News History & Fun in Michigan
News and events of Michigan’s Upper Thumb that are worth knowing in the region.
Here are some of the top stories.
Jason Ross, 50, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Kathleen Hales, 47, in Sterling Heights. He was found guilty after a 10-day trial, having brutally attacked her with a hammer and stabbing her. Prosecutors highlighted the case’s significance in addressing domestic violence.
Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation to implement mobile panic alert systems in schools to enhance security amid rising student safety concerns. State Sen. Michael Webber’s proposal includes mandatory adoption by the 2025-2026 school year and allocates $6.7 million for initial funding. The initiative reflects a national trend towards improving school emergency responses.
State Sen. Thomas Albert proposes legislation for Michigan school districts to create their own cellphone policies to combat distractions impacting students’ learning and mental health. He advocates local solutions over statewide mandates and emphasizes the importance of addressing cellphone usage for improved academic performance and student well-being in schools.
Michigan lawmakers are advancing legislation to enhance consumer protections against data breaches and price gouging during emergencies. Proposed bills would require timely reporting of data breaches and define price gouging, enabling legal actions against violators. Attorney General Dana Nessel supports these reforms to address rising cyberattacks and protect vulnerable consumers.
Michigan’s Northern Michigan Passenger Rail project is advancing with federal support, particularly a 2022 RAISE grant. This initiative aims to connect Southeast and Northwestern Michigan through a 240-mile rail corridor, enhancing transportation equity, boosting economic development, and facilitating access to Amtrak’s network, all while supporting sustainable infrastructure and clean mobility.
Two Kalamazoo men, James Smith and Patrick Martin, pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a fentanyl-laced drug deal that resulted in six deaths in April 2023. The case underscores the severity of the opioid crisis in America. Smith faces up to 20 years, while Martin could receive four.
Two officers are charged with misconduct and assault after a pursuit involving questionable use of a police K9. LANSING, Mich. — Sterling Heights Police Officers James Sribniak, 31, and Jack Currie, 29, have been charged with Misconduct in Office and Felonious …
As respiratory diseases rise with fall, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urges residents to utilize free COVID-19 tests and practice illness prevention. They highlight the availability of at-home tests and local testing centers, promoting personal COVID-19 action plans including vaccinations and preventive measures for overall health.
