Southwest Michigan Tourist Council changes name

The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council has a new name. The organization says it will now be known as Visit Southwest Michigan. Director Marcy Simpson says they were called the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council since 1982, but now, they serve the needs of …

Young driver hospitalized after golf cart, pickup truck crash in southwest Michigan

CASS COUNTY, MI – A crash involving a golf cart and pickup truck in Penn Township left one person injured, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred at approximately 9:19 p.m. on Friday, July 4. The driver of the golf cart was …

In Michigan, 4 new grads choose their new paths

Editor's note: This story is part of a series tracking the experiences of four graduating seniors at four different Michigan universities. It is a partnership between the Detroit Free Press, Michigan State University student reporters and the American …

Five ice cream spots within walking distance of Lake Michigan

ST. JOSEPH, MI -- What’s perfect for a hot summer day on Lake Michigan? A cold, refreshing scoop of ice cream. There’s plenty of ice cream shops to walk to when hitting Southwest Michigan’s beaches. The following ice cream shops are within a 15 minute walk …

How to get to UM Health-Sparrow Lansing amid Michigan Avenue construction

LANSING — University of Michigan Health − Sparrow Lansing has released suggested alternate routes to get to its facilities as the Michigan Avenue reconstruction project moves westward. With a new work phase expected to begin after the first week of July, …

GALLERY: Hot-air balloons, parades highlight West Michigan's Fourth of July celebrations

Business Michigan Advance Yelp’s addition of a ‘Black-owned’ tag led to a slight drop in business ratings in Detroit

Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury Matthew Bui, University of Michigan and Cameron Moy, University of Pennsylvania When the online review platform Yelp added a “Black-owned” tag in 2020, it boosted the visibility of Black-owned restaurants in Detroit. It also …

Biting insects: How to protect yourself from black flies in Michigan

Black flies are small, biting insects prevalent in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, especially near rivers and streams. While peak season is over, they remain active throughout the summer, particularly on hot, humid days. Repellents, light-colored clothing, …

Michigan Secretary of State now offers online driver's license testing for adults

LANSING, Mich. – Eligible Michigan adults now have the option to take the written driver’s license knowledge test online at Michigan.gov/SOSOnlineTesting. Passing the knowledge test is the first step in obtaining a Michigan operator’s temporary …

Lights in the Upper Michigan sky

Karen Wils photo Karen Rose Wils ESCANABA — A flash of light in the night, An arch of bright color followed by another, A mingling of aqua and blue transforms into another hue, Moonbeams, starlight, northern lights, fireworks and fireflies fill the summer …