Michigan celebrates Diwali this week. What to know 

South Asian American communities — across several faiths — are marking the festival of lights in Michigan this week. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in India, and among communities worldwide, including here in Michigan, with the...

Detroit man, 27, dead after falling off dock into Lake St. Clair, police say

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, said on "CBS Mornings" that a guaranteed vote on Democrats' health care priorities won't be enough to reopen the government, and he expressed alarm over the "broken" and "dysfunctional" health care...

Detroit’s water affordability program is changing

Hey BridgeDetroit readers! We’ve got an update on a popular water affordability program in Detroit. The Lifeline Plan, which once enrolled nearly 30,000 households, has run out of most of its money, forcing the Detroit Water and Sewerage...

Political chalk resurges on Eastern Michigan University campus

Students at Eastern Michigan University have reinstated their use of campus sidewalks as a forum for political messaging. Using sidewalk chalk to say their piece, students engaged in written debates starting in September 2025. Last semester, the...

Thousands brave rain and wind for 48th Detroit Free Press Marathon

DETROIT – Thousands of runners flooded the streets of Detroit and Windsor Sunday for the Detroit Free Press Marathon, undeterred by rain and gusty winds that challenged them throughout the race. The event marked the 48th annual running and...

Mel Owens, 'Golden Bachelor' from Detroit, returning home for meet and greet. How to attend

If you wish you could receive a rose from ABC's "Golden Bachelor" Mel Owens, a Detroit native, now's your chance. Owens is returning home Tuesday, Oct. 21, for a meet-and-greet event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The first 100...

The NBA is at its international peak, but British players are still struggling to break through

(CNN) — The NBA is being hit by an international storm, attracting athletes from all corners of the world. At the start of the 2024-25 season, the league announced that a record-tying 125 international players were on opening night rosters. Those...

Veteran students feel impact of government shutdown as aid programs suspend services

We are now 20 days into the federal government shutdown, with the Senate returning to work Monday. Neither side appears to show any sign of movement off their demands. This is expected to soon start having a big impact on healthcare and veterans,...

Franciscan Health Michigan City donates emergency gear to LaPorte County Sheriff's Office

Franciscan Health Michigan City has provided emergency equipment backpacks and CPR gear to the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office, aiming to enhance the medical response capabilities of local law enforcement. The donation includes 70 large red...

Federal shutdown slowing investigation into deadly Michigan plane crash

Officials in Bath Township Michigan are dealing with the aftermath of a small plane crash that killed three people. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. Ryan Fewins-Bliss,...

Where is it legal to ride an e-bike in Michigan? Here's what to know. 

An e-bike is a bicycle with a motor that assists the rider to move faster while pedaling, and depending on which class of bike, with a throttle. E-bikes traveling up to 20 mph have no age limits, but faster e-bikes, mopeds and motorcycles have age...

‘Here’s a script for the bathroom’: US government nuclear physicist arrested on child sex charges

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Menominee mayor proposes marijuana amendments as election approaches

By Ann Meyer Contributing Writer MENOMINEE, MICH. – Menominee Mayor Casey Hoffman said he plans to call for a city council vote on a Marijuana Reduction Amendment on Oct. 20 with hopes of limiting the number of marijuana dispensaries within city...

Pure Michigan tourism budget slashed as industry warns of losing ground

The new state budget slashes Michigan’s tourism advertising campaign nearly in half, marking the second cycle in a row that deep cuts have followed a high-spending year while irking tourism groups over inconsistent support. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer...

Operation Education: Some local schools get a head start on Michigan school safety changes

Some local school districts are getting an early start on school safety changes. Tonight, Operation Education will investigate the new Standard Response Protocol and how schools will implement it to improve school safety and emergency response. By...

Baltimore City towing company flouts state law, denies customer access to car, belongings

Nefertiti Lyles-Myers stood behind the Baltimore City Police officer, recording him and staff as he read the law, verbatim, to the woman behind the desk of Frankford Towing Company. The woman behind the desk sighed and ducked her head behind the...

Three of the four members of Mahoning County ESC board seek re-election

MAHONING COUNTY — Three of the four members of the Mahoning County Educational Service Center Board are seeking re-election Nov. 4. Incumbent members are Richard S. Scarsella, Jeff Good, and Suzanne Barbati. Also running is new candidate Richard...

Schools, law enforcement develop emergency response protocols

Delta and Schoolcraft counties will now officially utilize a Standard Response Protocol created by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. From left are Trooper Douglas O'Hagan, Michigan State Police; Detective Sgt. Aaron Quinlan, Gladstone Public Safety...

Michigan school districts demand timely budget after delays

NORTHERN MICHIGAN,. (WPBN/WGTU) - - Michigan school districts are urging lawmakers to finalize the school aid budget on time, following a delay that left schools uncertain and unable to plan effectively for the current academic year. By law, the...

Michigan launches first Microplastics Awareness Week to tackle pollution

NORTHERNMICHIGAN,. (WPBN/WGTU) - - The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced the state's inaugural Microplastics Awareness Week, set for October 19-26, to address the growing issue of microplastic...