George James

A Michigan man convicted of murder more than five decades ago is set to walk free after a judge ruled he has served enough time. Seventy-three-year-old Willie Bankston has spent over 50 years behind bars for a 1973 fatal shooting in St. Clair County. A judge resentenced him to 53 years, clearing the way for his release in August. The decision follows court rulings requiring youth to be considered in life sentences. Bankston, who has shown decades of good behavior, apologized and is no longer seen as a threat.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County residents can access a wide range of free services at one event later this month. The Community Resource Fair is happening May 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SC4 Fieldhouse in Port Huron. Organizers expect more than 750 people seeking help with housing, employment, food, and health needs. Attendees can pick up groceries from a mobile food pantry, get personal care items, and connect with local agencies. The Secretary of State will also be on site with a mobile office offering ID services.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

A Mid-Michigan family is taking legal action after a deadly crash in Tuscola County last fall. The Putman family filed a lawsuit, blaming a semi-truck driver and his North Carolina-based company for a September 26 collision in Ellington Township, that killed three family members and injured five others. The suit claims the truck ran a stop sign hitting the family’s Jeep as they drove home from a football game. Now, the family is seeking damages, citing negligence, unsafe driving, and long-term injuries.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Two Port Huron students are being recognized after making a strong showing at the city’s first-ever ACT-SO competition. Malencia Price earned silver medals in both written poetry and spoken word, while Jamal Waldon took silver in contemporary instrumental music. The event, hosted last Sunday at the Hersey Reinvestment Center, marks a new step for the local NAACP chapter in supporting youth achievement. Organizers say both students plan to attend the national ACT-SO event, as the community now rallies to help fund their trip and grow the program.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Residents in Tuscola County are dealing with dangerous flooding after days of severe weather, prompting Governor Whitmer to declare a state of emergency. Floodwaters have damaged roads, bridges, and culverts, with at least one roadway now permanently closed until repairs are made. Across Michigan, more than 40 counties are seeing similar destruction from heavy rain, snowmelt, and storms. The emergency order allows state resources to move in quickly and gives local communities access to funding, to repair infrastructure and support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet