text/html; charset=utf-8

Thanks to a group of anonymous donors, the Kalamazoo Promise has been offering free tuition to eligible Kalamazoo students since 2006. High school graduates who qualify have a decade to use the funds to attend a Michigan college, trade school or university. Numbers now show about half of those who qualify have completed a degree or certificate program. Some Promise recipients took college courses without earning a degree, and a portion never took a college class. Those familiar with the program say the numbers show there are other, non-financial barriers blocking the path to higher education. MORE
►Kalamazoo graduate balances life as a mom as Promise dollars go unused
► Trauma, indecision were barriers for Kalamazoo Promise grad, but he sees college in future

Michigan lawmakers are largely all talk, little action on financial transparency

Plenty of Michigan lawmakers are talking about transparency. Few of them, however, are practicing it. We asked members of the state legislature and other elected officials to disclose their financial information. Out of 148 members of the state House and state Senate, only two agreed to release the info. So where is the action from the rest of our elected officials? MORE
►Unlike the rest of America, Michigan lawmakers' personal finances are secret
►Lawmakers say they want financial transparency, but few are releasing records

Michigan highway construction projects to avoid this weekend

More than 1.3 million people in Michigan are expected to hit the road during Memorial Day weekend. If you are one of those road warriors, you might want to pick your travel battles carefully. Here is a look at the lane closures and active road construction projects that could slow you down during the holiday. MORE
►Dog Bowl, balloons and more in mid-Michigan this weekend
►Memorial Day events in Jackson County
►Washtenaw County events during Memorial Day weekend

Beilein says Juwan Howard is 'fabulous' hire for Michigan basketball

hat

Former Michigan men's basketball coach John Beilein has expressed his approval of the man who is replacing him in Ann Arbor. Beilein, the new head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, called Juwan Howard a 'fabulous' choice via Twitter Thursday afternoon. And while he now has a huge tie to the state of Ohio, Beilein made it clear he will still be rooting for the Wolverines. MORE
►Juwan Howard and the all-important coaching staff decisions

13 restaurants to visit this weekend in Michigan

A long weekend means a lot of appetites to satiate. We have some must-try eats to fill your tummy over the next few days (and beyond). These 13 restaurants across Michigan are worth a visit, to say the least. We have options for those who want burgers, pizza, ice cream and more. Take a look and try not to drool. MORE
►Michigan's Best Coney Dog 2019 top 10 list