Matt Witkos

Fenton

Reporter at WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids, MI)

Matt Witkos is a local reporter who is covering impactful stories in West Michigan

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Articles

License plate cameras in West Michigan raise privacy and immigration concerns

3 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — License plate cameras across West Michigan are sparking controversy over how the technology tracks residents and who has access to that information. Recent claims suggest these cameras are being used to identify undocumented immigrants, and the data may be accessible beyond local law enforcement agencies. Dozens of these surveillance cameras are installed throughout the area, using technology that can identify and track vehicle license plates.
Local nonprofit seeks sponsors for summer camp to help Grand Rapids children

3 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A local nonprofit organization in Grand Rapids is working to provide a memorable summer experience for children but needs community support to make it happen. In the heart of Grand Rapids' Madison neighborhood is an organization that's working to build a Path Forward for kids. "At Save a Life a Day is where your child can be themselves... our doors wide open," Save a Life a Day Outreach Founder William McFadden said.
Michigan sees alarming rise in nitrous oxide emergencies

3 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos |Kallista Cory

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Michigan health officials are issuing a new warning about a completely legal drug on Wednesday. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports emergency cases involving nitrous oxide or laughing gas have spiked dramatically.
Grand Rapids celebrates 175 years with historic photo exhibit

3 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids is getting ready to celebrate 175 years with a big birthday bash on Saturday, showcasing the rich history of the city through a special photo exhibit. The exhibit features one photograph for each year of the city's existence, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and see how Grand Rapids has changed since its founding. Grand Rapids City Archive Officer Tony Wright showed FOX 17 its media room that is filled with anywhere from 20-25,000 images.
Michigan counties dispute inclusion on federal 'sanctuary jurisdictions' list

3 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos |Kallista Cory

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The Department of Homeland Security released a public list of "sanctuary jurisdictions" on Thursday, including several Michigan communities that dispute their inclusion.
Name debate stalls Grand Rapids' newest park project

4 weeks ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids is in the process of building a new park on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, but officials recently hit a snag. The issue isn't with construction but rather what to name this nearly acre-sized green space. The park under construction in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood will be the city's first new park since 2011. "Roosevelt Park neighborhood has a brand new park that's being built right here. It's very exciting.
Federal emergency order delays closure of Michigan coal plant

1 month ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — A week before an Ottawa County coal plant was set to close, the federal government is stepping in. Consumers Energy was set to close the 1,560 megawatt J.H. Campbell plant at the end of the month. On Friday, the Department of Energy issued a 90-day emergency order to keep the lights on. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright says keeping this open is important for grid security.
'No justice, no peace': protesters react to decision not to retry Lyoya case

1 month ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Several dozen people gathered outside the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids Thursday evening after learning Christopher Schurr will not face a second trial. Protesters chanted "Justice for Patrick" just hours after the Kent County prosecutor announced he will not pursue a second trial for Schurr, the former Grand Rapids Police officer who was charged with second-degree murder for the April 2022 death of Patrick Lyoya.
Mixed emotions felt after prosecutor moves to end criminal case

1 month ago | fox17online.com | Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Moments before the Kent County prosecutor announced he would not refile charges against former Grand Rapids Police officer Christopher Schurr, he called Patrick Lyoya's parents. “The Lyoya family is definitely broken by this decision. I also said at the beginning, we'd have to accept the jury's verdict, and thankfully, the system charged them, and it didn't stop before it got to a jury,” Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack said.
Christopher Schurr will not be retried in death of Patrick Lyoya, prosecutor drops murder charge

1 month ago | fox17online.com | Sam Landstra |Matt Witkos

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker says he will drop the second-degree murder charge against Christopher Schurr. Schurr, a former Grand Rapids police officer, fatally shot Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old black man, in the back of the head during an April 2022 traffic stop.