Do: Celebrate the nation’s independence. Don’t: Blow your finger off. Here’s what you need to know about fireworks, weather, road trips and more as the state prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July.
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 Environment Watch
Michigan EV registrations jump, but still far from Whitmer’s 2 million goal
Electric vehicle registrations doubled in Michigan over the past two years. But the 85,666 registrations are still a fraction of the 2 million EVs Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hopes to see by 2030.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan gives boost to summer boating with $3.8M for local marina projects
Frankfort and 10 other Michigan communities received state funds for boating upgrades through the DNR’s Waterways Grant Program. The grants support repairs, studies and expansion of public access to water.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan nears tornado record as heat wave looms
Michigan braces for heat after recording its 29th tornado of the year, the most since 2001 and sixth-highest count on record.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan rescues black bear whose head was stuck in plastic lid for 2 years
A young black bear in Montmorency County was freed by wildlife biologists on June 2 after living for two years with a plastic lid stuck around its neck. The lid likely came from a bait container that didn’t meet the requirements permitted in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan awards $1M for history projects ahead of nation’s 250th birthday
Michigan awarded nearly $1 million to 50+ local history projects statewide. The grants support preservation efforts ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
CMU elects Bridge’s Lisa Yanick Litwiller to Media Hall of Fame
Litwiller, who died in 2024, was Bridge’s executive editor of innovation. CMU is honoring her as a trailblazer for Bridge, Hearst Newspapers and the Center for Public Integrity.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge Michigan reporters named Journalists of the Year in repeat win
Ron French and Robin Erb named Journalists of the year, as Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit reporters take home 23 awards from the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge wins 15 Michigan Press Association awards, including public service honor
Bridge Michigan reporters won top honors for public service journalism, best writing and more.
Posted inMichigan Government
Driving high is illegal in Michigan. Soon, cops may be able to test for it
Police now use anecdotal evidence to arrest drugged drivers. Legislation would let Michigan join 24 states that use roadside saliva tests to make arrests. But reliability questions remain.