Janelle D. James

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.

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.

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.

Michigan braces for heat after recording its 29th tornado of the year, the most since 2001 and sixth-highest count on record.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bridge Michigan reporters won top honors for public service journalism, best writing and more.

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.

Michigan is experiencing a rise in measles and whooping cough due to declining childhood vaccination rates and health officials are sounding alarms.

Border crossings from Canada to Michigan have dropped significantly, especially by car, amid heightened security and a Canadian travel boycott sparked by US tariffs.

State Rep. Brad Paquette, R-Niles, introduced a bill to ban the purchase of soda pop with SNAP benefits, citing concerns over nutrition and taxpayer spending.

The Michigan and federal tax filing deadline is April 15. As always, individuals can apply for an extension. The state is also offering more time for those affected by the recent ice storms in northern Michigan.

This year offers hope for Michigan fruit growers, after fluctuating spring temperatures and mild winters last year. Still, overproduction may lower prices and impact profits.

Seasonal allergies, particularly hay fever, are worsening due to longer pollen seasons. Early medication and immunotherapy can help manage symptoms and make allergy season more bearable.

The Center for Michigan has published its 2023 annual report, highlighting a year of journalistic impact and community outreach.

Michigan residents are required to have a REAL ID by May 7 to fly domestically and access federal facilities.

Starting Oct. 7, all local calls in Detroit and nearby areas will require dialing 10 digits. A new area code, 679, may be assigned to new customers as available numbers in the 313 area code run out.

The Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing award recognized an investigation into the return on investment for Michigan’s corporate subsidies.