Results for “Kalamazoo River”
63 stories
- policy
Michigan Agencies Fail to Act on Plastic Pellet Spill That Polluted Kalamazoo River for Weeks
Michigan state agencies failed to act for weeks on a plastic pellet spill that polluted the Kalamazoo River. A semi-trailer crash in January released 48,000 pounds of plastic pellets, but the Environmental Department wasn't notified until three weeks later. Cleanup is now underway, but questions remain about interagency coordination and regulation of industrial microplastics.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - crime
Kalamazoo Vice Mayor Says Police Broke Policy by Brandishing Pepper Spray at Children in Spring Valley Park
Kalamazoo Vice Mayor Drew Duncan says police violated department policy after officers brandished pepper spray at children during a community gathering at Spring Valley Park. More than a dozen residents confronted the city commission about the response.
2d ago·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - crime
Kalamazoo Man Killed in Hit-and-Run on South Westnedge Avenue as Police Pursue Leads
A 32-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run crash on South Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo early Wednesday morning. Police are pursuing multiple leads. The crash marks the second fatal hit-and-run on that stretch of road in three months.
June 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - Crime
Kalamazoo Woman Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter in Death of 3-Month-Old Brooklyn Jackson
Tonette Daytonya Sigsbee, 33, faces involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence charges in the November 2025 death of 3-month-old Brooklyn Ja'veil Jackson in Kalamazoo. An autopsy ruled the infant died from a Benadryl overdose.
June 23, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - arts-culture
Battle Creek Native Carmen Bell Co-Creates Juneteenth Opera 'Tangled Roots' in Kalamazoo
Battle Creek native Carmen Bell co-created 'Tangled Roots,' a Juneteenth opera performed in Kalamazoo that adapts historical slave narratives into music and theater.
June 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - public-safety
Kalamazoo County: 52-Year-Old Arborist Killed by Falling Tree Branch in Edwardsburg
A 52-year-old arborist was killed by a falling tree branch in Edwardsburg, Kalamazoo County. The incident is Michigan's 17th workplace fatality of 2026, according to MIOSHA.
June 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - crime
Kalamazoo Police Arrest 18-Year-Old After Shots Fired in Stuart Neighborhood
An 18-year-old Kalamazoo man was arrested Tuesday after shots were fired near Elm and West Ransom streets. No one was injured. Police recovered a firearm and shell casings at the scene.
June 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - elections
Kalamazoo Pastor Ralph Rebandt Takes Michigan Ballot Fight to Court of Appeals
Kalamazoo pastor Ralph Rebandt has filed a Court of Appeals lawsuit challenging his removal from the Michigan gubernatorial ballot. He argues the signature sampling method used by state officials has no legal basis.
June 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - elections
Kalamazoo Pastor Ralph Rebandt Knocked Off Michigan Gubernatorial Primary Ballot by Invalid Signatures
The Michigan Board of State Canvassers removed Kalamazoo-area pastor Ralph Rebandt and Democratic candidate Kim Thomas from the gubernatorial primary ballot after finding hundreds of invalid petition signatures.
May 30, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Kalamazoo County Families to Receive $7,500 in Cash Benefits Through Expanded Rx Kids Program
Rx Kids cash prescription program expands to Galesburg, Oshtemo, and Wakeshma Townships starting June 1. Eligible Kalamazoo County families will receive $7,500 in cash benefits through the state-funded maternal health program.
May 27, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - elections
Kalamazoo Voters to Decide Michigan Secretary of State Race Between Gilchrist and Forlini
Kalamazoo voters will help choose Michigan's next secretary of state. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini are the two candidates in the open seat race, with the primary set for August 4, 2026.
May 26, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Kalamazoo Man Shot Twice in Arm at Douglas Avenue Business, Suspect Still at Large
A 32-year-old man was shot twice in the arm at a Kalamazoo business on Douglas Avenue Sunday afternoon. Police searched a nearby home with SWAT but the suspect remains at large.
May 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - crime
Baby Thrown From Window During Kalamazoo Fire, Caught By Officer
A baby thrown from a window during a home fire in Kalamazoo's Edison neighborhood was caught by a police officer and both were rescued safely.
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - education
El Sol School to Host Open House at New Site in Kalamazoo
El Sol School in Kalamazoo will host an open house Monday at its new site at 1428 Baker Street. The new magnet school serving grades K-5 initially is planned for completion in the 2028-29 school year.
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
50-Year-Old Bay City Man Found Partially Submerged in Saginaw River in Zilwaukee Township
A 50-year-old Bay City man was found partially submerged in the Saginaw River in Zilwaukee Township on Thursday afternoon. The Saginaw County Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine cause of death.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - police
Fugitive Named Bruce Wayne Smith Jr. Arrested At Kalamazoo Hotel On Drug Warrants
A fugitive named Bruce Wayne Smith Jr. was arrested on drug warrants at a Stay Bridge Suites hotel in Kalamazoo after Van Buren County Narcotics Unit tracked him down.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Body Found Partially Submerged in Saginaw River Near Crow Island State Game Area
A 50-year-old Bay City man was found dead in the Saginaw River near Crow Island State Game Area. The Saginaw County Sheriff's Office said foul play is not believed to be a factor.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Kalamazoo's Lynn Chen-Zhang, Charles Zhang to Receive Prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor
Kalamazoo philanthropists Lynn Chen-Zhang and Charles Zhang will receive the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor for their decades of community service and business leadership in Southwest Michigan.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Kalamazoo City Approves $3.225M Plan to Close 42 Railroad Crossings, Relocate Rail Yard
Kalamazoo City Commission approved $3.225 million in state and federal funding to close up to 42 railroad crossings and relocate the city's rail yard, with planning expected to take up to three years and completion possibly into the 2030s.
May 12, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - crime
Two teenagers hospitalized after shooting in Kalamazoo's Northside neighborhood
Two teenagers were hospitalized after a shooting in Kalamazoo's Northside neighborhood Tuesday evening. Police say no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
May 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - crime
Suspect Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run That Killed Man in Kalamazoo
Suspect arrested in Tennessee faces second-degree murder charges in connection with fatal hit-and-run that killed Mark McBride in Kalamazoo in March
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - State Government
State FOC Bureau Director Steven D. Capps Oversaw 100% Grievance Denial Rate in Kalamazoo While Collecting Awards and Blogging About Portal Metrics
A state-level director within the Michigan Supreme Court's administrative office has presided over a grievance system that denied every parent complaint in Kalamazoo County for five straight years. During that time, he received an industry award, published blog posts celebrating website traffic, and trained new staff on customer service. The Legislature has never held a hearing on FOC grievance outcomes.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·7 sources - legislature
Michigan Senate Bill Would Force Older Drivers to Pass Tests to Keep License
Michigan Senate Bill 847 would require drivers 75 and older to pass vision, written, and driving skills tests to renew their licenses, with 85-year-olds facing annual testing requirements.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Kalamazoo County Gets Rx Kids Cash Assistance as State Budget Leaves Program’s Future Uncertain
Rx Kids, a state-funded cash assistance program for new parents, expanded Monday into Galesburg, Oshtemo Township, and Wakeshma Township. But the Michigan Legislature has not yet finalized the budget that would secure the program's long-term state financing.
June 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - public-safety
Cass County Arrest Made in Fatal Hit-and-Run That Killed Kalamazoo Region Man Timothy Johnson
A suspect has been arrested in connection with the May 24 fatal hit-and-run that killed 24-year-old Timothy Johnson of Benton Harbor on M-152 in Cass County, about 45 miles west of Kalamazoo.
June 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Grand Rapids Drivers on the Line as Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Gas Tax Holiday
State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz introduced House Bill 5966 to temporarily suspend Michigan's 52.4 cent-per-gallon fuel tax until November 1 or until gas prices drop below $3.50. The bill heads to the House Appropriations Committee as Grand Rapids drivers face high pump prices.
May 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislation
Kalamazoo Speaker Hall Floats Sweeping Michigan Election Reform at Mackinac Conference
House Speaker Matt Hall of Kalamazoo County is expanding Michigan's election reform proposal to include closed primaries and state Board of Education changes, delaying the vote until November. The push follows MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz's departure.
May 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - legislation
Kalamazoo Senator Leads Michigan Senate Hearing on Dam Safety Bills After Statewide Flooding
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, chaired by Sen. Sean McCann of Kalamazoo, heard testimony on two bipartisan bills to strengthen Michigan's aging dam infrastructure and increase oversight of hydroelectric dam sales.
May 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - police
Two Men Killed, Driver Hospitalized After Fatal Crash on US-127 Near I-96 in Holt
Two Holt men and a driver hospitalized in critical condition after a fatal crash on US-127 near I-96 in Holt Township early Sunday morning.
May 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Kalamazoo County Jail Under Investigation Over Lead and Copper in Water
Kalamazoo County Jail water testing reveals elevated lead and copper levels in some fixtures. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says water should not be consumed but is safe for other uses. Investigation continues with more testing expected in late May.
May 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Double Hit-and-Run Kills 60-Year-Old Pontiac Man, Police Search For Two Drivers
A 60-year-old Pontiac man was killed Sunday night in a double hit-and-run. Police are searching for both SUV drivers who left the scene after striking the man at a crosswalk.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Nearly 300 Residents Evacuated After Wildwood Off Main Apartment Complex Condemned in Kalamazoo Township
Nearly 300 residents at the Wildwood Off Main apartment complex in Kalamazoo Township were condemned Thursday after officials found the building unsafe under state property maintenance codes. Orange warning signs were posted on doors throughout the complex.
May 11, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - crime
Vehicle Crashes Into Quality Dairy Store in Lansing, Driver Fled Scene
A vehicle crashed into a Quality Dairy store in Lansing early Tuesday morning and the driver fled the scene. Police are investigating and no injuries have been reported.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - elections
Ex-Treasurer Sherine Miller Returns to Ballot After Contentious Exit From Kalamazoo Township
Former Kalamazoo Township Treasurer Sherine Miller has filed to run for the same position she vacated after a contentious dispute with the township board. Township officials say she cannot be her own successor, but county clerks say there is nothing in election law preventing her from running.
April 23, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - governor
Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Leonard Proposes Auto Insurance 'Opt Out' Plan That Would Let Drivers Sue At-Fault Drivers for Medical Bills
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Leonard proposes letting drivers opt out of Michigan's no-fault auto insurance law and sue at-fault drivers for medical bills instead.
April 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Michigan Senator Proposes Toughest Senior Driver Testing Laws in Nation
Michigan Democratic state Sen. Rosemary Bayer introduced Senate Bill 847, which would require drivers over 75 to pass regular in-person road tests, creating the toughest senior driver testing laws in the nation.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Michigan Food Banks Face Rising Costs and Federal SNAP Cuts as State Budget Director Visits Kalamazoo
Michigan State Budget Director Jen Flood toured Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes amid growing concerns over SNAP funding challenges from federal regulations under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The Governor's $88.1 billion budget proposal includes $186 million for SNAP administration, while food banks across Michigan report rising costs and donation deficits.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Consumers Energy's Dam Sale Plan Sparks Controversy Over Public Land Access and River Stewardship
Consumers Energy proposes selling 13 hydropower dams to private equity firm for $13, sparking debate over public land access, river stewardship, and environmental impacts across West Michigan.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - legislature
Michigan Senate Proposes Mandatory Driving Tests for Drivers 75 and Older After Fatal Crash
Michigan Senate Bill 847 would require drivers 75 and older to pass vision, written, and driving tests every four years, with annual testing for those 85 and older. The proposal was introduced after a 94-year-old driver killed a Novi woman in 2024.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Pontiac: 21-Year-Old Driver Faces Preliminary Exam in Crash That Killed Mother and Two Children
Tomas Alvarado Jr., 21, faces a preliminary exam Aug. 6 in Pontiac's 50th District Court on charges connected to a crash that killed Deniquah Reed, 37, and her two young sons. A third child was seriously injured.
June 29, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - Crime
Warren Driver Sentenced to Three Years for Killing 14-Year-Old Roseville Boy, Fleeing Scene
A Warren man was sentenced to three years in prison for fatally striking a 14-year-old autistic boy in Roseville and fleeing the scene. The victim's mother addressed the court, and the defendant apologized before being taken into custody.
June 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - crime
Warren: Innocent Driver Killed After Juveniles Fleeing Police Crash Into His Car
A 48-year-old Detroit man died after a Dodge Ram fleeing Warren police ran a red light and struck his car. Four juveniles were arrested. One suspect remains at large. Police say the group is linked to at least 15 vehicle thefts in Warren.
June 22, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - policy
Muskegon Drivers Face Months of M-46 Closures as Michigan Invests $3.3 Million in Bridge Replacement
MDOT is spending $3.3 million to replace a 1959 M-46 bridge over Crockery Creek in Muskegon County, closing the road between Casnovia and Ravenna through October. The project is part of Michigan's $1 billion annual road funding boost.
May 29, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Michigan Suspends Driver's Licenses Without Confirming Courts Held Required Hearings
The Secretary of State's office executes thousands of license suspensions from FOC offices each year. There is no system to verify the courts followed the law first.
April 13, 2026·James Thornton·9 sources - governor
Gov. Whitmer Declares Energy Emergency to Save Michigan Drivers Money Amid Rising Gas Prices
Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2026-4 declaring an energy emergency, allowing cheaper gasoline blends in eight southeast Michigan counties amid 30 percent gas price increases driven by the Iran war.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - governor
Jocelyn Benson, KKK Funding, SPLC Indictment: Board Member Turned Governor Candidate Faces Mounting Scandals
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson served on the SPLC board from 2014 to 2019, a period that falls entirely within the federal indictment alleging the organization funneled over $3 million to the KKK and other extremist groups. The gubernatorial frontrunner also faces multiple racial discrimination lawsuits and questions about unfulfilled driver license reform promises.
April 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·13 sources - government
Steven D. Capps Trains New FOC Employees on "Customer Service" While Tom Boyd Claims No Authority Over 100% Grievance Denial Rate
SCAO Director Steven D. Capps hosted a training webinar teaching new FOC employees about customer service and the purpose of the Friend of the Court. His boss, State Court Administrator Tom Boyd, told the press that SCAO has no legal authority over the grievance process that has denied 100% of parent complaints in Kalamazoo County for five years.
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - government
John Nevin Asks "But Are You Wearing Pants?" - Michigan Supreme Court Director Comments on Subordinate While Court Denies 100% of Family Grievances
John Nevin, Communications Director for the Michigan Supreme Court, publicly asked a court consultant whether he was wearing pants on LinkedIn. Meanwhile, Ari B. Adler, a communications consultant with ties to SCAO, was working from a beach watching a SpaceX launch. The court system they represent has denied 100% of parent grievances in Kalamazoo County over five consecutive years.
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislature
Michigan Senate Bill Would Require Regular Driving Tests for Seniors 75 and Older
Senate Bill 847 would require Michigan drivers 75 and older to pass regular in-person driving tests to renew their licenses, with annual requirements for those 85 and older. The proposal comes after a Novi woman was killed in a 2024 crash involving a 94-year-old driver.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - crime
Fatal Hit-and-Run Victim Mark McBride Identified, Suspect Vehicle Recovered in Galesburg
Fatal hit-and-run victim Mark McBride, 51, identified as Kalamazoo resident who worked for MDHHS; suspect vehicle recovered in Galesburg, investigation ongoing
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - crime
Woman Arrested After Early Morning Shooting in Oshtemo Township Apartment Leaves Man With Non-Life-Threatening Wound
A 41-year-old woman is in custody after a shooting at an Oshtemo Township apartment building left a 31-year-old man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg early Saturday morning.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Grand Rapids: 22-Year-Old Ejected From Car in Rollover Crash on I-196 to I-96 Ramp
A 22-year-old Sparta man was ejected from his car and seriously injured in a rollover crash on the I-196 to I-96 ramp in Grand Rapids early Monday. Michigan State Police said the driver was not wearing a seat belt and speed was a factor.
June 22, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - crime
Two Critically Injured in Muskegon County Head-On Crash as Van Crosses Center Line
Two drivers were critically injured Tuesday after a head-on crash on Holton Road in Dalton Township, Muskegon County. Michigan State Police say a van crossed the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle.
June 20, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Lansing: 18-Year-Old Charged With Murder After 19-Year-Old Woman Dies From June 5 Shooting
Jovanathan Jamar Mitchell, 18, faces open murder charges after a 19-year-old woman died from a gunshot wound sustained in a June 5 shooting on Moores River Drive in south Lansing.
June 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - policy
Pontiac Road Construction to Close Northbound Pontiac Trail Through Mid-November
Northbound Pontiac Trail will close through mid-November for $11 million reconstruction project in Lyon Township, with detour route established for drivers.
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - detroit
2 critically injured after fiery crash on Detroit's west side
A fiery two-car crash near 7 Mile and Evergreen roads left two people in critical condition. Detroit police are investigating and have detained the driver believed to be at fault.
May 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - crime
Warren Man Sentenced To 270 Days In Jail After Police Chase With 9-Year-Old Son In Car
A Warren man sentenced to 270 days in jail after a police chase that involved his 9-year-old son in the car. The driver pleaded no contest to child abuse and fleeing charges.
May 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Two SUVs strike 60-year-old pedestrian in Pontiac, victim dragged for half-mile before death
A 60-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by two SUVs in Pontiac on Sunday night. Deputies say the victim was dragged for about a half mile and are seeking information from the public to identify the drivers.
May 12, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislature
Michigan Senate Bill Would Require Seniors 75 And Older To Retake Driving Tests Every Four Years
Senate Bill 847 would require Michigan drivers aged 75 to 84 to pass written, vision and driving skills tests every four years, while those 85 and older would face annual testing requirements in what would become the nation's toughest senior licensing laws.
April 14, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - budget
Michigan Budget Director Tours Food Bank as Governor's $88.1 Billion Proposal Faces Deficit Challenges
Michigan State Budget Director Jen Flood tours Kalamazoo food bank as governor's $88.1 billion budget proposal faces $1 billion revenue shortfall and federal SNAP pressure
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - budget
Michigan Budget Director Tours Food Bank as State Faces $1 Billion Revenue Drop Amid Federal SNAP Pressures
Michigan Budget Director Jen Flood visits a Kalamazoo food bank as the state navigates a $1 billion revenue decline and federal SNAP pressures, while political divisions over the budget persist.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - elections
Michigan House Considers New Voter ID Law Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Register
Michigan House Republicans are advancing House Bill 4765, which would require voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Woolford, R-Howell, would mandate citizenship documentation such as birth certificates or passports and would no longer accept standard driver's licenses as voter ID. Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie raised concerns about costs and access, while GOP lawmakers frame the legislation as a commonsense election security measure.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan State Police Increase I-94 Patrols for Distracted Driving Crackdown During April Enforcement Month
Michigan State Police are increasing patrols along I-94 and across the state during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April 2026, targeting drivers who violate the Hands-Free Law amid rising distracted driving fatalities.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources