Andrew Robins

Western Michigan University has won $4 million from the state to help families with autistic kids. State Representative Margaret O’Brien of Portage says the money is needed because there aren’t enough professionals to meet demand.

The money goes to the Behavior Analysis Program in Western’s Department of Psychology. University officials say it will be used for research to make autism treatments more effective. Other uses include hiring more professors to increase the number of certified autism professionals.

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra maestro Raymond Harvey will be spending part of his year in Texas. The Symphony says Harvey has accepted a position as music director of the Moores Opera Center at the University of Houston. He'll also be an associate professor of music at the university.

Harvey will conduct up to four operas each year and will also work with students.

He'll begin his 16th season as the Kalamazoo Symphony's music director in September.