St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

One in five Michigan residents will still pay community college tuition under new program

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 9, 2021

A new program promised by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has some Michiganders believing that the state will cover their tuition to attend any community college in the state, but the fine print has some potential students reconsidering their college plans.

2020 brought rise in Michigan lawmakers missing roll call votes

By Benjamin Kibbey | Jan 15, 2021

COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations weren’t the only thing on the rise in recent months in Michigan, as the state Legislature witnessed its own spike of sorts, a significant increase in the number of lawmakers absent from roll call votes.

LaSata urges constituents to take precautions after she tests positive for COVID-19

By Benjamin Kibbey | Nov 23, 2020

Michigan Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) recently informed constituents that while she had yet to show any symptoms, she had received a positive test result for COVID-19.

Michigan unemployment claims continue to be delayed, with agency now claiming increased fraud

By Benjamin Kibbey | Nov 11, 2020

As the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) continues to struggle with a backlog of claims that include some who have yet to receive any benefits, the agency is also dealing with problems in verifying claimants where there is suspected fraud.

Supreme Court ruling present chance for Michigan lawmakers, governor to work together: Representative

By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 24, 2020

A Michigan state representative said that it is time for the Legislature and governor to work together instead of fighting for control after the state Supreme Court ruled against the governor's use of emergency powers during COVID-19.

LaSata joins other GOP legislators in condemning plot against Whitmer

By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 14, 2020

After federal authorities recently arrested a group of radicals accused of planning to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Republican legislators have readily joined in condemning any action of the sort.

Professor of politics says presidential appointments are simply a Constitutional question

By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 9, 2020

After the recent passing of well-respected Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the election-year timing of a vacant seat on the highest court in the land has led to the kind of political circus such circumstances are known to produce, but whether or not a sitting president has the authority to appoint the next justice is a question that stands independent of politics.

LaSata plans to hold coat drive benefiting southwest Michigan children, despite COVID-19

By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 2, 2020

Kim’s Coat Drive for Kids -- an effort to collect new and gently used coats for southwest Michigan children, sponsored by state Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Twp.) -- will take place for the second year in a row, regardless of the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and related government restrictions.

From Shiawassee Times

Michigan school districts opt for a variety of options for fall reopening

By Benjamin Kibbey | 3 years ago

Bridge Michigan recently published a list detailing not only the reopening plans for local school districts across the state, but how those plans will progress into the coming year, with the promise to continue updating the information as it changes.

Griffin: Education won't suffer under safe "Return to Learn" plan

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 9, 2020

With the bipartisan plan recently passed by the Michigan Legislature, state Rep. Beth Griffin (R-Mattawan) said that she voted in favor of the measure because it would ensure that education is carried out in a way that makes the most sense for each local community where Michigan’s schools are located.

Law Whitmer used for indefinite emergency powers rarely used in the past

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 3, 2020

In the ongoing debate around the appropriate use of emergency powers, Michigan Capitol Confidential recently discovered that the 1945 law Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cited in declaring emergency powers has only been used once before in 43 years.