On a busy stretch of US 131 in Grand Rapids, flashing lights and cameras are now stopping drivers before a wrong turn turns deadly. Since nearly two dozen new detection systems were installed in 2023, crashes have dropped sharply.
Janelle D. James
Janelle D. James covers breaking news at Bridge Michigan. She joined the staff in January 2023. Previously, she worked as a Capital News Correspondent at Michigan State University where she covered state and local policy issues. She also worked as a breaking news intern at the Detroit Free Press. She has a bachelors degree in journalism and political science from Michigan State University. She is from Detroit. You can reach her at jjames@bridgemi.com and on Twitter at Janelle___j.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan travel pitch draws Canadian criticism amid Trump trade tensions
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is facing backlash after suggesting Canadians vacation in ‘beautiful’ Michigan this coming summer. Trips from Canada to Michigan dropped by nearly 16% in 2025 amid tensions.
Posted inTalent & Education
Adulting 101: Free MSU courses teach balanced budgets, cooking, pet care
Michigan State University Extension is offering free ‘Adulting 101’ courses to help young people learn essential life skills.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan sees heavy snow, dangerous roads. What to know
Parts of Michigan have seen almost twice as much snow as usual so far this winter. Bitter wind chills and hazardous roads are expected through the week, creating risks for drivers but ideal conditions for winter sports.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan 2026 elections: Dates, deadlines and a key special election
Statewide elections in August and November will decide Michigan’s next governor, and a special election in May could shape Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s last year in office. What to know.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan prisoners make 12,000 license plates a day — and $1.31 per hour
Every Michigan license plate is made at an Adrian prison, where
roughly 40 minimum-security inmates staff a factory. Pay ranges from 65 cents to $1.31 an hour.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Blue moon, ‘planet parade’ and meteor showers coming to Michigan skies
It’ll be “once in a blue moon” this year, with several chances for stargazing across Michigan, including a rare blue moon, eight supermoons, multiple meteor showers and a February ‘planet parade.’
Posted inMichigan Government
0HDAMM, Michigan has banned more than 30,000 license plates
With another 2,000 rejects last year, Michigan has now banned more than 30,000 personalized license plates for reasons like vulgar language or drug references. We have the list.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan makes gains in moving data, with fewer people leaving state
Moving companies say about as many people came to Michigan as left it in 2025, with one firm even reporting a net gain. After years of sluggish population, is Michigan gaining steam?
Posted inQuality of Life
Gordie Howe Bridge to give Michigan a walkable, bikeable link to Canada
Expected to open in 2026, Detroit’s Gordie Howe International Bridge will be Michigan’s only crossing to Canada with a pedestrian and bike path.