Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging lawmakers on both sides to pass a state budget and avoid a state government shutdown.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer urges lawmakers to pass a state budget

Only 14 days remain for both sides to reach a deal to fund schools, road projects and more before layoffs could come.

I was in Lansing earlier, getting to the heart of what challenges remain, and how both sides see a path to achieve a deal.

Its never easy, but when the job is done, its always worth it," said Governor Whitmer.

Inside the state Capitols Heritage Hall, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was aiming to end a political standoff unfolding within the state Legislature.

Her message is about focusing on the need for both Democrats and Republicans to rise above partisan differences and pass a budget that supports better education, higher wages, lower costs, continued road funding, public safety and more.

If the Legislature sends me a budget that reflects these shared priorities, I will sign it," said Whitmer.

The governor also pointed to economic hardships, saying tariffs and other factors have pushed many prices higher.

On October 1, the states next fiscal year begins, and without a budget by then, there could be thousands of layoffs and cuts to a number of state-wide programs.

State Senator Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) offered this in response: "Last time we had a shutdown was during the Great Recession. We had no money. Here we have some extra money. If the governor can get in a room with Matt Hall and, the leader of the Senate, Madam Brinks, we can get a deal done."

What do you see as the biggest barrier to passing a budget?" I asked Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.

"Partisanship government. Right now we have the Rs and Ds. Were just talking about quality of life issues," said Neeley.

Lawmakers on both sides are still expressing optimism that a deal can be reached soon.

Failing to get this done means more uncertainty, higher costs and less jobs," said Governor Whitmer.

Voter Susan Divine expressed worry.

That shuts down very important services to folks that dont have everything that the rest of us have," said Divine.

The governor says uncertainty over our economy must not continue. However, she is optimistic that a deal can be reached within the next two weeks.

The first-ever online law school in Michigan is being launched by the University of Detroit Mercy in Downtown Detroit.

The official start of the program will be in the fall of 2026, with applications being accepted right now.

We're told a total of 25 students will be accepted to begin with, with plans of more students to come in the future.

Faculty positions are also being added in the first program of its kind in the state.

The program is accredited by the American Bar Association and is made possible by a major donation from alumnus Jonathan D. Rose

We see this as an access opportunity for people who cant physically be in law school. 9-5 typical workday. So, were thinking second career. Stay-home parents, military families and really people who dont have close proximity to a law school in Michigan," Dean of Detroit Mercy Law Nicholas Schroeck said.

The program aims to increase access to higher education and open doors of opportunity for people across the state.

As schools across Michigan continue to wait for the state to deliver a school funding budget, another debate is being fueled involving mandatory testing.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: Michigan lawmaker introduces legislation aimed at reducing standardized testing

One lawmaker is now driving a bipartisan plan to reduce the amount of school tests while seeking to raise the level of achievement.

Ive always felt like the testing was too much," said Michael Barclay.

As a recent graduate of Ecorse High School now studying at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Barclay is recalling his experience when it came to standardized testing.

I had to wake up really early to take the SAT, and personally, I didnt do that well because Im not a morning person," he said.

A state lawmaker from Plymouth, Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) has now introduced legislation to change how much testing is done in Michigans K-12 programs.

Extended interview: Rep. Koleszar talks about school standardized testing reform WEB EXTRA: State Representative Matt Koleszar talks about school standardized testing reform

He tells me mandatory college tests like the SAT and ACT would fall under the proposed changes.

"Less testing has been a conversation that's actually been going on for years. What we want to make sure is ... when kids are being tested, that it's ... a relevant test," said Rep. Koleszar.

He points to room for improvement for academics in our state and the need for new solutions.

The essay portion is a portion that is taken directly after the SAT. It is only administered in four states nationwide, to the point where the College Board's specialty makes it for the four states that uses it, including Michigan," he said.

State Senator Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) said, "Republicans have always thought we need testing, but the M-STEP is not the answer. It's basically a meaningless test. A better test would be one they call the NWEA. It's a ... test that gives us tools to diagnose what the kids' shortages are."

From a parents perspective, there is the desire to ensure all test-taking serves the absolute best interest of the students.

In Saline, parent Kate Wagner shared her view on what lawmakers should consider.

If a kid is having a bad day and does poorly on a test, does that really rank how they can achieve and what theyre capable of doing? I dont think so," she said.

A vote on the proposals is expected to happen in a state house committee later this month before a potential full House vote.

Well be staying on top of developments to update you as soon as they happen.

The community is coming together to honor the memory of a Metro Detroit husband and father who died of brain cancer just over a year ago.

Andrew Somjak was 34 years old when he passed away, and he is survived by his wife, Aubrey, and four young children.

His friends and family are hosting a memorial golf outing scheduled to take place on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Mystic Creek Golf Course in Milford.

His loved ones recall Andrews strong faith and love of people, and they say donations for the event and dinner will provide crucial support for children as they continue to cope.

We had the chance to speak with his parents, Steve and Beth, who talked about how Andrew impacted others and lived with purpose each and every day.

"Andrew was in the critical care unit for a week, with catheters in his brain for therapy. He took every opportunity to walk the unit and meet people, encourage them, pray for them," said Steve Somjak.

"Andrew loved golf. Kept him going. Towards the end, just to honor his memory, we thought, lets get out there. A lot of people have now signed up to say let me be a part of this, too," said Beth Somjak.

To support this effort to help Andrews family, you can find more information by clicking here. You can also call (734) 299-0822.

Where Your Voice Matters

The leader of an Oakland County survivor organization is speaking out after a Detroit nurse was accused of sexually victimizing people at Detroits Sinai Grace Hospital.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: Abuse advocate and survivor speaks after Detroit nurse's sexual assault charges

Detroit police say Wilfredo Figueroa-Berrios committed acts of criminal sexual conduct on Aug. 18 at Sinai Grace Hospital and again in early May at an unknown location.

Charges included seven counts of criminal sexual conduct involving three alleged victims.

Weve been sharing his photo because detectives believe more victims are out there.

Since we broke the story last week, Ive been examining allegations and hearing from those advocating for survivors.

Watch our previous report as Wilfredo Figueroa-Berrios faces additional charges: Nurse accused of sexually assaulting woman at hospital facing new charges

A licensed nurse since 2012, police say Figueroa-Berrios remains behind bars awaiting a second arraignment that was originally expected by now.

I think the major reason these abusers are allowed to continue doing these types of things is that the first time they are reported, people dont believe them, said Jojo Dries, an advocate and survivor of abuse.

Dries spoke with me in response to this alarming case after watching my reporting. She says shes not surprised that neither the nurses attorney nor the hospital have commented and that law enforcement has confirmed additional alleged victims are now coming forward.

They are in positions of power. They feel and look safe. They might be religious leaders, political leaders or executives, a nurse or a doctor, Dries said.

Figueroa-Berrios was first arraigned last week and I learned three of the original counts are tied to one victim.

However, details in two separate cases are still unknown. Records involving prior history of Figueroa-Berrios show Livonia police also investigated him twice for allegations, including those at another clinic.

Still stunning Dries and others is the fact that prosecutors are still reviewing one of those cases more than three years later.

Watch our previous report when Wilfredo Figueroa-Berrios was charged in connection to allegations at Sinai Grace Hospital: Nurse accused of sexually assaulting woman at hospital; police fear more victims

Dries added sexual assaults have become more prevalent than many realize.

We have to realize 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have reported to receive domestic or sexual assault in their lifetime, Dries said.

One alleged victim called 7 News Detroit to speak up and also connected with police in just the past few days.

Our "If You Give A Child A Book" campaign is being celebrated for another year, with countless books being donated to metro Detroit students with a passion for learning.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: WXYZ 'If You Give a Child a Book' campaign helps kids 'foster a love of reading'

Each year, our campaign grows and we are so proud to continue that tradition. I got the chance to travel to Oak Park and talk with students at Pepper Elementary School about their summer reading and how books can be life-changing.

HELP GIVE A CHILD A BOOK BY CLICKING HERE

Inside Pepper Elementary, books are the focus of students who not only enjoy reading, but also help them see the world in a new way.

Hear more from the kids at Pepper Elementary: "If You Give A Child A Book" campaign helps build kid's libraries for Pepper Elementary students

As a fifth grader, Persais Jones is eager to share some of the books she's read over the summer.

I read Critters club. It was interesting," Persais said. "I like a lot of chapter books. I like the plots and the pictures.

Parents at Pepper Elementary sent us photos of the books their kids have selected through the campaign, which are now part of their home libraries.

When you find a book you like, do you ever read it more than one?" I asked Persais.

"Yes. Especially Babysitters Club," Persais said.

One of the benefits of being a part of this partnership is seeing children who were in Kindergarten when we first started. We heard a mom say yes, my child has gotten a lot of books over the years," Pepper Elementary Principal Emanuel Haley said.

Haley told me about the dramatic improvement he's seen in academic achievement and confidence that has come with reading programs. Among the favorites, the "Dogman" series.

It helps foster a love of reading. Ive leveraged that to provide for classes to read competitively," Haley said.

Beyond the joy students say these books bring, they also help with writing, speaking, and many other parts of development that kids will take with them into adult life.

It helps with their confidence, it translates into so many other things and opportunities. We are so honored to do it and appreciate the community embracing this effort. Opening their hearts. Their wallets. Contributing to this great cause," Scripps Regional Vice President and General Manager at WXYZ/WMYD, Mike Murri, said.

I just thank god for Mr. Haley and you guys," parent Della Freeman said.

The belief that books can unlock a better future has never been stronger. Freeman sees the campaign that helps each student select their own books as another important step toward achieving their full potential.

They love them. They bring these books home, they read them and tell us about these different stories and things like that," Freeman said.

Where Your Voice Matters

A local nurse has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman at Detroits DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, and were sharing his photo because investigators believe more victims could be out there.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: Nurse accused of sexually assaulting woman at hospital; police fear more victims

Prosecutors will not confirm that the alleged victim was a patient, but previous allegations against Wilfredo Figueroa-Berrios involve patients at a mental health facility in Livonia.

The 47-year-old nurse was arraigned in Detroit's 36th District Court Thursday on three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree and two counts in the fourth degree.

Detroit police released the photo of Figueroa-Berrios, who is accused of sexually assaulting the woman on August 18 at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit.

Online records show he's been a licensed nurse since 2012.

Court records show Figueroa-Berrios was given a $50,000 personal bond and made to wear a GPS tether. With a personal bond, a defendant can be released without posting any money unless they violate conditions of their bond.

7 News Detroit visited the home of Figueroa-Berrios, but there was no answer at the door. His defense attorney also declined to comment.

Outside the hospital, 7 News Detroit Anchor Simon Shaykhet found people whose loved ones are currently or have been patients at the hospital over the years.

Its a lot of crazy things going on. I would never expect that to happen at a hospital," said Jesse Rodgers.

While the investigation is ongoing, prosecutors have been careful not to release more details that they say could put their case at risk.

However, police are encouraging anyone else who could be a victim to come forward.

Its supposed to be a safe place to go to. Not like that. Ive never heard of that. Thats the first," said Rodgers.

While looking into the prior history of Figueroa-Berrios, Shaykhet also found charges were requested by Livonia Police for sexual assault in 2021 for a 2020 incident involving a patient at a mental health facility, but their warrant request was denied due to insufficient evidence. Another warrant request was submitted in February 2022 for a 2021 incident involving another patient at the same facility.

Livonia Police said they're still waiting for prosecutors to make a charging decision in that 2021 case.

Shaykhet asked a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office why theres been little to no updates for more than 3 years, and in a statement regarding that case, a spokesperson said, There were no documents in our case management system for this warrant from Livonia PD. This was recently discovered and WCPO immediately requested and received the warrant request this week from Livonia. The case is currently being reviewed. Until the review process has been completed, we cannot predict that charges will issue.

Shaykhet did reach a family member of the defendant, who declined to talk about this but expressed surprise.

7 News Detroit reached out to DMC Sinai-Grace for comment and to find out the employment status of Figueroa-Berrios, but a spokesperson would not release any information and instead referred us to the prosecutor's office.

More than 1,000 middle school students in Saline are forced to wait to start the school year due to issues of mold and mildew.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: Saline Middle School forced to delay start of school due to mold & mildew issues

The district said safety is a top priority, and cleanup began this past weekend. When I visited the school on Monday, which would have been the first day of school, crews were hard at work.

How did you navigate school delayed a couple days?" I asked parent Katie Wagner.

"With my kids, we had them volunteer this morning, Wagner said.

Wagner said she was able to take the day off work, with the middle school now expected to start on Wednesday.

I feel like they are being transparent. It means keeping our kids safe," Wagner said.

Superintendent Rachel Kowalski met me to explain what was found and when.

This has been the only thing we are working on, other than getting our students back to school," said Kowalski.

Kowalski met me to explain what was found and when.

Teachers didnt return until Wednesday last week. Our hard-working teachers. We started late Monday to get indications of mildew-looking things," Kowalski said.

I've learned similar issues were quickly addressed without delays in Milan, and in Dundee, parents were notified of similar mold-related delays at elementary and middle schools. Classes there are expected to resume on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Looking into what caused all this, the superintendent in Saline pointed to the excessive humidity and other factors.

Inside the home of a Romulus family, where Beyond the Bell Pre-K is based, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer read to kids on Wednesday and stressed support of free pre-K education.

As for the school budget in Michigan being unresolved this late, the governor says, "Im concerned about it. Schools need to get started.

Interview: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks on budget controversy Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks on budget controversy

Parent Samuel Miller emphasized to me why his son thrives from an early start, hes now 4 years old.

Im very active in his extracurriculars and education life," said Miller.

Owner of the Beyond the Bell, Michelle Cook, highlighted how her program is making a difference for kids with early support, learning and healthy meals.

She, too, hopes lawmakers on both sides can reach a deal, so more programs like hers can open up.

Its more intimate. I dont have all the testing, but we do assessments," said Cook.

On the other side of the aisle, Republican Senator Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) weighed in on sticking points such as school lunches, free pre-K, and he says giving more to students ahead of unions.

If the governor wants to get it done, call Matt Hall and leader Brinks. As a Republican with a heart, Im not against school lunches for kids in need, but why buy them for upper-middle-class people? Same with pre-K. For kids in need, I want to fund it. The best way out of poverty is education," said Sen. Bellino.

Governor Whitmer says, were engaging in conversations. We have been doing the work all summer, but its slower than it should be.

For parents like Miller, nothing comes above education. It's a concept he hopes our leaders will prioritize, one that becomes more pressing each day.

Whitmer hopes to see a deal by September 15.

Where Your Voice Matters

At Belleville Lake, summer brings boating, fishing and other fun activities. But talk of nuclear and other hazardous waste about a mile away from Wayne Disposal is once again heating up.

Watch the full story in the video player below: 'We have had enough.' Lawmakers oppose more hazardous waste dumping in Wayne County

I cant imagine anyone campaigning on approving taking out-of-state nuclear waste into Michigan," said Chris Donley with Michigan Against Atomic Waste.

Outside Belleville Public Library, critics of Wayne Disposal oppose taking in more hazardous waste from out of state. County, state and federal lawmakers are speaking out, saying there are eight nearby schools, senior centers and more.

We need to establish a 5-year moratorium on any expansion, giving us time to plan not just reach," said Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp). "To fully understand this issue, and impact on our environment and community.

We have had enough," said Executive Warren Evans with Wayne County. "Already, we have had enough. Some of us are suffering from what we already have. We ought not be thinking about increasing that pollution.

A packed room will be demanding more public comment on Sept. 18 at WCC. That's when the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) will hear more from citizens before making a final call on permit requests to grow the site. Last week, EGLE announced its intention to allow expansion of the hazardous waste disposal program in Wayne County.

Keep in mind: Wayne Disposal is already one of the largest sites of its kind in the U.S. I asked neighbors how it feels to know lawmakers are fighting against this.

"We should push back as residents," said Brittany Tabor.

"Let everybody keep their own garbage," said Gail Clearwood.

Two Senate bills aim to raise fees, cap amounts and ban new facilities. They would also require a plan unaffiliated with either political party.

Keep in mind, 4 million tons of trash have already come to Michigan.

I reached out to EGLE and Parent Company Republic Services. Their statements are below:

EGLE

"The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is committed to a transparent permitting process that keeps the public informed and involved. The posting of a draft license is the beginning of the public comment period, giving the public a chance to review and provide informed feedback for consideration before any final decision is made on issuing a license to Wayne Disposal Inc. EGLE is legally obligated to issue a permit when an applicant meets all requirements set forth in Michigan law. While we werent invited to todays press conference, we recognize that some are dissatisfied with the current process, including members of the Legislature. EGLE has worked with legislators to provide technical expertise on proposed statutory changes as well as explore alternative proposals. If lawmakers believe the permitting process should be changed, EGLE is prepared to continue to engage in that discussion; however, the responsibility for making changes ultimately rests with the Legislature."

Republic Services

"In November 2021, Wayne Disposal, Inc. (WDI) requested a vertical expansion to fill in a low spot in the existing landfill footprint following the closure of a runway at the neighboring airport, which previously limited area based on the flight path of the runway.  The requested vertical expansion will not increase landfill acreage or reduce greenspace. It will bring this section of the landfill in line with other areas and help ensure we maximize available capacity to meet demand for safe and responsible waste disposal.The highly engineered landfill is designed and constructed with redundant safety controls to ensure secure disposal. Existing inspection and monitoring of leak detection, leachate, soil, surface water and ambient air are effective and will continue.      We provide safe, responsible and essential waste disposal services for industries in Michigan and throughout the region.  The facility is permitted and equipped to securely manage these waste streams,  and operates in compliance with all regulatory requirements." Where Your Voice Matters