2021. He came out of retirement after Bragg was elected DA to serve in his new, role which investigates and prosecutors gun related offenses including gun traffickers and illegal sales.
Matthew Colangelo
Matthew Colangelo serves as the senior counsel to the Manhattan District Attorney. He earned his J.D. at Harvard Law School and has had a long career in the world of both law and politics.
He spent seven years with the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, three years at the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and served as the deputy director of the Obama-Biden Administration’s National Economic Council. He also served for three years as the chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Labor.
Colangelo was also the chief counsel for federal initiatives at the New York State Attorney General’s office, and worked dozens of cases including an investigation into the Trump Foundation.
In 2020, he returned to the Department of Justice to oversee its Antitrust Division, Civil Division, Civil Rights Division, Environment and Natural Resources Division, and Tax Division.
Colangelo joined the Manhattan DA’s office in 2022.
Rebecca Mangold
Rebecca Mangold is an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan DA’s Major Economic Crimes Bureau. She graduated from Harvard Law School in 2008 and then joined the private law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP as an associate.
She clerked for Judge William Martini in the District of New Jersey from 2011 to 2013 before joining the private firm Kobre & Kim. During Mangold’s nine-year tenure at the firm, she rose to partner and worked on cases involving financial fraud investigations.
Her work included leading negotiations against UBS Real Estate Securities Inc. and Bank of America, which resulted in the recovery of $850 million for investors related to the 2008 mortgage crisis.
Mangold joined the Manhattan DA’s office in 2022.
Katherine Ellis
Katherine Ellis serves as an Assistant District Attorney in the Major Economic Crimes Bureau of the Manhattan DA’s office.
She worked as a legal analyst at Goldman Sachs and a paralegal in the Manhattan DA’s office before attending Columbia Law School. After graduating in 2014, she joined Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton as an associate.
In 2018 Ellis joined the Manhattan DA’s office as an ADA and served in the Trial Bureau before moving to the major economics crime bureau three years later.
Her cases include the prosecution of a senior equity partner of the now-defunct law firm of Gordon and Silber LP for allegedly embezzling $1.2 million from the firm.
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Indiana Michigan Power is seeking state permission to construct four new solar power plants. Spokesperson Tracy Warner tells us the plants, all to be located in Indiana, will help the company reach its goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045.
“For many years, Indiana Michigan Power has been transitioning toward more diverse energy sources to power the homes and businesses that we serve,” Warner said. “We are moving more toward clean, renewable energy and these will provide a lot of clean and renewable energy.”
Warner says these four latest solar farms will help replace lost generating capacity with the closure of I&M’s last coal plant, in Rockport, Indiana. He notes there are more than environmental benefits to going green.
“Many businesses and industries these days really want clean energy, and so this is a positive for new investment and jobs in the region.”
The nearest of the four new plants will be in Elkhart County. Warner says I&M is also seeking proposals for even more wind and solar plants, both in Michigan and in Indiana. Assuming regulators in both states approve I&M’s plans, it’s hoped the new solar plants will be up and running by the end of 2027.
The United Way of Southwest Michigan has been named one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For by The NonProfit Times. It came in 14th overall for 2023, and this is the fourth time the organization has made the publication’s list. Each year, The Non-Profit Times looks at practices, programs, and benefits while surveying employees for their perspective on the best non-profit employers. A few hundred data points are compiled and analyzed to find the best of the best. United Way of Southwest Michigan President Anna Murphey says the organization is “very proud of this accomplishment, because we do have a special internal work environment at UWSM, and we’re pleased to see it acknowledged in this high-profile way.”
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile from Comstock Township in Kalamazoo County.
Sophie Miller is a 17-year-old Comstock Twp resident who was last seen on foot on Thursday April 6, 2023, at 7:30 PM in the 3000 Blk of South 26th Street in Comstock Twp. Ms. Miller is 5’10”, 125 lbs., straight black hair with blond undertones, brown eyes and pierced ears. She was last seen wearing a light-colored top, a long white/cream colored coat and a pink “NIKE” baseball cap.
Ms. Miller is believed to still be in the Kalamazoo County area. If anyone has seen Ms. Miller or is aware of her current whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Office or Silent Observer.
Just after 4pm Friday afternoon, emergency personnel responded to an accident in the 56000 block of Red Arrow Highway between a truck and a motorcycle.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott reports that Deputies were dispatched to the area for a report of a personal injury traffic crash.
The investigation determined a 57-year old Kalamazoo man was riding a motorcycle west bound on Red Arrow Hwy and a 46-year old Covert Man was driving a truck pulling a trailer east bound on Red Arrow Hwy.
The truck attempted to make a left hand turn into a private driveway and struck the oncoming motorcycle.
The driver of the motorcycle was ejected from his vehicle and sustained life threatening injuries. He was transported to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo where he later died from his injuries.
The preliminary investigation indicates that speed was not a factor in the crash. Names are being withheld pending the completion of the investigation.
ABCEarlier this year, Taylor Swift fans in Manchester, England, were dismayed to learn a cardboard cutout of the singer was in danger of being taken away. The cutout was positioned in an apartment window along the train’s route, where anyone who rode the city’s Metrolink tram line to the city center could see it.
Now “Tram Taylor,” as she’s known, will find a new home for a good cause.
Since 2017, a Manchester comedian named Red Redmond has displayed the Taylor cutout in their window. It became somewhat iconic, with Metrolink customers asking each other to “text me when you pass Taylor.”
But all that was thrown into chaos on January 4 when Redmond, who is nonbinary, tweeted that they were moving to a different city. They were promptly contacted by hundreds of people offering to adopt the cutout so it could continue to be seen by Metrolink riders. “If anything happens to Taylor I will cry,” one fan tweeted.
The BBC reports Redmond is going to auction off the cutout for charity in memory of a 16-year-old transgender girl, Brianna Ghey, who was fatally stabbed. Vigils were held in her memory across the U.K. and Ireland after her death, which Redmond said really touched them. They will donate the proceeds from the auction to Mermaids, a charity that helps gender-diverse youngsters and their families.
However, Manchester tram riders will still have a “Tram Taylor.” Even though Redmond has moved to Sheffield, they bought a second Taylor cutout and put a clause in the apartment’s tenancy agreement stipulating that whoever took over their apartment has to display it in the window, just like the original one.
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Leon Bennett/FilmMagicA new profile of Emily Ratajkowski in the Los Angeles Times was written two weeks prior to those photos of her kissing Harry Styles in Tokyo cropping up. Contacted for a follow-up comment, EmRata was very coy.
In the profile, the model, actress, author and podcaster told the paper, “I’m really just not thinking about guys. I’m working, I’m a single mom. I’ve been so busy that it’s easy not to think about.”
Then those pictures surfaced, along with headlines about how EmRata had “betrayed” her friend Olivia Wilde by kissing Harry — and even, the paper notes, a rumor that the trio had once had a threesome.
From Japan, EmRata sent the paper a voice note, in which she said, “There’s a million insane, inaccurate things about my relationships.”
She continued, “I’m definitely still not thinking about guys,” but then laughed and said, “Although, yeah. You know, sometimes things just happen.”
Stay tuned.
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Southeastern Fastpitch(FLORIDA) — Two juveniles are in custody in connection with the murders of three teenagers in the “rural, tight-knit community” of Ocklawaha, Florida, the sheriff said Friday, adding that the third suspect, also a juvenile, remains at large.
The first victim, 16-year-old Layla Silvernail, was found shot on the side of a road on March 30, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said.
The next day, about a half mile away, a 17-year-old boy was discovered on the side of a road, also fatally shot, the sheriff said.
One day later, Silvernail’s car was found partially submerged in a pond about 9 miles from where she had been found, the sheriff said. The third victim, a 16-year-old girl, was found inside the trunk with a gunshot wound, according to the sheriff.
The three victims were all associated with gangs and were all involved in committing burglaries and robberies, Woods said at a news conference Friday.
At one point, the three victims and three suspects were all in Silvernail’s car, and the suspects then “turned on our three victims and murdered them,” Woods said.
The sheriff said robbery was the motive.
The suspects “fled the scenes, but left a lot of evidence in their wake,” Woods said, adding that the two juveniles in custody have been arrested for first-degree murder.
“They took a life without thought. They deserve the full extent of the law,” Woods said.
Russell Pierce, CEO of Southeastern Fastpitch, called Layla Silvernail “a caring young lady, an amazing athlete, and a cherished teammate to so many young girls.”
“She was a softball player from a young age and played for many teams in both recreation and travel softball,” Pierce said in a statement. “She was known for uplifting new and younger teammates and encouraging them to play hard and believe in themselves. She was truly a gifted softball player.”
The identities of the other two victims have not been released.
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LucasfilmHarrison Ford‘s Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones is a man out of time when we first see him in the just-released new trailer to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
The professor is jolted awake in 1969 to the sounds of The Rolling Stones‘ “Sympathy for the Devil,” which plays through most of the new footage, and we see his university colleagues throwing him a retirement party.
He’s later joined by his goddaughter Helena, played by Emmy winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who reminds him about the Dial of Destiny. It’s an elusive MacGuffin, the pursuit of which apparently drove her father — played by Toby Jones — crazy, according to Indy. It can “change the course of history.”
Through flashbacks that set up the film — with Ford de-aged with the help of digital magic — we see Jones’ pursuit of the dial. In the present, 1969, Mads Mikkelsen‘s former Nazi officer Jürgen Voller wants to use it to change Hitler’s “mistakes” and presumably win WWII.
“You stole it,” Indy says. “Then you stole it,” Voller replies. “Then I stole it,” Helena says. “It’s called capitalism.”
Amid action in both the past and present, Jones recalls to Helena, “I’ve been tortured with voodoo. I’ve been shot nine times, including once by your father, but I’ve been looking for this all my life.”
Ford’s last ride as Jones debuts in theaters June 30.
Lucasfilm is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.
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LucasfilmFans attending the Star Wars Celebration expo in London were treated to tons of new news from that galaxy far, far away.
A teaser was revealed for Ahsoka, which also debuted online. The festival crowd was also treated to a cast reveal for Skeleton Crew, and were the first to see the hints of another upcoming Star Wars Disney+ show, The Acolyte.
The Ahsoka trailer stars Rosario Dawson reprising her role as the former Jedi and fan favorite Ahsoka Tano, who is reunited with characters from the animated series Star Wars: Rebels, shown for the first time in live action.
Also shown are Mary Elizabeth Winstead as ace Rebels pilot and green-skinned Twi’lek Hera Syndulla and Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Mandalorian Sabine Wren. Also shown was the animated show’s plucky droid Chopper.
“Something’s coming, something dark, I can sense it,” Ahsoko says in voice-over, amid shots of battles in space, and with lightsabers, one of which is wielded to deadly effect by a bearded Ray Stevenson, playing a Sith.
Also shown, from behind, is the show’s main villain, Grand Admiral Thrawn. “I started hearing whispers of Thrawn’s return as heir to the Empire,” Ahsoka says. The series, which will also star Eman Esfandi as another Rebels character, Ezra Bridger, and Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader, debuts in August on Disney+.
The Jude Law-starring Skeleton Crew is set during the same period as The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, a few years after the events of Return of the Jedi. The Acolyte, which takes place hundreds of years before the events of the Star Wars prequels, is about a Sith threat to the High Republic.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
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The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey has been tapped to star in the period drama Monstrous Beauty, according to Deadline. The 19-year-old actress, whose other credits include Game of Thrones, will play an aspiring playwright in the court of King Charles II who, due to a rare medical condition, is entirely covered in hair. Dominic West, Ruth Negga and Fiona Shaw also star. Filming is set to begin in September…
Fox has canceled The Resident after six seasons, according to Deadline. The series — which depicts the good, the bad and the ugly of the medical profession, as seen through the eyes of doctors and nurses — starred Matt Czuchry, Emily VanCamp, Merrin Dungey, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Melina Kanakaredes and Bruce Greenwood. The Resident, which saw its ratings decline as the seasons progressed, wrapped up its sixth season on January 16…
Variety reports This Is Us alum Sterling K. Brown is reuniting with series creator Dan Fogelman for a new drama coming to Hulu. The title, as well as plot details, are still unknown, but it’s reportedly a thriller in which Brown will play the head of security for an ex-president. Brown will next be seen in the film Biosphere, hitting theaters in July…
Norman Reynolds, famous for his production design work for films in the Star Wars franchise and Raiders of the Lost Ark, “died peacefully with his wife Ann and three daughters by his side,” according to a statement obtained by BBC. He was 89. Reynolds worked as an art director on 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope, for which he won an Oscar in 1978. Reynolds’ other design work can be seen in films like Superman, Empire of the Sun, Alien 3, Return to Oz and the first Tom Cruise Mission Impossible movie…
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Felix Cesare via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — When Loni James decided to look for love, she wanted to cast a wide net — and try to date around the world.
“I have always loved traveling and I realized that there’s benefits of traveling long term and you get a really unique piece when you can be overseas for a longer period of time,” James told “Good Morning America.”
The 40-year-old Washington state native decided to leave for London in the spring of 2022. Since then, she’s not only seen the sights but has been able to make connections. So far, she’s gone on dates with 34 men in 19 different countries.
“I went paragliding on a date, which was so much fun. I’m a big adventure junkie. And then I’ve had dates where it’s just been incredible chemistry and we’ve had the best conversation and haven’t looked at our phones for five hours,” she said.
James said she connects with the men through online apps and knows she has to be careful, including not sharing her personal information with strangers and making sure she stays connected to friends and family.
“I don’t let people know exactly where I’m staying,” she said. “I don’t give out my number until I’ve met you. I share my location with people back in the States, actually a couple different time zones, just to cover my bases, because my time zone is always changing.”
James was inspired to set out on this journey by her mother, who died after a longtime battle with Alzheimer’s disease and never got to fully live out her retirement dreams.
“Life isn’t guaranteed, retirement isn’t guaranteed. I wanted to create the life that I wanted now and I didn’t want to put it off and hope that it would be a possibility somewhere down the line,” said James, who has since started a blog documenting her dating and traveling experiences.
James said she’s learned a lot about personal connections. Since James said she is upfront with each man about her mission, she’s found that men have been more willing to open up since there’s no pressure for a second date.
“I sit across from someone, or go on a walk or go on an adventure and get to ask them about their culture,” said James. “I get to ask them what it’s like dating. I get to ask them about gender roles and their views on love and relationships.”
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The new Super Mario movie is doing super well! The Daytime Emmy Awards will still happen on CBS. Wicked now joins the ranks of Phantom of The Opera and The Lion King as Broadway’s top four longest running plays.
Easter fun facts! Weddings have a new favorite season. Family trees adds a girl after 130 years! Another reason to get a dog.
Jennifer Lopez slammed for her new alcoholic beverage line. Jason Mraz teaches Zumba to raise money for his foundation. Paul Rudd gets photo op with Elton John after concert.
We spoke with Daniele from St. Joe Today about Easter brunches, where you can find the Easter bunny, outdoor events, games and trivia all happening this weekend.
MTV Movie & TV Awards nominees. What’s up at the box office this weekend. Official coronation invites have gone out.
America’s favorite Easter candy. Master’s Tournament Fun Facts. How to calm your road rage.
Who’s going to be on James Cordon’s last “Late, Late Show”? Charlie Puth makes a super fan super happy-find out how. Stevie Nicks now has to postpone her shows with Billy Joel due to illness.
State Representative Pauline Wendzel is firing back at a special Berrien County GOP task force that is reviewing recent votes of elected officials and considering censuring her based on her support of expanding civil rights protections.
In the days following the Michigan Legislature’s approval of expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, Berrien County GOP leaders formed an eight-member task force to “study the legislation and make recommendations.”
Local GOP leaders characterized the move as an effort to ensure elected Republicans, “act in alignment with Republican values,” and when they don’t, to “give them clear and decisive feedback.”
In response to questions about the task force review and possible censure, Rep. Wendzel issued a statement on Wednesday defending her vote saying, “Discrimination is wrong – period. The people I serve are concerned about the rising cost of daily life, their tax dollars being spent on foreign corporate welfare, and attacks on the 2nd Amendment. I’m a commonsense problem solver, and I’m remaining focused on delivering results for every resident of Southwest Michigan.”
Task force actions reportedly under consideration include a written censure, and potentially not letting her speak at, or even attend the upcoming Lincoln Day dinner.
A party official confirmed the work of the task force is still underway.
We’re joined by Lisa Cripps-Downey, President of BCF along with Rodney Alexander and Brian Conybeare about the Harbor Impact Foundation.
Hugh Jackman wants you to wear your sunscreen! Prince Harry dissed by his dad. Nurse Able from MAS*H passes away.
Fun Facts on National Deep Dish Pizza Day. Tik Tok’s “April Theory” is just spring fever, right? Spring changes people want to make.
Kelly Clarkson’s first single from her new album comes out next Friday-find out the title. There’s a brand new reality show following the kids of rock stars to see what a day in their life is like. Sarah McLachlan has sold part of her music catalog-find out why.
The Berrien County GOP is considering censuring State Representative Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet) over her support for expanding civil rights protections, prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
The new law, which expands the 1976 Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, has been hailed by some as historic – others call it infringement on religious freedom. Rep. Wendzel voted in favor of expanding the protections.
For that position, Rep. Wendzel immediately took flak from fellow Republicans. First, from the Muskegon County Republican Executive Committee who unanimously passed a resolution rebuking the eight Republican lawmakers who voted for the legislation.
Now, several sources confirm the Berrien County GOP has formed a special task force to determine whether it, too, should censure Rep. Wendzel.
Options reportedly span a symbolic written censure, all the way to not letting her speak at, or attend, the upcoming Lincoln Day dinner.
A final decision has not been made on how the party will act on the question, but what is clear is there’s an intraparty divide on the matter.
Multiple calls for comment from party officials were not returned.
LaBron James opens a Starbucks unlike any other in the world, just to help people achieve job skills.
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We spoke with Chris Britton, Executive Director of New Heights CCDA and New Heights Auto Services how his business helps our community and how you can participate.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber tells us about several special events in the week of April 17th, including a groundbreaking, 10 year celebration, and two career fairs to be part of. Find more details and get registered at smrchamber.com!
Slowly but surely, southwest Michigan’s Twin Cities remain are moving forward on the path toward civic unity.
The project to design and install two companion monuments to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph is set to be completed by June 2024, The Unified Civic Monuments Project announced Monday.
The first-of-its-kind Twin Cities project started as an idea in the minds of Benton Harbor’s African American History and Literature Gallery founders Mack and Sharon Brown about 15 years ago. The two cities have been working on the project since 2020.
In a release, project leaders said the monuments will be the country’s only collaborative, twin cities’ public art project commemorating Dr. King.
“This will be a source of benefit to the entire community,” said Mack Brown.
Each city’s monument site and design have been approved and reflect input from community members and municipal leaders.
The Benton Harbor Monument
Per a release from project leaders, Dr. King will welcome visitors and residents to the City of Benton Harbor at the entrance to Dwight Pete Mitchell City Center Park, facing Main Street. His life-sized figure will preside over a table, arms outstretched, encouraging all to join the conversation about social justice.
The concept is “At the Table of Brotherhood,” and the design includes a second figure of a young Black boy pushing a chair up to the table.
The design for the Benton Harbor monument was approved by the city commission in December 2022.
“It took hard work, but we pulled it off,” said Benton Harbor Commissioner and project co-chair Edward Isom, during the Mar. 28 St. Joseph City Commission Meeting. “The main thing I love about this project is the unity. … These two cities can come together and unite, and this project is doing that.”
The St. Joseph Monument
The St. Joseph site – just 1.5 miles from the Benton Harbor monument – is at the west end of Margaret B. Upton Arboretum. Dr. King will look toward Benton Harbor from atop a small hill along the St. Joseph River.
Dr. King’s hand rests on the shoulders of a little Black girl. A white girl releases doves toward Benton Harbor. She represents the hope for a peaceful and joyful future between the two towns. The installation will acknowledge the challenges of our history and remind us of the power of unity.
“This came from a journey we started in the summer of 2020, which was sort of the summer of social justice and it brought two cities together,” said St. Joseph Mayor and Project Co-Chair Laura Goos . “And it will continue to bring us together.”
The design for the St. Joseph monument was approved on Mar. 28 by the city commission.
What’s next
Through donations, the organization has raised more than 60% of the necessary $850,000 needed for the project. Project leaders stressed in order to complete the project by next June, they still need to raise more than $300,000.
The group secured a $250,000 challenge grant from Whirlpool Foundation. Other donors have included AEP Foundation, Meijer Stores, United Federal Credit Union, St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club Foundation, Frederick Upton Foundation, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, Berrien Community Foundation, and Corewell Health.
“Please, do not let this moment pass by,” Sharon Brown said. “We want all to come be a part of it. Donations are critical to keeping our momentum.”
To donate, visit unifiedmonuments.org.
Today we’re speaking with Cathy Tilly, Business Development Director at Cornerstone Alliance and the team from AEP.
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Starting tomorrow will be a repaving project on the I-196 Business Loop in South Haven. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells us they’ll be fixing up the road from 15th Avenue to 73rd Street.
“That includes the ramps at Phoenix Street at exit 20,” Schirripa said. “There also is going to be some concrete replacement at the I-196 BL intersection at Blue Star Highway, the Phoenix Street intersection, and that’s kind of in the middle of [the project]. So, not for the entire project, but for a piece of it, and that certainly will cause a little of a headache for folks.”
Schirripa says the work will result in some detours at different stages throughout the project. The $5.1 million work starts Monday and will run through late June. You can find the full detour list here, although MDOT will have it posted when the time comes. Schirripa says the project will result in a smoother drive and improved safety.
For many local governments, next winter’s preparations are already underway. They begin when Michigan Chief Procurement Officer Jared Ambrosier puts out the question across the state to different agencies, asking them how much road salt they’ll need?
“They utilize the prior year’s usage to determine what they are anticipating they’ll need for next year, and the contract does allow a little bit of overage in delivery in case they have undershot what they need,” Ambrosier said.
The state typically buys between 800,000 to 1 million tons of road salt. It’s then barged into the ports of the Great Lakes, loaded onto trucks, and sent across the state to be delivered. To get the bulk deal, Michigan cities, counties, school districts, universities, and colleges will need to respond with their order size by this coming week, which is about eight months before winter officially begins.
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Hands-on science for elementary students is happening at Lake Michigan College as the 2023 Annual Elementary Science Olympiad Event kicks off.
This annual event is an opportunity for elementary students to use everyday objects to explore and understand science. Sixteen schools are sending close to 600 students to LMC for the event. Student Activities Coordinator Tonya Snyder with Berrien RESA said it’s all about leading students to learning.
“You know, and talk to them about the engineering behind what they did or the creativity behind what they did, or the measuring that happened as part of what they did, just to make science accessible and, and recognize the science all around us,” said Snyder.
Children grades 2 through 5 are building cars, catapults, bridges, towers, and other things using water, tinfoil, and other kitchen-accessible products. The intended outcome is to make science more exciting and engaging beyond the textbooks, and to build a life-long interest in learning more about science.
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The state of the St. Joseph Department of Public Works building at 1160 Broad Street has been a long been a concern for Public Works director Greg Grothous, and city commissioners appear to agree after seeing for themselves the state of disrepair the building is in Monday afternoon.
Mayor Laura Goos said during Monday’s regular city commission meeting said the building is at the “end of its life,” and the city is ready to take on a proposal to either repair or replace the building.
“Pass that along to your team,” said Goos, to Grothous. “We’re not just complaining about an older building. … The employees don’t have the proper facilities for changing, for eating. They don’t have a proper break room. So, it’s not just that we’re complaining about like it needs paint or something. It’s woefully inadequate at Public Works.”
In September, the city commission tabled taking action on the building after a repair bid was deemed too high. After Monday’s tour, Commissioner Mike Sarola said he hopes action is taken sooner rather than later.
“I wanted to apologize to our Public Works staff that’s been dealing with an inadequate building for a long time,” Sarola said. “We had heard for some time from Greg about some of the challenges that Public Works faces with a really old building that’s been added onto multiple times. I think Greg did a good job of trying to explain the difficulties, but it did not do justice. … I’m only one of five commissioners, but my evaluation is that facility is entirely inadequate, and needs to be replaced.”
Sarola said right now they are on a fact-finding mission to determine whether the building will be torn down and replaced, repaired or moved to another location. Commissioner Brook Thomas added she would like to see the Public Works employees in a better work environment.
An informal proposal on the matter is expected within the next few commission meetings.
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www.fuchieh.com/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Just as the school week began across the country Monday, news broke that another school shooting was unfolding in the United States.
On Monday morning, according to officials, three children and three staff members were shot and killed at the Covenant School, a private Christian school for students in preschool through sixth grade, in Nashville, Tennessee.
The suspect was shot and killed by authorities inside the school. No one who was shot survived, officials said.
The deadly shooting is one of the nearly 130 mass shootings that have taken place so far this year in the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more victims are shot or killed, not including the shooter.
The Nashville school shooting is now also on the long list of school shootings that have taken place in the past decade, since the Dec. 14, 2012, shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that claimed the lives of 20 students and six educators.
With each school shooting, the number of people affected by school shootings grows, as do the conversations parents and caregivers must have with kids about the reality of gun violence in the U.S.
Read on to see five tips from experts on how to discuss school shootings with kids:
1. Be proactive in talking with kids.
ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton said last July — shortly after 19 students and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas — that topics like school shootings should be discussed with kids in a proactive way.
“The first step is to make an age-appropriate dialogue, open lines of communication with your child,” Ashton said, later adding, “We shouldn’t sit back and wait for them to come up and say, ‘Mom, Dad, I’d like to talk about gun violence.'”
She continued, “We’re going to need to take the first step and come to them early and often and say, ‘What are you thinking about? What are you afraid of? What questions do you have?'”
Ashton also encouraged parents and caregivers to lead with honesty and transparency and to not be afraid to say “I don’t have an answer” or to share their feelings.
If an adult doesn’t have an answer, Ashton recommended they use dialogue like, “I don’t have an answer to that but I’ll help you find it.”
And if an adult has fear after a school shooting as children often do, Ashton said they can reassure a child by saying, “I know you’re scared, so am I, but let me tell you what your teachers and what your parents and community are trying to do to help you stay safe.”
2. Be truthful about what happened.
Dr. Melissa Brymer, director of terrorism and disaster programs at the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, said parents and caregivers should be truthful with kids about school shootings that happen, but in an age-appropriate way.
“As hard as it is, we need to be truthful about what happened,” Brymer told ABC News last year. “And make sure we answer kids questions truthfully.”
She continued, “For our young kids, they don’t need to have all the details. Many times they’re going to be worried about their safety, your safety as a parent or caregiver or their family members’ safety, so we want to reiterate what’s being done to help them right now.”
Brymer said parents should be prepared for teenagers to want a “much more in-depth conversation.”
“How do we talk about what this event has meant that might have impacted our value system?” Brymer said of a potential conversation starter with a teen. “Can you encourage your kids to think about is there a club or some type of activity that they can do within their schools to show and create change? In these times, many of us start to feel lonely. How do we reach out to those that might not have someone in their life?”
3. Reach out to others for support.
Brymer also suggested parents and caregivers take a “pause” to think about how an event like a school shooting affects their own emotions so they can be ready to talk to their kids.
“Sometimes we don’t have the words right away,” Brymer said. “We might need to reach out to our own support systems and have those conversations, and then we can have them with our kids.”
If a child’s stress levels or response to a mass shooting are hard to manage, experts say parents and caregivers shouldn’t hesitate to seek guidance from their pediatrician, a school counselor, social worker or other mental health experts. Parents should also seek out professional mental health help if they are struggling.
4. Keep an eye out for changes in kids’ behaviors.
Psychiatrist and author Dr. Janet Taylor said children may respond to disturbing news about mass shootings in different ways, and parents and caregivers should pay attention to see if their child’s behaviors change.
Children may experience problems focusing, have difficulty sleeping or become more irritable, according to Taylor.
“If you have younger children and they suddenly get more clingy or want to sleep in bed with you, pay attention to that and cuddle them as they need it,” Taylor told ABC’s Good Morning America in 2022. “Older kids may become more isolated or feel that they have to solve things by themselves.”
5. Remember to check-in with kids.
Instead of discussing a school shooting only once, Robin Gurwitch, a licensed clinical psychologist and Duke University professor, said it’s crucial to continue the conversation over time.
“A one-and-done conversation is not sufficient,” Gurwitch told ABC News in 2018, after 17 students and teachers were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. “Let your child or teenager know that ‘I really do care about you and I am open to having this discussion.'”
She continued, “It is really important to check back in tomorrow, to check back in the next day, to find out, ‘What are your friends talking about related to this school shooting?'”
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers comprehensive resource guides for parents, caregivers and educators to support students. Click here for resources related to school shootings.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988. Even if you feel like it, you are not alone.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Jon Kopaloff/WireImageWhile Katy Perry‘s been sitting at the American Idol judges table with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, her fiancé, Orlando Bloom, is sitting at a table with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and she couldn’t be more proud.
Orlando and Zelenskyy both posted video of a meeting they had over the weekend at the presidential palace in Kyiv, Ukraine. The actor traveled to the war-torn country as part of his work as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nations charity that provides humanitarian aid to children worldwide.
Katy reposted Orlando’s post and wrote, “So proud of the work you are doing with @unicef, my love. You are a hero in real life too.”
Orlando replied, “I love you. The future of so many gurls like our gurl in the balance” — spelling “gurl” with a “u,” as in the title of Katy’s song “California Gurls.” Orlando and Katy share a daughter, Daisy.
The caption of the meeting with Zelenskyy reads, “The war is destroying the childhood of Ukrainian children…during the meeting, we discussed humanitarian aid projects, issues of reconstruction focused specifically on the interests of children. @unicef and our teams will work in several directions, bring victory closer and return a happy childhood to Ukrainian children.”
Aside from the fact that the war is impacting the daily physical and psychological needs of the country’s children, a more serious issue is the Ukrainian government’s claim that more than 16,000 children have been kidnapped by the Russian army, forced to take Russian citizenship and placed with foster families.
These actions led to the International Criminal Court in the Hague calling for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Obtained by ABC News(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — The shooter who attacked students and teachers at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday was identified by police as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who law enforcement said may have once attended the school.
A website that appears to be associated with Hale indicates that Hale was a Nashville-based graphic designer and illustrator who created logos and branding to “help tell a company’s story” and “bring a whimsical and light-hearted feel.”
A police spokesperson told ABC News that Hale was assigned female at birth, and pointed to a social media account linked to Hale that included use of the pronouns he/him.
In a brief phone interview with ABC News, Hale’s mother, Norma Hale, said, “It is very, very difficult right now” for the family, before asking for privacy.
“I think I lost my daughter today,” she said.
A neighbor of the family told ABC News that Audrey Hale lived at the family’s home with Hale’s parents, who the neighbor described as “very nice” and “very religious.”
Hale graduated from Nashville’s Nossi College of Art & Design in 2022, school president and CEO Cyrus Vatandoost confirmed to ABC News.
“While at our school, she was a talented artist and a good student,” Vatandoost said of Hale. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, to the victims and their families and to our city.”
A post on the school’s Facebook that has since been removed indicated that Hale earned at least one award for strong academic performance.
“Aside from art, I enjoy binging on video games, watching movies, and playing sports,” Hale wrote on a personal website. “There is a child-like part about me that loves to go run to the playground. Animals are my second passion, so I also enjoy spending time with my two cats.”
Hale’s LinkedIn account also lists work as a part-time grocery shopper with the food delivery service Shipt and mentions past employment as a cat sitter.
Founded in 2001, the Covenant School is a private Presbyterian school in Nashville with some 200 students in pre-K through sixth grade, according to the school’s website.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Beth Garrabrant/TAS Rights ManagementShortly after its release last year, Taylor Swift‘s Midnights set a record when 10 of the album’s songs occupied the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Now that she’s kicked off her Eras Tour, she’s monopolizing the Billboard 200 album chart.
Billboard notes that for the first time in her career, Taylor has seven albums in the top 40 of the Billboard 200 at the same time. She’s the second artist since 1963 to achieve this and, notably, she’s the first one who’s still alive. Seven of Whitney Houston‘s albums charted in the top 40 following her death in 2012.
Taylor’s Midnights is currently at number three on the Billboard 200. That’s followed by Lover at #13, folklore at #14, 1989 at #19, Red (Taylor’s Version) at #22, Reputation at #26 and evermore at #31.
Taylor is performing songs from all seven of those albums and more on her Eras Tour, which kicked off earlier this month. The Eras Tour is a three-hour extravaganza that includes more than 40 songs. The next show is Friday in Arlington, Texas.
Billboard also notes that if you look farther down the chart, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) is at #52, while Speak Now is at #69.
Earlier this year, Taylor actually had 10 of her albums on the Billboard 200, but this latest achievement is notable because of how many are in the top 40.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABC/Craig SjodinZach Shallcross‘ journey as The Bachelor concluded on Monday night with an engagement to Kaitlyn “Kaity” Biggar, a 27-year-old ER nurse from Austin, Texas.
“I can no longer say I’m falling in love with you, because, Kaity Lane, I am so in love with you. You are my world,” Zach, 26, declared. “The love I feel for you is something I could’ve never imagined and something I thought a lot of my life I would never be able to deserve. I love you so much. I love you with all my heart. You’re the face I want to wake up to every morning. I want to go through life with you and only you. Kaity, I want to be with you forever…You’re the only one I want in my life… Kaity, will you marry me?”
“Absolutely,” she replied.
Zach is the first Bachelor lead to get down on one knee since Peter Weber proposed to Hannah Ann Sluss during the show’s 25th season in 2020.
The episode also featured one of the most gut-wrenching breakups in Bachelor history, when Zach confessed to Gabi that “knowing you and falling in love with you has made me a better man, but…”
“I don’t want to hear it,” a tearful Gabi said repeatedly as Zach tried to finish his thought, adding, “You’ve known,” in response to his denials that he was “stringing her along.”
“That was so humiliating. I was strung along,” she added in an emotional confessional. “I put myself out there, yet again, and I’m not good enough.”
As for the happy couple, they plan on moving in together in Kaity’s hometown of Austin this summer and they revealed that they plan to tie the knot in 2025.
The Bachelorette season 20, featuring Charity Lawson, premieres Monday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The people of Moore, Oklahoma, may be used to rebuilding.
About 800 homes in the Oklahoma City suburb were destroyed or damaged in 1999 by a powerful F5 tornado, with wind speed peaking near 300 miles per hour. They rebuilt.
Four years later, Moore was hit by an F4, destroying about 500 homes. They rebuilt again.
In 2013, the community was hit a third time by an F5 tornado that wrecked about 1,100 homes.
After the three costliest tornadoes in Oklahoma history and dozens of deaths, Moore rebuilt differently, quietly rolling out a new building code in 2014.
The following year, the town was hit again by a less powerful F3 tornado.
“Some of the same homes that were rebuilt, using the new code, were hit, and they did not receive the amount of damage that a non-fortified home received,” said Elizabeth Weitman, Moore’s community development director. “So we know it works. Why other cities aren’t doing this?”
As small towns across the Mississippi Delta recover after a weekend of deadly tornadoes, community leaders face the challenge of rebuilding. For towns like Rolling Fork, Mississippi, rebuilding efforts are expected to be extensive, with homes left as a path of timber piles, insulation, and plastic siding.
Community leaders in towns like Moore and Joplin, Missouri — which suffered devastating tornadoes in 2013 and 2011, respectively — described their rebuilding as a time-sensitive balancing act straddled by multiple conflicting desires.
A chief part of that balancing act is cost. Mandating large-scale construction changes to improve storm resiliency can price out residents from rebuilding, especially in poorer communities.
Moore town officials said they believe they’ve struck that balance with their updated 2014 building code — including continuous plywood bracing, wind-resistant garage doors and framing anchors — which they say has improved the town’s resiliency for future tornadoes. The low-cost, adding roughly $3,000 for new construction, of their 12 code changes has made the shift towards resilient construction accessible for local residents, especially those with insurance to cover construction costs.
“I think it’s really important to understand what Moore Oklahoma has done; they are probably the shining example of what can happen after a really awful event,” said Ian Giammanco, lead research meteorologist for the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
Rolling Fork uses a building code from 1999, meaning even modern buildings may lack newer construction techniques that would improve their ability to weather storms, according to Giammanco.
Though it’s unlikely that any building could withstand the kind of winds that Rolling Fork encountered Friday night, Giammanco stresses that building codes fundamentally changed in the 2000s.
Beginning in the 1980s, scientists and engineers began to understand better how wind impacts buildings; by the early 2000s, building codes began to reflect the new understanding, Giammanco said. Improved anchor bolts could more firmly connect a building’s walls to its foundation, while improved bracing latched a roof to its supporting walls.
Don Davis, vice president of the Building Owners & Managers Association, said the impact of modern building codes is evident in the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes.
“You’ll find pockets of entire communities that are newer and were built up to the most recent building code, and you will find that they’re still fully intact and survived, with very little damage, if any, at all,” he said. “And if you compare that to some of the structures that were much older, right next to them, those buildings were blown away, there was nothing left.”
Despite the impact of these code changes, many towns still rely on outdated codes, including Rolling Fork, according to Giammanco.
Some communities also have to grapple with the question of cost. After a deadly tornado killed 161 people in Joplin, the city decided against mandating “hardened ” safe rooms to new constructions to improve survivability.
“I had a call from an elderly citizen who said just adding that $5,000 to her cost, [she] would not be able to rebuild,” said Joplin’s director of planning and development, Troy Bolander.
Joplin emerged stronger after the storm because it communicated with and encouraged community members to rebuild, according to Bolander and Public Information Officer Lynn Iliff Onstot.
Bolander said that town leadership embraced low-cost solutions that improved resiliency, such as requiring hurricane clips that better fasten roofs to walls, as well as reinforcing concrete foundations — changes that roughly cost $2,000.
“What we try to do is [find the] balance where you can increase resiliency, but not make it cost prohibitive for somebody to rebuild,” he said.
While both Joplin and Moore have been success stories by rebuilding after their tragic tornadoes and even growing their populations, officials warned that residents can face severe financial barriers to rebuilding.
“Only those who have access to insurance and education really are going to return to normal, or do better,” said Chauncia Willis, the president of the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management.
A 2022 report from the Government Accountability Office noted that federal disaster aid is “fragmented across more than 30 federal entities,” making it harder for vulnerable communities to navigate federal programs successfully. The challenges low-income residents face in securing aid “leads to a longer recovery time, if they recover at all,” Willis said.
“Recovery does not happen for everyone … many people are driven into further poverty after a disaster,” she said.
In an interview with ABC News, Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker said he would confidently approach the challenge of rebuilding his town from the rubble, noting that assistance from the federal government would be a key to rebuilding, especially for uninsured residents.
“We’re starting with ground zero to build this community back,” he said.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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Andrew Haan, V.P. of Business Development at Cornerstone Alliance and Emily Hackworth, Assistant City Manager of St. Joseph are here to talk about the Facade Grant Program.
A collection of buildings, campuses, and manufacturing grounds in Buchanan has been designated on the National Register of Historic Places. The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office has voted to designate the Clark Equipment Complex on the National Register, and it was officially listed on the register last week. Historic preservation consultant Kurt West Garner helped Buchanan as it sought the historic designation for the site. He told us this week the site has housed dozens of buildings over the years as Clark became an international company throughout the last century. Why seek the historic designation?
“They wanted to honor Buchanan’s past and their heritage, that industrial heritage, and how much Clark meant not only in the history of Buchanan physically and geographically, but also the people that it impacted,” Garner said. “You think of all the thousands and thousands of people who worked at Clark Equipment and who lived in Buchanan, this is something that’s part of everybody’s past there.”
Garner says the eight acre site is mostly privately owned now, although the city hall and a park are owned by Buchanan. He says the addition of the Clark site to the National Register of Historic Places brings economic opportunities to the town and also honors the significance of the property in the community.
ABCJonathan Majors was arrested Saturday following an alleged domestic dispute in New York City, ABC News has confirmed.
According to a statement from an NYPD spokesperson, a 911 call was made from a Chelsea apartment Saturday morning. The 30-year-old female victim told police she had been assaulted. Police said the victim “sustained minor injuries to her head and neck and was removed to an area hospital in stable condition.”
Majors was taken into custody on charges of strangulation, assault and harassment.
A representative for the 33-year-old actor told The Hollywood Reporter that Majors “has done nothing wrong.” “We look forward to clearing his name and clearing this up,” the rep said.
THR reports Majors is no longer in police custody.
Majors most recently appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Creed III.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Around 150 eighth grade students from South Haven’s Baseline Middle School will go on a tour of local manufacturing facilities this coming week. South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce Assistant Director Olivia Thompson tells us the chamber and the school organized the field trip to show the students there are a wide variety of careers to pursue right in their hometown.
“Once the graduate and are looking for jobs, we want them to be able to use South Haven as a base, that they can stick around and enjoy their hometown because most people don’t realize the types of industry that we have here in South Haven,” Thompson said.
Thompson says local manufacturers offer more than just production line work.
“We want to show them that there are engineering opportunities, IT, sales, research and development. We just wanted to get them out and see different jobs that are available in our community.”
There will be four stops on Tuesday’s tour. They are US Tarp, Vibracoustic, American Twisting, and FoodTools. Thompson says organizers picked sites that produce different sorts of materials. The plan is to make the manufacturing tours a yearly event. Eighth grade students are also being introduced to opportunities at the Van Buren Tech Center and programming at Lake Michigan College so they can learn the skills to do the jobs available locally.
Covert Township is the recipient of three grants to train new paramedics. With paramedics in short supply statewide, the funds through the EMS Workforce scholarship program of the Michigan Center for Rural Health will result in three students receiving $24,600 each for their education. The three students have been identified and are all with the Covert Township Fire Department. Miguel Llerena, Jazmin Cortez, and Jacquelin Zurwalski are expected to begin classes in September of this year. The Covert Township Fire Department is staffed by career firefighter/paramedics who are supplemented by part-time and paid-on-call firefighters. Covert Township also has several police officers cross-trained as firefighters who respond to fire and EMS calls while on patrol. The department takes around 700 calls per year.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office(KEY WEST, Fla.) — Two Cuban migrants landed at Key West International Airport on a motorized hang glider Saturday morning, authorities said.
They were taken into U.S. Border Patrol custody after landing at approximately 10:30 am. local time, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, which has deputies assigned to the airport.
No serious injuries were reported, authorities said.
The sheriff’s office and Chief Patrol Agent Walter Slosar shared images of the powered hang glider following the incident.
ABC News has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more information on the incident.
“Cuban migrants arrive in all manner, typically in makeshift homemade boats,” Monroe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Adam Linhardt told ABC News. “This is not a typical event, but it’s not completely unusual.”
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Chris Ferrara, a Key West local and self-proclaimed aviation buff, told ABC News he was driving his golf cart nearby when he heard the distinct noise of the hang glider engine hovering above him.
“I looked up and just knew that it shouldn’t be there,” Ferrara said.
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Medioimages/Photodisc/Getty Images/STOCK(WINONA, Miss.) — As a deadly tornado barrelled toward Winona, Mississippi, late on Friday, one local family scrambled for safety inside their home.
“Obviously it was coming right behind us because as soon as we got in there, we heard a big boom and didn’t hear anything else for a little while,” a local man told ABC News affiliate WTVA.
He added, “So we walked out and then just came out to about 10 trees down in our yard.”
The strong and deadly tornado cut eastward across the state, destroying homes and ruining infrastructure. It touched down in cities 100 miles apart within about an hour. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said at least 23 people were dead. Four others were reported missing.
First responders on Saturday morning searched through the destruction, looking for victims. The United Cajun Navy President Todd Terrell said the town of “Rolling Fork is leveled. It’s pretty much devastated.”
In an interview with “GMA” on Saturday, Edgar O’Neal, a storm chaser who was on the ground in Rolling Fork, described the scene as “complete and utter devastation.”
“Houses gone. Gas stations destroyed. Trees, power lines blocking entrances everywhere,” he said. “Stray animals, people wandering the streets clearly in shock. Lots of people out there in the community helping.”
One Rolling Fork resident told WAPT that residents lost a lot more than their homes.
“I thought I was dead,” Rolling Fork resident Shanta Howard said.
“We had to help dead bodies out of the house, so that is very disturbing,” Howard said. “Actually seeing people losing their lives over a weather incident.”
Yazoo County Coroner Ricky Shivers, who is leading the response team of six corners in Rolling Fork, told ABC News he is anticipating a “really severe” death toll.
“It’s going to be catastrophic,” he said.
When asked about the damage to the town, his response was two words: “Completely devastated.” He said his team of six corners “will be prepared to get in high gear at daylight.”
The strength of the tornado, as well as its path, created a devastating result, he said.
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WPVI(WEST READING, Pa.) — Two people are dead, five are missing and multiple others are injured after an explosion at a chocolate factory Friday in West Reading, Pennsylvania, police and city officials said.
One person was found alive overnight in the rubble. Eight people are in the hospital but their conditions are unknown, according to officials.
“Rescue workers continue to search for any other possible survivors. The discovery of life overnight … provides hope that others still may be found,” Mayor Samantha Kaag said at a press conference Saturday.
Officials do not yet know what caused the explosion.
The explosion occurred around 4:57 p.m. at the RM Palmer Company in West Reading, located about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
Teams are still searching through the rubble, according to West Reading Police Chief Wayne Holben.
The explosion caused destruction to one building nearby and damaged another.
Kaag, a former volunteer firefighter, called the incident “pretty scary,” adding that the explosion was so strong it pushed a building back four feet. She said the factory building was “pretty leveled” and crews will “probably” be working through the weekend to clear the debris.
Images of the scene showed smoke and flames billowing from the factory on Friday evening.
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The Lions and Lioness Clubs of Southwest Michigan are now signing up counselors for Camp Leo, an overnight summer camp experience for children ages 10 through 17 with developmental disabilities who live in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. The clubs have been running Camp Leo for decades with support from volunteers. Camp Leo Director Beth Helm told us this week it offers the classic summer camp experience to kids who otherwise might never be able to have it.
“We are at Camp Warner, which has a lake, so there’s a lot of watercraft,” Helm said. “We have all your typical camp crafting, archery. Fishing is a favorite thing for the kids to do in the lake. There’s a big waterslide. There’s a big annual bubble fight. But the highlight is definitely the Lions Club members come out and do a carnival night for the kids.”
Camp Warner is in Grand Junction. Helm says it’s an amazing and rewarding experience to work with disabled children and show them a fun time at camp each summer. They need around ten counselors and a team of volunteers to help. The counselors should have experience working with children with disabilities. Those interested in helping out at the four-day summer camp can apply at its website. Registrations for the kids this summer will start to be taken in April.
Voters in Buchanan Community Schools are being asked to support a $34.8 million bond proposal in the May election. Superintendent Patricia Robinson tells us the district is seeking to improve Moccasin Elementary School and Buchanan High School. For the elementary, she says improvements would include upgraded classrooms, ADA compliant restrooms, and improved security. The project would also include an addition.
“In order to create an environment that is updated and conducive to engaged learning, we want to make sure that we have appropriate space for our students,” Robinson said.
For the high school, the bond would modernize aging infrastructure, improve the science labs, and update the athletic facilities.
“We are going to redo our track and repair and reseed our field.”
The bond would result in a two mill increase in property taxes. The district sought a similar bond last November, but it failed. Some adjustments have since been made to the plan, and they’re trying again. You can find out more about the proposal right here.
Catherine McQueen/Getty Images(UVALDE, Texas) — “Numerous” migrants were reported injured in a train car in Uvalde County, Texas, on Friday, police said.
Medical helicopters responded to the scene in an area on US Highway 90 near Knippa, Uvalde police said on Facebook.
Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin told ABC San Antonio affiliate KSAT that people inside the train car called 911.
The incident was not a derailment, a source told ABC News.
The portion of the highway, which runs parallel to train tracks in the area, was closed between Uvalde and Sabinal but reopened Friday evening, police said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the scene.
Knippa is located about 70 miles west of San Antonio.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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The use of naloxone to combat opioid overdoses has increased steadily in southwest Michigan since a Kalamazoo-based agency started offering it to police agencies in 2016. Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health prevention coordinator Achiles Malta tells us the group currently provides naloxone to 95 police agencies throughout the eight county southwest Michigan region. That first year, 2016, it was only 16 agencies.
“Most of them were actually from [Berrien] County,” Malta said. “The sheriff’s department was on board right away, and the local law enforcement agencies, and also Michigan State Police.”
Malta says Berrien County led the way in getting other departments to take the free naloxone to help those experiencing an overdose. That first year, 2016, it was used by police 44 times across the eight counties, with 39 successes. In 2022, Malta says police used naloxone 162 times in the eight counties, with 134 successes. In Berrien County, it was used by police 78 times in 2022. Malta says seeing so many lives saved has changed attitudes.
“We are trying to be proactive on many fronts, this being one of them. We recognized the need and we recognized the impact that the opioid crisis was having on the citizens of our area, and we decided to do something about it.”
Naloxone is a simple nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. Malta says when it’s used on someone who has taken an opioid, it works nearly 100% of the time. However, naloxone doesn’t help when someone is overdosing on a drug like xylazine, which is an emerging drug. Malta says anyone who knows someone with an addiction problem may want to keep a dose of naloxone around just in case.
The Good Brigade/Getty Images(SALT LAKE CITY, Utah) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed two bills into law on on Friday that seek to limit the harm caused by social media to children and teens by requiring parents and guardians to consent to their children having accounts and by prohibiting social media companies from designing addictive features.
“Our administration is very concerned about how social media is affecting our children. Youth rates of depression and other mental health issues are on the rise, and social media companies know their products are toxic,” Cox said in a recording posted online. “As leaders and as parents we have a responsibility to protect our young people.”
As of March 1, 2024, social media companies will be required to verify the adult age of Utah residents seeking to open or maintain social media accounts. Those under the age of 18 will need the consent of a parent or guardian.
Social media companies will also be required to allow parents full access to their child’s account, create curfew settings that blocks access overnight, prohibit direct messages from anyone the child hasn’t followed or friended and block underage accounts from search results.
Social media companies will also be prohibited from collecting a child’s data or target their accounts for advertising, according to the law.
Violations may be reported to the Consumer Protection Division, which can fine social media companies up to $2,500 per violation and can seek additional remedies through courts.
A second law, which will go into effect on Dec. 31, will implement penalties on social media companies that target users under the age of 18 with addictive algorithms. Social media companies will be prohibited from “using a design or feature that causes a minor to have an addiction to the company’s social media platform,” according to the law.
Violators could face a fine of $250,000 and a penalty of up to $2,500 per child who is exposed to an addictive feature. Companies that perform quarterly audits and address addictive feature violations within 30 days could avoid the fine, according to the law.
Parents will also be able to sue social media companies directly for the financial, physical or emotional harm to their children. For those under the age of 16, harm would be presumed under the law and social media companies would have to prove otherwise.
“Utah’s leading the way in holding social media companies accountable – and we’re not slowing down anytime soon,” Cox said in a tweet.
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Home sales in southwest Michigan were down in February from the same month a year earlier as the market continues to cool. The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors says the number of houses sold in February dropped 6% from February of 2022 with the level of sales in February the lowest since February of 2014. For the first two months of this year, the market was down 18%, with sales at 309 compared to 378 in February last year. In February of this year, the average selling price was $267,000, compared to $324,000 in February of 2022, a 17% drop. Year-to-date, the average selling price fell 9%. Meanwhile, inventory has been improving, up 27% and providing a 3.2-months supply at the end of February. The association says that level still needs to be higher for buyers searching listings for sale across Allegan, Berrien, Cass, and the westerly two-thirds of Van Buren counties.
The new Lincoln Township ALDI store at 5110 Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville officially opened this week.
The store, which sits just west of Meijer and north of Tractor Supply, will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shoppers can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 ALDI gift card during the grand opening weekend through March 26.
Crews broke ground on the 20,000-square-foot store in August after submitting plans earlier in 2022.
Take a look at our video from inside the store below:
ABC/Christopher WillardGwyneth Paltrow has taken the stand in the civil trial for a ski accident that occurred on February 26, 2016.
Terry Sanderson, a retired optometrist, filed a lawsuit in January 2019 accusing Paltrow of crashing into him on the slopes at Deer Valley Ski Resort in Utah, claiming he was left “seriously injured” as a result.
Sanderson’s original complaint claims that Paltrow allegedly “skied out of control and hit the back of Terry Sanderson, another skier, who was downhill, knocking him down hard, knocking him out, and causing a brain injury, four broken ribs and other serious injuries.”
In an amended complaint filed in February 2019, Sanderson changed the value of damages he is seeking in the lawsuit from $3.1 million to $300,000.
Paltrow filed a countersuit in which she claimed it was Sanderson who crashed into her, delivering a “full ‘body blow'” when he “plowed into her back.”
The award-winning actress called Sanderson’s lawsuit an “attempt to exploit her celebrity and wealth.”
Paltrow said her injuries were “relatively minor” and that she is only seeking “symbolic damages” of $1 plus costs for lawyers fees from Sanderson for defending herself against “this meritless claim.”
So far in the trial, the jury has heard opening remarks from both Paltrow’s and Sanderson’s attorneys, as well as testimony from a slew of doctors and a person Sanderson’s defense claims is the sole witness of the crash.
Sanderson’s ex-girlfriend and two of his daughters have also taken the stand, as did the brother of Sanderson’s son-in-law.
Paltrow’s attorney said the Goop CEO’s husband, Brad Falchuk, who was her boyfriend at the time of the accident, and her two children, daughter Apple and son Moses, will take the stand in the trial.
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Alanis Morissette will headline the 2023 RBCxMusic Concert Series on June 10 in Toronto. She will be the closing act of the festival and said in a statement, “It’s always a great feeling to perform back home in Canada.”
Lewis Capaldi is out promoting his new album, Broken by Desire to be Heavenly Sent, due May 19. He shared a clip of his press tour to TikTok, where he jokingly tells fans not to buy the album and to buy Ed Sheeran‘s instead: “It’s a complete and utter joke that I’ve been allowed to make a second one.”
Speaking of Ed, he opened himself up to a Q&A on Instagram and was asked by a fan if he’ll check out Taylor Swift‘s Eras Tour. “I’d love to see it. It looks like the greatest show on planet earth,” he confirmed. “It’s incredible what she’s doing!” No word yet on which show he might possibly crash.
Adele might be pioneering a new kind of audio experience for concerts. Billboard reports she’s using a 3D soundscape system, L-Acoustics, which allows for “hyper real sound” that can be heard practically anywhere, no matter where she’s standing — and, more importantly, allows her voice to move with her. Unfortunately, it costs more money to use such a system, but fans are apparently loving it, so more artists might use it in the future.
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Congressman Bill Huizenga is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to remove parts of southwest Michigan from its list of areas that are in violation of air quality standards. He tells us Berrien County is among the counties the EPA says have high smog levels. However, it’s Huizenga’s belief the pollution comes from across Lake Michigan. He says having this designation could lead to real problems in Berrien County.
“They have not put the specific consequences in place as of yet, but going back to when I was a staffer for Peter Hoekstra back in the late 90s and early 2000s when the state was going through that, at the time what they were proposing was things like banning outdoor barbecues, banning the ability to use a gas lawn mower, doing tailpipe emissions testing,” Huizenga said.
It’s more likely some industries would face certain emissions limits as a result of the decision. Also on the EPA’s nonattainment of air standards list are parts of Allegan and Muskegon counties. Huizenga, along with Congressmen Tim Walberg and John Moolenaar, have sent a letter to the EPA voicing their concerns. He says the three have not had success in finding a sympathetic ear in Lansing, particularly from the governor.
LionsgateFans are apparently ready for John Wick to be back. The fourth chapter of the hit franchise has already broken a series record, and it only officially hit theaters on Friday.
Variety reports John Wick: Chapter 4 snagged some $8.9 million in sneak preview ticket sales in this country on Thursday alone.
By comparison, the last film in the series, Chapter 3: Parabellum, earned $5.9 million in its domestic sneaks, John Wick 2 earned $2.2 million and the original made $950,000 during its Thursday night screenings, according to the trade.
The latest installment’s huge sneaks have put Keanu Reeves‘ latest adventure as Baba Yaga on track for not only a record opening for the series, but an impressive weekend open overall, with an expected take of up to $70 million.
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Jason Marz/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Pennsylvania’s Blackhawk School District has filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern alleging various causes of action including negligence in last month’s train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and subsequent controlled release of toxic chemicals.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday, alleges that the derailment and burning of the contents of the rail cars “caused toxic, hazardous, and dangerous chemicals to be released onto and into the ground, into the air, and into the surface and subsurface waterways and groundwater.”
A Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in East Palestine on Feb. 3. It was carrying hazardous materials, including combustible liquids, flammable liquids, and flammable gas, and toxic chemicals that subsequently ignited.
Norfolk Southern used explosives to breach the tanker railcars and drained the contents into the ground before burning them.
The Blackhawk School District alleges that the toxic fires and intentional release of dangerous and toxic chemicals contaminated its lands and buildings. The district alleges that “toxic fires and deadly plumes dumped a lethal cocktail on its buildings, property soil and water supplies where deposits of the toxic materials have been found,” the suit said.
According to a letter released by the Environmental Protection Agency, vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether were released during the incident and have been detected in samples from several creeks near the derailment site.
The district said it has lands and buildings are all within a 15-mile radius of East Palestine, according to the lawsuit.
The suit alleges that the train derailment occurred due to Norfolk Southern’s breach of its duty of care by negligent and reckless acts and omissions. The district alleges that Norfolk Southern’s breach of its duty of care caused medical and health issues for its students and staff; testing and monitoring the impact on its property and water sources; monetary expenses for cleanup of property and drinking water; and damage to the property.
The district also alleges that Norfolk Southern failed to require pre-departure inspection and periodic inspection of freight cars and that it violated regulations forbidding a railroad from placing or continuing to place a railroad car in service if it has an axle that is broken.
The rail operator will be required to continue cleaning up the contaminated soil and water and transport it safely; reimburse the EPA for cleaning services; and attend public meetings at the EPA’s request and share information, U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced on Feb. 21. If Norfolk Southern does not comply, the company will be ordered to pay triple the cost.
The school district is asking for a trial by jury, compensatory and statutory damages, punitive damages, attorneys fees and relief including future medical monitoring, according to the suit.
On Feb. 13, Norfolk Southern said the company was committing $1 million to a community support fund as a “down payment” on its contribution to rebuilding the village.
On Feb. 24, Norfolk Southern announced it will commit $300,000 to the East Palestine School District and reimbursed the fire department roughly $825,000 for its equipment.
Earlier this month, Ohio sued Norfolk Southern over the train derailment alleging the railway operator violated various federal and state environmental laws and Ohio Common Law, “recklessly endangering” the health of residents and Ohio’s natural resources, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said.
After the Ohio lawsuit was announced, Norfolk Southern said that said it is “listening closely to concerns from the community about whether there could be long-term impacts from the derailment.”
“We are making progress every day cleaning the site safely and thoroughly, providing financial assistance to residents and businesses that have been affected, and investing to help East Palestine and the communities around it thrive,” Norfolk Southern said in a statement.
Adding, “Many residents are worried about what they will do if health impacts related to the derailment are discovered years from now. We appreciate Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s leadership and advocacy on this point. To date, environmental monitoring continues to show the air and drinking water are safe. To provide an additional level of assurance, we are committed to a solution that addresses long-term health risks through the creation of a long-term medical compensation fund.”
Norfolk Southern declined to comment to ABC News on the lawsuit, saying it doesn’t comment on litigation.
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Netflix/Dimitrios KambourisDirector-writer Adam McKay, who recently called the shots on Netflix’s environmental disaster movie Don’t Look Up, starring Oscar winners Leo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, has lined up some major stars for his next big comedy.
Deadline reports Oscar-nominated screenwriter McKay has netted Robert Downey Jr., The Batman‘s Robert Pattinson, Till‘s Danielle Deadwyler, and Oscar winners Amy Adams and Forest Whitaker for a dark comedy centering on a serial killer.
The trade reports Average Height, Average Build will have Pattinson playing a killer who turns to a Washington DC lobbyist, played by Adams, in an effort to help change the laws so that he could literally get away with murder.
Deadline says Downey will play a retired cop who still wants to bring the killer to justice. The film will reportedly start production later this year, bound for either theaters or streaming.
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Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad is seeking another term. If he wins in November, he’ll serve for a third term. Muhammad says the city has endured several challenges during his time as mayor and come out on top. He cites the emergency management crisis, the near shutdown of Benton Harbor High School, COVID-19, and the lead water line crisis as among the things the city has weathered under his leadership. Muhammad says on social media, “the residents have asked me to continue and finish the job.” Muhammad was first elected mayor in 2009. Also running for the position is Gwen Johnson, founder of the SHARP Foundation, a group that works to reduce police violence. In addition to the mayor’s office, there will be four city commission seats on the ballot in November.
Sam Asghari says starring in a movie alongside wife Britney Spears“would be a dream come true.”
The actor, who stars in the upcoming series Lioness, chatted with TMZ about his acting ambitions and whether or not they’d include his wife.
“I think she’s a great actress,” he said, adding, “I hope one day. That would be a dream come true.”
TMZ asked what kind of project he can see himself doing with Britney and if it comes down to it being the right script. “Maybe [I’d] write the script,” he responded.
Sam doesn’t think he’d want to do a rom-com with the pop star, adding, “Maybe it’s an action film, because she’s very athletic. She’s able to jump up and … do a bunch of stunts. I think she’d be really good at that.”
He also thinks Britney would do her own stunts.
The hitmaker previously starred in the movie Crossroads, and made memorable cameos in the shows like How I Met Your Mother and Glee.
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Presley Ann/Getty Images for Icelandic GlacialReese Witherspoon and Jim Toth are divorcing after 12 years of marriage.
The Legally Blonde actress took to Instagram on Friday, March 24, to share a joint statement from herself and Toth announcing the split, which comes days before their 12th anniversary on March 26.
“We have some personal news to share,” the statement began. “It is with a great deal of care and consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce. We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and are moving forward with deep love, kindness, and mutual respect for everything we have created together.
“Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter,” the statement continued. “These matters are never easy and are extremely personal. We truly appreciate everyone’s respect for our family’s privacy at this time.”
Witherspoon and Toth married in March 2011 and share son Tennessee, who turned 10 last year.
Prior to Toth, Witherspoon was married to her Cruel Intentions co-star Ryan Phillippe from 1999 to 2008. She and Phillippe share two children, daughter Ava, 23, and son Deacon, 19.
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Fairfax County Police(FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.) — The Fairfax County Police Department released body camera footage of the fatal police shooting of Timothy Johnson, 37, who allegedly stole a pair of sunglasses in a Northern Virginia mall.
The surveillance and body camera videos from Feb. 22 were shown publicly for the first time during a Thursday press conference led by Police Chief Kevin Davis, who announced that the officer who fired the fatal shot has been dismissed from the department.
“The other discharging officer has been served a notice administratively separating him from the Fairfax County Police Department. This notice was served today. He will no longer be a Fairfax County police officer,” Davis said.
The other officer involved has been placed on modified restricted duty, he said.
Melissa Johnson, the mother of Timothy Johnson, told ABC News she “was pleased to hear about the administrative separation” of one of the officers; however, she “was not pleased to hear about the continuation of restricted duty” for the other.
“They both discharged their weapons. They both had their weapons out,” Johnson’s mother said, adding that for the first time since Wednesday, she felt like she could breathe.
She also told ABC News that she viewed the body camera video Wednesday before it was released.
“No parent should have to view something like that,” she said.
According to police, store surveillance video shows Johnson at a Nordstrom department store inside Tysons Corner Center allegedly stealing at least one pair of sunglasses.
Shortly after the alleged theft, an anti-theft alarm was activated as Johnson was leaving the store, police said, prompting officers to pursue Johnson in a foot chase.
Body camera footage shows police chasing Johnson as he exited the garage and ran toward a dark, wooded area. There, shots can be heard on the footage, one shot hitting Johnson’s chest, according to the police.
Police said they immediately rendered aid to Johnson until a local fire and rescue department arrived.
Johnson was then taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police.
According to Davis, “The officer’s actions do not meet the expectations of our police department.”
“They drew their guns and shot and killed him and the only thing they knew was that he was accused of allegedly taking a pair of sunglasses,” Melissa Johnson said at a previous press conference.
Police said no weapon was found at the scene.
Both officers are both still under investigation, according to the police department.
The officers did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
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Strap on your kilts and step-dance your way over to Buchanan next weekend as River Saint Joe celebrates Scottish culture at its Tartan Festival.
From a potato sack race and kilt competition to barrel aged scotch ales, Scottish cuisine and Celtic music, the festival promises to be fun for all ages from noon to 4 p.m. on April 1st.
Fran Tuite, Founder and Owner of River Saint Joe says their brewery family has many Celtic connections, and are excited to share the culture of Scotland with the southwest Michigan community.
The festival itself will have free admission, and Early Bird food and drink tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Read more about the Scottish roots of River Saint Joe in our Moody on the Market feature.
Tim Boyles/Getty ImagesFriday marks the 25th anniversary of NSYNC‘s eponymous debut album, one of the bestselling albums of all time.
Chris Kirkpatrick spoke with ABC Audio at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, about how he and his bandmates created their unique footprint when boy bands were all the rage.
“We understood who we were and we didn’t try to be anything that we weren’t,” Chris said, adding the only thing he and his bandmates wanted to change was the stigma around groups like theirs.
As for how they shaped the mold, Chris said, “Mostly it was us looking at it like, ‘What would we do to have fun? What kind of music would we listen to? What kind of clothes would we wear? What kind of shows would we want to go see?’ And that was it … everything we did, we did as a fan first.”
Another part of their plan was to embrace pop culture. “We were a pop band,” Chris said, but they still wanted to define what their style of pop was. “Bubblegum pop kept getting thrown in our faces … and I was like, ‘Man, this isn’t bubblegum pop … It’s darker than that. It’s like dirty pop.”
Chris said that criticism led to Justin Timberlake writing the band’s 2001 song “Pop” with record producer Brian Transeau.
“[It was] freakin’ awesome,” the singer winked. “It was still pop music, but it wasn’t your parents’ pop music.”
Chris continued, “We just embraced it. We just said … ‘We’re going to come out here and get in your face until the end. And you guys are going to be tired when you leave the shows.'”
He said the NSYNC song he wishes he had written is “I Thought She Knew,” off the No Strings Attached album.
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A St. Joseph community leader has been appointed to serve on Governor Whitmer’s Black Leadership Advisory Council.
Andrew Robinson, president of Mosaic Christian Community Development Association, was appointed by the governor to serve on the 16-member advisory council to develop, review, and recommend actions to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan’s communities.
Robinson views his role as working across stakeholders to close gaps in health care, housing, education, employment, and economic opportunity – specifically in African American communities. One of the first areas — job training.
“We’re talking about trades programs. We’re talking about building trades, we’re talking about construction trades, we’re talking about HVAC and plumbing — those opportunities that can really provide the ways and means for those in the African American community to be able to learn a skill, learn a trade, get a good paying job,” said Robinson.
Robinson said for next steps, it’s up to the council to continue their work to set strategies and advance policy changes to close gaps. He said success means organizations like his at Mosaic will no longer be needed because programs and opportunities will be so common, communities in need are well served – and that is the goal for the future.
Atlantic RecordsIf you want to be among the privileged few who get to hear Ed Sheeran‘s new album, –, pronounced Subtract, in its entirety before it’s released, then you should plan on heading to New York.
The singer announced Friday that he and the album’s producer, Aaron Dessner, will take over the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on April 10, announcing they “will be playing Subtract all the way through with a full band.”
“These shows are gonna be some of the most magical of my career, I can’t wait for this one. We rehearsed this on Monday and I can’t describe how excited I am,” he said.
Fans can enter to win a pair of tickets to the show if they presave Subtract now. The album arrives May 5, and the first song off the album, “Eyes Closed,” was released Friday.
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UMeElton John’s 50th anniversary release of the 1972 album Honky Château is out now, and to celebrate he’s sharing some rare live footage with fans.
The CD version of the release includes the original album, plus outtakes from the original session tapes, as well as eight live recordings from a concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Elton has also posted a video of his performance of “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” from that 1972 concert, which was his first performance of the album in its entirety.
“This album, with ‘Mona Lisas’, ‘Honky Cat’ and ‘Rocket Man’ was a real game changer for me, Bernie(Taupin) and the band and I’m so proud to be celebrating 50 years since its release,” Elton shares.
Honky Château was the first of Elton’s six consecutive Billboard number-one albums. The 50th anniversary edition is available now.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ilbusca/Getty Images(MONTICELLO, Minn.) — A Minnesota nuclear plant where 400,000 gallons of radioactive water leaked last year is temporarily shutting down after discovering a smaller leak this week.
Xcel Energy said it will begin powering down its plant in Monticello on Friday to expedite repairs needed to permanently resolve a leak of tritium-contaminated water. The length of the shutdown has not yet been determined but should not impact customers’ electric service, the Minneapolis-based utility company said.
Xcel Energy and state agencies publicly announced last week the initial leak of roughly 400,000 gallons of water containing tritium — a byproduct of the production of electricity by nuclear power plants that emits low levels of radiation.
The initial leak was detected in late November through routine groundwater monitoring systems and occurred in a water pipe that runs between two buildings at the plant, which is located along the Mississippi River about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
The leak does not pose any health and safety risk to the local community or the environment and the tritium levels are below Nuclear Regulatory Commission safety thresholds, Xcel Energy said. State officials monitoring the cleanup of the water also said the leak had not reached the Mississippi River or contaminated drinking water sources.
Xcel Energy said it had been capturing the water from the leaking pipe and rerouting it back into the plant for re-use until it could install a replacement pipe in mid-April. Though on Wednesday, monitoring equipment indicated that over the past two days “a small amount of new water from the original leak had reached the groundwater,” the company said in a press release on Thursday.
The new leakage is estimated to be in the “hundreds of gallons” and “will not materially increase the amount of tritium the company is working to recover and does not pose any risk to health or the environment,” Xcel Energy said.
Continued monitoring has determined that the leaked water “remains fully contained on-site and has not been detected beyond the facility or in any local drinking water,” the company said.
“While the leak continues to pose no risk to the public or the environment, we determined the best course of action is to power down the plant and perform the permanent repairs immediately,” Chris Clark, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, said in a statement. “We are continuing to work with and inform our state, federal, city and county leaders in the process.”
The company reported to state officials on Thursday that the new leak was still ongoing, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which is overseeing the cleanup of the impacted groundwater along with the Minnesota Department of Health.
The agencies said they are “encouraged” by the “immediate action” taken by Xcel Energy to address the leak.
“State agencies have no evidence at this point to indicate a current or imminent risk to the public and will continue to monitor groundwater samples. Should an imminent risk arise, we will inform the public promptly,” the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said in a statement Thursday.
So far about 32% of the released tritium has been recovered, Xcel Energy said Thursday.
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20th Century StudiosOscar-winning director James Cameron knows a thing or two about artificial intelligence — after all, he conceived of Skynet, the AI system that tried to end humanity in the Terminator films.
However, in real life, he tells Sean Hayes, Will Arnett and Jason Bateman‘s SmartLess podcast that we also have something to fear about the technology.
“I’m not afraid but I’m certainly pretty concerned about the potential of misuse of AI,” the Avatar director said. “I think AI can be pretty great. I think it could also literally be the end of the world.”
He agreed that experts in the field “start laughing” at him when he brings it up, given his Terminator bona fides, but he clarifies, “The point is that no technology has ever not been weaponized.”
Cameron asks, “And do we really want to be fighting something smarter than us that isn’t us? On our own world? I don’t think so.”
He also added, “Look, an AI could have taken over the world and already be manipulating it but we just don’t know because it would have total control over all the media and everything. And what better explanation is there for how absurd everything is right now?” he said. “Because nothing makes a damn bit of sense to me, I don’t know about you guys,” he said to his hosts.
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Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images(FRANKFORT, Ky.) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed a massive bill Friday passed by the Republican-led state legislature last week that banned gender-affirming healthcare for minors, placed strict rules on how teachers can address transgender students and other restrictions related to sexuality.
In his one-page summary for the veto of Senate Bill 150, the Democratic governor cited the high rates of suicide among transgender youth and the concerns from parents across the state for his opposition to the bill.
“My faith teaches me that all children are children of God and Senate Bill 150 will endanger the children of Kentucky,” Beshear wrote.
The bill was passed quickly on March 16 and bans gender reassignment surgery for anyone under 18, the use of puberty blockers and hormones, and inpatient and outpatient gender-affirming hospital services.
It also prohibits school teachers from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity, and requires school districts to come up with a policy that prevents students from going to restrooms that aren’t aligned with their gender identities.
School staff members are required to alert parents if lessons on human sexuality are taught, under the bill’s provisions.
Beshear said the bill would turn teachers and school staff into “investigators that must listen in on student conversations and then knock on doors to confront and question parents and families about how students behave and/or refer to themselves or others.”
The Kentucky GOP slammed Beshear over his move.
“Andy Beshear thinks it’s okay for children to have access to life-altering sex change surgery and drugs before they turn 18,” Sean Southard, a spokesman for the Kentucky GOP, said in a statement.
The governor, however, told reporters Friday that his office has received many messages from transgender youth and their parents who are scared about the bill’s repercussions.
“I heard from children that believe this bill is picking on them, and asking…why?” Beshear said.
The Kentucky House passed the bill with veto-proof margins last week with a 75-22 vote while the Senate passed it with a 30-7 vote.
The Kentucky ACLU has indicated that it is looking into legal action if the bill gets passed.
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Jesse Grant/Getty Images for the Environmental Media AssociationNSYNC’s No Strings Attached recently celebrated its 23rd birthday, and Lance Bass revealed what tracks are his favorites. Shockingly, the space-loving singer didn’t even place “Space Cowboy (Yippie-Yi-Yay)” in the top five.
Taking to TikTok, Lance told fans in the caption, “I made my choices, sorry not sorry!”
The video sees him playing a clip of each of the album’s 12 songs and dancing along before revealing where they ranked on his list.
Lance’s favorite song was “It Makes Me Ill,” which was never released as a single. The same goes for his second-place pick, which was “I Thought She Knew.”
Rounding out the top five were “Bye Bye Bye,” “This I Promise You” and “It’s Gonna Be Me,” which were all released as singles.
As for the bottom portion of Lance’s list, it starts with “Just Got Paid” in sixth place. In descending in order, he ranks “Digital Get Down,” “That’s When I’ll Stop Loving You,” “Space Cowboy” and “I’ll be Good For You” in slots seven through 10.
As for his least favorite songs on the album, he revealed he dislikes the album’s title track and “Bringin’ Da Noise” the most, respectively placing them in 11th and 12th place.
Fans pushed back against Lance’s list and demanded a redo, but the singer wouldn’t budge and responded to one disappointed critic, “I said what I said.”
No Strings Attached was released March 21, 2000. To date, it is certified 14-times Platinum by the RIAA.
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Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Public health departments across the United States have expressed concern about the spread of a potentially deadly fungus after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported cases have spiked.
Candida auris, or C. aurisis, is increasing at an “alarming” rate with cases doubling in 2021, the CDC said.
Now, with infections reported around the country, health officials are working to prevent the drug-resistant yeast from spreading further.
Two cases were recently reported to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The agency told local ABC affiliate Denver 7 that the patients had been receiving care in facilities out of state and were transferred to Colorado for additional care.
On its website, CPDPHE said it was concerned about C. auris because it is often multi-drug resistant, can be difficult to identify and can cause outbreaks in health care settings.
Additionally, the Indiana State Department of Health said it is monitoring 87 cases of C. auris, according to local affiliate WRTV.
The fungus “presents a serious global health threat,” the department said on its website. “Outbreaks of this organism have occurred in healthcare settings, so early identification and communication about cases are essential to awareness and prevention.”
What’s more, Austin Public Health recently told KXAN that the spread was “very concerning” and that it is a “top threat” to the agency.
While most healthy people are not at risk, vulnerable populations — including those with weakened immune systems — are prone to drug-resistant infections.
In addition, nursing home patients or hospital patients who have or have had lines and tubes in their body — such as a catheter or a breathing tube — are also at high risk.
Doctors previously told ABC News they are concerned because C. auris can spread either from person to person or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Although several strains of C. auris are multi-drug resistant, there is a class of antifungal drugs called echinocandins that can be used and are given intravenously.
According to the National Institutes of Health, echinocandins prevent a key enzyme needed to maintain the cell wall of the fungus.
In some cases, when the infection is resistant to all three main classes of drugs, multiple high doses may be required, the CDC said.
According to the CDC, studies on mortality related to C. auris are limited but anywhere between 30% and 60% of people with C. auris infections have died.
The federal health agency, however, noted many of these patients also had other serious illnesses that increased their risk of death.
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Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for James Taylor)James Taylor has shared another classic performance with fans. The latest release from Taylor’s vault is a “recently re-discovered and restored” performance of “Sunny Skies,” from his November 16, 1970, BBC concert special. He was just 22 when the performance was broadcast.
The clip is one of many Taylor has been sharing on his YouTube channel. He also posted a classic performance of “Sweet Baby James” from the same concert, as well as archival performances of “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Fire and Rain” and more.
And fans will be able to see the 75-year-old Taylor perform these classic songs and many others on the road this summer. He’s due to kick off a new tour on May 25 in Woodinville, Washington. A complete list of James Taylor tour dates can be found at jamestaylor.com.
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Eric Yang/Getty Images(MONTICELLO, Minn.) — A Minnesota nuclear plant where 400,000 gallons of radioactive water leaked last year is temporarily shutting down after discovering a smaller leak this week.
Xcel Energy said it will begin powering down its plant in Monticello on Friday to expedite repairs needed to permanently resolve a leak of tritium-contaminated water. The length of the shutdown has not yet been determined but should not impact customers’ electric service, the Minneapolis-based utility company said.
Xcel Energy and state agencies publicly announced last week the initial leak of roughly 400,000 gallons of water containing tritium — a byproduct of the production of electricity by nuclear power plants that emits low levels of radiation.
The initial leak was detected in late November through routine groundwater monitoring systems and occurred in a water pipe that runs between two buildings at the plant, which is located along the Mississippi River about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
The leak does not pose any health and safety risk to the local community or the environment and the tritium levels are below Nuclear Regulatory Commission safety thresholds, Xcel Energy said. State officials monitoring the cleanup of the water also said the leak had not reached the Mississippi River or contaminated drinking water sources.
Xcel Energy said it had been capturing the water from the leaking pipe and rerouting it back into the plant for re-use until it could install a replacement pipe in mid-April. Though on Wednesday, monitoring equipment indicated that over the past two days “a small amount of new water from the original leak had reached the groundwater,” the company said in a press release on Thursday.
The new leakage is estimated to be in the “hundreds of gallons” and “will not materially increase the amount of tritium the company is working to recover and does not pose any risk to health or the environment,” Xcel Energy said.
Continued monitoring has determined that the leaked water “remains fully contained on-site and has not been detected beyond the facility or in any local drinking water,” the company said.
“While the leak continues to pose no risk to the public or the environment, we determined the best course of action is to power down the plant and perform the permanent repairs immediately,” Chris Clark, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, said in a statement. “We are continuing to work with and inform our state, federal, city and county leaders in the process.”
The company reported to state officials on Thursday that the new leak was still ongoing, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which is overseeing the cleanup of the impacted groundwater along with the Minnesota Department of Health.
The agencies said they are “encouraged” by the “immediate action” taken by Xcel Energy to address the leak.
“State agencies have no evidence at this point to indicate a current or imminent risk to the public and will continue to monitor groundwater samples. Should an imminent risk arise, we will inform the public promptly,” the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said in a statement Thursday.
So far about 32% of the released tritium has been recovered, Xcel Energy said Thursday.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Paramount+/Michael GibsonOn Sunday, Kiefer Sutherland returns to TV with Paramount+’s new thriller series Rabbit Hole. The 24 veteran executive produces and stars as John Weir, an expert in corporate espionage, who takes on a routine job that lands him in the middle of a deadly conspiracy.
The show touches on some ripped-from-the-headlines topics, from fragile digital banking systems to an omnipresent security state and deepfake tech. Sutherland tells ABC Audio, “It’s alarming. But the truth is we’re in the middle of a technological revolution … our capabilities of manipulating information, manipulating other people’s images and voice imaging is changing dynamically by the week.”
He adds, “And, you know, and some of it can be used for good and some of it can be used for bad. We do a bit of both in the context of our show.”
His character is a master of this bleeding edge tech and its uses, but Sutherland explains even he gets in over his head. “The duality of that is what really attracted me to the character. He’s incredibly smart, easy, he’s sophisticated, he’s witty … he’s got a sense of humor, but he’s also incredibly vulnerable.”
Kiefer continues, “With every gift comes, you know, your Achilles heel. And he has a … finite gift with numbers where he can use numbers very fast in his brain to predict probabilities and likely outcomes. But if he runs into a situation that’s so complicated that he can’t round out that number, he starts to go down what we call the proverbial rabbit hole and starts to emotionally come undone.”
The series kicks off Sunday night on Paramount+.
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ABC AudioMichael Bublé is reflecting on his early ambitions and realizes he may have been wearing rose-colored glasses.
Speaking with Variety, the hitmaker says, “I realize how stupid and silly I was … I was so very sure. I felt like, if I just set a plan, and took it day by day and stayed true to myself, and hopefully built up a team around me that loved me and believed in me, that I would somehow get to this point.”
By that, he means the point where he is now in his career.
“In hindsight, I realize how unbelievably lucky I have been,” Michael continued. “I don’t care how much talent you have, there are so many dominoes that have to fall in a perfect way for you to have that sort of dream come true.”
Michael says he was met by a series of “no thanks” from labels, producers and managers. “All of them, at many different points, each of them said the exact same thing to me: ‘You are a really great kid. You’re very talented. But I just wouldn’t know what to do with you. And the answer for us is no,'” he recalled.
Michael was also rejected by “each and every” record company, adding, “They were also kind enough to give me a swift boot out the door.”
But the singer said he enjoyed the challenge: “Every step for me was another opportunity to change that person’s mind or to maybe make that person see what the other hadn’t.”
Michael challenged himself to get better, with the hope that one day, “Somebody [would] sit back and say: ‘We gotta get this kid because he’s the real deal.'”
The singer recently released his 11th album, Higher. He’s won five Grammy Awards.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Here’s a look at some of the new movies and TV shows streaming this weekend:
Hulu
Up Here: Fall in love with the new musical romantic comedy set in New York City during the year 1999, starring Mae Whitman and Carlos Valdes.
Netflix
Love Is Blind: Learn if true connections can be made without knowing what your partner looks like in season four of the dating reality show.
HBO Max
Succession: The Roy family struggles for power as they prepare for the sale of their media company in the fourth and final season.
Showtime
Yellowjackets: Find out if the Yellowjackets will make it through the winter in season two of the drama series.
Paramount+
Rabbit Hole: There’s more than reputation at stake when a corporate spy is accused of murder in the new thriller Rabbit Hole, starring Kiefer Sutherland.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Weekend Watchlist. Happy streaming!
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
HuluThe new series Up Here, out Friday on Hulu, follows a couple working through their anxieties in late ‘90s New York City. Mae Whitman stars as a writer who can’t get out of her own head, and she tells ABC Audio that even though she’s wanted to do a musical for a while, the thought of it also scared her.
“I’m at that point now where I’ve been lucky enough to do so many different things that it’s exciting to me to do something I haven’t done and that really terrifies me,” Whitman says. “This is genuinely the most terrifying thing I could ever possibly imagine. And I was like, well, if I’m scared of it, I should probably make myself try at least.”
Whitman says it was her Parenthood co-star Lauren Graham who convinced her to do the show.
“She slapped me around for three hours at a sushi restaurant, and basically forced me to go and was there for me every step along the way. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to do this without her,” Whitman said. “There were times where I was like, W.W.L.D. – what would Lauren do?”
Carlos Valdes stars as the other half of the show’s main romance, and says he found inspiration in the tone and execution of the FX series Fosse/Verdon.
Whitman, however, found her inspiration on the stage. She moved to New York to film Up Here and was able to catch the Tony Award-winning A Strange Loop before it left Broadway.
“I cried, I laughed, I screamed. It was incredible,” Whitman says. “The story is this person grappling with these insecurities in his head. And I was kind of like, ‘Wow, this is totally kismet. I can draw a lot of inspiration from this.’”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Courtesy of Michele Stevenson(NEW YORK) — A Michigan mom is warning other parents to pay attention to their kids and take action if they seem unwell after her son developed strep A and influenza A infections in late December and had to get a double amputation earlier this month.
Michele Stevenson of Grand Blanc, Michigan, told ABC News’ Good Morning America her son Kaden, 7, started to get sick right before Christmas but she didn’t think it was anything serious. She said he told her he felt tired and she thought he possibly had a stomach bug or a cold and let him rest. But after about four days, Kaden didn’t seem to be getting any better — instead, he seemed to be getting progressively worse.
“I’m thinking maybe he might have the flu just because of the pain he kept talking about. So I’m thinking it might be just body aches or something like that. But by the time I got to him, I couldn’t put his shoes on, I couldn’t put his coat on, he was in that much pain,” Stevenson recalled.
“Something just felt off,” the mom of one said. “So I looked him over. His right leg was swollen. He had a rash all over his body. His eyes look puffy to me and it seemed like that all happened within a short period of time.”
Stevenson said she took Kaden to Hurley Children’s Hospital in Flint, but shortly thereafter, doctors told her they needed to transfer Kaden for higher-level care.
“The ER doctor sat down in front of me and gave me the most serious look I’ve ever seen a doctor give me and said, ‘Your son is really sick,'” Stevenson recounted. “By the next day, they were telling us that they were about to transfer us to another hospital that Kaden needed a pediatric orthopedic surgeon … but I knew it was really serious the moment they said, ‘It’s going to be in a matter of minutes.’ They were just waiting on the helicopter to arrive.”
Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention renewed their December warning about invasive strep A Wednesday, noting that at least five children in Illinois have reportedly died following infections this year. The season for invasive strep A tends to run between December through April and this type of bacterial infection can be more dangerous because it can impact multiple parts of the body, such as a person’s blood, bones or lungs.
In addition, although the number of influenza cases have been relatively low across the U.S., multiple strains of the influenza A virus have been in circulation, according to data from the CDC.
With her son’s flu and strep infections, Stevenson said she didn’t initially realize how bad it could’ve been.
“I didn’t hear about [strep] really until we got in the hospital and I heard about other kids at the same time had the same thing my son had,” Stevenson said. “One little boy didn’t make it. I’m hearing this family sad and crying and saying goodbye to their son, and my son’s here still fighting for his life. My heart goes out to that family.”
Although Stevenson said it has been an “extremely scary” three months for her and her son, she said she feels grateful for the doctors, nurses and medical professionals who “saved his life” and cared for the young boy.
“[Kaden] said the other little boy that died, he was sad that he died, but he was going to live for him. He was going to be strong for the little boy,” Stevenson said.
“As a mother, as a parent, as a person in general, I don’t want anybody else to have to go through this. This has been horrifying,” she added.
According to Stevenson, Kaden underwent amputations for both of his legs on March 3 and is now looking forward to receiving what he calls his “robot legs” or prosthetic legs.
“He always talks about [how] he misses the old times and he misses when he could walk and how things used to be but he said he’s kind of happy. He likes his new legs,” Stevenson said.
As Kaden starts a new chapter on the road to recovery, Stevenson said she hopes to raise awareness for other parents.
“If your kid has any of those signs of fever, they complain of pain, you see any rashes, just take them to the emergency.” Stevenson said. “Catch it early. That’s the biggest thing. And listen to your kids. They tell you they don’t feel good? Don’t just sweep it under the rug, assuming that it’s a little cold. Get it checked out.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABCTaylor Swift‘s Eras Tour celebrates every single one of her albums, but which one is America’s favorite?
FiveThirtyEight dissected several polls from YouGov and Morning Consult to figure that out — and found that each poll yielded a different result.
For example, YouGov found most respondents liked Lover, followed by 1989. There was a tie for third between Taylor Swift and Red. Their least favorite picks were folklore and evermore, with 4 percent of the vote.
The YouGov poll did not include “Taylor’s Version” options.
In comparison, one Morning Consult poll of just adults discovered 1989 and the original version of Fearless were tied as respondents’ top picks, while Taylor Swift finished second and Red, not the “Taylor’s Version,” was third. The least favorite album, with 1 percent of the vote, was folklore.
A different Morning Consult poll that talked to Taylor’s “avid fans” had a different lineup of favorites. In first place was 1989, with 15 percent of the vote, followed by Taylor Swift in second, while the original Fearless, not the “Taylor’s Version,” finished in third place. In last place was evermore, which polled at 3 percent.
The Morning Consult poll included the “Taylor’s Version” of Red and Fearless.
FiveThirtyEight suggests this can be seen as a good lesson about polls, because while each of the three mentioned above asked the same question, they procured different results. This could be boiled down to the age and music tastes of those who responded to the poll.
It also notes that including “Taylor’s Version” in the Morning Consult polls may have further shifted the overall findings.
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LionsgateThis weekend, John Wick: Chapter 4 explodes into theaters, and to that end, the website Ranker polled its users about what they thought of Keanu Reeves‘ hitman movies.
Turns out, they love them. A lot.
The Keanu Reeves film series appears on countless fan surveys on the site, which lets its 30 million monthly visitors vote up or down on various topics.
For example, the John Wick movies ranked #1 on Ranker’s list of the Greatest Action Film Franchises, ahead of Tom Cruise‘s Mission: Impossible movies (#2), the Jason Bourne collection (#3) and even James Bond’s decades of films (#4).
Chapter 4 is ranked #3 on the Most Anticipated Sequels And Reboots We Can’t Wait To See — behind only Deadpool at #2 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 — and it’s #5 on its list of the website’s Most Anticipated Movies of 2023.
What’s more, 2014’s original John Wick ranked #11 on the list of the Greatest Action Movies of All Time, ahead of classics like Die Hard (#15) and Top Gun (#22).
Keanu’s black-suited assassin also ranked #2 on The Manliest Action Movie Heroes Of All Time list, behind only Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s “Dutch” in 1987’s Predator.
Perhaps its no surprise then that John Wick is ranked #33 on the Best Fictional Characters You’d Leave Your Man For poll, putting the dog lover with the bulletproof suit ahead of Harrison Ford‘s Indiana Jones and John Krasinski‘s Office romantic Jim Halpert.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABC News(NEW YORK) — A dangerous tornado outbreak is headed to the South, where intense, long-track tornadoes reaching EF-3 or higher are possible Friday afternoon and evening.
Damaging winds and large hail are also a threat all the way to Tennessee and Indiana, as is flash flooding, which could stretch from Oklahoma to Pennsylvania.
The storms will start up in eastern Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas Friday afternoon and will strengthen in the evening along the Mississippi River from Louisiana to Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee.
To the north, along the Ohio River Valley, Friday thunderstorms could spark several inches of rain and flash flooding.
The same storm system will bring snow from Iowa to Michigan on Saturday morning.
This storm will then move into the Northeast on Saturday, bringing rainy, windy and chilly conditions.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Mark Newman/Getty Images(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) — Arizona officials are searching for a large coyote who they say injured two toddlers in separate attacks in Scottsdale this week.
Both toddlers were treated for minor injuries and released following the incidents on Saturday and Wednesday, according to Arizona’s Game and Fish Department.
“The coyote shows little fear of people and may have been illegally fed in the past,” the department said in a statement on Thursday. “Parents of toddlers in the area should keep their children close when outdoors and be vigilant.”
The Game and Fish Department said it’s patrolling the area with help from Scottsdale police.
The department asks anyone who spots a coyote to immediately call 623-236-7201.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
@lila50isthenewfword/TikTok(NEW YORK) — Simply search the hashtag #facetaping on social media and you’ll get tens of thousands of posts about this beauty trend that promises to help prevent wrinkles and smooth fine lines.
Face taping, as the trend is known, involves placing tape on the areas of the face where a person wants to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, like the forehead and cheeks.
The type of tape people use includes everything from regular clear, sticky tape to the kinesiology tape normally used to treat injuries to newer brands of tape marketed just for face taping.
To see whether this viral trend is one that is safe to try at home, ABC News’ Good Morning America spoke with Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a board-certified OB-GYN and ABC News’ chief medical correspondent.
Here are her answers on whether face taping is safe and, importantly, whether it actually works:
1. Does face taping have any real, physical benefits?
Possibly, according to Ashton, but any benefit would be temporary.
“Very superficially and very temporarily, it can smooth out those superficial wrinkles,” Ashton said. “It depends on the age of the person, how much sun damage there is, how much elasticity or collagen there is in their skin, how much volume they’ve lost with age. All of those things can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles.”
Ashton emphasized that a person’s wrinkles could return within “minutes” of face taping.
“It’s possible that when you remove the tape, those wrinkles can re-form in minutes to hours,” she said. “So it’s going to be a very transient effect.”
2. Does face taping help deep wrinkles?
No, said Ashton.
“You have to ask yourself whether you’re dealing with fine wrinkles and lines or deep wrinkles,” Ashton said. “Taping your face at night for several hours is very unlikely to do anything significant for deeper wrinkles.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, fine lines are the first stage of wrinkles. They look like small creases on the skin and are closer to the skin’s surface.
Fine lines are most likely to be in places where you make repetitive movements, like around your eyes and mouth. As a person ages, those fine lines become wrinkles.
Wrinkles, according to the Cleveland Clinic, are “deeper creases” within the skin and can form anywhere on the body, not just the face.
3. Is there a risk to trying face taping?
Ashton said the main risks associated with face typing would be a reaction to the type of tape that is used, which would vary person to person.
A person could be allergic to a specific type of tape, according to Ashton, who recommends trying a small patch of skin first.
“We see all the time allergic reactions to tape on the skin in surgery,” Ashton said. “I would suggest if you’re going to try this, try it on a part of your body that the whole world doesn’t see in case you have an allergic reaction.”
Ashton said caution also needs to be taken when a person removes tape so that it doesn’t cause a burn.
“In some cases there can be tape burns,” Ashton said. “You can actually remove the superficial level of the epidermis, and obviously that would be a big problem.”
4. What are other options for reducing fine lines and wrinkles?
Ashton said injections like Botox and fillers performed by a certified professional are the “gold standard” when it comes to the prevention or improvement of wrinkles.
“Obviously there’s cost involved and that result is also temporary,” she said of injections, which can cost hundreds of dollars per session. “It’s just that instead of lasting a few hours, [injections] last a couple of months — three to four months in some cases, even six months.”
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that lifestyle changes can make a difference when it comes to wrinkles and fine lines.
Among the group’s recommendations are to wear sunscreen every day, moisturize the skin, avoid getting a tan from the sun or a tanning bed, testing facial products before using and using products as directed.
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The CEO of TikTok was on the hot seat as he testified before Congress on Thursday on ties between the app and the Chinese Communist Party and data security of Americans. Congressman Tim Walberg has concerns.
“We’re talking about what you’re doing now, what your expectations are now, what your relationship is with the Communist Party, which is our major concern of what impact that will be with a country… let me rephrase that… with a communist party that doesn’t care about America, and sees us as standing in their way for super power.”
Walberg says TikTok CEO Shou Chew further undermined the credibility of TikTok by failing to provide transparent answers on the relationship between TikTok and the Chinese Communist Party, the CCPs possible involvement in a forced divestiture, and data security of American citizens.
The Berrien County Parks Department and police are investigating after someone stole the statue of Madeline Bertrand from Madeline Bertrand County Park last week. The bronze sculpture was broken off at the ankles between when the park closed on March 15th and the next morning. It was created by local artist Tuck Langland in 1987. Madeline Bertrand was the daughter of a Potawatomi chief and French fur trader Joseph Bertrand and was born in the early 1800s.
Tristar Media/Getty ImagesShawn Mendes is embarking on a brand new chapter.
While chatting with fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger for Evening Standard about what rock stars look like and how music legends serve as fashion icons, the singer described himself as “in my rock star era.”
Shawn reflected on his own style evolution. “I’ve been famous since I was young, and it’s a funny thing to ask a 17-year-old to be stylish, because they’re 17 and they’re trying to figure out who they are,” he said.
Shawn added, “There was a time where I refused to wear anything that wasn’t a flannel [shirt] and moccasins. It’s definitely gotten a lot, a lot more fashionable.”
The singer also suggested being a celebrity is more difficult nowadays. Why? He says it’s due to a lack of privacy thanks to the rise of smartphones.
“In the ’70s and ’80s, the photos you saw of celebrities were more scarce. Nowadays, everything is so volatile. Because there’s phones, there can be a photo or a video of you at any minute in the day, and it changes the perception of you. It can change everything,” he said.
“If you pick your nose, and you’re wearing a weird shirt, the perception is that you wear weird shirts and pick your nose. The next day, you’re on a red carpet and in an amazing suit and, like, that’s that … It’s really hot and cold,” Shawn continued.
The singer admitted he does feel pressure to look good all the time, adding “it’s super stressful.” He keeps his attire simple “because therefore it’s hard to mess up.”
Shawn stars in the brand’s new Tommy X Shawn Classics Reborn campaign, which is a capsule collection of sustainable clothing.
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30th anniversary of Power Rangers and they’re celebrating with something special. 50th anniversary of The Young & The Restless fun facts. Tom Brady now co-owns a sports team-find out which one.
Meet Iris! She’s an adult female dilute tortoiseshell kitty. Iris will melt your heart with her cute meows and affectionate purring! Iris came to the shelter last month as she was not adjusting well with her other furry counterparts in her home. As she is a little shy, her purr-fect home would be one where she can be spoiled rotten as the only 4 legged friend in her new home.Iris will need to be spayed upon adoption, and her adoption fee will be $45. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our incredible Iris.
Fruit Roll Ups saying “please don’t eat the plastic”. Things adults are doing that they swore they never would when they were kids. More coffee pros and cons.
Meet Iris! She’s an adult female dilute tortoiseshell kitty. Iris will melt your heart with her cute meows and affectionate purring! Iris came to the shelter last month as she was not adjusting well with her other furry counterparts in her home. As she is a little shy, her purr-fect home would be one where she can be spoiled rotten as the only 4 legged friend in her new home.
Iris will need to be spayed upon adoption, and her adoption fee will be $45. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our incredible Iris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maroon 5 now has a Vegas residency. Jackson Browne has a new tour. Katy Perry memorabilia for sale-here’s where you can get it.
Paramount PicturesIf you’ve seen all of Tom Cruise‘s Mission: Impossible movies, your attention to detail will apparently be rewarded by director and co-writer Christopher McQuarrie for the seventh installment: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
Not only does Henry Czerny return as Eugene Kittridge, the secret agent who pursued Cruise’s apparently rogue Ethan Hunt in the 1996 original film, but McQuarrie just added another familiar face — if you’ve got a pretty stout memory.
The filmmaker posted yet another Easter egg cast addition photo to his Instagram, showing Rolf Saxon, who played William Donloe in the first M:I film.
You’d be forgiven if neither name rings a bell, but Donloe was the poor CIA computer guy whose vault-like office Ethan Hunt dropped into from the ceiling in that memorable scene from the first film. After one of Hunt’s team members dosed Donloe with something to make him puke — repeatedly — he was forced out of his computer vault so Hunt could steal an important file.
If you have an even better memory, you might remember Kittridge keeping the breech quiet, saying of Donloe, “I want him manning a radar tower in Alaska by the end of the day. Just mail him his clothes.”
Apparently, Donloe’s clothes arrived safely.
Starring Cruise, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Vanessa Kirby, Rebecca Ferguson and Esai Morales, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One opens July 14.
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ATLANTIC RECORDS/CENTRICITY MUSICAfter releasing a new song and announcing a new album earlier this month, Lauren Daigle has unveiled U.S. tour dates for the fall.
The Kaleidoscope Tour is set to kick off September 6 in Memphis, Tennessee, making stops in 30 cities before wrapping December 9 in Greenville, South Carolina.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 31, at 10 a.m. local time. Fans can register for access to the presale on LaurenDaigle.com beginning Tuesday, March 28, at 12 p.m. local time.
Lauren will perform her new song “Thank God I Do” on the Today show March 30. Her new self-titled album will be released in two parts, with the first part arriving May 12.
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Anthony Devlin/Getty ImagesThere is a disturbance in the Force. Just a day after Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof and Badlands writer Justin Britt-Gibson submitted a script for a Star Wars film, they’ve exited, Variety reports.
However, the trade says Steven Knight, the creator of the acclaimed crime drama Peaky Blinders, has stepped in and will be writing the Star Wars film project, slated to be directed by Ms. Marvel vet Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
While content from that galaxy far, far away continues to drop on Disney+, where The Mandalorian‘s third season is currently unfolding, it hasn’t been on the big screen since 2019, when the divisive “sequel trilogy” wrapped with Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.
While Lucasfilm remains characteristically mum, Variety says the project Knight is writing is expected to be announced, along with a title, at April’s Star Wars Celebration fan expo in London.
This purported shake-up is just the latest in recent weeks: The embattled Rogue Squadron, which was to be directed by Wonder Woman franchise filmmaker director Patty Jenkins, as well as an untitled work produced by Star Wars fan and Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, were reportedly shelved by Lucasfilm.
Lucasfilm is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.
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Following a controversial tweet from the Michigan Republican Party’s Facebook and Twitter accounts Wednesday comparing potential gun reform legislation to the Holocaust, party chairwoman Kristina Karamo held a press conference to address the ensuing outrage from both sides of the political aisle. Karamo, however, chose to double down on the message that was sent.
“We have a fantastic communications team, and to think about it, I stand behind the statement,” said Karamo. “I am a student of history. Growing up with lots of immigrants and hearing their stories of government abuse, it is important that we look to history to learn for the future. Again, there’s a reason the quote history repeats itself is so common because people, for whatever reason, refuse to learn from it.”
Karamo defended the posts that claim majority Democrats are trying to disarm gun owners, showing a United States Holocaust Museum image of rings confiscated from Jewish prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp with the words “Before they collected all these wedding rings… they collected all the guns.” Republican Jewish Coalition chief executive Matt Brooks called it “absolutely inappropriate and offensive and should be taken down immediately.” Karamo says the Democratic majority is trying to “disarm us” and “murder unborn children.”
Republicans are nearly four months into being in the minority in the Michigan Senate for the first time in about 40 years, and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt of Van Buren County does not like how the year has started.
“I’ve been fairly disappointed on the way they just jammed through these partisan, left-wing progressive agenda items on their list,” says Nesbitt. “I was hopeful we could govern in the middle 70% and figure out broad bipartisan compromises.”
He says majority Democrats have passed bills that he says aren’t good economically.
“Even some of the tax reform issues that could have gotten bipartisan compromises, they shoved in with providing a half-billion-dollars a year in corporate welfare to some profitable, multi-national corporations, so I’ve been disappointed on that.”
Nesbitt is in his second and final term in the Senate and was named the Republican leader after the November election.
Republicans are nearly four months into being in the minority in the Michigan Senate for the first time in about 40 years, and Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt of Van Buren County does not like how the year has started.
“I’ve been fairly disappointed on the way they just jammed through these partisan, left-wing progressive agenda items on their list,” says Nesbitt. “I was hopeful we could govern in the middle 70% and figure out broad bipartisan compromises.”
He says majority Democrats have passed bills that he says aren’t good economically.
“Even some of the tax reform issues that could have gotten bipartisan compromises, they shoved in with providing a half-billion-dollars a year in corporate welfare to some profitable, multi-national corporations, so I’ve been disappointed on that.”
Nesbitt is in his second and final term in the Senate and was named the Republican leader after the November election.
Today we spoke with Daniele about a Life Guard event, book clubs, a gardening expo and more happening this weekend.
Cameron Diaz “unretires” to make this movie. Dick Van Dyke had a car accident. Aaron Sorkin changes all his ways after suffering a near fatal stroke last fall.
America’s favorite jelly bean flavors. National Puppy Day fun facts. Music helps pain…find out how.
Katy Perry insults an AI contestant. Taylor Swift remembers a burn victim fan with a huge gift. Neil Diamond’s Broadway musical announces North American tour.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to feature several ribbon cuttings and Grand Openings in April and May, as well as the LMC Career Fair on April 19th. Get details and register at smrchamber.com.
Warner Bros. DiscoveryNot only was Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson‘s Black Adam ultimately unsuccessful, but at least according to Shazam star Zachary Levi, Johnson’s failed attempt to shape the DC universe around himself also hurt Shazam‘s sequel.
Levi reposted a story from The Wrap that confirmed Johnson personally blocked Levi from appearing as Shazam in Black Adam. He also reportedly ordered a last-minute nixing of a Shazam sequel after-credits scene in which Levi’s character would be recruited into Black Adam‘s Justice Society of America.
“The truth shall set you free,” Levi captioned the Instagram Story.
It was all a part of Johnson’s efforts to “undermine Shazam,” the trade reports.
While the character of Black Adam is canonically a foil of Levi’s red-suited hero, Johnson refused to appear as the heavy in 2019’s Shazam and publicly set his sights on an Adam/Superman matchup instead. He even lured Henry Cavill out of superhero retirement to play the latter in an Adam after-credits, only to have the entire thing blow up in his face when the movie underperformed, and James Gunn and Peter Safran made new superhero plans for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Shazam‘s sequel managed to top the box office over last weekend, albeit with a weak $30 million bow. While the original had a 90% from ratings aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with an 82% Audience Score, critics and fans are split on the follow-up, with a 51% from critics — but an actually better audience score than the original, at 87%.
Levi addressed this disconnect via Twitter, explaining in a now-deleted Tweet, “I think the biggest issue we’re having is marketing. This is a perfect family movie, and yet a lot of families aren’t aware of that. Which is just a shame.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The Rocket Record CompanyElton John’s “Rocket Man” is one of his biggest hits, but apparently even Elton didn’t know what the song was about until recently.
Elton is celebrating last year’s 50th anniversary of Honky Château, the album “Rocket Man” is on, and in a clip posted to Instagram, we see the moment he learned what the tune was really about.
“’Rocket Man’ was our first-ever number-one record I think. And it was on the Honky Château record,” he says. “It was a pretty easy song to write a melody to because it’s a song about space so it’s quite a spacious song.”
But apparently it really isn’t about space, with Elton’s songwriting partner Bernie Taupin setting him straight.
“It was actually a song inspired by Ray Bradbury from his book of science-fiction short stories called The Illustrated Man,” Taupin explains. “In that book, there was a story called The Rocket Man, which was about how astronauts in the future would become sort of an everyday job, so I kinda took that idea and ran with it.”
Well, that was news to Elton, who responded, “Do you know, I never knew that.” He captioned the clip “you learn something new every day.”
Elton is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Honky Château with an anniversary edition, which is dropping Friday. It is available for preorder now.
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Atlantic RecordsEd Sheeran‘s new song “Eyes Closed” isn’t even out yet, but it’s already going viral on TikTok.
Ahead of the song’s Friday release, the singer addressed fans to thank them for supporting the new single. He noted a clip of the song has already soundtracked 965,000 videos.
“Almost 1m creations before it comes out. Does this mean I’m having my Tik Tok moment?” he asked before remarking, “I was always destined for this.”
Ed closed his post by writing, “I would like to thank my friends and family who believed in me. Keep creating and hope you enjoy.”
As previously reported, “Eyes Closed” will be the first song released off Ed’s new album, –, pronounced Subtract. The song explores the inescapable grief he felt following the unexpected death of his friend Jamal Edwards.
Ed also previewed a segment of the song’s music video earlier this week. He said the video will personify his grief through the form of a big, blue monster that only Ed can see. He said the fuzzy beast will continue to grow in size throughout the video until it takes over his entire line of sight.
“Often sadness is something that follows you around, engulfing the rooms you’re in, and you can feel and see it, but no one else around you can,” he described.
“Eyes Closed” arrives Friday, March 24. As for the Subtract album, it’s set to come out May 3.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Hilty and McPhee in 2015 – Bruce Glikas/FilmMagicSmash, the short-lived Broadway musical-themed NBC show, is coming to the Great White Way in 2024.
In an announcement Wednesday, the TV show’s producers Steven Spielberg and Neil Meron trumpeted that a Broadway version of the musical series about a Broadway musical will be directed by The Producers Tony winner Susan Stroman for the 2024-25 season.
The upcoming production will feature beloved songs from the series, which was about the mounting of a fictitious Marilyn Monroe musical called Bombshell, but also new tracks from Hairspray legends Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.
Starring Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty and Debra Messing, Smash only ran for two seasons, but Spielberg noted how it remains “near and dear” to his heart.
He adds, “It was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage. We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the Smash journey which began with my producing partners over ten years ago.”
Meron added, “Ever since the show ended in 2012, not a week goes by that someone doesn’t ask us when will they see Smash as a musical. We think we’ve come up with something the die-hard series fans will love but that will also be exciting for people who never saw an episode of the show.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Michigan State Police troopers don’t want you to get ripped off. Be on the lookout for a call from the Michigan State Police informing you of an investigation. The con artists will say if you want to stay out of jail, you’ll need to send them money. The trick is that the phone number looks like it’s coming from an official source. The scammer is actually using the spoofing technique.
“They’re copying the Michigan State Police Cadillac working telephone number to make it appear the call is coming from that number,” says Lt. Derrick Carroll.
He says they will never ask for money over the phone or to be sent in the form of gift cards or through a third-party money transfer service including.
Can summer be far off? The horses are starting to return to Mackinac Island after most of them spent the winter in Pickford in the Upper Peninsula. Mackinac Island Tourism’s Steph Castelein says the season kicks off in May and it’s the year of anniversaries.
“We have the 75th annual Lilac Festival. So that’s a big 10-day festival in June with the wonderful lilac shrubs on the island. It’s the 125th anniversary of the vehicle ban. Horseless carriages were banned 125 years ago, and then Pink Pony is celebrating 75 years as well.”
Castelein says Mackinac Island’s resorts, hotels and other properties have been working on renovations, painting and carpet updates. She says the Grand Hotel is introducing the Mackinac Island Pizza Company, a new BMX track, miniature golf and a new greenhouse.
We’re joined by Christian Hurdle, Program Officer at BCF and his guest Susan Dietrich Reed from Citadel Dance and Music Center to talk about the Alamar Nonprofit Sustainability Grant.
Tom Hanks is giving Harvard’s commencement speech. Nick Lachey ordered to AA and anger management classes-find out why. It’s Captain Kirk’s birthday-find out how many years he’s celebrating.
Karaoke fun facts. Best/worst cities for allergy sufferers. Would you get a pet tattoo?
Ed Sheeran reveals an eating disorder. Couple gets engaged at Harry Styles concert. Justin Timberlake is high end modeling.
Tyra Banks out-Julianne Hough back in on DWTS. Will Harry and Meaghan attend Prince Charles coronation ceremony or not? Adam Sandler’s Mark Twain Award ceremony and when you can watch it.
The Ozempic weight loss trend and what it’ll cost you. Find out what this new JOMO acronym means. Do you have Easter dinner stress?
Ed Sheeran has a new docuseries coming out in May on Disney Plus. A wedding at a Taylor Swift concert. Duran Duran on tour plus a new album coming out with a surprise guest.
Sam Neill reveals cancer diagnosis. Lance Reddick passes away at a young age. Could Denzel Washington be the next “Gladiator”?
Burgundy is the big fashion color for spring. The latest prom dress trend? What is the ideal temperature for women?
Taylor Swift slays with her opening Eras Tour concerts over the weekend. Selena Gomez makes Instagram history. King Charles releases a list of coronation celebration songs.
Jackie Yates from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance joins us to talk about their event this Thursday called “Escalate: Getting The SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification”.
Red Coach Donuts in Stevensville is changing owners. This April, after five years of working for Joy Bancroft, Executive Chef Stephanie Harrah will become the new owner, continuing to provide the exceptional Red Coach Donuts experience people have come to love and savor.
Five years ago, Harrah joined Red Coach for what she thought would be a part-time job. From that day forward, she says she has dedicated all her time and energy into making it a great place.
Asked about her approach as the new owner, Harrah says, “It’s just making sure we keep the customers happy and keep them coming back. We want to make sure they continue to love us and that we continue to put the love in the donuts, and hopefully we continue on for the next 20 years until we pass it on to the next person after we’re done.”
Harrah graduated from Lakeshore High School and played softball for Coach Denny Dock, but then left for the Pacific Northwest where she earned a 4.0 from Le Cordon Bleu/Western Culinary Institute in Portland. After three years, Harrah made her way back to Michigan to continue her culinary career.
Harrah says during her time “in the back of the house,” she spent half the time cooking and the other half baking. Somehow, she kept coming back to donuts. She says she likes to make them – it’s fun for her and she enjoys it. Being back in Southwest Michigan, she’s close to where she was raised, close to family, turning 40 years old, and ready to set roots. She says it’s very exciting to live out her dream in her hometown.
As for immediate changes, Harrah says there won’t be many. She’s considering opening an hour earlier (at 5 a.m.) so she can catch the early shift at the Cook Nuclear Plant. She’s also considering an afternoon service of donut grilled cheese sandwiches.
But even with the ownership change, Joy Bancroft says she’s not going anywhere. “Who doesn’t have a good time serving amazing donuts to people? I love being here. I enjoy the people. It’s just a really happy atmosphere.” Bancroft says in addition to being on-call at Red Coach, she will spend time helping at her daughter-in-law’s jewelry shop in New Buffalo and perhaps spend some more time on the golf course.
Bancroft says it was always the plan for her and her husband to build a business where every booth was filled, all the tables filled, and families enjoying the atmosphere. “I’ll miss that tremendously, but now we hope to come in, be able to sit amongst and enjoy the fellowship without the stress and the pressure.”
All six representatives of Allegan County in the Michigan House have given their support to an effort by an internet service provider to get a grant for expanded broadband access in the area.
123Net has filed its application for a $30 million grant from the state’s ROBIN fund. The application includes the backing of state Representatives Joey Andrews, Matt Hall, Nancy DeBoer, Angela Rigas, and Rachelle Smit.
They expressed “strong support for the forthcoming grant application of 123Net in partnership with Allegan County.”
Meanwhile, state Representative Pauline Wendzel, who also represents a portion of the county, sent a separate communication pledging her support.
The $30 million sought from the ROBIN fund would provide most of the third leg of financing for a project to provide high-speed access to county residents.
The county has pledged $17.7 million in ARPA funds, while 123Net matched it with $17.7 million of its own funds. The total project cost is expected to reach $70 million.
The application will now be reviewed by the state’s Michigan High-Speed Internet Office, and a preliminary decision is expected in late April. They could start laying cable within the next two years.
ilbusca/Getty Images/STOCK(HOUSTON) — The announcement that Texas state officials are taking over leadership of Houston Independent School District later this year is drawing concerns from some community members and educators about state government overreach and the decision’s impact on schools.
Some experts are calling the move a major “blow” to Texas’ largest public school district, marking a turning point in education policy that follows years of controversial decisions in the state, including legislation on race, parental rights and gender-affirming care.
“Texas has the ninth largest economy in the world,” Kevin Malonson, executive director of nonprofit Teach Plus Texas told ABC News. “As Texas thinks, so goes the rest of the country.”
The state’s Education Agency is enforcing one of the largest school district takeovers in the history of the U.S., with some educators, who are already facing high attrition levels and staffing challenges, saying they’re uncertain about their futures. Teachers told ABC News they are worried the takeover could prompt school closures, among other reforms in the nation’s eighth largest school district.
“A lot of teachers that were thinking about leaving or retiring are going to do so, so it [the takeover] has caused an instability within the teaching force in our school district,” Houston Education Association (HEA) President Michelle Williams told ABC News.
“The uncertainty is really just everything driving teachers to make decisions about what they’re going to do – whether they’re going to break the contract or stick it out,” Williams said.
But Mike Morath, the state’s commissioner of education, told ABC affiliate KTRK in Houston that the intervention was “necessary.” He said TEA is appointing a new Board of Managers for the school district because of academic failures by Wheatley High School.
Wheatley violated the state’s 2015 law – HB 1842 – that mandated an “intervention” and sanction of a public school that has received an academically unsuccessful performance rating for at least two consecutive school years, Morath said.
“What that law requires is if that threshold is ever met, that the commissioner of education is required, it’s not discretionary, is required to either order a closure of that school or order a board of managers for the whole district,” Morath told KTRK. “It’s not in the best interest of kids at Wheatley to close Wheatley, so that leaves us with the board of managers,” he said.
Due to the school’s underwhelming performance, the law was triggered in 2019. Morath wrote in a recent letter to the superintendent and board of trustees, “the district obtained an injunction” that prevented TEA from taking that required intervention action.
Earlier this year, the Texas Supreme Court delivered an opinion that vacated this long-standing injunction, and it was formally dissolved on March 1.
The job description for the school district’s Board of Managers states a desire for the new board to improve academic outcomes for students, but the district claims it has already made recent improvements.
“In the last 19 months, we have already seen vast improvements,” HISD Superintendent Millard House II wrote in a statement earlier this week. “Because of the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff, we have lifted 40 of 50 schools off the D or F TEA accountability ratings list,” he said.
Malonson said the move breaks from precedent in the state. He said Texas normally opposes state mandates, instead it would leave decisions up to the school districts.
“Texas is all about local control,” Malonson told ABC News. “That’s the elephant in the room. This flies in the face of everything Texas is about as far as local control. And it’s not just people at the state level that talk about local control, it’s the districts, it is – that is a thing – that is as Texas as Texas can be.”
As Houston residents have seen the TEA intervention unravel for more than three years, some are worried that TEA can’t be trusted, Malonson said.
“All they hear is TEA is coming in to take over, TEA is the boogeyman, for a lot of people,” he said. “Literally, this is a state takeover of your school district. It is going to make you anxious.”
But, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, went even further saying the impact of this decision could reverberate around the country because Houston is the “most diverse” city in the nation. The Houston representative is calling for a federal civil rights investigation.
“This proposed takeover is devastating,” Rep. Jackson-Lee told ABC News. “I need them [the Department of Education] to seek more information and investigate this situation. I need them to determine whether there is due process, whether children are protected by equal protection of the law, whether the civil rights of the children are violated. And frankly, I need them to assess whether a title six complaint is warranted.”
More than 80% of HISD students are Black and Hispanic, according to school district data. Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
The U.S. Department of Education told ABC News it has been in contact with Jackson-Lee’s office regarding the matter and it values and encourages community input in education decisions.
“We cannot prejudge the effect of state and local decisions that have not yet been implemented,” a spokesperson for the department said in regards to the state’s announcement.
Michelle Williams has taught at HISD for over a decade. She’s most concerned about closures or her school being turned over to the charter system, but she also believes TEA’s move is political.
“It’s partisan politics playing with [the] education of 196,000 students,” Williams told ABC News. “We’re a democratic city that constantly has pushed back against the governor [Republican Greg Abbott]. During the pandemic, HISD was one of the school districts that instituted a mask mandate with the state saying that we cannot institute a mask mandate. So we have done some things that have pushed back on the political atmosphere.”
As the process plays out, Malonson cautions against immediate reactions before the appointment of the new board on June 1st.
“Today, tomorrow, even next week, not a whole lot of stuff is going to happen,” Malonson said. “I’m certain that there is a hefty amount of skepticism and fear about, like, just what TEA is going to do.”
He added, “So I think for the morale of the city, being the largest district in the city, the largest in the state. I think it’s going to be a blow to the morale of the city and people are just going to be wondering what happens next.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images/STOCK(NEW YORK) — More than 40,000 graduating medical students learned Friday where they will spend the next three to seven years of their medical training.
With the United States grappling with a simultaneous shortage of primary care physicians and a rural health care crisis, many of the graduating students are set to enter the front lines of the country’s health care shortage.
At least 136 rural hospitals and health systems closed between 2010 and 2021, and over 40% of rural hospitals operate with negative profit margins. Despite billions of dollars in investment in health care, hospitals throughout the United States face the possibility of shutting down.
“I would say it is probably the worst time for health care that we ever experienced,” Joanne Conroy, the chief executive officer and president of Dartmouth Health, told ABC News. She noted that increased costs, inflation, limited housing, and workforce shortages have made running rural hospitals more challenging.
“We know what to do if we face another pandemic,” Conroy said. “The question is whether or not we have the financial resilience in order to survive it.”
Many hospitals that remain open have cut costs to survive, offering fewer services and beds.
In 2020, 47% of rural community hospitals did not provide obstetric services, with 89 obstetric units closing between 2015 and 2019. Seven million women reside in counties with limited or no access to maternity care, impacting half a million newborns annually.
According to Conroy, patients can already feel the impact of the crisis, noting that some women in New Hampshire need to drive two hours to deliver their babies. Other effects include fewer available beds in emergency rooms, delays for elective surgery and longer wait times for prescriptions or ambulance pickups.
For new medical professionals entering their residency, especially those joining rural systems, the circumstances of the struggling health systems are out of their control.
“It is not my job to fix all of the problems for an entire community, that’s impossible. When you feel like that’s your responsibility, burnout is basically inevitable,” said Katie Stevenson, a Tufts medical student. “When you feel like your goal is to do the best you can with the resources you have, you are able to right-size your expectations a bit.”
An increasing number of students are entering medical school programs that focus on rural medicine. In 2019, the Health Resources and Services Administration issued grants to create 32 newly accredited rural residency programs, supplementing the preexisting programs.
This year, Tufts School of Medicine will graduate its tenth class of students from its Maine Track MD program – a partnership with Maine Medical Center that allows students to pursue a community-based curriculum and gain financial incentives to encourage primary-care specialties.
Graduating roughly 40 students annually, 27% of Maine Track students have been matched to programs in Maine and 47% have been matched into primary care programs, according to Dena Whitesell, an assistant dean for students at Tufts and psychiatrist at Maine Medical Center.
“We know that students and residents who live in an area [and] who train in an area are more likely to practice in that area in the future,” Whitesell said.
Liv Fauver, a Tufts student who matched with a University of Vermont residency program, grew up in rural New Hampshire and said she felt motivated to work in a similar community where she could positively impact the local residents.
“I think for me, my goal is to live and work in the community that I serve,” she said. “So I’m really in a place where I go home or go to the grocery store and see my patients all the time, because that’s the world that I live in and work in.”
While rural hospitals have closed in record numbers, PCPs – medical professionals who patients regularly use for checkups and other routine care – face additional challenges, especially in rural areas, according to experts.
Greg Sawin, a PCP who has practiced in Massachusetts and Maine as well as Duke University School of Medicine professor, said he worries that the goals of primary and long-term preventative care can sometimes be at odds with larger health care systems.
“We get paid to do things to people. We don’t get paid to keep populations healthy,” he said.
Moreover, he believes the costs associated with medical schools – including the high cost, the likelihood of incurring debt and substantially higher pay to pursue competitive specialties like orthopedic surgery or dermatology, for example – disincentivize primary care options like family or internal medicine.
“It can be very appealing to want to go into a specialty where you’re guaranteed to make more money and pay that debt off more easily,” Stevenson said.
Owen Foster lives in rural Vermont and has felt the impact of the decreased number of available PCPs, spending six months to book an appointment with a doctor. Living in a rural area, Foster shares his dilemma with millions of Americans in rural areas impacted by the shortage of PCPs.
“You need basic things at certain intervals in your life,” he told ABC News. “If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can’t get that and you can’t get the referrals you need, so it’s really, really difficult.”
What makes Foster’s experience unique is his position as the state of Vermont’s top health care regulator. As chair of Vermont’s Green Mountain Care Board, he oversees the quality and cost of the state’s health care system.
Learning about the shortage of primary-care physicians in Vermont, Foster decided to use the opportunity to find a PCP as a chance to examine the market as a “secret shopper.”
“What I found was I was completely incapable of getting a doctor,” he said. “I called eight places and the best I got was on an indefinite wait list, which never came to fruition.”
Rural areas comprise about two-thirds of the primary care health professional shortage areas nationwide, even though only 20% of Americans live in rural areas.
The problem is also likely to worsen over time. Projections indicate that the United States will likely suffer a shortage of between 17,800 and 48,000 PCPs by 2034.
Moreover, health care professionals believe that the shortage of PCPs can make other elements of health care more expensive and worsen overall patient outcomes. Sawin gave the example of a person getting strep throat. Without a PCP, the person might go to a local hospital emergency room, which is significantly more expensive than other treatment options.
“In terms of mismatch of resources, you know, a kid with strep throat showing up in the ER is like cutting butter with a chainsaw,” Sawin said.
Foster added that primary care providers are “critical to controlling the costs of a health care system” due to their role in the early identification of issues, their ability to diagnose mental health issues, and their approach to preventative medicine.
According to Foster, PCPs in rural areas, however, struggle to find and retain staff, negotiate with insurance companies and prevent burnout. The shortage of PCPs, combined with the increased health care needs of the older population in rural areas, creates a concerning combination.
Despite these issues, Foster said he was optimistic about some approaches to make primary care more financially feasible, including adding a floor for PCP spending within health plans and government involvement in rate setting.
A new generation of students graduating from rural track programs also has the potential to reverse the tide of the PCP shortage in rural areas, with 571 additional primary care matches this year. Stevenson, for example, matched with the Swedish Cherry Hill rural program in Washington state.
“I think we have an opportunity in this country to do a much better job of taking care of our patients if we do a better job of funding primary care and preventative care and creating healthy environments,” Stevenson said.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
An exhibit now on display at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven aims to get people thinking about water quality. Museum community outreach coordinator Claire Herhold tells us Pisces Spiral is comprised of more than 300 hand-made fish. A team of volunteers led by artist Joan Bonnette and the South Haven Center for the Arts made the fish, and they’re arranged on the floor in spirals.
“As you move through the spiral, one of the things that we invite you to mediate on is the fact that a lot of these different fish are made up of recyclable materials or trash materials, and if we’re not careful about how those materials are disposed of, they can wind up in our waterways and really affecting the real, live fish that are in our waters,” Herhold said. “Here at the Michigan Maritime Museum, our job is to tell the story of Michigan’s fresh water and the people who use Michigan’s fresh water.”
Herhold says this is the museum’s first limited-time traveling exhibit and art installation. They’re planning an event on April 3 where more people can come and craft more fish. A look at Pisces Spiral comes with regular museum admission, and the display will be up through April 14.
Nascar driver Erik Jones donates book vending machine to his old elementary school here in Michigan.
Ben Affleck addresses Grammy memes. Keke Palmer is now producing and starring in a new rom-com with who? Gisele Bundchen is dating Elle Macpherson’s ex-husband…can you say awkward?
Telulla is one of most sweet pups you will ever meet. She likes kids, doesn’t mind cats, and is okay with most other dogs. Telulla is more of a Netflix & Chill kind of dog. She just wants to be as close to you as possible. We call Telulla our little lap Pibble! Telulla is vaccinated but not yet spayed, so that will have to be done. Telulla is with Van Buren County Animal Control, Phone 269-621-4624, 58040 Country Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057. Please reach out to them to learn more about this little sweetheart, Telulla See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Telulla is one of most sweet pups you will ever meet. She likes kids, doesn’t mind cats, and is okay with most other dogs. Telulla is more of a Netflix & Chill kind of dog. She just wants to be as close to you as possible. We call Telulla our little lap Pibble! Telulla is vaccinated but not yet spayed, so that will have to be done. Telulla is with Van Buren County Animal Control, Phone 269-621-4624, 58040 Country Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057. Please reach out to them to learn more about this little sweetheart, Telulla
St. Patty’s Day fun facts! Find out the most romantic cities in the U.S. Find out what Americans are saying their biggest tax stressors are.
Taylor Swift drops four previously unreleased songs at midnight to kick off her Era’s Tour. Ed Sheeran’s new album is SO sad, you’ll need a whole box of tissues to listen to it…find out why.
Find out area St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, trivia contests and art exhibits with Daniele from St. Joe Today.
High schooler does her research and gets accepted to over 50 colleges. Find out which one she picks.
Do you love to hate Aaron Rodgers? Find out what Hugh Jackman has to go through to get ready for Deadpool 3. Ryan Reynolds moonlights as an entrepreneur and probably makes more money at that than acting.
America’s TOP DOG BREEDS!!!! Fun facts about tanning on National Spray Tan Day. Are you living your best life? If not, you could move to one of these countries to do it.
Kelly Clarkson get real about her divorce and how it hurt her kids. Would you admit to being a Taylor Swift fan? Harry Styles gets more “props” for being a real nice person.
The real reason why there weren’t more Will Smith jokes at the Oscars. Plus, the real reason Tom Cruise wasn’t in attendance. Lindsay Lohan is having her first baby.
How you can watch all four March Madness games at once on one screen. Does your partner exhibit any of these annoying sleep habits? And how do you like to split the restaurant bill with friends?
Ed Sheeran teases new song on Tik Tok. All the stars performing on the Beach Boys Tribute Concert next month. Is it trouble in paradise for Blake and Gwen?
BCF Program Coordinator, Christian Hurdle and Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra’s Executive Director, Jessica Ismael are here to talk about For Good Grants and how it’s helping SMSO provide outdoor concerts in our community.
We’re talking with Dawn Marie Smith, Director of Be Healthy Berrien and Marcy Hamilton, Senior Planner at the SWMI Planning Commission regarding the expansion of the Indiana/Michigan River Valley Trail.
It’s the last dance for Mark Ballas. The Oscar “In Memoriam” makes an oops. Who’s out on The Bachelor.
National Potato Chip Day fun facts. National PI Day fun. If you have moved recently, maybe you can relate to these five biggest moving regrets.
Kenny Loggins “This Is It” tour and where you can see it. Train adds Michigan to their summer tour-find out where. Ed Sheeran goes to court and a jury will decide his fate.
Support is coming for area teachers who support students.
St. Joseph Public Schools on Monday announced the creation of four new positions throughout the district aimed to support student health, wellness, safety, and academic achievement. The main position will be a Classroom Climate and Culture Coach, with three supporting professionals to work in each of the district’s elementary schools.
At Monday’s school board meeting, District Assistant Superintendent Kristen Bawks said the new roles were made possible by a grant from the State of Michigan, and the new positions would support the development of students’ self-regulation skills through the training, modeling, and coaching of teachers and paraprofessionals.
“The person in this role will design, implement coordinate and evaluate comprehensive behavior support plans throughout the buildings, alongside building principals,” Bawks said. “Among other things, they would also lead staff professional development sessions related to restorative practices, trauma informed instruction, classroom management, positive behavior support systems.”
The Classroom Climate and Culture Coach and supporting professionals will work collaboratively with classroom teachers, parents, and administrators with the goal to help students become more focused, self-aware, and able to manage their emotions and behaviors in a way that supports their academic success.
“We are thrilled to add these new positions to ensure that we are creating both school and classroom cultures most conducive to student learning,” said Superintendent Dr. Jenny Fee. “We believe that investing in student health, safety, and wellness is key to academic success. By equipping our teachers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies of self-regulation, we are in turn supporting our students in learning how to self-regulate, and subsequently, we are setting them up for success both now and in the future.”
This district aims to hire for the new positions in the coming months in preparation to begin service at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
Who won at the Razzie Awards! Harry & Meghan are invited to coronation but their kids are not? What were the biggest movies at the box office this weekend?
What a publicity stunt by Lady Gaga. What was the winning song from last night’s Oscars. James Taylor goes on tour-here’s where you can see him.
Andrew Haan, V.P. of Business Development at Cornerstone Alliance and Emily Hackworth, Assistant City Manager of St. Joseph are here to talk about the Facade Grant Program.
ABCDaniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert took home the trophy for Best Director at the 95th annual Academy Awards Sunday night for their film Everything Everywhere All at Once. Known as “The Daniels,” the pair also took home an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for the film earlier in the evening.
“Our fellow nominees, you guys are our heroes, this is weird,” Scheinert said in his acceptance speech, thanking his parents, “for not squashing my creativity when I was making really disturbing horror films, or really perverted comedy films or dressing in drag as a kid, which is a threat to nobody.”
Kwan added, “I know every director agrees with me when I say a director is nothing without their incredible cast and crew,” adding, “If our movie has greatness and genius it’s only because they have greatness and genius flowing through their hearts and souls and minds and they gave that precious gift to our film.”
He then shared, “There is greatness in every single person, it doesn’t matter who they are. You have a genius that is waiting to erupt, you just need to find the right people to unlock that. Thank you so much to everyone who has unlocked my genius.”
With their win The Daniels become the third duo in Oscar history to win the Best Director award. Previous winning pairs include Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise for 1961’s West Side Story, and Joel and Ethan Coen for 2007’s No Country For Old Men.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABCSorry, Rihanna and Lady Gaga — you got beat by dancing Indian revolutionaries.
“Naatu Naatu,” from the Indian film RRR, won Best Original Song at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, beating out songs by Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Diane Warren and rocker David Byrne.
One of the song’s composers, M. M. Keeravani, took the podium and told the audience, “I grew up listening to The Carpenters. Tonight, I’m here with The Oscars!” He then sang a parody of The Carpenters’ hit “Top of the World,” changing the lyrics to reflect his hopes that he’d win, and that the Oscars would “put me on the top of the world.”
“Naatu Naatu,” the first song from an Indian film to be nominated for Best Original Song, is sung in the Telugu language, which is spoken mostly Southern India. The title translates to “local, local.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABCJust weeks after slaying at the Super Bowl, Rihanna, who’s expecting her second child, cut a gorgeous and glamorous figure at the Academy Awards, performing her Best Original Song nominee “Lift Me Up,” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Rihanna wore her hair down and combed back from her face, and her ears and neck were dripping with diamonds. She wore long black gloves, and a strapless black halter top with long sparkling fringes that cascaded down and partially covered her baby bump. A pair of highly embellished black trousers completed her look.
She stood on a rustic, African-inspired platform, and was backed up by string players as she sang the emotional song, which was created as a tribute to late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.
If “Lift Me Up” wins, it’ll be Rihanna’s first Oscar win.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABCJust weeks after slaying at the Super Bowl, Rihanna, who’s expecting her second child, cut a gorgeous and glamorous figure at the Academy Awards, performing her Best Original Song nominee “Lift Me Up,” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Rihanna wore her hair down and combed back from her face, and her ears and neck were dripping with diamonds. She wore long black gloves, and a strapless black halter top with long sparkling fringes that cascaded down and partially covered her baby bump. A pair of highly embellished black trousers completed her look.
She stood on a rustic, African-inspired platform, and was backed up by string players as she sang the emotional song, which was created as a tribute to late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.
If “Lift Me Up” wins, it’ll be Rihanna’s first Oscar win.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
From a Clue whodunnit at The Market to Twister and Jenga, St. Joseph storefronts went all out with the “board games” theme at March Mannequins Friday night.
If you missed out, we captured some stills – as well as some moving pictures – festivities. Head over to Moody on the Market Facebook page to view the photos, then go to the St. Joseph Today website to vote for your favorite through Sunday night. The top three winners will be announced on the St. Joe Today Facebook page on Monday, March 13.
As clocks spring forward to daylight saving time at 2 a.m. on Sunday, the Michigan Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to watch out for pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists in low light conditions. Sunrise will occur an hour later, meaning it will be darker later in the morning. Drivers also should allow a minimum three foot distance when passing a bicyclist, according to state law. According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, 6,236 pedestrians and 891 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2020. Preliminary data for 2021 suggest crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists continue to increase.
The life of Robert Blake. Jimmy Kimmel reveals what he might talk about during the Oscars. Where you can watch the nominated movies before Sunday night’s Academy Awards.
It was a dark day three years ago-find out why. Who wants to get rid of the time change and what time we should keep? Get ready for March Madness.
Rod Stewart is paying for patient’s MRIs. Pink is teaching her kids to be charitable by doing this. Stanford is now offering a class on Taylor Swift.
Break out the laser toys, wands, tunnels and bouncy balls for Lancelot! With him, life is one endless adventure. It’s looking like he’ll never outgrow kittenhood! Lancelot is a big boy, very energetic, athletic, and a great jumper. His best subject is recess so he needs a playmate! Lancelot would be very happy with another young feline friend to get into mischief with. He lived with a dog in his previous home and they were slowly becoming friends, so a polite dog is a possibility. Lancelot’s foster volunteer says he’s also a great conversationalist and will chatter away to you in the language of his people. So there’s that to look forward to! If you’re in the mood to be entertained on a daily basis, Lancelot is your guy. Lancelot is two and half years old, neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and negative for FeLV-FIV. Please reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about the most fun cat in the county, Lancelot!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The South Haven harbor will be dredged this spring. The US Army Corps of Engineers has allocated $610,000 for the project and the sand will be placed on South Beach according to Assistant City Manager Griffin Graham. The Corps dredged the harbor in August of last year as well. They placed roughly 18-thousand cubic yards of sand from the channel on South Beach last summer to help make up for what has been eroded over the past few years. Other harbors that will be dredged this year include Saugatuck and St. Joseph.
The South Haven harbor will be dredged this spring. The US Army Corps of Engineers has allocated $610,000 for the project and the sand will be placed on South Beach according to Assistant City Manager Griffin Graham. The Corps dredged the harbor in August of last year as well. They placed roughly 18-thousand cubic yards of sand from the channel on South Beach last summer to help make up for what has been eroded over the past few years. Other harbors that will be dredged this year include Saugatuck and St. Joseph.
Daniele Crevier from St. Joseph Today talks about March Mannequins, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, bridal shows, kids fun and more so you can plan your weekend.
An author formed a charity to get books in the hands of everybody who wants to read them.
Harry & Meghan’s kids can still be Royals??? Tiger Woods is being sued by ex-girlfriend-find out why. Muhammed Ali mini series in the works.
National Barbie Day Fun Facts. The new Girl Scout cookies are going for HOW much on Ebay? Find out the biggest hotel room deal breakers.
J Lo has a new album coming out-find out when. She’s officially not going to the Oscars-find out who. Bruno Mars will be headlining an outdoor music festival-find out where.
A surgeon runs through a group of marathon runners to retrieve an organ to save his patient’s life.
Did you catch the Chris Rock Netflix special? There’s some backlash about it-find out why. Halle Bailey, Disney’s newest Little Mermaid gets her own doll-hear about her reaction. Avatar: The Way of Water is set for digital release-find out when.
It’s International Women’s Day so we talk about the history of it, the most powerful women celebrities and advancements we can still make in women’s equality.
Kid Rock hits Detroit this summer-here’s when tickets go on sale. The “Sing A Song-All Night Long” tour with Earth, Wind & Fire/Lionel Richie hits Chicago this summer-here’s when tickets go on sale. Lewis Capaldi gets bronchitis on tour and has to postpone.
We’re joined by Berrien Community Foundation’s Program Director, Susan Matheny and her guest Nancy Church from Berrien County Cancer Services to talk about For Good Grants and the ways Berrien County Cancer Services are benefitting out community.
How one girl’s collection of Chuck E. Cheese game tickets made dozens of kids with cancer feel loved.
Find out who’s left on The Bachelor. Find out why Bruce Willis has an amazing wife. Find out who will be performing the “In Memoriam” segment at this Sunday’s Academy Awards.
Cereal Fun Facts on National Cereal Day. Find out what fast food favorites will be on store shelves this spring.
Will Lady Gaga perform her Oscar nominated song at Sunday’s Oscars….or not? A new NKOTB Cruise-find out when you can buy tickets. Adele autographs a WHAT a her Saturday show in Vegas?
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, invites you to see Debbie Sterling, founder and CEO of GoldieBlox, a driving force in the STEM industry, a powerful voice for women, and a leader for the next generation of female engineers, as she speaks at the Mendel Center on March 14th. Get details and tickets at the link at smrchamber.com!
A budding Benton Harbor business dedicated to promoting the therapeutic benefits of nature has received a big boost.
Nature Therapy of Michiana owner Karen Joy Bouwman earned the $10,000 top prize at the West Michigan WomanUp & Pitch competition last week. The event was hosted by Michigan Women Forward, a company dedicated to improving the economic and personal well-being of Michigan women and girls.
At Nature Therapy of Michiana, Bouwman – a Certified Forest Therapy Guide – takes clients on guided walks through southwest Michigan parks and nature preserves. The goal of each session is to help people relax and restore mind, body and soul through a connection with nature.
“Close your eyes down, and imagine you are in a lush green forest,” said Bouwman, as she began her pitch to the judges. “The air is clear and fresh. There’s sunlight and there are birds. And now take a deep breath in and let it out and just notice.
“Now, welcome back to the pitch competition.”
Each session is about two to three hours, where participants will immerse themselves in nature. Bouwman said the small group sessions are designed for second stage businesses and individuals looking for a better quality of life.
“But one of the coolest things about these services is that they sit squarely at the intersection of a great need for mental healthcare options and the tourism market,” said Bouwman, during the pitch. “In fact, Southwest Michigan alone is hosted over 12.3 million visitors annually, 48% of whom are seeking outdoor activities. And remember that one in five may also be taking that vacation to relax.”
Bouwman currently serves Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties in Michigan, as well as La Porte and St. Joseph counties in Indiana. She said the prize money will go a long way toward her company’s success.
“This is huge,” said Bouwman, of winning the award. “It allows me to put more resources into the website, which I need to finish building out. Then, I’ll also be able to hire somebody for customer service so I can add more sessions. The whole goal of winning the grand prize was so that I could add additional sessions so I can support more clients.”
Competing against nine other finalists for the top prize, Bouwman said she was able to rise to the top with the help of local leaders from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance, Jennifer Deamud at Kinexus Group and more.
“It took a whole team of people to help support me in writing the business plan and polishing the business plan and getting that submitted,” Bouwman said. “This is an incredible community that has so many resources and so many people willing to help, especially when you’re just getting started.”
Through developing unique cooperative partnerships with conservation groups, local businesses and leadership, Bouwman said she is establishing a cooperative mental health & wellness practice for strong recovery and resilience in Southwest Michigan.
Right now, Bouwman said she is working on a partnership with Chikaming Open Lands to host sessions at its nature preserves. She also uses Warren Woods State Park for sessions, as well as her own 17-acre parcel of land in Benton Harbor.
“We have some nice wooded areas and some fields and the Ox Creek Watershed here,” Bouwman said. “Really, you can do this practice wherever you have access to the outdoors. But, you get the most benefit from being in a well-established woodland environment.”
During the pitch competition, Bouwman added she is currently applying to have her services covered by health insurance.
“The task I have for you today is to vote for Nature Therapy of Michiana,” she said, to the judges. “To take home the resources from this competition … you will springboard my growth, allowing me to add additional sessions, supporting more clients, and creating lasting and true change in our communities.”
For more information about Nature Therapy of Michiana and its services, visit naturetherapyofmichiana.com.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
Prince Harry & Meghan officially invited to King Charles coronation, but will they attend? Tom Sizemore passes away. Hoda Kotb explains why she’s been gone from “Today”.
The top germiest places in hotel rooms. How much time do YOU spend on your appearance? The world is getting bigger.
A Harry Styles super fan passed up how much $$$ to rip up her ticket??? Lady Gaga wants to be a recluse. Ticketmaster messes up again.
Kristen Patzer, Director of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance joined us this morning to talk about the FOUNDhERS event happening this week.
Berrien County Animal Control is hoping to get some relief from overcrowding at its shelter in Benton Township as the sheriff and prosecutor talk about how to handle dogs that belong to individuals caught up in the court system. Animal shelter manager Ashley Herr tells us when someone is charged with a crime, their pet can wind up at Animal Control. There’s too many of them right now.
“We are packed to the brim with animals, honestly,” Herr said. “Cats, dogs, we’ve got a crazy number of bunnies right now. We’re very full.”
Herr says there are about 70 dogs at the shelter now, and many of them belong to criminal defendants.
“About three fourths of them are abuse, neglect, abandonment, all those sorts of legal charges in the works with their owners as well as the dogs, that sort of thing. And there’s dangerous dogs here as well. So, it’s just a matter of waiting for the courts to do a ruling to tell us exactly if the dogs go back to the owners, if they’ll stay with us, or what will happen with them.”
Herr says the dogs can’t be adopted out in the meantime. Ideally, she says it would be nice to have a limit on how long such dogs can be kept at the shelter. Right now, some are there for six months or longer. She tells us Sheriff Paul Bailey has made some headway on finding a solution in meetings with commissioners and the prosecutor. Meanwhile, you can help by adopting a dog or cat. Also, if you need to rehome a pet, Herr asks that you look at methods other than dropping them off at Animal Control.
A new interactive map shows stops along the Underground Railroad throughout Michigan, including here in southwest Michigan. The Michigan History Center has collected two dozen stories, not often found in textbooks, of people fleeing enslavement in the mid-1800s, abolitionists who assisted them, and communities that stepped up to protect freedom seekers. It says they’re all compiled into the new map to help anyone interested discover and learn more. In all, there are 24 stories. Among them is that of Stephen and Hannah Bogue, who were Quakers and staunch abolitionists who settled in Cass County in the 1830s. By 1843, they hosted meetings for the Young’s Prairie Anti-Slavery Society in the house that still stands to this day. The Bogues and their neighbors supplied freedom seekers with food, shelter, financial assistance and work. You can visit the Stephen Bogue Commemorative Marker at M-60 and Crooked Creek Road in Cassopolis. You can find the new interactive map right here.
Honey Boo Boo is back in the news. Rebel Wilson gets engaged at a theme park. The Academy announces its first round of presenters for next weekend’s Oscars.
Boomer names that may become extinct. There’s now a cruise that will take you around the world. The most stressful time of day is….
Abba Avatars. Joni Mitchell get honored. Meghan Trainor offering a new deluxe edition of her new album.
Rene is a very good boy and always very curious! Are you looking for a farm dog? Rene is the man for the job! He is about 6 years old and is a handsome German Shepherd mix. Rene is so playful and he is such a lover. He is one big teddy bear, and he absolutely loves getting attention! Rene would do best in a home without cats. He is dog selective and would do well in a home with teenagers. Rene loves milkbones, peanut butter, but his favorite is freeze dried treats. He is up to date on vaccines and neutered. Rene is such a gentle soul and is looking to complete someone’s family, his adoption fee is sponsored! Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our very good boy, Rene.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rene is a very good boy and always very curious! Are you looking for a farm dog? Rene is the man for the job! He is about 6 years old and is a handsome German Shepherd mix. Rene is so playful and he is such a lover. He is one big teddy bear, and he absolutely loves getting attention! Rene would do best in a home without cats. He is dog selective and would do well in a home with teenagers. Rene loves milkbones, peanut butter, but his favorite is freeze dried treats. He is up to date on vaccines and neutered. Rene is such a gentle soul and is looking to complete someone’s family, his adoption fee is sponsored! Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our very good boy, Rene.
Today Daniele Crevier from St. Joe Today fills us in on the Maker’s Ball, a new wine club, Day of The Dude fun and more.
Couple who met at McDonald’s and fell in love celebrate their anniversary there each year. This year was extra special…find out why.
Bebe Neuwirth returns as Lilith on Frasier reboot. Prince Harry can no longer return to Frogmore Cottage. Will Smith wins award ahead of Oscars.
The best and worst states for women. Find out what people are really doing with their tax returns. Celebrate Rescue A Cat Day.
Taylor Swift has her own book! Find out the reasons that inspired Ed Sheeran’s newest album. Kiss is taking their last tour…find out where you can see them.
One man in the country of Jordan is taking on the stray dog problem by donating his land for them to live on.
Chris Rock’s live Netflix Special about last year’s Oscar slap is this Saturday. Savanah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb are both out as co-anchors….due to health issues. Meghan Markle responsible for making this coffee house famous and now is starring in their promotional video.
Start prepping for Daylight Saving Time now by doing this. Here’s how you can enter the World’s Ugliest Dog contest. Do these stupid little things annoy you too?
Justin Bieber cancels tour completely. Lady Gaga is being sued by a person involved in dognapping scheme. We’re celebrating World Music Therapy Day.
Today we spoke with Lisa Cripps-Downey, President of BCF and Carrie Vill, Board Chair of the Fredrick S Upton Foundation and how their partnership is helping our community.
A man in England has been running a marathon every morning for the past two months to raise money for a good cause.
Hoda Kotb MIA? Tom Sizemore’s family having to make a difficult decision this week. Courtney Cox finally gets her star with her “friends”.
How often does your dog do weird things? Could you be getting a raise this year? States that are the most prepared for a Zombie Apocalypse.
Adele is engaged? Meghan Trainor shares her pregnancy woes. Find out where you can see Train when they go on tour this summer.
Today I spread the word about 211 and the services that number provides when you call it.
St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved plans for lighthouse tours this year. At a Monday meeting, they heard from new Heritage Museum and Cultural Center Director Marco Tomasi. He said last year saw 2,400 visitors, with Sunday being the most popular day for tours. His proposal this year is to extend the Sunday hours and have tours later into September. Tomasi told us this should be a year for growth.
“We want to continue offering tours, walk-in tours on the weekend and also appointments,” Tomasi said. “You can come in throughout the week and we’ll have somebody there. You can come in, you can tour the lower level for free, and then if you want to climb up to the upper levels and get that view of the lake, of the city, from the top of the lighthouse, then it’s $10 to climb up it and see.”
Tomasi said last year’s tours were possible thanks to volunteers, and they’re needed again this year.
“We could always use more volunteers to help us with these tours, to help showcase the people, the stories of this area, the importance of the lighthouse and our commercial port that we’ve had here.”
Email the Heritage Museum to sign up. The address is info@theheritagemcc.org. Some museum volunteers spoke to commissioners Monday, saying there’s been a lack of marketing of the museum and lighthouse tours since COVID. They noted advance bookings for tours have been down. With Tomasi just taking on the role of director in November, it’s hoped more can be done to grow the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in 2023.
A once-contaminated piece of land in Benton Harbor may soon be given a clean slate.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed removing the radiation portion of the Aircraft Components, Inc. (D&L Sales) Superfund site along the Paw Paw River in Benton Harbor from the National Priorities List of the nation’s most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination.
The 17-acre Aircraft Components (D&L Sales) Superfund site is located next to the Paw Paw River in Benton Harbor. Several manufacturing companies operated on site, including an airplane parts resale business. EPA found that some of the aircraft parts had deteriorated, raising concerns that radioactive paint and dust could leak out.
Today, the site is part of a community-wide development project. Hole 14 of the Harbor Shores Golf Course is located on part of the site. The course is also connected to the local arts community, and features sculptures at each hole created by area artists. In 2018, a warehouse for North Pier Brewing opened on the remaining part of the site.
EPA deletes sites – or parts of sites – from the NPL only when no further cleanup is required. The cleanup of this portion, which involved removing and disposing of radiologically-contaminated soils offsite and demolishing buildings, utilities and foundations onsite, was completed in 2003.
The chemical portion of the site was cleaned up in 2004 but will remain on the NPL until ongoing groundwater treatment and monitoring show that all regulatory standards are met.
EPA proposes the deletion of the Radiation Operable Unit because the cleanup was completed at levels that allow for unlimited use and unrestricted exposure for radiological contamination and no further response action is necessary for this portion of the Site. The deletion does not require any operation and maintenance, institutional controls to restrict land or groundwater use, or five-year reviews.
More information is available at the Benton Harbor Public Library located at 213 E. Wall Street, Benton Harbor, Michigan and on Aircraft Component Superfund Site webpage.
Comments on the site will be accepted through March 24, 2023. For all comments, questions or concerns please contact
- Danielle Kaufman (kaufman.danielle@epa.gov) | Community Involvement Coordinator |
312-886-6703 - Katherine Thomas (thomas.katherine@epa.gov) | Remedial Project Manager | 312-533-5878
A Superfund site is any site in the U.S that has been contaminated by hazardous materials and identified by the EPA as a candidate for cleanup. For more on this site, visit the EPA website.
Southwestern Michigan College Recognition Day Feb. 25 during basketball games with the Glen Oaks Community College Vikings celebrated 12 graduating student athletes.
Wrestler Gage Ensign, of Constantine, competed at 157 pounds for the Roadrunners. He finished third in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) championships, second at the Great Lakes District championships and will vie at the NJCAA National Championships in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Ensign, a member of the SMC Honors Program, boasts a 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) and is graduating April 29 with a general-studies degree. An active reservist with Marines H and S Company, he will attend officer candidate school this summer. This fall, Ensign will continue his studies at Central Michigan University, walking on to the Chippewas’ wrestling program.
Basketball player Nadia Collins, of Lakeside, captained SMC’s first team in more than 25 years, coached by Jeanine Wasielewski. She appeared in 20 games, posting a career-high eight rebounds versus North Central Michigan College and scoring a career-high eight points at Triton College. She has a 3.75 GPA and will graduate with a business degree. This fall, Collins will attend Western Michigan University’s (WMU) Haworth College of Business to complete her bachelor’s degree.
Anna Leach, of Cassopolis, is a member of the Ladybirds, SMC’s competitive dance team Laura Odenwald coaches. She has expanded beyond classical ballet to pom, jazz and hip hop. Leach has a 3.69 GPA and will be graduating with a general-studies degree. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges. Leach will attend WMU this fall.
The other nine honorees ran for Head Coach Zac Sartori’s second-year cross-country teams.
Ethan Saylor, of Dowagiac, was a lead runner, competing in two NJCAA National Championship meets. He has a 3.74 GPA and will graduate with a sports management degree. Saylor signed a national letter of intent to run cross country at Goshen College of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and plans to continue studying sports management or kinesiology.
Bailee Shambaugh, of Mishawaka, was a top-seven runner both seasons, competing in two NJCAA National Championship meets. She earned Academic All-American honors. Shambaugh compiled a 3.74 GPA and is graduating with a general-studies degree. She plans to continue her education at SMC in the nursing program.
Addison Modderman, of Lawton, ran in the number-three spot last fall, competing in the NJCAA National Championship meet. Modderman has a 3.86 GPA, graduating with a general studies degree. Addie signed a national letter of intent to run cross country at Tusculum University in Tennessee, an NCAA Division 2 institution. She plans to continue studies in secondary education with a focus on English and writing.
Gavin Smith, of Decatur, competed in cross country for the last two seasons and was named an Academic All-American in 2022. He has a 3.66 GPA and will graduate with a degree in general studies. Smith plans to attend WMU to continue studying sports management.
Alex Blanton, of Plainwell, competed at two NJCAA National Championship meets. Blanton expects to continue studying early childhood education with a career goal of teaching first or second grade.
Kelsey Brown, of Buchanan, competed at two NJCAA National Championship meets and was a top-five Roadrunner both seasons. He will graduate with a construction trades green technology degree and pursue a construction industry career.
Known as the “three amigos,” the Cassopolis trio consists of Robert “Buster” Ward, William Westphal and Ben Gillesby.
Ward competed at last fall’s NJCAA National Championship meet. He has a 3.35 GPA and will graduate with a business degree. He plans to someday open his own construction business.
Westphal was a top-seven runner for two seasons and competed in two NJCAA National Championship meets. Westphal will graduate with a criminal justice degree and plans to pursue a law enforcement career. Will has yet to decide if he will attend a four-year college or go straight into the police academy.
Gillesby competed on the men’s cross country team the past two years. He plans to continue to run competitively while studying secondary education with an emphasis in history and social science.
Wrestling team honored
Also recognized was SMC’s wrestling team, which returned after a 30-year hiatus to achieve remarkable success. Jan. 28 the team won the first MCCAA Conference Championship in school history. Head Coach Todd Hesson, an alumnus who wrestled for Hall of Fame Coach Jim Judd, was named Conference Coach of the Year.
In their dominating performance against five established programs, four SMC wrestlers became weight-class champions: Gabe Livingston, 133 pounds; Zam Thompson, 149; Hunter Heath, 165; and Shane Edwards, 285.
The grapplers finished third at the Great Lakes District Championships, with nine — Jared Checkley (174 pounds), Shane Edwards (285), Gage Ensign (157), Hunter Heath (165), Gabe Livingston (133), Matthew Martinez (141), Vinny Patierno (197), Jordan Simpson (125) and Zam Thompson (149) — qualifying for the March 3-4 NJCAA National Championships in Council Bluffs.
– Submitted by SMC
From the Associated Press — Democratic congresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan says she’ll seek the state’s open Senate seat in 2024. Slotkin is the first high-profile candidate to run for the seat being vacated by longtime Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow. In a campaign video released Monday morning, Slotkin says the country needs “a new generation of leaders that thinks differently, works harder and never forgets that we are public servants.” The 46-year-old former CIA intelligence officer is the first Democrat to enter the race. Slotkin is coming off an impressive victory in last year’s midterms, comfortably winning reelection despite being heavily targeted by Republicans.
Courtesy Nick family(NEW YORK) — For more than 27 years, Colleen Nick has been living with a void in her heart that she said will never be filled.
On June 9, 1995, her 6-year-old daughter Morgan was watching a Little League game at a ballfield near Alma, Arkansas, and went missing. Nick recalled the last time she saw her daughter was when she was running near the field with some friends during the game.
“I just looked up as they were running across. She had on her little green Girl Scout T-shirt,” Nick said. “But I looked at her running across with them and I turned back to the game.”
To this day, neither Morgan nor her remains have been found, and for years investigators have pursued every clue and every avenue for answers in Morgan’s disappearance.
But in the last two years, investigators said they may have received a huge lead that could bring more closure to the family.
An ABC News Studios docuseries now streaming on Hulu, “Still Missing Morgan,” chronicles the investigation into the missing child and features exclusive interviews with local detectives and FBI agents, and offers new key evidence that may lead to a suspect in the case.
Nick, who runs the Morgan Nick Foundation, an organization that helps find missing children, said she has never given up hope that Morgan would be found and her family would get justice.
Investigators said that one of the most important clues in the case was a red pickup truck with a camper that was parked near the ballfield at the time of the girl’s disappearance. The local police said that they received reports of a man who was inside the vehicle approaching children at the time.
For years, detectives and FBI agents didn’t have any suspects despite getting tips and information from thousands of people.
In November 2021, the FBI announced they had a break.
Investigators officially named Billy Jack Lincks as a person of interest. Lincks was convicted of sexual indecency after attempting to abduct a child two months after Morgan Nick’s disappearance.
During the incident, the victim of the attempted kidnapping told police that Lincks had pulled up in a red pickup truck that resembled the one linked to Morgan’s disappearance.
Lincks had previously been charged with sexual abuse in 1992, according to police records. He died in 2000 while serving his prison sentence in the sex abuse case, and the FBI is still seeking any information about connections he had with Morgan’s disappearance.
“I think the part that bothers me the most is that the [alleged] perpetrator is deceased, which means at the end of the day, at the end of the day, it means there’s no justice,” Nick said. “That no one is held accountable. No one has to stand and face us for what they did, that there’s just no justice for Morgan in this. And that’s something I have a really hard time getting my head around.”
The FBI was able to take possession of Lincks’ pickup truck and broke it down to try and find any evidence that would confirm it was used to abduct Morgan.
Initial crime lab reports found that blood was identified on part of a seat inside the truck and there were hair samples. However, those items didn’t have enough DNA information for a match to Morgan.
FBI investigators did, however, find a crucial piece of evidence inside the vehicle. A blue-green cotton fiber was discovered in the mat under the seats and in metal pieces of the truck.
Investigators said the strand could have been from Morgan’s Girl Scout shirt that she was wearing during the Little League game.
“Our hope was to get that information back very quickly,” Nick said before she found out the results.
An analysis found the fiber matched the same Girl Scouts shirt.
“The lab technician was able to determine that it is highly unlikely that the fibers found within the truck would come from a different material,” FBI Special Agent Ruben Gay said.
Although Lincks has yet to be formally charged with the abduction, FBI Special Agent Rob Allen said that the new evidence gives investigators a more explicit link between him and Morgan’s abduction.
“Now we can push away effort and resources on other subjects and reallocate them to this one and do a full-court press on this one subject,” he said.
Nick said that she is still holding out hope that she will find peace after all of these years.
“The possibility is that 2% [of missing children] do survive. That means that until someone can prove that Morgan didn’t survive, the possibility remains that she survived until someone can prove it,” she said. “My fight is for that small percentage in case Morgan fell into that 2% for the possibility, the tiny little possibility. As long as that possibility is there, that’s my fight to bring.”
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Students from middle and high schools across Berrien County are gearing up to participate in the 36th annual Berrien RESA Science Olympiad competition this Friday at Lake Michigan College.
The competition will feature 23 different STEM-related events of varying degrees, and at the end of the day, two teams each from the middle school and high school competitions will move on to the state finals.
Berrien RESA Student Activities Coordinator Tonya Snyder said some of the events are more technology-related, while others are focused on testing the students’ scientific knowledge. Some events will require students to build something ahead of the competition.
“It’s really a great an unusual day for the kids,” Snyder said. “They’re out of the school building and they’re in a higher learning institution setting, so that’s always inspiring and exciting for them.”
Snyder said while just two teams advance, the event allows students to explore STEM subjects in a more hands-on setting and friendly competition.
“We hand out medals and ribbons and swag,” Snyder said. “Anytime you receive a medal for something that you practice at, that can always be exciting and really kind of help them think like, ‘Oh, I was good at that. Maybe I should keep up with that, or try this as a class to take or career to head in that direction, because I knew more than I thought I did.’
“It can be kind of inspiring. It is a really encouraging and fun day for them in the sciences.”
Participating schools include Berrien Springs Middle and High school, Brandywine High School, Buchanan Middle and High school, Lakeshore Middle and High school, Mildred C. Wells Academy, Ring Lardner Middle School, River Valley Middle School, Upton Middle School, St. Joseph High School and Watervliet Middle School.
The competition begins at 9:15 a.m., with an awards ceremony at 2:45 p.m. Winners will move on to compete in the state finals at Michigan State University.
Sharon Pruitt / EyeEm/ Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Zero-calorie sweetener erythritol, widely used in sugar replacement or reduced-sugar products, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events including heart attacks and strokes for older adults consuming high amounts and already at risk of heart disease, according to a new study published Monday.
The study first published in Nature Medicine, discovered that higher levels of erythritol were found among patients who experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event, which includes stroke, heart attack, blood clots and cardiovascular death, over three years of observation.
Researchers caution that more research is needed. It’s too early to definitively say that erythritol causes problems for people who consume it regularly, especially as the study’s results may not be generalizable to everyone.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in fruits such as watermelons, pears and grapes, but has since been processed as a food additive used to sweeten and enhance the flavor of foods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA.)
The total U.S. population’s daily intake of erythritol has been estimated to reach up to 30 grams per day in some participants, according to data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey filed by the FDA.
Due to a growing obesity epidemic worldwide, artificial sweeteners are becoming increasingly common ingredients found in soft drinks, “diet” foods and other processed products. Although federal regulatory agencies like the FDA have deemed most artificial sweeteners as safe, little is known about the long-term health effects.
Sweeteners without erythritol
The average U.S. adult, teenager and child consumes nearly 17 teaspoons, or 270 calories worth, of added sugar a day, according to a Harvard report.
Dietitian Anna Taylor spoke to the Cleveland Clinic and listed fresh or frozen fruit as the healthiest way to sweeten food or drinks.
Taylor also suggests looking for other sugar substitutes like Stevia-based sweeteners that are herbal as opposed to artificial. However, the study warns that erythritol is often combined with other sugar substitutes to help add bulk to the sweeteners.
Natural sugars like raw honey, maple syrup, agave nectar and raw sugar provide more nutrients than table sugar, including antioxidants, vitamins and prebiotic gut bacteria, but there are often hidden ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to long-term metabolic complications, according to Taylor.
Overall, the healthiest sweetener to use is no sweetener at all. The American Heart Association recommends drastically lowering added sugar in a daily diet to help slow the risk of obesity and heart disease and to focus on more whole foods like a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
Taylor suggests breaking the sugar habit by weaning off sweeteners in everyday snacks and foods or substituting sweetened foods for other options.
“That’s true whether it’s in soda, sweet tea, fruit drinks, packs of sugar or sugar substitute for coffee or tea, or artificially sweetened flavor packets for water,” Taylor said to the Cleveland Clinic. “Drink plain water! At the very least, drink unflavored tea, coffee, bubbly water or water with fruit infused in it.”
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Berrien County Animal Control is hoping to get some relief from overcrowding at its shelter in Benton Township as the sheriff and prosecutor talk about how to handle dogs that belong to individuals caught up in the court system. Animal shelter manager Ashley Herr tells us when someone is charged with a crime, their pet can wind up at Animal Control. There’s too many of them right now.
“We are packed to the brim with animals, honestly,” Herr said. “Cats, dogs, we’ve got a crazy number of bunnies right now. We’re very full.”
Herr says there are about 70 dogs at the shelter now, and many of them belong to criminal defendants.
“About three fourths of them are abuse, neglect, abandonment, all those sorts of legal charges in the works with their owners as well as the dogs, that sort of thing. And there’s dangerous dogs here as well. So, it’s just a matter of waiting for the courts to do a ruling to tell us exactly if the dogs go back to the owners, if they’ll stay with us, or what will happen with them.”
Herr says the dogs can’t be adopted out in the meantime. Ideally, she says it would be nice to have a limit on how long such dogs can be kept at the shelter. Right now, some are there for six months or longer. She tells us Sheriff Paul Bailey has made some headway on finding a solution in meetings with commissioners and the prosecutor. Meanwhile, you can help by adopting a dog or cat. Also, if you need to rehome a pet, Herr asks that you look at methods other than dropping them off at Animal Control.
A new interactive map shows stops along the Underground Railroad throughout Michigan, including here in southwest Michigan. The Michigan History Center has collected two dozen stories, not often found in textbooks, of people fleeing enslavement in the mid-1800s, abolitionists who assisted them, and communities that stepped up to protect freedom seekers. It says they’re all compiled into the new map to help anyone interested discover and learn more. In all, there are 24 stories. Among them is that of Stephen and Hannah Bogue, who were Quakers and staunch abolitionists who settled in Cass County in the 1830s. By 1843, they hosted meetings for the Young’s Prairie Anti-Slavery Society in the house that still stands to this day. The Bogues and their neighbors supplied freedom seekers with food, shelter, financial assistance and work. You can visit the Stephen Bogue Commemorative Marker at M-60 and Crooked Creek Road in Cassopolis. You can find the new interactive map right here.
Madonna previewed her upcoming Celebration tour on Instagram and wrote, “Thank God I have my creative life to inspire me and keep me going.” The teaser shows off some of the backup dancers and outfits Madge will wear. The update comes days after the singer reportedly broke up with 23-year-old model Andrew Darnells. Page Six previously reported the hitmaker is throwing herself into her tour to prove she’s still a superstar.
Fans who have been saving up to buy Kelly Clarkson‘s furniture line on Wayfair can now splurge. Kelly has launched a sale, with offerings starting as low as $9.
The Weeknd is officially the first artist to ever reach 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify. He broke the record on Monday.
Has Dua Lipa found romance in Rita Ora‘s ex Romain Gavras? British tabloid The Sun is claiming the 41-year-old filmmaker is dating Dua, who’s 27, on the down low. Apparently Gavras was identified as the mystery man Dua was seen leaving a BAFTAs party with, which first sparked relationship rumors.
Taylor Swift‘s “Lavender Haze” broke into the top 10 on the Billboard Adult Pop Airplay chart, making it her 27th song overall to make it to the upper echelon of that particular list. She now ties Maroon 5 for having the record for the most top 10 hits on the chart.
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Mike Coppola/Getty ImagesHailey Bieber sat down for an interview conducted by none other than husband Justin Bieber for Vogue Australia.
Justin revealed he and his wife watched “a beautiful sunset” as he peppered her with questions about her Rhode beauty line and sought business advice.
Justin noted, “Watching you build this company has been the coolest.”
While that may have earned him some brownie points, the singer aimed to score more praise by asking his wife to name her favorite thing about being married.
“My favorite thing about being married is honestly the companionship I feel we have,” Hailey responded. “Genuinely, you are my best friend in the entire world. There’s nobody I would rather spend more time with or do anything with.”
Justin also asked the model to divulge her biggest fashion regret, which she revealed was a “boxy-looking vest dress” she wore a few years ago.
“I thought it was going to be the cutest thing ever. I wore it, and I saw the photographs after and it legitimately looked like I was inside a box. I looked like a present, and it was so bad,” she lamented.
Justin and Hailey married in 2018 and will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary in September.
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Roadside AttractionsThe trailer has dropped for Ray Romano‘s directorial debut, the film Somewhere in Queens, which debuted over the summer to strong reviews on the film festival circuit.
In the movie, Romano plays a dad and owner of a family-run New York construction company whose son, nicknamed Sticks (Jacob Ward), gets a potentially life-changing chance to be scouted for college basketball teams. When a broken heart threatens to derail the dream, however, Romano’s Leo tries to do whatever it takes to get Sticks back on track.
Emmy winner Laurie Metcalf plays Romano’s wife, Angela, and fellow stand-up and actor Sebastian Maniscalco stars as Romano’s younger brother.
The movie debuts April 21.
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Getty ImagesIan Fleming‘s famous superspy is getting sensitivity training.
In a story similar to edits made to Roald Dahl‘s beloved children’s books, which made their publisher reverse course following a backlash, The Telegraph reports Ian Fleming Publications will bring James Bond’s written adventures more in tune with modern sensibilities for an April rerelease of his books.
Unlike Dahl’s work, which saw pejoratives like “fat” on the chopping block, the company that owns Fleming’s literary rights says it’s removing racist language from the texts. Included are deletions of the “n-word” and references to various characters’ race — if they’re Black. Other references, such as Goldfinger’s Korean, bowler-hat-throwing henchman Oddjob, as well as various Asian pejoratives, remain, the paper explains.
According to The Telegraph, a disclaimer added to the reissued texts will read, “This book was written at a time when terms and attitudes which might be considered offensive by modern readers were commonplace. A number of updates have been made in this edition, while keeping as close as possible to the original text and the period in which it is set.”
The company that holds his rights explains that before Fleming’s death in 1964 he allowed edits of his Bond books for various markets: For example, American readers consumed toned-down sex scenes compared to overseas releases. As such, Ian Fleming Publications insists it’s just “following Ian’s approach” in changing the texts.
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Oliver Helbig/Getty Images(CAPE COD, Mass.) — Twelve years after a shooting death on Cape Cod, the alleged killer was caught, in part, thanks to a root vegetable used in the commission of the crime, according to prosecutors.
On Feb. 27, 2011, Todd Lampley was found shot to death in a Hyannis, Massachusetts, home.
Devarus Hampton, 40, was arrested Friday in Massachusetts and was arraigned Monday — exactly 12 years after the crime. Hampton pleaded not guilty and was held without bail.
At the time of the murder, police found three shell casings and a sweet potato with a hole in it at the scene, according to a prosecutor with the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said they found DNA on the sweet potato that was a match for Hampton.
“The sweet potato appears to be used as a silencer,” the prosecutor, First Assistant District Attorney Jessica Elumba, told ABC News.
Fans of the HBO drama series “The Wire” may recall an episode in which a sweet potato was used as a silencer, spawning numerous internet demonstrations to test whether it actually worked. The alleged killer may have been a fan of the show because police also found a cellphone at the murder scene registered in the name of Marlo Stanfield, a fictional character on “The Wire.”
“It’s an interesting fact pattern,” Elumba said in a phone interview.
In court, Elumba said there is other evidence to place Hampton at the home at the time of Lampley’s shooting death but she declined to comment when asked why it took 12 years to make the arrest. Elumba said in court Monday that Hampton was wearing a GPS monitor from a different crime at the time of the shooting, which placed him at the scene. The gun allegedly used in the crime was also fished out of a nearby lake, prosecutors said.
Hampton is due back in court in Barnstable County on April 5.
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17-year-old Shamiya Williams of Benton Harbor is the 2023 Boys and Girls Club of Greater Southwest Michigan Youth of the Year. She won last week over other local Youths of the Year and now will compete for the state title. Shamiya is a senior at Benton Harbor High School who is part of the varsity cheer squad, the band, the softball team, and the volleyball team. We asked her what motivates her to be involved.
“My family always makes sure that I know I could do anything, and they always push me to be my better self,” Shamiya said. “Especially my mom. My mom has always motivated me.”
Shamiya says she’s part of the Boys and Girls Club because it’s like a family that encourages young people to be their best. She plans to attend Lake Michigan College next year to start working toward a law degree. Her goal is to become a public defender.
“I want to change the system to actually be fair to everyone because, sometimes, you miss so much in life and just because you did one bad thing, you miss so much in life.”
Shamiya hopes to eventually have her own law firm. She’ll compete for the state title in April, and then possibly, for the national title.
BMGAdam Lambert is looking back at his musical journey and revealed he once thought he couldn’t be a singer because of his sexual orientation.
When speaking to BBC about new album High Drama, the singer said he was drawn to cover Duran Duran‘s “Ordinary World” because it spoke to his feelings of being an outsider.
“When I was a teenager coming to terms with my sexuality, I didn’t think I’d have a shot in the music industry, mostly because I was gay,” he said. “We had artists that came out once they had success, Elton John, George Michael, but there was no one I could compare myself to.”
Adam says the industry is more welcoming of queer artists now and that his album cover symbolizes the barriers he broke through to get where he is.
In an interview with Gay Times, the singer spoke about being part of a wave that opened more doors for queer singers, suggesting “the industry isn’t as scared” of such artists.
“Someone asked me, ‘Are you jealous?’ I was like, ‘Why? It’s great for everybody.’ I’m f***ing thrilled,” he added.
“We have proof and reinforcement that you can be queer, and it doesn’t mean that your audience is only queer,” Adam added. “It doesn’t matter to young people anymore. No one gives a f***.”
The singer continued, “I’m 40 and I’m looking at what’s going on, the conversations with pop culture and what young people are into. It’s blown all the way open. It’s the idealistic version of how we all wanted it to be, and now it’s started looking like that.”
He also has this message to those who say he’s going to hell because of his sexuality: “Sign me up, I’ll wear good shoes.”
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Asanka Ratnayake/Getty ImagesOlivia Newton-John was remembered during a state memorial service in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday.
Delivering emotional speeches at the event were the late Grease star’s husband, John Easterling, and daughter Chloe Lattanzi. Olivia died of breast cancer in August 2022 at the age of 73.
“My heart is broken in two,” Chloe, 37, said at the memorial service. “The other half is with my mama. I know she’s holding it for me until we meet again.”
“I stand here before you so desperately wanting to feel strong and confident and speak eloquently, but the truth is I feel like a little girl lost without her mother,” she continued. “She was my safe space, my guide, my biggest fan and the earth beneath my feet.”
She added, “I know she’s here, standing beside me and within me. I can hear her voice [saying], ‘You are safe, my darling. Don’t be afraid. You are so much stronger than you think. Speak from your heart. That’s all you have to do.'”
“I love how she loved: fully and completely,” she continued. “She would want us all to laugh and reminisce together in joy and celebrate her life. This life experience is temporary, and my mother is the perfect example of a life truly lived.”
Easterling, who married Olivia in 2008, became emotional when he recounted how she’d proposed to him during a game of charades.
Others who paid tribute to Newton-John via prerecorded messages included Dolly Parton, Nicole Kidman, Pink, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, RuPaul, Hugh Jackman and Elton John.
During the service, Australian singer Delta Goodrem performed a medley of Olivia’s hits, including “Physical,” “You’re the One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
The memorial service is available to stream at Vic.gov.au until March 5.
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ABCMeghan Trainor is officially past the 20-week mark in her pregnancy and apparently is dealing with two crappy issues — pun intended.
Posting a series of photos on Instagram of her wearing a shimmering blue pantsuit, the singer shared an unfiltered “pregnancy update.”
Meghan said she is dealing with a “Crazy round ligament pain,” as well as some pretty bad constipation: “wish me luck,” she cracked.
Her fans have flooded the comments with suggestions on what got them through such pregnancy hurdles.
On a brighter note, the singer reminded fans that she would be performing “Made You Look” on Australian Idol, where she also serves as a judge. She shared a few highlights to her Instagram Story.
Meghan is expecting her second child with husband Daryl Sabara. The two share a 1-year-old son named Riley.
In other Meghan news, she teased she’s cooking something up with YouTube Shorts; fans will find out what it is on March 1.
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A firefighter killed in the line of duty last week will be laid to rest this weekend.
A public visitation, private memorial service and funeral procession for fallen Paw Paw firefighter Lt. Ethan Quillen will be held this Saturday. Quillen died in the line of duty last Wednesday when he was hit by a fallen power line during an ice storm in in Almena Township.
Public visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Paw Paw High School, with a funeral service to follow. A procession featuring Ethan’s parents, grandparents, friends and first responders will then head from the high school to Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan for a burial ceremony.
Ethan’s parents will be in the lead patrol unit with Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott. Ethan’s grandparents will be in the second patrol unit with Ethan’s close friend Deputy Jeff Gilbert. Ethan’s widow and daughter will be in the third unit which will be Engine 1 from the Paw Paw Fire Department, along with Ethan and other fire fighters. The fourth unit will be Engine 2 driven by Chief Jim DeGroff.
The procession will leave Paw Paw High School and make a stop at the Paw Paw Fire Department, 832 S. Gremps Street, to honor Quillen before heading up to the burial site in Allegan. The procession will end at M-43, where only family and select others will continue to the burial.
FOX 17 will be streaming the funeral service at 12:30 p.m., and all other media are asked to remain on the funeral procession path and not come to the cemetery.
To donate to a GoFundMe set up for Quillen’s family, click here.
A firefighter killed in the line of duty last week will be laid to rest this weekend.
A public visitation, private memorial service and funeral procession for fallen Paw Paw firefighter Lt. Ethan Quillen will be held this Saturday. Quillen died in the line of duty last Wednesday when he was hit by a fallen power line during an ice storm in in Almena Township.
Public visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Paw Paw High School, with a funeral service to follow. A procession featuring Ethan’s parents, grandparents, friends and first responders will then head from the high school to Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan for a burial ceremony.
Ethan’s parents will be in the lead patrol unit with Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott. Ethan’s grandparents will be in the second patrol unit with Ethan’s close friend Deputy Jeff Gilbert. Ethan’s widow and daughter will be in the third unit which will be Engine 1 from the Paw Paw Fire Department, along with Ethan and other fire fighters. The fourth unit will be Engine 2 driven by Chief Jim DeGroff.
The procession will leave Paw Paw High School and make a stop at the Paw Paw Fire Department, 832 S. Gremps Street, to honor Quillen before heading up to the burial site in Allegan. The procession will end at M-43, where only family and select others will continue to the burial.
FOX 17 will be streaming the funeral service at 12:30 p.m., and all other media are asked to remain on the funeral procession path and not come to the cemetery.
To donate to a GoFundMe set up for Quillen’s family, click here.
After ice storms left large areas of Michigan residents without power last week, state Attorney General Dana Nessel is calling on DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to issue credits for residents affected. Nessel says with an ice storm that was possibly one of the worst Michigan has seen in years, residents deserve a grid they can rely on. She says despite repeated requests, “utilities have failed to adequately invest in their own infrastructure or prepare for these storm events, choosing instead to leave ratepayers in the dark.” Nessel calls the service quality standards “not sufficient,” adding the power companies need to “right this wrong.” She notes a 2022 order from the Michigan Public Service Commission called for an “independent review of the adequacy of the electric distribution system operated by Consumers Energy and DTE Electric. She says consumers should get automatic credits for power outages.
Walt Disney Television/Yolanda PerezFor a “slap heard ’round the world,” precious little has been heard publicly from the guy on the receiving end of it, Chris Rock.
As reported in April 2022, Rock mentioned onstage he wouldn’t talk about it at length until he gets “paid” for it — and it seems Netflix brought the checkbook for its first live comedy special.
ABC Audio has confirmed Chris Rock: Selective Outrage will be staged in Baltimore, Maryland, live at 10 p.m. ET on March 4, a week and a day before the 95th annual Academy Awards.
Rock had already launched his Ego Death world tour before Will Smith slapped him and cursed him out for a joke about Jada Pinket Smith‘s bald head, but his ticket sales skyrocketed after the incident.
Netflix is going all out for the special. “March 4 will be a hilarious evening, with an incredible set from Chris Rock – one of the greatest stand-ups of all-time – and contributions from an amazing lineup of special guests,” said Robbie Praw, Netflix’s vice president of stand-up and comedy formats.
The Show Before the Show preshow will start at 9:30 p.m. ET live from The Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip, hosted by Ronny Chieng with Arsenio Hall, Leslie Jones, Deon Cole and more.
“The show’s comedians will count down to the historic live Netflix comedy event” with “live commentary from fellow comedians and special messages from some of Rock’s friends including Amy Schumer, Cedric the Entertainer, Ice-T, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Matthew McConaughey, Sir Paul McCartney, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, and more.”
Following the special, David Spade and Dana Carvey will be hosting The Show After The Show with special guests live from The Comedy Store to wrap up the night.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABC News(NEW YORK) — Residents in Jackson, Mississippi, continue to be hit with boil water notices, water shortages and other water infrastructure problems that have lingered for decades.
Over the last two years, Jackson residents have been hit with more problems that left them without clean water for weeks at a time.
On Feb. 27, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba spoke with GMA3 about the latest updates on the efforts to solve this crisis.
GMA3: The issues here range from a lack of water pressure in schools. You also have storms knocking out water for residents. But you say that a lot of these issues, these water issues, they’ve been going back decades and really are deep rooted. So what’s going on here? What’s driving all of these problems and where is that infrastructure now?
MAYOR CHOKWE ANTAR LUMUMBA: Absolutely. So, I moved to Jackson in 1988. I fondly, or not fondly, distinctly remember in 1989 when we had a winter freeze that debilitated our water system. For some residents, their memory and reflection go back further than that. And so it’s been decades long. This is due to decades of neglect through a deliberate indifference or a willful neglect from state leadership to fund what many leaders in the city have been begging for years. I give my predecessors credit that they’ve been lifting this issue up, but these calls have been falling on deaf ears.
And so through the support of the Biden administration for the first time, we can say that there’s light at the end of this tunnel. We were able to receive, through a combination of the end-of-the-year omnibus bill and other federal resources, more than $800 million to go toward our system. And so now we have to build not only a sustainable and equitable and dependable system, but a system that the community is at the root of making sure that it reflects what they deserve and what they need.
GMA3: Let’s talk about the light at the end of that tunnel. We know that when it comes to fixing these types of problems, there’s no easy solution. So what kind of timeline are we looking at now?
LUMUMBA: Well, this isn’t a problem that we got into overnight. And so consequently, it won’t be a problem that we get out of overnight. We have more than 50% loss within our system. Standard within the industry is about 15% loss. And so it will be a significant undertaking just to replace pipes in addition to the capital improvements that are needed with the water treatment facility itself, making sure that it’s functional, and that it operates as it should. Fortunately, not only do we have the resources now, but we also have the technical expertise. We were able to reach an agreement where we have a third-party manager, a gentleman who has more than 40 years [experience] in water utilities. And so he will be directing the prioritization of those projects. We were able to receive support from the Army Corps which gave us a resiliency playbook. And so now we’re going to be executing on that. But we can’t design and defend. What I mean by that is we can’t design solutions and defend the merits of those solutions to our community. We have to make certain that they’re engaged from the very onset of this fix.
GMA3: And so now the city has received, what is it, more than $100,000 in water crisis donations. But you said in January that that money hadn’t been touched yet. So what’s going on with that money?
LUMUMBA: Yeah, so to be clear, in terms of the effort, the robust effort to support the residents of Jackson that has actually been in the millions of dollars, a lot of that has been reflected in water donations, providing residents water. At the very beginning of this crisis, the challenge was getting water to residents. The $100,000 was money that was provided in large part by UnitedHealthcare, a partner who works with the city in order to provide water filters. Those filters will help build confidence with residents in the quality of water as we make these repairs. The first step is to make sure that they have water first. And so the filters would not have been the best solution early on because there was no actual water coming out of the taps. And so these filters that we’re looking at because you don’t know what you might meet when you get in people’s homes, the variation of plumbing that takes place.
So we’re looking at pitchers that will be able to provide these residents so that when the water is consistently flowing through the tap, they’ll be able to fill the pitcher and they’ll have an extra layer of comfort in what they’re being provided. And so through our relationship, through the request of UnitedHealthcare, we’re grateful that they were a willing partner to meet us. And now that we’re at that phase, we just recently had additional conversations with them, making certain that what we purchase is consistent with their mission of supporting the city of Jackson.
GMA 3: And let’s talk about the city of Jackson. It is 80% black. And the EPA recently launched a civil rights investigation into whether state officials deprived Jackson of bipartisan infrastructure funds on the basis of race. So who or what is to blame for this?
LUMUMBA: Well, you know, as I said before, there’s been a deliberate indifference or a willful neglect of the needs of our city. I believe that that is being taken to task now and the investigation is ongoing. I think that not only based on Jackson being a blue city in a red sea and having the partisan divide, but it is also the blackest city in the nation. And so there are racial dynamics at play. And we have to ensure that the past, that we know Mississippi to be a part of, isn’t reflective of our present or our future. And so I do believe that this investigation is necessary.
I think that it is part and parcel of a process that we’ve seen for many decades now, generations where the state is not a willing partner. As we speak there are legislative measures going forward to attack the black leadership, not just me as mayor, but Black judges, attack Black prosecutors, and instead appoint leadership over a city similar to a system of apartheid. And so, you know, we want to make certain that we’re on the right side of history. And this isn’t the narrative of Mississippi and certainly not the narrative of Jackson, Mississippi.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Ben ZuckerAmid marking the 25th anniversary of their debut single, Train has announced new summer tour dates.
The first batch of dates get underway July 15 in Anchorage, Alaska, and are set to wrap up August 2 in Dillon, Colorado. Opening select shows will be ’90s rockers Better Than Ezra. More dates — more than 50 in all — will be announced in the next few weeks.
Tickets for the first batch of dates go on sale Friday, March 3, at 10 a.m. local time; presales start Tuesday, February 28. Visit SaveMeFrancisco.com for more details on the tour.
On February 24, 1998 — 25 years ago — Train released their self-titled debut album. That March they released their quirky first single, “Meet Virginia,” which finally peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2000.
The band’s most recent album is 2022’s AM Gold. Having just completed their latest Sail Across the Sun fan cruise, they’ve scheduled another one for February 13, 2025.
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Britney Spears and her husband, Sam Asghari, averted a scary situation when two of their dogs got loose and ran away from home. Thankfully, a local rescue organization was able to wrangle the pups.
Sam took to Instagram to thank the Dog Days Search & Rescue team for finding Sawyer, the Australian shepherd, and Porsha, the Doberman pinscher.
“A huge thank you to @dogdayssar for finding our babies that ran like Forrest Gump down the road yesterday,” he wrote. He has since shared a link on his bio where fans can donate to the organization.
Asghari explained the two dogs rushed out the door and managed to run 5 miles away from home before being picked up by the rescue team. The actor added the local sheriff’s department also assisted in the search.
Britney welcomed Sawyer last year, saying she found him in Maui and “took him home immediately.” As for Porsha, the Doberman was a gift from Sam in 2021; he said he wanted the dog to “protect” Britney from those “with bad intentions.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
LucasfilmThe Mandalorian‘s third season debut drops Wednesday on Disney+, and Pedro Pascal can’t wait for fans to see it — because he’s a fan himself.
In an interview with Digital Spy, the Last of Us star talks about that other show that has him chaperoning a gifted child on a dangerous journey.
He said of Mandalorian creator and co-executive producer Jon Favreau and his producing partner Dave Filoni, “I remember checking in with them and just asking, ‘Are you guys, okay?’ because season three is so epic that you’ve got to wonder how overworked they are.”
Indeed, the pair are interweaving stories with Mando and its spin-off Ahsoka — which stars Rosario Dawson as the grown-up former Jedi Filoni created for Star Wars: The Clone Wars — as well as Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which will star Jude Law.
Pascal clarifies about using the word “epic,” “I don’t mean it in a typical sort of Star Wars fashion. I mean … what season three does visually and narratively, it’s pretty epic.”
He said of his character’s relationship with the show’s first star, Grogu, who most people still refer to as Baby Yoda, “It’s such a beautiful dynamic that exists between Din [Djarin] and Grogu; protector, protected. And how … there’s so much layering within their relationship.”
He adds, “So I would just say that what is initially, or instantly, rich about their dynamic becomes more available to us in season three. What disarms us about this relationship continues to grow and that’s a fun thing.”
And seeing as the season 2 finale brought back none other than an in-his-prime Luke Skywalker, can fans expect any other jaw-dropping guests?
“The answer to that is yes, period,” Pedro says with a laugh.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
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Columbia RecordsMiley Cyrus is counting down the days until fans can listen to her new album, Endless Summer Vacation. To add to the hype, she dropped its complete track list.
Endless Summer Vacation arrives next month and offers 12 new songs from Miley. In addition to her #1 single “Flowers,” which is also first on the track list, the album features collaborations from Sia and Brandi Carlile.
Sia’s song, “Muddy Feet,” is ninth on the track listing, while “Thousand Miles,” featuring Brandi, is fourth on the list.
Miley is also treating fans to a demo version of “Flowers,” which will be the final song on the new album.
Here’s the complete track listing for Endless Summer Vacation, which arrives March 10
“Flowers”
“Jaded”
“Rose Colored Lenses”
“Thousand Miles (feat. Brandi Carlile)”
“You”
“Handstand”
“River”
“Violet Chemistry”
“Muddy Feet (feat. Sia)”
“Wildcard”
“Island”
“Wonder Woman”
“Flowers (Demo)”
The album is available to preorder and will be available on all major formats. Miley will also sell a special all-white vinyl exclusively at Target.
In other Miley news, “Flowers” is the #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 for a sixth week in a row. The feat is double the record “Wrecking Ball” set as her former longest-running #1 song. The 2013 hit had enjoyed a three-week run at the top of the chart.
Fans streamed “Flowers” 28.7 million times, down 15% from the previous week.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Netflix(NOTE LANGUAGE) Arnold Schwarzenegger drops one of his most famous catchphrases, and not much else, in a short tease to Netflix’s upcoming action series FUBAR.
The title is a military acronym for “[effed] up beyond all repair,” but there’s not really much going on in the snippet to justify it at this point: Arnold is shown lighting a stogie, dropping his catchphrase, riding a motorcycle and drifting a BMW around a turn. Oh, and co-star Fortune Feimster taps him in the crotch for “being too sentimental.”
Netflix’s teases, “A CIA Operative on the verge of retirement discovers a family secret. Forced to go back into the field for one last job, the series tackles universal family dynamics set against a global backdrop of spies, action and humor.”
Arnold enthuses in the teaser’s announcement, “Everywhere I go, people ask me when I’m going to do another big action comedy like True Lies. Well, here it is. FUBAR will kick your a** and make you laugh – and not just for two hours. You get a whole season.” He adds the show will give his fans “exactly what they’ve been waiting for.”
Top Gun: Maverick‘s Monica Barbaro also stars, along with The Last of Us‘ Gabriel Luna, who incidentally co-starred with Ah-nuld as a competing cyborg in 2019’s franchise killer Terminator: Dark Fate.
The show debuts May 25.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Roberto Ricciuti/RedfernsSir Rod Stewart surprised patients waiting for their MRI scans at a British hospital by taking care of the bill. The money not only helped pay for their visit, it also allowed the hospital to provide faster service.
The Guardian reports Stewart donated funds that covered a full day of scans at Princess Alexandra hospital in Essex, England.
As previously reported, the singer was inspired to cover patients’ scans last month. He told Sky News it was ridiculous people had to wait in long lines for the procedure.
“I had just come from my scan in a private clinic near Harley Street,” he said. “I walked in and said, ‘I’m terribly sorry, I’m half an hour late.’ They said, ‘Don’t worry, there’s hardly anybody in here today.'”
“There were eight people with hardly anything to do. Then I thought this is a terrible injustice, so here we are,” he added.
A hospital representative said the singer’s donation reduced the waiting list by about 10 percent.
When making good on his word, Stewart joked he wanted to “prove I’m not all mouth and trousers.”
Stewart now wants to help pay for MRI scans at other hospitals and hopes to inspire more people with the means to help others. “If this is a big success, which I think it will be, I’d like to do it in Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and just keep it going and hope some other people follow me,” he said.
The singer also rallied for nurses to be paid more.
“There must be enough money in the coffers to pay up for these nurses – only two years ago we were clapping and now … Bless them, they work so hard, salt of the earth,” Stewart said.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Courtesy of Philadelphia Police Department(PHILADELPHIA) — Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect seen vandalizing a mosque this weekend.
Security cameras caught the man spray-painting symbols and phrases including “Jesus Christ” on the walls and doors of Masjidullah – The Center for Human Excellence, according to the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
The incident occurred at about 11:57 p.m. Friday and mosque officials reported the vandalism on Sunday, Philadelphia police said.
CAIR-Philadelphia President Mohammed Zubairu, who is also a member of Masjidullah, is urging police “to apprehend the perpetrator and to determine whether there was a bias motive for the incident.”
“All Americans should feel safe from harassment or intimidation at their houses of worship,” Zubairu said.
Leaders of Masjidullah, a local church and a local synagogue said in a joint statement that they’re “appalled and saddened” by the vandalism.
“We stand together once again in the face of bigotry and hate,” the leaders said.
“We pray for a time when peace and understanding will fill and encompass our entire Philadelphia region,” they said.
Philadelphia police ask anyone with information to call 215-686-3353.
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ABCKaty Perry was overwhelmed by grief when an American Idol contestant revealed they are a survivor of the Santa Fe High School shooting.
Trey Louis, who is now 21, performed a soulful rendition of “Stone” by Whiskey Myers for his audition, and he advanced to the next round. While all three judges were impressed by his vocals, he brought them to tears when describing what happened to him on May 18, 2018.
“A gunman walked into my school. I was in art room 1 and he shot up art room 2, before he made his way to art room 1. Lost a lot of friends,” Trey said, while looking at the floor. “Eight students were killed. Two teachers were killed.”
Trey also expressed how the shooting has painted a negative light on his hometown, adding Santa Fe has had “a bad rap … since 2018.”
Katy started sobbing, shouting, “Our country has f***ing failed us!”
As Trey offered words of agreement, the visibly upset singer continued, “This is not OK! You should be singing here because you love music … Not because you had to go through that.”
“You don’t have to lose eight friends. I hope that you remind people that we have to change because, you know what? I’m scared, too,” the mom of 2-year-old Daisy Dove said.
Lionel Richie wiped away tears as he and Luke Bryan comforted Katy and noted, “We have tolerated this for so long — for too long. It’s become a norm.”
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the country has experienced 92 mass shootings and eight mass murders in 2023. So far this year, firearms have killed 6,705 people.
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Paras Griffin/Getty Images for MGM StudiosMichael B. Jordan has a memory longer than his filmography, and he proved it over the weekend when he encountered a woman who admittedly used to tease the “corny” kid from Newark.
Podcast host Lore’l had used MBJ’s name to score some cred on her show, boasting how she and her friends would make fun of him at the high school they all attended. “To be honest with you, we teased him all the damn time because his name was Michael Jordan. Let’s start there, and he was no Michael Jordan. And he also would come to school with a headshot,” she derided.
Co-host Dominique also poked fun at his Valentine’s Day gesture to his then-girlfriend Lori Harvey, renting out an aquarium so just the two of them could enjoy it.
Dominique said it proved Jordan was a “nice, corny guy.”
But the actor-turned-Creed III director got his get back on the red carpet, when the Morning Hustle personality Lore’l introduced him to her camera saying, “We go way back,” to which Jordan said, “Yeah, the corny kid, right?”
Jordan kept it professional afterward, plugging Creed III, describing the “family vibe” on the movie and how it was “amazing” to be back in Atlanta, where he was attending a screening of the movie for HBCUs.
“Well, you’re not corny anymore,” Lore’l said, as Jordan ignored the comment and walked on down the red carpet.
Needless to say, Jordan’s fans weren’t pleased and flamed her online, with one snarking, “Now she’s fat, pre diabetic, tacky gold hair, interviewing him on his directorial debut. Life comes at you fast.”
Creed III opens March 3.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images for MGM StudiosMichael B. Jordan has a memory longer than his filmography, and he proved it over the weekend when he encountered a woman who admittedly used to tease the “corny” kid from Newark.
Podcast host Lore’l had used MBJ’s name to score some cred on her show, boasting how she and her friends would make fun of him at the high school they all attended. “To be honest with you, we teased him all the damn time because his name was Michael Jordan. Let’s start there, and he was no Michael Jordan. And he also would come to school with a headshot,” she derided.
Co-host Dominique also poked fun at his Valentine’s Day gesture to his then-girlfriend Lori Harvey, renting out an aquarium so just the two of them could enjoy it.
Dominique said it proved Jordan was a “nice, corny guy.”
But the actor-turned-Creed III director got his get back on the red carpet, when the Morning Hustle personality Lore’l introduced him to her camera saying, “We go way back,” to which Jordan said, “Yeah, the corny kid, right?”
Jordan kept it professional afterward, plugging Creed III, describing the “family vibe” on the movie and how it was “amazing” to be back in Atlanta, where he was attending a screening of the movie for HBCUs.
“Well, you’re not corny anymore,” Lore’l said, as Jordan ignored the comment and walked on down the red carpet.
Needless to say, Jordan’s fans weren’t pleased and flamed her online, with one snarking, “Now she’s fat, pre diabetic, tacky gold hair, interviewing him on his directorial debut. Life comes at you fast.”
Creed III opens March 3.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The sheriff of St. Joseph County is facing charges for a drunk driving crash in Schoolcraft Township early Sunday morning. Michigan State Police say they arrested a 47-year-old Three Rivers man after he failed sobriety tests just before 2:30 a.m. MSP has not identified him pending his arraignment, but he is Sheriff Mark Lillywhite and he is in the Kalamazoo County Jail. The crash happened on southbound US-131 near West YZ Avenue and caused both Lillywhite’s Chevrolet Traverse and the Nissan Rogue he rear-ended to lose control and go off the road. Witnesses told troopers it appeared Lillywhite’s headlights were not on before the crash. He has been sheriff since 2021 after being elected in 2020 and has been with the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years.
ABC AudioLooks like the headlines Pink made for referring to her long-ago feud with Christina Aguilera really bothered her.
To recap: When Pink was asked to rank her videos for Buzzfeed UK, she put the clip for “Lady Marmalade” last and intimated that not everyone involved was “nice.” Christina fans felt Pink was shading their fave, especially since Pink had revealed in the past that the two didn’t really get along at the time. Of course, they’ve since buried the hatchet, but Pink is upset it even had to come up in the first place.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Pink writes, “I’m so saddened and disappointed by the narrative surrounding some of the press I’ve been doing around my album Trustfall.”
She goes on to say that while some of it is her fault due to her “uncanny ability to overshare,” her “real disappointment lies in the fact that the art can never be the focus when you’re a woman….the only thing they ask you about over and over is a silly feud from your twenties.”
And for Pink, it’s also the perceived sexism that irks her.
As she notes, “For every one or two women I’ve had issue with – there are hundreds that I’ve complimented and supported and loved on. But we don’t talk about that. I wonder when the last time Bradley Cooper or Robert De Niro were asked in interview after interview about any argument they’d ever had. How about Christian Bale? We stick to the art with them, Don’t we? I’d like to have the same opportunity.”
She concludes her post by saying, “To Christina- you know where we stand. Resolved. Onwards and upwards. And thank you all for listening.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Gregg Deguire/WireImageJansen Panettiere‘s family, including his sister Hayden, is remembering the late actor a week after he died suddenly at just 28 years old.
“Jansen’s heart could be seen in his eyes, and his charm in his brilliant, engaging smile; his soul in his masterful and revealing paintings, and the joy of life in his dry wit,” his family, including his mother Lesley Vogel, father Skip Panettiere and sister, Scream VI star Hayden Panettiere, said in a statement to ABC News.
The family added, “His charisma, warmth, compassion for others, and his creative spirit will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered.”
The family also said in its statement that Jansen died from an enlarged heart, adding the medical examiner’s determination “offers little solace.”
Panettiere was known for his voice acting roles in Ice Age: The Meltdown and The X’s as well as on-screen roles in the Nickelodeon film The Last Day of Summer and the AMC series The Walking Dead.
“We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support towards our family as we navigate this unthinkable loss, and ask that we be gifted our privacy during this time of mourning,” the family said. “We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever.”
Jansen Panettiere was a talented artist, posting much of his work on Instagram. He had also just shared a photo of his sister, who is five years older, cutting his hair a few weeks before his death.
Following in his older sister’s footsteps, he got his first television role in the hit Disney Channel show Even Stevens, and later appeared in several TV shows. His last television role was in an episode of The Walking Dead in 2019.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Today we spoke with Ashley Butler, Director of Community Engagement at Cornerstone Alliance about their FLEX event this week in honor of Women’s History Month.
SAG Awards. King Charles is striking out. James Cordon’s last show starts with a prime time special.
The cities with the highest job stress. The top spring break destinations. Who really is doing all the newspaper crossword puzzles-it’s not who you think.
Madonna’s estranged brother passes away. Australia holds a country wide memorial for Olivia Newton John. Lewis Capaldi gets help from his audience.
A new Grinch book will appear in bookstores this September. You can now see 80,000 pieces of David Bowie’s estate-find out where. More Alec Baldwin drama.
Adopt these five important sleep habits for a longer life. Cut social media in half for young girls and their depression lessens after this long. Opera gloves are BACK in fashion thanks to…?
FCC received THIS many complaints about Rihanna’s half time show….but she is set to perform her Oscar nominated song at The Oscars on March 12th. Britney Spears is still trolling the internet trolls but THIS musical superstar is there to support her.
Hector is a sweet, fun loving boy. Hector believes he was an Indy racer in another life, a complete pro at zooming around the invisible race track in a room! Hector is 2-4yrs young, Shepherd/lab mix, neutered and fully vaccinated. He is also heartworm negative. Hector sees his perfect family as being patient and open-hearted, and enjoying long walks that end with snuggles on the couch. If Hector sounds like the perfect match for you feel free to call Berrien County Animal Control at 269-927-5648 or send an email us at animalcontrol@berriencounty.org.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hector is a sweet, fun loving boy. Hector believes he was an Indy racer in another life, a complete pro at zooming around the invisible race track in a room! Hector is 2-4yrs young, Shepherd/lab mix, neutered and fully vaccinated. He is also heartworm negative. Hector sees his perfect family as being patient and open-hearted, and enjoying long walks that end with snuggles on the couch. If Hector sounds like the perfect match for you feel free to call Berrien County Animal Control at 269-927-5648 or send an email us at animalcontrol@berriencounty.org.
Details about the new “Mean Girls” movie. Find out who’s joining The Voice as a mega mentor. The Academy is prepping for possibilities for this year’s Oscar show.
Olive oil in coffee is a thing…coming to Starbucks. National Dog Biscuit Day fun facts. These are the real keys to happiness.
Daniele Crevier tell us about all the fun things happening Thursday through Sunday this week.
Lizzo gets a cookie Flute from Elmo. Sam Smith making a cameo appearance on “And Just Like That”. Meghan Trainor wants to homeschool her kids.
Susan Matheny, Program Director at Berrien Community Foundation and Brian Kazmierzak from the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety joined me to talk about For Good Grants.
Lisa Marie fans furious at Jeopardy. Planes, Trains & Automobiles getting a remake? Kevin Costner’s lawyer speaking out against negative rumors.
What people are giving up for Lent. Would YOU like a 4 day work week? You can make $1000 just by watching dog movies-find out how.
Ed Sheeran’s new hot sauce. P!nk’s daughter is going to work behind the scenes of her tour this summer. Pentatonix just announced new tour dates.
Will Don Lemon return to CNN? Alec Baldwin has one big charge against him dropped. Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle really suing South Park?
Do you still do these “outdated” things? The biggest reasons why people have a hard time losing weight. The veggies that pack the biggest health punch.
Shawn Mendes talks about his mental health journey. Madonna is trolling the trolls. Ed Sheeran does another act of kindness.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber brings us plenty to celebrate from last week’s Business Recognition Awards & Annual Meeting, as well as a Ribbon Cutting this week, and a reminder for the upcoming Economic Club event featuring Debbie Sterling in March all about Innovation! Get to smrchamber.com for details!
72 year old pizza delivery driver gets to retire after Go Fund Me helps her when she falls.
Richard Belzer passes away. Mark Hamill selling special autographed Star Wars posters for Ukraine aid. Don Lemon in possible hot water for last week’s ageist remarks.
Find out what weird things put in their coffee. There’s a new cereal that can help you sleep. California could have a new smoking ban.
King Charles list of musical guests keeps changing. P!nk is adding Fall concert dates. Find out how close she’ll be the SW MI. Taylor Swift Eras tour merch is now on sale.
It’s The Coast Social Network with the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance. Today we spoke with Jackie Yates, Manager of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance and Dontell Sims with Vaughnsimscloset95 and his experience with The Women’s Business Center.
Every little thing she does is MAGIC! Not only is Magic our pet of the week, but she’s also this week’s birthday girl. Happy 6th Birthday, Magic! Magic came to Al-Van Humane Society as a very scared stray. For a while, she wanted us to carry her to her kennel. With lots of love and attention, she has come out of her shell. Magic is a very playful and affectionate girl, and keep away is her favorite game! She’s always happy to see her people, and tends to be more on the calm side. Magic is spayed, microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations, and heartworm negative. Magic weigs 57 pounds and we are celebrating her estimated 6th birthday this week! Go to al-van.org/adopt to fill out an application if you’d like to meet this special girl and maybe add a little bit of Magic to your life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every little thing she does is MAGIC! Not only is Magic our pet of the week, but she’s also this week’s birthday girl. Happy 6th Birthday, Magic! Magic came to Al-Van Humane Society as a very scared stray. For a while, she wanted us to carry her to her kennel. With lots of love and attention, she has come out of her shell. Magic is a very playful and affectionate girl, and keep away is her favorite game! She’s always happy to see her people, and tends to be more on the calm side. Magic is spayed, microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations, and heartworm negative. Magic weigs 57 pounds and we are celebrating her estimated 6th birthday this week! Go to al-van.org/adopt to fill out an application if you’d like to meet this special girl and maybe add a little bit of Magic to your life!
Bruce Willis dementia diagnosis. Baseball sportscaster and World Series winner passes away. Ryan Seacrest is leaving LIVE.
Reading to infants everyday is very beneficial. What humans consider to be the most soothing sounds. Costco weddings are a thing.
Sam Smith verbally attacked in Brooklyn park. Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom still together but admit it’s really hard. John Bon Jovi’s son cast in a movie about 80s hair bands.
Perceptions can be difficult to change in the wine world, but that is not going to stop Dablon Vineyards and Winery owner William Schopf from trying.
From growing rarely seen grape varietals thought to be impossible to grow in Michigan, to showing customers one-by-one that great wine can be produced in the region, Schopf is determined to make Dablon part of the rising tide that lifts all boats in the Michigan wine community.
Changing the perception
While he spent most of his professional career in Chicago, Schopf said he’s had a house in southwest Michigan for about 40 years. During much of that time, he thought the views of Michigan as a subpar wine region were not unfounded.
“Historically, the wines weren’t that good,” he said. “Let’s say I was looking for a $35 bottle, and I had one from Sonoma, one from Napa, and one from Michigan. I never would’ve bought the Michigan one.”
Schopf, who in 2009 planted his first grapevines along Baroda’s glacial hillside at 111 W. Shawnee Road, has since structured his Baroda vineyard in the likeness of those found in the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France. He believes southwest Michigan’s unique terroir can handle most cool weather grapes, and has proven as much by growing 17 different varietals on-site.
Yet, the belief still exists that Michigan wines do not compare to those from revered regions around the world or even the United States. Wine Enthusiast Magazine even recently dropped Michigan from its review coverage.
“My biggest challenge starting this vineyard and winery is overcoming the reputation of Michigan wine as being sweet, white, and cheap,” he said. “We’re just the opposite. We’re expensive, we’re mostly dry and red – although our whites are great too.”
These headwinds, however, are not stopping Schopf and Dablon Winemaker Rudy Shafer from pushing the limits of what Michigan wine can be.
Schopf, left, and Shafer.
Nebbiolo
While Dablon features some of the more common grape varietals found in Michigan – Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc and Merlot – the vineyard stands apart from others with grapes like Syrah, Tempranillo and Petit Verdot grown on-site.
“We want good vinifera wines – particularly French, Spanish or Italian,” Shafer said. “But the grapes have to grow here, too. California’s a a lot warmer climate than we have, so we can’t grow Zinfandel, for example. We have to pick cool climate grapes. That’s primarily why we’re sticking with the French model.”
One of the new grape varietals Dablon has been growing is the Nebbiolo, which traces its origins to the Piedmont region of Italy. Schopf said the winery first planted this varietal about six years ago, and it grows quite well in the southwest Michigan terroir.
“Commonly, it has been thought that Nebbiolo grapes are best grown and made into wine in the Piedmont region,” Schopf said. “Our Nebbiolo will of course not taste the same as the Nebbiolo grown in Piedmont,” Schopf said. “Perhaps it will be worse, perhaps better, but definitely different. In that regard, I think Nebbiolo has a future in the regions of the United States, such as southwest Michigan, where world-class wine grapes can be successfully grown.”
Shafer said he has not run into many problems growing any varietals they produce – at least ones that can’t be solved by integrated pest management. Both he and Schopf and Shafer credit Lake Michigan and the rich, sandy soil of Michigan’s Fruit Belt for Dablon’s ability to grow so many grapes well.
“Lake Michigan … powerfully improves our climate, slowing down bud break in the spring, holding back the frost in the fall and moderating the falling temperatures in the middle of winter,” Schopf said. “Just as importantly, we do not have the severe drought problems seen recently in Europe and California.”
The first bottles featuring the Nebbiolo will be released this summer, in the Langhe style. Schopf said 50 percent of the Nebbiolo grapes are being used for this style, which ages for about a year in European oak barrels before being bottled.
“The Langhe style Nebbiolo … has been provided to customers in our tasting room for barrel sampling,” Schopf said. “The response has been quite positive both from them and our team.”
The other 50 percent will be used for a Barolo/Barbaresco style, which needs a 25-day maceration and up to four years in European oak.
In addition to that four years, the process of getting the proper harvest from a new grape variety can take another five years. Dablon gets their red wine varietals from a nursery in California, which takes about a year before they are ready to plant in Michigan. After that, Schopf said it will take about four years before a commercial harvest is ready.
So how does the wine producer stay patient?
“The better question is, how do you stay alive long enough?” said Schopf. “We’ll see.”
‘It takes time’
Schopf said with the time-intensive process of making the wine, it can be difficult to answer the question of “Will our customers like this one in 2028 or 2029?” So, instead he focuses on two questions:
“Will it improve the reputation of Dablon, and will it improve the reputation of Michigan as being a world-class place to grow wine grapes and make world-class wines?” Schopf said. “So, we just tend to go for the best wines that they make around the world.”
Another challenge in changing the perception, according to Schopf, is getting the wines into restaurants and stores across the region. Right now, he said they have wholesale distributors in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.
“That has been the biggest challenge, especially trying to sell wine in Chicago.” Schopf said. “People who come here, come back and buy our wine. They understand what we’re doing and can can see it. But, if they’ve never been here, we’re just a Michigan wine – they’re not even ready to taste a great Michigan wine.”
Dablon only started selling their wines to the public in 2015, but Schopf said he has seen the perception slowly changing – like a good wine, he says, the opinions will only get better with time.
“We’re doing stuff that nobody’s done before,” said Schopf, adding the parking lot is often filled with people from northern Indiana – with an increase in traffic from Chicago and Grand Rapids as well. “We’re doing 17 grapes and making over 30 different kinds of wine. It’s a juggling act, but I think it’s worth it.”
For more, visit dablon.com
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
Daniele Crevier joined us from St. Joseph Today to fill us in on what’s happening this weekend and fun stuff coming up in March.
High School engineering students create a project to help three-legged dog walk better.
Raquel Welch passes away. Alec Baldwin allowed to finish “Rust”. Jennifer Coolidge’s recent popularity comes with a downside.
Fun Facts about almonds on National Almond Day. These are the TOP feel good songs of all time. Cadbury looking for “rescue” pets to appear in this year’s cream egg commercial.
Madonna may have a new clothing line for Gen Z. Rihanna’s secret. Jason Mraz is BACK and better than ever.
Pamela Anderson and Drew Barrymore share a “mother bear” moment on Drew’s talk show. Celine Dion directs and stars in a movie coming out in May. Tiger Woods is back and believes he’ll win this week’s Genesis Invitational.
The latest trends in engagement and wedding rings. Weddings are up the most in these states. Air B&B income is up in these states.
Charlie Puth’s tour is coming to Michigan this summer. Find out where. Pink drops a new, tear-jerking song with a special guest. Ace of Base releases a HUGE new box set-find out how many versions of “The Sign” it will feature.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds welcome baby #4. Bostonians were not necessarily amused with Ben Affleck taking their order for the Dunkin commercial. Barney is back!!!
Do women “really” love Valentine’s Day? What women say they want for Valentine’s Day. Don’t take your Valentine’s Day date here for dinner…whatever you do.
Taylor Swift makes an elite list. Elton John will do private performances after his tour for how much$$$ Chris Stapleton doesn’t want to watch his replay of Sunday’s National Anthem.
Today we spoke with Dawn Marie Smith, Director of Be Healthy Berrien and Marcy Hamilton, Deputy Executive Director/Senior Planner at the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and the federal funding United Way of SWMI received to expand the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail.
We spoke with Kristin Patzer, Director of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance and Jackie Yates, Manager of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance along with Ashley Butler, Director of Community Engagement Cornerstone Alliance. We discussed honoring business women of color during Black History Month.
How much extra did the players in last night game really make??? Who were the big box office winners over the weekend? Is William Shatner getting married again?
Can you really recycle your pizza box? What foods are people in bed? Galentine’s Day is a thing.
Just in case you missed Rihanna’s big announcement at last night’s game. Who won Brit Awards. Britney Spears wants everyone to go away.
Alec Baldwin has another lawsuit filed against him. John Candy documentary in the works. What celebrities will be appearing the “Big Game” ads this Sunday? Find out here.
A VERY special and history flyover after the National Anthem Sunday. This is how many chicken wings and how many calories Americans consume during Sunday’s game. Find out what the biggest snack food purchases have been this week leading up to the game.
Bruno is a male Dogue de Bordeaux! This gentle giant is also known as the French Mastiff. If you know your movie history, you will know you’ve seen a dog face similar to Bruno. Yes– “Turner and Hooch!” But, Bruno’s story is a bit different from Hooch’s story. Bruno came to the shelter two weeks ago with an issue that many people also deal with… he’s allergic to cats! Bruno’s cat allergy will not stop us from finding the perfect forever home for him. Bruno is super-friendly, yet very gentle. He loves cookies and will sit politely for them after his walks. Just don’t wait too long to give Bruno his cookies because he will start to drool in anticipation of the tasty treat! Bruno is up-to-date on vaccinations, but still needs to be neutered. His adoption fee is $65.00, part of which is a deposit that will be refunded once Bruno has been neutered. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our very handsome guy, Bruno.
Bruno is a male Dogue de Bordeaux! This gentle giant is also known as the French Mastiff. If you know your movie history, you will know you’ve seen a dog face similar to Bruno. Yes– “Turner and Hooch!” But, Bruno’s story is a bit different from Hooch’s story. Bruno came to the shelter two weeks ago with an issue that many people also deal with… he’s allergic to cats! Bruno’s cat allergy will not stop us from finding the perfect forever home for him. Bruno is super-friendly, yet very gentle. He loves cookies and will sit politely for them after his walks. Just don’t wait too long to give Bruno his cookies because he will start to drool in anticipation of the tasty treat! Bruno is up-to-date on vaccinations, but still needs to be neutered. His adoption fee is $65.00, part of which is a deposit that will be refunded once Bruno has been neutered. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our very handsome guy, Bruno.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rihanna is STILL working on her set list for Sunday’s performance. Taylor Swift has a drink on Starbuck’s Secret Menu. Burt Bacharach leaves us at 94.
Today we spoke with Daniel Crevier, Events & Operations Manager at St. Joe Today about soap making, Bob Ross painting, Salsa dancing and Valentine’s specials happening around town.
Find out which Disney animated movies are getting sequels. Kay Scarpetta books are being made into a series-find out who’s starring in them. “Madden” predictions for Sunday’s big game.
National Pizza Day fun facts. Shamrock Shakes are back…with a twist. Tickets for Sunday’s big game are HOW MUCH???
Fleetwood Mac honored by Minnesota DOT-find out how! Madonna feels bullied and is fighting back. Ed Sheeran is going back to school?
Bryan Lubeck will perform a very intimate, acoustic show in the Hanson Theatre at The Mendel Center on Valentine’s Day. We spoke with Bryan today about his upcoming show.
Today we talked with Susan Matheny-Program Director and Christian Hurdle-Program Coordinator about the various grants and scholarships BCF has to offer.
Prince Harry on SNL? Is Tom Cruise actually friends with King Charles? LaBron James makes NBA history!
“Peeps Pepsi” back in stores for a limited time. Get married even quicker in Vegas over Valentine’s Day. How much do NFL Cheerleaders really make?
Taylor Swift/Harry Styles still friends? Michael Jackson’s music library is being sold for how much??? Commonwealth artists that will be a part of King Charles coronation.
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Advice from the world’s oldest person.
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Is Kevin Costner leaving Yellowstone? Is Mathew McConaughey joining Yellowstone? And Tom Brady is BACK again.
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Find out where the price of coffee is going this year, consumers favorite heart shaped chocolates and the most popular baby room colors.
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What happened to Madonna’s face? Beyonce ticket sales are being staggered to avoid a lawsuit. Ed Sheeran has a new album coming out….maybe?
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber features an upcoming new business ribbon cutting taking place at Mighty Dog Roofing on Thursday, February 16, and gives us details on your last chance this week to get tickets for the Business Recognition Awards & Annual Breakfast on Friday, February 17th. Details at smrchamber.com!
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Pizza delivery driver receives a newer car from all his customers
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Mom from “A Christmas Story” passes away. Jamie Lee Curtis celebrates sobriety. The Terminator hits a bicyclist….by accident.
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The MOST romantic dates are… Here’s what men and women really consider romantic Valentine’s day gifts-you’ll be surprised. How long would you spend on a bad date?
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Grammy awards, tributes and fashion.
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It’s The Coast Social Network with Cornerstone Alliance speaking with representatives from I&M and CLEAResult about an energy reduction incentive program.
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Michigan Works! of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties has secured a $2.5 million in competitive grants from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 33 local employers enhance their workforce. Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! says The funding supplements the costs for more than 1,450 new workers, incumbent workers and apprentices to upgrade their skills in high demand industries that keep southwest Michigan running. Employers will work with training providers such as Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, Lake Michigan College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and Southwestern Michigan College to deliver the training resulting from the grants. Businesses looking to apply for grant money can find more information at WSJM.com
Taking place this weekend is the St. Joseph Ice Festival. St. Joseph Today’s Daniele Crevier tells us the ice carving takes place today.
“We’ve got the professional team competition that kicks things off so you can watch teams carve blocks of ice into frosty creations, and that happens from 7:30 to 4,” Crevier said. “Then from 11 to 4, we’ve got our ice interactives that are mostly along State Street. We’ve got our ice tic tac toe, the fish toss, ice bowling, ice ski ball, and hole in one putt putt golf this year.”
There’s also the ice throne, which she says is great for photos, and a scavenger hunt. Crevier says the ice sculptors come in from all over the Midwest and can create art representing just about anything. Everyone’s invited to head downtown for winter fun and games.
Bear is a five year old female Catahoula Leopard Dog-Mix who LOVES her food! She can be a bit shy with men and will need time to get to know you. Bear is best suited for a home with older children (teenagers) and with no other dogs. We don’t yet know how she is with cats. Bear is spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations. Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our girl, Bear!
Bear is a five year old female Catahoula Leopard Dog-Mix who LOVES her food! She can be a bit shy with men and will need time to get to know you. Bear is best suited for a home with older children (teenagers) and with no other dogs. We don’t yet know how she is with cats. Bear is spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations. Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our girl, Bear!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Could Jack and Rose BOTH fit on that ship door in Titanic? Here’s how you can find out. Sylvester Stallone gets a reality series. Indiana Jones gets a swan song.
Top 5 Dog Breeds in U.S. Dr. Pepper gets a NEW flavor. Top reasons why people go to work when they’re sick.
Beyonce makes Grammy history BEFORE Sunday’s awards show….and a deeper dig into what’ll happen Sunday night.
Today we talked with Daniele from St. Joe today about your last chance to get raffle tickets for the Maytag Pro Pet Washer/Dryer AND what’s happening around town this weekend.
What does Tom Brady want to do next? Frasier is getting a sequel. Who’s going to win celebrity Jeopardy tonight?
This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees are…. Cyndi Lauper has her own Funko Figure. Find out when Bryan Adams is coming to Detroit.
Today we spoke with Lisa Cripps-Downey, BCF President and Sarah Jollay, BCF Board Vice Chair about grants, scholarships and volunteering.
Find out why Dr. Phil is saying goodbye. “Survivor” is surviving with another new cast of contestants starting March 1st. Will Smith is back at making movies…find out what he’s working on.
Popular “Big Game” snacks. Give the gift of “WHAT???” this Valentine’s Day? Fun facts about snakes on National Serpent Day.
Ed Sheeran is back on social media…says he’s sorry for being gone. Bon Jovi is celebrating 40 years and has fun stuff planned for fans. Juno Awards nominees.
Today we spoke with Amanda Drew, Senior Director of Impact Strategies at United Way of Southwest Michigan about National 211 Day coming up on February 11th and how dialing 211 can help you with any social service needs you may have.
Lisa Loring and Cindy Williams pass away. Alec Baldwin to be formally charged with manslaughter today.
Find out what this year’s most popular wedding date is. The number one dating deal breaker is? 50% of Americans admit to being one of these.
Some Grammy performances still up in the air? Meghan Trainor is expecting. Adam Levine and wife welcome new baby.
On The Coast Social Network this morning with Cornerstone Alliance we spoke with Tom and TJ Moneta from Bridgville Plastics about their big article in Plastics News and their connection with Cornerstone Alliance.
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler on injured list manages to surprise fan who traveled over 4,000 miles just to see him play.
Kelly Clarkson taking some “me” time. Gwyneth Paltrow forced to close a Good store. What’s on TV tonight?
Parents are paying bills for their adult children. Ikea wants you to build a better relationship…literally. Your significant other secretly wants you to do something nice for them on Valentine’s Day.
Rumor Has It Adele WILL be attending the Grammy Awards. Elton John forced to cancel concert. Jonas Brothers working on 70s inspired album.
Toothless is a very pretty all-black female cat who is only about 2 years old. This beauty is named after the dragon in “How to Train Your Dragon” and she does have ALL of her teeth! Toothless is looking for a quiet home and would be okay with just a few other pets. She has a calm disposition and is a sweet girl. She’s hard to resist with those big crisp green eyes. Toothless came to us with four kittens. She is ready for the loving forever home we promised to her. Please contact Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 or infoanimalaidswmi@gmail.com if you’d like to meet our terrific girl, Toothless!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Toothless is a very pretty all-black female cat who is only about 2 years old. This beauty is named after the dragon in “How to Train Your Dragon” and she does have ALL of her teeth! Toothless is looking for a quiet home and would be okay with just a few other pets. She has a calm disposition and is a sweet girl. She’s hard to resist with those big crisp green eyes. Toothless came to us with four kittens. She is ready for the loving forever home we promised to her. Please contact Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 or infoanimalaidswmi@gmail.com if you’d like to meet our terrific girl, Toothless!
Jay Leno has another accident. Place your bets for another Oscar slap. The Simpsons gets renewed to make 36 seasons on TV!
Slow talking states. Recipes we don’t want to make. Don’t take these food items on a plane.
Beach Boys get Grammy Salute. Kelly Clarkson has stalker issues. Bernie Taupin has memoir coming out.
We spoke with Danielle from St. Joe Today about the BIG events happening this weekend and next weekend and a sneak peek into March.
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Jeremy Renner is a real life superhero. Razzie Award Nominees. “Elvis” is back in theatres for a limited time.
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Grocery shop without your kids to save money. Stop pre-washing your dishes to save money. America’s favorite dog names haven’t changed much in the past decade.
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Blake Shelton wants The Voice chair. Neil Diamond gets a 82nd birthday surprise. Fans call the police concerned about Britney Spears.
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NFL – Hurts, Jefferson, Mahomes among AP NFL MVP finalists
Jalen Hurts, Justin Jefferson and Patrick Mahomes are finalists for The Associated Press 2022 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards. The winners will be announced at NFL Honors on Feb. 9. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league completed voting before the start of the playoffs. Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Bengals QB Joe Burrow also are finalists for MVP. San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons are the finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year.
NFL – Daboll, Pederson, Shanahan finalists for coach of the year
Brian Daboll, Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan are the finalists for AP Coach of the Year award. Daboll led the New York Giants to a 9-7-1 record in his first season as head coach. Pederson guided the Jacksonville Jaguars to a 9-8 record and an AFC South title in his first year with the team. Shanahan led the San Francisco 49ers to a 13-4 mark, including 5-0 down the stretch with third-string rookie quarterback Brock Purdy. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen are the finalists for AP Assistant Coach of the Year.
NFL – Defensive Rookie of the year finalists
Jets cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen are the finalists for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.
NFL – NFL playoffs: Mahomes shrugs off pain, plans to play
Patrick Mahomes has a very sore right ankle. Jalen Hurts has a bum right shoulder. Even so, neither quarterback is complaining in the lead up to Sunday’s NFL conference championship games. Mahomes went through a normal morning walkthrough Wednesday and then headed out for an afternoon practice, four days after a Jacksonville pass rusher landed on his ankle and forced him to hobble off the field in pain. The Chiefs host the Bengals in the AFC Championship on Sunday. Hurts said Wednesday that his shoulder is still sore, though he didn’t seem concerned. The Eagles will host the 49ers in the NFC Championship, also on Sunday. The winners of the conference title games will meet in the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.
NBA – National Basketball Association
Last Night
Orlando Magic 126, Indiana Pacers 120
Magic 126, Pacers 120 – Banchero, Harris lead Magic to 126-120 win over Pacers
Paolo Banchero scored 23 points and Garry Harris made all six of his 3-point shots and added 22 points as the Orlando Magic held off a late rally to beat the Indiana Pacers 126-120. Bennedict Mathurin came off the Pacers’ bench to score 26 points for the second straight game, and Myles Turner added 22 points and 13 rebounds. Buddy Hield hit his first five 3-point shots and finished with 21 points for Indiana. Wendell Carter Jr. had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Magic, who hit 15 of 28 3-point tries and shot 56% overall.
Tonight
Detroit Pistons at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets, 7:30 p.m.
NCAAMBKB – Men’s College Basketball
Tonight
Iowa at Michigan State, 7:00 p.m. Superhits 103.7 Cosy-FM 6:00
(1) Purdue at Michigan, 9:00 p.m. News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM (joined in progress after HSBB)
NCAAMBKB – Siblings feed pro hoop dreams at Marquette, Notre Dame
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is a forward for No. 16 Marquette and he is inching closer to a potential shot at his NBA dream. The 20-year-old Montreal native has also been a lifelong inspiration to his 17-year-old sister, Cassandre, who plays for Notre Dame and wants to someday play in the WNBA. The two siblings have played basketball since they were very young. Both parents played in college.
NCAAWBKB – Women’s College Basketball
Last Night
Eastern Michigan 63, Western Michigan 51
Central Michigan 69, Ohio 66
Tonight
(13) Michigan at (10) Maryland, 6:30 p.m.
(24) Florida State at (7) Notre Dame, 8:00 p.m.
NHL – NHL – National Hockey League
Tonight
Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens, 7:00 p.m.
Chicago Blackhawks at Calgary Flames, 9:00 p.m.
NCAAFB – Well-traveled Jurkovec happy to come home to Pittsburgh
Former Notre Dame and Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec has come home to Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh native transferred to the Panthers in December after spending the last three years with the Eagles. Jurkovec says he wants to help Pitt take another step forward after winning a combined 20 games over the last two seasons. Jurkovec is one of three high-profile transfers with Pittsburgh ties who joined the Panthers in the transfer portal. Running back Derrick Davis came over from LSU and safety Donovan McMillon transferred from Florida. Both are from Western Pennsylvania.
USA Soccer – Late Grant Wahl to get US Soccer’s Colin Jose Media Award
The late Grant Wahl will be honored with this year’s Colin Jose Media Award, given to journalists who made long-term contributions to soccer in the United States. Wahl died at age 49 on Dec. 10 after collapsing while covering the World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and the Netherlands at Lusail, Qatar. Wahl will be honored at the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame induction at Frisco, Texas, on May 6. Wahl worked for Sport Illustrated from 1996 to 2021, then started his own website. He also worked for Fox and CBS and wrote “The Beckham Experiment” and “Masters of Modern Soccer.”
USA Soccer – Vazquez scores for youthful US lineup in 2-1 loss to Serbia
Brandon Vazquez scored to lead a U.S. lineup with seven starters making their international debuts, but the Americans lost 2-1 to Serbia in their first match since the World Cup. Veljko Simic scored the go-ahead goal in the opening minute of the second half for Serbia, which gave debuts to 14 players. Eight Americans in all debuted during a lively friendly that felt like spring training. The American team is in transition with interim head coach Anthony Hudson running the show while U.S. Soccer Federation determines the future of coach Gregg Berhalter, whose contract expired last month.
Tennis – 4 with Russian flags kicked out of Australian Open by police
Police say they have kicked four people out of Melbourne Park for displaying banned Russian flags outside Rod Laver Arena during the Australian Open. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said Thursday the four have not been charged but were evicted due to a ban placed on such flags by Tennis Australia. The flags, at least one of which included an image of Vladimir Putin, were being waved during a gathering outside of Rod Laver Arena after Novak Djokovic beat Russian player Andrey Rublev in straight sets in the quarterfinals of the year’s first Grand Slam tennis tournament Wednesday night.
NBAGL – NBA “G”-League
Last Night
Oklahoma City Blue 113, Grand Rapids Gold 105
MCCAA – Junior College Athletics
Last Night
Women’s Basketball
Lake Michigan College 64, Lansing Community College 56
- Ariel Ford scored a game high 27 points and 23 rebounds as Lake Michigan College won at Lansing Community College 64-56. Olivia Eubank added 12 points and Kalyah Watson had 10
Kalamazoo Valley Community College 75, Southwestern Michigan 46
- Abigail Long led KVCC with 23 points in a 75-46 win over Southwestern Michigan. Macey Laubach had 11 points to lead the Roadrunners.
Glen Oaks Community College at Kellogg Community College, PPD
Men’s Basketball
Lake Michigan College 91, Lansing Community College 74
- Brian Hunter Jr. lead LMC with a team high 18 points, while Jailen Campbell scored 15 off the bench in the Red Hawks 91-74 win at Lansing Community College. Abdoulaye Ba and Skylar Samuel each chipped in 10 points.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College 94, Southwestern Michigan 55
Glen Oaks Community College at Kellogg Community College, PPD
MHSAA – High School Sports
Last Night
Boys Basketball
Watervliet 46, Buchanan 45
Girls Basketball
Buchanan 44, Watervliet 32 Wrestling
Lakeshore 53, St. Joseph 15
Benton Harbor, Buchanan, Brandywine at Eau Claire
- Buchanan 57, Eau Claire 17
- Brandywine 69, Eau Claire 12
- Brandywine 81, Benton Harbor 0
Bangor 66, Bloomingdale 15
White Pigeon 75, Bloomingdale 6
Three Rivers 73, Sturgis 0
Tonight
Boys Basketball
SMAC
Lakeshore at Portage Central, 7:00 p.m. 94.9 WSJM
Battle Creek Central at St. Joseph, 7:00 p.m.
Portage Northern at Mattawan, 7:00 p.m.
B.C. Lakeview at Kalamazoo Central, 7:00 p.m.
Loy Norrix at Gull Lake, 7:00 p.m.
Boys Swimming and Diving
St. Joseph at Battle Creek Lakeview, 6:00 p.m.
Bridgman at Loy Norrix, 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
BCS
Our Lady of the Lake at Michigan Lutheran, 7:30 p.m.
Covert at Eau Claire, 6:00 p.m.
Watervliet Grace Christian at Countryside, 6:00 p.m.
SAC
Coloma at Bridgman, 6:00 p.m.
Southwest 10
Bangor at Bloomingdale, 6:00 p.m.
Decatur at Comstock, 7:00 p.m.
Cassopolis at Centreville, 7:30 p.m.
Marcellus at White Pigeon, 7:30 p.m.
Hartford at Lawrence, Cancelled
Competitive Cheer
SAC Jamboree at Berrien Springs, 5:30 p.m.
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A McDonald’s drive-thru order included an egg McMuffin and thousands of dollars. Find out what happens next.
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And the Oscar Nominee goes to….. Gisele Bundchen has no regrets. Possible SNL film workers strike.
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What would you do with four more hours in your day? We now have a new “oldest living person”. What’s new for spring fashion.
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Who will be and won’t be performing at Grammy Awards. Justin Bieber just sold his entire music library for how much? Madonna’s biopic put on hold for her tour.
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Today we spoke with Bill Downey, Communications Manager at Cook Nuclear Plant and Chair of The Heart of Cook Grant Programs.
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Pete Davidson has Kim K. tats removed. Michael Strahan gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. The scoop on the premier of season 27 of The Bachelor.
Egg smuggling big issue at the border. How to “argue listen”. What not to order on your first date.
Swift, Gaga and Rih…all up for The Guild of Music Supervisor’s Awards. Kellyoke covers Taylor Swift. Willie Nelson has his own Sundance docuseries.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber updates us on a Thursday ribbon cutting that you’re invited to join, along with the Annual Meeting & Business Recognition Awards taking place in February. Get details and register now at smrchamber.com!
Meghan Markle writing a memoir too? Oprah to star in new Netflix film. Martha Stewarts celebrity crush.
Unsliced pizza makes for a fresher delivery. Tyson offering heart shaped chicken nuggets for Valentine’s Day. Best cities to take a food vacation.
Saying final goodbyes to Lisa Marie. Carly Simon has a surprise for fans. Taylor Swift has more rescue animals named after her music.
Today we’re speaking with Tyler Dotson, City Manager for Watervliet about their “Pocket Park Project”.
This is Radon Action Month, when everyone is advised of the dangers of radon and how they can protect themselves. Berrien County Health Department environmental health services manager Nick Margaritis tells us radon is a gas that leaks into homes through floors at ground level. It’s naturally caused by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks.
“In Michigan it is expected that one out of four houses has exposure to radon, and radon is the second leading cause behind smoking for lung cancer,” Margaritis said.
The Berrien County Health Department is offering everyone free radon testing kits. Margaritis says you should have your home tested for radon every few years. Anyone who wants a radon testing kit should call the Berrien County Health Department.
Now rolling is the new Benton Harbor Area Schools Community Roar, a bus that houses a mobile computer lab that can be used by residents to learn more about district services. The bus is loaded with eight laptops and internet so anyone can explore the programs available at the school district from anywhere within the community. District student support services chief Paul Korson tells us the idea was pitched by Interim Superintendent Kelvin Butts to take the school district directly to families.
“We have an amazing community, but they don’t always know what opportunities we have within the district, and some of those hurdles might be transportation to the school or access to the internet,” Korson said. “So, we wanted to make sure that we are able to help lessen whatever barriers we can and meet them where they are, even if that means literally going to them in person and kind of parking outside their house.”
Korson says with the Community Roar, Benton Harbor Area Schools can meet the community where it is. It will appear at special events and a schedule will be released in the coming weeks. Parents will be able to access district information systems via the Community Roar. It was made possible due to support from the Whirlpool Foundation.
ABC News(NEW YORK) — For the first time in history, Black mayors are leading America’s four largest cities.
ABC News’ Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl recently sat down with three of them — New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner — in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the annual gathering of the countries’ mayors.
“It’s a moment for us,” Adams told Karl in the interview, which aired on ABC’s “This Week.” “It’s a moment that we are now really going after those tough challenges and historical problems that we fought for many years to be in the driver’s seat.”
Turner, who was first elected in 2016 and is currently serving a second term, said that while their mayoralities signal that “progress is being made,” he hopes that enough Black mayors are elected “to the point where it doesn’t stand out.”
Big cities facing same problems
“What is, in your view, the No. 1 issue facing your city?” Karl asked the three.
Their cities may be spread out across the country, but Turner, Adams and Bass are grappling with similar problems and challenges: For Turner and Adams, it’s “public safety,” while Bass is confronting homelessness in Los Angeles, they said.
“In Los Angeles, without a doubt, it’s homelessness,” Bass said. “But it’s the intersection of income inequality and also public safety. And because income inequality is so severe in Los Angeles, the most extreme manifestation of that is 47,000 people [sleeping] on the streets in tents, every night, in the city.”
While Adams campaigned on fighting crime in New York as a former police officer, the city is still struggling with major crimes, which rose more than 20% last year, despite homicides hitting their lowest level since 2019.
Bass and Turner elaborated on Adams’ notion that addressing public safety is key to solving multi-pronged issues in their cities. Turner said the approach was about “revitalizing our communities that have been underserved for a long, long time, dealing with issues of homelessness and those things that put people on the street.”
Karl pressed Bass on her comments about defunding the police — a progressive slogan for a push by some liberals to redirect police funding toward other community safety and service programs in an effort to reduce crime — while campaigning to be mayor.
“You called defunding the police ‘probably one of the worst slogans ever’ — why did you say that?” Karl asked.
“What I believe is that over time, especially the federal government, state and cities have divested, defunded social services,” Bass said. “So I think when a person goes into the academy, they don’t go in to address homelessness, addiction, mental illness. And so we need to refund our communities, build out the social safety net so that people don’t fall into crime.”
Turner said the “defund the police” movement — which gained popularity amid the nationwide protests for racial justice following the 2020 murder of George Floyd — received “too much play in the first place.”
“If you look at many of the cities, they were funding their police. The city of Houston never defunded its police,” said Turner.
“You wanted an increase in police funding,” Karl added.
“In fact, right at that time, we passed a 13% increase,” Turner said. “It’s not about defunding police, it’s about investing in communities.”
Migration straining big cities
Karl also asked Adams about his recent trip to El Paso, Texas, to see the U.S.-Mexico border. His office says more than 40,000 migrants have arrived in his city since the spring, including thousands bused to New York from Texas by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Adams has warned that the flow of migrants to New York has strained city resources, and he’s asked New York state and the federal government for help.
“This should not happen to any city in America — El Paso, Houston, Chicago, New York, Washington,” he said. “This is a national problem and our national government, Congress and the White House must do a long-term, comprehensive immigration policy. But the White House must deal with the immediate emergency we have now.”
Turner and Bass sympathized with Adams over the issue, both arguing that Abbott’s busing migrants north was an ineffective strategy.
“No. 1, you need comprehensive immigration reform,” said Turner. “No. 2, if you’re going to send people anywhere, there needs to be dialogue and collaboration — between, for example, the governor of New York or Denver or Chicago, wherever that’s taking place.”
“And if you want to score political points, that’s one way to do it,” Turner added. “But that doesn’t solve the problem and, quite frankly, migrants shouldn’t be used as political pawns on this chess board.”
Abbott has said he’s busing migrants to so-called sanctuary cities, cities which locally protect immigrants and refugees from deportation by federal authorities, to show them what border states are dealing with.
Bass said it was “very cynical” of Abbott and that “it’s a way of attempting to deliberately undermine New York City and Democratic-run cities that welcome immigrants.”
“Does something need to be done though to slow the flow of migrants over the border?” Karl pressed the mayors.
All three applauded the immigration plan put forth by the Biden administration earlier this month, which expanded the use of Title 42 and established a process for more immigrants to apply for asylum if they have a U.S.-based sponsor and set up an appointment at a port of entry.
“I think we need to use this opportunity now to really look at how do we have a real decompression strategy?” Adams said. “If we’re going to allow those that are coming in who have relationships here in the country, sponsors, if it’s coordinated in the proper way, we can absorb it throughout the entire country. You cannot absorb it just in a few cities that we’re witnessing right now, with each one of those cities acting independently to address a national crisis. That’s not how to do it.”
Karl also asked all three if they’d back President Joe Biden for a second term. Adams, Bass and Turner unanimously said they’d support Biden if he chooses to run again.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images/STOCK(BATON ROUGE, La.) — Police are investigating a shooting that injured 12 people at a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, nightclub.
The shooting occurred just after 1:30 a.m. Sunday at 4619 Bennington Ave in Baton Rouge, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department.
The gunshot victims were taken to local hospitals, either by personal vehicles or by emergency responders, police said. They are all currently listed in stable condition.
The motive for the shooting is under investigation, police said.
Investigators did not release any information on a possible suspect.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Eric Thayer/Getty Images(MONTEREY PARK, Calif.) — The suspected gunman who allegedly shot 20 people, 10 fatally, at a dance studio near a Lunar New Year celebration in the Los Angeles suburb of Monterey Park is believed to be connected to a van law enforcement officers surrounded Sunday and forced their way into about 30 miles from there the massacre occurred, authorities said.
SWAT officers broke the driver’s side window of the van around 1 p.m. local time, about two hours after police made a traffic stop in the Los Angeles County city of Torrance and heard a loud noise coming from inside the vehicle, sources told ABC News.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, is believed to have been inside a white cargo van, police officials told ABC station KABC. Live aerial footage shows the van sandwiched between two police armored vehicles, Torrance police officials told ABC station KABC.
But Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said it has not been confirmed that the suspect in the mass shooting suspect hold up inside the van in Torrance.
“We don’t know,” Luna said at a news conference Sunday afternoon as the incident in Torrance continued to unfold. “We believe there is a person inside of that vehicle. Could it be our suspect? Possibly.”
Asked if the person inside the van could be dead, Luna said, “that is a possibility.”
In addition to the armored police vehicles, the van was surrounded by numerous police officers, including SWAT members, many with their guns drawn and trained on the van.
Monterey Park shooting suspect’s photo released
The standoff in Torrance came as the sheriff’s department released surveillance images of the homicide suspect, saying he was wearing a beanie cap and glasses and is about 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds.
“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
On Saturday January 21, 2023 at 10:22 PM the suspect male/adult/Asian pictured above was involved in a shooting. Investigators have identified him as a Homicide suspect and he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Contact LASD Homicide with any information at 323-890-5000. pic.twitter.com/2gPUBBybvv— Robert Luna (@LACoSheriff) January 22, 2023
Some of those injured in the Monterey Park rampage were in critical condition, while others were reported as stable, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a news conference Sunday morning.
Luna said five women and five men were killed in the rampage.
The gunman was only described as an Asian male 30 to 50 years old, Luna said.
“We’re going to use every resource available to us because we need to get this person off the street as soon as possible,” Luna said.
‘Everything is on the table’
Luna declined to comment on a possible motive, but said, “everything is on the table.”
“We don’t know that this was a hate crime as defined by law, but who walks into a dance hall and guns down 20 people?” Luna said.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting by his Homeland Security advisor, according to the White House, and the FBI has joined the investigation.
“Jill and I are praying for those killed and injured in last night’s deadly mass shooting in Monterey Park. I’m monitoring this situation closely as it develops, and urge the community to follow guidance from local officials and law enforcement in the hours ahead,” Biden said in a statement.
In early alerts sent to Washington, investigators said “they had no idea who the suspect was,” Pierre Thomas, ABC News’ chief justice correspondent, said on ABC’s “This Week.”
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has also been briefed on the shooting, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.
Monterey Park had been hosting the Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival this weekend, marking the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar. The annual two-day street festival is widely attended, with previous celebrations drawing as many as 100,000 daily visitors, according to the city. More than 65% of Monterey Park’s about 60,000 residents identify as Asian American, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Sheriff’s Department said the shooting erupted around 10:22 p.m. on West Garvey Avenue, near the downtown less than a block from where the festival was being held.
The gunman opened fire shortly after entering a dance hall, where people had been celebrating the holiday, police said. It was unclear what type of weapon he used, but Luna said detectives do not believe an assault weapon was involved.
Chaotic crime scene
Monterey Park Police Scott Wiese said his officers responded to reports of shots fired at the dance studio and described a chaotic scene with panicked people running out of the dance hall and gunshot victims lying in the parking lot.
Police in the nearby city of Alhambra were investigating an incident, which also occurred at a dance studio, that might be connected to the shooting, Luna said.
In the Alhambra incident, which occurred 17 minutes after the Monterey Park shooting, an Asian man entered the dance studio with a gun, and several people there wrestled the weapon away from him before he fled the scene. Luna said a white cargo van witnesses spotted at the Alhambra incident is a “van of interest” in the investigation.
“To have this tragedy occur on Lunar New Year weekend, makes this especially painful,” Alhambra Mayor Sasha Renée Pérez said in a Twitter post Sunday. “Monterey Park is home to one of the largest #AAPI communities in the country. This is a time when residents should be celebrating with family, friends and loved ones – not fearing gun violence.”
In a statement Sunday morning, the city of Monterey Park clarified that the shooting did not occur at the Lunar New Year Festival but at the dance studio near the festival that was not connected to the festivities. Officials said Saturday’s festival events were scheduled to finish at 9 p.m.
City officials said all festival activities for Sunday have been canceled.
“Even though the incident did not occur at the 2023 Lunar New Year Festival, an active investigation is currently underway and the area near and around the festival is affected. As a precaution and for the safety of everyone, the City regrets to announce the cancellation of the second day of the festival,” city officials said in a statement.
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department said it would lead the investigation, after earlier saying it would assist Monterey Park Police. The FBI said it had responded to the scene to assist.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement on Twitter condemning the attack.
“Monterey Park should have had a night of joyful celebration of the Lunar New Year. Instead, they were the victims of a horrific and heartless act of gun violence,” Newsom tweeted. “Our hearts mourn as we learn more about the devastating acts of last night. We are monitoring the situation closely.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. ABC News’ Vanessa Navarrete contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Gregg DeGuire/WireImageAt her father’s iconic estate Graceland in Tennessee Sunday morning, friends and family members gathered for a memorial service to honor Lisa Marie Presley, who passed away at 54 on January 12.
Presley was laid to rest on Thursday next to her son, Benjamin Keough, in Graceland’s Meditation Garden.
Joel Weinshanker, film producer and managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, opened the service by passing along Presley’s wishes for her own service: “Don’t make it sad.”
The former Mayor of Memphis, AC Wharton, explained, “Before Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan had Jack, before Goldie [Hawn] and Kurt [Russell] had Wyatt, before Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet had Zoe, before Jay Z and Beyonce had Blue Ivy, and long before Harry and Meghan had Archie, in this city, our own royal couple, Elvis and Priscilla had our own princess, Lisa Marie.”
He called her the “keeper of the flame,” and “this city’s precious jewel.”
Lisa Marie’s friend and former musical collaborator, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan took the stage, clad in a dark shirt and black suit to perform on an acoustic guitar, his song “To Sheila.”
Following the performance, Presley’s close friend Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, explained they called each other “Sissy,” calling it a “great honor” to celebrate this “extraordinary” woman. Ferguson added of Queen Elizabeth II, “My late mother-in-law used to say, ‘Nothing could take away these moments, because grief is the price we pay for love.'”
Alanis Morissette then took the stage in a long, black coat, and performed “Rest,” accompanied by a piano.
Priscilla Presley chose to let her granddaughter’s written words speak for her, reading a poem her granddaughter wrote, called “The Old Soul.” It touched on the heartbreak Presley endured when her son Benjamin took his own life in 2020. “…Survivor’s guilt some would say, but a broken heart was the doing of her death,” Priscilla said.
Axl Rose then addressed the assembled mourners next, commenting in part, “I feel like I’m supposed to be texting her like right now saying I’m here, telling her how wonderful everyone is. I never in a million years expected to be singing here, especially not in these circumstances.”
Rose went on to express how much Presley loved Baz Lurhmann‘s Elvis movie and Austin Butler‘s performance. “Lisa’s loved and missed by many, and will continue to be loved and missed by all those whose lives she touched,” Rose said, before performing the Guns N’ Roses song “November Rain” on piano.
The Blackwood Brothers Quartet then followed with “How Great Thou Art,” and Jason Clark and the Tennessee Mass Choir closed out the ceremony.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
High school seniors in the Niles area are being advised of the scholarships offered by the Niles Scream Park. The non-profit attraction says it has a variety of scholarships. The park is awarding four $500 scholarships to three seniors at Niles High School and one senior at Brandywine High School. Another scholarship will be awarded to a senior at either Brandywine High School, Buchanan High School, Dowagiac High School, Edwardsburg High School, Lakeshore High School, or Niles High School. New this year are two $500 scholarships will be awarded to two seniors at Penn High School. Several other $500 memorial scholarships are available to local seniors based on factors that include community service and academic performance. Students who are interested in learning about the options should contact their high school guidance counselor.
Marvel StudiosJeremy Renner revealed he broke more than 30 bones in a New Year’s Day snow plow accident that left him hospitalized in critical condition and required emergency surgery.
“Morning workouts, resolutions all changed this particular new years,” the 52-year-old actor wrote in a social media post on Saturday, sharing a photograph of him receiving physical therapy at his home. “Spawned from tragedy for my entire family, and quickly focused into uniting actionable love.”
Renner thanked everyone for their “messages and thoughtfulness” as he continues his recovery.
“These 30 plus broken bones will mend, grow stronger, just like the love and bond with family and friends deepens,” the Marvel star wrote. “Love and blessings to you all.”
Renner suffered “blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries” when he was run over by his unmanned snowcat, a large piece of snow plow equipment, on Jan. 1 in Reno, Nevada, officials said. He was airlifted to a local hospital and underwent emergency surgery on Jan. 2.
On Jan. 16, he revealed he was home from the hospital.
“Outside my brain fog in recovery, I was very excited to watch episode 201 with my family at home,” Renner wrote in a reply to a post from the official Twitter account for his Paramount+ show Mayor of Kingstown.
Renner’s update on Saturday prompted messages of support from the likes of model Heidi Klum, actor Jason Momoa and Renner’s Marvel costar, Chris Hemsworth.
“Your [sic] a champion mate! We love you,” Hemsworth commented.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Set for February 17 is the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Business Recognition Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting. The chamber’s Sarah Spoonholtz tells us a variety of awards will be given out to local businesses at the gathering.
“Everything from Small Business of the year, which is for those with under 50 employees, to Economic Impact to those with over 50 employees,” Spoonholtz said. “There’s Non-Profit Excellence, which have continued to play a fantastic role in providing for individuals and organizations in the community.”
There’s also the New Business Award, which goes to a business less than two years old. Spoonholtz says it’s important to encourage them. The public got to submit nominations and the winners will be determined the day of the celebration.
“Our plan is to do live voting at the event for people who are in attendance to select a winner, as opposed to having a committee do it.”
Spoonholtz says the keynote speaker at next month’s event will be Indiana Michigan Power Chief Operating Officer Steve Baker. He’ll talk about the energy industry. Chamber President Arthur Havlicek will also give a preview of the coming business year. Early bird tickets for the celebration are available through January 31.
A group of Brandywine alumni are pushing back against proposed changes by the school district’s governing body.
Following the victory of four 1776 Project PAC and We The Parents candidates in the November election, the Brandywine Community Schools Board of Education is preparing to discuss and create several new oversight committees at its regular meeting Monday, Jan. 23. A group called Brandywine Alumni and Educators for Educational Freedom has been formed and plans to speak in opposition to the proposed actions of the board at the meeting.
The 1776 Project PAC is a conservative political action organization “dedicated to electing school board members nationwide who want to reform our public education system by promoting patriotism and pride in American history,” according to its website. The PAC is also focused on stopping Critical Race Theory – a set of ideas holding that racial bias is inherent in many parts of western society – from being taught in schools.
The 1776 Project sent out a tweet in November celebrating new Brandywine board members Tom Payne, Angela Seastrom, Michelanne McCombs and Elaine McKee.
“All four of our candidates in Brandywine, Michigan have won their elections,” the post said. “We just flipped the Brandywine school board from liberal to conservative.”
BREAKING: All of our candidates in Brandywine, Michigan have won their elections.
We just flipped the Brandywine school board from liberal to conservative.
Congrats to Tom Payne, Angela Seastrom, Michelanne McCombs, Elaine Mckee.
— 1776 Project PAC (@1776ProjectPac) November 9, 2022
Each of the four new members also are We The Parents Michigan candidates. We The Parents believes parents have the fundamental right to direct the care, teaching, and education of their children, and has pledged to “fight to remove all forms of woke politics (i.e. sexual, racial, political and gender indoctrination) from our schools,” according to its website.
On Monday, the board plans to discuss, then vote on creating the following committees and advisory boards, according to the meeting agenda:
- Curriculum Committee
- Sex Education Advisory Board
- Tutoring Program Committee
- Parent/Community Involvement Committee
- Parent / Guardian Curriculum Transparency Committee
- Explicit Material Book Review Committee
- Library Inventory
- Executive Committee
Brandywine Alumni and Educators for Educational Freedom is a private Facebook group run by graduates of the district. It has amassed nearly 100 members in less since forming late this week. The group released a statement ahead of Monday’s meeting:
“As you may be aware, the majority of the school board for Brandywine Community Schools changed during the November election. At the board’s second meeting, scheduled for Monday, January 23, the board intends to create several committees, many of which could result in drastic changes to the education Brandywine students receive. …
Please note that each of these items are to be discussed and voted on during Monday’s meeting, and public comment will take place AFTER action is taken on each of these items, giving the community zero opportunity to weigh in before a vote. Nonetheless, a group called Brandywine Alumni and Educators for Educational Freedom has been formed to show support for educators, oppose censorship of books, curriculum, and communication, and protect the future of the school district.
Many members of this group intend to speak on topics relating to book banning, sexual education, Critical Race Theory and educational freedom. Excellent sources have shared that the proposed committees have been created to address these topics. It is crucial that our community is informed of the agenda that is being rushed through our school system, and that all taxpayers are given seats at the table of these committees and advisory boards.”
This meeting will take place at 6 p.m Monday in the Brandywine High School Library/Media Center at 1700 Bell Road, Niles.
A meeting will be held this coming week for the public to learn more about the Palisades Economic Recovery Plan. The plan is being developed by the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute and local partners to help Van Buren County recover from the nuclear power plant’s closure. Market Van Buren programs manager Sarah Snoeyink tells us next week’s presentation will be on the assessment portion of the plan. Has the team already seen effects of the closure?
“We know that there’s been an outflow of people who no longer have positions at the plant and transferred with Entergy to other parts of the U.S. We’ve also heard anecdotally from some local restaurant owners that they’re concerned about the impacts that outflow of people will have on their business in the offseason.”
Snoeyink says as the plan is developed, the team has looked at other communities where nuclear power plants have closed.
“We’re also looking at other communities that have experienced other large plant closures. You can think of a primary manufacturer or even a military base.”
The Palisades Economic Recovery Plan is being developed in multiple phases. The assessment portion, which they’re on now, is the second phase. Next will be the recovery strategy. Information gathered from the public next week will be used to develop the final plan. The meeting will be Monday on Zoom starting at 11 a.m. You can attend here.
Two people are charged following an attempted murder in St. Joseph on Saturday. The St. Joseph Department of Public Safety says officers were called to a home in the 1000 block of Church Street around 11:45 a.m. on a report of shots fired. They arrived to find the home had been shot several times. Two victims were found inside, unhurt. Police identified two persons of interest, and they were brought into custody around 4 p.m. The suspects have been identified at 38-year-old Carlton Antoni Kelly and 31-year-old Chantal Baker. They were taken to the Berrien County Jail.
The County Road Association of Michigan is calling on the state Legislature to look at how the emergence of electric vehicles will affect road funding and how any losses EVs cause can be recouped. Director Denise Donahue says with much of the state’s road funding coming from gas taxes, more electric vehicles will mean less revenue despite the same number of miles being driven on the roads.
“We’re calling for a pilot project, not another study, but a pilot project that would actually begin to adjust the amount that is collected from electric vehicle drivers commensurate with the miles they are driving,” Donahue told Michigan News Network.
The Coalition on Electric Vehicles and Transportation Revenue, which includes the County Road Association, held an event in Lansing on Tuesday. Donahue says the shortfall in road funding caused by electric vehicles is estimated to reach $90 million per year by 2030. The coalition is recommending the state consider increasing the registration fee for electric vehicles, create a user fee based on the number of miles driven by electric vehicles, or implement a tax on the electricity used by electric vehicles.
GETTY/Joos Mind(FLORIDA) — Police are “currently negotiating” with a woman who allegedly shot her terminally ill husband in his Florida hospital room on Saturday, authorities said.
The Daytona Beach Police Department said midday Saturday that it had responded to a shooting at Advent Health Hospital.
Staff and patients have been removed from the area, our shooter is contained. https://t.co/iShIobchOu
— Daytona Beach Police (@DaytonaBchPD) January 21, 2023
“Staff and patients have been removed from the area, our shooter is contained,” the department tweeted.
Officers are now negotiating with the woman, who had confined herself to the hospital room, police said in a news release.
No one else has been injured and the woman is “not seen as a threat to staff or patients,” police said.
Authorities asked the public to avoid the area.
Daytona Beach police did not provide an update on the condition of the woman’s husband.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
GETTY/David Sacks(IDAHO) — An Idaho woman who documented her 19-day miscarriage on social media said it was days before she could receive care due to the state’s strict abortion laws.
Carmen Broesder, 35, from Nampa — 20 miles west of Boise — a mother-of-one was just six weeks pregnant when she began miscarrying on Dec. 8. However, she said it took eight days before she was given any medicine to manage her pain and to expel embryonic tissue, and several more days for the miscarriage to end.
In a series of TikTok videos — along with medical records, photos and videos shared with ABC News — she said that despite bleeding heavily and suffering intense cramps, she was denied a dilation and curettage, or D&C, which removes tissue from inside the uterus, multiple times.
Because a D&C can also be used when providing abortion care, she told ABC News she believes it’s directly tied to Idaho’s abortion ban.
“Why should I get to death’s door to get help?” Broesder said. “I am prepared to be a mother. I am a mother and I wanted to have another baby. That is my story and it almost killed me.”
Different than other miscarriages
After Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court last summer, Idaho passed a strict near-total abortion ban in August 2022 with only exceptions for rape, incest or if a pregnant person’s life is in danger.
Broesder said she wasn’t seeking an abortion when she went to the hospital the first time. She said she and her boyfriend had been trying to have a second child after the birth of her 16-month-old daughter, Lucy.
While trying to conceive, Broesder said she suffered other miscarriages, but she never experienced as much bleeding or as much pain as she did when she woke up on Thursday, Dec. 8.
“That was the most horrifying moment; I woke up and I had intense stomach pain,” she said. “I couldn’t stand up too much, and I go to the bathroom, and I was just bleeding. It was a horrific amount of blood loss where I instantly know this is not okay.”
After the bleeding wouldn’t stop with a 12-hour menstrual disc or with a super plus tampon, Broesder went to a local hospital. Broesder said she told staff she thought she was experiencing a miscarriage and after they checked her in, she said she waited for hours for someone to examine her.
She said staff eventually performed an ultrasound and confirmed there was no detectable heartbeat but, because she had an OBGYN appointment on Monday, Dec. 12, they advised her to attend as scheduled.
During the OBGYN appointment, Broesder said an ultrasound technician also confirmed the lack of a heartbeat and told her to come back for a follow-up in two days. ABC News reached out to the doctor’s office for a comment on their care for Broesder but did hear back.
‘I’m going to die before someone helps me’
Broesder said she felt like something still wasn’t right with this miscarriage. She was still bleeding heavily and in pain but did not receive any medication.
“I’m feeling like no one’s listening at this point,” she said. “These people are supposed to help. So, I went home and kind of just suffered through.”
Broesder said she felt like something still wasn’t right with this miscarriage. She was still bleeding heavily and in pain but did not receive any medication either from the ER or her OBGYN.
“I’m feeling like no one’s listening at this point,” she said. “These people are supposed to help. So, I went home and kind of just suffered through.”
However, the pain and the bleeding became so bad that Broesder went to the ER the next day, where she said she again waited for hours for someone to see her — and where she made her first TikTok video about her miscarriage, which went viral.
“I’ve been actively miscarrying since the 8th,” she said in the video, posted on Dec. 13. “I have gone to a doctor, and this is my second visit to the ER if you’re wondering why women’s rights matter. I’m just going to [expletive] bleed out on this table before somebody comes and actually helps me.”
She said that she asked twice for a D&C, including from her own OBGYN.
OBGYNs told ABC News the “save the mother’s life” exception of abortions bans — which Broesder may have qualified for in Idaho — is often vague and the language is unclear about what qualifies as a mother’s life being in danger, what the risk of death is, and how imminent death must be before a provider can act.
Providers also may be worried about providing miscarriage care because it could be misconstrued as providing abortion care, and they could face legal repercussions.
“That’s the optimal scenario, that doctors are able to provide the care that’s necessary and evidence-based,” Dr. Beverly Gray, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina, who was not involved in Broesder’s care, told ABC News. “I worry about other systems that are worried about how they could come under attack for taking care of a patient or could a doctor that’s caring for the patient be prosecuted in some way. I think these are real fears that people are facing.”
Broesder was told by the second hospital that she had a complete miscarriage and was given tranexamic acid, medicine that controls bleeding and helps prevent excessive blood loss, according to medical records reviewed by ABC News, and sent home.
The hospital network, answering on behalf of both hospitals Broesder visited, said that “due to federal and state privacy laws, we cannot confirm nor deny that this patient was seen at our facilities” but that it “provides such medical care as required under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act” when a pregnant woman suffers a medical emergency that requires the pregnancy to be terminated.
During this time, Broesder said she thought she was going to die.
“I was in so much pain I didn’t know how much more my body could take,” she said. “I had gone to the ER twice and I got turned away. I go to the OB, and I got turned away. I knew I couldn’t afford much more visits for longevity afterwards to keep my family afloat. So, I was just like, well, it is what it is.”
Finally receiving care
By this time, her very first TikTok video had gone viral – the app shows it currently has more than 620,000 views – and she had been making more videos to keep those following her story updated.
She said many of her new followers told her to go to the ER again and, on Dec. 16, she decided to drive to St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center, where she was given a room and seen by a nurse.
Broesder said she requested a D&C and was denied again.
Dr. Frank Johnson, chief medical officer at St. Luke’s Health System covering Boise, Elmore and McCall, who did not treat Broesder but spoke about her case with ABC News, said “looking over this particular situation, there was no additional need for an interventional procedure by the time that she arrived here at St. Luke’s.”
So, I think in this particular case, medically appropriate care was provided to the patient,” he added.
While D&Cs are generally performed to terminate a pregnancy in the later stages, Dr. Saida Hader, an OBGYN at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, told ABC News it can be provided if a patient is bleeding heavily in early pregnancy and miscarrying.
“D&Cs can be performed at any point in pregnancy, including early pregnancy and in the case of a miscarriage if someone is bleeding heavily,” she said, commenting in a general sense and not on Broesder’s care specifically. “What I will say, as a clinician, miscarriage is a very common occurrence in pregnancy and for patients that are clinically ‘less stable,’ which is what we call them when they’re bleeding a lot, the best course of action is a D&C and that is what you use to treat an early pregnancy in this situation.”
In an audio recording of the conversation Broesder had with the physician about why she couldn’t get a D&C, he said “there is some trepidation” about performing one in the wake of Idaho’s new abortion law.
“I felt like 50 pounds of bricks got lifted off my shoulders and got replaced with like 50 pounds of raging fire,” she said. “But I couldn’t do anything because this guy’s helping me so I’m not mad at him and it’s not his fault. I’m obviously mad at the law.”
Johnson did say, at St. Luke’s, doctors do sometimes have to consult with the legal team on cases to make sure they’re staying within the bounds of the law, although it’s not clear if this occurred in Broesder’s case.
“That’s been a new situation, really a necessity based on the ways that the laws are currently devised and written,” he said. “Traditionally, I think it is best when those conversations can occur between a physician, a woman and her family, and having to add the complexity of needing to figure out how to navigate a new law is an added challenge.”
Haider, who was not involved in Broesder’s care said the fear of criminalization and inability to provide care, even in situations where abortion providers might deem it necessary, might prevent them from acting.
“They might have initially acted sooner, they might have acted more aggressively to provide, taken more actions to intervene if they could have and by delaying that care, you’re putting the patients in a worse situation clinically and more at risk of bad outcome,” she told ABC News, speaking in a general sense.
Broesder said the doctor at St. Luke’s did discover part of the embryo was stuck in her cervix, so she received a procedure to remove part of the remaining tissue and was prescribed misoprostol, which treats postpartum bleeding, induces labor and causes an abortion.
From the day Broesder’s miscarriage started to when it ended, she said it was a total of 19 days of bleeding.
She said while she has been encouraged by the supportive comments and messages she has received on social media since her first video, she does not intend to try for another baby. She said the Idaho law worries her that if something similar happens, she could die due to fear from medical professionals about administering care.
“After this, even without the possibility or desire to have a baby, like, why would I want to go through that pain again?” Broesder said. “And why would I want to go through my daughter almost losing her mom again to have another child? That seems selfish and wrong.”
She added, “I did not deserve to have to beg for my life for eight days and nobody else does either.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
School districts throughout southwest Michigan will receive funding to hire school resource officers to help make their buildings safer. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Tuesday nearly $25 million is being awarded to 195 school districts statewide for SROs over the next three years. A panel consisting of representatives from education and law enforcement awarded the grants, giving priority to schools and school districts without a school resource officer currently in place. The funding per district in southwest Michigan ranges from $83,000 for Lawrence Public Schools to $200,000 for St. Joseph Public Schools. The districts getting the support are Berrien Springs, Bloomingdale, Buchanan, Coloma, Decatur, Edwardsburg, Gobles, Lakeshore, Lawrence, River Valley, St. Joseph, and Watervliet. The SRO funding will be administered by Michigan State Police with MSP Director Joe Gasper saying the dollars “will not only help to provide better safety in our school buildings by increasing the number of schools throughout the state with at least one SRO, but very importantly, by prioritizing smaller schools in more remote areas.” The funds can be used by schools to hire more mental health professionals, harden buildings, and create an intervention system for students who are at-risk.
Southwest Michigan school districts receiving funding:
Berrien Springs Public Schools Berrien Springs Berrien $125,446
Bloomingdale Public Schools Bloomingdale Van Buren $190,500
Buchanan Community Schools Buchanan Berrien $121,712
Coloma Community Schools Coloma Berrien $131,903
Decatur Public Schools Decatur Van Buren $122,078
Edwardsburg Public Schools Edwardsburg Cass $179,644
Gobles Public Schools Gobles Van Buren $100,000
Lakeshore Public Schools Stevensville Berrien $180,000
Lawrence Public Schools Lawrence Van Buren $83,614
River Valley School District Three Oaks Berrien $139,423
St. Joseph Public Schools St. Joseph Berrien $200,000
Watervliet Public Schools Watervliet Berrien $120,850
GETTY/Ashley Cooper(NEW YORK) — Massachusetts man Brian Walshe appeared in court this week on charges he allegedly killed and dismembered his missing wife, Ana Walshe. The case echoes other high-profile cases in recent years involving husbands allegedly killing their wives.
Prosecutors accused Walshe of making incriminating Google searches including “10 ways to dispose of a dead body if you really need to” and “can you be charged with murder without a body.”
Walshe’s alleged Google searches also included, “what’s the best state to divorce.”
Walshe has pleaded not guilty to murder and improper transport of a body.
About 34% of the women killed in the U.S. in 2021 died at the hands of an intimate partner, according to the Bureau of Justice statistics. Only about 6% of the men killed in the U.S. in 2021 died from intimate partner homicide.
What are the reasons behind why some husbands kill their wives?
Premeditated vs. spontaneous
Former FBI agent and ABC News contributor Brad Garrett notes two types of domestic homicide: premeditated and spontaneous.
“The spontaneous ones are people who probably have a history of abusing their spouse,” Garrett said. They “may have alcohol or drug dependency issues [or] raging jealousy issues” and end up killing their spouse in a “fit of rage,” he said.
As for the premeditated homicides, motives are often jealousy or greed. For example, they may “become enraged because their wives have become so successful,” Garrett said.
Premeditated homicides are often poorly planned, Garrett said, because “they’re so driven by getting rid of their partner, that they actually don’t even think through the logical things like, ‘My cellphone can be tracked.'”
Control
To Kiersten Stewart, director of public policy and advocacy at nonprofit Futures Without Violence, the core of domestic violence is power and control.
And domestic violence also includes emotional abuse and sexual abuse, she noted.
“If your partner is really possessive…wants to control who you talk to, what you wear, where you go…that’s a red flag,” she said.
If the husband feels like he’s losing control — for example, if he lost his job or his spouse is giving attention to someone else — the wife may feel like he is trying to control her and start to pull away. That’s often when domestic violence will start, Garrett warned.
Domestic homicide remains a threat if the couple has separated, according to Garrett and Stewart.
After a separation, “the abuser is still carrying all of this anger, revenge, resentment baggage,” Garrett explained.
“If possession and control is one of your triggers,” he said, during a divorce “you see even more things disappearing and you have even less control over what happens.”
Personality
When it comes to domestic homicide offenders’ personalities, they are usually narcissistic and anti-social, according to Garrett.
“In particular, with the ones that are planned, you’re really talking about anti-social personalities,” he said. “It’s all about fulfilling their needs and nothing else matters.”
Walshe, for instance, is accused of dismembering his missing wife; dismembering the mother of his three children would be “such a huge step beyond just killing somebody,” Garrett said.
Walshe’s defense attorney, Tracy Miner, told ABC News in a statement Friday: “It is easy to charge a crime and even easier to say a person committed that crime. It is a much more difficult thing to prove it, which we will see if the prosecution can do. I am not going to comment on the evidence, first because I am going to try this case in the court and not in the media. Second, because I haven’t been provided with any evidence by the prosecution. We shall see what they have and what evidence is admissible in court, where the case will ultimately be decided.”
The personality of domestic homicide suspects is also a “complicated mix of how they were raised and their relationship with women,” Garrett said. “Do they view women as their property? Did they get really no emotional support growing up?”
For example, he said, a wife achieving success in her career or finding a new partner can “drive these guys into a fit — that either can be spontaneous or planned.”
But psychological reasons behind a domestic homicide are still complex, Garrett noted, stressing that mental health and drug use can be factors.
‘Take care of yourself first’
Domestic homicides also extend to dating relationships.
After a nationwide search for missing travel blogger Gabby Petito in 2021, her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, admitted in a notebook that he killed her.
Petito, who was killed by strangulation, was found in a national park in Wyoming. Laundrie later died by suicide in Florida.
Petito’s father, Joseph Petito said at her funeral, “If there is a relationship that you’re in that might not be the best thing for you, leave it now. Take care of yourself first.”
How to get help
“Some people don’t always know it’s abuse at first,” Stewart explained. “Usually abusers don’t come with a giant sign.”
“It’s usually somebody you cared about…and the behavior starts to escalate,” she said.
“We know that many men who abuse their partners may themselves have grown up in abusive homes,” Stewart said. In those cases, she said, the victim may show them sympathy, excuse the behavior and not view it as dangerous.
Domestic violence overall is “unbelievably underreported,” Garrett noted. “The person being abused has to figure out a way to report what’s going on.”
Stewart encourages domestic violence victims to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help developing a safety plan and finding local resources.
And Garrett stressed that anyone in an abusive domestic situation should notify police and friends if there are guns in the house. An average of 70 women in the U.S. are shot and killed by an intimate partner each month, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.
Stewart believes preventing domestic violence is everyone’s responsibility.
“When we think about domestic violence, it really starts in adulthood,” she said. “So we’re really asking…everybody in the community to start talking to younger people in your lives about how to build healthy relationships. And when you see behavior that’s not OK, to speak up.”
She added, “We’d so much rather have a conversation with a 14-year-old than be burying a 34-year-old.”
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for confidential support at 1-800-799-SAFE. You can click here for more information on identifying abuse, click here for help creating a safety plan, and click here to find local resources.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The Rotary Club of South Haven has made a $10,000 donation to the We Care Community Resource Center to provide relief for those in need. The Rotary says the $10,000 grant reflects the donations of individual Rotarians to help We Care in its mission to match people in need to assistance and resources. Rotary Club of South Haven President Mary Sue Lyon said it’s inspiring to be able to help, adding it’s a reminder of the Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” We Care provides those in need with basics like food, personal hygiene, baby items, and cleaning supplies. The staff can assist with more complex issues like rent, utility assistance, and medical equipment. The Rotary Club of South Haven in the past two years has donated more than $150,000 in support of local, regional, and international non-profits.
Uber driver saves the day and drives two nieces to their aunt’s 100th birthday party…..200 miles away.
Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter. Jimmy Kimmel celebrating 20 years on air. Adam Sandler to receive the Mark Twain award for American Humor.
Porkchop is a female mixed-breed dog who is almost 6 years old and weighs around 50 pounds. Porkchop is a mellow, loving girl, but she is shy with new people. She’s outgoing, affectionate, and playful once she knows you. Potential adopters would need to be willing to spend some time with her in a meet-and-greet to get to know her…she’s definitely worth it! Porkchop is the perfect dog to quietly hang-out with you, or to run around with you in the yard while she has the zoomies! Porkchop can be dominant with other dogs, but she is open to meeting new friends. Like any dog, she has her preferences! She does need to go to a home with no cats or small animals. Porkchop came to us heartworm positive, but she has been treated and has tested negative since completing treatment. Porkchop is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccinations. If you’d like to meet and adopt this beautiful and happy girl, visit the Al-Van Humane Society website, al-van.org/adopt, to fill-out an application.
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You should be cleaning your bathtub more often. Do you call your girlfriends…guys? TikTok hack for saving money….is it really a hack?
David Crosby passes away. Pre-Grammy concert set to honor Motown! Madonna adds Chicago to her Celebration tour this summer!!!
Today we spoke with Daniele from St. Joe Today about their raffle for a Maytag Pro Pet Washer & Dryer and what’s happening around town this weekend.
Alec Baldwin learns his fate today. Kim Kardashian buys a Princess Di necklace. Michael Jackson is getting a biopic.
Ways to avoid food waste. “Hot Girl Walks” are a thing now. How to get the hubs to do the things on his “to do ” list.
Rod Stewart has given up alcohol. Harry Styles has given up meat. Dolly Parton turns 77 today.
Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd join the cast of “Only Murders In The Building”. Paul Rudd will also star as Antman in some big game commercials. Sally Field to receive SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. “Grown-ish” debuts the second half of season 5 tonight,
Today we spoke with BCF Scholarship Coordinator, Noah Hayden about available scholarships and how you can apply.
Jeremy Renner out of hospital. Channing Tatum wants to remake “Ghost”. “Goonies” house gets purchased by superfan.
Kelly Clarkson has new album coming soon. David Foster gets sentimental about his age. Brit Awards nominees.
We spoke with Debbie Martinez, Volunteer Engagement Director at United Way of Southwest Michigan about their Volunteer Leadership Awards and Volunteer Youth Scholarships.
Gordon Ramsay’s french fries cost how much??? Lisa Marie’s daughters will inherit Graceland. Marie Osmond isn’t leaving any inheritance for her children.
Valentine’s Day almost as popular as Christmas. You can now get a year round Halloween experience in Vegas. If you share your partner’s toothbrush, you are not alone.
American Idol Alum CJ Harris passes away. Kenny Loggin’s “I’m Alright” to be featured in series of “big game” commercials. Pat Benatar still fighting for equality for women in the music business.
Today we spoke with Andrew Haan and Ashley Butler from Cornerstone Alliance regarding their Alley Activation Project for Benton Harbor. They would like your input on the project and are asking you to take their survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchiBiUFNRSMx5LL82wdwKg0yCdtHF48Zj6PWQ9-Wdo80d-dw/viewform
Critics Choice Award winners from last night. Lisa Marie Presley to be buried at Graceland. “And Just Like That” might have a Carrie and Aiden reunion.
States with the worst drivers….and Michigan isn’t one of them. Most attractive careers on dating sites. Miss USA is now Miss Universe.
Rihanna hints at performing brand new music at halftime show. Janet Jackson discovers Flaming Hot Cheetos for the first time. John Oates still has his first guitar. John Legend welcomes baby #3.
Ralph is a male Chocolate Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull Terrier mix. He’s about 4-1/2 years old. Ralph is an amazing guy! He already knows basic commands such as sit, shake (with both paws!), down, and roll over. This smart guy would love to learn even more! He walks well on-leash and is house-trained. Ralph doesn’t mind his feline friends, but prefers to be the only dog in his home. Ralph is up-to-date on vaccinations. Please reach out to Van Buren County Animal Control, Phone 269-621-4624, 58040 Country Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about our amazing boy, Ralph.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ralph is a male Chocolate Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull Terrier mix. He’s about 4-1/2 years old. Ralph is an amazing guy! He already knows basic commands such as sit, shake (with both paws!), down, and roll over. This smart guy would love to learn even more! He walks well on-leash and is house-trained. Ralph doesn’t mind his feline friends, but prefers to be the only dog in his home. Ralph is up-to-date on vaccinations. Please reach out to Van Buren County Animal Control, Phone 269-621-4624, 58040 Country Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about our amazing boy, Ralph.
Prince Harry shops TJ Maxx. Kellogg’s Cereal responds to Colin Farrell’s Golden Globe acceptance speech. Ben Affleck to star in Dunkin’ Donuts commercial for this year’s Big Game.
Girl Scout cookie season starts soon. Women’s sport are changing for the better. It’s now proven that winter makes us grumpier.
Taylor Swift to open a pop-up Valentine’s Day bar in Chicago. Covid changed Pink!’s life for the better. Lisa Marie Presley passes away at 54.
Daniele from St. Joseph Today talks about upcoming events for this weekend and the rest of January and February.
Tom Hanks isn’t ready to retire. Felicity Huffman is back acting in a new series. Is Jack Nicholson becoming a recluse?
It’s National Kiss A Ginger Day. States with the longest life expectancy. Grease: Rise of The Pink Ladies prequel.
Harry Styles back in the movies. Jeff Beck passes away. Billy Joel doesn’t jump off pianos anymore.
Susan from the Berrien Community Foundation explains For Good Grants and we talk with Karen Dolby from the Watervliet Living Water Food Pantry.
How one 13 year old organized a charity and so far has collected over 30,000 toys for kids in the hospital.
Positive things people are adding to their lives this year. Friendliest US cities to visit. Disney employees ordered back to the office.
Dolly Parton now has her own Dolly dolls. Sam Smith talks about fame. Rihanna shows up unannounced at the Golden Globes.
Prince Harry’s new book “Spare” hits stores today. And Harry and many other celebrities have been asked to evacuate their California homes due to the huge storm heading their way. The Golden Globes are tonight and Melissa Rivers explains why there will never be another “Fashion Police”.
We should be drinking more water but coffee is ok too. It’s houseplant appreciation day-here’s one that’s good for your home that’s hard to kill. Golden Globes are tonight.
Taylor Swift and Bryan Adams offer some good life advice. Shawn Mendes shaves off his signature locks.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber gives us details on the Business Recognition Awards Ceremony & Annual Meeting February 17th, plus an upcoming January Ribbon Cutting, and how you can see an innovative speaker at the Mendel Center in March. Check out smrchamber.com for more!
Eight Is Enough star passes away. Aaron Rogers has a new girlfriend. Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott have parted ways….again.
If you work from home, would you take a $10,000 pay increase to go back to the office? If you started a new job and are feeling anxiety, you are not alone. If you spend a lot for Christmas gifts and are feeling anxiety, you are also not along.
Celine Dion protestors. Rod Stewart loses another brother. Billy Joel/Stevie Nicks teaming up for a concert tour this year.
Lisa Rinna says goodbye to RHOBH. Nicole Kidman says hello to a new streaming series. SNL starts a new season and here’s the lineup.
Trendy baby names so far for 2023. It’s officially “Take Down Your Christmas Tree Day”. If you wanna lose 30 lbs. this year just start walking.
Hershey is a 4 year old female Pit Bull Terrier-Rottweiler Mix. Hershey is a happy girl, getting along well with all people, including kids. Hershey understands commands such as sit and down. She loves treats and is very gentle when she accepts one. This love-bug enjoys cuddling and likes to give kisses. She’d love to snuggle up on the couch to watch movies or ball games. Hershey is looking for a home where she’ll be the only pet… why share all that love and attention with other animals?! She’d love a home with a big yard and time for going on walks. Hershey is spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations. Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our happy love-bug, Hershey!
Hershey is a 4 year old female Pit Bull Terrier-Rottweiler Mix. Hershey is a happy girl, getting along well with all people, including kids. Hershey understands commands such as sit and down. She loves treats and is very gentle when she accepts one. This love-bug enjoys cuddling and likes to give kisses. She’d love to snuggle up on the couch to watch movies or ball games. Hershey is looking for a home where she’ll be the only pet… why share all that love and attention with other animals?! She’d love a home with a big yard and time for going on walks. Hershey is spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations. Please call the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 to learn more about our happy love-bug, Hershey!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Madonna is planning a new tour featuring old songs. Daughtry covers Journey’s “Separate Ways” to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Elton John gets “all the likes” and wraps up his Farewell Tour for good this summer.
New season of The Bachelor. Big Game commercials are starting to throw out some teasers. Is Brad Pitt off the market?
Should your kids become social media influencers? The internet has another cat site that will take you down a rabbit hold. Get organized and get rid of these things causing clutter.
Justin Bieber afraid of Judge Judy-who wouldn’t be? Cyndi Lauper featured on PBS’s “Finding Your Roots. Camila Cabello on a mission to save our great apes.
Rolling Stone magazine publishes list of the top singers of all time…here are their top 10. Al Roker heads back to the Today Show this week. Billy Idol gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame-the first of 2023.
The cure for negative self talk. The most peaceful countries to take a vacation. Soup Groups are the new, cool thing.
Taylor Swift’s cats make almost as much as SHE does. Meghan Trainor wants more kids…this year! Rihanna is taking her baby to watch her perform the halftime show at this year’s big game.
Thoughts and prayers for Jeremy Renner who is critical condition after a snow plow accident AND for Buffalo Bill’s Damar Hamlin who is also in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest during last night’s game against the Bengals. Tom Cruise’s ego is in critical condition after being dissed by the Golden Globes.
Rod Stewart has another grandbaby on the way. Adele’s back problem has her hobbling on stage. Lindsey Buckingham is working on a new album.
Sara Bareilles gets engaged. Bubba Wallace gets married. Anita Pointer from the Pointer Sisters passes away.
Retailers are slashing prices right now. The average adult gets sick how many times a year??? What the latest study about empathy reveals.
YouTube’s Billion Views Club members. 80s dominated in 2022 for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Remembering those we lost from the music world in 2022.
Congress has reauthorized the project to build a new Soo Lock in Sault Ste. Marie. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesperson Carrie Fox tells us the spending bill approved last week reauthorizes $3.2 billion for the project. Funding was first allocated for a new lock in 2018, and since then, Phase One of three phases has been completed. Phase Two will be finished in 2024, while the new authorization allows Phase Three to begin. Fox says the Soo Locks are the linchpin of Great Lakes shipping.
“The Soo Locks enable bulk carrier vessels to safely bypass the swift moving St. Marys River rapids where the water drops 21 feet over bedrock over a quarter mile stretch,” Fox said. “The St. Marys River is the only connecting waterway between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.”
A new lock should be finished in 2030. Since the project’s authorization in America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, the authorized cost changed from $922 million to $3.2 billion. Over the last four years, the project cost has been affected by labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and material cost increases.
Goose stuck in frozen sand at Indiana Dunes gets set free with help from local volunteer firemen.
What to stream on New Year’s Eve. Resolve to lose weigh with celebrities in 2023. A list of those we lost in 2022.
Peppa is a female black and white cat, estimated to be approximately 2 years old. Peppa is a very sweet and loving girl. She is playful, but still can get a bit rough so she is learning to play gently with hands. Peppa can be timid at first, especially when people are standing and she feels like we’re towering over her. However, once she warms up, Peppa wants all the love she can get! Peppa will tell you when she is hungry or thirsty, and she does enjoy her cheese treats each evening! Peppa is spayed, de-wormed, and up-to-date on vaccines, plus she faithfully uses her litter box. Please call Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 if you’d like to meet our sweet Peppa!
Peppa is a female black and white cat, estimated to be approximately 2 years old. Peppa is a very sweet and loving girl. She is playful, but still can get a bit rough so she is learning to play gently with hands. Peppa can be timid at first, especially when people are standing and she feels like we’re towering over her. However, once she warms up, Peppa wants all the love she can get! Peppa will tell you when she is hungry or thirsty, and she does enjoy her cheese treats each evening! Peppa is spayed, de-wormed, and up-to-date on vaccines, plus she faithfully uses her litter box. Please call Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 if you’d like to meet our sweet Peppa! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Squirrels in Christmas trees don’t just happen in the movies. Target becomes a hotel during last week’s blizzard. Shelter dogs get showered with toys.
Daniele from St. Joe Today has a few New Years Eve Parties for you to look forward to, plus some great 2023 events coming up at stjoetoday.com!
- The City of St. Joseph hosts the return of Candy Cane Lane at Milton Park now through January 8! Stroll through the park and enjoy looking at the multi-colored candy canes, find hidden rocks with holiday pictures, grab a craft from the pergola to take home, read the storybook How the Grinch Stole Christmas and grab a real candy cane before you!
- Ring in the New Year with celebrations at the Inn at Harbor Shores (Casino Royale NYE Party) and Journeyman Distillery (NYE Celebration)! Or celebrate a little earlier in the night at Vineyard 2121 (NYE Pre-Party) or with a nice dinner from Tabor Hill Winery (NYE Dinner). Reservations may be required!
- Enter to win a Maytag Pro Pet Washer & Dryer! St. Joe Today (SJT) hosts a raffle from December 3, 2022 – February 6, 2023. Raffle tickets are just $5/ticket and are available for purchase at the SJT Welcome Center (301 State Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085). See an SJT staff member for more details on how to enter. Includes installation and setup.
Must be 18+ to enter. The winner will be drawn at 12:00p on Monday, February 6, 2023. More info at stjoetoday.com. Just a reminder, the SJT Welcome Center will be closed through January 2! Regular office hours will resume on January 3. Please reach out to info@stjoetoday.com with any questions. - Tickets for the 2023 St. Joe Winter Beer Fest are going fast! Join us on Saturday, January 28 from 12:00p-4:00p in downtown St. Joseph! NEW this year – a limited number of VIP tickets will be available until December 31.
- Sneak peek at upcoming 2023 events! Chili Tour (January 27), Ice Fest (February 3-5), March Mannequins (March 10), Spring Artisan Fair (March 11).
Melissa Rivers has an extra great New Year’s Resolution. Streaming beats cable viewership in 2022. Ryan Seacrest vs. Andy Cohen for New Year’s Eve.
Beyonce gives her first concert in FOUR years….but it’s by invitation only. Paula Abdul slammed on Instagram for looking too….young??? Wham! makes history with “Last Christmas”.
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation speaks with Joelle Wake of the Lincoln Township Library about their “Library of Things” program, how it came to be with the help of a For Good Grant, and how people can check out items from the service. To find out more about how a grant could help your organization, see berriencommunity.org.
82 year old Walmart employee who is still working to pay off medical bills gets a surprise from a stranger.
Johnny Depp is Captain Jack Sparrow once again. Elon Musk blocks his stalker on Twitter. Harry & Meghan last episodes air on Netflix.
It’ll be harder to return unwanted gifts this year. The top movies over Christmas weekend. Ideas for recycling your Christmas tree.
Meghan Trainor celebrates 4th wedding anniversary. Jewel plays the latest TikTok craze. Sia gives generously to not one but THREE “Survivor” losers.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber brings us details on some great happenings in the new year including a ribboncutting at a rebranded local business, a chance to hear a innovative speaker in March, and a reminder that the February Annual Breakfast & Awards will have tickets and details posted soon at smrchamber.com!
Demi Moore will be a grandma! Kate Winslet can hold her breath for how many minutes??? That 70s Show is now That 90s Show on Netflix.
Sparkle is a stunning all-white female cat, estimated to be about 5 years old. She is a joy to be with! Sparkle likes to cuddle with people and is interested in what’s going on around her. Sparkle is accustomed to the other cats in her foster home. We think she would be okay with a polite dog after proper introductions are made. One of Sparkle’s tear ducts does not function properly, so she sometimes looks like she has a little cold because of excessive tearing. Our veterinarian sedated Sparkle to confirm that there is no serious problem. We simply wipe her face and occasionally clean her ears, then she’s back to being beautiful! Sparkle is spayed, up-to-date on vaccinations, and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our perfect girl, Sparkle.
Sparkle is a stunning all-white female cat, estimated to be about 5 years old. She is a joy to be with! Sparkle likes to cuddle with people and is interested in what’s going on around her. Sparkle is accustomed to the other cats in her foster home. We think she would be okay with a polite dog after proper introductions are made. One of Sparkle’s tear ducts does not function properly, so she sometimes looks like she has a little cold because of excessive tearing. Our veterinarian sedated Sparkle to confirm that there is no serious problem. We simply wipe her face and occasionally clean her ears, then she’s back to being beautiful! Sparkle is spayed, up-to-date on vaccinations, and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our perfect girl, Sparkle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert De Niro meets a Grinch in his living room. Daniel Craig couldn’t care less about his replacement. Mariah Carey cashes in on Christmas.
Bad Christmas gifts from co-workers. Good gifts for fitness friends. The best last minute gifts from the drug store.
Beyonce willing to give up career for family. Taylor Swift has a mean streak. Is Justin Bieber selling his music catalog?
Daniele from St. Joe Today has some last minute holiday fun to check out as well as great events coming up for 2023 at stjoetoday.com!
- It’s the last chance to see Santa in downtown St. Joe! Visit Santa’s House on the corner of State & Pleasant Streets Thursday & Friday from 12:00p-5:00p. Santa will be available for wish list conversations and holiday photo ops, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture this magical visit! Sponsored by The Herald-Palladium. Visit com/santa for a complete schedule.
- Watermark Brewing hosts their annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at 6:00p this Friday, December 23! For 21+, $15/person and includes a glass to take home and entry to both the Solarium and Watermark. Attendees will enjoy live music, food by Mr. Gyros and an Ugly Sweater contest!
- Celebrate the holiday season with Paul Mow’s 12th Annual Holiday Show at The Livery at 7:30p! Attendees are in for a night of holiday tunes brought to you by an all-star cast. Tickets are $20/in advance and $25/at the door.
- Enter to win a Maytag Pro Pet Washer & Dryer! Joe Today (SJT) hosts a raffle from December 3, 2022 – February 6, 2023. Raffle tickets are just $5/ticket and are available for purchase at the SJT Welcome Center (301 State Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085). See an SJT staff member for more details on how to enter. Includes installation and setup. Must be 18+ to enter. The winner will be drawn at 12:00p on Monday, February 6, 2023. More info at stjoetoday.com!
- Tickets for the 2023 Joe Winter Beer Fest are going fast! Join us on Saturday, January 28 from 12:00p-4:00p in downtown St. Joseph! NEW this year – a limited number of VIP tickets will be available until December 31!
- Sneak peek at upcoming 2023 events! Chili Tour (January 27), Ice Fest (February 3-5), March Mannequins (March 10), Spring Artisan Fair (March 11).
Taylor Swift is on her way to becoming a billionaire! General Hospital loses one of their own. America’s favorite Christmas movies.
Celebrate Crossword Puzzle Day. Get ready for your Pro Bowl picks. Playing a White Elephant gift exchange paid off to the tune of $175,000!!!
Adele is SOOOO in love AND might have a new clothing line coming out soon. Plus, Trans-Siberian Orchestra earns their living in just 7 weeks!
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation looks ahead to the new year of giving and a need that is urgently needing to be met in the community at Brookview Montessori School. Larry Schanker explains the building repairs needed to help the Childcare area and how the community can help at brookviewschool.org.
A veteran puts his artistic talents to good use for fellow veterans.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Snoop Dog & Martha Stewart as new CEOs of Twitter? Justin Bieber wants justice from H&M. Rihanna posts her very first Tiktok.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What would you consider to be a disaster on Christmas? And yes, people really do like being sick…for these reasons.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taylor Swift found a cure for her insomnia AND has a cat named after her. Mariah Carey’s Holiday Special airs tonight-she’ll be singing more than just “All I Want For Christmas Is You”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dawn Howley and Deb Ramirez share heartfelt appreciation for support and advocacy in 2022! THANK YOU!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You’re loving Avatar: The Way of Water. Cecily Strong says goodbye after 11 seasons on SNL. Brittney Griner wants to play this season. It’s the 25th anniversary of the release of Titanic.
A sweet way for your kids to donate their old toys before Santa brings them new ones. Is Christmas the most popular day of the year to get engaged? An easy way to keep your weight in check during the holidays.
Billy Joel caught whatever is going around. The Britney Spears saga continues. New Album/New Tour from Matchbox 20!
This month, we spotlight Cornerstone investor Izzy DiMaggio, Hagar Township Supervisor and family co-owner of DiMaggio’s Pizza, and why he invests in economic development in our area. You can join investors like Izzy by starting at gomichigan.com!
Police say a local woman is dead after being shot and dragged through a Benton Harbor apartment complex.
Benton Township authorities reported early Sunday morning that a 30-year-old female resident of Benton Harbor was shot and killed at Briarwood Apartments on Saturday.
According to the report, investigation and evidence determined the victim was shot on the second floor of the apartment building at 1957 Union, dragged down the stairway and walkway, and left in the walkway. Police arrived to find the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and she was declared dead at the scene.
Michael Delaney, 32, of Benton Harbor, has been named a suspect and is still at large as of 2 a.m. Sunday. Delaney may have been in a previous relationship with the victim, according to the police report.
Berrien County evidence technicians assisted Benton Township Evidence Technicians with the processing of the crime scene, and Medic 1 Ambulance Service attempted life-saving measures at the scene, according to the report.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Benton Township Police Department Detective Bureau (269) 925-1135 or Crime Stoppers (574) 288-STOP.
Some new, high tech signs have been installed along I-94 in southwest Michigan. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells us these dynamic signs feature color displays and several sensors to measure conditions that affect the safety of the road.
“The atmospheric sensor pays attention to visibility, precipitation,” Schirripa said. “Speed sensors will read the speed of traffic moving by. So, whether it’s moving at or near posted speed or slower than posted speeds. And then pavement sensors. So, pavement conditions.”
The dynamic signs will post suggested variable speed limits based on weather and road conditions. Schirripa says a study of the I-94 corridor a few years ago prompted MDOT to seek ways to help out drivers when things are rough.
“What we discovered was the stretch of I-94 through Van Buren County sees not only the most severe winter weather of any stretch of I-94, but also sees the highest frequency of crashes during the winter months.”
Eleven of the signs are being put up between US-131 and I-196. Schirripa says they’re the first of their kind in the state, with all sorts of sensors and cameras sticking out. Their total cost was $4.9 million. The signs will go online in the next month or so.
Niles, South Haven, and Cassopolis are all recipients of state grants aimed at supporting small businesses and strengthening downtowns. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced 35 recipients of Match on Main grants this week. Niles, South Haven, and Cassopolis will each get $25,000 to give to downtown businesses for improvements. In the case of Niles, the grant will go to S&K Cornerstone. In South Haven, the grant will go to Decadent Dogs, and in Cassopolis, the funds will go to Curtis Place LLC. Each will use their grant for expenses that could support interior building renovations, activation of an outdoor space, business infrastructure related to COVID-19, marketing, or inventory. The MEDC says the 35 grants announced statewide this week will create or retain 296 full-time jobs and generate a total investment of more than $2.7 million.
yorkfoto/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Los Angeles mountain lion P-22 was euthanized after officials determined the celebrity feline was suffering from severe injuries and chronic health problems, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said Saturday.
The mountain lion had been captured on Monday by CDFW and the National Park Service officials who brought it in for evaluation.
The CDFW said the feline’s injuries and health issues were discovered during a comprehensive medical evaluation.
The agencies say it is likely that a vehicle collision or incident was the cause behind some of the injuries.
The CDFW is not seeking information on a vehicle collision, calling the situation “an eventuality that arises from habitat loss and fragmentation, and it underscores the need for thoughtful construction of wildlife crossings and well-planned spaces that provide wild animals room to roam.”
Medical tests showed “significant trauma to the mountain lion’s head, right eye and internal organs, confirming the suspicion of recent injury, such as a vehicle strike,” the department said.
The CDFW said the trauma to his internal organs would require invasive surgical repair.
Tests also revealed significant pre-existing illnesses, including irreversible kidney disease, chronic weight loss, extensive parasitic skin infection over his entire body and localized arthritis.
“Based on these factors, compassionate euthanasia under general anesthesia was unanimously recommended by the medical team at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and CDFW officials made the decision to do so on Saturday, Dec. 17,” the department said.
According to CDFW, the cat’s chronic and debilitating conditions, as well as his age, “left P-22 with no hope for a positive outcome.”
The celebrity lion, which is tracked by National Park Service researchers, became famous for making Griffith Park his home and prowling through the Hollywood Hills on occasion. He even became the subject of a book and a documentary.
“Mountain lion P-22 has had an extraordinary life and captured the hearts of the people of Los Angeles and beyond,” the statement from CDFW read. “The most difficult, but compassionate choice was to respectfully minimize his suffering and stress by humanely ending his journey.”
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Nearly $80,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded to South Haven students attending college next fall by the South Haven Area Community Foundation. It says 22 local scholarship applications are now available for South Haven High School seniors online. The application process is provided through a partnership with the South Haven Area Community Foundation and South Haven Public Schools. The foundation says the scholarships are only available for South Haven High School students. There are more than a dozen available. The deadline to apply is March 1 and you can find applications here.
Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images(HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — The father of the suspected Highland Park, Illinois, mass shooter appeared in virtual bond court in Lake County on Saturday, a day after being charged with seven counts of reckless conduct in connection with the shooting.
Robert Crimo Jr. took a “reckless and unjustified risk” when he signed the Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card for his son to apply for gun ownership, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said at a news conference Friday. At the time, his son was 19 and could not get a FOID card on his own because was not 21 or over; Those who are 18, 19 or 20 are required to have parent or guardian authorization, Rinehart said.
Under an agreement between the state and Crimo’s defense team, the judge reduced his bond from $500,000 to a $50,000 cash bond. Judge Jacquelyn Melius also ordered Crimo Jr. to surrender his Firearm Owners Identification card, conceal and carry license and any dangerous weapons in his possession within 24 hours of his release. Highland Park police will take possession of those items.
Under his release, Crimo Jr. will have a curfew and cannot have drugs or alcohol or any weapons.
His next court date is set for Jan. 12 at 9 a.m.
“Parents and guardians are in the best position to decide whether their teenagers should have a weapon. They are the first line of defense. In this case, the system failed,” Rinehart said.
Crimo Jr. is facing seven counts of reckless conduct causing great bodily harm.
His son, Robert Crimo III, is accused of killing seven people and injuring dozens of others in the mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in the Chicago suburb this summer. He pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and attempted murder.
Crimo Jr.’s attorney George M. Gomez said in a statement Friday that the charges were “baseless and unprecedented.”
“This decision should alarm every single parent in the United States of America who according to the Lake County State’s Attorney knows exactly what is going on with their 19 year old adult children and can be held criminally liable for actions taken nearly three years later,” Gomez said in a statement.
The attorney added that his client “continues to sympathize and feel terrible for the individuals and families who were injured and lost loved ones this past July 4th, but these charges are politically motivated and a distraction from the real change that needs to happen in this country.”
Bobby Crimo Jr. told ABC News in July that he was “shocked” by the shooting.
“I had no — not an inkling, warning — that this was going to happen,” he said.
“I filled out the consent form to allow my son to go through the process that the Illinois State Police have in place for an individual to obtain a FOID card,” Crimo told ABC News this summer. “They do background checks. Whatever that entails, I’m not exactly sure. And either you’re approved or denied, and he was approved.”
“Signing a consent form to go through the process…that’s all it was,” Crimo said of his involvement. “Had I purchased guns throughout the years and given them to him in my name, that’s a different story. But he went through that whole process himself.”
Crimo Jr. said his son purchased the weapons with his own money and registered them in his own name.
The Illinois State Police changed its rules for FOID card applications in the wake of the shooting.
ABC News’ Alex Perez and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Oliver Helbig/Getty Images(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) — Five people are in critical condition after a late Friday night shooting in North Memphis, Tennessee, according to the Memphis Police Department.
Two men and two women were transported to a local hospital in critical condition, and another woman was taken by a private vehicle to the hospital in critical condition.
The suspect is known by the victims but is not in custody, according to Memphis police.
“This incident stemmed from a domestic situation. All individuals shot were adults,” the department said in a Tweet.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
St. Joseph City Commissioners have signaled their support for a project that will result in the power lines at West Basin Marina being moved underground. At a meeting this past week, the city commission approved some distribution easements with Indiana Michigan Power to make way for the project. West Basin Manager Andrew Peters tells us this will benefit both the marina and the neighborhood.
“On the marina side, we’ll be able to increase our boat storage by at least 30 boats every year, and for the community around us, besides any issues with weather-related power issues, it will also just beautiful by removing power lines and poles from the beautiful views that we have.”
The marina is self-funded, meaning this project won’t cost taxpayers anything. Peters said the work will cost the marina around $250,000 and will involve several contractors. Thanks to the additional revenue caused by the extra boat storage the project will create, he estimates the cost will have been recouped in about five years. There isn’t yet a start date for the work.
South Haven Area Emergency Services is among several Van Buren County fire departments that responded to a commercial building fire in Bangor Saturday morning. The alarm at the Arlington Trading Post on M-43 east of downtown Bangor was sounded at 4:45 a.m.
Bangor Community Fire Department immediately requested mutual aid from SHAES, Columbia Township, Covert Township, Hartford and Lawrence fire departments.
The fire was reported by a Bangor police officer while on patrol. Bangor responders said the front of the building was ablaze when they arrived. The roof at the front of the building the building collapsed almost immediately upon their arrival forcing an exterior attack. Aerial units from SHAES and Hartford were put into service.
M-43 east of Bangor was closed in both directions.
Firefighters remain on the scene for several hours.
Sweet Pluto is a gentle old soul living in a young dog’s body. He loves to take walks, explore, and sniff around! He is very good on the leash, and responsive to voice commands. Eager to please and treat motivated, he is perfecting sit! shake! and leave it! Pluto is a quiet, affectionate boy who is patiently waiting to find the love & affection of his forever family. Pluto is a neutered male Hound mix, approximately 3 years old. He is house-trained and up-to-date on vaccinations. Pluto welcomes all the attention he can get and would probably be okay with most kids and other dogs. Although Pluto is heartworm positive, he is currently being treated (sponsored by Friends of Berrien County Animal). Please contact Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or 269-927-564 to learn more about our perfect gentleman, Pluto! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sweet Pluto is a gentle old soul living in a young dog’s body. He loves to take walks, explore, and sniff around! He is very good on the leash, and responsive to voice commands. Eager to please and treat motivated, he is perfecting sit! shake! and leave it! Pluto is a quiet, affectionate boy who is patiently waiting to find the love & affection of his forever family. Pluto is a neutered male Hound mix, approximately 3 years old. He is house-trained and up-to-date on vaccinations. Pluto welcomes all the attention he can get and would probably be okay with most kids and other dogs. Although Pluto is heartworm positive, he is currently being treated (sponsored by Friends of Berrien County Animal). Please contact Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or 269-927-564 to learn more about our perfect gentleman, Pluto!
Taylor Swift tickets should now be easier to get. Harry Styles says goodbye for the holidays.
A woman shares the shoes off her feet for a homeless man wearing cardboard boxes on his feet. Her boss sees she isn’t wearing shoes at work. Find out what happens next!
Tom Cruise is feeling his age. Ben Affleck is feeling his wife’s disappointment. Sam Worthington is NOT feeling like James Bond.
Pets rake in the Christmas presents. A cure for the holiday blues. Happy Festival of Lights! Hanukkah starts this Sunday at sundown.
Kelly Clarkson channels Oprah. Beauty and The Beast honors Angela Lansbury tonight on TV. Eddie Murphy to be honored at Golden Globes.
P!nk’s daughter Willow is just as gifted as her mom. Naomi Judd’s husband finally speaks out about his wife’s death.
Daniele from St. Joe Today has lots of Holiday Fun for the Family waiting for you in today’s podcast and anytime at stjoetoday.com!
- Santa’s House is moved from the North Pole each year to the corner of State & Pleasant Streets in downtown St. Joe! Santa will be available for wish list conversations and holiday photo ops weekends in December. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture this magical visit! Sponsored by The Herald-Palladium. Visit stjoetoday.com/santa for a complete schedule.
- SWMI businesses and restaurants host a Countdown to New Year, a daily giveaway event throughout the month of December! Shoppers earn one entry per $25 purchase (one time or cumulative). It’s the LAST WEEK to turn in receipts, make sure to drop them off by December 18! Visit stjoetoday.com/countdown for more information!
- The Inn at Harbor Shores hosts Brunch with Santa and His Reindeer this Sunday, December 18 from 9:00a-3:00p. Attendees will enjoy an a la carte menu from Plank’s Tavern and a special visit with Santa – reservations recommended!
- Stroll through the LIGHTS holiday display at Fernwood Botanical Gardens! Open Thursday-Sunday from 5:00p-9:00p through January 2, 2022. Advanced tickets are recommended.
- Head to Lazy Ballerina Winery for a Christmas Cookie Decorating Class this Sunday, December 18 from 1:00p-3:00p! Learn step-by-step instructions on how to decorate six beautiful Christmas cookies. Reserve your spot!
- A Motown Christmas returns to The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College on Sunday, December 18 at 7:00p. Attendees will enjoy a performance by The Motortown All-Stars a group comprised of vocalists and musicians from The Miracles, The Contours and The Temptations as they sing a variety of holiday songs!
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation talks with Kristina Knezic of the Berrien Springs Community Library about their For Good Grant project to expand their “launch pad” program for the community’s children. Find out how a For Good Grant could help your community at berriencommunity.org.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber talks about the Business Recognition Awards open for nominations now through Friday at smrchamber.com/business-recognition-awards and how you can see an innovative CEO in March as part of the Economic Club Speaker Series at the Mendel Center. Check out smrchamber.com for more!
In this month’s Cornerstone Alliance teammember spotlight, we speak with Jackie Yates about her role as the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance Manager and how you can meet more team members at gomichigan.com!
Destiny is a sweet, beautiful girl who was returned to us after not getting along with the resident cat, and she is looking for a cat/small animal free home. She would do best in a quiet home, but with someone who is willing to get her some good exercise, as she is still young and very active. Destiny is uncomfortable and nervous with new people when she first meets them, but slowly opens up, and will gently ask for love and attention once she starts trusting you. She needs someone willing to give her this time, and to keep up with her exercise and training so she can blossom. She is willing to meet a new dog friend, but this introduction too might take some time. Destiny is a good listener and very loyal when she gets to know you. She finds a favorite toy and sticks with it! Her current favorite is an orange and blue rubber bone. She sits when asked and is great on a leash. She’s doing well learning not to react to other dogs she sees, but will need consistent work on that. Add a little canned food to her bowl and she’ll be your best friend. She loves soft, jerky-like treats, especially if they smell like bacon! Destiny is a little under 3 years old and is 42 lbs. She is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and heartworm negative. If you are interested in adopting Destiny, fill out an application at al-van.org/adopt. You can also call us at (269)637-5062, or visit our adoption center at 07591 Blue Star Hwy in South Haven, and we can help you with the application process.
Destiny is a sweet, beautiful girl who was returned to us after not getting along with the resident cat, and she is looking for a cat/small animal free home. She would do best in a quiet home, but with someone who is willing to get her some good exercise, as she is still young and very active. Destiny is uncomfortable and nervous with new people when she first meets them, but slowly opens up, and will gently ask for love and attention once she starts trusting you. She needs someone willing to give her this time, and to keep up with her exercise and training so she can blossom. She is willing to meet a new dog friend, but this introduction too might take some time. Destiny is a good listener and very loyal when she gets to know you. She finds a favorite toy and sticks with it! Her current favorite is an orange and blue rubber bone. She sits when asked and is great on a leash. She’s doing well learning not to react to other dogs she sees, but will need consistent work on that. Add a little canned food to her bowl and she’ll be your best friend. She loves soft, jerky-like treats, especially if they smell like bacon! Destiny is a little under 3 years old and is 42 lbs. She is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and heartworm negative. If you are interested in adopting Destiny, fill out an application at al-van.org/adopt. You can also call us at (269)637-5062, or visit our adoption center at 07591 Blue Star Hwy in South Haven, and we can help you with the application process.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daniele from St. Joe Today will keep you busy this weekend with lots of fun holiday-themed events in the podcast and waiting for you at stjoetoday.com!
- Santa’s House is moved from the North Pole each year to the corner of State & Pleasant Streets in downtown St. Joe! Santa will be available for wish list conversations and holiday photo ops weekends in December. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture this magical visit! Sponsored by The Herald-Palladium. Visit stjoetoday.com/santa for a complete schedule.
- SWMI businesses and restaurants host a Countdown to New Year, a daily giveaway event throughout the month of December! Shoppers earn one entry per $25 purchase (one time or cumulative). Qualifying purchases must be made between November 18 and December 18.
- Join the Benton Harbor Arts Association as they host their annual Holiday Hoppin Bazaar from 5:00p-9:00p on Friday, December 9. Participating locations will host live music, local artist booths, children’s activities, food vendors and more!
- The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra hosts their Hollywood Holidays concert on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30p! This holiday-themed concert features a selection of holiday songs along with your favorite music from holiday films.
- Celebrate the holiday season with the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan as they host Holiday Pride at Union + Social on Saturday, December 10 from 7:00p-10:00p! Attendees will enjoy live music by Andrew Fisher, hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary toast and a cash bar available.
- Sneak peek ahead to January! Tickets for the St. Joe Winter Beer Fest are on sale now! NEW this year, VIP tickets that include Beer Fest swag and 30min early access to the event. Visit stjoetoday.com/beerfest for more information and to purchase tickets!
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation is joined by Christine Vanlandingham of the Region VI Area Agency on Aging to talk about the importance of the Senior Care Kits program and how people in our area benefit, and can participate as volunteers. You can sign up to volunteer at https://volunteer.uwsm.org/need/detail/?need_id=754423.
Gumbo spent 700 days in a shelter and had a rough time there, after a social media post a family found him and helped him get comfortable in their house with other animals.
Candy Cane Fudge McFlurries available in Canada only, Keke Palmer announced she’s pregnant during her SNL opening monologue, Michael Gandolfini is joining the MCU, Nick Cannon is in the hospital with pneumonia, and Amber Heard is seeking a new defamation trial against Jonny Depp.
Super 8 Candle collection celebrating the spirit of the open road, welcoming environments and joyous moments
Kanye West is accusing Kim of having an affair, Pink’s husband had surgery and it went smoothly, Taylor Swift’s Midnights has held on for a fifth week at the top of the charts, and Justin Bieber launched his clean water company called “Generosity”
Lorraine Day, an Employee Campaign Coordinator, tells us about her experience coordinating her workplace campaign for United Way of Southwest Michigan locally at Mid-West Family Southwest Michigan and how other workplaces can get involved in coordinating their own campaigns, too. Find out more or donate at uwsm.org/donate
Charlotte from Texas, went through several medical treatments and started spreading holiday cheer to other pediatric patients with stuffed dinosaurs!
Give Hanx this holiday season, Tom Hanks has created Hanx Products Coffee, 100% of the profits go to veterans and their families!
A polar bear at the Toledo Zoo gave birth to twins, Hellman’s created Mayo Nogg, Henry Cavill in talks to play Van Helsing, Brad Willaim Henke has died in his sleep at 56 years old, and The Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 trailer has been released!
Woman from Idaho is willing to offer her wedding venue for three Taylor Swift tickets, a Britney Spears musical is coming, and Daily Show host, Trevor Noah, was recently mistaken for The Weeknd!
Zack is joined by Jessica Boyd and Cathy Tilley from Cornerstone Alliance, as well as Contractor Todd Lohenry to talk about Indiana Michigan Power‘s Energy Waste Reduction program for commercial and industrial customers. If you want to learn about this program or how to partner with Cornerstone, head to gomichigan.com!
Jasmine is a 2-1/2 year old American Pit Bull Terrier and she has already had quite an adventurous life! Originally found as a stray in Wayne County, MI, Jasmine was adopted from their local Humane Society and then given away. She was next reported as a stray here in Cass County. Jasmine would be best suited in a home where she is the only pet. We hope the magic of the holiday season brings a loving forever-home to this very deserving girl. Jasmine is spayed, microchipped, and rabies vaccinated. Her adoption fee is only $40. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our happy and smiling Jasmine.
Jasmine is a 2-1/2 year old American Pit Bull Terrier and she has already had quite an adventurous life! Originally found as a stray in Wayne County, MI, Jasmine was adopted from their local Humane Society and then given away. She was next reported as a stray here in Cass County. Jasmine would be best suited in a home where she is the only pet. We hope the magic of the holiday season brings a loving forever-home to this very deserving girl. Jasmine is spayed, microchipped, and rabies vaccinated. Her adoption fee is only $40. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our happy and smiling Jasmine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10 year old, Maddie French, from Staten Island makes donations to charity groups selling homemade sweets.
Brittany has the details!
Christine Mcvie of Fleetwood Mac has died at the age of 79, Mariah Carey teams up with Peloton, Brittany tells you who’s at the top of the Billboards top 100, Jennifer Lopez hopes to be on Broadway some day has an album coming out next year and a movie!
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit, Sugar Cookie and Candy Cane Blizzards are at DQ, Paramount + Tulsa King has been renewed for another season, Prince Harry and Princess Megan’s docu-series is coming to Netflix soon, and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s divorce is finalized and Kanye wanted to question Kim’s potential future husband(s) under oath!
For the first time since “I Want it That Way” 25 years ago, the Backstreet Boy’s have a new chart topper, Mariah Carey wants you to stay in her NYC Penthouse for a special Holiday Experience including an awesome itinerary, and speaking of Mariah Carey bats have more vocal range than her with an 8 octave vocal range, Mariah only has a 5 octave range!
Virgin Voyages donated over 2,000 free cruises for health care heroes in Florida! over $6 million dollars in value is being “donated”
That’s today’s Happy Headline from Brittany!
Hot Pocket’s Cargo Shorts…. Steve Martin and Martin Short will host SNL, Top Gun Maverick will be back in theater’s for two weeks before it’s available for streaming, Kim Kardashian and Kanye have settled their divorce, and Netflix has another hit show “Wednesday” that broke the streaming record for most hours watched in its first week.
Hello Fresh has a Buddy The Elf Spaghetti Kit, available December 5th, for a limited time only!
St. Joe Today has lots of “Merry and Bright” fun to share this weekend with Light Up the Bluff, Window Wonderland, the Reindog Parade, Santa’s House, the Holiday Artisan Fair, and more on the calendar in today’s podcast, and waiting for you at stjoetoday.com! On Friday, December 2 immediately following Light up the Bluff, Window Wonderland invites attendees to stroll downtown to get into the holiday spirits as they take in the holiday window decorating contest. Downtown storefronts will participate from 7:00p-8:30p. Vote for your favorite window at stjoetoday.com/vote! Voting will be open starting at 7:00p on Friday, December 2 until 11:59p on Sunday, December 4. * The Fanny Mae Memorial Reindog Parade returns to downtown St. Joseph at 3:00p! This event features dressed up pets and their owners in a variety of holiday garb. Be prepared to see all kinds of costumes from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rottweilers” – definitely a must-see event! Day of registration is available from 12:00p-2:45p at the Welcome Center (301 State Street). Sponsored by Maytag, Ed Todd and FuzzyButz. * ‘Tis the season for Christmas Miniature Train Rides at Eden Springs Park! Enjoy rides from 4:00p-8:00p December 3,4, 10, 11, 17, 18. Tickets are $4 (cash only), ages 3 and under ride free. * St. Joe Today hosts the first annual Holiday Artisan Fair from 12:00p-4:00p on Sunday, December 4! This event will be held indoors at Union + Social and host a variety of local artisans. $5/person. * Santa’s House is moved from the North Pole each year to the corner of State & Pleasant Streets in downtown St. Joe! Santa will be available for wish list conversations and holiday photo ops weekends in December. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture this magical visit! Sponsored by The Herald-Palladium. Visit stjoetoday.com/santa for a complete schedule. * Sneak peek at some of our upcoming events: Santa Series (December 3-23), Chili Tour (January 27), St. Joe Winter Beer Fest (January 28) – Tickets on sale December 1, Ice Fest* (February 3-5)
Ever wanted to give someone a non-physical gift?
Brittany talks about the most popular non-physical gifts people want to give this holiday season!
Olivia Newton John’s Deluxe Greatest hits coming soon and can be pre-saved now, LA Police arrested a man for trying to steal John Legends car, a Taylor Swift inspired Christmas bar has opened in Washington D.C., and Adele was incredibly surprised by a special guest at her residency this weekend.
A Fort Worth woman was kidnapped by her babysitter in 1971 and has now been reunited with her parents.
Brittany has the story for you!
Meta has been fined $276 million for leaking 533 million user’s data, Tyler Perry has 4 new movies coming to Prime Video, Hugh Jackman auctioned off his hat from Music Man and his long time friend Nicole Kidman bought it for $100,000, a dog charcuterie board can be bought at Walmart, and a new Bambi horror movie will be coming soon.
Susan Matheny from Berrien Community Foundation talks about For Good Grants with Zack along with Gabrielle Engle of Mosaic CCDA, the Job Training Institute Program, and more about how other non-profits can use For Good Grants to do work in the community that matters as well. Find out more at BerrienCommunity.org.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to chat about the upcoming December 10 Holiday Village in Bridgman, Chamber Day with the Detroit Lions December 11, and how you can hear an innovative leader speak at the Mendel Center in March. Details are waiting at smrchamber.com!
Did you participate in Black Friday?
Brittany discusses how some people aren’t as thrilled this year!
American Film Institute to honor Nicole Kidman with 49th Life achievement Award, Ice Cube lost out on $9m for a role by not getting COVID Vaccine, Jim Carey’s canceled Bruce Almighty sequel Brucifer possibly gaining traction.
Elton John has a holiday collection benefitting his aids foundation, Annie Lennox is fighting against gender bias with an auction, and Joe Jonas shares the best parenting advice he ever received
Giving Machines are popping up across the country!
Brittany can tell you all about them!
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images (ATLANTA) — Three employees at a McDonald’s in Atlanta, Georgia, helped deliver a baby girl after a pregnant mother went into labor there. Sha’querria Kaigler, Keisha Blue-Murray and Tunisia Woodward heard a piercing scream
A beloved breakfast spot downtown St. Joseph is set to return before the end of the year. Thornton’s Home Town Café, 613 Pleasant Street, has been sold, according to a post on its Facebook page. New owners
George Frey/Getty Images (SPRINGDALE, UTAH) — A 31-year-old woman was found dead at Zion National Park in Utah after her husband reported the couple experienced symptoms of hypothermia while camping in the park. The husband told authorities
Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital and Corewell Health Niles Hospital, formerly Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center and Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital, have achieved an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. This national distinction recognizes Corewell
MARK FELIX/AFP /AFP via Getty Images (UVALDE, Texas) — Last week, nearly six months after the mass shooting that killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the Uvalde Together We Rise
Sugar is a female Boxer-Pit Bull Terrier Mix, approximately 3 years old. Sugar is a very sweet and loving girl. She likes every person she meets, especially if they are giving treats or scratching her bum! We are testing Sugar with other dogs, so a meet-and-greet is required if she will be living with other dogs in her new home. Sugar does not care for feline friends. She is up-to-date on vaccinations, but hasn’t yet been spayed. Upon adoption, you will receive a $50 spay-voucher which means you’ll get a $50 refund once you provide proof that Sugar has been spayed! Please reach out to Van Buren County Animal Control, Phone 269-621-4624, 58040 Country Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about our sweet girl, Sugar.
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Sugar is a female Boxer-Pit Bull Terrier Mix, approximately 3 years old. Sugar is a very sweet and loving girl. She likes every person she meets, especially if they are giving treats or scratching her bum! We
Apple TV + is doing a Rihanna Comeback story, A hearing will open about TicketMaster’s “Monopoly” thanks to the Taylor Swift Ticket Disaster, Adam Devine is returning as Bumper in Bumper in Berlin streaming on Peacock, and
on December 22 Top Gun Maverick will start streaming on Paramount +, Billy Porter will receive a Star on the Walk of Fame, Chevy Chase is reprising his role as Clark Griswald in Illinois, and Wendy Williams
A police station in England had a surprise visit from a Border Collie! Brittany has all the details
Michelle Franzen/ABC News (DARIAN, CONNECTICUT) — Susan and Ted Holmes opened up their home to Liudmyla and Volodya Stepnyk and their three children, Yulia, Dmytro and Veronika, under the Biden administration’s “Uniting for Ukraine” resettlement program. The
Michelle Franzen/ABC News (DARIAN, CONNECTICUT) — Susan and Ted Holmes opened up their home to Liudmyla and Volodya Stepnyk and their three children, Yulia, Dmytro and Veronika, under the Biden administration’s “Uniting for Ukraine” resettlement program. The
Michigan is one of six applicants to receive funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for conservation and connectivity work on rivers and streams in 14 counties. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced this week
Alec Tabak/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll sued former President Donald Trump for the second time on Thursday, alleging defamation and battery under a new law in New
ABC News (LOS ANGELES) — Residents in Southern California have more than heavy traffic to contend with this Thanksgiving. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties on
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and its Four Winds Casinos announced today a donation of 1,000 food boxes to those in need during the week of Thanksgiving. Each Thanksgiving food box includes a Smoked Ham, Idaho Mashed
Tetra Images/Getty Images (UVALDE, TX) — Thanksgiving Day marks six months since 19 students and two of their teachers were killed in a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Some families of the victims
As Michigan prepares to give thanks this week, you can expect to pay more to put that holiday meal on the table, about 14% more compared to last year. Midwest Independent Retailers Association President Ed Weglarz says
City of Chesapeake (CHESAPEAKE, Va.) — Six people were gunned down in a mass shooting at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia. Survivors said the gunman walked into a break room and opened fire on Tuesday night. The
City of Chesapeake (CHESAPEAKE, Va.) — Six people were gunned down in a mass shooting at a Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia. Survivors said the gunman walked into a break room and opened fire on Tuesday night. The
ABC News (NEW YORK) — Millions of people who hit the roads and the skies for the Thanksgiving holiday are not expected to face any significant weather issues, but a few storms in the South and the
Jason Marz/Getty Images (DETROIT) — Detroit police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man suffering a mental health crisis in October acted in self-defense and will not face any charges, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s
The night before Thanksgiving is known nationwide as the biggest bar night of the year, which means police are cracking down on those who plan to drink and drive. Lieutenant Keith Harper of the Rochester Hills Police
Lady Gaga is heading to London’s Kensington Palace — well, one of her iconic outfits is, anyway. Rolling Stone reports the flowing green gown she wore to the 2020 MTV VMAs will be featured at the State Apartments at Kensington Palace’s “Crown to
Paramount+/Michael Yarish On Thanksgiving Day, Paramount+ drops the first two episodes of the next chapter in the long-running crime drama series Criminal Minds with Criminal Minds: Evolution. The 10-episode series has the added freedom of being on
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic If Marie Osmond has her way, Selena Gomez would play her in a documentary about her life. Speaking to E! News, the singer opened up about the possibility of having her very own biopic to tell her life story. “I think
New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division and Operation Game Thief A Massachusetts hiker, who had gone missing after departing on a solo hike over the weekend, was found dead in New Hampshire on Wednesday, according
ABC/Randy Holmes While 1978’s Star Wars Holiday Special infamously didn’t involve the saga’s creator, George Lucas — who once wished he could smash every copy with a hammer — the same can’t be said for Friday’s Disney+ release, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival What is Jennifer Lopez planning? The singer’s Instagram has been wiped clean, sparking theories that new music might be on the way. Looking up her profile turns up an empty account with no photos. As
By Ryan Yuenger ryany@wsjm.com Local health care worker and mother of four boys Jennifer Stormont had plans to attend nursing school at Southwestern Michigan College this fall, but her life was turned upside down by a breast
ABC News (WASHINGTON) — It’s been nearly half a year since Secretary Deb Haaland released the first report in the Interior Department’s investigation into the legacy and lasting trauma from Indian boarding schools. For more than a
Ronda Churchill/Bloomberg/Getty Images Former Vice President Mike Pence has been contacted by the Justice Department, which is seeking to question Pence in connection with DOJ’s ongoing probe into former President Donald Trump, the Jan. 6 riot and
Interscope It’s no secret Elton John enjoys watching his songs top the music charts. Now, he gets to celebrate another victory. “Hold Me Closer,” his collab with Britney Spears, has topped Billboard‘s Adult Pop Airplay Chart. This becomes Sir Elton’s second #1
Stargirl Records The day after Thanksgiving, Debbie Gibson kicks off her Winterlicious tour in support of her new holiday album of the same name. It’s actually Debbie’s first-ever Christmas project, because unlike most teen stars, she refused
Lucasfilm/Disney+ On Wednesday, the longest Star Wars TV series to date, Andor, wraps up on Disney+. The show, which shows the early days of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story‘s Cassian Andor and his journey to the Rebellion, was co-produced by Diego
From the Associated Press — State charges have been filed against seven Michigan State football players stemming from a melee in Michigan Stadium’s tunnel last month. A statement from the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office says the most
Manuel Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images (WASHIGTON) — The National Institutes of Health has launched a website MakeMyTestCount.org which allows people to anonymously report the results of any brand of at-home COVID-19 test. The website is a collaboration
By Ambrosia Neldon ambrosian@cassco.org CASS COUNTY — As countless people traveled from across the country to see the stars at Lawless Park this summer, they were treated to smooth streets, rather than rocky roads. This project, completed
Apple Music Harry Connick Jr.’s fourth holiday album, Make It Merry, comes out this Friday, exclusively on Apple Music in Spatial Audio and iTunes. And while it features the usual mix of originals and classic tunes, Harry says it also includes
Peacock/Julia Terjung Adam Devine returns as Pitch Perfect scene stealer Bumper Allen in the new Peacock spin-off series Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin, which debuts Wednesday. The series sees Bumper re-teaming with Flula Borg‘s Piëter Krämer when
Catherine McQueen/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — The number of abortions performed in the U.S. decline in 2020, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The annual report, published Wednesday by the CDC, looks at
East Central Independent School District (MARBLE FALLS, CA) — Marble Falls High School announced its plans this week to investigate reports of alleged racist behavior by student spectators at a girls basketball tournament on Friday. The incident
CHBD/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — Measles is an “imminent threat” around the world, according to a new joint report released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Despite a two-dose vaccine
Courtesy of Saint Laurent Rive Droite When Madonna first released her coffee table book, Sex, in 1992, it caused a worldwide scandal. Now, in honor of its reissue, it’s being celebrated next week at Art Basel Miami Beach, one
A New Buffalo church is offering a Thanksgiving meal to the entire community Thursday. Lighthouse Village Church of God on US-12 will welcome anyone in need of a good meal. Doors open at noon and there will
MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images Dua Lipa‘s British, and, as such, doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but nevertheless, she’s revealed what she’s most thankful for in her monthly Service95 newsletter. “For those that don’t know, it’s Thanksgiving tomorrow in the
Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images How is Wendy Williams doin’? Apparently well. The former talk show host, who completed another stint in rehab last month, appeared Monday night at a Q&A held at the annual “Circle
ABC Two senators have announced a hearing to look into the alleged monopoly critics say Ticketmaster has on the ticketing industry. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, and Senator Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, have taken the first steps
With holiday TV appearances and tours, Thanksgiving’s a busy time for artists, but they also get the chance to slow down and count their blessings. As a Brit, singer Joss Stone didn’t grow up with Thanksgiving, but
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images (Los Angeles) — Two couples have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and they’re sharing their stories to encourage others to consider giving the gift of organ donation. Christine
Stefano Montesi via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Ky Schevers is fighting back against the anti-trans movement she once took part in. Schevers was assigned the sex of female at birth and later chose to start gender-affirming
Marvel Studios (NOTE LANGUAGE) Another stop on his promotional tour for his new book Cinema Speculation, another jab at Marvel movies from writer-director Quentin Tarantino. But this time, one of the studio’s stars has clapped back: Simu
Berrien County restaurant owner Ibrahim Parlak is facing new immigration trouble. The U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals is appealing a 2018 decision that allowed Parlak to stay in the United States due to problems with the transcript
Kent County Sheriff Michele LaJoye-Young says a Comstock Park man is facing several charges in Cheboygan County after being caught with a 16-year-old girl from Grand Rapids at the Mackinac Bridge in October. He will be in
Thanksgiving holiday travel is peaking this week as Michiganders head out on vacation or to see family. TSA Federal Security Director for Michigan Steve Lorincz says federal agents working at Metro Airport are ready. “We’re anticipating anywhere
Scott Dudelson/Getty Images Ice Cube says he lost out on a $9 million movie role for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine. While appearing on the November 2nd episode of the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast,
Everything Everywhere All at Once topped the list of nominees at the Independent Spirit Awards announced on Tuesday, with eight, followed by Tár with seven, and Aftersun with five. Noticeably missing from the list was The Whale,
Todd and Julie Chrisley have been sentenced to 12 and 7 years in prison and their son Grayson is hospitalized after a car crash, Chris Hemsworth is testing the limits of the body, and producers of Indiana
Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton are hosting NBC’s New Years, Dua Lipa is the first recipient of the collection of the year award, Computer glitch during Elton John’s broadcast of his Yellow Brick Road show, Mariah Carey’s
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving will not be airing on TV and will exclusively be airing on Apple TV+, Charlie Brown Specials can be streamed for free through the service with or without a subscription!
A 21 year old dance major overcame bone cancer, lost her leg in the process and continues to dance to inspire others!
Susan Matheny from Berrien Community Foundation talks about For Good Grants with Zack along with Stephanie Kohler-Pagan of Lory’s Place, the work that they do, and more about how other non-profits can use For Good Grants to
When attending or hosting Thanksgiving there is etiquette to follow, Brittany can give you the details!
A Bakery in El Paso Texas is whipping up some special Thanksgiving meals for dogs at their local Animal Control Center
Jason David Frank the original Green/White Power Ranger has passed away, Cheryl Berg is leaving Dancing With The Stars, Ryan Reynolds wrote a Deadpool Christmas movie, and Michael J Fox recently accepted an Honorary Oscar!
Live Nation is under anti-trust investigation… again… thanks to the Taylor Swift Tour debacle, Taylor took home all six awards she was nominated for at the AMA’s, Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde broke up, Mariah Carey will
Dawn from United Way of Southwest Michigan tells us how your donation can be leveraged to ‘Pay it Forward 5 times’ in our communities in the new year! Visit uwsm.org for more. The power of United Way
Daniele from St. Joe Today has an early preview of this week and weekend’s fun (and beyond) when you head on over to StJoeToday.com! The YMCA of Greater Michiana hosts their annual Niles-Buchanan Thanksgiving Run this Thursday,
The Clarkson Foundation from England and Wales raised donations with a fundraising event called “Survival of The Fittest” Brittany can tell you more!
The Backstreet Boys teaming up with JC Penny for a live stream benefitting charity, Ticketmaster had to cancel ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s new tour, and Elton John teams up with Walmart for a Flashy Sunglasses line
Tyson recalls Ground Beef, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Marshmallows available at Walmart on Saturday, Ellen Pompeo is leaving Grey’s Anatomy, and an EGOT winner was added to The It’s a Wonderful Life reading for Ed Asner Family Center!
All we want for Christmas is more sleep? Brittany has the answer in today’s Coffee Talk!
Chris Frank joins us to discuss the importance of Cornerstone Alliance’s many investors in Economic Development, and how you can become an investor to help continue the great work Cornerstone is doing in our communities by checking
Study by University of Birmingham shows that people who post too many photos on Facebook are at risk of losing friends in real life!
Jimmy Fallon’s fake death, Judge Judy wants Reese Witherspoon to play her on the silver screen, ABC is already planning the New Year’s coverage with Ryan Seacrest, and AMC’s The Walking Dead will have a live event
Medina Police officer delivers a baby while on the job! Brittany has more details about this Happy Headline!
P!nk was on Jimmy Kimmel, she’ll open the AMA’s on Sunday along with many others to perform in the show, Jewel talked about PTSD, and Gwen Stefani is struggling to find a retirement gift for Blake and
Numilia is an 8-10 month female Tortoiseshell with very, very unique markings on her soft coat and crisp green eyes. Numilia is a friendly and confident girl. She loves to be with people, and also does well with dogs and other cats. Numilia is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our beautiful Numilia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Numilia is an 8-10 month female Tortoiseshell with very, very unique markings on her soft coat and crisp green eyes. Numilia is a friendly and confident girl. She loves to be with people, and also does well
Daniele from St. Joe Today has details on LUMINARY this Friday and lots of events this weekend to enjoy on the calendar in today’s podcast! Find more anytime at stjoetoday.com! Stroll through downtown St. Joseph as hundreds
Nearly 100 members of Dog Pack Biker Group brought gifts for kids and families dealing with Domestic Abuse
Dua Lipa joins Elton John in LA, Selena Gomez accepts a Mental Health Awareness Award, Nick Jonas reveals the four signs he had before his Diabetes diagnosis, and the rumor about Adele’s backstage bubble during her residency
Amazon plans to fire 10,000 workers, 12.1 million people watched Yellowstone’s season premiere, Pop Tarts is bringing back frosted gingerbread, John Anniston passed away, Glenn Goodman is leaving Dancing with The Stars, Christina Applegate got a star
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation tells us about this year’s Senior Care Kits program, and how you can volunteer to assist with this community impact project. Sign up and get more details at berriencommunity.org!
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber tells us about the upcoming Holiday Village in Bridgman, and how you can see the Detroit Lions as part of “Chamber Day” in December. Get more details at smrchamber.com!
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Tom Holland has 3 more Spider-Man movies? John Madden to be honored? PETA sends care package to Jason Momoa, Wakanda Forever opened this weekend at #2 for the year and is the biggest November release ever, and Leo DiCaprio had a birthday party this weekend!
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Want to feel younger? A recent study shows that lifting weights can help!
Not exercising can be as bad for you as smoking
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Gaming enthusiasts in Moosejaw raised thousands for under-privileged children
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2022 AMA’s are live this Sunday and Stevie Wonder is performing amongst others, P!nk revealed her Summer Tour dates, and Bryan Adams has followed Taylor Swift’s lead and recently released re-recordings of his biggest hits to take back ownership
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Brittany can tell you the Daily Dish!
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In this month’s Cornerstone team member spotlight, we talk to Ashley Butler, Director of Community of Engagement. See more of the great team that makes Economic Development a reality at gomichigan.com!
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Brittany has your Daily Dish for November 11, Happy Veteran’s Day!
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Brittany has your Music News for November 11, Happy Veteran’s Day!
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Brittany has your Coffee Talk for November 11, Happy Veteran’s Day!
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Brittany has your Happy Headline for November 11, Happy Veteran’s Day!
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It’s Furry Friends Friday featuring Orange from Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe
Orange is a 1-year old male cat with a handsome orange and white tiger-striped coat. Orange is looking for his forever home. He is a very chill dude. Orange likes to lounge in the sun and watch TV. Temptation cat treats are his favorite. Orange likes the company of other cats and tolerates the dog in his foster home. He is neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Please call Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 if you’d like to meet awesome Orange! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday featuring Orange from Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe
Orange is a 1-year old male cat with a handsome orange and white tiger-striped coat. Orange is looking for his forever home. He is a very chill dude. Orange likes to lounge in the sun and watch TV. Temptation cat treats are his favorite. Orange likes the company of other cats and tolerates the dog in his foster home. He is neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. Please call Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 if you’d like to meet awesome Orange! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kourtney Kardashian-Barker has entered the supplements industry
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Taylor Swift became the first artist to take the top 10 of the hot 100, Taylor Dayne wants to encourage people to get cancer screenings, and Meghan Trainor talks about how difficult it was to be healthy after she had her son
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Keanu Reeves planning a John Wick spin-off called “Ballerina”, Netflix released a trivia game yesterday, Viola Davis is going from First Lady Obama to President Taylor Sutton in an Amazon movie, and Southern Comfort is selling “Drinking Pants” for 11.23 on November 14th!
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A quilting group in Iowa donated their 1000th quilt to veterans!
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Daniele from St. Joseph Today has a busy weekend for you to check out in today’s podcast in case you’re looking for something to do, plus more to put on the calendar for the upcoming holidays! Head
A Koala Bear in Australia was rescued from a water logged cave by a kayaker! Brittany has the whole story!
Kelly Clarkson’s show has been renewed, Songs For Kids will perform all of Taylor Swift’s songs, and Hootie and The Blowfish is playing the PNC Arena for One Night Only until Hootie Fest in April
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Brittany has your countdowns until the upcoming holidays and the history of November 9!
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Wendy’s is celebrating Veterans Day by offering free breakfast for Veterans, Jimmy Kimmel is going to host the Oscars again, Rebel Wilson is a mom, Vlassic has made a dill pickle candle, and Weird Al was on The Tonight Show in the classroom instrument segment
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Brittany has your Coffee Talk, brought to you by Honor Credit Union, come be part of it!
‘Rake A Difference’ is coming up Thursday with more than 1200 volunteers helping over 270 seniors! Whirlpool and AEP Indiana Michigan Power are the Major Sponsors and are excited to help! Hear how both have been involved
Pfizer is testing a Covid andFlu combination shot, David Letterman interviewed Ukrainian president and it will be on Netflix, Johnny Depp will be on the run-way for Rihanna’s new line, Ryan Reynolds will receive the people’s choice
A boy in New Jersey found an empty bowl on the front porch of a house while trick-or-treating and he restocked it from his own bag so others could take some when they arrived. Brittany has more
Pentatonix Holiday Special coming to Disney +, Kanye is taking a Verbal Cleanse (Minus Twitter), Ed Sheeran is taking a break from Social Media and removed his posts, 20 years ago Justin Timberlake started his solo career, and 76 year old Cher has a new man in her life, a 36 year old Music Executive
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Jackie Yates, the Manager of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance, along with Jessica Boyd from Cornerstone Alliance, joins Zack to talk about the upcoming OWN: Confidence is Your Superpower event for entrepreneurs on November 15
Cases of RSV, a respiratory illness that primarily affects small children, are up in southwest Michigan as in much of the country. Corewell Health South pediatrician Dr. Anne Dudley tells us RSV is similar to illnesses like
Oscar is a low-rider dog, looking for a new home. He came to Al-Van Humane Society from another shelter so a new set of eyes could see how handsome he is and consider adding him to their family. Oscar seeks a quiet home to live out his golden years. He is about 12 years old and 33lbs. He can be picky about new dog friends, but would be up for meeting a resident dog to see if they could be friends. Small children make him nervous so an adult-only home or a home with older children would be best. Despite his age, Oscar is an energetic guy and loves to play with toys. He is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and heartworm negative. If you are interested in adopting Oscar please fill out an application at al-van.org/adopt.
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Oscar is a low-rider dog, looking for a new home. He came to Al-Van Humane Society from another shelter so a new set of eyes could see how handsome he is and consider adding him to their
Pink released a new song “Never Gunna Not Dance Again” along with some spicy chips, Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin adopted a new dog, The Grammy categories are being released soon, and Rick Springfield has a residency
Stouffers made a lasagna inspired bloody mary mix, McDonalds Wakanda Forever toys are here, Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen had a pre-nup they now need to have explored, and HBO MAX’s Original Christmas Story: Christmas includes the
A business man donates over 600 winter coats to children last year and wants to donate at least 500 more this year!
Fans of Kanye have set up a Go Fund Me to help him become a billionaire again, Carly Simon’s performance “Live at Grand Central” is coming to Blu-Ray soon, Katy Perry will be performing at the CMA
A recently married couple asked for money to donate to cancer victims rather than to take home for themselves and raised over $25,000! Brittany has more details!
Delta Airlines pilots are voting to strike if they don’t get new contracts, The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will arrive in Manhattan Saturday, You can own the original E.T. if you have a couple million dollars to
Daniele from St. Joe Today has details on great events and fun Holiday open houses kicking off this weekend, plus more in today’s podcast, and lots more waiting on the events calendar at stjoetoday.com! The Livery hosts
Decorating for Christmas on November 1? Hallmark started their holiday movie service and it’s also streaming on Peacock!
A man from Red Oak, Iowa saves four siblings after he took a wrong turn on the road! Brittany has more details!
Elon Musk wants to charge $20/month to keep the blue verified checkmark on Twitter, Marvel Studios will launch a Black Panther Podcast tomorrow, and Tim Roth mourns the loss of his 25 year old son Cormac after
Taylor Swift swept the top 10 of Billboard’s charts, She starts a tour in March, Ryan Murphy revealed Justin Timberlake was almost Will Schuster in Glee, and Mariah Carey announced it’s time for Christmas in a viral
Matthew Bizoe from the Krasl Art Center discusses this Saturday’s Fall Art Market (formerly Soup’s On) where you can help local artists while also getting great gift certificate deals to your favorite restaurants, too! Oh, and support
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation has details on the upcoming grantmaking going on at BCF, plus how your organization can apply easily at berriencommunity.org, or how you can become a valued volunteer to help review scholarships and
An Indianapolis couple dressed their baby in 31 different costumes Brittany has the whole story
People are flocking to GhostSingles.com, the new free dating app for dead people, no undead allowed! Brittany has more information for you!
Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen are officially divorced, The Phillies are giving out free Tacos from Taco Bell for Kyle Schwarber’s stolen base last game, Elon Musk is considering a PG and R rated Twitter setting, Lucky
Jerry Lee Lewis died last week, Harry Styles is helping millions register to vote and broke a record, and Sara Bareilles is leaving Twitter and so are many other celebrities
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber shares more Ribbon Cutting and Business After Hours events with us for you to be part of at smrchamber.com! Want your business or organization featured? Contact the Chamber for details
Brockton Massachusetts Police department helped a kid who wants to be a police officer some day celebrate his birthday.
Peloton is no longer using Kanye West songs, Millie Bobby Brown was on Jimmy Fallon, and Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes both called off tours and were recently seen going to church together.
Call me Kat paid tribute to Leslie Jordan’s passing last week, Elon Musk closed the deal $44 billion for Twitter, Walmart is offering Christmas light hanging service this year, Amy Schumer hosting SNL this week, Black Panther:
Kristen Patzer & Jessica Boyd from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance welcome Sean Winters, Executive Director of Chi Ishobak, Inc. to talk about the new partnership created to assist tribal entrepreneurs in Southwest Michigan and
It’s Furry Friends Friday brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe featuring Fergie from Paws Of Hope
Fergie is a female Mixed Breed Dog. Charming Fergie is intelligent and energetic! She loves to go exploring, take brisk walks, and do ‘zoomies!’ (So, a fenced-in yard would be a bonus!)
Fergie is attentive, eager to please, smart as a whip, and gentle when she takes treats. AND… she will steal your heart! Although Fergie is heartworm positive, don’t let that stop you from falling in love with this beautiful girl. Her treatment is in progress and will be paid for by Friends of Berrien County Animal Control. Please contact Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or 269-927-564 to learn more about our fabulous Fergie! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe featuring Fergie from Berrien County Animal Control Fergie is a female Mixed Breed Dog. Charming Fergie is intelligent and energetic! She loves to go exploring,
Todd and Donna Rowan were on vacation when Todd collapsed and turned Blue, two surfers who happened to be health care workers came rushing to the rescue. Brittany has the details!
Adele plans to go back to school, PGX collection from Nick Jonas coming soon, Elton John encouraged highschool football team’s band that played his songs, and this years People’s Choice Awards in December 6 and will include
Snacks… or Periodic Activity Snacks… What’s more important to you? Brittany can help you decide
60,000 Piece Jigsaw puzzle available at Cosco, Nick Cannon is going to be a father again, Will Smith gave a pep talk to The Lakers, Keenan Thompson will host People’s Choice Awards Tuesday December 6 on NBC
Surge in pediatric patients with respiratory infections, Brittney Griner was convicted in Russia and sentenced to 9 years in jail, Kellogg’s has Pandora flakes to celebrate Avatar 2, Antonio Brown is trolling Tom Brady about his wife,
White Oak Bicycle Co-Op has been repairing and giving away bikes to those in need They recently hit the milestone of donating 500 bicycles Brittany has all the details!
The Jonas Brothers are performing during the Thanksgiving day Cowboys vs Giants halftime show, Katy Perry has tips for avoiding a hangover, Jennifer Hudson is on Glamour’s 2022 Women of the Year list, Drake celebrated his 36th
Daniele from St. Joseph Today joins Zack to cover all of the spooky fun this weekend in today’s podcast. Check out more for adults and the entire family in the events section at stjoetoday.com and Happy Halloween!
Actor and Comedian Leslie Jordan died this weekend at the age of 67, highly anticipated “Emancipation” starring Will Smith is coming December 2, and Bridgerton co-creator wrote a book “Inside Bridgerton” is available now!
Johnny Depp’s Attorny already dropped Kanye, Adidas and Gap also dropped Kanye costing him his billionaire status, Ed Sheeran’s documentary is in the works, Josh Grobin fans can check out his Radio City show on PBS, November
Back in 2013, a cab driver was given an IOU by the rider for two pints of beer at his bar in Dublin and when he finally made it out to Dublin to cash it in he
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation welcomes BCF Golden Acorn Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Diane Young of Benton Harbor to discuss what volunteerism means to her, and more about the projects she is currently involved in at Sisters From Another Mother. See how you can get involved in the community by volunteering with BCF at berriencommunity.org!
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Plenty of Fish survey finds Plenty of Info to help you find someone!
Brittany has more details for you!
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Kanye West hired Johnny Depp’s Lawyer, Angelina Jolie playing an opera star, Katy Perry entertained “When We Were Young” Festival’s ticket holders after the show was cancelled,
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Man in England proposes with a Pizza Box?
Brittany has all of the fun details!
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Plastic Surgeons are getting asked for beard transplants, The McRib is back, Autographed Tom Brady rookie card went for $2.4 mil, Wayne Brady will host the 2022 American Music Awards on ABC, and fans of House Of The Dragon leaked the season finale days before its premiere on Sunday night.
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Cody Newton, a baseball fan, lost his father but continued to go to Phillies games and it inspired fans that were sitting near him to go above and beyond for him.
Brittany has the details to this happy story!
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Seth McFarlane is launching his own whiskey brand, Chelsea Handler will host the Critics Choice awards, American Airlines are dumping first class seats, Ben Affleck and J-Lo are inviting their exes to Thanksgiving, and PETA threatens to put an ancient curse on Gordon Ramsay?!
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The Hotel Grand in Texas is throwing a wedding for a ghost that haunts the grounds?
Brittany has the full story!
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Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel recently celebrated 10 years, Alicia Keys announced her first holiday album is coming soon, and Ed Sheeran’s spf 70 sunscreen brand is coming soon and he opens up about writing a bond opening theme
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Missy Holden of the First Choice program at Cornerstone Alliance is in month’s Team Member spotlight. See more members of the team making Economic Development happen in Southwest Michigan at gomichigan.com!
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Bashful Baxter is a very sweet dog, looking for a loving home. He was found as a very frightened stray and is still learning that not all people are bad. Once Baxter is comfortable, he will show off his neat tricks such as sit, high five, and speak! Baxter would do best in a calm environment with a patient owner to show him how to trust and love. His adoption fee is $40. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our handsome and bashful Baxter.
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Bashful Baxter is a very sweet dog, looking for a loving home. He was found as a very frightened stray and is still learning that not all people are bad. Once Baxter is comfortable, he will show off his neat tricks such as sit, high five, and speak! Baxter would do best in a calm environment with a patient owner to show him how to trust and love. His adoption fee is $40. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our handsome and bashful Baxter.
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A farmer swerves on the road to miss a dog and crashed his car injuring himself during harvest season, his community responded with helping hands!
Brittany can tell you all the happy details!
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Many stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, Marge Simpson sneakers are coming soon, Prada is selling very expensive doggy bags, and Pete Davidson’s Peacock series “Bupkis” is adding a star studded cast
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The strange look your dog gives you is most likely judgement!
Brittany has the details!
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Taylor Swift wants you to vote early and her new album is out TODAY, Cher’s new fragrance collection is here, Pintrest is adding music to your boards, Tina Turner’s “Break Every Rule” is being re-issued as a 4 disc special edition
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Brittany serves you today’s Daily Dish!
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Brittany delivers today’s Music News!
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Brittany has today’s Happy Headline of The Day!
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Daniele from St. Joe Today has more spooky fun for you and the family this weekend and beyond! Check it out in today’s podcast, and more anytime in the Events section at stjoetoday.com!
- Join Lazy Ballerina Winery tomorrow, Friday, October 21 from 4:00p-6:00p for a Pop Up Shop feat. Baked Wright! Shoppers will enjoy delicious homemade macarons, cake pops and other sweet treats. Stock up on wine and cider while you’re there!
- St. Joe Today hosts Spooky Tours this Saturday, October 22 from 1:00p-6:00p! Tours are limited to 20 people per time slot and will go out every 15 minutes. Tickets are $7/person and are required to participate; on sale now through stjoetoday.com/tours. A limited number of tickets will be available day of on a first come, first serve basis.
- Head to Joe Community Taproom this Saturday, October 22 for Fall Beer & Gear at the Taproom with Wanderlust Outfitters! Starting at 5:00p, attendees will enjoy a pop up shop featuring fall gear, savings on post season gear, campfire food samples around the Biolite FirePit+, great beers on tap, outdoor gear demos and more!
- The Berrien County Scrap TireCollection is Saturday, October 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sunday, October 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. No early drop-offs allowed. This collection is open to Berrien County residents only. Tires from businesses are not accepted. This collection is coordinated by the Berrien County Parks Department and will be held at the Berrien County Road Department, 2860 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, MI.
- Join us for these enchanted October events! Where’s the Witch– find the witch in this downtown St. Joe Scavenger Hunt (Oct. 1-31), Pumpkins on Parade (Oct. 21-31) and Halloween Trick-Or-Treat (Oct. 31). Check out com for our latest blog featuring Spooktacular events happening through SWMI!
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New study in Australian reveals that single men smell different than married men
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Two snorkelers, a father and son, were surprised in the Gulf of Mexico by a Sea Lion hug
Brittany has the details!
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Dahmer costumes being removed from Ebay, Arby’s is releasing smoked bourbon, Twister sequel coming soon, Tik Tok adds an adults only option, and Magic Johnson attended the theatre and they removed the seat in front of him so he’d be comfortable.
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Rihanna recorded two songs for Black Panther 2? Rod Stewart helps a Ukrainian family. Elton John is on his last tour “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour”, Josh Groban and Josh Sellers wife team up for Josh Giving.
Brittany has all the details!
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Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation welcomes James Gunter of Present Pillars, the recipient of this year’s Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant to talk about what the organization does for the community, and what kind of programming they plan to do with their grant award dollars. To see the 2023 grant opportunities like this for your non-profit, visit berriencommunity.org.
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins us to talk about the upcoming Ribboncuttings, Groundbreakings and Business After Hours events in our area! Check out more anytime and register for these events at smrchamber.com.
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49ers Defensive Tackle makes an impact to housing project in San Francisco by donating over $300,000
Brittany has all the happy details!
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Sister Act 3 is coming, Taylor Swift’s new album is coming Friday, Ed Sheeran has new music coming soon, and Meghan Trainor has a new album coming this Friday and an exclusive music video will be on Candy Crush.
Brittany has more information!
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USPS is raising stamp prices by $.03, FAA is considering shrinking seats on planes, over-the-counter hearing aids are out now, Someone tried to fight Kim Kardashian’s guards to break into her house, Tom Brady hung out with a star studded crew recently.
Brittany has the details!
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Can you smell the difference between a single man and a married man?
Brittany has details about the discovery
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Less expensive version of Netflix with Ads coming, Disney increases ticket price for California Adventure, Planes Trains and Automobiles being released on Blu-ray with new footage, Martin Scorsese planning to direct Gangs of New York TV series, Taco Bell’s new dippable Grilled cheese coming, Cinnabon cereal coming back, Walmart is selling a glittery fruit spread
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A little can go a long way!
Brittany has examples for you!
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Madonna went to a Post Malone show, Genuine passed out practicing for “Magic with the Stars”, Gwen Stefani wants Blake Shelton to lose Adam Levine’s number, and Lenny and Zoe Kravitz ask about potential parts in the next Magic Mike movie
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Business School Professor has created an award to encourage acts of kindness. $1000 for each winner!
Brittany can tell you more
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Jessica and Cathy from Cornerstone Alliance talk about the importance of partnerships with utility companies and firms that can assist businesses with their economic development projects. We welcome Patrick O’Boyle, Director of Business Development, and Lateshia Parker, Director of Marketing, both of Michigan Saves, to talk about solar project lending. Find out how Cornerstone can connect you with great partners like Michigan Saves at gomichigan.com!
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Keegan is a female American Terrier-Mix dog who is approximately 5 years old. Sweet, sweet Keegan will win you over with just one look from those soulful eyes! Keegan is such a doll (her nickname is “compact
Keegan is a female American Terrier-Mix dog who is approximately 5 years old. Sweet, sweet Keegan will win you over with just one look from those soulful eyes! Keegan is such a doll (her nickname is “compact muffin of happiness”). This girl has become a star to take to events because of how much she loves to meet new people! Keegan is super social and loves treats. She understands basic commands and would be an easy dog to incorporate into a home. She seems to like submissive dogs and might benefit from a furry pal! Keegan is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and heartworm negative. If you are interested in meeting our sweet Keegan you may fill out an application at the Al-Van Humane Society website: al-van.org/adopt.
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Chuck Scott noticed winter clothing prices were low one February and bought a lot and donated them to a homeless shelter. This lead him to continue that trend for 6 years straight now!
Kohls and Target will be closed Thanksgiving, Elon Musk sold 10,000 bottles of Burnt Hair perfume, Jeff Bezos donated millions for 36 new cancer research labs, Pop tarts coffee mates creamer coming soon, John Stamos says he
Brandi was hospitalized, Jamie Foxx was denied entry to Cardi B’s party, Ed Sheeran cried during a charity performance, Adam Levine is trying to fix his marriage, The Spice Girls released a digitally remasterd Spice Up Your
10,000 steps a day is the magic number? Research says otherwise. Brittany can tell you the details!
In Buckley England two sisters, 10 and 7, frequently get followed by their orange and white cat Ziggy. Ziggy became an honorary student, Ziggy wound up in front of a camera on picture day and the results
Angela Lansbury a multi-talented actress has died, King Charles III will be crowned on May 6 2023, Dahmer is now Netflix’s second biggest show ever, Kaley Cuoco is pregnant and expecting a girl, and Elon Musk is
Blake Shelton is leaving The Voice, Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon are teaming up for a bilingual children’s book, John Legend and Andy Grammar helped raise over 1.7 mil for diabetes research, and the new trailer for
Daniele from St. Joe Today brings us more Spooky Season events to enjoy with the family! Check out the podcast here, and more anytime at stjoetoday.com! Benton Harbor Arts Association hosts their annual Fall Art Hop this
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation welcomes Martha Thieneman from the Readiness Center, one of two winners of this year’s “Carolyn’s Kids” grant, to talk about their plans to use the funds in our community to improve outcomes
Chris Hemsworth’s “Center” fitness app can help you get into shape and he can be your trainer through it!
Ed Sheeran performs in his hometown and gives his guitar to a 10 year old fan, Nick Jonas opened his own bar, Lady Gaga has received Margot Robbie’s approval to play Harley Quinn, and Lindsey Sterling’s Snow
Anna Sorokin is out of jail, New York Comic- Con rocked by “Back to The Future” stars, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will not be running for president, and Mila Kunis lied about her age to get a
Gokul Nair of Whirlpool Corp & United Way’s Board of Directors tells us about the upcoming bi-annual Whirlpool Appliance Sale, held Saturday Oct 22 from 8am-4pm and Sunday Oct 23 from 9am-1pm at the former Elder-Beerman/Carson’s Space
Ashley Butler, Director of Community Engagement at Cornerstone Alliance, joins Jessica and Zack to discuss the upcoming FLEX event, an exclusive luncheon held at breadbar on October 21st. Get your tickets before they’re gone at flexexclusive.eventbrite.com!
Spirit is a three month old male kitten with a soft brown and white tabby coat. Spirit was born on July 4th, 2022 and joined Paws of Hope only a few hours later when he was found by a caring person. He was the smallest newborn kitten we’ve ever seen! Spirit’s foster volunteer bottle fed him, kept him warm and cozy in our incubator, and gave him plenty of love and encouragement during the first hard weeks of his life. In spite of all the challenges he faced, Spirit has thrived and is now a happy, feisty, loving boy. Spirit enjoys playing with the older cats in his foster home. He has not yet met a dog, but is young enough to adjust to a home with a cat-friendly dog. Spirit is up-to-date on his vaccinations, tested negative for FeLV-FIV, and faithfully uses his litterbox. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org if you’d like to learn more about their sweet boy, Spirit.
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Spirit is a three month old male kitten with a soft brown and white tabby coat. Spirit was born on July 4th, 2022 and joined Paws of Hope only a few hours later when he was found by a caring
Wearing shoes in the home might be better for you, or not. Brittany can tell you all the details
PetSmart sells small pet furniture, Hillary Swank is pregnant with twins, Michelle Obama announced the star-studded guests for her book tour, and Jamie Lee Curtis got her own screening of the new Halloween but there was a
A couple lost their cat in California and she made her way all the way up to Idaho, before The Humane Society found her, checked her microchip and got her back to her family
Carly Rae Jepsen has a new song out today, Justin Bieber got in trouble for relieving himself on a golf course, Khloe Kardashian slams Kanye on social media to defend Kim, and Fat Joe doesn’t plan to
Tami from the Krasl Art Center talks with Zack about the opening of the new exhibition now on display, “Family Dinner: the Deep Connection of American Lived Experience.” Watch for more details, or, better yet, visit now
Tombstone offering free pizza if you live on Elm Street, Pop Tarts adds Frosted Gingerbread, Elon Musk will buy Twitter, Goodwill Finds online store is here, Gatorade created a smart bottle to tell you when to hydrate,
Coldplay canceled shows in Brazil because Chris is having lung issues, Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners robotic pizza truck has been made by Space X, The Weeknd has a Halloween Costume based on his wardrobe, and Derek Hough
Daniele from St. Joe Today has a list of Spooky Happenings around the area for you and the family to enjoy all month long waiting for you in today’s podcast and at stjoetoday.com! Looking for some tailgating
Air Force veteran in Kentucky celebrated his 60th birthday by sky diving 100 times! he said, “Find the threshold of your comfort zone and take one more step, you’ll find it exhilarating”
three cheese pizza and loaded pepperoni pizza flavored Doritos, Starburst created an All Pink non share box, Firefly Lane will return for a second and final season, Blue’s Big City Adventure will feature familiar faces in the
People in Phoenix, Arizona use less curse words than the average city? Brittany has the details!
Ed Sheeran will be on Late Night for October 13, Adam Levine’s wife showed him support at Shaquille O’Neal’s recent event, Janet Jackson is releasing a 25th anniversary special edition of her 6th album “The Velvet Rope”,
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation talks about the Alamar Nonprofit Sustainability Grant and welcomes Mary Jo Schnell of the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan, the 2022 recipient of this year’s $75,000 grant. The organization plans to use the
Taylor Swift continues to release the names of her new album “Midnight”, track 3 is “Anti-Hero”, Idina Mendzel and her sister collaborated on a picture book called “Loud Mouths” and includes a song, and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Shipwreck from Lake Michigan turned into furniture with proceeds going to charity! Brittany can tell you the details!
Burrow of Hackney already has their Christmas Tree up and it went viral, White Castle realesing “It Hits Different”, Nick Cannon is a father for the 10th time, and Tesla unveils robot named Optimus
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has details on some great local business anniversaries and Business After Hours to be celebrated, plus a great chance to network at a Detroit Lions game! Check out smrchamber.com for
Ground House Coffee has been open for a decade and has always run things differently, their tips are given to a local domestic violence shelter and to help employees, pays higher wages, they’ve doated $80,000 this year
Trevor Noah is leaving the Daily Show after 6 years, Chiefs Buccaneers game was played in Tampa last night, Oreo is releasing snickerdoodles, Reese’s peanut butter puffs are coming, Tom Brady’s teammates are sick of his relationship
Medics worked for 40 minutes trying to resuscitate Coolio last week after his heart attack, Lead singer of One Republic, Ryan Tedder, doesn’t care about having a messy house, Dua Lipa is dating Trevor Noah from Comedy
Jessica and Kristen from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance invite you to participate in Tuesday & Wednesday’s #wbcgivingday to support Women’s Business Centers across the country and, of course, right here in Southwest Michigan so
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring “Honey” from Van Buren County Animal Control!
Honey is a female Terrier mix, and is approximately two years old. Honey is just as sweet as her name implies. She can be a bit slow, like honey, to warm up to new people. Once she warms up to you, she will steal your heart! Honey has been around children who are ten years old and up, does well with other dogs, and is good with house cats. (She will chase outdoor cats.) Honey walks well on-leash, enjoys snuggling, and likes to give kisses. Honey is also house-trained! Please reach out to Van Buren County Animal Control, Phone 269-621-4624, 58040 Country Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about our little heartbreaker, Honey! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring “Honey” from Van Buren County Animal Control! Honey is a female Terrier mix, and is approximately two years old. Honey is just as sweet as her
Katie Couric has been diagnosed with breast cancer, Kevin Bacon joins the cast of the new Beverly Hills Cop movie, 3 of Jack Ryan stories releases on Amazon soon, Hocus Pocus 2 comes out today and you
Eagle scout in Connecticut donates 6,000 books to fellow students of all ages as part of a project he started.
Rapper Coolio died on Wednesday, Ed Sheeran was in Ibiza on a boat named “Funky Town”, Pink hung out with Queen and Nancy Wilson, Rihanna might pick up a guest for the Superbowl Halftime show.
14 year old on the spectrum, Ben, has earned all 139 badges as an Eagle Scout and wants to encourage others to try to do the same
Happy Meals for adults? Purple M&M’s? Amazon getting faster? Walking Dead Props for grabs on Goldin Auction? Brittany has your Daily Dish!
Brittany has advice for how to hit some of the Lifestyle Changes we all want to include in our lives but maybe fall short on.
Lewis Capaldi launched his own UK pizza brand “Big Sexy Pizza”, Sam Smith isn’t a stickler about their pro-nouns, and Spice Girls 25 is coming soon and includes new songs as well as a remastering of 1997’s
Daniele from St. Joe Today brings us lots of fun Fall events to look forward to this weekend and beyond in today’s podcast. Find more anytime at stjoetoday.com! There’s just TWO MORE WEEKS of the St. Joe Farmers
Harry Styles has another historical moment, Kanye West tweeted Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift won’t perform at the halftime show for a long time, Shakira will stand trial in Spain, and Adam Levine and Maroon 5 added a
Amazon is holding a second Prime Day, a woman from Michigan became the first black woman to win Big Brother, Reasonable Doubt is a new Hulu exclusive legal drama, and Christian Bale isolated himself from Chris Rock
Airline pilot announces a passenger’s cancer free status during their flight to Hawaii!
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation tells us about the results of last week’s amazing 70th Annual Meeting & Celebration where several community organizations were awarded grants for their local projects and initiatives thanks to generous BCF programs
Rihanna to headline Superbowl Halftime show, Post Malone cancels a show due to hospitalization, Snoop Dogg’s Mama Snoop’s Breakfast food launching soon, Dua Lipa’s Podcast returns, and Elton John performs at the White House and receives The
Frazia dog halloween costumes are here, Elon Musk will debut Optimus robot at the next demonstration, Tik Tok has been testing a dislike button, Guiness Book Of World Records recognizes John Cena for granting over 200 Make
Your dog can tell you what kind of relationship partner you are? Brittany has the answers in today’s Coffee Talk
Kansas Sheriff’s rescue a dog and train her to become a National Narcotics Detective dog! Brittany has the full story!
UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR ITS 12TH ANNUAL “RAKE A DIFFERENCE” TO HELP SENIORS WITH FALL YARD WORK! Sign up before Oct 14 at volunteer.uwsm.org! Volunteer teams are called to serve seniors in Berrien,
Beyonce’s promoting a world tour for the Renaissance album, Harry Styles cried when he received a “15” banner, Shawn Mendes’ movie is coming soon and the soundtrack can be pre-ordered even sooner, and Taylor Swift released track
Pepsi is rolling out three smores inspired flavors, Jeff Bezos is looking to by the Phoenix Suns, Lori Loughlin to star in “Fall Into Winter”, Tinder opened a convenience store in Japan called “Swipe Mart”, and Celebrity
Jessica and Zach from Cornerstone Alliance, along with Zack from The Coast, speak with Casey Wagner of Whirlpool Corporation about how the new Lakeview Trail bike & foot trail project came together in and around the World Headquarters
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe. In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh! Meet Pippi! Pippi is a female Dilute Tortoiseshell cat with beautiful eyes. She will
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Pippi!
Pippi is a female Dilute Tortoiseshell cat with beautiful eyes. She will be one year old in October. Pippi is both loving and playful, and will bring a lot of joy to her forever home. Because of her accommodating personality, we think Pippi will be fine to share her home with other well-mannered cats, dogs, and children. Pippi has been spayed, tested negative for FeLV-FIV, and is fully vaccinated. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org if you’d like to learn more about our perfect little Pippi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12 year old Summer Patterson is recovering from 4 eye surgeries, she took it upon herself to design something wonderful for other kids in hospitals. Brittany can tell you how Summer is bringing smiles to other kids
Will Smith to produce a movie “Brilliance”, Michelle Obama going on a new book tour, Armie Hammer’s estranged wife watched the docu-series about her accused cannibal husband, Brad Pitt is releasing a skin care line
More women accuse Adam Levine of sending them inappropriate messages, Camila Cabello signs to a new record company, Bruno Mars announces solo shows coming soon, Sam Smith to make a comeback starting by perform live on October
When it comes to sleep, Quality is more important than Quantity. Brittany has more information!
Google can help you opt out of Political emails, Brad Pitt to star in Deadpool 3, Miles Teller will host SNL on October 1, Jimmy Kimmel extends his Late Night show’s run another three years, Nike is
Brian in San Francisco decided to commit 30 acts of kindness before he turned 30, he made the decision shortly after turning 29. Brittany has all the information in today’s Happy Headline!
two of three people experience TV Watchlist stress? Brittany can explain more about the recent phenomenon!
Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard coming back to theaters, Do Revenge on Netflix is getting big responses thanks to Taylor Swift, speaking of Taylor Swift she’s going to release information on her next album via “Midnight’s with Me”
Danielle from St. Joe Today has a lot of Fall Fun for the weekend happening to check out in today’s update in our podcast and at stjoetoday.com! The Morton House Museum hosts Historic Morton Cemetery Tours this
The Coast Social Network is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh! Susan Matheny joins Jonny Reinhardt to talk about For Good Grants
English couple finds 260 gold coins from over 400 years ago in a pot under the floor in their house while renovating and updating their living space.
The average person still stores cash in the house for a multitude of reason, despite credit being the new king for retail
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One Republic’s Ryan Tedder go advice from MJ’s former manager, Mariah Carey recreated the “Honey” music video with Millie Bobby Brown, Lady Gaga had to cancel a show due to lightning and was very upset about it,
Queen Elizabeth is officially buried next to her beloved husband, Chicago cops using spike strips to stop street racing antics, Long John Silver’s gave out free food to anyone who spoke like a pirate in stores yesterday,
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has plenty of business growth to share with us at Ribbon Cuttings and great Business After Hours invitations for you to join, plus a “Pickleball” event in October! Details at
Student in Alabama with a condition that required a kidney transplant found a living donor from a firefighter they met on social media.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively expecting their 4th child, New Bladerunner 2099 series in development for Amazon Prime, 50 years ago MASH debuted, Gisele Bundchen says she doesn’t want to continue runway modeling New survey reveals 92%
20% of people polled in an Ohio State University study reported Stress kept them awake at night
Fire causes panic at a Panic! At The Disco Show, Shawn Mendes donated 1 mil to a hospital, Meghan Trainor has Harry Styles on speed dial, Mariah Carey has new merch to go along with the Butterfly
Jessica and Kristen from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance join us to talk about the upcoming WBC September event “OWN: Hustle & Cash Flow” Presented by 1st Source Bank on September 28th. Visit cornerstonewbc.com and
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District! Local, Organic, Farm Fresh! Polly is a wonderful 3-5 year old female mixed-breed dog. She loves her tennis
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Polly!
Polly is a wonderful 3-5 year old female mixed-breed dog. She loves her tennis balls and getting belly rubs! Polly is looking for a home where she will be the only pet. Sadly, sweet Polly has been in our care since July of 2021. All she wants is a loving home of her own. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about our sweet Polly.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recent Survey shows 1 in 3 adults don’t think they had a real vacation unless they do this.. Brittany can tell you what it is and why
100 year old woman finished a 5k wearing bib 100 with and official time of one hour and 31 seconds Brittany has more happy facts about this story
Katy Perry has a power of women special airing September 22 on Lifetime, Justin Bieber has over 70 million subscribers on YouTube, Gloria Estafon will be on ABC’s Soul of a Nation this upcoming Wednesday, and Mariah
4.1 Billion people are expected to watch the Queen’s funeral, Prince Henry’s memoir is being delayed until next year, Henry Cavill to potentially star in Frankenstein reboot, Nick Cannon’s 9th kid was born, second season of Halo
an outdoor showing of 101 Dalmatians in England accidentally sets a world record for most dogs at a movie screening
5.9 million watched the Emmy’s this year, Walmart is selling candy corn syrup, Airline industry needs 8,000 pilots to combat the delays it’s facing, Steph Curry signs million dollar deal with Under Armour, Brad Pitt gets rid
Justin and Hailey Bieber celebrated their 4th anniversary, Katy Perry talks about her performing and recording process, the Copyright lawsuit against Taylor Swift is going to court, and Christina Aguilera unfollowed Britney Spears after some insecure words
Daniele from St. Joe Today has lots of details on the last Friday night bandshell concert of the year, St. Joe Today Fall Fest Saturday, and more in today’s podcast and certainly even more details anytime at
MLB – Major League Baseball
Last Night
Houston Astros 2, Detroit Tigers 1
Colorado Rockies 3, Chicago White Sox 0
Chicago Cubs 6, New York Mets 3
Astros 2, Tigers 1 – Javier leads Astros over Tigers 2-1 for 7-game season sweep
Cristian Javier allowed two hits in six shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat Detroit 2-1 for a seven-game season sweep of the Tigers. Javier struck out eight and walked none, winning for the third time in four decisions. Ryan Pressly pitched a one-hit ninth for his 28th save in 32 chances, finishing a four-hitter. The AL-best Astros are losing in on their sixth straight postseason appearance. Last-place Detroit is on the verge of its first 90-loss season since 2019.
Rockies 3, White Sox 0 – Freeland outduels Cease, Rockies blank White Sox 3-0
Kyle Freeland outdueled Dylan Cease and put a dent in a push by the Chicago White Sox for a playoff spot, pitching 6 2/3 shutout innings as the Colorado Rockies earned a 3-0 victory. The White Sox fell four games behind AL Central-leading Cleveland with 19 games remaining. Chicago travels to Cleveland for a makeup game Thursday, and the teams return to Chicago for a three-game series starting Sept. 20. Freeland frustrated a Chicago lineup that was 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position. He worked around seven hits and three walks, striking out five. Freeland has posted a 2.17 ERA over his last four starts. Chicago fell to 20-9 in games started by Cease.
Cubs 6, Mets 3 – Peterson tagged early, Mets fall to Cubs 6-3 and get swept
David Peterson got only one out and the slumping New York Mets fell behind early in a 6-3 loss that completed a three-game sweep by the Chicago Cubs. The NL East leaders lost their fifth consecutive home game and dropped to 5-7 in a 16-game stretch against Washington, Pittsburgh, Miami and Chicago — all more than 20 games under .500 this season. New York remained a half-game ahead of the Braves in the division race after they lost in San Francisco earlier. Pete Alonso and Tomás Nido homered for the Mets, who scored six runs in the series and got swept for the fourth time this year.
Today
Chicago White Sox (Lynn 6-5) at Cleveland (Gaddis 0-1), 1:10 p.m.
Tigers and Cubs are off
NFL – National Football League – Week 2
Tonight
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:15 p.m.
NFL – Bears hope improvement on offense continues in Green Bay
The Chicago Bears hope the improvement their offense showed in the second half of their season-opening win carries over to their game at rival Green Bay this week. Chicago started to click in the second half against San Francisco and pulled out a surprising 19-10 win in coach Matt Eberflus’ debut. The Bears finished with 204 yards after managing just 68 in the first two quarters. But there were sparks in the second half that they hope can propel them forward.
NFL – NFL on Prime Video latest foray by leagues into streaming
The NFL is set to make its debut with a streaming service on Thursday night. Amazon Prime Video will show the Los Angeles Chargers’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s the highest-profile of a series of deals between sports leagues and streaming services. NHL games will be shown on both ESPN+ and Hulu. Major League Baseball has deals with Apple TV+ and Peacock. Industry experts say viewers are becoming more comfortable with streaming games and advances in technology have made it seamless.
NFL – More than 121 million watched NFL games on opening weekend
More than 121 million fans watched a telecast of an NFL game during the league’s opening week, a 5% increase over last season. The league and Nielsen say the average viewership for all games was 18.5 million. That’s the NFL’s best opening weekend in six years and up 3% from last year. NBC had the two highest-viewed games. Tampa Bay’s 19-3 win over Dallas Sunday night averaged 24.5 million and last Thursday’s opening game, in which Buffalo routed the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams 31-10, attracted 21.3 million.
WNBA – WNBA Playoffs – WNBA Finals (best of 5)
Tonight
Las Vegas Aces at Connecticut Sun, 9:00 p.m. (LV leads 2-0)
WNBA – A’ja Wilson has Aces on brink of first WNBA championship
A’ja Wilson has the Las Vegas Aces one victory away from the franchise’s first WNBA championship. She has been dominant on both ends of the court for the Aces, becoming the first player in WNBA history to have over 20 points and 10 rebounds in five consecutive playoff games. Las Vegas leads the best-of-five series 2-0, and Game 3 against the Sun is Thursday night in Connecticut.
NCAAFB – FBS ADs urge college football reform, but not NCAA breakaway
The athletic directors who lead the schools that play major college football want the sport to continue be governed by the NCAA. But only if that governance can be streamlined. LEAD1, an association of Bowl Subdivision ADs, convened 105 of its 131 members for a meeting in Washington that focused mostly on how best to govern major college football. There has been some momentum in the past year to seriously explore breaking FBS away from the NCAA and creating another structure to run the biggest revenue-generator in college sports. For now, though, the preference is for reform within the current structure.
NCAAFB – Oklahoma games versus SEC’s Georgia, Tennessee postponed
Oklahoma’s regular-season games against Southeastern Conference teams will have to wait until the Sooners are officially a member. The SEC says it has instructed Georgia and Tennessee to postpone home-and-home games scheduled for the next two seasons. The second meetings with both teams were scheduled for after Oklahoma and Texas leave the Big 12 and start playing in the SEC in 2025. Georgia was set to visit Oklahoma in 2023. The Sooners were scheduled for a game at Tennessee in 2024. They’ll replace the Georgia games with SMU.
Court revives lawsuits against Ohio State over sex abuse
A federal appeals court is reviving unsettled lawsuits against Ohio State University over decades-old sexual abuse by the late team doctor Richard Strauss. A judge had dismissed most of the unsettled cases last year. The judge acknowledged it’s clear hundreds of young men were abused, but said the legal time limit for the claims had long passed. The plaintiffs argued the clock didn’t start until the allegations came to light in 2018. A three-judge panel of the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the judge’s decision Wednesday and sent the case back to district court for further proceedings.
Soccer – Nike releases US World Cup jerseys some criticize as bland
Nike released the United States’ World Cup jerseys Thursday, including a mostly white design for home matches that was criticized in advance by a pair of American players and some fans. The home jerseys have red and blue stripes on each sleeve. “We just as angry as y’all !!!” forward Tim Weah wrote last month after a version of the home jersey was posted online. “Tried to tell them” midfielder Weston McKennie wrote. The bright blue away jersey has an ice-dying technique somewhat akin to a tie-dye pattern.
Mom must pay $9K for telling daughter to hit sports opponent
A California mother must pay more than $9,000 in restitution and apologize to a teenage basketball player she told her daughter to hit during a youth basketball game in 2021. The woman’s daughter punched the rival player in the neck and she collapsed on the court following the attack that was recorded on cellphone video. Latira Shonty Hunt was criminally charged last year and an Orange County judge on Wednesday allowed Hunt to participate in a diversion program. Hunt’s lawyer says Hunt and her daughter took responsibility for their actions. An attorney for the teenage victim’s family did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
ECHL – Indianapolis suburb planning 8,500-seat sports arena
The Indianapolis suburb of Fishers is luring the Indy Fuel minor league hockey team to the city with a planned 8,500-seat arena. Officials announced Wednesday that the new arena would be a key part of a $550 million project planned by a developer for hotel, apartments, retail and office space along Interstate 69. The Indy Fuel, an affiliate of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, has been playing its home games at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis since 2014. Plans call for the team to move to the new arena for the 2024-25 season. Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness says the building would be used to host other events such as concerts and high school sports.
MILB – 2022 Midwest League Playoffs – Best of 3
Tonight
Lake County Captains at Great Lakes Loons, 7:05 p.m. (GL leads 1-0)
South Bend Cubs at Cedar Rapids Kernels, 7:35 p.m. (SB leads 1-0)
MILB – Minor leaguers form union, 17 days after organizing began
More than 5,500 minor league baseball players have formed a union, completing a lightning-fast organization campaign that launched just 17 days earlier in an effort to boost annual salaries as low as $10,400. Martin Scheinman, the sport’s independent arbitrator, notified Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association that a majority of the 5,567 players in the minor league bargaining unit had signed union authorization cards since the drive started Aug. 28. He did not provide the sides a specific number. MLB had agreed Saturday that it would voluntarily accept a union if there was majority support.
MCCAA – Junior College Athletics
Yesterday
Women’s Soccer
Schoolcraft College 8, Lake Michigan College 2
Men’s Soccer
Schoolcraft College 7, Lake Michigan College 1
Today
Volleyball
Lake Michigan College at Glen Oaks Community College, 6:30 p.m.
MHSAA – High School Sports
Last Night
Boys Soccer
Michigan Lutheran 2, Covert 1
New Buffalo 1, Our Lady of the Lake 1 – TIE
South Haven 1, Watervliet 1 – TIE
Brandywine 5, Buchanan 2
Kalamazoo Christian 2, Bridgman 0
Berrien Springs 3, Coloma 1
Otsego 4, Niles 0
Vicksburg 1, Paw Paw 1 – TIE
Plainwell 2, Sturgis 0
Bloomingdale 3, Bangor 3 – TIE
Hartford 10, Comstock 2
Delton-Kellogg 1, Holland Black River 0
Kalamazoo Hackett 5, Constantine 0
Allegan 2, Lawton 1
Schoolcraft 8, Parchment 4
Volleyball
Portage Northern 3, St. Joseph 0
Mattawan 3, Lakeshore 0
Our Lady of the Lake 3, Eau Claire 0
Portage Central 3, Battle Creek Lakeview 0
Gull Lake 3, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix 0
Saugatuck 3, Fennville 1
Boys Tennis
St. Joseph 6, Gull Lake 2
Brandywine 8, New Buffalo/Brigdman/Our Lady 0
Niles 4, Edwardsburg 4
Today
8-Man Football
Martin at Bangor, 7:00 p.m.
Boys Soccer
St. Joseph at Portage Northern, 6:30 p.m.
Lakeshore at Battle Creek Lakeview, 6:30 p.m.
Battle Creek Central at Kal. Loy Norrix, 6:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Central at Mattawan, 6:30 p.m.
Gull Lake at Portage Central, 6:30 p.m.
Edwardsburg at Three Rivers, 5:00 p.m.
Dowagiac at Coloma, 6:00 p.m.
Schoolcraft at Comstock, 4:30 p.m.
Hillsdale Academy at Hartford, 5:00 p.m.
Delton-Kellogg at Lake Odessa Lakewood, 5:30 p.m.
Hamilton at Saugatuck, 5:00 p.m.
Boys Tennis
St. Joseph at Battle Creek Lakeview, 4:00 p.m.
Brandywine at Buchanan, 4:30 p.m.
Volleyball
Michigan Lutheran at Howardsville Chr., 6:00 p.m.
Sturgis at Paw Paw, 6:00 p.m.
Niles at Three Rivers, 6:00 p.m.
Edwardsburg at Vicksburg, 6:00 p.m.
Brandywine at Berrien Springs, 6:00 p.m.
Benton Harbor at Buchanan, 6:00 p.m.
South Haven at Coloma, 6:30 p.m.
Fennville at Watervliet, 6:30 p.m.
Decatur at Bloomingdale, 7:30 p.m.
Cassopolis at Comstock, 7:30 p.m.
Plainwell at Otsego, 6:00 p.m.
Mendon at Marcellus, 7:30 p.m.
Lawrence at White Pigeon, 7:30 p.m.
Lawton at Constantine, 6:30 p.m.
Holland Black River at Gobles, 6:30 p.m.
Schoolcraft at Kalamazoo Christian, 6:30 p.m.
Saugatuck at Martin, 6:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Hackett at Parchment, 6:30 p.m.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New and surprising Tik Tok beauty trend can help you add bounce and shine to your hair Brittany can tell you more!
Another Elvis movie is coming soon, Shawn Mendez Martin guitar comes out today benefitting the wonder of music program via the Shawn Mendez foundation, and Taylor Swift’s Midnight album has a lavender colored Target exclusive that features
Larry King of Wichita Kansas open a donation based coffee shop to support the military and veterans. Brittany has more details about today’s Happy Headline!
FAO Schwartz will sell toys at Target, Jeff Bezos rocket crashes, Prince Charles wants to make amends with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Leonardo DiCaprio and Gigi Hadid are allegedly together, and Jennifer Anniston purchased Oprah’s farm
Lisa Cripps-Downey from Berrien Community Foundation explains a bit about the upcoming BCF events on the calendar, and how you can learn more about donating “non-traditional assets” to create a charitable legacy. Visit berriencommunity.org to reach out
Drake’s rec league Basketball team wins again and is rewarded heftily by Drake, Beyonce celebrated turning 41 this weekend, Cedar Point went viral for Mariah Carey’s heels challenge, and Taylor Swift wants to be in the running
Brittany wans to remind you to clean the overlooked items we forget about Listen for more information!
Woman who went ziplining for her 81st Birthday, decides to do another extreme feat for her 91st! Brittany has the story in today’s Happy Headline
Meghan Markle cancels Jimmy Fallon appearance for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, Fans want a special tribute to Queen Elizabeth at the end of this season of The Crown, Gisele skipped Tom Brady’s opening game, and Anna Kendrick got
Heather Cole from United Way of Southwest Michigan gets us ready for National Voter Registration Day on September 20 with details on important dates and resources available to help you at uwsm.org! United Way is joining efforts
Lea Michele has confirmed she has Covid-19, Idris Elba continuously gets asked by fans if he’ll replace Daniel Craig as 007, The official teaser for the live action Little Mermaid is here and hits theaters in May
A hair stylist in Oklahoma gives free haircuts to students and teachers before the start of the school year Brittany has the full story for you!
Olivia Newton John is being honored with a 50th anniversary release of a deluxe edition of her debut album, Cher’s Queen Elizabeth II tribute tweet misunderstanding, Celine Dion honored Queen Elizabeth II as well, John Legend clarifies
370 new terms including newer slang terms were recently added to Merriam Webster’s dictionary. Brittany can tell you some of these newly added terms
It’s time for another team member spotlight this month at Cornerstone Alliance, featuring Business Development Coordinator Michael Davis-Yates. Meet the rest of the team at gomichigan.com!
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Bella!
Bella is a young female cat, only 1-1/2 years old. Bella has a soft brown tabby-striped coat with white patches. And, she has the most beautiful green eyes! Bella is a total love-bug and would love to join a family with no other pets. Because Bella is looking for a home with no other pets, she has been at the shelter since May. If you’re looking for a loving pet whose complete focus will be on you, you’ll want to meet our Bella! Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about sweet and beautiful Bella.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Bella from Cass County Animal Control/Shelter! Bella is a young female cat, only 1-1/2 years old. Bella has a soft brown tabby-striped coat with white
One small lottery entry leads to $50,000 win for a woman in Baltimore who has good plans for the money
on September 19th Simon Cowell will present Kelly Clarkson with a Hollywood star, Madonna is dating a 23 year old model, Meghan Trainor released a new song, The Weeknd hung out with a sick fan before a
Two fans booted from the US Open for giving a haircut during the event, Fried Chicken potato chips are here for a limited time, Days of Our Lives becomes Peacock exclusive, Angelina Jolie attempts to sue Brad
Kentucky school loses 11,000 books in a flood, but a student organized book drive brought in 500 books to help fill the shelves!
Justin Bieber cancels his world tour to focus on Mental Health, Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo are expecting another child, Lea Michele got a standing ovation before the show started and more throughout the show, and Kelly
Men are happier in relationships when they believe they’re funnier than their partner, Brittany can tell you why!
Meta has been fined $402 Mil., Mcdonald’s brings back the Cheese Danish, Big Fish writer speaks about what bothers him about movies and tv shows in his podcast, Tom Brady and Gisele are fighting Brittany can tell
Daniele from St. Joe Today has fun for you and the family to check out this weekend with great sales, fun car shows, the Farmers Market and more! Head to stjoetoday.com to see the details. Peat’s Cider
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Early onset cancers defined as cancers discovered in adults younger than 50 years old, have “dramatically increased” around the world over the last few decades, according to a new report by
Berrien County is receiving a $2.6 million grant to make improvements in Benton Harbor and Niles. Cornerstone Alliance President Rob Cleveland tells us the funds come from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s RAP program, which is seeking
The decline of The Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor is no secret. From the outside, the only signs of life are the droppings from the summer swarm of seagulls and the insects investigating overgrown weeds in the
Lake Michigan College is preparing to host its next College Night. It will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 19 at the Mendel Center. LMC says high school students and their parents are invited
The Berrien County Emergency Management Office will test the county’s Wireless Emergency Alert system on Monday. Emergency Management Director Rockey Adams tells us the system sends out alerts to mobile devices. “The wireless emergency alert system is
HBO Max HBO Max has renewed its second series in the Pretty Little Liars franchise for a second season. Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin launched its 10-episode first season in July, and it didn’t take the streamer
Debbie Gibson has a holiday album on the way — Winterlicious. The festive record arrives October 21 and can be preordered now. She will also kick off a Winterlicious Tour on November 25; tickets are on sale on her official
Warner Bros. Unscripted Television, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution The producers of The Jennifer Hudson Show have revealed the guests for the first week of the EGOT winner’s forthcoming talk show. As reported, J Hud will reunite
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif.) — A sheriff’s deputy has turned himself in after allegedly fatally shooting a married couple at a home in California, authorities said. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office deputy was off-duty
Jason Marz/Getty Images (LANSING, Mich.) — A Michigan Court of Claims judge ruled Wednesday that the state’s 1931 abortion ban violates the state constitution, according to a copy of the ruling obtained by ABC News. The ruling
AMC/Jace Downs As reported in March, Norman Reedus suffered a concussion during a mishap on the Georgia set of The Walking Dead. To Entertainment Weekly, however, the actor revealed the injury was more serious than previously thought.
Clear Water Meats in Eau Claire is the recipient of a $200,000 federal grant to help expand its processing capacity. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development this week announced $1.2 million in grants for meat
Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images After more than 30 years as a film and TV star, Queen Latifah has earned a very special clause in her contracts: her character is not allowed to die. As Cleo Sims in 1996’s Set It Off, she
Disney Channel/Image Group LA Kelly Clarkson admits she momentarily forgot September 4 marked the 20th anniversary of her historic win on American Idol because she had spent the day “weeping… for a different reason.” Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the Grammy winner
Chautauqua County Jail via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The man accused of repeatedly stabbing author Salman Rushdie on a Western New York stage last month appeared briefly Wednesday in court as prosecutors build their attempted murder
Big Machine Taylor Swift is still trying to shake off a lawsuit claiming she stole key elements of her 2014 smash-hit single. Now, her lawyers are arguing that some experts hired by the opposing side are unqualified to weigh
Amazon Studios In The Boys, Erin Moriarty‘s Annie January/Starlight has to endure harassment and misogynistic behavior — and as it turns out, so does the actress who plays her. Moriarty has posted to her Instagram a fan
Rocket Entertainment/Ben Gibson Elton John remains firm that once he wraps his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour he’s permanently closing the chapter on touring. Speaking with the U.K.’s The Hits Radio Breakfast Show, the legendary singer said, “I can assure you
The chief of police in Hartford is being accused of selling painkillers that were dropped off in the department’s medicine collection box. WWMT reports that was the reason for a June 30 search of the Hartford Police
Lelanie Foster Viola Davis stars in The Woman King, the story of the all-female warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. The Oscar/Emmy/Tony Award winner portrays a general who trains the next generation
Rev. William Elmer Theaker, age 81, of Mattawan, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2022 at his home. He was born in Wolverine, MI, on October 7, 1940, the son of the late William Theaker and Freida Marie
From the Associated Press — A judge has struck down Michigan’s 1931 anti-abortion law, months after suspending it last spring. Judge Elizabeth Gleicher of the Court of Claims said the law violates the Michigan Constitution. It was
Courtesy of Di-Namic Records/BMG The members of Pentatonix are now cartoon characters, appearing in the new video for “Sweet,” their collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Jon Batiste and legendary songwriter Diane Warren. In the video, the world has
Jeremy Chan/Getty Images The complete trailer of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, which stars Shawn Mendes as the titular green reptile, is finally out. Sony Pictures released the trailer on Wednesday, which sees Shawn introducing the children’s film and expressing how “excited” he
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) that a probable case of Monkeypox virus (MPV) has been identified in an Allegan County resident. More than 200 confirmed and
Bruce Glikas/WireImage As reported, Funny Girl on Broadway saw a spike in ticket sales once fans learned Lea Michele would be headlining. On Tuesday night, Lea’s debut lived up to the hype. According to Variety, Michele was
Courtesy Amazon Prime Video The first official trailer for Harry Styles‘ My Policeman has finally arrived, and it provides a broader glimpse of what the hotly anticipated drama entails. Harry stars as a closeted officer named Tom, who struggles with his feelings for David
Bruce Glikas/WireImage As reported, Funny Girl on Broadway saw a spike in ticket sales once fans learned Lea Michele would be headlining. On Tuesday night, Lea’s debut lived up to the hype. According to Variety, Michele was
Courtesy Amazon Prime Video The first official trailer for Harry Styles‘ My Policeman has finally arrived, and it provides a broader glimpse of what the hotly anticipated drama entails. Harry stars as a closeted officer named Tom, who struggles with his feelings for David
Johnson and Fraser in 2001 – LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP via Getty Image Batgirl may have gotten its wings clipped, but Brendan Fraser‘s comeback is in full swing following a six-minute standing ovation for his performance in Darren Aronofsky‘s
Getty Images Big Fish and Go screenwriter John August is the co-host of the Scriptnotes podcast, and in his career, he’s taken some notes of his own on the things that bug him in movies and TV
Helen Healey/NBC While Kelly Clarkson put out a Christmas album last year and dropped her Kellyoke EP this year, she hasn’t released a full album of original material in more than five years. But that’s about to
ABC Lewis Capaldi has been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, and he’s opening up so fans understand him better. Speaking to U.K. outlet The Sun, the “Before You Go” singer said he wanted to address his diagnosis so fans wouldn’t be confused by his tics. “I
Josh Stringer/Hulu Tell Me Lies, a steamy new relationship drama based on the best-selling book by Carola Lovering, dropped on Hulu Wednesday. It stars Grace Van Patten as Lucy and Jackson White as Stephen, two people caught
Geo Piatt/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in a new warning they anticipate ransomware attacks could increase as the new school year begins. “The FBI, CISA, and
DuKai photographer/Getty Images (AUSTIN, Texas) — A power outage shut down the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas’ capital city for hours on Wednesday morning, causing flight delays and road closures. The airport announced via Twitter shortly before
Manny Hernandez/Getty Images Adam Levine once joked that he wanted “100 kids,” and now, he and wife Behati Prinsloo are once again on their way to reaching that goal. The couple, already parents to daughters Dusty Rose,
There are some positive signs for Michigan’s economy even as other indicators signal an economic slowdown. That’s the word from Brian Long, Director of Supply Management at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business. “The good
The Weeknd performed in Vegas but had to stop the show because of a sore throat, The 2022 Super Bowl Halftime won an Emmy, Kelly Clarkson’s 20th anniversary of winning American Idol recently passed and she had
What does your favorite drink say about you? Brittany can give you a glimpse into a study done by “Cheap Caribbean”
Jennifer Lawrence talks about motherhood and her son, Netflix releases a trailer for Monroe movie, Urban Decay’s “She-Hulk Attorney At Law” cosmetics palette coming soon, Amazon is adding a Holiday Peak Fulfillment fee. Brittany has more details
Charli D’Amelio – Eric McCandless/ABC TikTok star Charli D’Amelio and her mother Heidi D’Amelio have joined the cast of Dancing With the Stars season 31, Good Morning America announced on Wednesday. Charli, 18, and Heidi, 50, will
Courtesy True Colors Festival Katy Perry is heading to Japan in November for a special event. The singer will be a special guest at True Colors Festival The Concert 2022, which will be performed in Tokyo twice,
GBI/Handout (NEW YORK) — Investigators in Georgia have used genealogy DNA testing to determine the killer of a Michigan woman who vanished more than three decades ago. Stacey Lyn Chahorski of Norton Shores, Michigan, was reported missing
An Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy has been fired over an exchange online. Sheriff Mike Bouchard says the deputy had been on the job only five months, and was still on probation, when he engaged online with a
The 170th Allegan County Fair starts Friday and runs through September 17. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias starts off the entertainment with his stand-up comedy Friday night at 8 pm, followed by Sam Hunt on September 10, Jimmie Allen
The 170th Allegan County Fair starts Friday and runs through September 17. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias starts off the entertainment with his stand-up comedy Friday night at 8 pm, followed by Sam Hunt on September 10, Jimmie Allen
Netflix on Tuesday debuted the trailer for Wendell & Wild, the new stop-motion animated comedy horror film from The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline director Henry Selick. The movie follows “a troubled teen — voiced by Lyric
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation joins Zack to chat with Kathy Hollacher from Countryside Academy about her Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grant, and how other education professionals in the county can apply for this great grant opportunity
Morsa Images/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — With new COVID variant-specific booster shots set to roll out in the coming week, vaccine scientists argue that more research is needed to understand how a person’s early immune response —
Guido Mieth/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The dangers women face while simply going outside for a run are in the spotlight again after the death of Eliza “Liza” Fletcher, a teacher and mother of two who was
Tim Graham/Getty Images (BALTIMORE) — Baltimore has become the latest major city to experience a water crisis involving contamination in the water supply. City officials have been urging residents to boil tap water for at least one
ABC/Gizelle Hernandez The drama and romance of fantasy suites continued on Tuesday’s episode of The Bachelorette. Picking up where they left off on Monday’s episode, Gabby, who sent Johnny home following his admission that he wasn’t ready for an engagement,
ABC/Lou Rocco Michael Bublé is getting real about the price of fame and why he didn’t pay it. Appearing on That Gaby Roslin Podcast, the hitmaker suggested he would have been a bigger star if he hadn’t start a family early in his career. That’s
South Haven city staff has been authorized by the city council to support a study by the Michigan Department of Transportation of the intersection of Phoenix Street and Blue Star Highway. Public Works director Bill Hunter will
South Haven city staff has been authorized by the city council to support a study by the Michigan Department of Transportation of the intersection of Phoenix Street and Blue Star Highway. Public Works director Bill Hunter will
$180,000 in federal ARPA funds will be used by the city of Benton Harbor for upgrades to the city’s computer systems to allow for better security and remote work. At a Tuesday meeting, city commissioners approved working
The sounds of chugging engines and antique horns will soon be filling the air of Southwest Michigan. The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is revving up to host the 39th-annual South Haven Antique Engine and Tractor Show this Thursday
The sounds of chugging engines and antique horns will soon be filling the air of Southwest Michigan. The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is revving up to host the 39th-annual South Haven Antique Engine and Tractor Show this Thursday
Coming back to downtown St. Joseph next weekend is the Fall Fest. St. Joseph Today’s Daniele Crevier tells us summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean there won’t still be plenty to do in town Saturday,
Marko Geber/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — As children head back to the classroom for the academic year, new data shows that pediatric COVID-19 infection rates have increased for the second consecutive week. Last week, more than 90,600
kali9/Getty Images (SAN DIEGO, Calif.) — A former naval contractor who was convicted of bribing Navy officers with millions of dollars worth of lavish cigars, prostitutes and cash allegedly cut off his ankle monitor on Sunday and
Carol Yepes/Getty Images, FILE (NEW YORK) — Throughout much of the pandemic, there has been a constant shifting in terms of which COVID-19 variants are most dominant, at a given time, in the U.S. However, for the
Steve Proehl/Getty Images (SAN FRANCISCO) — Temperatures in parts of the San Francisco Bay Area have hit record numbers as state officials warn of blackouts throughout the state as Californians deals with intense heat. The temperature in
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, FILE (UVALDE, Texas) — The action or inaction of five Texas Department of Public Safety officers on-site at Robb Elementary School on May 24 has been referred to the Texas inspector general to
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, FILE (UVALDE, Texas) — The action or inaction of five Texas Department of Public Safety officers on-site at Robb Elementary School on May 24 has been referred to the Texas inspector general to
Luis Alvarez/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Black and Hispanic Americans make up the majority of monkeypox cases in the United States but are underrepresented when it comes to vaccine distribution. According to data from the Centers for
There will be a volunteer cleanup event along the Kal Haven Trail this month. The Van Buren Conservation District is inviting everyone to help pick up trash September 18 near the South Haven end of the 34
Congressman Fred Upton is preparing for the U.S. House to go back into session next week as he looks at his final three months in office. He tells us at the top of the agenda will be
Andy Grammer is showing off his new shoes — his daughter shoes. Taking to his Instagram Story, the “Fresh Eyes” singer shared a video of his two little girls clinging to his ankles and giggling while he drags
In a new snippet promoting the upcoming 19th season of Grey’s Anatomy, ABC has released a clip showing Ellen Pompeo‘s Dr. Meredith Grey addressing a new slate of Grey Sloan medical interns. “Congratulations, you made it,” she
In a new snippet promoting the upcoming 19th season of Grey’s Anatomy, ABC has released a clip showing Ellen Pompeo‘s Dr. Meredith Grey addressing a new slate of Grey Sloan medical interns. “Congratulations, you made it,” she
Losing a passport is now a thing of the past – at least when it comes to visiting certain Berrien County craft beverage establishments. The Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council is making stamp collecting along the Maker’s Trail
Paras Griffin/Getty Images Don’t worry fans: The Weeknd’s golden voice is back in business. The chart-topping singer cut his September 4 show in Los Angeles short after just 15 minutes and four songs because his voice, as
With a new school year underway, BOSS Services in Benton Harbor is offering a break to teachers. Marketing Director Jen Wagner tells us it’s to prepare for the winter. “We just know that teachers have a long
Columbia Records The race for song of the summer is over, and surprising no one who’s been watching the Billboard charts, Harry Styles‘ “As It Was” claims this year’s title. The song, which has spent 12 non-consecutive weeks atop the
Work will start this week to expand the eastbound I-94 bridge over Pipestone Road in Benton Township. The project is part of an overall $7.3 million investment now underway that’s closed a lane of travel in each
ABC/Lou Rocco The View is officially back for season 26. The daytime show returned with new episodes – and new permanent co-host, former Trump staffer Alyssa Farah Griffin – on Tuesday. Longtime contributor Ana Navarro also joins
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic The deadly Sunday floatplane crash into Washington State’s Puget Sound that took the lives of 10 people has struck the family of Smash star Megan Hilty particularly hard. Hilty’s sister Lauren, brother-in-law Ross Mickel and nephew
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images While Adele has spoken about how much she loves her current boyfriend Rich Paul, she’s denied that she’s either engaged or married to him. But now, eagle-eyed fans are speculating that the two may
With blue skies above, hordes of Michigan residents and visitors took the annual trip across a famous landmark over the weekend. About 26,000 people participated in the 64th-annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Monday, led by Lieutenant Governor
Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images (PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md.) — Officials in one Maryland county said they are going to temporarily enforce a state curfew for teens amid a “troubling” increase in juvenile arrests. Prince George’s County police
Utah County Sheriff’s Office (SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) — Three hikers died and several were injured over the holiday weekend in Arizona and Utah. Several hikers in Arizona suffered heat exhaustion as excessive heat gripped the West Coast. A
L- Chris Pine, R- Harry Styles; Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images Don’t worry, Harry Styles fans — your boy’s motto is still “Treat people with kindness.” In other words, the singer did not spit on Chris Pine at
L- Chris Pine, R- Harry Styles; Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images Don’t worry, Harry Styles fans — your boy’s motto is still “Treat people with kindness.” In other words, the singer did not spit on Chris Pine at
Tyler Golden/NBC Blake Shelton is a country star, but that doesn’t excuse him from not knowing what’s playing on pop radio — especially since he’s married to Gwen Stefani. Camila Cabello exposed his limited pop knowledge in a new teaser for The Voice. The
Kevin Mazur/VF16/WireImage Chris Rock is continuing to slam Will Smith for his Oscars slap, and now, Dave Chappelle is joining in. Rock and Chappelle are touring together, and they commented about the Independence Day star’s attack during a performance over the weekend at the
A nine-year-old Illinois boy was taken to the hospital after the motorbike he was riding was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke reported Tuesday that at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Labor Day, deputies
There is plenty more room to roam at Silver Beach now that the dredging projects have been completed in the St. Joseph harbor. The excess sand dredged from the outer harbor last week allowed for Silver Beach
There is plenty more room to roam at Silver Beach now that the dredging projects have been completed in the St. Joseph harbor. The excess sand dredged from the outer harbor last week allowed for Silver Beach
Vogue/Tina Barney Jennifer Lawrence opened up to Vogue‘s October issue about motherhood and her new film Causeway in an article in which she also revealed the baby boy she had this past spring is named Cy. According
BMG Summer’s officially over, so it’s time to think about…Christmas? Backstreet Boys have released the first track from their upcoming holiday album, A Very Backstreet Christmas, their version of Wham!‘s “Last Christmas.” The whole album, due out October
Peter Dazeley/Getty Images (TULSA, Okla.) — An Oklahoma news anchor and a TV actress are raising awareness about women’s stroke risk at any age by sharing their own experiences. Julie Chin, an anchor for Tulsa, Oklahoma, NBC
RBMG/Def Jam Recordings Justin Bieber has called off his Justice World Tour to prioritize his health. On Tuesday, the Grammy winner told fans via his Instagram Story that he’s scrapping his remaining tour dates. “Earlier this year, I went public about
Columbia Records If you need more proof that 2022 is Harry Styles‘ year, just wait until you hear what Billboard is saying about him. After fending off a hotly anticipated release from Britney Spears and Elton John from the number one spot this week,
ABC/Eric McCandless Gabby Barrett’s family threw a gift-filled shower for her and her baby boy. The “I Hope” singer recently ventured back to her home state of Pennsylvania for the event, which according to Instagram Stories, featured a table filled
Marvel Studios You might not be able to transform into a 7-foot tall rage monster, but you can still steal attorney’s Jennifer Walter‘s look, thanks to Urban Decay. The cosmetics brand has just unveiled its She-Hulk Eye
Jane Fonda reveals Cancer diagnosis, First guest on Jennifer Hudson’s talk show will be Simon Cowell, season 6 of The Crown will show William and Kate’s acting, Bob Odenkirk wants to do more action now that Better Call Saul is over.
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Beyonce’s “Lose Yourself in Love” advertising campaign coming soon, Elton John soars to the top of the charts thanks to Britney Spears, Ed Sheeran sells 3,000 limited edition guitars, AJ from the Backstreet Boys sheds the Dad Bod, and Alicia Keys talks after female fan grabbed her and kissed her during a performance
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Handmade Soap Shop in Ohio, “Stem”, finds a way to donate extra soap to those in need
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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has details on lots of upcoming Ribbon Cuttings and a Business After Hours for you to attend in the month of September. Register at smrchamber.com now!
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Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District! Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Carl!
Carl is a 2 to 4 year old male American Terrier Mix. Carl is a very sweet boy, easy on a leash, and always ready to please. He is a “belly rub enthusiast” and a social butterfly. Carl enjoys being the center of attention but is willing to share the spotlight with another dog. Because Carl is a good jumper and loves to go for walks, an active owner would be ideal for him. This boy is exceptional and would be a great addition to a family. Carl is neutered and fully vaccinated. Please contact Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or 269-927-564 to learn more about our incredible Carl!
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Zack is joined by Chris and Jessica from Cornerstone Alliance to talk about what Economic Development does for our area, and why investing in Cornerstone Alliance helps keep our area growing and moving forward. Find out more at gomichigan.com!
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AAA of Michigan has reactivated its Tow to Go program for Labor Day weekend. Spokesperson Adrienne Woodland tells us Tow to Go is a way for an intoxicated person to avoid driving. Those who call for help
The Berrien Community Foundation has announced 19 teachers are receiving mini grants as part of the Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants program. The grant opportunity – which is offered twice per year – awards up to $500
Meijer is planning to launch a new type of store, this kind smaller than its usual multi-department big box outlets. The Walker-based company says Meijer Grocery will provide shoppers with convenience as they’re just looking for grocery
Berrien County Drain Commissioner Christopher Quattrin is planning to hold a ribbon cutting this month for a new rain garden his office is building in Benton Township. Quattrin told county commissioners this week the rain garden located
A who’s who of cannabis celebrities is headed to Cass County this month. The inaugural Goats of Cannabis festival is set for September 17 at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Cassopolis. Presented by High Indotainment and The
There will be a volunteer stewardship day at Warren Woods State Park next Saturday. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources tells us volunteers will work to protect native habitat while searching for small plants to treat with
Elton John is soaring to the top of the charts thanks to his Britney Spears collab, “Hold Me Closer.” Billboard reports the song has gone to #1 in Australia and is currently in third place in Sir Elton’s native England. We’ll find out how
Louis Tomlinson says he feels “much more freedom” to do what he wants with his music. He told Official Charts, “On Walls, I was so over-analytical about every sound. Every lyric. Every moment.” For his new album, Faith in the Future, he
FX Just in time for gift-giving for Saturday’s National Welsh Rarebit Day, Ryan Reynolds and his partner-owner of the Wrexham AFC, Rob McElhenney, have created a cookbook to celebrate the dish. In a cheeky video promoting the publication, Reynolds narrates that readers can
Netflix/Eric Charbonneau Jane Fonda announced Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer. “So, my dear friends, I have something personal I want to share. I’ve been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and have started chemo treatments,” the
Employees of Berrien County will soon be receiving their hazard pay for toughing it out and going to work during the worst of the COVID pandemic. Berrien County Commissioners last month approved giving $1,000 to all county
HBO There be dragons … at the top of the streaming charts. HBO’s already-renewed House of the Dragon again topped all competition for last week, according to streaming service aggregator Reelgood. Dragon remained perched in the #1
Sam’s Club is increasing prices, Crypto.com accidentally sends millions to a random woman in Australia, Peacock’s “Hell of a Cruise” documentary about the Cruise liner in 2020 that was infected with Covid, and Megan Fox dyes her hair?!
Sam’s Club is increasing prices, Crypto.com accidentally sends millions to a random woman in Australia, Peacock’s “Hell of a Cruise” documentary about the Cruise liner in 2020 that was infected with Covid, and Megan Fox dyes her hair?!
Nickelback coming out with new music for the first time since 2016, Diddy, Dr. Dre, and Snoop collaborating, Britney Spears says collaboration with Elton John was a dream come true, Dolly Parton is making Doggy Parton line
Heinz Ketchup is selling a “pre stained collection” Brittany knows where you can buy them
Heinz Ketchup is selling a “pre stained collection” Brittany knows where you can buy them
Mike Huss went from student to janitor to teacher to principal! Brittany has the full journey for you in today’s Happy Headline
Mike Huss went from student to janitor to teacher to principal! Brittany has the full journey for you in today’s Happy Headline
Warner Bros. Unscripted Television, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution The first guest on Jennifer Hudson‘s new talk show will be a blast from the past: her former American Idol judge Simon Cowell. Hudson came in seventh place
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Carl from Berrien County Animal Control! Carl is a 2 to 4 year old male American Terrier Mix. Carl is a very sweet boy, easy
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Carl from Berrien County Animal Control! Carl is a 2 to 4 year old male American Terrier Mix. Carl is a very sweet boy, easy
A project to improve the safety of a Berrien County bridge is being finished nearly two months ahead of schedule. The Michigan Department of Transportation announced it will be wrapping up its $800,000 investment to repair the
Elizabeth Debecki as Princess Diana in ‘The Crown’, Season 5 – Netflix As The Crown rolls through the years, season 6 will apparently show a teen Prince William and his eventual wife, Kate Middleton. Variety reports 16-year-old
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue Alicia Keys is ready to talk after a female fan grabbed her mid-performance and kissed her on the cheek. Hollywood Unlocked shared footage of the shocking moment to its Instagram. The clip starts with the Grammy
Courtesy Spotify Mariah Carey is the guest on the latest episode of Meghan Markle‘s podcast Archetypes, and a good part of their conversation has to do with the word “diva.” Mariah says being called a “diva” is
Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty Images While promoting his controversial cannibal road trip film Bones and All at the Venice Film Festival Friday, Timothée Chalamet took aim at the “onslaught” of social media. “To be young now, and to
Walt Disney Television/Paula Lobo Taylor Swift is heading to the Toronto Film Festival not only to screen All Too Well: The Short Film in its original form — she’ll also serve as a keynote speaker. The Hollywood Reporter spoke with TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey, who confirmed the
Plainfield Police Department (PLAINFIELD, Ind.) — Police in Indiana are looking for a missing 4-year-old girl who reportedly wandered from her home nearly 24 hours ago and is believed to be in extreme danger. Fiedwenya Fiefe was
ABC Audio Michael Bublé is back on tour after welcoming daughter Cielo, and he wants his audience to feel just as ecstatic as he does through his live shows. “I was terrified I’d never get back to work, that people would
ABC/Eric McCandless Tiffany Haddish and Aries Spears are being sued for allegedly sexually molesting a child in Los Angeles. Both comedians are denying the accusations. A woman identified as Jane Doe sued Haddish and Spears in California’s Superior Court for Los Angeles
mage Group LA/Disney Channel via Getty Images Image Group LA/Disney Channel via Getty Images Britney Spears says she is “deeply saddened” that her son, 15-year-old Jayden James, further aired their ongoing drama. Jayden told Daily Mail he and his brother, 16-year-old Sean Preston, felt it would
In 2013, the United States Department of Veteran Affairs released a study indicating that about 22 military veterans commit suicide every day. In 2018, a veteran committed suicide in the parking lot of the Mishawaka, Indiana VA parking
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic In her OnTheJLo newsletter on Thursday, Jennifer Lopez shared more details about her and Ben Affleck‘s August 20 wedding ceremony in Georgia. JLo posted pics of the trio of Ralph Lauren dresses she wore during
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic In her OnTheJLo newsletter on Thursday, Jennifer Lopez shared more details about her and Ben Affleck‘s August 20 wedding ceremony in Georgia. JLo posted pics of the trio of Ralph Lauren dresses she wore during
Courtesy Ziegelbauer family (NEW YORK) — A Florida teen has been battling an infection suspected to be caused by a rare, brain-eating amoeba for over 50 days, as his family prays for him to wake up, they
Courtesy The Jordan McNair Foundation (NEW YORK) — Two parents who have turned tragedy into a teachable moment are educating others on the dangers of heatstroke. Martin McNair and Tonya Wilson lost their 19-year-old son, Jordan McNair,
Greg Lewis/AMC/Sony Pictures Television (NOTE LANGUAGE) Bob Odenkirk addressed the Venice Film Festival via video from Los Angeles Friday, and he explained he wants some action now that Better Call Saul is over. According to Deadline, Odenkirk
Bo Zaunders/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — The Pentagon’s latest survey on reported sexual assaults in the military show that in 2021 an estimated 8.4% of active duty women and 1.5% of active duty men indicated experiencing at least
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined business and other political leaders in cutting the ribbon on a new $300-million semi-conductor facility in Bay City Thursday. “The products that SK Siltron manufacturers are truly the building blocks of countless other
Jenna Goldman (NEW YORK) — Jenna Goldman said she was out on a run with her now-husband two years ago when she started feeling like she was getting a migraine. “In my right eye, there was some
Seth Rogen, Pete Davidson, Sebastian Stan and Paul Dano will head the cast of Dumb Money, an upcoming film about last year’s GameStop stock market explosion, Variety reports. Per the outlet, “Dumb Money focuses on the January 2021
Spectrum Health Lakeland says more than $79,000 has been raised in the annual South Haven Hospice at Home benefit. It was held on the South Beach bluff in South Haven on August 6 with the Wine &
Spectrum Health Lakeland says more than $79,000 has been raised in the annual South Haven Hospice at Home benefit. It was held on the South Beach bluff in South Haven on August 6 with the Wine &
There are 230 scarecrows in downtown Buchanan as Buchanan Scarecrow Charities raises money for the community. President Clare Hagan tells our partners at WSBT-22 they work year-round on the designs. “We do set a goal and you
Memphis Police Department / Facebook (MEMPHIS, Tenn.) — Police are searching for two men after they allegedly abducted a mother and her 1-year-old child from the parking lot of a Target while the woman was putting groceries
Naphat Photography/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — A man has been killed after a tree reportedly fell on him while he was in his tent on a remote wilderness campsite. The incident occurred on the evening of Aug.
Interscope Britney Spears‘ new single “Hold Me Closer” with Elton John is her first new music since 2016, and it’s being embraced by fans and by radio. Elton says its success has gone a long way toward
Courtesy of SHOWTIME John McEnroe is having a bit of a moment. The tennis legend has been narrating Devi’s ups and downs on the popular Netflix comedy series Never Have I Ever for three seasons now, but
ABC/Eric McCandless This Labor Day weekend, instead of the fan cruise she’s been doing for years, Melissa Etheridge is hosting her first fan destination festival, Etheridge Island, at a Mexican resort. Melissa tells ABC Audio that the
San Diego Humane Society / Facebook (SAN DIEGO) — Hobo, a deaf 8-year-old Australian Shepherd, is going to be kept on a very short leash from now on after surviving a 100 foot fall and an hourslong
With cannabis prices down nearly 50% in Michigan over the past year, state regulators are seeking public input on what to do next. On September 14, the Cannabis Regulatory Agency is hosting a public meeting in Lansing
Mariah Carey on Archetypes podcast by Megan Markle, Seal reveals his teacher Mr. Ren encouraged him to sing as a child, Superbowl halftime performers don’t get paid?! Brittany can tell you why!
Adam from Chicago loves Legos and many years after surviving cancer he started “Bricks of Hope” to raise money and donate Legos to children in the hospital.
Honor Credit Union and Brittany discuss the new Hard Dew go to HardDewIDo.com if you love Hard Dew
Plenty of Fish reveals connecting over early 2000s is popular, DQ releasing blizzard scented throw pillows, Leo Dicaprio and Camilla split after 4 years, Tom brady has plastic surgery? Laverne Cox gets mistaken for Beyonce at the
Daniele from St. Joe Today has plenty to do for this Labor Day weekend in and around the St. Joe area! Check out more anytime at stjoetoday.com! Wanderlust Outfitters celebrate their 6th WANDER-versary this Labor Day Weekend! Enjoy
Warner Bros. Animation/HBO Max While Batgirl‘s wings were clipped, and an upcoming Batman animated series was scuttled, HBO Max is still ride-or-die with Joker’s best girl. The adult animated series Harley Quinn, featuring Kaley Cuoco voicing the
Warner Records Madonna‘s new dance remix compilation is called Finally Enough Love, so she’s made a video to accompany it titled “Finally Enough Talk.” As there are 50 songs on the album, the video features her answering
Recent survey shows 1/3 of Millennials would leave their partner if they do this in bed
Recent survey shows 1/3 of Millennials would leave their partner if they do this in bed
Walt Disney Television/Yolanda Perez (NOTE LANGUAGE) While Will Smith‘s slap of Chris Rock at the Oscars is still echoing throughout the Fresh Prince star’s career, some fans are turning the tide in his favor, thanks to a
From homeless and 19 years old, to a college athlete! Brittany has today’s Happy Headline!
From homeless and 19 years old, to a college athlete! Brittany has today’s Happy Headline!
Voters in South Haven Township will have an opportunity in November to override the township ordinance that bans cannabis retail businesses from operating. Andrew Newell turned in 126 valid signatures to the township clerk’s office, more than
Voters in South Haven Township will have an opportunity in November to override the township ordinance that bans cannabis retail businesses from operating. Andrew Newell turned in 126 valid signatures to the township clerk’s office, more than
Morsa Images/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — New and updated COVID-19 booster shots were given an emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration Wednesday morning, paving the way for shots in arms as soon as next
Still thinking about going camping this holiday weekend? The head of parks and recreation for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Ron Olson, says you can still find something, but some campgrounds are pretty full and always
Still thinking about going camping this holiday weekend? The head of parks and recreation for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Ron Olson, says you can still find something, but some campgrounds are pretty full and always
Tim Graham/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Activists are calling on the Navy to take action almost a year after the Hawaii Department of Health issued an emergency order against the military agency to address the closure and
ABC/Randy Holmes It’s only been a month since Jordan Peele‘s Nope hit theaters and he’s already hinting at a potential sequel. While Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer star in the sci-fi horror film, it’s a character portrayed
Charlbi Dean, the 32-year-old South African actress who starred in CW’s series Black Lightning and this year’s Cannes Film Festival winner Triangle of Sadness, has died. Variety reports her death resulted from “an unexpected illness.” Triangle of
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation joins Zack to recap a busy summer of community support with plenty to celebrate in the Fall and beyond as BCF looks forward to their 70th Anniversary in October! Visit berriencommunity.org for
L-R – Katie Lowes as Rachel Williams, Julia Garner as Anna Sorokin — Netflix The buzzy, based-on-real-life Netflix series Inventing Anna has spawned some real-life drama in the form of a defamation suit. The series centered on
Paras Griffin/Getty Images Tyrese and his estranged wife, Samantha Lee Gibson, were in court Monday for their divorce case, and the Baby Boy star reportedly is requesting legal custody of their 3-year-old daughter, Soraya. The singer/actor is also asking that Samantha’s request
“Cobra Kai” returns September 5 — Netflix/Curtis Bonds Baker A day after officially celebrating its 25th birthday, Netflix is giving its users some presents. The streaming service has revealed its fall slate of films, and they run
Lady Gaga performs at Super Bowl 51; Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images It doesn’t matter if you’re Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd or Eminem: When you perform at the Super Bowl halftime
Getty Images Everything is more expensive nowadays, but on September 3, you’ll be able to go to the movies for just 3 bucks a ticket. That’s because Saturday is National Cinema Day, and the nonprofit The Cinema
Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Ruth Strauss Foundation; Venla Shalin/Redferns Ed Sheeran‘s collaboration with Cradle of Filth is actually, really happening. The extreme metal outfit’s frontman, Dani Filth, has confirmed the news in an interview with Knotfest.com.
Paul Morigi/Getty Images Sylvester Stallone is denying that he tried to dissipate his assets before his wife of 25 years, Jennifer Flavin Stallone, filed for divorce. In court documents from Palm Beach County, Florida, obtained by People,
Alexander Spatari/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The New York City Council’s Public Safety Committee is holding a hearing Tuesday on legislation that seeks to define the boundaries of Times Square in order to designate it as a
ABC News (NEW YORK) — At least two people have died amid severe storms in the Midwest. In Michigan, a 14-year-old girl was electrocuted and killed on Monday when an electrical line fell during a thunderstorm, according
The suspects accused of robbing Mariah Carey‘s home in Atlanta while she was on vacation were part of a larger effort to use social media and TV to target wealthy people and celebrities, according to a 220-count
Tourism is big all along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and the South Haven Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau is launching a campaign highlighting the impact on the economy. In 2019, the most recent year they
Tourism is big all along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and the South Haven Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau is launching a campaign highlighting the impact on the economy. In 2019, the most recent year they
Power was knocked out for hundreds of thousand in Michigan with storms Monday evening. Consumers Energy is working to restore power to 116,000 customers, according to spokesman Josh Paciorek. “The Jackson area was particularly hit hard, that
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation During Lady Gaga‘s current Chromatica Ball tour, she’s performing the Chromatica album track “Sour Candy” — but her experience at the Chocolate Capital of the World was pretty sweet. When Gaga’s
Bass and Fishel in 2006; Robert C. Mora/WireImage Turns out Lance Bass and Danielle Fishel‘s short-lived romance was made for the big screen. The *NSYNC member and the Boy Meets World star briefly dated from 1999 to
A first look at season 2 of Hulu’s The Kardashians debuted on Monday. The clip features glimpses of Kim‘s “season of independence” following her split with Kanye West; Khloé welcoming her second baby with Tristan Thompson via
ABC Following his infamous Oscar night slap at the hands of Will Smith, Chris Rock told the crowd during his show at the Arizona Financial Theatre in downtown Phoenix on Sunday night that he was asked to
Calling all Rake-A-Difference Volunteer Teams! United Way needs your help! Get your team together and help local seniors with their yardwork this fall. Head to uwsm.org on Thursday to get registered for this year’s 12th Annual Rake-A-Difference
Calling all Rake-A-Difference Volunteer Teams! United Way needs your help! Get your team together and help local seniors with their yardwork this fall. Head to uwsm.org on Thursday to get registered for this year’s 12th Annual Rake-A-Difference
Florian Roden / EyeEm/Getty Images (EL PASO, Texas) — One person has died after a train derailed in El Paso, Texas, Monday night, the El Paso Fire Department said. “Nearby homes are being evacuated as a safety
Jordan Vonderhaar/Getty Images (UVALDE, Texas) — Three months after the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and just eight days before the start of the 2022-23 school year, a promised evaluation of responding school district
ER Productions Limited/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — After securing enough doses in the national stockpile to vaccinate the most at-risk Americans against monkeypox, the federal government says it has begun training its sights on the next steps
Tetra images/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — It’s become a cherished tradition among parents every August and September: sharing back-to-school photos on social media with family members and friends as a new school year kicks off. The trend
Tim Graham/Getty Images (JACKSON, Miss.) — People in Mississippi’s capital are poised to lose running water for an undetermined amount of time, the state’s governor said Monday night. A major pump at Jackson’s main water treatment facility
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Season two of VH1’s My True Crime Story is in full swing and Remy Ma is back to narrate the intoxicating docuseries. This eight-episode batch tells the thrilling tales of ordinary people who got caught up in outrageous, unlawful crimes
Camila Cabello and ‘The Voice’ colleagues; Tyler Golden/NBC Camila Cabello was in a long-term relationship with Shawn Mendes, but it turns out that she once dreamed of being romanced by a different Canadian singer/songwriter. Camila made a
Marilyn Nieves/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The parent company of InfoWars has agreed to face a second defamation trial over the false claims its founder, conspiracy theorist and right-wing provocateur Alex Jones, made about the mass shooting
ABC News (NEW YORK) — Seventeen years after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, those who lived through the disaster are still recovering from the trauma, according to New Orleans teacher and filmmaker Edward Buckles Jr. Buckles was
"Never saved up for a rainy day / Never thought that we might howl and shiver / But all these storms I know we'll weather / All these storms we'll ride together." – Todd Sheaffer, Railroad Earth
Celebration Cinema will mark National Cinema Day this Saturday. Spokesperson Emily Loeks tells us it’s all about the joy of seeing a movie on the big screen, and they’re offering a special promotion for the day. “It
With kids heading back to school over the next couple of weeks, a new AAA survey shows that many drivers admit to risky behaviors while driving through a school zone. AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland spoke with Michigan
Maskot/Getty Images (CHARLOTTE, N.C.) — Almost 400 teaching positions remain open as students return to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina on Monday. In addition to the 390 teaching positions that remain unfilled, there are an additional 38
ilbusca/Getty Images (JACKSON, Miss.) — Flood waters in central Mississippi have peaked and will soon recede, officials said on Monday. Officials projected on Saturday that water levels would reach 36 feet on Monday, but were measured at
Market Van Buren is working with Van Buren County as it seeks to increase the availability of broadband internet for residents. Market Van Buren’s Zack Morris tells us the county hired DCS Technology to do a parcel
Harry Styles’ “As It Was” is back to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — making history as the first song to hit the top spot five different times. The song’s placement has yo-yoed on the chart since its release,
Reactor Unit 1 of the Cook nuclear power plant is offline after an issue noticed by crews on Sunday. Plant spokesperson Bill Downey tells us there was a trip of one of the reactor’s four coolant pump
Additional details are being released after a 13-year-old Dowagiac Middle School Student was arrested with a firearm at school on Monday. A report from Dowagiac Police Chief Steven Grinnewald says the handgun the student brought to school
Good Morning America Another original Roseanne star is leaving the ABC spin-off The Conners. Although the network is remaining mum, TVLine reports Michael Fishman, who played DJ, the youngest child of Dan and Roseanne since the original
Traffic is fully open on the Napier Avenue bridge over the St. Joseph River, at least temporarily. The Berrien County Road Department tells us crews have completed the planned rehabilitation project on the bridge and two lanes
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Ava Max was forced to choose which of her songs is her favorite — and although she said it was a “tough question,” she settled on her 2020 hit “Who’s Laughing Now.” “Every time I perform it,
Photo: Matt Sayles Days after she announced she was leaving HBO’s Euphoria, Barbie Ferreira has signed onto Oscar winner Ariana DeBose‘s psychological thriller House of Spoils. The Prime Video-bound project is being produced by the horror experts
Cindy Ord/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue Global superstar, martial artist and producer Michelle Yeoh will take to the stage at next month’s Toronto International Film Festival to receive a first-of-its-kind honor. The Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Central Oregon Daily News (BEND, Ore.) — An employee who attempted to disarm a gunman was among the victims of a shooting inside a Safeway supermarket in Bend, Oregon, police said Monday. Two people were killed in
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Colin Kaepernick is now a first-time father. His longtime girlfriend, Nessa Diab, made the announcement Sunday on Instagram. “I thought long and hard about sharing our life-changing news today,” she commented on a photo of her, Kaepernick and
A Dowagiac Middle School student was arrested Monday morning for bringing a gun to school. According to a letter released by the district, the student was found to be in possession of an unloaded small caliber handgun,
Image Group LA/Disney Channel via Getty Images Image Group LA/Disney Channel via Getty Images Britney Spears is clarifying why she posted — and quickly deleted — a 22-minute voice memo documenting her conservatorship and subsequent fallout with her
L-R – Credit: Sam Jones; Netflix; Michael Kovac/Getty Images for NeueHouse Netflix announced Monday that its in-production Beverly Hills Cop sequel has a new title: Beverly Hills Cop: Alex Foley. Eddie Murphy will reprise the title role
Warner Music Madonna has proven once again why she’s the Queen of Pop. Her new dance remix compilation, Finally Enough Love, has debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 album chart. That makes her the first
Between the ages of 17 and 20, Benton Harbor resident Ajah Fisher developed a love for the camera. She started out with capturing newborns and maternity photos without charging her clients. At the age of 22, Ajah
Three people were sent to the hospital over the weekend after a crash at the intersection of Dailey Road and Pokagon Highway in LaGrange Township. Sheriff Richard J. Behnke reported that at approximately 9:00 a.m. Saturday, deputies
ABC (NOTE LANGUAGE) Shia LaBeouf sat down with actor Jon Bernthal for a two-hour interview on the latter’s Patreon-funded program Real Ones, and the Fury co-stars got real about Shia’s life, career and life in recovery. LaBeouf didn’t mention ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs by name but said plainly, “I
From the Associated Press — Detroit police say a tip from someone close to the suspect led to his capture in the random shootings of four people, three fatally. Chief James White also said that the 19-year-old
ABC/Paula Lobo After winning a Tony Award in June, Jennifer Hudson just received her trophy, and she was thrilled to show off her coveted EGOT collection on Instagram. The Respect star previously won an Emmy, two Grammys and an Oscar, and now
STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images Ed Sheeran welcomed his “2step” collaborators, Ukrainian band Antytila, to perform with him in Poland over the weekend. The performance in Warsaw, Poland marked the official live debut of their collaborative “2step” remix, which protests Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “156,000
The state political party conventions are over and you can expect to hear and see more campaigning by candidates in the November 8 elections. Republicans finalized their candidates over the weekend in Lansing. EPIC-MRA pollster Bernie Porn
Amy Sussman/FilmMagic Post Malone convinced a court to temporarily delay the trial concerning the authorship dispute for his hit song “Circles.” The suit was brought on by Canadian musician Tyler Armes, who claims he’s owed partial ownership of the song because he
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images (LOS ANGELES) — After drone sightings and even reports of a man flying in a jetpack around Los Angeles International Airport, the federal government is rolling out new tech that could
Sony Music Entertainment November 30 marks the 40th anniversary of the best-selling album of all time — Michael Jackson‘s Thriller. An expanded version of the Grammy-winning album arrives November 18, and fans can begin pre-ordering it now. Back in May, Sony
L-R: President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Frank Del Rio, Katy Perry, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, Harry Sommer and radio host Elvis Duran; Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Norwegian Cruise Line Katy
Nyong’o as Nakia in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”/Marvel Studios Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o posted to Instagram a throwback video of her Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman on Sunday, which was the second year anniversary of his death.
Евгения Матвеец/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — With the end of summer nearing, and Labor Day around the corner, U.S. health officials are preparing to roll out millions of new COVID-19 boosters as health experts grow concerned over
Joseph Okpako/WireImage Looks like Lady Gaga isn’t the only artist dealing with rowdy fans hurling items at her while she’s performing — it’s also happening to Harry Styles. Harry’s stage was pelted with cold chicken nuggets as he performed at New York City’s
Interscope Last year, Elton John scored a global hit with Dua Lipa with “Cold Heart” — a mashup of four of his old songs. Now, he’s poised to have another one with “Hold Me Closer,” a mashup of
NASA/Joel Kowsky (NEW YORK) — NASA kicked off Monday its plan to send an unmanned space capsule into the moon’s orbit, marking the initial launch in an ambitious plan to establish a long term presence on the
Three people have been hospitalized after a crash in Cass County Saturday morning. Sheriff’s deputies say 32-year-old Jordan Hanifan of Dowagiac stopped at the stop sign on Dailey Road at Pokagon Highway and then drove into a
Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown in 2007; Kevin Winter/AMA/Getty Images for AMA Jordin Sparks brought the nostalgia this past weekend when she joined Chris Brown onstage for a rendition of their beloved duet, “No Air.” The reunion
Oliver Helbig/Getty Images (FORT WORTH, Texas) — A 5-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were killed and an 18-month-old boy was hurt in a drive-by shooting in broad daylight, police said. Around 2 p.m. Sunday, an unknown
Pierre Suu/GC Images Jennifer Lopez is speaking up about her recently leaked wedding footage. After footage from the Marry Me star performing for her husband Ben Affleck at their Georgia wedding went public, she took to Instagram
Pierre Suu/GC Images Jennifer Lopez is speaking up about her recently leaked wedding footage. After footage from the Marry Me star performing for her husband Ben Affleck at their Georgia wedding went public, she took to Instagram
South Haven Area Emergency Services will have a pancake breakfast for people on Sunday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. It will be at the SHAES headquarters at 90 Blue Star Highway in South Haven. Adults can eat
South Haven Area Emergency Services will have a pancake breakfast for people on Sunday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. It will be at the SHAES headquarters at 90 Blue Star Highway in South Haven. Adults can eat
Christian Kane sets out to build a $250,000 playground for special needs kids, ends up building a multi-million dollar facility, Brittany has more details!
Christian Kane sets out to build a $250,000 playground for special needs kids, ends up building a multi-million dollar facility, Brittany has more details!
Sequel to A Christmas Story coming to HBO MAX in November, New Peacock comedy Bupkis coming with a star studded cast, Cheryl Burke tries to explain her relationship problems, Shaq’s kids need to have strong credentials to
Sequel to A Christmas Story coming to HBO MAX in November, New Peacock comedy Bupkis coming with a star studded cast, Cheryl Burke tries to explain her relationship problems, Shaq’s kids need to have strong credentials to
Elvis streaming Friday on HBO MAX, Avril Lavigne gets her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and starts filming movie based on one of her hits, J-Lo picks her back-up dancers based on astrological signs, John
Elvis streaming Friday on HBO MAX, Avril Lavigne gets her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and starts filming movie based on one of her hits, J-Lo picks her back-up dancers based on astrological signs, John
More than 1/4 of people think they are more sedentary than they should be, Honor Credit Union and Brittany have some advice on how to change that.
More than 1/4 of people think they are more sedentary than they should be, Honor Credit Union and Brittany have some advice on how to change that.
The teaser trailer for Yellowstone‘s fifth season dropped on Sunday. “We’ll show the world who we are and what we do,” Kevin Costner is heard saying in the promotion. “All will be revealed,” is flashed on the
Jessica and Zack are joined by Lanie Schrubba of Renaissance Athletic Club about their recent improvements to their training floor, and how you can take a tour. You too can get help from Cornerstone Alliance to showcase
Jessica and Zack are joined by Lanie Schrubba of Renaissance Athletic Club about their recent improvements to their training floor, and how you can take a tour. You too can get help from Cornerstone Alliance to showcase
Unit 1 of the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman is shut down for repairs. Indiana Michigan Power says the unit was shut down just before 2 p.m. Sunday due to a trip of its #3 reactor coolant
Environmental advocates are calling a Michigan proposal to use animal and industrial waste as a source of “renewable natural gas” for power generation “flawed,” and warned it could hinder the state’s ability to meet its decarbonization goals.
kali9/Getty Images (BEND, Ore.) — At least three people are dead following a shooting inside a Safeway supermarket in Oregon on Sunday evening, police said. The incident was reported just after 7 p.m. local time at The
Detroit Police Department via Twitter (DETROIT) — The city of Detroit was on edge after police said a single gunman randomly shot four victims, three fatally, in 2 hours and 25 minutes Sunday morning. The sole survivor
ArtBoyMB/Getty Images (PHOENIX) — A child was killed and four other people were seriously injured Sunday morning in a three-vehicle crash involving a school bus on I-40 in Arizona, authorities said. The collision took place around 9:27
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images (HOUSTON) — A man wielding a shotgun allegedly killed three of his neighbors after setting fire early Sunday to multiple units at a Houston rental complex, including one he was recently evicted from, apparently
Delaware County District Attorney’s Office (PHILADELPHIA) — One year after 8-year-old Fanta Bility was fatally shot by police while leaving a football game in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, her family is grieving her loss and fighting for justice.
Antonio Gravante / EyeEm The vampire thriller The Invitation topped the slowest box office weekend since February, opening to an estimated $7 million in North America. Overseas, the film, starring Nathalie Emmanuel, best known for playing Ramsey in the Fast and
Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Taylor Swift‘s first album of all-new material since 2020’s evermore will be here October 21. The album is called Midnights, and on Instagram, she wrote that the album consists of “the
MTV The 2022 MTV VMAs aired Sunday night live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Here’s a list of the winners: VIDEO OF THE YEAR Taylor Swift – “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s
Summer is winding down in southwest Michigan, but St. Joseph Today still has a slate of events planned in downtown St. Joe. Events manager Daniele Crevier tells us there’s plenty happening Labor Day weekend. “Saturday we’ve got
Michigan Works is planning its next hiring event for September 15. Director of Business Solutions Mark O’Reilly tells us it will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Michigan Works Training Center on West Main
WABC (NEW YORK) — For the second time in a little over a month, multiple people were shot, one fatally, at one of New York City’s most popular summer destinations — the Coney Island boardwalk in Brooklyn,
The first ever John Lewis Good Trouble Awards are being planned by Neighbors Organizing Against Racism in Benton Harbor. The group’s Trenton Bowens tells WSJM News they’ll hold a banquet November 12 at the Oak Room at
The new athletics facility at Southwestern Michigan College has had its grand opening with a dedication held this month. SMC President Joe Odenwald tells WSJM News the 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse features a court, video scoreboards, new
Whirlpool has named its new 80-unit multi-family housing development on Riverview Drive in Benton Harbor the Emma Jean Hull Flats. Whirlpool Community Relations Director Deb O’Connor tells us the company worked with city commissioners to select a
The Lake Michigan College Foundation is preparing for a benchmark year now that it’s provided the primary funding for the LMC Promise. Speaking to the LMC Board of Trustees this week, Foundation Director Doug Schaeffer said the
Brandon Bell/Getty Images (UVALDE, Texas) — March For Our Lives held a rally in front of the state capitol in Austin Saturday with parents who lost their children in the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, families and survivors
Courtesy Twitter/@CALFIRECZU (SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif.) — A man is lucky to be alive after he fell about 100 feet off of a cliff edge when it reportedly crumbled beneath him as he walked on it. The incident
Photo by Joel Kowsky/NASA via Getty Images (CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.) — NASA on Monday will send an unmanned space capsule into the moon’s orbit, marking the initial launch in an ambitious plan to establish a long term presence
KeithBinns/Getty Images/STOCK (TULSA, Okla.) — Descendants of the 1921 Tula Race Massacre are being urged to avoid submitting DNA samples to the city’s investigation project amid privacy concerns which would delay efforts to identify remains found in a
kali9/Getty Images/STOCK (FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.) — At least one person has been shot in what police say was a targeted shooting at the Washington County Fair in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. when Fayetteville Police
Tim Boyle/Getty Images (STURGIS, Mich.) — Abbott is announcing Friday their Sturgis, Michigan plant is restarting production of their largest and most popular infant formula, Similac. Previously, the troubled plant had only restarted a fragment of its production,
Dallas Police Department raised $10,000 for their “Share The Shoes” campaign this year and bought shoes for 520 kids
LA Jury awards $16 Mil to Kobe Bryant’s widow, Aquaman 2 pushed back to Christmas Day, Ryan Reynolds insists Hugh Jackman be in Deadpool 3, Nick Cannon’s going to be a father again, and a movie about
Taylor Swift being sued by an author, Companion album for David Bowie movie “Moonage Daydream” with unreleased songs included, Jonathan Knight and Harley Rodriguez got married and didn’t tell the public
Honor Credit Union and Brittany bring you Coffee Talk, In California cow’s and other farm animals may be considered emotional support animals
Pepper is a female black and white “tuxedo” kitten, approximately 5 months old. Little Pepper is an extremely peppy, active, and happy girl. She is very curious, loves to cuddle, and is affectionate with other cats. Pepper
Paul Rudd joins the cast of Only Murderers in the Building, new Curb Your Enthusiasm coming to HBO, Disney + to make King Kong origin series, Celebrity Jeopardy line-up, HBO releasing new wines inspired by House of
If you have a job interview, blue is the best color to wear but skip green, Honor Credit Union and Brittany want to tell you why!
Paula Abdul runs barefoot down Broadway, Harry Styles responds to the baldness rumor, Rihanna to release “Ketchup or Make-up” make-up line
Daniele from St. Joe Today has plenty of updates on fun things going on this weekend and beyond to check out at stjoetoday.com! The Mendel Center hosts Weird Al Yankovic: Unfortunate Return of the Ill-Advised Vanity Tour
9.9 Million watched House Of The Dragon on Sunday night making it the largest release on HBO, Love And Thunder starts streaming Sept. 8, 81 year old Dr. Fauci will leave the National institute of Allergies and
17 years ago, Tom from Washington set a goal to make a million free throws and he’s finally done it!
Michael Jackson’s family upset at “Rolling Stone” over Harry Styles comment, Josh Grobin to sing National Anthem at new rocket launch Chris Evans, Jack Black, Yoyo Ma and more will also attend, U of Texas Austin to
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation joins Zack to speak to Lindsay Salmon about her membership in the TEAM Program at BCF and how other students in the county can join this great service-focused program. Find more details
Michael Bublé has his fourth child, Camila Cabello and Hans Zimmer collaborate for Docu-series “Frozen Planet 2”, Andy Grammar wants to cook breakfast but Joel McHale would warn you, it looks good but tastes horrible.
Librarians in Cincinnati get Tarzan book back after over 50 years with a special note inside
House of The Dragon crashes HBO Max, Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow’s Daughter) throws a party and had the cops called on her, Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie to star in Ocean’s Eleven prequel, Ben Affleck and J-Lo got
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber invites you to great Business After Hours events, like this Thursday’s event at Slumberland Furniture in Benton Harbor, and Ribbon Cutting events coming up in September. Register and find out
Graham Stokes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images (COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Columbus teachers union in Ohio is on strike after a vote on Sunday, just days away from the district’s first day of school on Wednesday. Teachers began
Terry Wyatt/Getty Images Would you let Andy Grammer cook you breakfast? According to his latest stint on E!’s Celebrity Beef, his skills might leave you saying, “Honey, I’m Good.” Host Joel McHale pitted Grammer against actor Justin Baldoni in a fight to the finish, tasking the
sarayut Thaneerat/Getty Images (DALLAS) — Flash flood warnings are in effect in Dallas Monday morning as three months’ worth of rain pounded the region overnight. Eastern Dallas has been hit with more than 9 inches of rain
Courtesy Paramount Pictures Paul Bettany is no longer the king of his castle — in terms of the domestic box office at least — after Top Gun: Maverick flew past Avengers: Infinity War‘s theatrical take in the
Jim Dyson/Getty Images Kate Bush‘s “Running Up That Hill” has run all the way to Wembley Stadium, courtesy of Coldplay. Chris Martin and company put their spin on the 1985 single during their show at the famed
Amanda Fordyce If you’re a Harry Styles stan who likes to say mean things about his girlfriend Olivia Wilde on Twitter or TikTok, you should know that isn’t exactly the way to get on his good side.
Walter McBride/Getty Images More details are emerging regarding Gary Busey‘s arrest on Friday on charges of sex offenses stemming from an appearance at a horror fan convention in Cherry Hill, New Jersey earlier this month. Police responded
Meghan Trainor new single “Don’t I Make It Look Easy coming soon, Nick Jonas headlining City of Hope Gala to fundraise for cancer research, Maren Morris and Zedd “Make You Say” coming soon, Coldplay lead singer stops
Scott Overland makes a unique and possibly highly profitable discovery at a restaurant in Delaware.
Ice cream with nuts and chocolate rated higher than a multigrain bagel with raisins based on nutritional value.
McDonalds testing Chicken Big Mac, Jon Gosselin accusing Kate of stealing 100,000 from their children, AMC Theater’s play Grease over the weekend in tribute to Olivia Newton John, Jason Mamoa to play Duke in surfing bio pic,
Dan Levy has joined the cast of Sex Education. He will be a recurring guest star in the upcoming fourth season as the character of Thomas Molloy, an author who will tutor Emma Mackey‘s character, Maeve Wiley,
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Dr. Martha Gulati will never forget the first time she saw a young, healthy athlete die of heat stroke. It was 1995 in Chicago, in the middle of a heat
Crunchyroll/Toei Animation Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero easily topped the weekend box office, grabbing an estimated $21 million in North America. It’s the third best opening of all time for an anime film and more than double
Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The New York State Department of Health reported its first known case of monkeypox in a child in New York. According to the new data, one child under the age of 18
Jessica from Cornerstone Alliance and Zack speak with Matt Davis from Wightman about the amazing work they do in our community and why they invest in Economic Development with Cornerstone Alliance. For more details on investing, head
Texas Corral will open at 3 p.m. today on Red Arrow Highway in Stevensville. The restaurant closed on Pipestone in Benton Harbor in 2020 due to a dispute between the building’s owner and the Indiana-based restaurant chain.
Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a 24-year-old Florida man on several charges after he tried to outrun police on a motorcycle. A deputy tried to pull him over in the 15-thousand block of 52½ Street
Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a 24-year-old Florida man on several charges after he tried to outrun police on a motorcycle. A deputy tried to pull him over in the 15-thousand block of 52½ Street
Benton Harbor City Commissioners are preparing for the next phase of work on the city’s new master plan. Planning Week was held in June with workshops including the Planning Commission and residents, and all of those presentations
Walter McBride/Getty Images Gary Busey was charged Friday with sex offenses stemming from an appearance at a horror fan convention in New Jersey earlier this month. The 78-year-old actor, who lives in Malibu, CA, was charged by
An expansion is coming to a popular Bridgman bar and restaurant. Lake Street Eats co-owner Mike Carlson told WSJM News this week they’re adding about 1,700 square feet to occupy the entire building, and they’re installing a
With a new school year approaching, the Berrien County Health Department has given parents a back to school checklist that goes beyond classroom supplies. Berrien County Health Officer Guy Miller tells WSJM News you need more than
John Mayer will play Born and Raised album in it’s entirety for the first time ever solo/acoustic, Paula Abdul dresses up as the poop fairy on Tik Tok, Mariah Carey has competition for the title “Queen of
Tik Tok can be a time blackhole, but occasionally it’s useful, especially if you need to find pants
Stewart Dawson plans to walk 600 miles to each 20 Premiere League stadiums to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis
Millie Bobby Brown engaged to Bon Jovi’s son Jake? Best Buy selling hearing aids OTC, B-Dubs adding pizza to the menu, Gwenyth Paltrow to be a guest shark, Lebron James 97.1 mil extension with the LA Lakers,
It’s Furry Friends Friday from The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Bones from Van Buren County Animal Control! Bones is a 3-year old male American Bull Terrier mix who is looking for a home of his own.
ABC/Eric McCandless Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson may no longer be an item, but that’s not stopping Katy Perry from apologizing for referencing the comedian last month. To recap: Katy played a TikTok version of the game MASH and the future-predicting filter said Davidson was her lover.
John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty Images Mariah Carey‘s attempt to trademark the phrase “Queen of Christmas” has encountered more pushback from Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love, who has been called the “Queen of Christmas”
Aitor Diago/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Allen Weisselberg, who first met Donald Trump in the 1970s when he began working for Trump’s father, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges in New York that accused him of running a
Tom Hollander, Diane Lane and Calista Flockhart have been added to the season two cast of the FX series Feud, according to Variety. They join previously announced series stars Naomi Watts and Chloë Sevigny. The second season of
New Girl Scout Cookie Flavor!, Martha Stewart’s first restaurant opens on the Las Vegas Strip, Top Gun Maverick blu-ray release Nov.1 with 110 minutes of bonus features and releases on August 23 for streaming, Robert DeNiro plays
Olivia Rodrigo to induct Alanis Morrisette into Canadian Songwriter Hall Of Fame, Dua Lipa enjoys a different snack, Madonna turns 64 this week, Joe Jonas just turned 33 and admits he uses injectables for fine lines, Kanye
Bobby and Rod Adams awoken by their hero of a Chihuahua when disaster struck, possibly saving their lives!
Lisa Cripps-Downey from Berrien Community Foundation talks with Jonny Reinhardt about Backpack for Good and why they do that event for communities in our area. One of the reasons is the growing needs in our population. Amanda
Michigan State Police are taking active steps to make sure they’re prepared for any potential active shooter situations. 300 Michigan State Police troopers and other local officers are receiving active shooter refresher training out at the MSP
Stefani Reynolds/Pool/Getty Images (ATLANTA) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky made a remarkable acknowledgment of her agency’s failures during the COVID-19 pandemic as she delivered a message to her staff Wednesday. Her message,
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Anne Heche‘s death has been ruled an accident, more than a week after suffering serious injuries in a fiery Los Angeles car crash, city records show. The 53-year-old actress died from inhalation and thermal injuries, according
Daniele from St. Joe Today has details on the remaining happenings at the BCYF, extended hours this Saturday at the Farmers Market, Movies in the Park, and more! Head to StJoeToday.com for details! Urban Garage Market hosts
Larry Mayer/Getty Images (OMAHA, Neb.) — A child in Nebraska is suspected to have died from a rare case of brain-eating amoeba, health officials said Wednesday. If confirmed, it will be the first known death from Naegleria
This Saturday and Sunday will be a free ORV weekend at Michigan state parks. “That means you can ride on the state-designated ORV routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or a trail permit,” says state
This Saturday and Sunday will be a free ORV weekend at Michigan state parks. “That means you can ride on the state-designated ORV routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or a trail permit,” says state
Workers in Michigan won major victories recently as a minimum-wage increase and employer paid sick time program were reinstated by court order. In 2018, petitioners succeeded in placing a minimum-wage increase along with an earned-sick-time provision on
Brandon Bell/Getty Images (UVALDE, Texas) — When students in Uvalde, Texas, return to school in September, they will have brand new picnic tables where they can sit and gather. Many of their classrooms will be stocked with
flubydust/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — A bill designed to help keep young children safe by strengthening safety requirements for products with button batteries was signed into law Tuesday by President Joe Biden. The legislation, known as Reese’s Law,
Kobus Louw/Getty Images (MINNEAPOLIS) — Ahead of the new school year, Minneapolis Public Schools has defended its agreement reached with the teacher’s union this spring to prioritize retaining educators of underrepresented backgrounds when determining layoffs. Effective in
Courtesy Joshua Valliere (SAN DIEGO) — A California girl has beaten the odds to reunite with her twin and return home with her family after a six-month stay at a San Diego hospital. Charlotte and her twin
@ Didier Marti/Getty Images (LAUTOKA, Fiji) — Bradley Robert Dawson, a Memphis man police say fatally beat his wife last month at an exclusive resort in Fiji, told ABC News the couple “never had any physical arguments
Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images John Mayer lives in Montana, and this weekend, he’s doing a special benefit concert to raise money for relief efforts following the flooding of the state’s Yellowstone River back in June. The flooding caused
Disney+ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is open for business! The latest Marvel series for Disney+ is out today, starring Tatiana Maslany as the big green lawyer and she tells ABC Audio she wasn’t all that familiar with She-Hulk before taking
From the Associated Press — A jury in western Michigan has heard from two key witnesses in the trial of two men charged with conspiring to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. Barry Croft Jr., of Delaware,
Alfredo Alonso Avila / EyeEm / Getty Images (LAS VEGAS) — Another set of human remains were found in Lake Mead near Las Vegas, the second time this month that remains have been found in the country’s
AFP via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — As demand for monkeypox vaccines increases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has begun to receive preliminary reports on the efficacy of the shots, which suggests there are breakthrough cases occurring,
Sales went up at stores in Michigan last month, according to the July Retail Index survey. Andrea Bitely, with the Michigan Retailers Association, told Michigan News Network the numbers are encouraging. “Michigan retailers have reported that their
Jesse Grant/Getty Images, FILE (LOS ANGELES) — Anne Heche’s death has been ruled an accident, more than a week after suffering serious injuries in a fiery Los Angeles car crash, city records show. Heche, 53, died from
The Berrien County Health Department will host some free Narcan training sessions this month. Narcan is a nasal spray that can save the life of someone having an opioid overdose. The health department’s Lisa Peeples-Hurst tells us
The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven will hold a weekend of activities for kids focused on Great Lakes stewardship this Friday and Saturday. Museum Education Director Ashley Deming tells us Friday will feature Make a Splash
Fans have been paying tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John by playing her music, and Billboard took a look at the songs fans are streaming most. Grease hit “You’re the One That I Want” comes first with 2.4 million streams since her death. In
Jason Marz/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — A Florida appeals court ruled on Monday that a 16-year-old girl was not “mature enough” to decide to terminate her pregnancy. The decision comes after a circuit judge in northwest Florida
A local pharmacist is hanging up his lab coat and closing the doors on a long-running local pharmacy. Van’s Pharmacy owner and pharmacist Jim Bussis said the pharmacy has sold its prescription records to Walgreens, and will
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is conducting extra patrols for the rest of the month as part of the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Sheriff Paul Bailey says the department wants to keep the
Courtney Eaton as Teen Lottie – Photo credit: Kailey Schwerman/SHOWTIME Yellowjackets has found its “Adult Lottie.” The Showtime series has cast Obi-Wan Kenobi actress Simone Kessell in the role of a grown-up version of Lottie Matthews, played
Courtesy Mike Trinh (MISSOURI CITY, Texas) — A Texas middle school student had quite the start to her first day of school after she opened her front door to see an alligator. Running back into the house,
Matt Miller/ABC (ATLANTA) — A scathing review of how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention handled COVID-19 has found that its approach toward the pandemic failed to meet the moment of crisis, and offered a series
Alexander Spatari/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Traffic deaths for the first quarter of this year were the highest since 2002, according to early estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency estimates 9,560 people died
Brian Stukes/Getty Images Gwyneth Paltrow is joining Shark Tank. The actress and Goop founder will star in the hit ABC series as a guest shark for the show’s 14th season. Paltrow will join Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran,
Jason Kempin/Getty Images When it comes to blended families, Rod Stewart‘s an expert: He’s got eight children by five different women, so you can imagine how hard it must be to get them all together for anything,
Thanks to the help of a K9, a Van Buren County man is in custody Tuesday after drunkenly leading police on a chase through Antwerp Township. Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott reports that at about 2:15
Walt Disney Television/Paula Lobo Did Taylor Swift almost appear in one of the Twilight movies? According to one of the directors, the answer is yes — but it’s a little more complicated than that. Chris Weitz, who directed The Twilight Saga: New Moon,
ADRIAN S. BURROWS SR./NETFLIX Love may be blind but it didn’t last forever for this Love Is Blind couple. Iyanna McNeely and Jarrette Jones have announced they’re getting a divorce. The two got engaged without ever meeting
MATTHIAS CLAMER/NETFLIX Enjoy some Wednesday on your Wednesday — Wednesday Addams, that is. Netflix has released the first official teaser for Wednesday, starring Jenny Ortega as the titular goth daughter of the Addams family. In the trailer,
ABC Now that she’s no longer on the road with her sold-out world tour, Olivia Rodrigo seems to be working on the follow-up to her smash hit debut album SOUR! We can thank her musical collaborator, producer Dan Nigro, for spilling
The Niles Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting on Tuesday. Officers were called to the area of North Seventh Street and Ferry Street around 12:15 a.m. on a report of shots fired. They found the victim,
Roku Originals The Great British Baking Show‘s American counterpart has found its new hosts. Roku Channel has announced that Ellie Kemper and Severance star Zach Cherry have been tapped to co-host The Great American Baking Show, premiering
ABC/Lou Rocco Michael Bublé took over Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday night and two lucky fans were able to go thanks to a fun little treasure hunt. The Canadian crooner shared on hisInstagram Stories that he arrived at the venue
David Livingston/Getty Images Anthony Hopkins is getting into the NFT game. The 84-year-old Oscar winner is creating and launching his first NFT series in partnership with the startup Orange Comet. The digital collectibles, called the Eternal Collection,
mseidelch/Getty Images (GENEVA) — The World Health Organization renamed the two known clades, or lineages, of the monkeypox virus Monday. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the lineages will be referred to going forward using Roman numerals. “The
Paramount/Getty Images Coldplay paid tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John Tuesday night during their show at London’s Wembley Stadium by collaborating with another famous Australian singer and actress: Natalie Imbruglia. Billboard reports the band brought out the
ABC/Paula Lobo NeNe Leakes remembered her late husband Greg on what would have been his 67th birthday. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum shared a photo of the two in which she embraces him
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation Surprise! Adrienne Bailon and her husband Israel Houghton are officially parents! Taking to Instagram Tuesday, the couple announced that they welcomed a baby boy via surrogacy named Ever James. Alongside
A hearing will be held today in Oakland County over the state’s 1931 abortion ban. An injunction has prevented the law from taking effect since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which had said abortion
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 23,165 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week. That’s an average of 3,309 a day. There were 103 people who lost their lives in the
Is Jennifer Lopez joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe? She-Hulk: Attorney at Law director Kat Coiro told journalist Tara Hitchcock that her “dream” is to “bring” Lopez into the MCU. Jennifer reacted to the revelation on her Instagram stories, commenting with a laugh and some love
Kraft-Heinz recalls 5700 Wild Cherry Capri Sun, Kings Hawaiian recalls rolls, beer infused ice cream on a stick, Martha Stewart launches Pumpkin Spice CBD gummies, Tom Holland might replace Daniel Craig’s James Bond, and a Jumanji theme
More artists announced for MTV Awards, J-Lo and Ben Affleck plan to get married again, The Masked Singer returns in September, and a Gluten Free Cereal made by Snoop Dogg
A 37-year-old Paw Paw-area man is in the Van Buren County Jail on several charges after leading sheriff’s deputies on a chase early Wednesday morning. A deputy tried to pull Christopher Miller over for suspicion of drunk
A 37-year-old Paw Paw-area man is in the Van Buren County Jail on several charges after leading sheriff’s deputies on a chase early Wednesday morning. A deputy tried to pull Christopher Miller over for suspicion of drunk
Mint Images/Getty Images, FILE (ROCHESTER, N.Y.) — A captain of the Rochester Fire Department who was accused of taking firefighters to a party filled with racist tropes has retired. Following an investigation by the City of Rochester,
Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Since the monkeypox vaccine began being distributed in New York City, the rollout has been plagued with issues. The city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has cycled through several scheduling platforms
Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures Have you ever been catfished by your dad? James Morosini has. He’s the writer, director, and star of the new film I Love My Dad, which is in theaters and streaming on demand now. The movie,
ABC/Lou Rocco Michael Bublé is counting down the days until he welcomes his newborn daughter with wife Luisana Lopilato. In fact, the baby is coming this Friday! Michael revealed to ABC Audio that he meticulously scheduled his baby’s arrival around his Higher tour dates.
From soaring rides and farm animals to live music and a free circus, the Berrien County Youth Fair had a little something for everyone on a sunny Tuesday evening. The sounds of excited children echoed through fairgrounds
Survey of 2000 parents, reveals almost half use technology to monitor their children, some even go to drastic measures
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Two long lost siblings find each other through DNA test and pleasant random circumstance.
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Maren Morris gets a callback for Wicked, Michelle Branch Arrested for slapping Husband (Black Keys Drummer, Patrick Carney), and Melissa Etheridge was inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s Broadway show.
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Anne Heche dead at 53, Tom Holland goes on Social Media Hiatus, Millie Bobby Brown enrolls at Purdue Online, Budweiser Clydesdale born in Booneville Missouri, Knee high athletic socks with high heels becoming a new fashion trend thanks to Bella Hadid.
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Dawn from United Way of Southwest Michigan tells us how your donation can be leveraged to ‘Pay it Forward 5 times’ in our communities in the new year! Visit uwsm.org for more. The power of United Way
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre working on a new record together, Michelle Branch and Black Keys’ drummer Patrick Carney split, Sarah Bareilles apologizes for not taking photos with fans, Kanye’s divorce attorney quits on him.
Tom Brady steps away to deal with personal issues, Celtic’s Bill Russell’s number retired league wide, Cinderella (the reunion) special edition of 2020, on ABC August 23rd streaming on Hulu the next day, The Simpsons will reveal
Jessica from Cornerstone Alliance and Zack speak with Kacey Dominguez, Manager of the Village of Stevensville, about why the Village is an investor in Cornerstone Alliance and Economic Development in communities is so important.
The Michigan Department of Transportation would be allowed to install automated speed cameras in construction zones under legislation now in the state House. House Bill 5750 would limit the use of automated speed enforcement systems to streets
A Career and Opportunity Fair is planned for this month in St. Joseph. Organizer Nick Gunn spoke to St. Joseph City Commissioners this week and said he’s using his NickEats YouTube channel to bring together employers and
A lack of available houses led to a drop in home sales around southwest Michigan in June. The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors says June sales were down 7% from June of 2021. Association Executive Alan Jeffries
The Berrien County Road Department says work on part of Red Arrow Highway in Chikaming Township will start Monday. The road will be reconstructed between Main Drive and Lakeshore Road. The project will include pavement milling, asphalt
The Friends of Berrien County Trails has wrapped up a series of workshops seeking the public’s thoughts on how the county’s trails system should develop. People gathered at the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission office in Benton Harbor
Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) (NEW YORK) — Nearly 1 million Michigan residents are under a boil water advisory after a leak was discovered in a major water main that serves the Detroit area. The Great Lakes Water
David Levenson/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation into Salman Rushdie’s attack told ABC News that “a preliminary investigation into the suspected perpetrator’s probable social media presence indicates a likely adherence or sympathy
Alfredo Alonso Avila/EyeEm/Getty Images/Stock (ARLINGTON, Va.) — Authorities are investigating after a car crashed into a Virginia pub, injuring over a dozen people and sparking a fire. The incident occurred Friday evening in Arlington, outside of Washington, D.C.
Cornerstone Alliance and its partners have celebrated the addition of free public Wi-Fi to downtown Benton Harbor and the continued operation of a water taxi between Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. A ribbon cutting was held this
Jon Lovette/Getty Images/Stock (NEW YORK)– Colleges and universities have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of students this fall, heralding a much-anticipated return to normalcy on campuses, with COVID-19 cases beginning to abate again across the country. However,
ABC News (NEW YORK) — Just a few months ago, the real estate market was favorable to people selling homes. The amount of buyers was increasing, the number of listings were down and interest rates were dropping, it
Joseph Okpako/WireImage Dua Lipa is getting ready to bid goodbye to summer with a new, three-part series for her At Your Service podcast. Dua unleashed the “Summer (Mini)Series,” which will tide fans over between the recently wrapped first season and upcoming
A new face will be roaming the halls of Lakeshore Public Schools when school starts in the fall. The Lincoln Township Police Department announced Thursday in a Facebook post that Officer Michael Dorr has accepted the position
With more and more cases of monkeypox being reported throughout Michigan and around the country, the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department is here to answer questions educate residents who may have never heard of the virus. Administrator
Marvel Studios Mark Ruffalo has joined Elizabeth Olsen and other Marvel movie stars in coming out swinging in defense of their recurring day jobs in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a chat with Metro UK to promote
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Author Salman Rushdie was attacked at an event in New York state on Friday, according to witness accounts and law enforcement reports. Rushdie was scheduled to give a lecture
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Following the news that Michelle Branch and her husband of three years, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, are separating, comes the news that Michelle was arrested early Thursday morning for slapping Carney. According
20th Century Studios The 20th Century Films-release Prey bagged a trophy of its own, topping all new streaming titles for the week of August 4 through August 10, according to the latest rankings of streaming service aggregator
ABC Maren Morris has made it no secret that a lifelong dream of hers is to star in Wicked, and “The Middle” singer is officially one step closer to turning her Broadway dreams into a reality. Maren celebrated some very
fotog/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Health officials announced Friday that polio has been detected in wastewater samples in New York City. It comes just a few weeks after a case of polio was detected in Rockland County,
Tetra Images/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — All California public school students will have access to free nutritious meals this school year, thanks to the statewide Universal Meals Program. The program comes at a crucial time, with food
Lionel Hahn/Getty Images Joe Jonas not only has a busy singing and entrepreneurial career — he recently welcomed his second child with wife Sophie Turner. So how does the “Cake By the Ocean” singer balance his family and professional
Fox The Simpsons has become eerily famous for seemingly predicting outlandish events that turned true, from Donald Trump running for president — right down to his famous escalator announcement — to a virus emerging from China that
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Izzy!
Izzy is a young adult Tabby cat, estimated to be 3 years old. Izzy’s favorite toy is a catnip microphone which she likes to carry around and chatter into. We think she’s practicing to audition for the next season of The Voice! Izzy is a cuddle-bug, but she can be a little spicy around other cats. Izzy is spayed, up to date on vaccines, and FeLV-FIV negative. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our incredible Izzy!
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Add cars and trucks to those items that cost more. Triple A’s 2022 “Your Driving Costs” report shows the annual cost to own and operate a new vehicle is now over $10,000, or $894 dollars a month.
Starz Power Book III: Raising Kanan returns to Starz with season two on Sunday, and fans are in for one wild ride. After leaving fans with more than a few unanswered questions — like will Kanan get caught
Police across the state are beginning a drunk driving crackdown that will last through Labor Day. Kendall Wingrove with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning says the three weeks leading up to the holiday are among
Exterior of the Cincinnati Field Office building. – FBI.gov (CINCINNATI) — Ricky Shiffer, the man armed with an AR-15 style rifle and believed by authorities to have tried to break into the FBI’s Cincinnati field office Thursday
Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for Triller Michelle Branch is gearing up to release her new album The Trouble with Fever, which she made with her husband, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney. But now it appears their music will
Spelunker’s find a dog, Abby, in the cave system they were exploring and rescue the injured dog.
Manuel Breva Colmeiro/Getty Images (ATLANTA) — Brianna Grier, a mother of 3-year-old twins who died last month in police custody, was remembered Thursday by her family as a loving, caring person. Rev. Al Sharpton spoke at Grier’s
10th Anniversary Global Citizen fest will be in September in New York and Ghana, Elton John goes into the Metaverse, Madonna’s return to The Tonight Show leads to the return of Classroom Instruments
NFL and Amazon team up for Black Friday, Samsung to release the new (most expensive) Galaxy for $2500, Kevin Hart’s “Monsters and How to Tame Them” self help book, Jon Hamm to be the season 3 morning
Apple TV+ has renewed the dramedy Physical, starring and produced by Rose Byrne, for a third season, the streamer announced on Thursday. The dark comedy, which is set in the 1980s, follows Rose’s character Sheila Rubin through her
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic The family of Anne Heche, who remains in a coma following a fiery car crash in Los Angeles last week, says the actress is not expected to live. “We want to thank everyone for their kind wishes
Mint Images/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — A few days after learning about the deadly shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, Jim Witt, superintendent of Lake Local Schools in northern Ohio, reached out to a school
Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images (CHICAGO) — Certain iconic imagery brings to mind traditional American summer activities: the smell of hamburgers cooking on a grill, marching bands with drum lines and kids catching candy thrown from colorful
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images (LOS ANGELES) — Anne Heche is not expected to survive the brain injury she suffered in a fiery car crash in Los Angeles and is being kept on life support to determine if her organs
Alan Markfield/Netflix 13: The Musical is streaming now on Netflix and the movie’s stars, Debra Messing, Josh Peck and Rhea Perlman, spoke to ABC Audio about what makes this movie so special. The film stars Eli Golden as Evan, a New Yorker who moves to Indiana following his
Legacy Recordings Twenty-five years ago today, Backstreet Boys released their self-titled debut U.S. album … and they’re still performing most of the songs from it every night on tour. This 1997 album was actually a compilation of
PARRISH LEWIS/NETFLIX The vampire action comedy Day Shift hits Netflix Friday, starring Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco as two very different kinds of vampire hunters. The pair talked to ABC Audio about why they think people are fascinated with the fanged blood suckers.
Ava Max becomes a Sketchers ambassador, the most motivating music, Beyonce’s “Break My Soul” remix features a Madonna track and Katy Perry openly discusses her childhood fashion influences
Kenan Thompson to host the Emmy Awards, Joe Exotic working on presidential pardon, Dior re-signs Johnny Depp for Sauvage, Peter Jackson wants to forget his movies, Serena Williams retiring soo, Beats by Dre and Kim K
Daniele from St. Joe Today has lots of fun to share with you and the family for this weekend and beyond, plus more, at stjoetoday.com! Don’t miss ENCORE, a St. Joseph High School Alumni Variety Show Reunion,
The Berrien County Road Department says work on part of Red Arrow Highway in Chikaming Township will start Monday. The road will be reconstructed between Main Drive and Lakeshore Road. The project will include pavement milling, asphalt
55 years ago Emil Tosi bought the bakery equipment from the closing of The Whitcomb Hotel in downtown St. Joseph. He renovated a cabin on the Tosi property and called his baker friend, Hans Kottman, and said,
Placer County Sheriff’s Office (TRUCKEE, Calif.) — Authorities are urging people to come forward with tips as they continue searching for a missing 16-year-old who was last seen early Saturday at a large party near a campground in northern
The Michigan Department of Transportation would be allowed to install automated speed cameras in construction zones under legislation now in the state House. House Bill 5750 would limit the use of automated speed enforcement systems to streets
Graduates of a local high school are coming together for two final curtain calls this weekend. This Friday and Saturday night at the John and Dede Howard Auditorium, St. Joseph High School alumni will gather for two
Tens of thousands of spectators and participants are set to descend on the fairgrounds in Berrien Springs for a week of exhibits, fair food and fun. The Berrien County Youth Fair is scheduled for Aug. 15-20 with
The Friends of Berrien County Trails has wrapped up a series of workshops seeking the public’s thoughts on how the county’s trails system should develop. People gathered at the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission office in Benton Harbor
Tanner Edwards (EVANSVILLE, Ind.) — Three people are dead after a house exploded Wednesday in southern Indiana, officials said. Dozens of firefighters responded to the scene in Evansville, after the blast occurred Wednesday afternoon on the 1000
Hartford Public Schools has unveiled a new logo and mascot. The district made the decision last November to drop the Indians name and selected the Huskies at that time. More than $132,000 was given to the district
MR.Cole_Photographer/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — In a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, researchers found that climate change is expected to aggravate 58% of the world’s infectious diseases. “The societal disruption caused by pathogenic diseases, as
The funeral for Congresswoman Jackie Walorski will be held Thursday. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News he knew Walorski well, often sitting next to her on flights to and from Washington. He says she had an impact
The presale for Adele’s rescheduled Vegas residency is now live — so if you want to be a part of Weekends With Adele, better get your tickets on Ticketmaster now before they sell out! Joe Jonas jumped on the “Teenage Dirtbag” trend that’s
ABC/Randy Holmes Johnny Depp‘s return to the cameras after his legal victory in his defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard is already underway. The French film company Why Not Productions has released an image of the
ABC/Lou Rocco The singers of London’s West End Gospel choir got the surprise of their life when Michael Bublé walked through the door to watch them perform his song “Bring It On Home to Me.” A video of the surprise
The Detroit Tigers announced Wednesday that Executive Vice President and General Manager Al Avila is no longer with the team after 22 seasons with the organization. Avila joined the Tigers in 2002 as assistant general manager, and
Simon & Schuster The concept of fans dressing up like their favorite pop culture characters, as they recently did at San Diego Comic-Con, may seem like a new phenomenon, but it’s not. That’s one of the findings
Alloyd Blackmon has been appointed CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor. She’s been a member of the board of directors since 2014 and steps up to lead the organization as Mackenzie Kastl leaves
Image Group LA/Disney Channel via Getty Images Image Group LA/Disney Channel via Getty Images Britney Spears is exhausted by the “cruelty” of her own family — and that includes her kids. The “Toxic” hitmaker took to Instagram to shed more light
Seyfried in “The Dropout” — Hulu The Dropout‘s Amanda Seyfried admits to having some regrets about filming a nude scene when she was 19 years old, saying she did it because she felt it was the only
Sam Wasson/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The New Mexico Environment Department filed an administrative complaint against Rust Movie Productions, after the production company had contested citations issued in April alleging hazards on the set that may have led to
Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office (PALO ALTO, Calif.) — Forty years after a 15-year-old girl was stabbed to death in Northern California, DNA has led to the arrest of her suspected killer, prosecutors announced. Karen Stitt
Sam Tabone/WireImage Olivia Newton-John‘s only child, daughter Chloe Lattanzi, is paying tribute to her late mother, calling the beloved actress and singer “my life giver” and “my teacher.” Chloe, who Olivia shared with ex-husband Matt Lattanzi, posted
Carol Yepes/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — After several weeks of steady increases in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, there are encouraging signs that the latest viral resurgence may be abating in the United States. The rate of new
Little, Brown Bangles singer Susannah Hoffs is going from walking like an Egyptian to writing like an author: She’s publishing her first novel, This Bird Has Flown, next spring. The book is about a washed-up pop singer
Discovery+ Discovery+ has announced an “explosive” look into the salacious allegations that have derailed the career of The Lone Ranger and The Social Network star Armie Hammer. Hammer was accused of rape and abuse, and of sending
Photo: Cheryl Mann Mad Man veteran Jon Hamm is joining another acclaimed series. Apple TV+ announced the addition to the cast, noting the Emmy winner will play Paul Marks, a “corporate titan who sets his sights” on
The names of two people who drowned in South Haven this week have been released. The South Haven Police Department says 22-year-old Kori Ernster of Novi and 19-year-old Emily MacDonald of Columbus, Michigan were killed when swimming
Walt Disney Television/Paula Lobo If Taylor Swift needs any help, she can count on actor Ben Stiller, who came out as a proud superfan — or “Swiftie” for short. Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the Night at the Museum star described how driving
Jackson Lee/GC Images Looks like Joe Alwyn is Taylor Swift‘s “End Game.” US Weekly caught up with a source who is allegedly close with the couple, who dished on what’s going on in their ultra-private relationship. “They love dividing their time between England
Marni Grossman/Paramount+ A lot of fans are boldly going with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, according to Paramount+. The prequel series set a record for the streaming service as the most-watched original series in the Star Trek
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Image Simon Cowell is dishing a few secrets about X Factor, a show that produced stars like Harry Styles and Camila Cabello. Speaking with Extra, the mega producer explained that he is the reason Camila was able to audition. The “Havana” singer made
Campbel in 2021’s “Scream” — Paramount Pictures/Brownie Harris Neve Campbell is opening up about her future — or lack thereof — in the Scream franchise. The actress, who played hard-to-kill heroine Sidney Prescott in five Scream films,
ABC (CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.) — One manufacturer believes it has a solution to the gun violence plaguing the United States – a personalized smart gun that uses fingerprint technology to make firearms safer. Ginger Chandler is the co-founder
BG020/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Now that Shawn Mendes has canceled his entire tour, he suddenly has a whole lot more time on his hands. And he tells TMZ that he’s filling that time with things he simply hasn’t had
HFPA The Hollywood Reporter made headlines Tuesday with an exclusive story that the beleaguered Golden Globe Awards were returning to former home at NBC sooner than most predicted. The trade reported the show could return to the
Sean Rayford/Getty Images (BRUNSWICK, Ga.) — The coastal city of Brunswick, Georgia, where Ahmaud Arbery was killed, is honoring the slain 25-year-old with a street sign. “The hardest part is knowing he is no longer with me,”
Greg Doherty/Getty Images Denise Dowse, best known for her roles in Insecure, Beverly Hills, 90210 and Grey’s Anatomy, is currently in a coma after contracting meningitis, her sister Tracey Dowse revealed over the weekend. “I am requesting
Semi truck driver Easton Norby-Vardac of Virginia will be in prison for up to five years for a crash in April that hurt a Michigan State Police trooper in Van Buren County. He pleaded no contest to
Semi truck driver Easton Norby-Vardac of Virginia will be in prison for up to five years for a crash in April that hurt a Michigan State Police trooper in Van Buren County. He pleaded no contest to
There has been a lot of confusion and speculation over the past two years about the riverside restaurant at 600 Fishermans Road in St. Joseph, and the new management wants to wipe the slate clean – in
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 16,137 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week. That brings the total since March 2020 to over 2.7million people. There were 137 people who lost
John Travolta’s heartfelt reaction to Olivia Newton-John’s passing, Taylor Swift responds to claims that “Shake It Off” was plagiarized, Elton John and Britney Spears “Hold Me Closer” available for pre-order now.
Live action Pac Man, Kaley Cuoco in a new comedic thriller, Kellogg’s makes Hocus Pocus cereal and Pete Davidson wanted more from the relationship with Kim and checks into therapy… Thanks Kanye.
RapidEye/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Three towns on Maryland’s Eastern Shore will pay $5 million to the family of a Black teenager who was killed in an encounter with police officers almost four years ago, according to
Apple TV+ has given a season order to Land of Women, a limited series starring and executive-produced by Eva Longoria. The dramedy, per the streamer, follows “a New York empty nester whose life is turned upside down
Susan Matheny from Berrien Community Foundation talks with Jonny Reinhardt about Backpacks For Good serving multiple communities across Southwest Michigan. The DeGroot Family foundation is the sponsor for the Coloma Watervliet Hagar#6 B4G and the Frederick S.
Courtesy Jeffrey Todd (NEW YORK) — When the first lesion appeared on Jeffrey Todd’s right cheek in mid-July, the 43-year-old didn’t pay too much attention to it. “I noticed I had like a pimple or like a
Joao Paulo Burini/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — It’s time to say “bye-bye” to bug bites. As summer is still in full effect, so are lots of bugs that are ready to bite or sting exposed skin. Whether
rbkomar/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Researchers are one step closer to developing a vaccine for Lyme disease, which affects nearly half a million people each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Brandon Bell/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Former President Donald Trump is expected to sit for a deposition Wednesday as part of the New York attorney general’s civil investigation into his family real estate business, sources familiar with
quavondo/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Two soldiers from Fort Benning have died and three others were injured in a weather-related event in northern Georgia, an official said Tuesday. The incident took place at Yonah Mountain, located near
Islamic Center of New Mexico (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) — Muslim communities are reeling after the fourth killing in a potential string of murders of Muslim men in Albuquerque, New Mexico. All the deaths have taken place in just
Irvine Police Department (IRVINE, Calif.) — A Southern California dermatologist was arrested last week for allegedly poisoning her husband, authorities said. Jack Chen, 53, has accused his wife Yue “Emily” Yu, 45, of poisoning him with Drano,
ABC News (NEW YORK) — A Texas doctor who survived six brain surgeries and a stroke is now treating people at the same hospital where she used to be a patient, bringing a unique perspective to her
Robin L Marshall/Getty Images Mindy Kaling is paying no mind to speculation that her ex B.J. Novak is the father of her children. “It doesn’t bother me,” the 43-year-old, who is mom to four-year-old Katherine and one-year-old Spencer, said of the rumors in an interview
ABC/Eric McCandless Katy Perry is attributing her success as an artist and footwear designer to the financial obstacles she faced growing up. The “Roar” hitmaker’s shoe line, Katy Perry Collections, shared a video of the star serving as keynote speaker
Emily Fennick / EyeEm/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — In an effort to combat a surge in gun violence, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner implemented the One Safe Houston initiative that he said has made significant progress. Turner spoke
Dua Lipa an ambassador, Nick Jonas and Mick Jagger teaming up for a trivia game, Everyone is safe after Jewel’s Tour bus catches fire, Sting on CMT Sept. 16
Anne Hech crashes car and engulfed in flames, Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson split, Khloe Kardashian becomes a mother of two and Heineken to launch a sneaker filled with beer?
Sarah with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber tells us about the upcoming Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours events for you to join at smrchamber.com!
Two people have drowned in Lake Michigan in South Haven. South Haven Area Emergency Services Chief Brandon Hinz says a 22-year-old man from Novi and a 22-year-old woman from Columbus died at the hospital after both were
Two people have drowned in Lake Michigan in South Haven. South Haven Area Emergency Services Chief Brandon Hinz says a 22-year-old man from Novi and a 22-year-old woman from Columbus died at the hospital after both were
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Last week monkeypox was declared a public health emergency in the U.S. and now with more than 8,900 confirmed cases of monkeypox, thousands of Americans are struggling with a
ABC News (NEW YORK) — The same month the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, a couple in Kansas, thousands of miles away from Washington, D.C., faced their own abortion decision. Breanna
Stella/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Back-to-school season is in full swing — and running up against the ongoing national teacher shortage. In 2019, the Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit think tank, estimated that by 2024, the U.S.
Mark Sagliocco/WireImage (NEW YORK) — Ashton Kutcher says he’s “lucky to be alive” after he says he developed vasculitis, a rare condition. In a first look from Monday night’s new episode of National Geographic’s Running Wild with
ABC/Craig Sjodin Gabby and Rachel‘s high seas journey to find love continued on Monday’s The Bachelorette as they and their 14 remaining suitors docked at the city of romance, chocolate and beer — Bruges! The trip hit rough waters though, following Logan‘s shocking confession to
Elton John and the cast of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’; Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for The Devil Wears Prada, The Musical A few days ago, Elton John attended a preview performance of his new musical, The Devil Wears Prada,
What started as a temporary health care relief center during the COVID-19 pandemic is turning into a permanent fixture of the Benton Harbor community. After helping secure more than $500,000 in earmark funding for a major expansion
Lady Gaga in Joker 2, Madonna on Jimmy Fallon Wednesday, You could be Kelly Clarkson’s new neighbor, Elton John and Britney Spears new Tiny Dancer remake “Hold Me Closer” gets rave reviews from Paris Hilton.
Kristen & Jessica from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance are joined by Beth from Honor Credit Union to talk about the upcoming Third Thursdays: Summer BASH event and how you can get networking! Find details
Actress Anne Heche is in stable condition after she was involved in a fiery car crash on Friday that damaged a Los Angeles home, her representative has confirmed to ABC News. The Los Angeles Police Department also
Life jacket loaner stations have been installed at the north and south beaches in South Haven. The Rotary Club of South Haven presented a $1,640 check to the Bronson Wellness Center’s Safe Kids Greater South Haven water
Congressman Fred Upton is welcoming House passage of the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act last week. He tells WSJM News the bill will help ensure doctors can continue providing remote appointments with patients who can’t physically come
Alfredo Alonso Avila/EyeEm/Getty Images (BUTLER TOWNSHIP, Ohio) — The FBI is involved in a multistate manhunt for a person of interest sought in the fatal shooting of four people in Ohio. The person of interest, identified by police
ABC News (NEW YORK) — Flooding is possible on Saturday for large swaths of the country — including hard-hit eastern Kentucky — as millions of Americans are also under heat advisories. Flash flooding is possible in the Ohio
Spencer Platt/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — In early May, when the first cases of monkeypox surfaced in the United Kingdom and Europe, health officials in the United States advised Americans not to panic. There had been outbreaks of
Benton Harbor City Commissioners this past week approved the purchase of 31 properties in the community from Berrien County. At a Monday meeting, Community and Economic Development Director Alex Little said the city has a chance to
S.T.E.A.M. Champs (NEW YORK) — Former WNBA player Niesha Butler has opened the first Afro-Latina-owned STEM camp, S.T.E.A.M. Champs, in New York City to reduce accessibility barriers to tech educational resources for Brooklyn youth. “If a kid could
Death Valley National Park (NEW YORK) — All roads in and out of Death Valley National Park are closed after unprecedented amounts of rainfall caused substantial flooding in the area, park officials said Friday. Approximately 500 visitors and
ABC News Photo Illustration (NEW YORK) — After Kansas voters decisively rejected a bid to remove abortion protections from its state constitution earlier this week, researchers and activists say state lawmakers are likely to continue efforts to restrict
The Michigan Department of Transportation will begin the partial demolition of the eastbound I-94 bridge over Pipestone Road in Benton Township next week. MDOT spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News the work starting Wednesday is intended to
Lindsey Stirling revealed she styled her hair without using a mirror for her “Love Goes On” music video. She joked on TikTok, “When filming in the woods it’s not always ideal for glam.” She also changed under a table
Richard Williams Photography/Getty Images/Stock (NESCOPECK, Pa.) — At least three people are dead and several remain unaccounted for after an intense fire tore through a home in central Pennsylvania on Friday, authorities said. Crews responding to the early
A traffic stop in Calhoun County led to a seizure of 22 pounds of cocaine and child abuse charges, authorities reported Friday. According to a Michigan State Police reports, troopers initiated a traffic stop along I-94 near
FXX FX Networks has dropped the trailer to season 13 of Archer. With Malory Archer’s exit — prompted by the real-life death of her alter-ego, Jessica Walter — the team on Archer is now jockeying for the
Two men who died in a plane crash in South Haven Township have been identified. The South Haven Police Department says 70-year-old David Peahl of Wayland and 70-year-old Douglas Golike of Lawton were killed when their Piper
Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Following its emergency authorization last month, just 7,300 doses of Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Americans across the country, newly updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and
McCurdy in 2018 – Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Jennette McCurdy, former star of iCarly and its short-lived spin-off, Sam & Cat, has stepped away from the cameras. Thanks to a new excerpt of her book I’m Glad My Mom Died
LPETTET/Getty Images/Stock (KALAMAZOO, Mich.) — Federal prosecutors have charged a 25-year-old man for allegedly setting a Michigan Planned Parenthood clinic on fire. Joshua Brereton allegedly set fire to the Planned Parenthood in Kalamazoo on July 31 around 4
Josh Stringer/Blumhouse They/Them, pronounced They-Slash-Them, is a slasher flick with a side of social commentary. The film stars horror movie veteran Kevin Bacon as the sinister director of a gay conversation camp, where LGBTQ+ teens find themselves
It’s Friday! Let’s see who’s out with new tunes … The Weeknd hopped on a collab with Summer Walker to remix his song “Best Friends.” If you’re hoping to hear him sing this on tour and you don’t have a
Hulu Aftershock, a documentary out now on Hulu, follows the widowed husbands of Shamony Gibson and Amber Rose Isaac as they seek to raise awareness of the high maternal mortality rate of Black women and how the crisis can be solved.
Courtesy Columbia Records Calvin Harris released his collab-heavy new album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 and says he wanted to make something to keep fans entertained on the road. Speaking to Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, the Scottish DJ explained, “This album
Local authorities were able to locate a missing Alzheimer’s patient Thursday evening with the help of their K9 detective. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies responded to a call in Penn Township after the family
Peacock If you’re of a certain age, you might remember what became known as the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, when everything from Dungeons and Dragons to heavy metal was seen as promoting Satanism. Peacock has announced
Alex Harper Andy Grammer is the father of two young daughters — 5-year-old Louisiana and 2-year-old Israel — and they’ve changed how he makes music. Speaking with The Harvard Crimson, the “Honey, I’m Good” singer said having girls altered the messaging in his
Lauren Dunn/Epic Records There’s a reason why Meghan Trainor named her new album Takin’ It Back — it’s a promise to fans she’s returned to her roots. The Grammy winner’s experimented with her music since coming out with her breakthrough debut album,
Getty Images An earnings call Q&A on Thursday with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav revealed much about the newly merged company’s plans, but a veritable Bat-Signal was shined on why the company was shelving Batgirl. As
Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images A Los Angeles judge has denied Kevin Spacey‘s attempt to overturn a $31 million arbitration award he was ordered to pay House of Cards producers for alleged sexual misconduct involving
Paramount has announced the title of an animated reboot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. The studio announced Thursday that the project will be called Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and will hit theaters on
Special Oreo’s, Buzzlightyear stamps, Joker 2, Orphan, Chris Rock Returns to TV & Tom Brady’s special cake. On today’s Daily Dish!
Lady Gaga can breathe easy again, John Legend and Chrissy Teigan have an announcement and Harry Styles stops a concert for a fan, on today’s Music News!
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Swiss from Berrien County Animal Control – Berrien County Government! “Swiss”, also nicknamed “Swiss Miss” for her sweet and loving nature, is an energetic American
Eric Thayer/Getty Images (SAN ANTONIO) — Eight years before Uvalde school Police Chief Pete Arredondo led the controversial law enforcement response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, he was demoted from a high-ranking position at
Marilyn LeBlanc-Downey and her son, Skip Bailey, remember Ferris LeBlanc as a brother, uncle and father figure. – ABC News (NEW ORLEANS) — The New Orleans City Council is reviving an effort to locate the lost remains
Courtesy of Apple TV+ The new movie Luck is all about, well, Luck! The Apple TV+ film hits the streamer Friday, and Jane Fonda stars as a dragon who is one of the creatures who controls all the luck in the world. While the
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Adele If you thought you were paying a lot for your mortgage, just wait until you hear how much Adele is paying! According to documents obtained by The New York Post, the singer
The Van Buren Conservation District made up for lost time Wednesday during its annual meeting, director election and summer picnic at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, naming Conservationist of the Year for 2019, 2020 and 2021,
We’re not even done with summer yet, but the forecast for this winter in Michigan is already out. The Farmers’ Almanac says the prediction is for unreasonably cold and plenty of snow. AccuWeather meteorologist Dean Devore told
Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — With over 6,000 cases of monkeypox confirmed in the United States, including five children, the demand for the monkeypox vaccine is high. And while the current vaccine,
ABC (NEW YORK) — Two questions — “What is college for and who pays for it?” — form the foundation of a new book that explores a variety of systemic issues facing America’s higher education system. Will
DC Fire and EMS/Twitter (WASHINGTON) — Four people are in critical condition following an apparent lightning strike at a Washington, D.C., park, authorities said Thursday evening. D.C. Fire and EMS said it had responded to Lafayette Park,
ABC News (CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) — Brooke Alexander of Corpus Christi, Texas, runs a tight schedule raising her twin 5-month-old girls, Olivia and Kendall. From feedings to naptime and diaper changes, the 19-year-old told “NIGHTLINE” that her
Catherine McQueen/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — A New York man was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison for pushing a woman in front of an oncoming subway train at Union Square in November 2020. Aditya Vemulapati
Mike Kemp/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — With the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declaring the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency as the number of cases continue to rise, the most important thing you can
Jeremy Hogan/Getty Images (MAQUOKETA CAVES STATE PARK, Iowa) — The assailant in the deadly attack on a family vacationing at an Iowa state park last month shot, stabbed and strangled the victims, according to newly released autopsy
Alfredo Alonso Avila / EyeEm / Getty Images (LAURAL, Neb.) — Foul play is suspected after four people were found dead at multiple homes in a small Nebraska town Thursday morning following reports of an explosion and
Raymond Boyd/Getty Images, FILE (BLOOMINGTON, Minn.) — Shoppers were sent running for safety at the Mall of America Thursday, after police said shots were fired at the Minnesota shopping center. Police responded to an “active incident” on
Congressman Fred Upton is expecting a big investment in the Midwest to be a result of new federal legislation that incentivizes manufacturers in the United States to produce more semiconductor chips. He tells WSJM News the CHIPS
A celebration is planned for this month for the Krasl Art Center to mark the 20th anniversary of the sculpture, And You, Seas by Richard Hunt. The 50-foot sculpture rises from the south pier of Silver Beach
Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images, FILE (NEW YORK) — Alex Jones has been ordered to pay more than $4 million in compensatory damages to Sandy Hook parents, a jury ordered Thursday. The conspiracy theorist and Infowars
The primaries are over, and we now know who will be running for Michigan House in the 38th District. Democrat Joey Andrews and Republican Kevin Whiteford will face off in the November general election. Andrews tells WSJM
Italian rockers Måneskin are up for two MTV Video Music Awards. Bassist Victoria De Angelis told NME, “I think it’s the first time an Italian artist gets this type of recognition in the states. We’re very proud and we’re going to
The Lincoln Township Fire Department has responded to two vehicle fires in the past two days. It says the first was a semi fire on I-94 early Wednesday. Firefighters were sent out to the area of mile
Cindy Ord/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue Camila Cabello has officially joined NBC’s The Voice as its newest coach — but she isn’t receiving the warmest of welcomes. In a new teaser posted Thursday, Camila receives a “threatening” letter from an anonymous
Photo courtesy of Brian Bowen Smith ABC Audio has confirmed that Keanu Reeves has just inked a deal to star in and produce his first TV series, and backing him are none other than Martin Scorsese and
A Paw Paw man is facing federal charges for setting fire to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Kalamazoo. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten says 25-year-old Joshua Brereton is charged with arson and faces up to 20 years in
Lionsgate If you only see one movie this year with Oscar-winning English Patient star Juliette Binoche driving a big rig, make it Paradise Highway. Frank Grillo had a laugh with ABC Audio about that would-be tag line
Scott Olson/Getty Images, FILE (NEW YORK) — Scientists are emphasizing the need for proper disaster planning now that they have confirmed another busy hurricane season ahead in the Atlantic. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a
FBI (NEW YORK) — Nearly one year after the death of Gabby Petito, her family announced a major donation to help victims of domestic violence. The Gabby Petito Foundation, formed by Petito’s family after her death, has
Rudy Sulgan/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — Amid growing calls from health officials across the country, the Biden administration declared the current monkeypox outbreak to be a public health emergency in the U.S. on Thursday afternoon. The declaration, which
Columbia Records Harry Styles‘ ambitious third album, Harry’s House, is the first record of 2022 to be minted Platinum by the RIAA. The Recording Industry Association of America released its monthly list of songs and albums that earned new
kali9/Getty Images (QUEENS, N.Y.) — A 14-year-old boy was fatally shot in Queens, New York, Tuesday morning, potentially in connection to a shooting on a nearby block the night before, officials said. Officers found the boy’s body
ABC/Lou Rocco Longtime contributor Ana Navarro and former Trump administration staffer Alyssa Farah Griffin were announced Thursday as permanent co-hosts on The View. This comes as news Sunny Hostin, the show’s resident legal analyst, also re-upped her
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — As students plan a return to the classroom, gearing up with new notebooks and cool backpacks, some schools could still be trying to find their teachers. The labor shortage hit schools
Brandon Bell/Getty Images, FILE (NEW YORK) — Eight years before Uvalde school Police Chief Pete Arredondo led the controversial law enforcement response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, he was demoted from a high-ranking position
KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images (NAPA, Calif.) — Health officials are investigating a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in a northern California county. Twelve residents of Napa County have been diagnosed and hospitalized with the rare lung
ABC/Randy Holmes Lady Gaga has found her next acting role — this time in the upcoming Joker 2. She confirmed her casting on Thursday, hinting she’ll be playing the villainous Harley Quinn. “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Gaga announced on Instagram — the
ABC/Randy Holmes Lady Gaga has found her next acting role — this time in the upcoming Joker 2. She confirmed her casting on Thursday, hinting she’ll be playing the villainous Harley Quinn. “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Gaga announced on Instagram — the
Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser in Outlander/STARZ On Wednesday, STARZ announced it’s spinning off its successful, time-jumping romantic drama Outlander with a prequel series called Outlander: Blood of My Blood. ABC Audio has learned the new show
Courtesy Hollywood Records It’s been 15 years since the Jonas Brothers released “S.O.S.” and Nick Jonas saluted the standout track by revealing a few of its secrets. Taking to TikTok, the “Jealous” singer shared a one-minute video with some “fun facts… you may not know”
ABC News/Stephen Iervolino (NOTE LANGUAGE) ABC Audio has confirmed Idris Elba is reteaming with his Hobbs and Shaw director David Leitch — the guy behind Brad Pitt‘s new movie Bullet Train — for a Netflix-bound spy thriller
Capitol Records Sam Smith is about to release their most authentic album yet and they credit that to coming out as nonbinary in 2019. Speaking with Billboard, the Grammy winner said being able to embrace their truest self, unencumbered by gender expectations,
Jon Cherry/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Thursday that the Department of Justice has filed charges against four former and current Louisville police officers in connection with the death of Breonna Taylor. The
ABC News (NEW YORK) — Intense heat has returned to the Northeast, with 70 million Americans facing heat advisories on Thursday that will likely extend into the weekend. Boston is projected to reach 99 degrees on Thursday,
There has been another person added to the lawsuit targeting Oxford Community Schools following last November’s mass shooting that left four students dead. A security officer at the school named Kimberly Potts is now named in the
HBO/Eddy Chen Sydney Sweeney made headlines recently with her claim that despite appearing in some of TV’s hottest shows — including HBO Max’s Euphoria and The White Lotus — she can’t afford to take time off just yet. Now, CamSoda, an adult live-streaming
HBO/Eddy Chen Sydney Sweeney made headlines recently with her claim that despite appearing in some of TV’s hottest shows — including HBO Max’s Euphoria and The White Lotus — she can’t afford to take time off just yet. Now, CamSoda, an adult live-streaming
ABC/Randy Holmes Lady Gaga can breathe a sigh of relief — the man suspected of shooting her dog walker and kidnapping her French bulldogs has been rearrested after he was erroneously released from jail in April. KABC confirms James Howard Jackson,
ABC News (NEW YORK) — Coler Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center on Roosevelt Island in New York City is the foundation of where the Open Doors NYC project came to be. It was founded by Jennilie Brewester, a
The general election is in 14 weeks, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer is sure the battle with Republican nominee Tudor Dixon will be tough. “We cannot understate how stark the difference is,” says Whitmer. “But we, in this
The Michigan Retailers Association has released a report on how to improve the state’s retail economy. “If Michigan consumers are going out to buy clothes, back to school supplies and everything else under the sun, if 10%
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the governors of Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin will install electric vehicle chargers around Lake Michigan. Whitmer says the Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour will have a network of chargers spanning eleven-hundred miles of
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the governors of Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin will install electric vehicle chargers around Lake Michigan. Whitmer says the Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour will have a network of chargers spanning eleven-hundred miles of
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Batgirl star Leslie Grace has responded after Warner Bros. made the surprise move to cancel the nearly-completed film. With a series of pictures and behind-the-scenes videos posted to Instagram, the former In The Heights star seemed
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Batgirl star Leslie Grace has responded after Warner Bros. made the surprise move to cancel the nearly-completed film. With a series of pictures and behind-the-scenes videos posted to Instagram, the former In The Heights star seemed
Congress is considering a major legislative package which could affect not only investments in climate change, but the affordability of health care. Health care advocates stressed it comes not a moment too soon. One study found from
Warner Bros. on Wednesday announced that Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to director Todd Phillips’ follow-up to the 2019 blockbuster Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix as Batman’s titular foe, will hit movie theaters October 4, 2024, according
Daniele from St. Joe Today updates us on the many activities happening downtown this weekend including Chalk the Block and Relay for Life. Get more details at stjoetoday.com and in today’s podcast. Chalk the Block returns to
Jamie Simoson (NEW YORK) — A Pennsylvania mom is sharing details of her son’s near-death experience to raise awareness of Powassan virus disease, a tick-borne illness. Jamie Simoson told ABC News’ Good Morning America that her 3-year-old
VallarieE/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Government officials are investigating claims that Sikh migrants had their turbans confiscated and discarded by authorities as they sought asylum along the southern border, according to a statement Wednesday by Customs and
Relay for Life of Berrien County has more than doubled its fundraising goal, with more than $63,000 raised as of Wednesday. The event, which takes place Saturday from 3 to 11 p.m. at Lake Bluff Park downtown
Presley Ann/Getty Images for Hulu John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are expecting a baby! The Cravings cookbook author, 36, announced the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, revealing that she’s expecting another baby after undergoing in vitro fertilization, or IVF. “The last few
Presley Ann/Getty Images for Hulu John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are expecting a baby! The Cravings cookbook author, 36, announced the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, revealing that she’s expecting another baby after undergoing in vitro fertilization, or IVF. “The last few
Feldhaar Christian / EyeEm/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The effects of sea level rise on coastal communities is even more drastic than scientists previously thought — with more evidence pointing to increases in flooding, even on days
Courtesy of Disney+ Yvette Nicole Brown has been a part of Star Wars, The Muppets, The Avengers, and so many great franchises in her career, but there’s one thing that would really make her life complete. “I still haven’t done Sesame Street,”
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation joins Zack to talk about the roots of volunteer involvement in BCF’s beginning and how volunteers continue to help the organization with important events like Backpacks for Good. If you’d like to
United Way utilizes drive-through backpack distribution for this year’s Cass County School Supply Spectacular! Pre-registration is required to get kids school-ready with full backpacks—and, for a lucky few, a “golden ticket”. United Way of Southwest Michigan is
Every month, Cornerstone Alliance puts the spotlight on another team member making up the great employees that make Economic Development and Business Leadership & Growth across Michigan’s Great Southwest! This month, we speak to the recently promoted
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet China!
China is a five month old female kitten. She has a beautiful black coat with a touch of white on her chest and huge golden eyes. China loves canned food and is very conversational at meal time. She has a loud purr, likes the company of other cats, and is cautious with dogs but would adjust to a special friend. China came to us with a very large hernia, which has healed nicely. She is spayed and up to date on vaccinations. Please contact Animal Aid of SW Michigan at 269-934-7729 or infoanimalaidswmi@gmail.com to learn more about our lovely young China.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring “China” from Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan! China is a five month old female kitten. She has a beautiful black coat with a touch of
Daniele from St. Joe Today has details on the Friday night “Barodeo” event plus more great St. Joe Today fun waiting for you at stjoetoday.com! Round Barn Brewery & Public House hosts Barodeo on Friday, July 29 at
Zack talks with Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation and Rodney Alexander from the Benton Harbor Impact Foundation about his organization’s Big Idea Grant for $50,000 and how they’ll be using this money to bring the community together.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to talk about the upcoming Concerts in the Courtyard and Movies in the Park in Bridgman, as well as Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours events that you
Zack and Jessica talk to one of Cornerstone Alliance’s investors, Shaya Sherwood from Stella Event Design, about their floral business and the many weddings in the area that love their work. Your business can invest in Cornerstone
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District! Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Scooby!
Scooby is a 1-year male Terrier-Mix. Scooby is a sweet and happy soul. He doesn’t mind hanging out with feline friends. However, Scooby is selective about other dogs, so careful and patient introductions are required. Scooby is not yet neutered. Scooby is with Van Buren County Animal Control, Phone 269-621-4624, 58040 Country Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057. Please reach out to them to learn more about sweet and handsome Scooby.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Scooby from Van Buren County Animal Control. Scooby is a 1-year male Terrier-Mix. Scooby is a sweet and happy soul. He doesn’t mind hanging out
Now featured at BuyLocalBerrien.com from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, a great profile on how to improve your home using a Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit from Horizon Bank. Now featured on BuyLocalBerrien.com Sponsored by
Daniele from St. Joe Today has plenty of great events for you and the family to enjoy this weekend, and a save-the-date for Chalk the Block 2022 coming up as well! Anytime you’re looking for something to
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation discusses the upcoming annual Backpacks for Good events happening in August in the Niles, Benton Harbor, and Coloma/Watervliet areas. Get more details on volunteering and pick-up at berriencommunity.org.
Zack speaks with Gokul Nail from Whirlpool Corp. and the United Way of Southwest Michigan Board of Directors about the Whirlpool Corp. Appliance Sale happening this weekend at 1800 Paw Paw Ave. in Benton Harbor. Click for
Jessica from Cornerstone Alliance is a recent graduate of the Leadership Accelerator program, and talks to Dr. Ken Flowers from Lake Michigan College about the program’s topics and how local ‘students’ can get involved in the future.
Spectrum Health Lakeland’s Veggie Van will be rolling into Berrien Springs this coming week. Spectrum says the mobile farmer’s market will offer free, locally grown, healthy fruits and vegetables, and nutrition information from 11 a.m. to 1
Whirlpool will hold its next appliance sale to benefit the United Way of Southwest Michigan this month. The United Way’s Jennifer Tomshack tells us the company will sell deeply discounted appliances with more than 300 available. Shoppers
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Sheldon!
Sheldon is a 5-6 month old male kitten whose unique white coat has brown Tabby Cat patches. Sheldon has a fun-loving, spunky personality. He enjoys playing with anything that moves, and with his brother, Howie. He gets along well with the adult cats in his foster home, and isn’t afraid to engage in playtime with them. Sheldon loves to be around people. In spite of his playful kitten energy, he likes to be held and petted. Sheldon is neutered, current on his vaccinations, and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. Please reach out to Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our sweet and spunky Sheldon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The annual police National Night Out event in St. Joseph will be held August 2 at Maiden Lane Community Park. National Night Out, now in its 39th year, is a chance for the public to get to
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images (ENGLEWOOD, Fla.) — An elderly woman was killed after she fell into a pond along a Florida golf course and was attacked by two alligators, authorities said. The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. Friday
The Michigan State Police Niles post and the Niles City Police Department are planning an open house for July 31. It will be held at the Niles Law Enforcement Complex on Silverbrook Avenue from 11 a.m. to
ilbusca/Getty Images/Stock (INDIANAPOLIS) — The attorney for an Indiana physician who performed an abortion for a 10-year-old girl from Ohio has sent a cease and desist letter to the Indiana attorney general over “false” and “defamatory” statements made
Aaron Ferrer, ABC News (NEWARK, N.J.) — If you travel more than a mile to a supermarket, supercenter, or large grocery store with affordable and healthy food options in an urban area, and more than 20 miles in
The summer Adopt a Highway cleanup program starts today. The Michigan Department of Transportation’s Dan Weingarten tells WSJM News thousands of volunteers head out to the sides of roads to pick up trash, all in the spirit
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Board has approved a $28 million construction loan and other financing to preserve and update the River Terrace Apartments in Benton Harbor. The property consists of a 10-story building with
Coming up next Saturday will be the first ever Hartford Public Library Comic Book Fair. Library Director Stephanie Daniels tells WSJM News they’ll have plenty of comics, a costume contest, and Marvel Comics illustrator Jerry DeCaire. “He’s
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — The Department of Homeland Security inspector general met with members of the Jan. 6 committee behind closed doors on Friday amid revelations about deleted Secret Service texts from the day before and the
Congressman Fred Upton might not be running for reelection this year, but that doesn’t mean he’s just coasting until the end of his term. He tells us he still has several months to represent Michigan’s Sixth District
By Ryan Yuenger ryany@wsjm.com Craft beer, craft spirits, and now craft cannabis. Southland Farms, a new cannabis microbusiness set to open in Niles this fall, is seeking to bring a culture of craft cannabis to southwest
Nine OK/Getty Images/Stock (CHEYENNE, Wyo.) — Lyle Neiberger would have turned 33 this year. But he is forever 17, frozen in his father Lance’s memory. “I’ve never been angry at my son. I’ve always been angry at me.
The Berrien County Jail is a bit overcrowded. Speaking Thursday to colleagues, Berrien County Commissioner Jim Curran said the county administration committee heard this week from Sheriff Paul Bailey. “He did inform us this morning that he
After a rocky start, The Weeknd’s stadium tour is in full swing. Sharing photos from his concert in Philadelphia, he raved, “Philadelphia … we finally did it. thank you for helping me ring in the tour. last night
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (NEW YORK) — As the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline prepared for the launch of a nationwide three-digit number on Saturday, local, state and federal government officials gathered in Philadelphia Friday to
Helping radiology patients never tasted so good. Several outhwest Michigan breweries and wineries will be on display as the Ascension Borgess Lee Foundation hosts its 11th annual beer and wine tasting event August 6 at Blackmond’s Sesquicentennial
Paramount Pictures In its eighth week in theaters, Top Gun: Maverick shows its need for speed isn’t slowing down. The Tom Cruise movie has flown past the $1.2 billion mark, thanks to strong performances both here and
The Harbor Impact Foundation has been awarded a $50,000 Big Idea Grant from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation to help build a state-of-the-art indoor sports facility in Benton Harbor. Foundation President Rodney Alexander tells WSJM News the
Courtesy of YouTube Music Ten years ago — July 15, 2012 — Psy‘s supremely goofy video “Gangnam Style” debuted on YouTube. Less than six months later, the video had gone where no other music video had ever gone: it hit 1
From the Associated Press — A man who crashed his SUV and fled into a northern Michigan river will likely dodge DUI charges. His name wasn’t on the search warrant that authorized a blood sample. The Michigan
Good Morning America — ABC/Randy Holmes (NOTE LANGUAGE) After his Hollywood career hit the skids following a salacious texting scandal, Armie Hammer has been seeking treatment for various issues. According to Vanity Fair, another star with his
A new mental health crisis line is launching nationally this weekend. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Director Debra Pinals tells WSJM News the FCC has reserved 988 to be the crisis line. It
Getty Images/pawel.gaul/Stock (KANSAS CITY, Mo.) — A pilot who landed his plane on a Missouri highway early Friday after running out of fuel was arrested for allegedly flying while intoxicated, authorities said. Troopers responded to reports of a
Columbia Records Harry Styles has done what no other artist who released an album so far this year could — he officially sold over a million copies of his new studio album, Harry’s House. The Grammy winner is the first
Nick Spanos/Shelter Records Over the years, Richard Marx has written songs that have become hits on the pop, rock, R&B and country charts. That’s why his new album is an attempt to show off the full range
Courtesy LEGO LEGO has immortalized Scranton, Pennsylvania’s, Dunder Mifflin paper company in plastic. The building toy company has officially released presales of its tribute to the American version of The Office, a miniature version of the main
Angelo Merendino/Getty Images (AKRON, Ohio) — Tensions between protesters and law enforcement have persisted amid weekslong demonstrations following the fatal police shooting of 25-year-old Jayland Walker. As protesters seek accountability from police in Walker’s death, local and
Lafayette Police (LAFAYETTE, Ind.) — An Indiana police department is praising a “heroic” 25-year-old Good Samaritan who rescued five children from a massive house fire. Nicholas Bostic saved an 18-year-old who was home with her siblings, ages
RCA Records Pink has proven to her haters that she is anything but “Irrelevant.” Her fiery women’s rights anthem is already a best-seller. The “What About Us” singer shared an update about her song’s performance on the iTunes
Neal Waters/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images (OAKHURST, Calif.) — The Washburn Fire in central California has now scorched 4,700 acres across Yosemite National Park to Sierra National Forest as of Friday morning, officials said, growing over 300
Willie B. Thomas/Getty Images (FAIRFAX, Va.) — Students in Virginia are calling on school administrators to combine genders in their Family Life Education, or sex education, courses. Members of the Pride Liberation Project, a student-led LGBTQIA+ advocacy
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images What would you do if Bruno Mars were your bartender? Some lucky patrons in Cleveland got to find out. The venue, Rum Runners in The Flats, shared a video of the hitmaker handing out drinks and declaring himself
Marcia Lucas – Courtesy Nacelle Company Most Star Wars fans are familiar with the struggles it took to bring George Lucas‘ groundbreaking 1977 film to life, but a new Vice TV documentary is revealing details even die-harders may not know. Icons
Audio Eagle/Nonesuch Records/Warner Records Last year, Michelle Branch celebrated the 20th anniversary of her debut, The Spirit Room. Now, she’s announced the release of a brand-new album — her first since 2017’s Hopeless Romantic — called The
Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — A Maryland man faces federal hate crime charges for allegedly posing as a federal officer and targeting gay men in a series of attacks at a Washington, D.C.,
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — American men are sicker and die earlier than men living in other developed nations, according to a new report from The Commonwealth Fund, a non-profit organization focusing on public health issues.
Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images (HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — Rabbi Michael Sommer’s congregation has been “in a state of shock” ever since seven people were killed in a mass shooting during a July Fourth parade
Warner Records What happens when you mix Broadway with Olivia Rodrigo? You get Michael Bublé‘s cover of “Drivers License.” The Grammy winner covered Olivia’s debut single for BBC on Friday and was backed by the BBC Concert Orchestra for his inspiring rendition. With his smooth vocals
Angelo Merendino/Getty Images (AKRON, Ohio) — Jayland Walker, the 25-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by police in Akron, Ohio, had 46 gunshot wounds on his body, according to an autopsy report conducted by the Summit
Michele K Short/© 2022 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved. There’s a mystery within the marshes in the new film Where the Crawdads Sing. The movie is based on the book of the same name and stars Normal
Walt Disney Records In 2022, people just couldn’t stop talking about Bruno. Luminate, the company that tracks music sales and streaming numbers and provides the data that powers the Billboard charts, has crunched the numbers to see
Ready, set, binge! Here are some of the new titles available to stream this weekend: NetflixResident Evil: Fight for survival against the Umbrella Corporation in this new series based on the popular horror game franchise Resident Evil. Persuasion: Dakota
Universal Pictures The dramatic fall from grace of one-time Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein takes center stage in the upcoming drama She Said, the trailer for which just dropped. An adaptation of the book of the same name
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (INGLEWOOD, Calif.) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized approximately one million pills laced with fentanyl allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in what authorities say is the biggest bust for
John Sciulli/Getty Images for Amnesty International USA Is Nick Cannon preparing to tie the knot again? It seems that way based on his most recent social media post. On Thursday night, the Wild ‘n Out host took to Instagram to share a
Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Early cases of COVID-19 are believed to be linked to a live-animal market in Wuhan, China. Facing yet another COVID-19 variant, this one said to be faster
John Normile/Getty Images (BUFFALO, N.Y.) — The supermarket in Buffalo, New York, where a deadly mass shooting occurred in May is officially reopening Friday after extensive renovations. The Tops Friendly supermarket was closed for months as the
Elektra Christina Perri‘s new album, a lighter shade of blue, her first since 2014, is out on Friday — and it’s a good thing, too. The singer says she’s “overflowing with stuff I need to sing about.” Unfortunately, that
ABC — ABC/Randy Holmes The 74th Emmy Awards will be held live Monday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, but so far, two potential hosts have declined. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was reportedly approached, but
John Normile/Getty Images (BUFFALO, N.Y.) — When the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue shut down after the Buffalo mass shooting, the community lost its only grocery store — a lifeline in a predominantly Black neighborhood that
Filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp, co-creator of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, is being tapped by Disney for a live-action take on the 2002 Disney animated film Lilo & Stitch, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The project will be the latest in a
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Sheldon from Paws Of Hope! Sheldon is a 5-6 month old male kitten whose unique white coat has brown Tabby Cat patches. Sheldon has a
Courtesy Sony Pictures Taylor Swift’s haunting new song “Carolina” plays over the credits of Where the Crawdads Sing, a new film out now based on the best-selling novel by Delia Owens. In an Instagram post last month,
Amazon Studios In the new coming of age dramedy Don’t Make Me Go, out Friday on Prime Video, John Cho plays a single dad who embarks on a cross-country road trip with his less-than-thrilled teen daughter, played
MLB – Major League Baseball
Yesterday
Cleveland Guardians 4, Detroit Tigers 0
Chicago White Sox 12, Minnesota Twins 2
New York Mets 8, Chicago Cubs 0
Guardians 4, Tigers 0 – McKenzie whiffs 12 in 8 scoreless, Guardians trip Tigers 4-0
Triston McKenzie struck out a career-high 12 and extended his scoreless streak to 21 innings, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a 4-0 win over the Detroit Tigers. McKenzie pitched eight dominant innings, giving up five singles, walking none and working out of his only trouble in the sixth. With runners at first and third, McKenzie struck out Eric Haase for the third out. Josh Naylor homered in the first off rookie Elvin Rodríguez, who made his first start for the Tigers since June 10. All-Star Andrés Giménez added a solo shot in the eighth inning for Cleveland.
White Sox 12, Twins 2 – White Sox rout Twins 12-2, extend win streak to three games
Luis Robert hit his first grand slam, Johnny Cueto pitched six strong innings and the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 12-2 to extend their winning streak to three games. Robert’s 452-foot blast to the second deck in left field gave the White Sox a 6-1 lead in the fourth inning. He added a run-scoring single in the sixth inning and a double in the eighth for his third consecutive three-hit game. Andrew Vaughn also homered and drove in two runs for Chicago, and Tim Anderson added two hits and scored three runs. Sebby Zavala hit a three-run homer in the ninth off Twins infielder Nick Gordon. Cueto (4-4) gave up one run and seven hits over six innings while throwing a season-high 118 pitches. He pitched out of trouble in the first three innings.
Mets 8, Cubs 0 – Carrasco, Mets hand Cubs 7th straight loss, 8-0
Carlos Carrasco pitched six sharp innings, Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso homered, and the New York Mets beat the Chicago Cubs 8-0. The Cubs have lost seven straight. The Mets won for the third time in four games, maintained their 2 1/2-game lead over Atlanta in the NL East and improved their road record to 28-19. The Cubs have totaled three runs over their last three games. Thanks to Carrasco, Mets starters improved to 7-3 with a 2.55 ERA in 14 July games. Carrasco allowed only one runner to advance past first base.
Today
N.Y. Mets (Walker 7-2) at Chicago Cubs (Stroman 2-5), 2:20 p.m.
Detroit (Hutchison 1-4) at Cleveland (Plesac 2-7), 7:10 p.m. WSJM/WCSY 6:50
Chicago White Sox (Kopech 2-6) at Minnesota (Smeltzer 4-2), 8:10 p.m.
MLB – Feds sue Cubs, allege changes to Wrigley not ADA-compliant
The federal government is accusing the Chicago Cubs of failing to make Wrigley Field accessible to those with disabilities during a half-billion dollar renovation. The project that started in 2014 added luxury seating, bathrooms and restaurants. The lawsuit filed by U.S. Attorney John Lausch Jr. says the team’s 1060 Project “has had a significant adverse impact on individuals with disabilities and their ability to access Wrigley Field.” It asks for compensatory damages and civil penalties and demands that the team fix the problems to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The team says the renovation “greatly increased” the accessibility for those with disabilities.
NHL – NHL free agency: Devils sign Palat, Capitals add Strome
The New Jersey Devils have agreed to terms with left winger Ondrej Palat on a $30 million, five-year contract. Palat had 52 points in 71 games during Tampa Bay’s three consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Cup Final. The Devils turned to Palat after losing the Johnny Gaudreau sweepstakes to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Washington Capitals continued their busy offseason by signing former Chicago Blackhawks forward Dylan Strome. Ottawa followed up on landing former Flyers captain Claude Giroux in free agency by locking up third-year player Josh Norris through the 2029-30 season.
WNBA – Women’s National Basketball Association
Yesterday
Chicago Sky 80, Los Angeles Sparks 68
Sky 80, Sparks 68 – Gardner powers Sky to 80-68 victory over Sparks
Rookie Rebekah Gardner came off the bench to score 18 points and grab 10 rebounds to lift the Chicago Sky to an 80-68 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. Gardner hit 8 of 11 shots, had four offensive boards and four assists to help Chicago improve to a WNBA-best 18-6. Fellow reserve Azura Stevens scored 14, hitting 6 of 7 shots with two 3-pointers. Candace Parker had 11 rebounds but missed all 11 of her shots and didn’t score. Nneka Ogwumike had 16 points and eight rebounds for Los Angeles (10-14), while younger sister Chiney Ogwumike added 14 points and 13 boards.
Tonight
Minnesota Lynx at Indiana Fever, 7:00 p.m.
WNBA – WNBA’s Griner gets support at trial from character witnesses
The drug possession trial of WNBA star Brittney Griner has resumed, with the head of the Russian club she plays for in the offseason and a teammate from that squad testifying in support of her character and what she has meant for women’s basketball in the country. Griner, who pleaded guilty last week, did not testify as expected at the third day of the trial. She has been detained in Russia since February, and the U.S. government is under pressure at home to do more to secure her freedom. Her guilty plea could be an effort to expedite the court proceedings so any negotiations about a prisoner exchange could move forward.
NBASL – NBA Summer League
Yesterday
Cleveland Cavaliers 82, Detroit Pistons 79
Chicago Bulls 89, Charlotte Hornets 73
NBA – Suns match Pacers’ offer for Ayton, keeping nucleus intact
Deandre Ayton finally has his new deal from the Phoenix Suns, who simply weren’t willing to let him get away for nothing. A person with knowledge of the situation said the Suns quickly decided to match a $133 million, four-year offer sheet that Ayton agreed to earlier Thursday with the Indiana Pacers. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Suns had not publicly announced the decision. The move means the Suns keep their nucleus of Ayton and the All-Star backcourt of Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The trio pushed Phoenix to the NBA Finals in 2021.
Golf – LPGA – Roussin-Weber have ace, take lead in LPGA Tour’s team event
Pauline Roussin made a hole-in-one and teamed with fellow rookie Dewi Weber to take a three-stroke lead Thursday in the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, leaving Annika Sorenstam and Madelene Sagstrom five shots behind. Tied with the 51-year-old Sorenstam and Sagstrom after an opening 5-under 65 in alternate-shot play Wednesday, Roussin and Weber had a 61 at Midland Country Club in the better-ball round to reach 14-under 126. Roussin, the Frenchwoman playing on Bastille Day, aced the par-3 seventh with a 46-degree wedge. The teams will play alternate shot Friday and finish Saturday with better ball. Sorenstam and Sagstrom had a 66. Sorenstam is making her second LPGA Tour start of the year and only her third since retiring after the 2008 season.
Golf – British Open – A rookie rises and Tiger crashes in slow-moving British Open
The Old Course at St. Andrews was fast as ever. The same couldn’t be said for the pace of play at the British Open. The heralded start of the 150th Open featured Cameron Young making his debut with a 64. He had a two-shot lead over Rory McIlroy. And the long day could make for a short week for Tiger Woods. The two-time winner at St. Andrews had two double bogeys on his way to a 78. That’s his second-highest score ever in the Open and leaves him six shots out of the cut line.
MILB – Midwest League Baseball
Last Night
West Michigan 8, Wisconsin 7 – F/10
Fort Wayne 5, Lansing 4
Great Lakes 2, Quad Cities 1
South Bend 5, Peoria 1
Tonight
Wisconsin at West Michigan, 6:35 p.m.
Lansing at Fort Wayne, 7:05 p.m.
Great Lakes at Quad Cities, 7:30 p.m.
South Bend at Peoria, 7:35 p.m.
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The summer Adopt a Highway cleanup program starts this Saturday. The Michigan Department of Transportation’s Dan Weingarten tells WSJM News thousands of volunteers head out to the sides of roads to pick up trash, all in the
Berrien County is looking to purchase an Indiana Michigan Power property in Buchanan. Speaking to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners Thursday, County Administrator Brian Dissette said the plan is to purchase the I&M building at 500
What started as a hobby of passion has turned into an official government position for one St. Joseph resident. Michael Moran, whose interest in ships and ship photography led him to start the popular Facebook group “St.
Thornton’s Hometown Café owner Kathy Thornton says there were numerous factors behind her decision to close the restaurant after 20 and a half years, but a shortage of staff was big among them. Thornton told us Thursday
Coming soon will be a sidewalk along the side of Napier Avenue in St. Joseph Township. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved a contract for the work Thursday. Berrien County Road Department engineering supervisor Kevin Stack
Camila Cabello has said goodbye to her long, brunette hair and has traded it in for shoulder length caramel-colored locks. She debuted her new look on her Instagram Stories. Michael Bublé will be releasing his own cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” Thursday night.
The U.S. House is expected to vote on a bill to protect abortion rights this week. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News that doesn’t mean the bill will come close to final approval in Washington. “This will
Amazon Studios Crazy Rich Asians star Constance Wu revealed on Twitter Thursday that backlash from a series of tweets she’d sent back in 2019 led her to attempt suicide. Wu, who also starred in Hustlers with Jennifer Lopez, caught flak online when she replied
There’s a new director in place at the Berrien County Veterans Services office. Former Director Lee Lull retired last month after 35 years of service to Berrien County. Now the Berrien County Board of Commissioners has appointed
Steven Lee Waldo, 65, of Buchanan passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at his home. Cremation has taken place and at this time the family will be remembering Steven privately. Online condolences accepted at
Patrick McMullan via Getty Images, FILE (NEW YORK, NY) — Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of former President Donald Trump, has died at age 73, the family told ABC News. The former president said she died at her home
The body of a 33-year-old Ohio man who went missing in Lake Michigan off South Haven Wednesday has been found. The South Haven Police Department says divers from the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department located Anthony Paul Diehl
Paramount+ Just weeks after their new movie, Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe, dropped on the platform, Paramount+ has announced new Beavis and Butt-Head episodes will debut on August 4. The streaming service promises the pair will be “back and stupider
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images (PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA) — Five children, including a toddler, were wounded in two quadruple shootings that erupted overnight in Philadelphia, according to police. At least three adults, including a woman believed to be the toddler’s mother,
Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue In July 2020, Joe Jonas and his wife, Sophie Turner, became first-time parents when they welcomed daughter Willa. Now, two years later, they’re a family of four. ABC News has confirmed
ABC/Eric McCandless Katy Perry is gearing up for the fourth leg of her Las Vegas residency, PLAY. With shows resuming July 29, she took Refinery29 on a special behind-the-scenes look. In the nearly 10-minute video, Katy went through the thought process
Disney Zombies 3 sings and dances its way onto the Disney+ streaming service this Friday, and its main stars say this installation is both satisfying and supernatural. Milo Manheim, who plays the zombie Zed, tells ABC Audio the movie not
STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images (NEW YORK, NY) — The number of police officers who died in the line of duty decreased by over 30% over the first six months of this year compared to 2021, but the number of
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, FILE (BUFFALO, NY) — A federal grand jury returned an indictment Thursday charging the alleged Buffalo, New York, mass shooter with federal hate crimes. Payton Gendron, 18, is accused of storming
Phil Walter/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The Department of Health and Human Services announced it is investigating reports of women being denied vital medication for chronic medical conditions unrelated to abortion in states that have banned abortion
L-R: Anthony, Joe Russo — Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Netflix Joe and Anthony Russo directed four Marvel Studios films: fan-favorite Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2014; Captain America: Civil War in 2016, Avengers: Infinity War in
A teen boy was taken to the hospital with minor injuries Wednesday night after crashing an off-road vehicle into a tree in LaGrange Township. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department reported that approximately 8:43 p.m., deputies responded to
Courtesy Fanaply Buying a t-shirt as a concert souvenir is so 2021 — wouldn’t you rather buy an NFT? Goo Goo Dolls are hoping the answer is yes. In connection with their 2022 summer tour, the band is rolling
Amazon Studios/Ben Rothstein On Thursday, Amazon Studios dropped an extended look at what’s said to be the most expensive television series ever made: The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power. As previously reported, the show,
Thornton’s Hometown Café in downtown St. Joseph is closing its doors after around 20 years of serving up breakfasts and lunches. Thornton’s owner Kathy Thornton posted to the cafe’s Facebook page Thursday that with “a heavy heart,
Disney Channel/Image Group LA Meghan Trainor‘s new song “Bad for Me” was inspired by a letter her therapist asked her to write to a toxic family member; In a new interview, the Grammy winner revealed what happened to
FX/Matt Dinerstein FX has renewed its summer hit The Bear for another season. The show follows Jeremy Allen White‘s Carmine, a fine dining chef who returns to his native Chicago after a death in the family, and
BanksPhotos/Getty Images (BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va.) — Three people remain unaccounted for in Buchanan County, Virginia, on Thursday after a severe storm struck the area, bringing heavy rain and flooding, officials said. At the height of the flooding,
RCA Records Pink sent a strong message to her haters, the Supreme Court and all abortion rights opponents in her new protest anthem “Irrelevant“: The fight for reproductive rights is far from over. The Grammy winner previously revealed her new
John Parra/Getty Images Have no fear, another Bad Boys movie is still in the works, according to Martin Lawrence, one of the film’s stars. Lawrence, who stars in the films alongside Will Smith, dismissed any speculation that
Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz (WASHINGTON) — President Joe Biden will announce Wednesday his appointees to the President’s Cancer Panel, ABC News can exclusively reveal. The Cancer Panel is part of Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative,
Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Kevin Spacey pleaded not guilty to accusations of sexual offenses in a London court on Thursday morning. The actor, 62, entered the plea during a hearing at the Central Criminal
Spencer Platt/Getty Images (BUFFALO, N.Y.) — Two months after a white teenager allegedly killed 10 Black people in what authorities described as a racially motivated mass shooting, the Buffalo, New York, supermarket where the massacre occurred is
VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevailing theory was that if someone was infected with the virus, they were immune — at least for a while. But a growing
ABC/Ricky Middlesworth — ABC/Adrienne Raque Alfonso Ribeiro is headed back to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom — this time as Tyra Banks‘ co-host. Good Morning America on Thursday exclusively revealed that the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Filming is underway for the Netflix YA comedy You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!, Fiona Rosenbloom’s beloved coming-of-age novel, the streaming service announced on Tuesday. Adam Sandler will produce and star in the movie,
Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — Americans will likely have one more COVID-19 vaccine to choose from after the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday. The two-shot
VioletaStoimenova/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — For the first time since May, COVID-19-related hospital admissions are forecasted to increase again in the U.S., as highly infectious omicron subvariants continue to spread, according to updated forecasting models used by
Disney General Entertainment/Jennifer Potheiser Khloé Kardashian is expecting a second child via a surrogate, her representative confirmed Wednesday. “We can confirm True will have a sibling who was conceived in November,” the representative said. “Khloé is incredibly
Daniele from St. Joe Today has the details on a busy weekend in Downtown St. Joe and beyond. See the events you and the family can enjoy right now at stjoetoday.com! Join us for Love Local Weekend, July
John Peabody/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The fifth shark attack in two weeks off Long Island was reported Wednesday evening. A 49-year-old man from Arizona was bitten by a shark shortly after 6 p.m. at Seaview Beach,
Franklin County Jail (COLUMBUS, Ohio) — An Ohio man has been accused of raping and impregnating a 10-year-old girl who police said then sought an out-of-state abortion days after Roe v. Wade was overturned and more restrictive
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation joins Zack alongside Ashley Hines from the Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation, winner of the $25,000 Big Idea Grant, to discuss their garden project and how you can help. Contact Berrien Community Foundation at berriencommunity.org to find out more about great grant opportunities like this!
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Sarah with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber discusses several upcoming ribboncuttings at area businesses, plus the limited teams left for Monday’s Golf Outing, and great Movies in the Park coming to Bridgman in July & August! Head
This in this month’s Cornerstone team member spotlight, we talk to Vice President of Business Development Andrew Haan about coming to the area from Kalamazoo, his favorite events and things to do, and why he enjoys working
Wesley Lapointe / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Wesley Lapointe / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)(NEW YORK) — Since the COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for children under age 5 last month, states have been able
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images A new father-son duo is heading toward your screens, with Rob Lowe and his son John Owen Lowe starring in a new Netflix comedy titled Unstable. The series is set to hit the streamer next year, but while
Mathew Imaging/WireImage One hundred years ago today — July 11, 1922 — the Hollywood Bowl officially opened. It’s since gone on to become one of the most iconic venues in the world, and the location of countless famous
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District! Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Spunky!
Spunky is a 4-6 year old American Terrier Mix, neutered and up to date on shots. Spunky has been in the shelter since December 2021. Spunky is one of a kind, and patience is key with him, and allowing him an adjustment period. He is wary of people at first, but once he knows you he will love you. Spunky is very well mannered and is house broken. He loves to run around the play yard, playing fetch and soaking in the fresh air. Spunky would do well in a home with older, respectful children, and respectful dogs. Please contact Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or 269-927-5648 to learn more about Spunky.
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Set for July 31 is the annual TCC Verizon School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. District Manager of the TCC Verizon store in St. Joseph Chris Bryers tells WSJM News they give out hundreds of backpacks to kids each
By Ryan Yuenger ryany@wsjm.com To say the musicians downtown St. Joseph on “rocked the block” Friday night wouldn’t exactly be accurate – it was more of a musical serenade. Michigan musicians Saxsquatch, The Lasso, Jordan Hamilton and
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Spunky from Berrien County Animal Control – Berrien County Government. Spunky is a 4-6 year old American Terrier Mix, neutered and up to date on
NHL – Blackhawks begin dismantling, trade DeBrincat and Dach
The long-anticipated dismantling of the Chicago Blackhawks’ roster has begun with the team trading Alex DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators and Kirby Dach to the Montreal Canadiens. Chicago eventually made three trades in going from having no picks in the first-round of the NHL draft to selecting three times. The Blackhawks got the seventh pick and two others for DeBrincat and No. 13 for Dach. Now the situation turns to the future of longtime Blackhawks stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane with the organization aimed at extending its rebuild over the long term. Their matching contracts expire after next season. Chicago added a third first-round pick at No. 25 by acquiring goalie Petr Mrazek from Toronto.
NHL – Canadiens take Juraj Slafkovsky with top pick in NHL draft
The Montreal Canadiens have selected Slovak winger Juraj Slafkovsky with the first pick in the NHL draft. He’s the first player from Slovakia to be taken No. 1. The previous best was Marian Gaborik going third in 2000. This was the first year in nearly a decade there was suspense about who was going to be the No. 1 pick right up until the player’s name was called. The Canadiens said they were considering Slafkovsky, Canadian center Shane Wright and American forward Logan Cooley. The New Jersey Devils surprisingly selected Slovak defenseman and Slafkovsky Olympic teammate Simon Nemec with the second pick.
NHL – Red Wings select Center Marco Kasper from Sweden
Detroit Red Wings general manager continued his pattern of going slightly off of the board for their selection in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Red Wings selected center Marco Kasper with the 8th overall pick. The 18 year old Austrian born player scored seven goals and had 4 assists in 46 games played for Rogle of the Swedish Hockey League. Yzerman also went slightly off the board when they selected German defenseman Moritz Seider with the 6th overall pick in the 2019 draft. Seider won the NHL’s Calder Trophy this past season as the Rookie of the Year.
MLB – Major League Baseball
Yesterday
Detroit Tigers 2, Chicago White Sox 1
Los Angeles Dodgers 5, Chicago Cubs 3
Tigers 2, White Sox 1 – Rookie Brieske outduels Cease, Tigers beat White Sox 2-1
Rookie Beau Brieske tossed two-hit ball into the seventh inning while outpitching Dylan Cease, Javier Báez homered and the Detroit Tigers hung on beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1. The Tigers won their fifth straight. They began this four-game series against the reigning AL Central champs after a four-game home sweep of the Guardians, their first against Cleveland in nine years. Spencer Torkelson had an RBI single in the ninth to give Detroit a 2-0 lead. Chicago then made it interesting in the bottom half against closer Gregory Soto, who earned his 17th save. Luis Robert had a one-out RBI double before Soto struck out two batters to end it.
Dodgers 5, Cubs 3 – Gonsolin goes to 11-0, Dodgers get 4 HRs to beat Cubs 5-3
Tony Gonsolin pitched seven strong innings for his 11th victory in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. Mookie Betts hit a pair of leadoff homers and the Dodgers got a two-run blast from Gavin Lux and a solo shot by Justin Turner. Gonsolin is the first Dodgers pitcher to start a season 11-0 since Alex Wood in 2017. He and Houston’s Justin Verlander are tied for most wins in the majors. The NL West-leading Dodgers won their fourth in a row. The Cubs got a two-run homer from Christopher Morel in the fifth.
Tonight
Detroit (Skubal 5-7) at Chicago White Sox (Giolito 5-4), 8:10 p.m. WSJM/WCSY 7:50
Chicago Cubs (Thompson 7-3) at L.A. Dodgers (Anderson 9-1), 10:10 p.m.
NBASL – NBA Summer League
Last Night
Detroit Pistons 81, Portland Trailblazers 78
– (DET) Jaden Ivey 20 Points, Saban Lee 13 points, Isaiah Stewart 13 points, Braxton Key 11 points, Cade Cunningham DNO
Today
Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks, 4:00 p.m.
NBA – Bulls finalize max contract with two-time All-Star LaVine
The Chicago Bulls say they have re-signed Zach LaVine, after the high-flying guard agreed to a five-year max contract worth about $215 million last week. LaVine had said he wanted to explore the market as an unrestricted free agent for the first time after eight seasons in the NBA and five with the Bulls. If he went shopping, it was a quick trip. He announced his decision about 18 hours after the free-agent negotiating period began. Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas praised LaVine’s work ethic while saying the Bulls “look forward to more great things from Zach.” LaVine averaged 24.4 points in the final season of a four-year, $78 million deal.
WNBA – Women’s National Basketball Association
Last Night
Chicago Sky 93, Indiana Fever 84
Sky 93, Fever 84 – Chicago secures home court for the Commissioner’s Cup game
Emma Meesseman scored 20 points, Candace Parker had 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists and the Chicago Sky beat the Indiana Fever 93-84 to secure home court for the Commissioner’s Cup game. Chicago will host Las Vegas on July 26 for the Commissioner’s Cup. Julie Allemand beat the third-quarter buzzer with a long 3-pointer to extend Chicago’s lead to 77-57 after a 29-point frame. Indiana scored 18 of the opening 27 points of the fourth, but Chicago held on. Azura Stevens scored 16 points and Allie Quigley added 13 for Chicago. Courtney Vandersloot had seven points and six assists. Kelsey Mitchell scored 27 points and rookie NaLyssa Smith had her sixth double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds for Indiana.
Sunday
2022 WNBA All Star Game – Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL
Team Stewart vs. Team Wilson, 7:00 p.m.
WNBA – WNBA’s Griner pleads guilty at her drug trial in Russia
WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug possession charges on the second day of her trial in a Russian court in a case that could see her sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. Her abrupt guilty plea came amid a growing chorus of calls for Washington to do more to secure her freedom nearly five months after her arrest amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia over Ukraine. A senior Russian diplomat said earlier that no action could be taken by Moscow on Griner until the trial was over. Griner was detained at a Moscow airport while returning to play basketball in Russia. Police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage.
Tennis – Wimbledon – Injured Nadal out of Wimbledon; Kyrgios advances to final
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from Wimbledon a day before he was supposed to play in the semifinals because of a torn abdominal muscle. Nadal announced that he was pulling out of the Grand Slam tournament at a news conference Thursday. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was scheduled to face Nick Kyrgios for a berth in the final on Friday. Kyrgios advanced to his first final at a major tournament. He will meet either Novak Djokovic or Cam Norrie for the championship on Sunday.
Tennis – Wimbledon – Jabeur 1st woman from Africa in pro Slam final
Ons Jabeur has reached her first Grand Slam final with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory over good friend Tatjana Maria at Wimbledon. Jabeur is a 27-year-old from Tunisia who is the first African woman and Arab woman to get to the title match at a major tennis tournament. Maria is a 34-year-old German who is ranked 103rd and never had made it past the third round of a Grand Slam event before. The third-seeded Jabeur next will face 17th-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan for the championship on Saturday. Rybakina overwhelmed 2019 Wimbledon champion Simona Halep 6-3, 6-3 in the second semifinal. She also will be making her major final debut.
Pac-12 facing uncertain future after losses to Big Ten
The Pac-12 can make a case as the most successful conference in collegiate athletics, amassing more than 500 NCAA championships while leading the nation in titles 56 of the past 62 years. But when it comes to the biggest moneymakers, football and men’s basketball, the conference has come up short for years. The lack of success, particularly in football, combined with the conference’s media rights missteps put the Pac-12 on shaky financial footing, opening the door for two marquee schools to jump ship. Now the conference and its remaining member schools face an even more uncertain economic future.
NFL – Dome for Soldier Field? Panel says Chicago should explore it
A panel appointed by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot recommended the city explore enclosing Soldier Field, part of an effort to convince the NFL’s Chicago Bears to remain in their lakefront home rather than leave for the suburbs. The panel also recommended expanding capacity of the stadium with the fewest seats in the NFL as well as installing synthetic turf and selling naming rights. Adding a roof or a dome might lure Super Bowls and Final Fours as well as more concerts. The group’s work is part of a bigger proposal to transform a stretch of land that also includes the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and McCormick Place lakefront building. It includes improved transportation and making the area more bike friendly.
NFL – Bears WR Moore arrested on drug, weapons charges in Texas
Chicago Bears receiver David Moore was arrested on drug and weapons charges in his hometown of Gainesville, Texas, last weekend. Gainesville police say officers responding to a possibly intoxicated person at a Taco Bell drive-thru late Sunday night found Moore asleep in the driver’s seat of a silver 2018 Ford F250. Officers smelled marijuana while talking to Moore and found a package of THC edible candies and three pistols while searching the vehicle. Police arrested Moore and charged him with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying weapons. The Bears say they are aware of the arrest and “are in the process of gathering more information.” They said they would “refrain from making any further comment.”
NFL – Commanders owner Dan Snyder, House committee at odds
Dan Snyder’s attorney told the Committee on Oversight and Reform the Washington Commanders’ owner is willing to testify by video conference regarding the investigation into the team’s workplace culture following accusations of pervasive sexual harassment by team executives of women employees. In a letter sent to the committee and obtained by The Associated Press, attorney Karen Patton Seymour said Snyder is traveling outside the country and available for video testimony July 28 and 29. Seymour expressed concern because the committee countered with dates that conflict with her travel schedule and Snyder’s.
Biden awards Medal of Freedom to Biles, McCain, Giffords
President Joe Biden has presented the nation’s highest civilian honor to 17 people, including gymnast Simone Biles and the late Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain. Biden and McCain served together in the Senate. The president, who took office during the coronavirus pandemic, also honored Sandra Lindsay, the New York nurse who received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine that was administered in the U.S. outside of clinical trials. Others receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom were gun safety advocate Gabrielle Giffords, U.S. women’s national soccer team player Megan Rapinoe and late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
Soccer – US women beat Jamaica 5-0 at the W Championship
The U.S. women’s national team qualified for the 2023 World Cup on Thursday night at the CONCACAF W Championship. The United States defeated Jamaica 5-0 at Estadio BBVA but had to wait until Haiti downed Mexico 3-0 in the late game to secure a spot in next summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. With two victories at the W Championship, the United States was atop its group and became the first team to win one of four World Cup berths up for grabs.
MILB – Midwest League Baseball
Last Night
West Michigan Whitecaps 7, Dayton Dragons 3 – Game 1
Dayton Dragons 5, West Michigan Whitecaps 0 – Game 2
South Bend Cubs 8, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 6
Lansing Lugnuts 10, Great Lakes Loons 1
Last Night
West Michigan Whitecaps at Dayton Dragons, 7:05 p.m.
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at South Bend Cubs, 7:05 p.m.
Great Lakes Loons at Lansing Lugnuts, 7:05 p.m.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Netflix (NOTE LANGUAGE) While his career is going strong now, with the Stranger Things phenomenon, actor David Harbour wasn’t so sure after his 2019 reboot of Hellboy flopped. Back then, he tells GQ, he reached out to
Warner Bros. Records Harry Styles, Adele, Goo Goo Dolls, Gavin Degraw and Sara Bareilles are now the proud owners of more RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum hits. The agency noted that only three albums and 13 singles released this year have achieved Gold and Platinum status
Courtesy Legacy Recordings It’s hard to believe Dirty Dancing came out almost 35 years ago. To celebrate its milestone anniversary, fans of the romantic film will soon be able to get their hands on commemorative editions of its best-selling
Bob Riha Jr/WireImage James Caan, the actor who was perhaps best known for his iconic role as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, has died. He was 82. A tweet from Caan’s account on Thursday read, “It is
AMC On Thursday, AMC dropped the trailer for the six-episode swan song of Better Call Saul. The moody, black-and-white snippet, set to Fred Neil‘s “Little Bit of Rain,” is more of a celebration of the Emmy-winning Breaking
Four Battle Creek men are facing charges after allegedly breaking into some marijuana dispensaries in Van Buren County and then leading police on a chase. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department says deputies responded to an alarm
Pool via Getty Images (WASHINGTON) — Following months of hardships and devastating losses in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandra Lindsay, an intensive care nurse in New York, became a symbol of hope for people
ABC Do you struggle to remember people? You might have something in common with Brad Pitt. The Oscar winner recently opened up about his struggle with prosopagnosia, commonly referred to as “face blindness.” Though the actor has
Mark Borenstein/Getty Images (CHICAGO) — The father of the alleged Highland Park parade shooter, Bobby Crimo Jr., has told ABC News that he is not culpable in the Independence Day attack, in spite of having signed a
Brian Thomas (BALTIMORE) — As federal officials move to address growing concerns over an outbreak of monkeypox in the U.S., an increasing number of positive cases are emerging across the country. Last week, Brian Thomas, 32, of
Pablo Cuadra/WireImage There’s close, and then there’s perhaps too close. Denise Richards and Sami, her 18-year-old daughter with Charlie Sheen, have announced they plan to shoot a video together for OnlyFans on Thursday. “As you know, I’m
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Shawn Mendes Shawn Mendes‘ Wonder tour is about to make wishes come true. Shawn has partnered with Disney+ as a tour sponsor and will be working with the streaming platform to “grant wishes
KEREM YUCEL/AFP via Getty Images (MINNEAPOLIS) — Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin will be sentenced Thursday on federal civil rights charges in the death of George Floyd. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges
Scott Olson/Getty Images (BUFFALO, N.Y.) — The white teenager charged with killing 10 Black people in a Buffalo, New York, supermarket in what prosecutors described as a racially motivated mass shooting, is set to appear Thursday at
Organizers of a campaign to let the voters decide abortion rights in Michigan say they have gathered more than enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot. The announcement was made by Linh Song at the
Olivia: Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage; Natalie: Joseph Okpako/WireImage Earlier this week, Olivia Rodrigo, who’s on a U.K. tour, decided to hit up a bar in Manchester to perform an impromptu rendition of “Torn,” a hit for Natalie Imbruglia in
Four Republicans vying for your vote to be Michigan’s next governor debated for the fifth time ahead of the August 2nd primary in Grand Rapids Wednesday. A portion of the debate dedicated to abortion rights and gubernatorial
BMG Merry Christmas, Backstreet Boys fans! The group has officially announced that their first holiday album, A Very Backstreet Christmas, will arrive October 14 and is now available for pre-order. The album includes the group’s renditions of
Netflix/Mathieu Bitton Dave Chappelle put his money where his very outspoken mouth is, and purchased a large plot of land near his home in Yellow Springs, Ohio — and his neighbors are thanking him for it. Developers
Paramount+ is scaring up a fourth season of its supernatural drama Evil. The series follows a forensic psychologist, played by Katja Herbers, who teams with a Catholic seminarian and a technology contractor — played respectively by Mike Colter and Aasif Mandvi — to
A suspect and a Detroit police officer have been shot and killed on the city’s west side. Detroit Police Chief James White said the officer and his partner responded about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to a call of
We have details on fun events and things to do in the area from St. Joe Today including Krasl Art Fair, the Summer Movie Series, and more! Check out stjoetoday.com for more! Krasl Art Center presents their
Regulators have approved a plan from Michigan’s largest utility to stop burning coal to generate energy by 2025. Consumers Energy aims to get more than 60% of its energy from renewable sources by 2040, and to tap
Amazon Studios The Terminal List, out now on Prime Video, stars Chris Pratt, as a Navy SEAL whose colleague is ambushed while on a mission. Constance Wu also stars in the series, playing journalist Katie Buranek. She tells ABC
Terence Patrick/CBS via Getty Images Sheryl Crow is just one of the several artists who were set to perform as part of this week’s Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois. But the festival has canceled or postponed
Jim Spellman/Getty Images Jerry Harris, a former star of the popular Netflix docuseries Cheer, was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to sex crime charges earlier this year. The 22-year-old actor pleaded guilty in
By Ryan Yuenger ryany@wsjm.com After decades of research, the story of a famous and mysterious local organization is headed to the big screen. A new documentary exploring the origins and history of Benton Harbor’s House of David
A local fire department has taken a big step to improve its response in emergency rescue situations. The Benton Charter Township Fire Department announced the purchased of new, battery powered Jaws of Life rescue tools this week,
A fundraiser has been launched for the Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph following a fire Tuesday that forced it to close. Boss Services has started a Go Fund Me, seeking to raise $5,000, which it’s offering
ABC News (HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — Lorena Rebollar Sedano has attended the Highland Park, Illinois, Fourth of July parade for 28 years, but this year’s festivities turned to terror when Sedano and her family were caught in
The city of South Haven will install life jacket loaner stations at the North and South Beaches, thanks to a donation from Safe Kids Worldwide. Public Works Director Bill Hunter says the non-profit works to protect kids
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced it’s giving out 300,000 additional COVID-19 tests to Michigan residents through a partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation. Department Director of Communicable Disease Joe Coyle tells WSJM News
Dua Lipa strut the Balenciaga Couture Show catwalk in Paris. Dua donned a canary yellow mini-dress with a cascading train and accessorized with long black opera gloves, black pantyhose and dynamic black heels. John Mayer‘s father suffered a medical emergency.
Netflix Matt and Ross Duffer, the sibling creators of the phenomenon Stranger Things, are staying with Netflix in a big way. Long story short, if you love Stranger Things, you’re in luck. On Wednesday, the Duffer Brothers,
Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman in “Star Wars: Episode II” — Lucasfilm With an Oscar under his belt, a blockbuster in Thor: Ragnarok and another likely on its way with Thor: Love and Thunder, pretty much everybody
Tetra Images/Getty Images, STOCK (RICHMOND, Va.) — News of the thwarted attack comes after seven people were killed and dozens more injured in a mass shooting at a July Fourth parade in a Chicago suburb on Monday.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images, FILE (SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — When Sara Kruzan was 16 years old, she shot and killed the man who she says had abused her and trafficked her for sex since she was 13. Almost 30
ABC News (LOS ANGELES) — Helen Jones has been searching for answers since her son died in 2009 while in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles. Jones said she was initially told by
Mario Tama/Getty Images, FILE (WASHINGTON) — Popular e-cigarette manufacturer Juul Labs, Inc. has been left in limbo after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it is temporarily pausing a ban on the company’s products. The federal
A workshop on the Michigan Reconnect program will be held at Lake Michigan College this month. LMC Admissions Director Caroline Tubbs tells us a representative of the program will be on hand to answer questions. Michigan Reconnect
Courtesy of Corion Evans (MOSS POINT, Miss.) — A 16-year-old boy is being hailed as a hero after he helped rescue four people when a car drove off a boat launch and into a Mississippi river. The
ABC/Randy Holmes Justin Timberlake and Nick Jonas are dusting off their golf clubs to compete in the American Century Championship, which kicks off Wednesday and runs through the weekend. Golf Channel confirmed the singers’ participation, noting that this year will
Nico De Pasquale Photography, STOCK PHOTO (SAN FRANCISCO) — For decades, Judy and Ed Craine parked their car in the driveway in front of their San Francisco home. Parking in the Golden City can be tricky with
Rick Kern/Getty Images, FILE (NEW YORK) — Amber Smith, the wife of country music star Granger Smith, is opening up about grief, living with loss and water safety three years after her son River died following a
Oliver Helbig/Getty Images (HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — The parents of a young child were two of the victims in the mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois. Irina McCarthy, 35, and Kevin
Christopher Polk/E! Entertainment/NBCU Photo Bank One of the perks of being a global pop superstar — y’know, in addition to the money, the fame and the adulation — is that other stars will send you free stuff.
Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, FILE (NEW YORK) — As the world scrambles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit future global warming, more attention has turned to one of the country’s oldest
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Adele If you missed Adele‘s performance in Hyde Park, you might not have caught her small nod to Megan Thee Stallion when performing “Water Under The Bridge” — but Megan did! Basically, Adele revived a year-old meme that
Bobby Bank/Getty Images Miki Sudo is the #1-ranked female competitive eater in the world, and she proved it again on July 4 by returning from maternity leave to capture her eighth Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Championship belt.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images, FILE (UVALDE, Texas) — There were several missed opportunities to stop the massacre at Robb Elementary School before it started, a new assessment of the law enforcement response to the Uvalde shooting released Wednesday
ABC/Eric McCandless On Wednesday, Kevin Smith dropped the trailer to his third Clerks movie, and as he’d promised, it reflects the filmmaker’s real life in more ways than one. The writer-director and podcaster maxed out his credit
Jeremy Hogan/SOPA/LightRocket via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Seventy-eight million Americans across 18 states will face dangerous heat and severe weather throughout the end of the week. The National Weather Service reports that temperatures ranging from the
Sony Pictures Oscar and Emmy winner Viola Davis plays General Nanisca in the fact-based epic The Woman King, and the new trailer shows she’s not taking any prisoners. According to Sony Pictures, “The Woman King is the
Walt Disney Studios We finally have our first look at the upcoming movie Amsterdam, which stars Taylor Swift. The first trailer dropped Wednesday. According the press release, the “original crime epic” takes place in the 30s and centers on three
Walt Disney Studios We finally have our first look at the upcoming movie Amsterdam, which stars Taylor Swift. The first trailer dropped Wednesday. According to Variety, the “original romantic crime epic” is set in the 30s and centers on three
Quintin Lamarr told ABC News that he struggled with bullying as a Black, gay teen growing up in Milwaukee. – Leslie Andrews (NEW YORK) — Quintin Lamarr first began having thoughts of suicide when he was around
Jim Vondruska/Getty Images (HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — The 21-year-old suspect in the July Fourth parade mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, was charged Tuesday with seven counts of first-degree murder. Seven people were killed and at least
ABC News (AKRON, Ohio) — Jayland Walker’s sister wants the world to know him as she did: a funny, kind brother who looked out for his family and had big goals for his future of investing and
Marvel Studios Thor: Love and Thunder hits theaters this weekend, and for Christian Bale, the film gave him a chance to pivot from playing a beloved hero, Batman, in Chris Nolan‘s Dark Knight trilogy, to this film’s
The St. Joseph Department of Public Safety will close six parking lots in the city early Saturday and Sunday for artists to park for the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff. They will open to the public
Jo Hale/Redferns Ed Sheeran‘s getting into the clothing business. He’s teamed with the British clothing company Lucy & Yak for a capsule collection of limited-edition pieces featuring artwork inspired by his latest album, = (Equals). The collection includes
Good Morning America After four years away from the Hollywood spotlight , actress Hayden Panettiere is opening up for the first time about the challenges she’s faced that nearly destroyed her career. In a People and Good
Mikel Taboada/Getty Images, STOCK (BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) — A father from Alabama is counting his blessings after his twin sons’ quick thinking helped save his life last month. Brad Hassig was doing underwater meditation exercises at his home
Chris Evans has joined Emily Blunt in the cast of Netflix’s Pain Hustlers, according to Variety. Blunt plays a high school dropout “dreaming of a better life for her and her young daughter” who “lands a job
Lisa Cripps-Downey and Bob Harrison from the Berrien Community Foundation discuss what a community foundation does compared to a private foundation, and the importance of charitable legacies and volunteer involvement. Get more information at berriencommunity.org.
A South Haven man is facing charges for boating while intoxicated over the holiday weekend. Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies arrested the 33-year-old on the Black River shortly before midnight on July 3, right after the Light
Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images The Bachelorette alum Michelle Young is finally shedding some light on her breakup with season 18 winner Nayte Olukoya, a turn of events that left her blindsided. “I will say this is not something that I
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Adele Adele wants to give her son Angelo a sibling or two. During an episode of BBC Radio 4’s program Desert Island Discs, the singer revealed she’d love to expand her family one
The Benton Harbor City Commission chambers will be getting some technology upgrades following action Tuesday by the body. Commissioners were considering a $67,000 plan to purchase new equipment like microphones and cameras so meetings can be broadcast
After most local residents had finished setting off their fireworks late Monday night, Mother Nature provided her own explosive display early Tuesday morning in the skies over southwest Michigan. Watch below as the lightning lights up the
ABC News (NEW YORK) — More than 40 years after he shot President Ronald Reagan and three others, John Hinckley Jr. said he’s filled with remorse over his actions, but he’s ready to move forward with his
Westend61/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — As more infectious COVID-19 variants become dominant in the U.S., there are renewed signs that COVID-19 cases may be back on the rise across parts of the country. The national resurgence comes
City of Highland Park (HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — The 21-year-old suspect in the mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in suburban Chicago that left seven dead and more than 30 wounded is an aspiring rapper
From the Associated Press — The father of the jet engine-powered semitruck driver who died during a performance at a southwestern Michigan air show says the truck burst into flames after a blown tire ruptured the fuel
One person was in critical condition and another suffered non-life threatening injuries following a 4th of July crash in Van Buren County. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office reported that at about 8:41 p.m. Monday evening, deputies
There will be a forum this week with candidates for the Michigan House in the 38th District. The event is a partnership between WSJM News and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. The chamber’s Arthur Havlicek tells WSJM
July’s Love Local Weekend in St. Joseph is about to kick into gear. More than 150 classic cars are set to cruise onto the bluff next week as the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show returns to downtown
Alfredo Alonso Avila / EyeEm / Getty Images (VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.) — Two individuals, a 12-year-old boy and 44-year-old man, died after drowning in the Chesapeake Bay in separate incidents, officials said. Zamari Wilson, who was visiting
Set for July 31 is the annual TCC Verizon School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. District Manager of the TCC Verizon store in St. Joseph Chris Bryers tells WSJM News they give out hundreds of backpacks to kids each
Pink teased that she has new music on the way after tangling with online haters. She landed in a firestorm after telling those who support the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade to never listen to
Disney To celebrate the milestone anniversary of the Oscar-winning animated film, ABC and Disney are teaming up for a “one-night only” event called Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration. Airing on December 15 at 8 p.m.
If you don’t think there are enough construction projects going on right now on Michigan highways, another one will start Monday in Berrien County. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News they’ll be working
ABC News (HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — As Abby Brosio stood with her father-in-law watching the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, on Monday morning, a hail of bullets began to fly from top of the
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images (PHILADELPHIA) — Two police officers were shot during a Fourth of July fireworks show and concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on Monday. Both officers were treated and released from the hospital
Netflix Stranger Things brought the fireworks for Netflix over the weekend. For the first time since the global phenomenon Squid Game, viewership for Stranger Things surpassed 1.15 billion hours on the streaming service following the drop of
Tetra Images/Getty Images (TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) — A Florida law banning abortions after 15 weeks is back in place Tuesday, after a state court judge had ruled the law violated the state’s constitution. The state then filed an
North Shore Congregation Israel (HIGHLAND PARK, Ill.) — A gunman opened fire on a Fourth of July parade in an affluent suburb north of Chicago on Monday, killing at least seven people and injuring more than two
Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald, FILE (BOSTON) — Boston officials are responding to the growing threat of white supremacists, just days after Patriot Front members marched through the city and reportedly assaulted a Black man. “We know these
Amanda Edwards/Getty Images Thanks to a 2021 rerelease that nudged it past Avengers: Endgame, 2009’s Avatar remains the highest grossing movie of all time. Its haul — before a September re-rerelease — stands at $2.8 billion. That
Ava Max is enraged that violence broke out following her performance during Monday’s Fourth of July fireworks show in Philadelphia. Two police officers were shot, and as of print time, a suspect has not been identified. Ava took
Dave J Hogan/Getty Images If you missed seeing ABBA at the Voyage concert series last May, you now have another chance to see them perform. The hitmakers are coming together for an upcoming live concert, set for Wednesday on TikTok. The Swedish
Deputies with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department Marine Division arrested a 33-year-old South Haven man this weekend for operating a vessel while intoxicated on the waters of the Black River in South Haven. At about 11:40
ABC/Eric McCandless Critics were not feeling Katy Perry‘s Independence Day post. On Monday, July 4, the pop star published a tweet sharing her point of view in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe
ABC Those enjoying a night out at a dive bar in Manchester, England got the surprise of their life — an impromptu Olivia Rodrigo concert. It should be noted that the legal drinking age in the U.K. is 18,
The Curious Kids Museum in downtown St. Joseph is closed after a fire Tuesday morning. Museum Director Lori Marciniak tells WSJM News she never saw any active flames, but the problem was electrical and started in the
Universal Pictures Viral trends might seem a little peculiar to those technically too old to be a part of them, but enjoying things ironically is a key element to the TikTok generation. And a new trend helped
RCA Records Prior to releasing his 2013 album, The 20/20 Experience, Justin Timberlake made a documentary to accompany its release — but it never saw the light of day. Now, the film’s director is suing Justin. Deadline reports the suit was brought
Jennifer Tomshack with United Way of Southwest Michigan tells us about this year’s award winners for the 2022 Volunteer Recognition Awards, which you can see on video right now at uwsm.org!
United Way of Southwest Michigan awards outstanding community volunteers
Every year, UWSM recognizes volunteer leaders in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. This year, awards were delivered and recorded “prize patrol”-style in June.
United Way of Southwest Michigan honored exceptional volunteers who serve Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties with their work and commitment and who create lasting impact in the community.
“There is a long tradition of service in Southwest Michigan and this year’s winners have helped to keep volunteerism in the forefront of improving our communities and region,” said Debbie Ramirez, Volunteer Engagement Director of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “These winners are the cream of the crop of local volunteers and represent what it means to make true impact on an individual level and a corporate level. Hats off to them for their dedication to their communities and for inspiring others along the way.”
The winners were:
- NEW IN 2022! Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County
Winner: Chris D. Bergen
Chris helped develop Ross Beatty High School’s first Robotics Team into one of the top teams of over 400 in Michigan. In that role, Chris is there every day, teaching student members how to use tools, make design changes, organize the workspace, plan game strategy, provide transportation, make robot parts in his machine shop, and too many other things to count. He organizes the team to participate in the annual Cassopolis Memorial Day parade. “Chris is a tireless volunteer and citizen of Cass County,” said Fritz Kucklick, a Robotics Team mentor who nominated Chris. Chris also volunteers with the VFW, Sheriff’s Department, Penn Township Fire Department, and others.
For the winner of this great honor, $3,500 will be donated to a nonprofit that serves Cass County residents—the winner will choose from a list of agencies or organizations that serve Cass County. The monetary portion of this award is being provided by the McLoughlin Family Foundation.
- Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award
Winner: Kathy Rossow
Kathy helped build the landscape of community volunteering in Southwest Michigan, particularly in Niles and Buchanan. For nearly 30 years, she has been one of the prominent faces of volunteering in the region. In 1977, the Niles Service League asked her to lead a volunteer clearinghouse (which would become known as the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan) that grew to cover the tri-county area, serving more than 260 nonprofit organizations, 50 faith communities, 30 businesses, and every school district. In the mid-1990s, she ran for and earned a position on the National Council of Volunteer Centers, sharing her local wisdom on a regular basis with her national counterparts in Washington D.C. at the Points of Light Foundation. She helped national organizations to see the power of locally organized and grassroots community engagement.
For the winner of this great honor, $3,500 will be donated to the nonprofit organization of her choice.
Nominees: Bob Stanwood and Jackie Huie
- Volunteer United Service Impact Award
Winner: Keith Stevens
Keith has been a volunteer for the Berrien County Cancer Service for three years. He spends his time there leading Art Play Workshops and creating Design Art Displays. The Art Play Workshops are particularly important for children who are experiencing or impacted by cancer as it provides an emotional outlet for them through play. Nancy Church, RN, OCN, President and CEO of Berrien County Cancer Service, who nominated Keith for this award, said, “His philosophy is instead of complaining about what needs to be done, you should get involved and make change with whatever talent you have.
He will be awarded $1,000, which will be designated to the local nonprofit organization of his choice.
Nominees: Eduardo Lopez and Paulina Valdes
- Volunteer United Business Partner Impact Award
Winner: Honor Credit Union
“Honor Credit Union team members show up in all of their communities, volunteer their time and talents with dozens of organizations and municipalities [serving on local councils, chambers, etc.], and work hard to make those communities strong,” says the individual who nominated them for this award. Honor Credit Union offers their employees paid time monthly to volunteer for the organizations of their choice, which includes volunteering for events, special projects, churches, schools, organizations, agencies, boards of directors, and much more. Their employees are seen throughout Southwest Michigan and in all the communities in which they live, work, and play.
They will be awarded $1,000 which will be designated to the local nonprofit organization of their choice.
Nominee: Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan
Videos of the award deliveries will be posted on UWSM’s Facebook page and YouTube channel in the coming days!
ABOUT THE AWARDS
JUDGE SUSAN L. DOBRICH VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR CASS COUNTY
In partnership with United Way, the McLoughlin Family Foundation created this award to recognize Judge Dobrich’s leadership in Cass County and to honor other leaders like her in that community. In 1995 Judge Dobrich founded the Court Appointed Special Advocate program in Cass County to give children a voice in abuse and neglect matters. This prestigious lifetime achievement award is presented to one volunteer in Cass County, Michigan who demonstrates more than eight years of long-standing volunteer contributions in Cass County, diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or a significant contribution to a single organization, and various levels of volunteer experience including teamwork, physical, clerical, and/or leadership.
MARGARET B. UPTON VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP AWARD
This prestigious lifetime achievement award is presented to one volunteer in Berrien County who demonstrates more than 10 years of long-standing volunteer contributions in Berrien County, diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or a significant contribution to a single organization, teamwork and leadership experience, and various levels of volunteer experience including physical, clerical, and/or service at the board level.
VOLUNTEER UNITED SERVICE IMPACT AWARD
The Volunteer United Service Impact Award recognizes an individual volunteer from Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County who has made tremendous contributions to a nonprofit that supports the work of United Way of Southwest Michigan in at least one of the following Impact Areas: Education, Health, Income, and Basic Needs. Nominees may have volunteered with a diverse number of organizations or have made a significant impact in a single organization. This award is given to someone with more than two years of volunteerism impact in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren counties.
VOLUNTEER UNITED BUSINESS PARTNER IMPACT AWARD
The Volunteer United Business Partner Impact Award recognizes a corporation, company, organization, or business from Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County that has fostered an environment of volunteerism within their organization. The organization should support the work of United Way of Southwest Michigan through volunteer efforts in at least one of the following Impact Areas: Education, Health, Income, and Basic Needs. The organization should promote volunteering broadly within their team and serve as a champion of volunteerism in the community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jessica and Chris from Cornerstone Alliance join Zack to talk about the return of the Water Taxi service between St. Joseph & Benton Harbor and how you can use this great free service now through Labor Day. Visit ExploreMIShore.com for more details and to download the wayfinding app!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Eldora!
Eldora is a fun-loving Pit Bull Terrier mix who is around 3 years old. She came to us as a stray who had clearly had puppies. Eldora was also found to be heartworm positive. Since arriving, Eldora has gone through treatment for her heartworm and we are happy to say she is doing great! Eldora loves people, and is very friendly to strangers. She absolutely loves to play and chase balls or chew on stuffed toys. Eldora will keep you entertained with her happy antics! She is microchipped, spayed, and vaccinated. If you are interested in meeting Eldora you may fill out an application at the Al-Van Humane Society website: Al-Van.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring “Eldora” from Al-Van Humane Society!
Eldora is a fun-loving Pit Bull Terrier mix who is around 3 years old. She came to us as a stray who had clearly had puppies. Eldora was also found to be heartworm positive. Since arriving, Eldora has gone through treatment for her heartworm and we are happy to say she is doing great! Eldora loves people, and is very friendly to strangers. She absolutely loves to play and chase balls or chew on stuffed toys. Eldora will keep you entertained with her happy antics! She is microchipped, spayed, and vaccinated. If you are interested in meeting Eldora you may fill out an application at the Al-Van Humane Society website: al-van.org/adopt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daniele from St. Joe Today has details on lots of Independence Day celebrations and fireworks to enjoy! Check out stjoetoday.com for more!
- The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber invites you out to their annual Independence Day Celebration this Friday, July 1 from 5:30PM-11PM at the Watermark Solarium! Enjoy live music, drinks by Watermark Brewing, food from Woodstock & Grill and Nola Roux, and more!
- Forever Books kicks off their Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt this Friday, July 1! Stop by Forever Books to pick up your passport and visit participating locations to find Waldo July 1-27.
- Catch the St. Joe Farmers Market weekly on Saturdays in Lake Bluff Park from 9AM-2PM! Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly market, now through October 8, in Lake Bluff Park. Vendors will offer a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more!
- The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra hosts their annual Independence Day Celebration this Sunday, July 3! Attendees will enjoy patriotic favorites with a thunderous display of fireworks overhead.
- The City of St. Joseph will host their Fourth of July Fireworks on Sunday, July 3 at dusk. Other area fireworks on Sunday include Baroda and South Haven.
- Antiques on the Bluff returns to Lake Bluff Park this Sunday, July 3 from 10AM-5PM! Find hidden treasures along Lake Bluff Park at this premier antique show that overlooks Lake Michigan. This event features over 50 vendors and runs the first Sunday of the month, May through October.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation joins Zack to speak to Michelle Hannon with the New Buffalo Area Recreation Authority about the William J. Deputy Grant. You, too, can establish your own legacy fund to make a lasting impact in a Berrien County community like Bill Deputy. Reach out to Berrien Community Foundation at berriencommunity.org for details!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has details on Thursday’s Business After Hours at Simple Computer Repair, Friday’s Independence Day Celebration at Watermark Solarium, and the July 18th Golf Outing with less than 10 team slots available! Get to smrchamber.com for more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Ghislaine Maxwell, the associate of Jeffrey Epstein who lured underage girls into the disgraced financier’s lurid world, could spend much of the rest of her life in prison
Courtesy Angel Garza (UVALDE, Texas) — It’s been one month since the massacre at Robb Elementary School that killed 19 children and two teachers, and forever changed the lives of dozens of families who are now coping
ABC/Eric McCandless Lettuce hope that you’ll be lucky enough to win one of the kooky outfits Katy Perry wore in a commercial for a British food delivery service — because it’s for a good cause. Katy recently
Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu They’re back, to solve another murder! Only Murders in the Building returns Tuesday on Hulu for season 2, with stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez on the case again. Last season ended with the Arconia Board president being murdered, and Martin
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In The Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District! Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Tim & Dixie
Tim is a male Black & White Tuxedo cat. Dixie is a female Brown Tabby Cat with White Patches. Tim and Dixie are one year old, and they are brother and sister! The siblings enjoy the company of other cats. Tim and Dixie are loving and energetic, still enjoying their youth. They are neutered/spayed and up to date on vaccinations. Please call Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan at 269-934-7729 to learn more about terrific Tim and delightful Dixie.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kristen and Jessica from The Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance join us to discuss the 100 for 100 in 100 Day Campaign as well as upcoming WBC events. Find more at cornerstonewbc.com and donate to the
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Tim & Dixie from Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan. Tim is a male Black & White Tuxedo cat. Dixie is a female Brown Tabby Cat
Head to BuyLocalBerrien.com to check out the latest article, Six Burgers to Try in Southwest Michigan and see if your favorite makes the list!
Daniele from St. Joe Today gives us a look at this week and weekend’s best deals, events and fun around the area! Find more anytime at stjoetoday.com! Benton Harbor Arts Association presents Arts in the Park held in the Benton Harbor Arts District
Zack speaks with Berrien Community Foundation scholarship program winners Hailey Hentz and Garrett Bracket about what it means to be honored with a scholarship opportunity. Susan and the staff at BCF can help you set up your
Jennifer Tomshack with United Way of Southwest Michigan tells us about this year’s award winners for the 2022 Volunteer Recognition Awards, which you can see on video right now at uwsm.org! United Way of Southwest Michigan awards
In the monthly team member spotlight, Jessica and Zack speak with Josiah King about his 10 week internship at Cornerstone Alliance as part of the Equity in Economic Development Fellowship Program organized by the International Economic Development
The Berrien County Health Department this summer is offering free vision and hearing screenings to pre-kindergarten children. Hearing and vision coordinator Melisa Jordan tells us schools require that kids be screened for vision or hearing problems before
More than 16,000 pounds of empty water bottles have been recycled in Benton Harbor through a plastic water bottle recycling program offered during state of Michigan water distribution hours. Water distribution project coordinator Dashuna Robinson tells WSJM
Whirlpool has started a new walking challenge for employees to help raise money for the United Way of Southwest Michigan. The One Whirlpool Walking Challenge kicked off this week with Whirlpool CEO Mark Bitzer leading a walk
skaman306/Getty Images Stock (NEW YORK) — A panel of advisers at the Centers for Disease Control have greenlit the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for kids as young as 6 months old, finding them both safe and effective.
ABC News (ATLANTA) — Atlanta rappers Young Thug and Gunna were hit with gang-related charges in a case that sent shock waves through the music industry and spotlighted the controversial use of rap lyrics as evidence in court.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Over a million pounds of baby formula is set to ship into the United States sometime next month, the Food and Drug Administration announced Friday. Approximately 750,000 cans of Danone formula —
Brandon Bell/Getty Images (UVALDE, Texas) — A Uvalde police officer had the opportunity to shoot the gunman before he entered the school, but did not take the shot for fear of hitting children, according to an official briefed
Photo by John Normile/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Buffalo, New York, has one of the country’s largest Juneteenth celebrations outside of Texas, according to event organizers. Each year on June 19, the community comes together to honor the
The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has received a $100,000 grant from Entergy Corporation to add some trails to the recently acquired Porter Legacy Dunes Preserve. Porter Legacy Dunes is almost 50 acres of backdune forest and includes
Michigan State Police are investigating a fatal crash in Cass County’s Milton Township on Friday. State police have released the following: Troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Niles Post are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash occurring
Police are investigating a drive by shooting at a gas station in Berrien Springs early Saturday. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department says it happened at the Speedway station at 105 North Cass Street around 3 a.m. Police
The Berrien Community Foundation has released the list of Heart of Cook grant recipients for this year. BCF Program Manager Susan Matheny tells WSJM News the Heart of Cook is the charitable arm of the Cook nuclear
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Pepper!
Found originally as a stray, poor Pepper was very lost and confused. Being so small and afraid, he at first would not let many people pet him. Since coming into our care, Pepper has slowly come out of his shell and is getting more comfortable as he learns his surroundings. Pepper would best fit in a home with no children as quick movements still frighten him. He does well around smaller dogs and has not been cat tested. Pepper enjoys being a little shadow to his person and being able to nap in someone’s lap. Pepper’s adoption fee is $65. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about sweet little Pepper.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring “Pepper” from Cass County Animal Control/Shelter! Meet Pepper! Found originally as a stray, poor Pepper was very lost and confused. Being so small and afraid, he
The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center’s Mike Nadolski talks with Zack about the 2022-2023 season of speakers and shows coming to the Mendel Center to enjoy, and how you can get tickets and details at TheMendelCenter.com!
Daniele from St. Joe Today brings us a lot of fun things to do this weekend and beyond, and plenty more always waiting at stjoetoday.com! The third weekend of the month, June through September, celebrate all things
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation speaks with Bill Downey of the Heart of Cook Foundation about the annual Heart of Cook Awards Grants, recently awarded for 2022, and how your organization can apply for 2023. Visit berriencommunity.org/HOC
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber updates us on upcoming Ribboncuttings, Business After Hours events, plus the July 1st Independence Day Celebration at Watermark Solarium with Honor Credit Union, and the July 18th Annual Golf Outing
Jessica and Kristen from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance introduce a few June events including the upcoming Rebranding Your Business event with LEO + LAINE. Find details at CornerstoneWBC.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Rico!
Rico is 2-4 years old and is a Terrier-Mix. He is up-to-date on his shots and has been neutered. Rico tested heartworm + when he first arrived at our shelter on December 10th, 2021. He has completed his heartworm treatment. It took awhile to get Rico to warm up to us and to not be afraid. He is a completely different dog now, and loves his people! Rico may need a few minutes to warm up to you, too, but once he does you will be best friends and cuddle buddies for life! Rico loves to play with toys. When he first came in it didn’t seem like he knew what they were, but now that he understands the concept of them he will play. He is a sweet and quiet dog. He would do well in a home of any type: dogs, cats or kids. He is around 80lbs but is a gentle giant. Please contact Berrien County Animal Control (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or 269-927-564 to learn more about sweet and handsome Rico.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Van Buren Conservation District is advising everyone how to watch out for an invasive moth that can damage trees. Southwest by Southwest Corner CISMA Coordinator Alex Florian tells WSJM News the spongy moth was first brought
The Hartford Strawberry Festival is underway this weekend. The event’s Patty Schroeder tells WSJM News it’s been held each summer since 1986 to celebrate the area’s strawberry growers. It all kicked off Friday with food vendors, rides,
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring “Rico” from Berrien County Animal Control. Rico is 2-4 years old and is a Terrier-Mix. He is up-to-date on his shots and has been neutered.
Head to BuyLocalBerrien.com to check out the latest article, Six Burgers to Try in Southwest Michigan and see if your favorite makes the list!
Daniele has details on this Saturday’s Makers Trail Fest at Weko Beach, plus other great events and fun things to do when you visit stjoetoday.com! Benton Harbor Arts Association presents Art Hop this Friday, June 10 from
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation introduces us to the Teens Exhibiting Able Minds Youth Advisory Committee, commonly referred to as TEAM. Students in the Berrien County area are an instrumental part of the committee, and your teen
Thir Sakdi Phu Cxm / EyeEm (NEW YORK) — Racial and ethnic minorities in the United States continue to be disproportionately burdened by cancer, a new report suggests. Published by the American Association for Cancer Research on
Brandon Bell/Getty Images (UVALDE, Texas) — The families of four students injured in the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting is suing the suspected gunman’s estate and want answers about how he gained access to the school. Attorney Thomas
Stephanie Schmidt (NEW YORK) — Stephanie Schmidt, a 30-year-old neonatal intensive care unit nurse in New York, was eight weeks pregnant when she walked through the doors of her OBGYN for a routine visit to establish prenatal
Courtesy Monica Gallegos (UVALDE, Texas) — In August, Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez came home from her first day of fourth grade at Robb Elementary School and told her mom about a boy. She said the boy, Xavier James
Michelle Arnold / EyeEm/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Good extra virgin olive oil has long been hailed for its associated health benefits — and now, some social media feeds are overflowing with users encouraging others to hop
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic In preparation for Top Gun: Maverick, Kenny Loggins told Entertainment Weekly that he recorded a new version of “Danger Zone,” his hit from the original 1986 movie, using modern technology. Ultimately, Tom Cruise rejected it in
Universal Pictures Jurassic World Dominion roars into theaters Friday. We’re told it’s the last film in the Jurassic World saga, and some familiar faces return. Laura Dern, Sam Neil, and Jeff Goldblum reunite for the first time since the first Jurassic Park film almost 30 years
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images (DETROIT) — Saniyah “Niyah” Pugh, 11, was sleeping over at her grandmother’s Detroit home this weekend when gunfire erupted outside. Bullets penetrated the house, striking and killing Saniyah, who was in a bedroom. “I
Anita Kapelke from United Way of Southwest Michigan discusses the upcoming Summer Stock Up local food drive taking place June 15 from 9am-1pm in St. Joseph, Berrien Springs, Lawrence, and Cassopolis, and online at uwsm.org. United Way
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is investigating after a house was shot in Niles Township Saturday morning. Deputies responded to the scene in the 2500 block of Bluff Street around 1:15 a.m. after getting a report of
The Mendel Center has released the schedule for the next Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Speaker Series. It says guests will include former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and actor Henry Winkler. The season will kick off
A food drive is being held this month by the United Way of Southwest Michigan. Spokesperson Jennifer Tomshack tells WSJM News this is the second year for the Summer Stock Up local food drive held with the
Gado/Getty Images (STURGIS, Mich.) — Abbott Nutrition’s baby formula plant in Michigan has officially reopened its doors and restarted production after shuttering nearly four months ago. Hundreds of workers returned to their posts Saturday morning for the first
Oliver Helbig/Getty Images (NEW LISBON, Wis.) — A suspect who allegedly shot and killed a retired Wisconsin judge Friday in a targeted act had a hit list that included U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Michigan Gov.
Alex Wong/Getty Images (UVALDE, Texas) — The Connecticut lawyers who successfully sued the maker of the rifle used in the 2012 Newtown, Connecticut, shooting filed a letter Friday seeking documents and records from Daniel Defense, maker of the
Set for June 10 through June 12 is the annual Flag Day celebration in Three Oaks. Flag Day Parade coordinator Dyane Thomas tells WSJM News it’s the biggest Flag Day event in the country. Parade day is
A meeting will be held this coming week for Berrien County residents to learn about the results of a noise study the Michigan Department of Transportation has done on an I-94 project planned for next year. MDOT
Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District! Local, Organic, Farm Fresh!
Meet Kylo!
Kylo is one of our longest residents at the shelter, but we have no idea why! This boy is the perfect gentleman. Kylo was originally brought to us from a shelter in Louisiana, and he is full of Southern charm and sweetness. Kylo is a big boy, but easy to handle and is very receptive to training. He enjoys getting scratches from people of all ages, and has done well with the dogs he has met. His favorite activities are rolling around in the grass and going for walks. He is an easy-going, well-behaved guy, so why is he still waiting? We here at Al-Van are happy to offer a foster-to-adopt for Kylo, for anyone who isn’t certain he’s the best boy (because we are!) and would like a trial period with him. Can you spring this handsome ginger gentleman from his kennel so he can finally live his best life? Come meet Kylo today! Apply for Kylo at Al-Van.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daniele from St. Joe Today has lots for you and the family to do, and plenty more always waiting at stjoetoday.com! SMSO hosts their first Pop Up Concert of the year today at 4PM in the St.
A Niles Township woman is trying to get cannabis dispensaries in the township as the city of Niles and Buchanan already have them. The township board of trustees blocked the businesses in 2019, and Madelyn Patterson is
Emily Fennick / EyeEm/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — The rate of young people taking their own lives with firearms in the U.S. has increased faster than for any other age group, and the youth suicide rate is
Steve Prezant/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Just days after two mass shootings took place in New York and Texas, state lawmakers are pushing for tighter gun laws in an effort to mitigate gun violence around the country.
Hartford police have arrested a 12-year-old boy for armed robbery of a gas station. He walked into the Marathon station on Main Street around 4 p.m. yesterday and demanded money, firing a shot from a 9mm pistol
Henrico County Police (NEW YORK) — One woman has died and another is missing after a group of 12 kayakers became stranded and then went over Bosher’s Dam in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday afternoon. Ten kayakers were
Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage Steve Nicks often posts heartfelt essays in response to world events, and the mass shooting in Uvalde, TX that left 19 children and two adults dead has inspired her latest missive. On Facebook, Stevie writes,
Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images King Richard star Aunjanue Ellis is living her true, authentic life, revealing in a new interview with Variety that she’s bisexual. Although the news isn’t news to those close to the actress, her sexuality wasn’t something that
Lisa with Berrien Community Foundation speaks with former Executive Director of BCF, Margaret Poole, who will be hosting a Garden Party this weekend to benefit the Theodore & Elaine Lucker Underprivileged Children’s Fund. Find out how you
Sarah Spoonholtz from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to chat about the upcoming Makers Trail Fest returning to Weko Beach in Bridgman Saturday, June 11th, plus upcoming Ribboncuttings to be part of in the community.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Lilly from Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan! Lilly is a sweet, shy little lady who is about one year old. She is spayed
Enjoy a sip of summer with some family-friendly drinks and some live music around Southwest Michigan when you check out BuyLocalBerrien.com this week!
Daniele from St. Joe Today has lots of options for the family (and adults!) to enjoy when you’re done checking out the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship this weekend… head to StJoeToday.com for more! Every Thursday, The Livery hosts
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation is joined by Suz Shalon from The Silver Beach Carousel Society about the history of the amusement park and the Carousel, and the WNIT documentary that will be airing Thursday night at
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Polly from Cass County Animal Control/Shelter.
Meet Polly! She is an adorable, lovable dog who has been looking for a loving home. Polly prefers a home where she is the only animal around to give you all the affection and cuddles you need. She is around 4 years old and has not yet been spayed. Her adoption fee is $65. Please reach out to Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about adorable Polly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michigan State Police will hold an event in Niles this month to check child passenger safety seats to make sure they’re properly installed. Parents of small children who use the car seats can stop by and have
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad will hold a press conference next week to give his response to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s request for approval to officially close the Eric McGinnis case. The AG’s office determined the
Timothy Abero/EyeEm/GettyImages (MILWAUKEE) — Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson imposed a two-night curfew for individuals under the age of 21 within the city’s entertainment district on Saturday. The curfew is from 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Saturday and
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Despite the U.S. recording more than 1 million COVID-19 deaths this week, few families have taken advantage of a government program to help cover the cost of funerals for victims.
Maskot/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — During the early days of the pandemic, Cayci Weaver was able to hold on to her teaching job. Educating high school students, however, was not easy; the switch to remote learning was a
Maskot/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — During the early days of the pandemic, Cayci Weaver was able to hold on to her teaching job. Educating high school students, however, was not easy; the switch to remote learning was a
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — An Alabama judge has partially blocked the state’s gender-affirming trans youth care ban. S.B. 184, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act, states that anyone who provides gender-affirming care to anyone under
Oliver Helbig/Getty Images (DALLAS) — The shooting of three Korean women in a hair salon in the city’s Koreatown on Wednesday afternoon could be hate motivated, Dallas police said, and may be linked to a series of recent
May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and everyone’s being reminded of the need for loving foster families in Berrien County. Mikayla Valentine is a recruitment specialist for Bethany Christian Services in Benton Harbor and tells WSJM News
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Federal regulators warned months ago of potential problems at a manufacturing plant for baby formula, according to documents and a public timeline of the events, raising questions about whether more could have
St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center Lighthouse Tour agreement for the year. Heritage Museum Board member Dennis Szymanski told commissioners this past week year’s tours were affected by COVID, and that’s
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring “Sandy” from Berrien County Animal Control. Hi! My name is Sandy and I am a strong lady! I am an American Terrier Mix, aged 2-4
Get a primer on how to enjoy your wine thanks to Local Pour and other great sponsors! Visit BuyLocalBerrien.com to read more, thanks to the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
Daniele from St. Joe Today has all the details on the Blossomtime Parade, plus great concerts and fun events happening this weekend too! Head to StJoeToday.com for more anytime! The Box Factory for the Arts hosts the
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation joins Zack to discuss the grants available to non-profits and their upcoming deadlines. Find more details at berriencommunity.org/grants.
Dawn Howley with United Way of Southwest Michigan talks about the great companies and organizations in our area being celebrated for their work in 2021 to support the mission of United Way with great workplace campaigns, and
Kristen and Jessica from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance join us to talk about the upcoming WBC campaign called 100 for 100 in 100 Days, as well as other great events happening at the WBC
It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, with Eva from Paws Of Hope!
Eva is an elegant little Brown Tabby Cat, believed to be almost one year old. Sassy and tough best describes our Eva who, as a kitten, was living on the streets with a compound fracture to her right front leg. Eva’s bravery and intelligence kept her alive. Eva’s broken leg was causing her to be in pain, so it has been amputated and she is maneuvering well. She is learning that people offer comfort. However, being around other cats makes her feel anxious, so her perfect home will not have cats, dogs, or young children. Give Eva your love and patience, and you won’t be disappointed! Eva is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org, or send a private message to our Facebook page, to learn more about our beautiful and brave warrior princess, Eva. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paramount+ announced that the Bryan Cranston/Annette Bening comedy Jerry & Marge Go Large will be coming to the streaming service on June 17. The film, which will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, has the pair starring in the real-life story of a couple who hit it big gaming the Massachusetts lottery. They then use their windfall to help their Michigan town. The film also stars Michael McKean, Larry Wilmore, Rainn Wilson, and Anna Camp…
A spin-off to the hit Jackass: Forever is coming to Paramount+. The Hollywood Reporter says Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish revealed the news after an earnings call on Tuesday. “…[W]e’re working with the creators to continue the partnership with a new series, bringing even more ridiculous antics straight to Paramount+,” the exec said. To date, the modestly-budgeted Jackass: Forever has made more than $80 million in theaters, making it one of the highest grossing films of 2022…
(NOTE LANGUAGE) Dead to Me, Netflix’s dark comedy starring Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini and James Marsden, will return for its third and final season in the fall. “And… that’s a wrap on @deadtome Season 3!” series creator Liz Feldman tweeted next to a photo of a director’s chair sitting alone on a beach. “Filming is complete. Editing is underway. The final season is coming. And holy. f**. s. @1capplegate & @lindacardellini knocked it out of the park. Can’t to share it with you.” Netflix also announced Feldman’s next project for the streamer, the dark comedy titled, No Good Deed*…
David Birney, the actor best known for playing Dr. Ben Samuels on season one of the 1982 NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere, as well as CBS’ short-lived, controversial 1972 sitcom Bridget Loves Bernie, has died of Alzheimer’s disease at his home in Santa Monica, His life partner Michele Roberge tells The New York Times. He was 83. Birney appeared on St. Elsewhere for just one season, before leaving due to a Broadway commitment. Bridget Loves Bernie, an interfaith sitcom that met with criticism from Jewish groups due to accusations of stereotypes, lasted just one season, but also introduced him to his co-star Meredith Baxter, to whom was married from 1974-1989. They shared three children. Birney also had guest spots and recurring roles on many classic TV shows, including Murder, She Wrote, The Love Boat and Hawaii Five-0…
Mom alum Allison Janney has been tapped to star alongside Kristen Wiig in Apple TV+ comedy series Mrs. American Pie, according to Deadline. Mrs. American Pie revolves around Palm Beach high society in the 1970s. Wiig plays Maxine Simmons, “an outsider” trying to “cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots,” according to the streaming service. “Mrs. American Pie asks the same questions that still baffle us today: ‘Who gets a seat at the table?” Janney will play Evelyn, a full-time Palm Beach resident and member of the high society. Executive producer Laura Dern is also “eyeing a key role” in the comedy…
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Netflix/Mathieu Bitton It’s no joke: Dave Chappelle was tackled on stage while playing the Netflix Is A Joke festival at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles Tuesday night.
According to KABC-TV, the unidentified man rushed the stage when Chappelle was performing, and shoved Dave to stage floor, where the comic tussled with the unknown assailant. The suspect then ran away behind a screen on stage, where he was tackled by security.
The 48-year-old comedian and Mark Twain Award winner was apparently uninjured in the altercation, and actually ran towards the scrum with security, where it appeared the suspect was getting “stomped.” Chappelle repeatedly demanded he be ejected from the historic venue, according to the ABC News affiliate.
Authorities say the suspect, who was wheeled out of the venue in a hospital gurney, was reportedly armed with a gun and a knife.
The show continued, with Chris Rock joining Dave after the attack, joking, “Was that Will Smith?” — of course a callback to the slap he suffered at the hands of the star during this year’s Oscars telecast.
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Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images After keeping silent for months, Joe Jonas‘ wife Sophie Turner officially confirmed to Elle UK that the two are expecting theirsecond child.
The Game of Thrones alum and Joe welcomed daughter Willa in July 2020. Now, she reveals in the magazine’s June edition, “We’re so excited to be expanding the family. It’s the best blessing ever.”
“It’s what life is about for me — raising the next generation,” she continues. “The greatest thing in life is seeing my daughter go from strength to strength.”
But Sophie admits that Willa already seems to be jealous of her yet-to-be-born sibling.
“She is a lot clingier than normal, so I think she has an idea. She wants Mummy all of the time – she’s claiming her territory,” notes the actress.
Sophie, 26, and Joe, 32, began dating in 2016 and tied the knot in 2019.
The actress’ baby bump was on full display at Monday’s Met Gala in New York City.
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Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama (NEW YORK) — Authorities now believe that an Alabama corrections officer “willingly” participated in the escape of a capital murder suspect, according to the local sheriff in charge of the investigation.
“The pieces of the puzzle just came together,” Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told ABC News in an interview Wednesday on Good Morning America.
“I think all of our employees and myself included were really hoping that she did not participate in this willingly. But all indications are that she absolutely did,” he added. “We’re very disappointed in that because we had the utmost trust in her as an employee and as an assistant director of corrections.”
Wednesday marked the sixth day of an intense search for Lauderdale County Assistant Director of Corrections Vicki White, 56, and inmate Casey White, 38. The pair — who authorities said are not related — went missing from Florence, Alabama, on Friday. That morning at the Lauderdale County Detention Center, Vicki White allegedly told her colleagues she was taking Casey White to the local courthouse for a “mental health evaluation,” though he didn’t have a court appearance scheduled. She violated policy by escorting the inmate alone, according to the sheriff.
“This particular guy and someone like that, no, that should have never happened, even if we had to delay getting him to court,” Singleton told ABC News on Wednesday.
Casey White, who is 6 feet, 9 inches tall, was charged with two counts of capital murder in September 2020 for the stabbing of 58-year-old Connie Ridgeway. He could face the death penalty if convicted, according to the sheriff.
The inmate previously planned an escape from the Lauderdale County Detention Center in the fall of 2020, but authorities thwarted the plot before he could attempt it, the sheriff said. When authorities got word of the scheme, they found a homemade knife in his possession and learned that he was planning to take a hostage, according to the sheriff. Casey White was subsequently transferred to a state prison, where he remained until February 2022, when he returned to the Lauderdale County facility for court appearances related to the murder charge, the sheriff said.
Investigators have since learned that Casey White and Vicki White had a “special relationship” and were communicating after he was transferred from the county jail to state custody, according to the sheriff. The nature of that communication was not immediately clear.
“We know that they maintained contact while he was in the department of corrections up to and including until he was returned here Feb. 25 of this year,” Singleton told ABC News on Wednesday.
The pair “should be considered dangerous and may be armed with an AR-15 rifle, handguns and a shotgun,” and may be driving a 2007 orange or copper Ford Edge with minor damage to the left back bumper, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering up to $10,000 reward for information leading to Casey White’s capture and a $5,000 reward for information leading to Vicky White. A warrant was issued for Vicki White charging her with permitting or facilitating escape.
As of Wednesday morning, investigators “don’t have any idea where they might be,” the sheriff told ABC News.
“We were making some good progress on that. We may be hindered now that some of that information has gotten out,” he added. “But, you know, we’re still working around the clock to locate them and try to get them back in custody.”
Singleton has described Vicki White, a 17-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, as “an exemplary employee.” He said she had been talking about retiring for the last few months and turned in her paperwork last Thursday. The day she and Casey White went missing was set to be her last day on the job, according to the sheriff.
“My message would be: Vicki, you’ve been in this business for 17 years, you’ve seen this scenario play out more than once and you know how it always ends,” Singleton told ABC News on Wednesday. “Now go ahead and end it now, get to a phone and call 911, turn yourself in and help us get Casey White back behind bars because you know that’s where he’s going to eventually end up.”
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Benatar: Michael Putland/Getty Images; Duran Duran: Fin Costello/Redferns; Richie: Paul Natkin/Getty Image; Eurythmics: Randy Bachman/Getty Images This year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is more like the MTV Hall of Fame: The newly-minted inductees are ’80s pop icons Pat Benatar, Lionel Richie, Duran Duran and Eurythmics, plus Carly Simon and country icon Dolly Parton, who also had ‘80s pop hits. The one outlier: rap superstar Eminem. But according to the Hall of Fame’s head honcho, it’s all rock ‘n roll.
“Rock and roll has never been one thing,” says Rock Hall President and CEO Greg Harris. “It’s always been changing. It’s heavily influenced by the youth culture of the era and drives people to think differently, to act differently, to dress differently, to really believe in things.”
“We are seeing that in a big way with this class for the 1980s, but we’ll see it for subsequent decades as time marches on and and we continue to evolve,” he adds. “We’re not stuck in any one sound, but it’s all rock and roll in our book.”
According to the Rock Hall, those honored with induction have created music with “originality, impact and influence [that] has changed the course of rock ‘n roll.” So how do these ’80s pop stars fit in?
Harris says Pat Benatar “really set a path for lots of female artists to come after her, because she was “in control, uncompromising” and has an “unbelievable vocal range.” He feels Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus, among others, show her influence.
As for Duran Duran, Harris cites as influential their “infectious melodies” and “complex musical arrangements,” as well as their mixture of guitar and synths, naming The Killers as just one band who followed in their footsteps.
And speaking of guitars and synths, Harris says Eurythmics took those and made it “really funky,” adding that Annie Lennox‘s “unbelievable voice,” really brought “sixties soul into the eighties.” Regarding soul, Harris says, “Lionel Richie is hitting just as hard as Marvin Gaye, in a different era,” noting that acts ranging from Babyface to country superstar Tim McGraw have cited Lionel as an influence.
As for Carly Simon, Harris names Taylor Swift and Alanis Morissette as a few of the women who’ve been impacted by “the honesty of her music and her delivery.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be held November 5 at LA’s Microsoft Theater, and will air later on HBO and stream on HBO Max.
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Susan from Berrien Community Foundation and Diane Young from Sisters from Another Mother discuss vaccine hesitancy in the Black and Latinx communities and how community organizations are coming together to answer questions and help residents make informed decisions thanks to a Michigan State University grant. Find out how your non-profit can participate at berriencommunity.org.
Hans Neleman/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — After serving 31 years in Florida State Prison for a murder he did not commit, Thomas Raynard James is a free man.
“Emotionally I was overwhelmed. I was not in a state of disbelief, because I knew this day was coming, eventually. I was looking forward to it. But emotionally I wasn’t really prepared for it,” James told ABC News.
James was convicted in 1991, when he was 23, for the 1990 death of Francis McKinnon.
Witnesses told police the robbery and murder of McKinnon was committed by a man named “Thomas James” or “Tommy James.” James was convicted after a witness then told jurors she saw James kill her stepfather during a robbery, due to what his lawyer called a case of mistaken identity.
According to the state attorney for Miami-Dade County, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the case lacked physical evidence and his fingerprints did not match those found at scene but he was still convicted after an eyewitness said she saw him shoot McKinnon.
James was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
“It was horrendous …To have somebody to be incarcerated can be dramatic in of itself, but to know that you’re sitting here, and you’re going through these days on a daily basis for something that you didn’t have anything to do with, it was torture,” James says.
James said he “never gave up” thinking that he would eventually be released, but says that life in prison had been difficult.
“It’s hard to even put into words, some of the things that I had to deal with and the feelings that I was dealing with for the last over three decades,” he said.
James said he spent years filing motions proclaiming his innocence and was denied many times. He said he had even reached out twice to The Innocence Project in Florida, and was told both times they could not “proceed with his case.”
Attorney Natlie Figgers who specializes in personal injury and family law, took on James’ case pro bono out of a legal “duty,” she said.
“Once I saw the evidence and reviewed the case, it was pretty clear that a mistake had occurred, and I was pretty flabbergasted that he submitted that many appeals and they didn’t see the same thing… when you hear that it’s just mistaken identity due to a name. How can somebody be wrongfully convicted just based on having the same name?” Figgers told ABC News.
“I was a personal injury attorney, so I never dealt with criminal law. So I definitely want to make sure that it was something that I would be able to prove on his behalf … There were no other attorneys that were taking this case on at that time. So I felt like I had a duty,” she added.
The witness whose testimony placed James behind bars recanted her previous testimony last month, according to Rundle.
While he is a free man now, supporting himself and finding a job could be difficult. James’ family has even launched an online fundraising campaign for him.
Figgers said she is pursuing a civil wrongful imprisonment case, seeking compensation for James.
James said he plans on becoming “gainfully employed,” and also said he is working on a book about his story.
He said he hopes to help others in similar situations, but said he is most focused on making up for lost time.
“The list of things that I missed out on is long. For me, one thing that would mention is that I lost a lot of family, a lot of friends… they went to their grave with me still sitting in prison for a crime I didn’t commit,” James said.
“Injustice to anyone is injustice to everyone. So when people such as myself are crying out don’t just brush them off and automatically call them guilty,” he said.
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IMAGINESTOCK/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — With young under 5 now the only group not yet eligible for vaccination against COVID-19, many parents have been vocal about their frustration pertaining to the delayed authorization process and rollout.
However, a new KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor survey has found that less than a fifth of parents with children under the age 5 — 18% — reported that they are eager to get their child vaccinated right away.
More than a third of parents — 38% — said that they plan to wait in order to see how the vaccine works for others, while 27% of parents reported that they will “definitely not” get their child vaccinated, and another 11% stating that they will only do so if required.
More than half of parents said they feel that they do not have enough information about the vaccines’ safety and efficacy for children under 5 years of age.
Pfizer reported on Tuesday that it now expects to analyze and submit its data for its three-dose pediatric vaccine by late May or early June, and the company anticipates that both the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consider the submission soon after.
“We have been working with urgency to generate data,” Mikael Dolsten, Pfizer’s chief scientific officer and president, Worldwide Research Development and Medical, said during an investors conference on Monday, adding that the company recognizes that “parents of younger children and health care providers have been waiting for an effective vaccine.”
Last week, Moderna announced it had submitted its request for the FDA to authorize its vaccine for children ages 6 months to 6 years.
“I think for these little children, they really represent an unmet medical need,” Paul Burton, chief medical officer for Moderna, told ABC News last week. “I would be hopeful that the review will go on quickly and rigorously — but if it’s approvable, this will be made available to these little children as quickly as possible.”
Burton said there will certainly be a “continued challenge ahead” as officials work to address hesitancy among parents.
The initial reluctance from parents of young children mirrors a similar trend to that seen with parents of older children and adolescents. Just under 26 million children ages 5 to 17 — or a little less than half of those eligible — remain completely unvaccinated, according to federal data. Overall, 43.2% of eligible children have been fully vaccinated, and when broken down further by age, just 28.8% of children ages 5 to 11 have been fully vaccinated.
Just under one-third of parents of 5- to 17-year-olds reported that they will “definitely not” get their child vaccinated, KFF found.
However, the poll found that the FDA’s delays in analyzing pediatric vaccine data have not been a deterrent for parents. Sixty-four percent of parents reported the delay has not affected their confidence in the safety of the vaccines for this age group, while 22% of parents said it has made them “more confident” in the vaccine’s safety for young children. Only 13% of parents reported the delay has made them “less confident.”
The continued push to convince parents to vaccinate their children comes amid a rise in pediatric COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
For the third consecutive week, COVID-19 infection rates among children in the U.S. have seen a notable increase, according to a new report released on Monday from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association.
Last week, 53,000 additional child COVID-19 cases were reported, an increase of about 61% from two weeks ago. Nevertheless, overall numbers remain significantly lower than during other parts of the pandemic. However, many Americans, who are taking at-home tests, are not submitting their results, and thus, experts said daily case totals are likely significantly higher than the numbers that are officially reported.
Hospital admissions are also up by about 21% in the last two weeks, with around 120 virus-positive children admitted to the hospital each day.
Vaccine hesitancy has not been limited just to parents, as the push back against the vaccine has plagued the rollout since its early days. Nationally, 54.6 million eligible Americans remain unvaccinated.
In recent months, the drive for people to get their booster shot has also markedly slowed, as those most eager to get the shot have already been vaccinated.
Among vaccinated adults, who have not yet received a booster dose, 27% reported that they will only get the extra shot “if required,” while 23% said that they “definitely not” get a booster. Nearly a third — 30% — reported that they plan to get an additional dose “as soon as they can,” while 18% said they want to “wait to see” before getting a booster dose.
KFF found there is also a large gap by partisanship, with Democrats more than twice as likely as Republicans to report being vaccinated and boosted.
For those who have yet to receive a booster, 56% of respondents said they believe that they already have enough protection from either their initial vaccine doses or from a previous COVID-19 infection. Others reported that they simply do not want to get it, while 39% of people said they believe boosters are ineffective because some vaccinated people are still getting infected.
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Flavio Coelho/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — Amid a political debate about offering gender affirming medical care to transgender children, a new study suggests that among children who have already socially transitioned very few are likely to “retransition” to their gender at birth.
The study, published Wednesday in the journal Pediatrics, followed 317 socially transitioned children who had already been living as their authentic gender for more than a year, finding that almost 95% continued to identify as transgender five years later.
“What we are seeing is that a relatively small number of youth retransitioned,” Dr. Kristina Olson, a professor of psychology at Princeton University and first author on the paper, told ABC News.
Social transition describes the process of transgender people adopting the name, pronouns and gender expression, such as clothing and haircuts, that match their gender identity, and not the gender assumed by their sex at birth. In this study, retransition or “detransition” is when a person identifies as cisgender or nonbinary after identifying as transgender. Of note, many nonbinary people consider themselves to be transgender.
Prior research has suggested a much higher rate of retransition among young children, but many of these prior studies have focused on the period immediately after a child expresses a desire to socially transition. Because the new study followed children who were already 18 months into their social transition, specialists said it offers important context to prior research, suggesting children who persistently express their transgender identity for more than a year are unlikely to retransition.
In the study, children were surveyed from more than 40 states and two Canadian provinces between 2013 and 2017, when they were 3 to 12 years old. About 2.5% of children retransitioned to identify as cisgender at the end of the study, and 3.5% were living as nonbinary, using they/them pronouns. Children who transitioned before age 6 were more likely to retransition, the study said.
Under current medical guidance, children who transition do not undergo significant, irreversible treatments such as surgery. Young children don’t require any medical treatments to socially transition, while older children may safely be offered puberty blockers to halt changes associated with puberty.
Doctors who care for transgender youth said the study matches what they see in their clinical practice.
“I can count on one hand the number of kids in our 200 plus population who have retransitioned,” Dr. Kristin Dayton, a pediatric endocrinologist who works with youth undergoing gender transitions in Florida, told ABC News. She said this study reflects what she sees in her own clinic.
“This article sounds much more like my experience,” Dr. Hussein Abul-Latif, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Alabama told ABC News.
He said he has always been surprised by anecdotal reports that transgender youth frequently retransition because it’s not what he’s seen on a large scale in his medical practice.
One limitation of the study, researchers said, is that it likely reflects the experience of children with supportive families and therapy.
“In order for a kid to socially transition, you have to have some degree of parental support,” said Olson, who directs the TransYouth Project, the first large-scale, national, longitudinal study of socially-transitioned transgender children to date.
Studies show that transgender youth are far more likely to experience depression, anxiety and suicidal thought than their peers. But those who are supported in their transition are less likely to experience depression and suicidality.
“That’s probably why we are seeing our cohort has average rates of depression and only slight elevation in anxiety on average,” Olson said.
The new study comes amid legislative efforts in several U.S. states to limit medical care for transgender children. In Florida, recent health department guidance advising against supportive medical care for transgender children cited older research indicating 80% of youth are likely to retransition, but the data has been called into question for things like the inability to follow up with study participants regarding their true outcomes.
According to Dayton, who practices in Florida, the recent guidance was not based on a complete review of medical literature, including ample studies suggesting that allowing children to transition decreases suicide risk.
“We encourage social transition because there is ample data to show it markedly improves mental health and reduces suicidality in transgender kids,” Dayton said
In Alabama, where Abdul-Latif practices, new legislation means it could soon become illegal for doctors to offer gender-affirming medical care to transgender children.
“People forget that these are just kids,” Olson said. “We can so easily get lost in the rhetoric and forget that behind that rhetoric are kids just trying to live their life.”
Abdul-Latif said he worries most about the mental health of the youth he treats. He recently saw one transgender boy in clinic who had started testosterone a few months ago despite his father expressing some initial reservations.
“The father made a point of sharing that he had been hesitant at first but having seen his son and how much happier he is — more open and interactive — he is so happy he decided to do this. I think about those smiling faces, and I think, what will happen to them?” Abdul-Latif said.
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ABC News (NEW YORK) — As fentanyl overdoses and deaths have been on the rise across America, investigators have been setting their sights internationally to stop the flow.
Police and other experts say fentanyl and fentanyl-laced pills have been illegally imported from as far out as China and even smuggled through the U.S.-Mexico border.
“I’ve been doing this for almost 10 years now. And at one time, we would never find fentanyl. Now we’re catching it all the time -and it is coming in different forms,” Robert Meza, an import specialist with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, told ABC News.
Even with some recent crackdowns by governments, the fentanyl is still making its way into the country, into the hands of dealers and victims who have no idea they’re taking the potentially deadly substance, according to law enforcement.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco told ABC News that the majority of fentanyl that his office has confiscated is in the form of counterfeit pills that are delivered in the mail. The pills are designed to look like painkillers and sold to unsuspected victims, especially kids and teens, Bianco said.
“They think they’re experimenting with other drugs,” the sheriff told ABC News.
Some dealers who have been arrested for selling the tainted pills, however, said they had full knowledge of what was going out into the street, the authorities said. Investigators said the dealers add fentanyl to other illicit substances, such as heroin, to drive new addiction and create repeat clients.
Eric Falowski, who was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison in 2016 in Florida for intentionally adding fentanyl to counterfeit pills, told ABC News that he had his pills sent from a contact in China.
“She actually solicited the relationship directly to me and said she can provide fentanyl. That was my best supplier,” he told ABC News.
Under pressure from the U.S., Chinese suppliers have had difficulty sending the pills straight to America, experts said. However, those suppliers have come up with an alternative plan that includes more pit stops.
Investigators said Chinese drug suppliers send the ingredients to make fentanyl to cartels in Mexico. After creating the fentanyl, either in raw powder or pill form, the cartels would ship them across the border in trucks, according to investigators.
Last year more than 11,000 pounds of fentanyl made its way into the U.S. and more than half of it came right through the border of Mexico and San Diego, according to investigators. That was more than double the amount of fentanyl seized at the border compared to 2020, investigators said.
“What you’re seeing now is something that was never possible when fentanyl was coming from China. And that is a coverage of fentanyl all across this country,” Sam Quinones, the author of Dreamland and Least of Us, which chronicled the country’s opioid crisis, told ABC News.
Border patrol agents have stepped up their searches for the pills and other related fentanyl contraband.
In one instance, agents picked up 2 pounds of fentanyl and nearly 82 pounds of meth from a car. The small amount of fentanyl is much more potent than the dozens of pounds of meth, experts said.
Investigators said they’re not sure if they can stop the inflow of the tainted drugs, but reiterated that something needs to be done to stop the flow into the hands of unknowing victims.
“America is being poisoned with fentanyl, and we don’t even know it,” Bianco said.
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Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue After keeping silent for months, Sophie Turner officially confirmed to Elle UK that she is expecting her second child with husband Joe Jonas.
The Game of Thrones alum, who already shares 10-month-old daughter Willa with Joe, reveals in the magazine’s June edition, “We’re so excited to be expanding the family. It’s the best blessing ever.”
“It’s what life is about for me — raising the next generation,” she continues. “The greatest thing in life is seeing my daughter go from strength to strength.”
Turner, 26, and Jonas, 32, began dating in 2016 and tied the knot in 2019.
The actress’ baby bump was on full display at Monday’s Met Gala in New York City.
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Samir Hussein/WireImage Dua Lipa is embracing a healthier lifestyle and recently revealed she’s finally quit smoking.
Speaking on the newest episode of her At Your Service podcast, the “Levitating” hitmaker answered questions from fans and one asked how she manages “the physical toll” of her demanding tour schedule.
“I’ve had to make health changes in my lifestyle when embarking on this tour,” Dua explained. “I actually had laryngitis in December and that kinda kickstarted me quitting smoking a month earlier than I was supposed to!”
“I did it and I have stuck to it,” Dua proudly declared, adding she has a “habit tracker” on her phone to help her stick to her goals. “Every night I tick off all the good things I’ve done for my body and the things I’ve done for myself.”
Dua said quitting smoking is one way she’s stayed on top of her mental health and that it “energizes” her to keep up the good work.
The “New Rules” singer is currently on her pandemic-delayed Future Nostalgia tour, which played over 70 dates since starting in February. It runs into the fall, with a final stop planned in Peth, Australia on November 16.
Dua’s also working on her third studio album.
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The Blossomtime Kings and Queens will be going on a tour of southwest Michigan next week, and one place they’ll stop is the birthplace of the Blossomtime Festival in Benton Harbor. Michael Hoyh with the Legacy Group of Benton Harbor tells us they’ve invited the royalty to tour a local church.
“It’s the 116th anniversary of Blossomtime, and the former First Congregational Church in the city of Benton Harbor is the birthplace of the Blossomtime Festival,” Hoyh said. “That’s where they started over 116 years ago, and the kings and queens will be having a tour of this historic property here in the city of Benton Harbor.”
Hoyh says Blossomtime was started by the pastor at the church 116 years ago to celebrate the natural gifts of the world. He hopes the Blossomtime royalty will get a sense of the event’s origins and history with their tour of the church. They’ll stop there Monday at 3:30 p.m. as they tour all of the communities of southwest Michigan.
Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — A former Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor accused of sexual harassment withdrew his candidacy for a position at New York University Langone Health, after news of his potential hiring received backlash from the NYU community.
Dr. David Sabatini, a biologist, resigned from MIT last month after a review found he violated its workplace policy on consensual relationships and recommended his tenure be revoked. Sabatini allegedly failed to disclose a sexual relationship he had with “a person over whom he held a career-influencing role” and didn’t take any steps to “relinquish his mentoring and career-influencing roles,” according to a letter by MIT President L. Rafael Reif.
The committee conducting the review also had “significant concerns regarding his unprofessional behavior toward some lab members,” the letter added.
Sabatini has denied allegations of sexual harassment and has said the relationship at the center of the investigation was consensual. He has sued his accuser, as well as others, for defamation. His accuser has also countersued.
Sabatini said he was withdrawing his name from consideration, but maintained that he will “eventually be vindicated.”
“False, distorted, and preposterous allegations about me have intensified in the press and on social media in the wake of reports last week that New York University Langone Health was considering hiring me. I understand the enormous pressure this has placed on NYU Langone Health and do not want to distract from its important mission. I have therefore decided to withdraw my name from consideration for a faculty position there,” Sabatini said in a statement to ABC News on Tuesday.
He added, “I deeply respect NYU Langone Health’s mission and appreciate the support from individuals who took the time to learn the facts. I remain steadfast in believing that the truth will ultimately emerge and that I will eventually be vindicated and able to return to my research.”
NYU Langone Health, the university’s academic medical center that includes the school of medicine, said in a statement Tuesday that both Sabatini and the NYU Grossman School of Medicine “reached the conclusion that it will not be possible for him to become a member of our faculty.”
“Our overarching mission at NYU Grossman School of Medicine is advancing science and medicine to save lives. That is what compelled us to give careful reflection to hiring Dr. Sabatini after he initially reached out to us,” NYU Langone Health said.
It added, “In the course of our due diligence, we heard voices of support from many dozens of Dr. Sabatini’s colleagues, lab alumni, and peers who described their first-hand experiences working with him. But we also heard clearly the deep concern from our own faculty, staff, and trainees. Our thorough review and deliberate approach was essential for us to make an independent evaluation consistent with our institutional priorities.”
News that Sabatini may be hired by NYU was first reported on science.org, which also reports that Sabatini has been forced out of or fired from three leading institutions for sexual harassment or for violating workplace or consensual sexual relationship policies.
Members of the NYU community, including its union for graduate workers, a group for women in STEM and a group of STEM researchers planning on forming a union, organized a protest against Sabatini’s hiring last week.
A petition against Sabatini’s hiring had gathered more than 400 signatures as of Tuesday. As long as Sabatini was being considered for a position, signatories pledged to not give or attend any talks, seminars, conferences or symposia hosted by NYU Langone Health. They also vowed not to teach any courses at NYU Langone or collaborate with any labs at NYU Langone.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Congressman Fred Upton says he was disappointed the draft decision on Roe vs. Wade was leaked out of the Supreme Court Tuesday. He tells WSJM News that’s a first.
“I don’t ever remember something like that happening before, and of course, as I understand it, it could well change,” Upton said. “Apparently, it’s a couple of months old. It was written back in February. So, who knows if it changed between now and then?”
So, what now?
“Michigan has a law that’s been on the books since the 30s that would ban abortion is virtually all cases – rape, incest, etc – so it really puts the onus on the state reps and state senators who are all running for election come fall.”
Upton didn’t have much to say about the decision itself. He says abortion will now be an issue of concern to state lawmakers, assuming the Supreme Court sticks with what its draft says when it releases its final decision. As of right now, Upton says neither political party has the 60 votes needed to either ban or protect abortion rights nationwide.
Set for this Friday is the Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor’s annual Rotary Track Meet at St. Joseph High School. The Rotary’s Randy Bettich tells WSJM News the event started in 1958 and was limited last year due to COVID. This year, it’s back with 15 schools taking part.
“Even the small schools are able to compete against the large schools,” Bettich said. “Usually, in track meets in the area, you have conference opponents that meet against each other. They’re usually about the same size schools, but in this you’ll have Lake Michigan Catholic being able to go up against Niles or Lakeshore. It’s unique in that regard.”
Bettich says it’s electrifying to see the energy of the young runners on display. The Rotary Track Meet Scholarship was added to the event in 1977 to help track athletes with funding their college education. In the 40+ years of the track scholarship, more than 125 seniors have been awarded the education grants. This year, there will be three $2,000 scholarships awarded. Nearly all of the Berrien County school districts will be represented. Bettich says the public is invited to attend. The cost for admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students. It starts at 4:30 p.m. with the finals at 6 p.m.
The St. Joseph Department of Public Safety is investigating what it says is the suspicious death of a child. It says officers were called to the 700 block of Columbia Avenue around 1 p.m. on Tuesday on a report of an 8-year-old deceased. They located the body and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab out of Grand Rapids was called in to process the scene. An autopsy will be conducted at Western Michigan University. The department says the death is “an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.” It’s releasing no further details at this time.
Jason Marz/Getty Images (TULSA COUNTY, Okla.) — A judge in Oklahoma ruled Monday that a Tulsa Race Massacre reparations lawsuit may proceed. The decision by Tulsa County Judge Caroline Wall was welcome news to 107-year-old Viola Ford Fletcher and two other survivors of the 1921 massacre.
Fletcher is the oldest living survivor of the destruction that ensued when white mobs attacked the prominent Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Incensed crowds flooded the streets of what is often referred to as Black Wall Street, killing the prosperous neighborhood’s Black residents and demolishing their homes over two days.
Fletcher said she and her family never returned to Tulsa after they fled the night of May 31, 1921. Her home had been ravaged by fire, leaving her and hundreds of others without any of their possessions and livelihoods.
“There wasn’t anything to come back to,” she told ABC News.
She recalls the sounds of shooting and people screaming as she walked past neighbors lying dead in the street. Those memories have stayed with her, sometimes waking her up at night.
“We still have fear,” she said.
She and her co-plaintiffs, Lessie Benningfield Randle, also 107, and Hughes Van Ellis, 101, were all young children at the time. Fletcher will celebrate her 108th birthday on May 10.
The plaintiffs are suing for a victims’ compensation fund, pushing for “whatever it takes to replace our loss,” according to Fletcher.
Judge Wall partially denied Tulsa’s motion to dismiss the public nuisance civil court lawsuit on Monday. Oklahoma’s public nuisance statute allows authorities to be sued for what attorneys say is their role in endangering the safety of Greenwood’s residents and their property. The plaintiffs must show that the “comfort, repose, health, or safety” of Greenwood’s residents was harmed, and that Tulsa officials failed to perform their duties to protect Greenwood and its residents from that harm.
However, some officials are hesitant to pay monetary reparations to the victims and their families seeking restitution.
“I am not opposed to cash payments to descendants and the victims. It’s where the money comes from that for me is important,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, who led the effort to help find missing Tulsa victims, said to ABC News, before adding that he is ”opposed to levying a tax on this generation of Tulsans who are at no fault.”
The Mayor’s office declined to comment on the judge’s ruling as the lawsuit is under litigation.
Driesen Heath, a Tulsa-born reparations researcher and advocate, spoke with ABC News about the need for reparations to be paid to the massacre’s survivors.
“The city of Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma have documented culpability in the massacre and they need to repay in all forms that are necessary, the harms that they have perpetrated and facilitated,” Heath said.
Heath said the consequences of these harms are still affecting families 100 years later, causing some intergenerational pain while others accrue intergenerational wealth.
“People make arguments about not wanting to pay for the sins of their forefathers and their ancestors, but they want to benefit from those sins continually,” she said.
If won, the lawsuit could mean hundreds of millions of dollars awarded to victims, accounting for financial losses that Damario Solomon-Simmons, an attorney for the survivors, said “would have made a tremendous difference” in the lives of those affected.
“I have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And I really want this for my younger generation, something that I wasn’t able to do for them,” Fletcher said.
Over a century later, this lawsuit may be the last known living survivors’ last chance to see justice served for the racist decimation of their community that left over 300 people dead, hundreds more injured, and countless more marked by the devastation.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says she won’t enforce a state law banning abortion that will take effect once the U.S. Supreme Court releases its formal opinion overturning Roe vs. Wade, assuming that’s what it will do. A draft opinion from the court leaked this week indicating it will strike down the landmark 1973 opinion legalizing abortion. Nessel says she’s been taking a look at the 1931 Michigan law.
“That law is MCL 750.14, and what that means is that abortion is not just illegal, it’s a crime,” Nessel said. “It’s not just something someone can sue over civilly. People can go to jail or prison for this.”
Nessel says the person who performs an abortion would be looking at a four year felony. She also thinks a woman who performs her own abortion would face possible prosecution.
“What I see happening is just basically not having any abortion providers at all in the state of Michigan, and my grave concern is that you are going to have women who are going to die.”
Nessel said county prosecutors would likely decide on pursuing such cases. She won’t enforce the state law. She said, “I will take no part of driving women back into the dark ages and the back alleys.” Nessel said she wasn’t surprised by the Supreme Court’s decision, but she was surprised it was leaked.
Disney Channel/Image Group LA Kelly Clarkson showed us what it would have sounded like if Elton John had tapped her for his “Cold Heart” remix. She belted out her version of the song during her daytime talk show on Tuesday, taking some liberties with the notes and octave. Of course, her fans are now begging for a dance album.
The Weeknd is a big fan of Ariana Grande‘s work ethic. When a fan began listing what female artists bring to the production of their songs, such as Ariana re-recording lyrics to stack her vocals, the “Blinding Lights” singer declared, “i’ve seen Ariana work in real time. That woman is a BEAST.” Ariana and The Weekend collaborated on several songs, including “Save Your Tears,” “love me harder” and “off the table.”
Olivia Rodrigo and Vanessa Hudgens had the cutest High School Musical moment at Monday’s Met Gala. The two both play Gabriella Montez in their own versions of HSM, of which Vanessa says makes her feel they have “such a connection.” Olivia sweetly replied, “I know! We’re soul sisters!” Olivia played the role Vanessa originated in the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
ABC ABC’s new true-crime show Who Do You Believe? premieres Tuesday night.
The show lets viewers play armchair detective, analyzing real cases presented from dual perspectives.
“In order to find the actual truth, you need to hear all sides. And when it comes to crime, too often the sides of, you know, you don’t really get the full picture,” executive producer Ben Crompton explains to ABC Audio. “Because everyone’s truth is different.”
He adds, “What we set out to do is to speak to people who were close to a really twisty, turny, true-crime story on either side of it. And what we found is their stories, their truth is often directly incongruent to the other person’s truth.”
Executive producer Alex Weresow says Who Do You Believe? isdifferent than other true-crime shows. “Yes, there are some murders, but the range of stories are pretty different, too,” he notes. “We have a conservatorship battle…You know, it’s mothers versus daughters, sons versus mothers…They’re not all bloody, gory murder.”
Since the show deals with court cases, ABC Audio asked Weresow about the fascination over coverage of Johnny Depp‘s lawsuit against Amber Heard.
“[Y]ou get to see her reaction to him on trial as he’s [testifying],” Weresow points out. “And that’s exactly what we’re doing in our show, utilizing split screen and kind of putting them in the same rooms. You can watch this person as that person is making the accusations against them, and they have the right to rebut everything as well.”
He adds, “So it is very much just like that, that trial. But hearing Amber being able to respond right away instead of having to bite her tongue.”
Who Do You Believe? airs at 10 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Idris Elba and Davis in “The Suicide Squad” — & © DC Comics/Jessica Miglio Oscar winner Viola Davis will play icy DC Comics character Amanda Waller once again in a small-screen spin-off centering on her Suicide Squad and Peacemaker character.
Deadline reports Peacemaker and The Suicide Squad writer-director James Gunn will executive-produce the series for HBO Max, with Christal Henry, writer on HBO’s Emmy winning Watchmen series, writing the stories.
Davis’ Waller was talked about throughout, but only seen in the finale of the hit Peacemaker, which centered on John Cena‘s title character and other members of her team of misfits from the Suicide Squad movies, Task Force X. Waller had planted her conflicted daughter, Leota Adebayo — played by Danielle Brooks — on the team in order to land Cena’s hero back behind bars.
Gunn had hinted to Deadline back in January that he was working on another spin-off from The Suicide Squad, noting, “it won’t be as much a comedy as Peacemaker, but it will be in the same universe.”
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images (NEW YORK) — At least 19 states plan to offer legal refuge to transgender youth and their families displaced by anti-LGBTQ legislation that criminalizes the families and physicians of trans children.
“When trans kids’ lives are on the line, playing defense doesn’t cut it. It’s time to play offense,” said Annise Parker, president and CEO of LGBTQ advocacy group Victory Institute.
She went on, “We are using the collective power of LGBTQ state legislators all across the nation to launch a counter-offensive that aims to protect trans kids and parents while also demonstrating that there is a positive agenda for trans people that lawmakers can support.”
Lawmakers in states like Texas, Louisiana, Arizona and Alabama have proposed bills criminalizing gender-affirming transgender care.
In a February opinion, Texas state attorney General Ken Paxton called gender-affirming care “abuse.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott followed Paxton’s opinion by directing the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate such care as child abuse.
These investigations have been halted after a family sued the state alongside the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has also issued several anti-LGBTQ policies, including a ban on transgender youth health care that physicians said was riddled with misinformation.
He signed SB 184, the Vulnerable Child Protection Act, which states that anyone who provides gender-affirming care — including puberty blockers, hormone therapy or physical gender-affirming surgeries — to an individual under age 18 could be convicted of a felony, face up to 10 years in prison and be fined $15,000.
To combat such efforts, a bill from California state Sen. Scott Wiener aims to make California a legal safe haven for parents who may have their transgender children taken away from them or be criminally prosecuted for providing care for their children.
“Starting with our legislation in California, we are building a coordinated national legislative campaign by LGBTQ lawmakers to provide refuge for trans kids and their families,” said Wiener. “We’re making it crystal clear: we will not let trans kids be belittled, used as political pawns and denied gender-affirming care.”
He has joined forces with LGBTQ advocacy groups from all over the country, including Victory Institute and Equality California.
“Parents should not live in fear of being hunted down by the government for loving and supporting their child,” said Tony Hoang, executive director of LGBTQ advocacy group Equality California.
He continued, “As a native Texan, I’m ashamed of Gov. Abbott’s hateful attacks against trans kids and their families. But as a Californian, I’m so proud of our state for serving as a beacon of hope and a place of refuge for those children and their parents.”
New York, Minnesota, Colorado, Connecticut, New Mexico and more have followed suit, introducing similar protections for trans people who come from out of state.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, there have been more than 300 bills targeting the LGBTQ community nationwide in 2022.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Aaron Katersky, Mark Crudele, and Meredith Deliso, ABC News (NEW YORK) — A faulty fan caused the glitch that prevented cameras at a Brooklyn subway station from transmitting during a mass shooting on a rush-hour train last month, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
The cameras were working until “less than 24 hours” before the April 12 shooting on the N train as it approached the 36th Street station in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood, MTA Chair Janno Lieber wrote in a letter to congressional representatives obtained by ABC News.
In the days before the incident, technicians worked to replace the fan unit for an issue that initially wasn’t impacting the transmission of the cameras’ feed, according to Lieber.
“Technicians replaced the fan unit on the morning of April 8, but the network diagnostics still indicated a problem,” Lieber wrote in the letter, dated May 2. “MTA technicians made a series of repairs in an effort to correct the issue, and on the morning of Monday April 11, as technicians were installing new communication hardware, the camera failed.”
Lieber characterized the cause of the outage as a “failure of hardware and software” at the communications room that governs the station’s cameras that prevented them from transmitting their feed. The outage also impacted the cameras at the 25th Street and 45th Street subway stations.
“Technicians were working in the communications room on the next morning, April 12, when the attack took place,” the chair wrote. “NYPD directed them to leave the communications room as the investigation began.”
The cameras were back online by 12:30 p.m. on April 13, according to Lieber.
Dozens of people were injured, including 10 by gunfire, in the shooting. Police arrested a suspect more than 24 hours after the incident.
The NYPD, which had initially said the cameras were out at the three stations due to a “technical issue,” called claims that the lack of operating cameras delayed the manhunt “unfair and misleading.”
“The MTA cameras in other parts of the system were essential elements in determining his movements before and after the shootings,” John Miller, deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism for the NYPD, said in a statement in the wake of the attack.
In his letter, Lieber also said the MTA’s subway camera system played a “critical role in the manhunt.”
The alleged gunman, 62-year-old Frank James, faces a terror-related count. Last week, defense attorneys charged in a court filing that federal agents improperly questioned him. In response, the federal government said it was authorized and within its rights in its interactions with James.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
The Orchards Mall in Benton Township has found a new use for one of its vacant store spaces, and it’s hoping the approach could mark the start of a new life for the facility. Mall Manager Christina Castaneda tells us the former Carson’s store has been turned into a vendors area with a consignment element set to open next month. She says local merchants sell mostly hand-made items at the space on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They started in January, and as the summer approaches and many expect to be selling at festivals, the idea of launching a consignment corner to continue sales was born. The consignment area will open May 21. Castaneda says the new idea has been working well, and Midwest Expos holds displays of exotic animals periodically. They’ll be there this Saturday, and Castaneda says they have plans to display a lion and a tiger in July. She invites everyone out to the mall this weekend to check out the new attraction.
*Photo taken from the Facebook page of the Orchards Mall.
Carla Gray Weiser of Pray SW Michigan and Pastor Ron Rayon of Grace Christian Center St. Joseph tell us about Thursday, May 5’s free Berrien County National Day of Prayer event happening from Noon-1pm at the Howard Bandshell in St. Joseph.
Let Your Light Shine on the National Day of Prayer
Rain or shine, the community is invited to “Let your light shine!” at the National Day of Prayer (NDP) in-person or virtual events, Thursday, May 5 from 12 pm to 1 pm. Meet in-person at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell, 500 Port Street, Saint Joseph, MI. Virtual events include a teleconference (dial 701-801-6523), and a Facebook Live event at “PRAY SW Michigan”. Events are free and open to the public.
Sheriff Paul Bailey will open the event with the Pledge of Allegiance and Carson and Emma, Trinity Lutheran School students, will set the pace with prayers of thanksgiving. A Berrien County NDP event has been held since 1985 and is designed to promote prayer for the nation and leaders.
“Let’s gather and pray for the Holy Spirit Revival in SW Michigan!” invited Pastor Ron Rayon of Grace Christian Center in Saint Joseph, adding “United public prayers always precede great, break-through revivals.”
First responders, small business owners, and ministers will insightfully lead prayer, including Jenna Ennesser, Pastor Andy Hannich, Mrs. Reshella Hawkins, Pastor Jay Haynes, Pastors Anthony and Brenda Hester, Pastor Ron Rayon, Kalpana Wasnik, Pastor Karen Weidler, and Reverend Allen Weiser, among others.
Thanks to the 2022 NDP Sponsors who make this event possible: Capozio’s of Harbert, Conserva Irrigation, Dana Gray & Associates, Far Ahead Advertising Inc., MailMax, Grace Christian Center, Pastor Andy and Ingrid Hannich, Pastor Dan and Glenda Head, Chaplain Bruce and Susan Linscheid, Nate’s Dronography, PRAY SW Michigan, and Seeder & Co. Landscaping.
For additional information, visit
- Facebook event “National Day of Prayer, Berrien County, Michigan” (https://fb.me/e/2keoWf3gH)
- NationalDayofPrayer.org/events https://www.NationalDayofPrayer.org/events, search 49085 zip code
- Call 701-801-6523 on Wednesdays at 12 noon.
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber updates on several events including the Greater Bridgman Area Annual Meeting, the Young Professionals Mixer during the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, and the Makers Trail Festival in Bridgman, Saturday, June 11. Get more details in the events section at smrchamber.com!
Jessica and Brandon from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance join Zack to talk about the special honor received by the WBC, the Women’s Business Center of the Year Award, as well as the kickoff of Small Business Week! See how you can participate at cornerstonewbc.com.
Bernadette is a 2 or 3 year old female Husky. She is an easy-going girl and loves people! Bernadette is fully vaccinated, tested negative for heartworms, and is microchipped. Bernadette is at Van Buren County Animal Control, Phone 269-621-4624, 58040 Country Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057. Please contact them to learn more about their beautiful Bernadette.
The BuyLocalBerrien.com April education series of How-To articles continues with details on how to enjoy your wine thanks to Local Pour and other great sponsors! Visit BuyLocalBerrien.com to read more, thanks to the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
Zack is joined by Chris and Jessica from Cornerstone Alliance to talk about what Economic Development does for our area, and why investing in Cornerstone Alliance helps keep our area growing and moving forward. Find out more at gomichigan.com!
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation is joined by Amy from St. Joe Today to talk about the Alamar Non-Profit Sustainability Grant and how local non-profits can apply at berriencommunity.org for this impactful program.
Miss Blossomtime 2022: Lillian Waggoner, Miss Buchanan, attending Berrien Springs High School
1st Runner Up: Madisen Kozminski, Miss Stevensville, attending Michigan State University
2nd Runner Up: Kirsten Krause, Miss Spirt of Blossomtime, attending Berrien Springs High School
Miss Congeniality: Breanna Truelove, Miss Lawrence, attending Hartford High School
Anna Murphy and Emily Szymkiewicz from United Way of Southwest Michigan join Zack to talk about the new board members joining for this year and how you, too, can volunteer your time. Visit uwsm.org for more.
United Way of Southwest Michigan welcomes new board members from Spectrum, AEP, and Cass County Court
United Way of Southwest Michigan is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors:
- Nicole Britten, Director of Population Health, Spectrum Health Lakeland
- Susan Dobrich, Retired Chief Judge, Cass County
- April Lloyd, Manager of Design Engineering, AEP Cook Nuclear Plant
Anna Murphy, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Michigan, said, “We are very grateful to our new members for agreeing to serve our community on United Way’s board. We look forward to their contribution of time and talent to help guide the important work we do.”
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s 2022 Board of Directors:
Executive Committee –
- Zack East, Vice President of Customer Success, Mid-West Family of Southwest Michigan and Indiana – Board Chair
- Gokul Nair, Global IT Director – Strategic Sourcing, Sustainability & EHS, Whirlpool – Board Vice Chair, High Performing Board (Governance)
- Emily Szymkiewicz, Vice President of Retail Operations, United Federal Credit Union – Treasurer, Chair, Finance Committee, Impact Cabinet
- Barbara Craig, Executive Director of Community Impact & Resource Development, Lake Michigan College –Chair, Impact Cabinet
- Christina Hardy, Partner, Plante Moran – Immediate Past Chair, Finance Committee
Other directors –
- Glenn Cowles, Owner, The UPS Store (#3816, Paw Paw & #5080 South Haven)
- – Strategic Planning Committee
- Randy Hendrixson, Owner, DPM Events & Berrien County Record
- Matthew Meier, Executive Vice President & Chief Digital and Data Officer, Driven Brands – Strategic Planning Committee
- Sunil Samtani, President, Gast Manufacturing/An IDEX Corporation – Chair, (JEDI) Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Tim Smith, CEO, Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network
- Korey Thomas, Head of Investor Relations, Whirlpool – Finance Committee
- Susan Watts, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, Bronson Healthcare
“Our board comprised of members who represent many different facets of our community is an example of how the community at large helps steer United Way to creating lasting, meaningful change for the better,” Murphy said. “We invite the community to come alongside us in a variety of ways—by serving on the board, committees, and investment teams. It’s part of our broader ‘turning outward’ effort of welcoming all voices to the crucial conversations that shape our work.”
Mr. Blossomtime 2022: Nathan Hawks of Stevensville
1st Runner Up: Jacob Timmer of South Haven
2nd Runner Up: Wesley Seabury of Coloma
Mr. Nice Guy: Gabe Campoli of Edwardsburg
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring “Cookie” from Cass County Animal Control/Shelter!
Meet Cookie! She’s a young adult female tortoiseshell cat who came to the shelter 3 months ago with several of her furry friends. Shortly after arriving at the shelter, she gave birth to 3 beautiful kittens, who have found new forever homes. Cookie is very affectionate and cannot get enough attention, and she loves her kitty treats! Cookie is looking for her forever home today! Cookie will need to be spayed and updated on her vaccinations soon. Her adoption fee will be only $45. Cookie is at Cass County Animal Control, Phone 269-445-3701, 323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49301. (Shelter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-11am By Appointment, 11am-5pm Lobby Open) Please contact them to learn more about their cute and curious little Cookie!
Daniele from St. Joseph Today joins Zack for a look at the fun events and great deals to enjoy around the area. Find more anytime at stjoetoday.com!
- Lazy Ballerina Winery hosts a Faux Succulent Planters Workshop with The Turquoise Top Hat today from 5:30PM-7:30PM! Have you checked out their new space? Just a few doors down from their old location!
- Test your 90s Nickelodeon knowledge tonight at the Silver Harbor Brewing Trivia Night at 7PM in the Garden! Free to play.
- Shop one-of-a-kind handcrafted items from local artisans during the Spring Artisan Market hosted by The Local this Saturday, April 23 at 10AM. Attendees will also enjoy delicious food from The Local and Evelyn Mae’s BBQ.
- Wanderlust Outfitters hosts an Osprey Pro Shop Celebration all weekend long! Did you know that they are one of only 12 official Osprey Pro Shops in the nation? Shop amazing deals and earn Adventure Cash!
- St. Joe Today is excited to announce the band lineup for the 2022 Compass Music Fest! This event will be held on Saturday, May 21 from 12PM-8PM and will feature five amazing bands: The Backups and The Get Downs, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Mary Lambert, Morningsiders and HEADLINER JP Saxe! Tickets are on sale now, visit stjoetoday.com/compassmusicfest for more information!
Susan from Berrien Community Foundation is joined by Reshella from Emergency Shelter Services to talk about the Love Your Shelter campaign and how you can help. Get more details at berriencommunity.org!
Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to preview a ribbon-cutting tonight, a special Recruitment event for businesses Wednesday, and Thursday’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Business After Hours event. Find more details and get registered at smrchamber.com!
Ashley and Jessica from Cornerstone Alliance join us to talk about the First Choice program and how employers can participate to help prospective hires see the best of Michigan’s Great Southwest before they move to the area. See more at gomichigan.com!
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Grace from Berrien County Animal Control – Berrien County Government.
Grace is a 4-6 year old American Terrier. If you have a tennis ball, you’re the person she wants! She will chase and catch a tennis ball for hours on end!! Grace will also give you all the love and cuddles you could ever want or need. She can be dog selective because she is a reserved girl. Grace does well with cats and children. She is up to date on shots and spayed. Grace was picked up on 10/24/21 as a stray and has been in the shelter since then. We have not had any issues with her and can’t understand why no one has shown interest in her. We believe Grace is house broken because she keeps her kennel clean. Grace is at Berrien County Animal Control, Phone 269-927-5648, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Please contact us or stop by the shelter to learn more about our fun and sweet Grace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, with Flora & Osa from Paws Of Hope!
Flora and Osa are littermates, born in May of 2021, and have very soft black coats. Both cats are extremely polite ladies. Flora (on the left) has a quiet nature but loves her scratching post, and playing with string and soft catnip toys. Osa (on the right) loves other cats, especially if they like to play ‘chase.’ Flora and Osa can be shy with new people but are truly wonderful ladies once trust is earned. We would be happy if they are adopted together, however, it is not necessary. Flora and Osa are spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and tested negative for FeLV. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our beautiful Flora and Osa.
Meagan has details on some last-of-the-month details and events to check out at local restaurants and local establishments to enjoy as part of Restaurant Month at BuyLocalBerrien.com!
Daniele from St. Joe Today has details on fun live music to enjoy, great ways to help Ukraine, and more! Head to stjoetoday.com anytime to see the details.
- The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College hosts the Stars of the Sixties tonight at 6:30PM. Don’t miss two of the biggest Stars of the Sixties: Jay & the Americans and The Cyrkle (Circle), along with one of the hottest young singers on the scene today Chris Ruggiero.
- Enjoy a Cocktail Night with live music by Johnny V & Al Joseph this Friday from 6PM-11PM hosted by Watermark Brewing at the Watermark Solarium!
- Sister Lakes Brewing hosts Brew for Ukraine Fundraiser this Friday from 3PM-10PM. Join SLBC and help them raise funds for the humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine. They will be tapping their “RESIST: Ukrainian Anti-Imperial Stout.
- This Sunday marks the return of the Benton Harbor Arts Association Open Stage! On the first Sunday of the month, the BHAA Open Stage will be held at The Livery; 4:30PM kicks off the sign ups and performances start at 5PM. April’s host is St. Joe Jack!
- The Monday Music Club hosts Internationally Known Pianist Lori Sims at the First Congregational Church at 7PM. This program is free and open to the public.
- Stayed tuned for more details on the Compass Music Fest which will be held Saturday, May 21 from 12PM-8PM! Visit stjoetoday.com/compassmusicfest for band announcements next week.
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation joins us to talk about the new grant program sponsored by Carolyn Hanson called Carolyn’s Kids, where non-profits could be awarded one of two $50,000 grants to support children’s programming in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, or Stevensville areas! Head to berriencommunity.org/grants to apply.
“Carolyn’s Kids” Grants at Berrien Community Foundation Celebrates Love of Kids
New grant program will provide $100,000 in funding
Carolyn Hanson has a heart for children and wants to make sure their needs are met in our community. The newest grant program at Berrien Community Foundation, Carolyn’s Kids, is a partnership between Carolyn Hanson and the Berrien Community Foundation that will award two $50,000 grants to programs that support the needs of children.
“The children truly are the future,” said Carolyn Hanson. “I care so much about what happens to our kids. I’m so honored, proud and humbled that I can be part of doing something to help kids.”
What started as a casual conversation resulted in Carolyn’s Kids.
“We were talking about the needs in the community, and I could see Carolyn’s passion to help children,” said BCF President Lisa Cripps-Downey. “So, we decided to put something together that could use both of our resources and would result in a way to make the lives of children better. It’s a great partnership and I’m really excited to see what this can do for children.”
The grant opportunity is available to non-profit organizations, schools, churches doing community work and government organizations. The program will award two, $50,000 grants to support children’s programming in the Benton Harbor, St. Joseph or Stevensville areas.
Carolyn’s Kids will look for programs that improve the lives of children by:
- Meeting basic needs
- Enhancing educational experiences
- Addressing mental and emotional well being
- Contributing to their safety and security
- Preparing them for the future
“The criteria intentionally reflect a very broad range of ways to positively impact the lives of children,” Cripps-Downey said. “I encourage organizations to be creative and come to us with ideas. It can be supporting an existing program or trying something completely new.”
Applications are now available through the Berrien Community Foundation website at www.berriencommunity.org/grants. Applications are due Tuesday, May 31. The winning applications will be announced in September at the Berrien Community Foundation Annual Meeting.
The Berrien Community Foundation is a center of philanthropy in Berrien County holding endowment and other funds to support programs and projects throughout Berrien County. These Community Foundation funds support the ever-changing needs of Berrien County now and into the future. With more than $90 million in assets, the Foundation provides grants and scholarships plus opportunities for individuals across the County to fulfill charitable intentions through life-end giving and estate planning. For information about BCF, call 269-983-3304 or visit www.berriencommunity.org.
Sharon Polfus from United Way of Southwest Michigan joins us to talk about the importance of literacy in Southwest Michigan and how you can make an immediate local impact with a great program called “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library!” Find out more at uwsm.org.
March is National Reading Month, and United Way of Southwest Michigan is encouraging the community to rally around early childhood literacy by sponsoring children to participate in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) serves children from birth through age 5 to help them develop early literacy skills, foster a love of reading, and be prepared to enter kindergarten. Children enrolled in DPIL receive a specially selected age-appropriate book mailed to their home each month until their 5th birthday. This program not only affects kindergarten readiness, but it also makes a big impact on third grade reading proficiency.
DPIL is provided free of charge to all children under the age of 5 and their families, regardless of income. However, the cost for United Way to provide this program is $25 per child per year. Currently, more than 7,000 children are enrolled in DPIL in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
Our goal for this March campaign is the sponsorship of 250 kids for the full five years!
How you can help!
Everyone is invited to sponsor one or more children to participate in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
- Sponsor a child for one year
providing 12 books – $25
- Sponsor a child for three years
providing 36 books – $75
- Sponsor a child for the whole program, five years
providing 60 books – $125
To sponsor, visit uwsm.org/DPIL.
Why Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is important to Southwest Michigan
-
According to the Michigan Department of Education, 56% of third graders in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties are not meeting reading proficiency.
-
75% of children who are poor readers in third grade will be poor readers in high school. Many of these children will struggle or eventually drop out of school
-
In order for children to possess the proper reading skills in third grade, efforts at developing literacy abilities need to begin much sooner. Research shows that the learning environment at home, even from the very birth of a child, has tremendous impact on the short-term and long-term reading capability of a child.
- Children develop much of their capacity to learn in the first three years of life, when their brains grow to 90% of their eventual adult weight.
- Studies show that when children enter school with age-appropriate language and literacy skills, they are more likely to read at or above grade level by third grade. They are also better prepared to succeed in later grades.
- Immersing a child in a literacy-rich environment from birth can be a stronger predictor of literacy and academic achievement than family income.
Singer Dolly Parton, founder of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, said, “When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”
ABOUT UNITED WAY
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community’s longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.
Jessica with Cornerstone Alliance talks with a new Cornerstone investor, Cory Flaugh about the importance of locally-owned small businesses in our community and their importance to Economic Development in our area, as well as his 70+ year old business in Benton Harbor, the Flaugh Insurance Agency. Learn more about investing in Cornerstone Alliance at gomichigan.com!
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Conner & Cian from Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan!
Conner and Cian are 12 week old orange Tabby-striped kittens. They are healthy, playful, crazy kittens who love to wrestle and chase balls with bells inside. The boys have been dewormed and have a veterinary appointment scheduled for their neuter surgery in May. Please call Animal Aid of Southwestern MI at 269-934-7729 to meet our adorable little guys, Conner and Cian. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Steven from Berrien County Animal Control!
Steven is a 2-4 year old American Terrier Mix, up to date on shots and neutered. This energetic boy is looking for someone who can help him get “the wiggles” out of his system before settling down for a nice long nap on the couch. If you have the energy, Steven is here to match it! He enjoys playing with toys outside and going for walks or jogs. If you are into other sports or activities, our guy Steven will probably also enjoy them. We think he could do well with another dog who is able to match his energy level and tolerate it. Due to his high energy level, Steven would do best in a home with older children. Steven was picked up as a stray and has been at our shelter since 11/7/21. Time to find this athletic guy a home! Steven is at Berrien County Animal Control, Phone 269-927-5648, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Please contact us or stop by the shelter to learn more about our man of action, Steven.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daniele from St. Joe Today has plenty of great St. Patrick’s party ideas and great ways to celebrate Women’s History Month, too! Visit stjoetoday.com for more.
- Houndstooth hosts Burgers with Buddies from 5:00p-10:00p tonight Thursday, March 17 featuring Lauren from The Elder Bread. Diners will enjoy a burger night menu, no reservations.
- The Berrien Country Historical Association celebrates Women’s History month, with their latest “Passport to the Past” program – Glass Ceilings Shattered: Michigan Women in Politics tonight Thursday, March 17 at 6:30p. This event is free and open to the public, donations welcome.
- Watermark Brewing Co. hosts a St. Paddy’s Party at 6:00p on Friday, March 18! This crossover event is held with the Watermark Solarium. Attendees will enjoy the La Chula Taco Truck, live music featuring the Dan Moore Band at 7:00p (Solarium) and live music featuring Mo & Co at 7:30p (Watermark). $10 admission – keep the glass; 21+; no dogs.
- The Inn at Harbor Shores hosts the 3rd annual Makers Ball at 7:00p on Saturday, March 19! Meet some of the Makers of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council’s Makers Trial. Advanced party tickets, $40/per (plus tax & service charge) include souvenir sampling glass, 10 sampling tickets, DJ and dancing, heavy appetizers, fun games, selfie station.
- In celebration of Women’s History month, Tabor Hill Winery hosts a Sip + Shop Women’s Maker Market from 12:00p-4:00 this Sunday, March 20 featuring local artisans. Attendees will enjoy the March Cocktail 4 Cause, Pretty in Pink, supporting the Women’s Service League!
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation salutes some of the many women that have made an impact in the community thanks to their generous donations. You, too, can leave a lasting legacy to share with the community by heading to berriencommunity.org.
Sharon Polfus from United Way of Southwest Michigan joins us to talk about the importance of literacy in Southwest Michigan and how you can make an immediate local impact with a great program called “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library!” Find out more at uwsm.org.
March is National Reading Month, and United Way of Southwest Michigan is encouraging the community to rally around early childhood literacy by sponsoring children to participate in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) serves children from birth through age 5 to help them develop early literacy skills, foster a love of reading, and be prepared to enter kindergarten. Children enrolled in DPIL receive a specially selected age-appropriate book mailed to their home each month until their 5th birthday. This program not only affects kindergarten readiness, but it also makes a big impact on third grade reading proficiency.
DPIL is provided free of charge to all children under the age of 5 and their families, regardless of income. However, the cost for United Way to provide this program is $25 per child per year. Currently, more than 7,000 children are enrolled in DPIL in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
Our goal for this March campaign is the sponsorship of 250 kids for the full five years!
How you can help!
Everyone is invited to sponsor one or more children to participate in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
- Sponsor a child for one year
providing 12 books – $25
- Sponsor a child for three years
providing 36 books – $75
- Sponsor a child for the whole program, five years
providing 60 books – $125
To sponsor, visit uwsm.org/DPIL.
Why Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is important to Southwest Michigan
-
According to the Michigan Department of Education, 56% of third graders in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties are not meeting reading proficiency.
-
75% of children who are poor readers in third grade will be poor readers in high school. Many of these children will struggle or eventually drop out of school
-
In order for children to possess the proper reading skills in third grade, efforts at developing literacy abilities need to begin much sooner. Research shows that the learning environment at home, even from the very birth of a child, has tremendous impact on the short-term and long-term reading capability of a child.
- Children develop much of their capacity to learn in the first three years of life, when their brains grow to 90% of their eventual adult weight.
- Studies show that when children enter school with age-appropriate language and literacy skills, they are more likely to read at or above grade level by third grade. They are also better prepared to succeed in later grades.
- Immersing a child in a literacy-rich environment from birth can be a stronger predictor of literacy and academic achievement than family income.
Singer Dolly Parton, founder of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, said, “When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”
ABOUT UNITED WAY
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community’s longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.
This month, we’re spotlighting Chris Frank at Cornerstone Alliance as the featured team member making a difference in economic development. Meet more of the team and see how your investment can go far to help the community go even farther at gomichigan.com!
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Jessie from Al-Van Humane Society!
Jessie is a very goofy girl who likes treats and, despite her need for intensive veterinary care for heartworm disease and mastitis, she retains a very joyful personality. Jessie is four years old and came to Al-Van in August of 2021 in need of veterinary care. She has undergone treatment and is ready to find a loving home where she can rest her head. Jessie can be a little hand shy at first meeting, but she is very quick to warm up and trust new people! Once she warms up, she will show her belly for rubs (her favorite!) and will sit for treats. Jessie is spayed, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, has undergone heartworm treatment, and has been treated for mastitis. She is patiently waiting for her forever home! If you are interested in adopting or fostering or adopting Jessie, you can visit Al-Van’s website at al-van.org.
March Muttness: ends March 11th, 11:00 pm: Al-Van has decided to participate in March Muttness this year. So far, we have made it all the way to Round 3! March Muttness is a fundraising tournament involving humane societies around the nation. They come together to raise money for their efforts in a bracket-style tournament that keeps active donors on their toes! Round 3 ends at 11:00 p.m. tonight. Visit marchmutness.org and donate to Al-Van to push us into Round 4!
Chow Hound Meet & Greet: March 19th – 11am-2pm: Come meet some of Al-Van’s snuggliest pets at the Holland Chow Hound between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. You may even just take home your new best friend!
It’s Furry Friends Friday sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe with Page from Paws Of Hope!
If you are looking for an active and playful cat to add to your family, look no further. Page is the guy for you! He is an orange and white short haired 10 month old kitten. Page would be the purrr-fect addition to an active family looking to add some feline flare! Page currently lives in a foster home with other cats and two medium sized dogs, so he would do well in any home environment. He is a goofy boy, loves all the action of a busy home, and gets along with everyone. If Page is not already at the center of attention, he is easy to find as he comes when called. This kitten never wants to miss out on a good snuggle or play session with the people and other pets in his foster home. Page’s playful demeanor and lovable quirks mean he will help to put a smile on your face every day. Page is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org if you’re considering opening your home to this sweet and spunky kitten. Page will make sure you don’t regret it!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Noir from Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan.
Noir is an 8 month old male kitten. He has a beautiful black coat and huge gold eyes. Noir is a friendly guy. He is great with kids, dogs, and other pets. He loves to sit on the back of the couch and head-butt people! Noir has been neutered and is ready for his new home. Please contact Animal Aid of SW Michigan at 269-934-7729 to learn more about our handsome Noir. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fresco is a very sweet, very smart 3 year old male dog who is as loyal as they come! He has had quite the journey with us here at Al-Van Humane Society, and so many of us are very proud of the progress he has made. He has been at Al-Van for 216 DAYS!! Fresco loves his squishy toys more than life itself, and walks come in close second. As soon as you ask Fresco if he’d like to go for a walk, he gleams from ear to ear! He has been known to do very well with puzzle toys and any other toy that encourages enrichment. He’s got a big head to house his large brain and he’s ready to find the knee to rest it on! Fresco does have some prey drive, so he would do best in a home without cats or small animals, and he would need to meet any dogs that already reside in a home before adoption. Fresco is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and ready for his forever home! If you would like to meet this beautiful and intelligent dog, fill out an Al-Van Humane Society online adoption application at al-van.org/adopt.
Al-Van’s Masquerade Furball – February 19th, 6:00 p.m. at Black River Barn: Al-Van Humane Society’s Masquerade Furball is upon us! The Furball is an elegant fundraising event hosted by Al-Van Humane Society whose proceeds will go directly to providing compassionate care and shelter to the dogs and cats of the community. Purchase tickets and start bidding on silent auction items here: alvan.givesmart.com This event will have live music, food, and drinks, and, most importantly, live and silent auctions. The auction items are high-quality, high-value items that were generously donated to us from individuals and businesses around the South Haven area. Individuals do not have to have tickets to the event in order to bid on silent auction items.
Al-Van Humane Society’s Valentine’s Angel Event – February 13th-February 19th: Thanks to Al-Van’s very generous Valentine’s Angel, all adoption fees will be covered from February 13th to February 19th. Consider adopting our pet of the week, Fresco, free of charge!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images (NEW YORK) — “No-knock” warrants — where officers don’t announce themselves before entering a home — are under scrutiny once again following the Feb. 2 fatal shooting of Amir Locke, a 22-year-old Black man who was killed during a raid by Minneapolis police officers.
The warrants, which critics say create chaotic and dangerous circumstances, have come under scrutiny before, most prominently in the 2020 killing of Breonna Taylor during a botched drug raid.
“This is an epic failure of policy, and that failed policy killed Amir Locke,” civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Locke’s family, said in a press conference Monday. “Warrants create chaotic, confusing circumstances that put everyone present at risk and those people are disproportionately marginalized people of color.”
While some law enforcement advocates interviewed by ABC News say no-knock warrants are needed to protect the lives of officers in dangerous situations, they recognize the need to refine the process.
Minneapolis, alongside many other cities across the country, is now reckoning with its use of no-knock warrants and how far a ban should go.
What is a no-knock warrant?
Officers are typically required to knock and announce their “identity, authority and purpose, and demand to enter” before entering a residence to execute a warrant, according to a press release from the Department of Justice that describes federal policy.
Local and state officers typically follow the same policies, according to attorney and criminal justice professor Rachel Moran during a press conference regarding Locke’s death.
Warrants are generally only to be executed during a certain window of time, typically between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
No-knock warrants are used when officers believe they are going into a dangerous situation, or that the evidence being sought with a warrant may be destroyed if an announced entry may give a suspect time to do so, according to Patrick Yoes, the national president of the Fraternal Order of Police. They are also used for hostage or active shooter situations.
Some states have restrictions that require evidence of such incidences also be presented to a judge or chief for approvals in order to obtain a warrant, according to the DOJ.
No-knock warrants are used when officers believe they are going into a dangerous situation, or that the evidence being sought with a warrant may be destroyed if an announced entry may give a suspect time to do so. They are also used for hostage or active shooter situations.
Emergency circumstances can supersede typical legal requirements for a warrant and allow law enforcement to enter premises without a warrant or an approval for a no-knock procedure in most states.
“Policing, particularly with a SWAT team, is a dangerous, high-stress profession where officers are forced to make important split-second decisions in defense of themselves and fellow officers, especially when weapons are involved,” said the local union, the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, in a statement to ABC-affiliate KSTP regarding Locke’s death.
In the case of Locke’s death, body camera footage shows officers executing a no-knock search warrant just before 7 a.m when they came across Locke, sleeping under a blanket on the couch and getting up, while holding a gun.
No-knock warrants are believed to have gotten their start during the Nixon administration and the war on drugs, Moran said.
However, laws in the 1970s expanded the use of no-knock warrants for federal law enforcement, but the laws were repealed after just a few years due to abuse.
“Quick-knock” raids, which have also become controversial, are when officers forcibly enter less than 20 seconds after announcing their presence, according to the Council on Criminal Justice.
Are they legal?
Florida, Oregon and Virginia are the only states to ban no-knock warrants and at least 34 states have some kind of restriction or limitation on the use of these kinds of search warrants.
In June 2020, the Louisville, Kentucky, Metro Council unanimously passed Breonna’s Law — named in honor of police-shooting victim Breonna Taylor — outlawing all no-knock warrants and requiring body cameras be turned on before and after every search.
In September 2021, the Department of Justice also announced it was limiting the circumstances in which the department’s federal law enforcement components are authorized to use unannounced entries.
Agents will now be limited to only engaging in no-knock procedures when there is a threat of physical violence. Before, these warrants could be used for the preservation of evidence or if knocking and announcing one’s presence was futile and no response is given.
However, an exception can be made even when there is no imminent threat of physical safety if the agent gets approval from the head of the law enforcement agency and the U.S. attorney or assistant attorney general before seeking approval from a judge.
“Building trust and confidence between law enforcement and the public we serve is central to our mission at the Justice Department,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement on the announcement.
And on Monday, the Biden administration announced it is considering restricting agents from other federal agencies as well, alongside the Justice Department’s decision.
The law in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, where Locke was killed, the warrant policy was last changed in November 2020. Police officers are required to announce their presence and purpose before entering a home, except for when announcing the officers’ presence would create an imminent threat.
In those cases, a supervisor can authorize officers to enter without announcing their presence, according to the policy. Supervisors are required to provide evidence to support that decision before it is signed and approved by a judge.
The change has not significantly reduced the use of no-knock warrants, local advocates say.
The city reported in November 2020 that it had been averaging nearly 140 no-knock warrants per year.
In the first 10 months after the policy change, the city reported to local media that it had requested 90 no-knock warrants.
Locke’s family is calling for a complete ban on this kind of warrant.
Yoes told ABC News that there are specific uses that are beneficial for the safety of officers and that no-knock warrants should still be an available tool in certain circumstances.
“We’re very, very, very acutely aware of the fact that there’s a lot of controversy around the use of warrants,” Yoes told ABC News. “We learned from these errors and try to improve the processes that we have, and I’m certain that this will happen here, too.”
He said the Fraternal Order of Police understands that restrictions can be necessary to eliminate the potential for tragedy, but is hesitant to completely remove options that are intended for the physical protection of law enforcement agents.
“We recognize the challenges with no-knock warrants,” Yoes said. “We are very much in favor of having meaningful discussions on how we can make it more checks and balances through elected officials and heads of agencies before they’re authorized.”
How deadly are no-knock warrants?
A 2017 New York Times investigation that found at least 81 civilians and 13 law enforcement officers have died in no-knock and quick-knock raids between 2010 and 2016 in the U.S — with many more have been seriously wounded.
They can be dangerous since those inside the household don’t know who is charging through their front door.
“My son Amir was a law-abiding citizen who did not have a criminal history,” Andre Locke said in a Feb. 4 press conference. “My son Amir was loved by many of us, by our family and many people, everyone that he came in touch with. My son Amir did what was right. He did all the things that he was supposed to do.”
“They’re an extremely risky, yet low-reward tactic,” said Pete Kraska, a criminal justice professor and researcher who worked on Breonna’s Law in Kentucky and is working with Minneapolis officials to work on new local legislation regarding warrants.
A disproportionate number — 42% — of people impacted by SWAT search warrant deployments, according to ACLU research, are Black.
Taylor, a Black woman, was shot by Louisville police when they executed a no-knock warrant while she slept in her home. The shooting took place when the home Taylor shared with her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, was raided by three plainclothes officers. Police said the no-knock warrant was related to drugs.
In Locke’s case, his family says he also legally owned the gun he was holding when he was seen on the couch by officers. He was shot less than 10 seconds after officers entered the room.
He is seen holding a gun that Locke’s family says he legally owned as he begins to sit up and is shot less than 10 seconds after officers entered the room.
Locke was not named in the warrant, according to family attorney Crump. The warrant was being executed on behalf of St. Paul police, who were searching for a homicide suspect who is not Locke.
“These events unfold in seconds, but the trauma is long-lasting, a young man lost his life and his friends and family are in mourning,” said acting MPD Chief Amelia Huffman at a Feb. press conference.
She later adds, “The still shot shows the image of the firearm in the subject’s hands… That’s the moment when the officer had to make a split-second decision to assess the circumstances and determine whether he felt like there was an articulable threat.”
“Ultimately, that decision of whether that threshold was met will be examined by the county attorney’s office that reviews this case,” Huffman said.
The officer who shot and killed Locke was identified by police as Mark Hanneman. In accordance with policy, he’s been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the incident. It is unclear if Hanneman has legal representation.
“This particular SWAT team was conducting a homicide-suspect search warrant, authorized by a judge, as part of an investigation of a violent crime,” the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis said in a statement. “Officers were obviously prepared for a very dangerous and high-risk situation.”
The statement also read, “No officer goes into a dangerous setting like this wanting to use a weapon. That decision was not taken lightly, and the impact of the use of deadly force will affect these officers, their families, and the family of Mr. Locke for the rest of their lives.”
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Jessica from Cornerstone Alliance is joined by Zach Vaughn, this month’s featured Cornerstone Alliance team member. Find out why Zach enjoys his work bringing great businesses to our area and how you might become a valued member of the Cornerstone team by heading to gomichigan.com!
It’s Furry Friends Friday featuring “Rush” from Paws Of Hope, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe.
Rush is a male cat with a beautiful orange and white coat. Our veterinarian estimates Rush’s age at approximately six years old. Rush had been living outside in the cold and developed frostbite on his ears. Seeking shelter from the cold, he eventually found his way onto the porch of a Good Samaritan. Rush is extremely friendly and affectionate. Although he has only lived outdoors, Rush is quickly learning the comforts of indoor-only life and is adjusting well. Rush has been neutered, is up to date on vaccinations, tested negative for FeLV-FIV, his frostbitten ears have been treated. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our very handsome guy, Rush.
Meagan from BuyLocalBerrien.com talks with Zack about the snow, the cool and sometimes hidden gems of businesses around Southwest Michigan, keeping your finances looking fantastic for 2022, and more right now at the website! Check it out!
Daniele from St. Joe Today updates us on the rescheduling of the 2022 Ice Fest to later in the month, plus more great events and info at stjoetoday.com!
- Due to the inclement weather, the 2022 Ice Fest in downtown St. Joseph has been rescheduled to February 25-27. Our ice carvers are coming from all over the country. With current and predicted road conditions, carvers are unable to make the drive. In addition, St. Joseph City staff and the Public Works department have notified us that with the predicted snowfall, they may not be able to keep up with the snow removal as needed for the placement of sculptures and prepare our city streets in the best way for residents and all event attendees. Visit stjoetoday.com/icefest for an updated schedule!
- The Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen hosts a Euchre Fundraiser at The Livery on Saturday, February 5 from 1PM-5PM! Last day to register is tomorrow Friday, February 4.
- Watermark Brewing hosts the 2022 Polar Plunge Saturday, February 5 at 10:00a! Brave the cold to raise funds and support the Special Olympics Michigan athletes and programs.
- The Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Speaker Series hosts Bill Nye at The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College on Tuesday, February 8 at 7:30PM! Limited tickets available, visit themendelcenter.com for more information!
- SMSO hosts Dueling Pianos next weekend on Saturday, February 11 at 7PM! Limited tickets are available, visit smso.org for more information!
Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation is joined by Teri Freehling, who has worked with BCF to establish the new Patrick Freehling Memorial Scholarship through the Berrien Community Foundation for students looking to further their agricultural education. This new scholarship is just one of the over 70+ available to area students to apply through this month right now at berriencommunity.org.
United Way of Southwest Michigan is celebrating the upcoming ‘National 211 Day’ on February 11 with great information for you to remember and pass on to others about how to use this very important free resource in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County.
National 211 Day is fast approaching and United Way of Southwest Michigan is raising awareness around this important service. National 211 Day, celebrated on February 11th (2/11) each year, recognizes the more than 200 211s located throughout the country, including here in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
When an emergency strikes, United Way of Southwest Michigan’s 211 is there to answer the call—24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether in times of natural disaster or personal crisis, 211 is committed to being the first, most essential resource to anyone who needs help.
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services online or over the phone. Call 211 and speak with a live, highly trained service professional in your area.
If you are outside of Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren Counties, or if you’re calling on a VOIP phone, you can call 1-844-875-9211.
You can also text your zip code to 898-211 to connect with a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve—and save—lives.
All calls and texts are private and confidential.
Every hour of every day, someone needs help. Whether it’s needing help with providing food for your family to job training, 211 is here.
You’ll find information about:
- supplemental food and nutrition programs
- shelter and housing options and utilities assistance
- emergency information and disaster relief
- employment and education opportunities
- services for veterans
- health care, vaccination, and health epidemic information
- addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs
- reentry help for ex-offenders
- support groups for individuals with mental illnesses or special needs
- a safe, confidential path out of physical and/or emotional domestic abuse
In 2021, there were 15,101 calls to 211 from residents of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
The breakdown by county is as follows:
- Berrien – 11,859 calls (substantial number of calls re: water crisis in Benton Harbor)
- Cass – 1,344 calls
- Van Buren – 1,898 calls
Among the top requests for assistance were:
- Disaster-related drinking water
- Food pantries
- COVID diagnostic tests
- Electric-service payment
- Rent payment
It’s Furry Friends Friday, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Sissy from Al-Van Humane Society!
Sissy is a lovely 2-year-old dog who enjoys chew-toys, doing tricks for treats, and receiving pets from just about anyone! She has been here at Al-Van Humane Society since December of 2021 and, while she loves all of our kennel attendants and office staff, she is having a hard time living in a kennel. Sissy gets so excited when seeing people walk past her kennel that she gets “happy tail,” which has caused her minor injury. Sissy can be dog selective, so she would need to meet any current pets in the home prior to adoption. She is patiently awaiting her furever home! If you would like to adopt Sissy, please fill out an adoption application at al-van.org/adopt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pot Roast is a male 5 to 7 year old Terrier Mix, weighing just over 65 pounds. This big boy loves to be outside and enjoys exploring! He is wonderful when walking in a harness on-leash. Pot Roast is also very happy to snuggle inside on the couch with you, enjoying some snacks and watching TV. He could live with another pet, however, he can be picky about his friends so a careful introduction would be required. Although he is a smart boy, Pot Roast would enjoy obedience training because he always likes to learn new things. Pot Roast is neutered, but, he will require a dental exam with an established veterinarian upon adoption (BCAC will need to verify the appointment with the veterinarian.) His adoption fee is $75.00. Pot Roast is at Berrien County Animal Control, Phone 269-927-5648, 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Please contact us or stop by the shelter to learn more about our big boy, Pot Roast.
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Apollo is an American Pitbull Terrier and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. He is just under 3 years old and has been at our shelter for about 4 months. When he came in we were told that he is skittish around new people, however, in the time he’s been with us Apollo has begun to open up. When you spend time with Apollo, he will show you how goofy and playful he can be, as well as his desire for attention and love. Apollo would really thrive in a home with an owner who is patient and willing to show him that new things are not as scary as they seem. Apollo is house broken, crate trained, and knows basic commands such as sit and shake. When Apollo visited the veterinarian he was very friendly with the staff, and was even well-behaved while his toenails were being trimmed. He has not had a meet and greet with another animal, however, he is very curious about other dogs. Apollo is not yet neutered so his adoption fee is $65.00. Apollo is at Cass County Animal Control, Phone 269-445-3701, 323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49301. (Shelter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-11am By Appointment, 11am-5pm Lobby Open) Please contact them to learn more about the amazing Apollo!
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Bossie is a spayed five year female cat, and she’s also micro-chipped. Bossie’s previous owner released her to us because of an impending move. Bossie is a shy girl until she gets to know you. Then, she becomes very affectionate and sits in your lap and gives you sweet “head butts” in appreciation. Because she is somewhat shy, Bossie would be more comfortable in a quiet home with no children. Please contact Berrien County Animal Control at 269-927-5648 or stop by the shelter Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 and Saturday 8:30-Noon to learn more about our beautiful Bossie.
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This is Melody. She came to Animal Aid with a crushed tail and two male kittens. Both of Melody’s boys are in a wonderful home and she is now looking for her own forever home. Melody has recovered from the surgery to remove most of her tail, leaving a small nub. She has been spayed and received her vaccinations. Melody has come out of her shell and is proving to be a sweet, affectionate girl. She is good with other cats and dogs, and has been around young children. Melody is quiet and a bit shy, but loves to show her belly for pets. Call Animal Aid at 269-926-4279 for more information about our beautiful Melody.
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Jason is a five year old male Fox Terrier Mix. He ended up in a kill-shelter after being found as an unclaimed stray. Jason is searching for a quiet home with someone who is around to spend plenty of time with him. He bonds quickly with people and follows closely behind the members of his foster home. It is clear that Jason has had a rough life. He is looking for a patient person who will allow time for trust to grow. We recommend a home with adults only and no other pets. We don’t know what Jason went through prior to being found, but he is a loving boy and deserves the best. Please contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org or send a private message to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PawsOfHopeSwMich) to learn more about our sweet and adorable Jason.
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It’s Furry Friends Friday with Stella at Berrien County Animal Control – Berrien County Government, brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe!
Stella is a 1-2 year old terrier mix, weighing 46 pounds. Stella enjoys zooming around the play yard on sunny days, and there are certain dogs here at the shelter whom she likes to romp around with. Stella would not do well in a home with cats. She might be a little nervous with you at first but once she knows you, you are guaranteed to be best friends for life! Treats are a sure-fire way to win Stella’s heart! Loud noises can also make her nervous. Please visit Berrien County Animal Control (1400 Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or call them at 269-927-5648 to learn more about our beautiful Stella. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sassy is an energetic one year old who loves walks, running, and playing with children and other dogs. She is a free feeder and loves to cuddle. Sassy knows most of her seven commands and loves car rides. She enjoys swimming and playing in the pond, and then loves her bath after that. Sassy is a little shy at first but warms right up. She loves squeaky toys and retrieves her ball well. Sassy is a sweet loving dog. If you are interested in adopting Sassy, start by submitting an adoption application at www.al-van.org/adopt. You may also visit the Adoption Center at 07591 Blue Star Highway; South Haven, MI 49090 to meet this sweet, Sassy girl!
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Meet Taylor! If you’re looking for a cuddly companion on these chilly winter nights, then Taylor may be the cat for you! She originally was found as a stray, but what we’ve learned so far is that Taylor enjoys getting kitty treats and being petted to the point it makes her drool! Taylor has not yet been spayed, so her adoption fee is $45. Please call Cass County Animal Control at 269-445-3701 or stop in at the shelter (323 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031) (Hours: Monday-Friday 8am to 11am by appointment -or- 11am to 5pm for open lobby) to learn more about our terrific Taylor!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is Melody. She came to Animal Aid with a crushed tail and two male kittens. Both of Melody’s boys are in a wonderful home and she is now looking for her own forever home. Melody has recovered from the surgery to remove most of her tail, leaving a small nub. She has been spayed and received her vaccinations. Melody has come out of her shell and is proving to be a sweet, affectionate girl. She is good with other cats and dogs, and has been around young children. Melody is quiet and a bit shy, but loves to show her belly for pets. Can this beautiful girl come to your home for the holidays? Call Animal Aid at 269-926-4279 for more information about our beautiful Melody.
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Fig is a handsome Staffordshire Terrier Mix. First and foremost, Fig is Heartworm+. He is currently being treated thanks to Friends of Berrien County Animal Control. Fig is the most bestest, most biggest, and most smartest boy around! Fig is a total sweet-heart but due to his ginormo size, he will be best in a home with kids who are13+ years old. Fig enjoys time outside playing tug of war and working on his manners! Fig already knows how to sit and can’t wait to learn more tricks! Your lap, or next to you, will be his favorite spot to be because he loves cuddles. Stop by to meet this diamond in the ruff and you will not be disappointed! Want to score even more brownie points with Fig Newton? Bring a snack or some belly rubs. He is neutered, current on shots, and house-trained. If you’d like to meet Fig, or have more questions about his heartworm treatment, call Berrien County Animal Control at (269)927-5648 or stop in Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 and Saturdays 8:30-Noon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Furry Friends Friday from The Mason Jar Cafe featuring MOOSE from Al-Van Humane Society!
Meet Moose! He is a very a~moose~ing guy! He absolutely LOVES playing with his ball and could play fetch for hours! He is a smart guy – he knows to sit, lay down, and drop it! He likes treats but his true love is for toys. Moose gets along with other dogs and all people that he meets. He really is the sweetest boy! If you are interested in Moose, please fill out an adoption application online at www.al-van.org/adopt! Once approved, stop by the Al-Van Humane Society Adoption Center to meet this very a~moose~ing guy, Moose! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Taylor! If you’re looking for a cuddly companion on these cool fall nights, then Taylor may be the cat for you! She originally was found as a stray, but what we’ve learned so far is that Taylor enjoys getting kitty treats and being petted to the point it makes her drool! Taylor has not yet been spayed, so her adoption fee is $45. Please call Cass County Animal Control at 269-445-3701 or stop in at the shelter (323 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031) (Hours: Monday-Friday 8am to 11am by appointment -or- 11am to 5pm for open lobby) to learn more about our terrific Taylor!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bootsy, an American Terrier, will put your world on TILT! What this adorable, goofy 3-5 yr old lacks in brains, he makes up for with heart. Bootsy is guaranteed to make you smile! He’s the star of the show and best as the only pet in your home. Bootsy loves tennis balls, rolling in the grass, and snuggling! Neutered, current on shots, house-trained, fine with kids 16 and up. If you want to meet this silly pup, call Berrien County Animal Control at 269-927-5648 or stop in at the shelter (1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 and Saturdays 8:30-Noon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Miso is a young female kitten who was rescued by Animal Aid of SW Michigan. She was living with her siblings under a mobile home. Her weight corresponds with being 7 to 8 weeks old. Miso is getting along well with cats and dogs of all ages and sizes. She enjoys pets and is a curious little lady. If interested in adopting please visit Animalaidswmi.com or find us on Facebook.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luna is a female mixed breed dog, estimated to be one year old. We believe that Luna could be a Labrador Retriever-Pit Bull Terrier mix. She was found hiding in the bushes along the River Valley bike trail. Luna was quite frightened and malnourished, but her loving and trusting personality allowed her to be easily rescued. Luna is well-mannered, playful, and loves to meet new people. She is athletic and loves to chase toys outside. Luna is also intelligent, and her natural listening skills make it easy for her to learn. She gets along well with the cats in her foster home, and has developed a special friendship with one of the cats. Luna is up-to-date on vaccines, tested negative for heartworm and Lyme disease, and has been spayed and micro-chipped. Please contact Paws of Hope at 269-340-0272 or information@pawsofhope.org if you would like to learn more about our lively and lovely girl, Luna.
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Boo,Ghost, and Goblin, are the most adorable ‘spooky’ kittens you’ll ever see and they’re ready to find their new forever homes! These spooky little kittens are about seven weeks old. At first, these young kittens are timid when it comes to new surroundings. However, once comfortable they are ready to cause mischief! Ghost, with his long hair, enjoys curling up to watch his siblings from a distance before sneaking up on them. Goblin is the adventurous kitten, looking to pounce on his siblings or any toy nearby. Boo is a bit shy and gave us quite a fright when we discovered she has a bobtail. They are bound to ‘haunt’ your thoughts with their undeniable cuteness! The adoption fee is $55 for a Cass County resident or $60 for an out of county resident. Please contact Cass County Animal Control at 269-445-3701 to learn more about our adorable ‘Spooky Kittens’ – Boo, Ghost, and Goblin!
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Meet adorable, adoptable Clucky! This 2-4 year old Shepard mix is already spayed, up to date withall her vaccines, and ready to snuggle. Clucky is by far the most photogenic pup here at BCAC and has a natural zest for life. This sweet girl would love to find someone who would take her out on adventures during the day and cuddle all night. Clucky came to us as a stray so, unfortunately, we don’t know much about her past. We do know that she would do best in a home as the only animal and she would do best with older kids only. Sadly, Clucky has Heartworm Disease. This has not dulled her sparkle at all! Thanks to Friends of Berrien County Animal Control and one of our wonderful veterinarians, we have started treatment for Clucky! If you are interested in adopting Clucky, please stop in to meet her Mondays-Fridays 8:30-4:30 and Saturdays 8:30-Noon. Or, give Berrien County Animal Control a call at 269-927-5648!
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Sally is a 12 year old spayed and declawed female cat who is VERY affectionate and chubby! Sally is a true PRINCESS!! She is a calico so she has a little bit of a “queenly cat-itude”, but she’ll rub against you and roll for your attention. Sally is not 100% on board with roommates, so younger cats and dogs are not her cup of tea. Her adoption fee is only $10.00! Please contact Van Buren County Animal Control at 269-621-4624 to learn more about our beautiful and regal lady, Sally.
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Meet Opal! She is a stunning young black and white kitten with an absolutely beautiful face. She is only three or four months old. When Opal was brought to our shelter, she had a badly injured and infected tail. With a lot of love and veterinary care, Opal is hopeful for a better future with her shortened tail! Once she is comfortable she will flop over for belly rubs and purr until her heart is content. Opal has really come out of her shell since her tail repair surgery. Now, she loves to play and is becoming very curious! Opal’s adoption fee is only $55 for a Cass County resident or $60 for an out of county resident. Please contact Cass County Animal Control at 269-445-3701 to learn more about our beautiful little gem, Opal.
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Our very own “Pretty Woman,” Julia Roberts, came to us on June 6thwith some of her other famous brothers and sisters. She loves attention, whether from other cats or humans, and does not shy away from gentle belly rubs. You can find Julia Roberts perched up in her cat tower keeping watch over all her siblings or getting her beauty sleep. If you are looking for a feline friend who is ready to cuddle up on the couch with you, look no further! She is ready to “Eat, Pray, and Love” her way into your life! Please contact Berrien County Animal Control at 269-927-5648 to learn more about our beautiful girl, Julia Roberts.
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It’s Furry Friends Friday from The Mason Jar Cafe featuring PETRA at Al-Van Humane Society!
Hi, I’m Petra and I’m only 3-1/2 years old! I have the sweetest soul to go along with my beautiful looks! I absolutely love to give kisses and cuddles! I am one of the calmest dogs you will ever meet, but I snort like a pig when I get excited! I have mastered the puppy dog eyes when I want treats, cuddles, and attention – I’m so good at puppy dog eyes that you won’t be able to say no! I am so polite, very loving, and the perfect match for your home! If you are interested in becoming my forever friend, start by submitting an adoption application with Al-Van Humane Society at www.al-van.org/adopt. Once approved, stop in and meet me and take me home! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lovely Etta came to us with 5 newborn kittens in March of 2021. Two of her kittens were adopted together, but Etta and her three very sweet remaining girls are looking for their fur-ever homes. They are sweet, loving and, as you can see, simply purr-fect. Please contact Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan at 269-983-7729 to learn more about our beautiful Etta and her kittens.
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Furry Friends Friday from The Mason Jar Cafe featuring HARMONY!
This is Harmony, who HEARS that there is a forever home out there just waiting for her! She’s fully vaccinated, spayed, Heartworm negative, intestinal parasite negative, and microchipped! She’s roughly 18 months to 2 years old. She is part of our Emergency Bissell Empty the Shelter event that is going on from the 16th to the 22nd- where adoption fees are only $20! Please contact Van Buren County Animal Control at 269-621-4624 to hear more about our beautiful girl, Harmony. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scout is a 1-2 year old male Texas Heeler. Scout enjoys playing with other dogs, doesn’t mind cats, and lived with kids before coming to Berrien County Animal Control. He is a wonderfully well-behaved boy. Scout absolutely loves playing in water and you could win his heart by taking him out for a beach day. He isn’t a huge fan of treats, but loves to try out new tricks. Please contact Berrien County Animal Control at 269-927-5648 to learn more about our smart boy, Scout!
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Brought to you by the Mason Jar Cafe!
Kit is an 11 weeks old female. She loves to play, explore, and cuddle up together. Kit has not yet been sterilized, so her adoption fee is $55.00 each for Cass County Residents or $60.00 each for out-of-county residents. Please visit our website to see more photos of Kit and other great pets. And, contact Cass County Animal Control at 269-445-3701 to learn more about Kit, Kat, and Snickers!
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Silver is a four to six year old neutered Labrador Retriever mix, weighing in at 55lbs. Silver is SUCH a sweetie-pie and he would love to be the center of your world. When Silver loves someone he loves BIG, and sometimes this can cause a little anxiety if he is away from his people. Silver enjoys the company of other dogs and kiddos– bring them on down for a meet-and-greet! Will you be the gold to his silver? Please contact Berrien County Animal Control at 269-927-5648 to learn more about sensational Silver!
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Animal Aid would like to introduce Bon Bon! She has a fluffy light grey Tabby Cat coat with a white under-belly, is only 8 weeks old, and is ready for a wonderful home. Bon Bon is healthy and playful. She is litter box trained, and has received her first vaccination. Please contact Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 to schedule a meet-and-greet with Bon Bon. Sweet Bon Bon is guaranteed to brighten your day!
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This is Cooper! Cooper is a seven or eight month old Mountain Cur / Plott Hound. He is very friendly, and loves kids and other dogs. He enjoys outdoor activities with his foster family and their pack. Cooper is a great family dog. He loves to snuggle and sneaks under the blankets to sleep. Because Cooper’s breed mix makes him a working dog, he loves to be active and is happy to have a job. Cooper has a beautiful brindle coat that we think makes him even more adorable! He is getting his puppy vaccinations and has already been neutered. Please reach out to Paws of Hope at 269-340-0272 or information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our incredible Cooper!
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Meet Bob Marley. Bob Marley has the cutest ears and smile! He loves attention and is very playful and sweet. Bob is a 1-year-old working dog mixed breed. He knows “sit” and is very eager to learn more basic commands – especially with treats! He is playful with other dogs and makes friends easily.
Bob is very gentle, loving, and is bound to steal your heart! He walks well on a leash and is potty trained.
If you are interested in adopting Bob Marley, start by submitting an adoption application at www.al-van.org/adopt. Once approved, stop in to meet Bob! Call Al-Van Humane Society at 269-637-5062 to learn more about their happy guy, Bob Marley!”
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Oliver is a snuggly fellow who craves attention. This one year old neutered male is a classic Tabby Cat with stripes and a distinctive “M” on his forehead. He loves people, kittens, and other cats. Will you welcome him into your home forever? Please contact Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 to schedule a meet and greet with the awesome Oliver.
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King Simon is an adult neutered cat who loves to have conversations late into the night! He can spend long hours just cuddling and making you feel like the one and only person in the entire world! How great is that? Please contact Van Buren County Animal Control at 269-621-4624 for more information about our sensational Simon.
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Do you believe in love? We found love in Cher! And, we know that Cher believes in love! This famous gal is just one of many elegant black cats looking for a home during our fabulous Black Tie CAT Adoption Event which starts next week. Cher is a fun, active, and friendly girl. Her adoption fee is only $20.00! Call Berrien County Animal Control at 269-927-5648 to meet Cher and MANY of her housemates!
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Katrina is a 5 year old girl who is very sweet, intelligent, and fun-loving! Katrina is very kind to any human she meets, however, Katrina does not get along with other dogs. She would prefer to be the only furry friend in her new home! She’s great with children and absolutely loves to play fetch! Katrina likes to go for car rides, walks, and again, play more fetch! Katrina knows sit, shake, and is working on more commands – she is very smart and eager to learn! She would make a wonderful companion and is bound to put a smile on your face and provide lots of love!If you’re interested in meeting Katrina, start by submitting an adoption application at www.al-van.org. or call Al-Van Humane Society at 269-637-5062 to learn more about her. Katrina can’t wait to meet you!
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Animal aid of Southwestern Michigan has kittens ready for adoption!
These kittens are all healthy and well adjusted. They have been fostered in a private home which includes kids, dogs and other cats. Litter box trained, cuddle tested!
Contact them on their group and adoptable animal Facebook pages, our website at animalaidswmi.org, or call us 269-934-7729.
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Kitty Purry, named after the celebrity for her unique and gorgeous looks, is searching for her new paw-some home! Kitty Purry has the cutest meow and purr, plus she’s very laid back and full of cuddles. She would do best as the only pet in her new home. If you’re interested in adopting Kitty Purry, please fill out an application at www.al-van.org/adopt and stop by the Al-Van Humane Society Adoption Center (07591 Blue Star Highway, South Haven, MI 49090, Phone 269-637-5062) to meet her!
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It’s Furry Friends Friday from The Mason Jar Cafe!
Meet Andre’ the Giant! Andre’ is a 3-4 month old part Sharpei part house hippo! This guy is ridiculously adorable, fun and floppy! Andre’s paws are T H E biggest mitts ever! And, check out that schnoz! Already weighing in at 50lbs, he’s on track to be a heavyweight champ. Unlike the human Andre’, our dog Andre’ gets along with all his peers, but we always suggest a meet and greet to make sure the other pup can keep up with this guy’s sparkle. Neutered and vaccinated, he easily is a plug-and-play kinda guy. Andre’ won’t last long– call Berrien County Animal Control – Berrien County Government to set up an appointment today! (269) 927-5648.
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Meet Mickey and Mouse! These two beloved brothers are looking for their new forever home, either together or apart. Being 8 months old and primarily kept indoors, these boys can be a little timid at first as they are still learning about the world. Once comfortable Mickey and Mouse will show their opposite personalities. Mickey is more of an adventurous, social butterfly. Mouse is more reserved and laid back . They have not yet been around children, and have not yet been around dogs. The adoption fee for each cat is $55 for a Cass County resident and $60 for an out of county resident. Please contact Cass County Animal Control at 269-445-3701 to learn more about Mickey and Mouse.
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It’s kitten season and Animal Aid has plenty of sweet little fluffy faces to steal your heart! Please consider giving one of our kittens a new loving home. Momma cats are all being spayed once these healthy babies are ready to be off on their own. Momma cats will be available for adoption, too! You can reach Animal Aid on Facebook at Animal Aid of Southwestern MI, send an email to infoanimalaidswmi@gmail.com, or call 269-926-4279 to learn more about our cats and kittens.
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Are you an active family looking for an energetic family member? A dog that would love to join you for hikes, long walks on the beach, or even a good hearty swim at the lake? Well this is the wrong dog for you! Gregory is a chonky older doggo, ready for a solid nap in a sunny spot. Gregory surely will join you for a car ride.. to McDonalds for a burger (or six)! Yes, we know Gregory needs to lose some weight, but that’s a conversation for later. Greg is 105 pounds of lazy dude-ster. Do you have kids? Good. Have other dogs? Great. Have a comfy bed and willingness to share a plate of nachos? Even better. Call the shelter at (269) 927-5648 to adopt our stout guy, Gregory.
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Maverick is a 9.5-year-old boy who is super laid back, friendly, and romantic! Maverick gets along with children, men, other dogs and cats! Maverick would love a couch and a friend to watch movies with – he will even let you pick out the movie. This boy just wants to plop into his new fur-ever home and provide love and cuddles for the rest of his life. If you’re interested in meeting Maverick, please fill out an adoption application online at www.al-van.org so his friends at Al-Van Humane Society can schedule a meet-and-greet.
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Lucky is the biggest snuggler ever and is always happiest when snuggled up with his favorite person! He gets cold easily, so he loves to burrow under blankets. Lucky is a three to four year old Hound mix and only weighs about 30 pounds. Lucky had a tough life prior to coming to Paws of Hope. He may have been bullied and picked on by the fur kids in his previous home. Because of this, he does resource guarding of his toys and food. We are working on this and making progress a little at a time. We recommend no small children in the home due to his resource guarding. Lucky is currently living with six other dogs and is doing quite well. He isn’t a big fan of aggressive players who get in his face, though. We are unsure of how he is with small kids and cats. Lucky is neutered, heartworm negative, and current on vaccinations. Please contact Paws of Hope at 269-340-0272 or information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our special guy, Lucky.
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It’s Furry Friends Friday from The Mason Jar Cafe featuring Ellie at Al-Van Humane Society: “Ellie is an adorable 2.5 year old girl and she is ready for adoption! She LOVES tennis balls, cuddles, and soft treats. Ellie enjoys going outside to play and to go for walks. She knows how to sit and is potty-trained. Ellie would do best in a home as the only pet and no small children. Please fill out an adoption application online at www.al-van.org if you are interested in meeting our loveable Ellie.”
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It’s FURRY FRIENDS FRIDAY from The Mason Jar Cafe featuring TOONIES!
Guaranteed to liven up your life, this two year old female cat’s name is Toonies. She’s athletic, adventurous, but loves to sit next to you and be petted. Toonies is a stunning silver tabby with immense green eyes. She is good with other cats and dogs. Toonies is not too interested in being carried around because it is so much faster if she just blazes the path herself! Up-to-date on shots and uses the litter box well. Please call Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan at 269-926-4279 to make an appointment to meet our beautiful and lively Toonies.
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