Protests over family separation in Battle Creek, as Congressman Fred Upton welcomes the President's executive order to end the practice. Business and education leaders pledge to work together to improve the education system. The Growlers' winning streak sets a franchise record, the Bombers have five of their last six.
The State Civil Rights Department says it will protect immigrant children brought to Michigan. The Detroit Free Press says two boys - both less than a year old - arrived in Grand Rapids early Wednesday morning. They and 48 others were separated from their parents at the U.S-Mexico border and flown to west Michigan. Meanwhile protestors gathered at the Calhoun County Jail Wednesday to demonstrate against the Trump administration's immigration policies. MLive says about 30 undocumented women separated from their families were taken to Battle Creek by federal immigration agents. President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending the practice of family separation. In a statement West Michigan Congressman Fred Uptonwelcomed the news, saying “thank goodness this ugly practice is ending.” The St. Joseph Republican says Congress must work to fix a broken immigration system.
An 852 page federal report released yesterday shows PFA chemical contaminants impact human health at levels much lower than previously thought. In May, news reports indicated release of the study was blocked by White House and EPA staff citing a quote “public relations nightmare.” Congressman Dan Kildee was one of several lawmakers who called for the study’s release. The Flint Democrat says the report shows more research needs to be done on the health impacts and more funding is needed for federal cleanup efforts. (WCMU)
Some of Michigan’s most influential business and education groups say they plan to work together to improve the state’s education system. The coalition officially unveiled “Launch Michigan” in Lansing Wednesday. Organizers say their goal is to develop education policies that will extend well beyond the election cycle. (Michigan Radio)
A new federal law requiring tougher background checks could force some child care providers out of business in Michigan. Starting in October, all adults living in a home with a day care center must be cleared by the FBI. A day care center's license will be revoked if there's a convicted felon living there, or someone with a misdemeanor drug conviction. The state sent letters to providers last week telling them that they have until the end of September to complete the new background checks. (Interlochen Public Radio)
The Michigan Supreme Court says a judge, not a jury, should decide what sentence a juvenile facing life without parole receives. But the ACLU of Michigan says they’re more concerned about the court not imposing a heightened standard of review on trial court decisions in these cases. The U.S. Supreme Court says a juvenile has to meet certain criteria before he or she can be sentenced to life without parole. The judge has to find that the juvenile is incapable of reform. In order for a judge to ever have to make this decision, the prosecutor has to file a motion asking for life without parole. If the prosecutor doesn’t, the judge would sentence the juvenile to a term of years.
In baseball, Kalamazoo set a franchise record with their eighth straight win. The Growlers defeated Green Bay Wednesday night 5-2. Kalamazoo will host Kenosha Thursday night at Homer Stryker Field.
Battle Creek scored seven runs in the third inning on their way to a 10-4 win over Kenosha Wednesday night. The Bombers have won five of their last six games. They will begin a two game series at Rockford Thursday night.