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

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

Drivers across Michigan’s Thumb region should expect delays as road work ramps up. The Michigan Department of Transportation is spending about $475,000 to seal pavement cracks on key highways in Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, and Sanilac counties. Work starts May 11th on M-24 in Lapeer County, then moves through nearby counties, covering routes like M-25, M-46, and M-53. Crews will fix cracks to extend road life and prevent bigger damage. Motorists should plan for intermittent lane closures through late June, depending on weather.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet