News

President Obama is expected to go forward with a nominee for the vacancy on the US Supreme Court, following the death of Antonin Scalia. But the Republican-controlled US Senate, which must confirm any appointment, is indicating that it will not act on any nominee presented by the president. That means …

A series of bills revamping the state’s juvenile justice system have cleared an initial hurdle, passing a Michigan House committee Tuesday. State Representative Harvey Santana is the lead sponsor of the package of bills, which he calls the largest reform package of any legislature in the country. The bills, among …

Governor Rick Snyder is reacting to the NAACP’s call for protests if he doesn’t have a plan to replace water pipes in Flint in 30 days. NAACP National President Cornell Brooks says the civil rights organization will invite people to come to Flint in a show of civil disobedience if …

A bill to clean up a new law that prohibits local governments and schools from talking about ballot issues within 60 days of an election has been shelved. House Speaker Kevin Cotter says lawmakers want to give the bill another look to ensure it will pass muster. The decision comes …

The head of Michigan’s State Board of Education (SBE) says the state should have a statewide entity to oversee the opening and closings of schools. SBE President John Austin says many schools across the state are under stress due to the opening of new schools not based on need. He …

An Ahmeek man is facing prison time after pleading guilty to criminal sex charges involving a minor. The Williston Herald reports that 45-year-old Shane Karrio entered into a plea agreement prior to his trial for a charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. As a Class AA Felony, Karrio …

The Keweenaw National Historical Park is one of 25 national parks selected to receive a 2016 Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation. Partnering with the Western U.P. Health Department, the park will host a series of walks and outdoor activities to points of interest in Calumet and Quincy …

Houghton-Portage Township Schools are putting forth a bond proposal to cover a project with a total cost of $8.69 million. That would result in an average millage rate increase of 2.01 mils for up to 25 years, if approved. The bond was discussed at a recent Board of Education meeting. …

At Monday’s monthly meeting of the Hancock School Board of Education, the Board heard from Superintendent Monica Healy that the high school will be hosting Mr. B’s Joybox Express. Mark Braun, “Mr. B”, will visit on Wednesday, February 17.  He will spend an hour with the band students and another hour with …

Additional funding has been set aside for some Great Lakes water projects. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District says it is adding $22.4 million to its 2016 fiscal year program based on a recently approved work plan. The money will be used for a number of projects throughout …