Gov. Whitmer announces plan for police reform   The protests and the violence that followed have been the topic of conversation for days in America. But what about the changes to the system that the protests are calling for? On Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced plans for police reform to promote racial equality in Michigan. So far it's a series of policies aimed at changing the culture of law enforcement and training our officers on implicit bias and better de-escalation techniques. Is this the start of real change? MORE ►Grand Rapids eyes initiatives to improve police-community relations

 

Great Lakes water temps are finally on the rise (well, all but one)   We've had some really hot days already this spring, but the Great Lakes have been taking their time warming up until just recently. In fact, if you get over to Saginaw Bay or the south end of Lake Michigan, surface temps are above 60 and pushing 70 degrees. Of course, no one tells Gitche Gumee what to do. She's still in the 30s. The question now is whether these temps will continue to rise in the first part of June or swimming will have to wait: STORY ►Why swimming in a Great Lakes is like being in a giant washing machine

Fsta Michigan high schools can begin summer athletic activities under two conditions hat  For the first time in more than two months, high school athletic programs across Michigan may engage in activities. But the MHSAA does have two conditions. 1) The school facilities have to be declared open and the final day of any online instruction or exams completed. 2) Outdoor gatherings are still limited to 100 people. Still, it won't be easy. Social distancing and making sure things remain disinfected (including high school athlete's hands) will be crucial. MORE ►Coaches, athletic directors react to reopening of summer activities

  

Grand Rapids police chief joins protest Wednesday and tensions turn to cheers and chants     Like the example set in Flint, the decision of Grand Rapids police chief Eric Payne to join the protesters and speak directly with the large group gathered downtown Wednesday night, turned what had been tense and violent for days into a march with a quiet end. At one point, a member of the crowd handed Payne their megaphone so that the hundreds of people could hear him exclaim, "We hear you, and black lives matter." VIDEO HERE ► Video: Protesters march peacefully through Grand Rapids