Michigan gears up for July 4: Fireworks laws, shows, travel tips, temps and more

Dry weather warning With Fourth of July festivities approaching, dry weather in parts of Michigan could raise the risk of fires. Several counties have put burn restrictions in place to help prevent outdoor fires from spreading. Most of the state...

High bacteria levels prompt beach closures, advisories from Michigan to New York

Many Americans love to flock toward the ocean to celebrate Independence Day, but high bacteria levels in the water in various areas around the country may disrupt tradition. Officials have closed off swimming at beaches in some parts of Illinois,...

High bacteria prompts beach closures, advisories in 6 states

Many Americans love to flock toward the ocean to celebrate Independence Day, but high bacteria levels in the water in various areas around the country may disrupt tradition. Officials have closed off swimming at beaches in some parts of Illinois,...

Michigan officially became a territory on this date

MICHIGAN – On June 30, 1805, the Michigan Territory officially took shape, months after President Thomas Jefferson signed it into law on January 11. Carved from the Indiana Territory, with Detroit as its capital, this move marked the beginning of...

Exclusive: Jana Kramer’s Michigan tour guide to her favorite hometown hot spots

If you’re ever taking a trip to Michigan, Jana Kramer has you covered on the must-visit spots in her home state. The ‘One Tree Hill’ actress, who was born in Rochester Hills, MI, says she loves to take family trips back home since she owns a lake...

E. coli shuts down Lake Michigan, inland beaches in Chicago area

Think Before You Tumble: Michigan’s $3K Dune Rescue Fee

I own it. I've made some really dumb decisions while on vacation. We've all made questionable choices—like gas station sushi on a road trip. But if your brilliant summer plans involve hurling yourself down a 450-foot-tall sand dune while lacking...

A Look at Michigan’s Financial Transparency Portal for Officials

(TNS) — A majority of Michigan voters want a reliable way to easily find out the financial activity of lawmakers and elected officials. The antiquated state government system that allowed any public scrutiny, introduced 25 years ago, is now in the...

Southwest Michigan’s Afternoon News for 06-30-25

In today’s news: No one’s getting any vacation time off this week at the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department because it will have plenty to do with the Fourth of July on Friday. The Benton Harbor Farmers Market is active again for the season, and...

Meet the commits: 5-star EDGE, 4-star DB propel Michigan into elite territory

Michigan added an elite talent to its loaded defensive line class with five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows— the No. 6 recruit in the country. Four-star defensive back Andre Clarke joined the class fewer than 24 hours later to bolster the...

Severe Weather Could Shut Down Holiday Travel

Millions of Americans will be traveling this week for the Fourth of July, as a cold front makes its way across the United States and brings the potential for storms throughout the week along the East Coast. Why It Matters About 72 million people...

Gas price expert: Wait to fill up your tanks in West Michigan

Drivers are advised to wait before filling up as prices expected to fall further. GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — As West Michigan residents prepare for Fourth of July travel, gas prices are trending downward after a recent spike, offering some relief at...

Short vacation goes long way for parents

June 30, 2025 at 3:26 p.m. I think we have a new quarterly tradition. A month or so ago, my wife had this novel idea: we’d send Baby Schanz to day care, “skip” work and have ourselves a childless day. It was genius. Here’s why. It could take time...

Michigan football sizzling on the recruiting trail: Will it continue?

What a difference a couple of months can make. Michigan football was sputtering on the recruiting trail at the beginning of May. Sherrone Moore’s program held just five commitments in its 2026 class, which ranked near the bottom of the Big Ten and...

Some Lake Michigan, inland beaches in Northern Illinois closed due to E. coli

It's summer in the city, backs of Chicagoans' necks are getting dirty and gritty, and what better remedy is there than a dip in Lake Michigan at a local beach? But at some Lake Michigan beaches in Cook and Lake counties — and some beaches at...

Travel hits record high as 72.2 million Americans head out for Fourth of July holiday

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Fourth of July travel rush is officially underway, and this year it’s breaking records. According to AAA, more than 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel between now and Sunday, July 6 — a 1.47 million person...

Ohio State football announces trio of players to travel to Big Ten media days

Big Ten football media days are nearly upon us. In fact, it is less than a month away and taking place in Las Vegas this year (sounds like a good road trip). As is customary, Ohio State will travel in style to the annual spectacle with head coach...

Michigan woman who crashed into hayride, injuring 5, sentenced for driving intoxicated

ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI — A woman who was driving intoxicated when she crashed into a tractor taking nine people on a hayride last fall, was sentenced Monday. Angelina Marie Hamberg had been driving 55 mph when she crashed into the tractor — which had...

Michigan as prices set a 2025 record high last week, prices are now coming down

DEARBORN, Mich. - Gas prices in Michigan have declined after setting a new 2025-high last week. Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $3.26 per gallon for regular unleaded, with last week's high as well as 2025's high begin $3.32 per...

HomeToGo reveals America’s top trending destinations for Independence Day travel

HomeToGo’s Fourth of July report shows rising demand for rural, waterside getaways, longer stays, and off-the-beaten-path U.S. destinations in 2025. FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – HomeToGo, the marketplace with the world’s largest selection of vacation...