Mike Cox drops out of Michigan governor race, endorses John James
by Simon D. Schuster, Bridge Michigan Former attorney general Mike Cox is ending his campaign for Michigan governor and backing US Rep. John James, his campaign announced Friday evening. Cox said President Donald Trump’s endorsement of James in late June closed the door on any hope of victory. “While I did not fully appreciate it […]
Death at Michigan women’s prison ruled suicide. Autopsy points to aspirin
by Janelle D. James, Bridge Michigan An autopsy report released Thursday determined that the third of four Michigan women to die this year at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility took her own life by acute aspirin poisoning. The report, completed at the Michigan Medicine Pathology and Clinical Laboratories in Ann Arbor, concluded that Ashley Hoath […]
Michigan bill legalizing backyard deer feeding passes, but bans could remain
by Laura Herberg, Bridge Michigan A bill that would allow Michiganders to feed deer in their backyards is sitting on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk, but, even if she signs it, the state may still prohibit some people from feeding. Deer feeding is currently banned in the Lower Peninsula to prevent the spread of diseases such […]
New unemployment job-search rules take effect in Michigan. What to know
by Janelle D. James, Bridge Michigan Beginning Sunday, Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits will need to report three work search activities for each week instead of one to remain eligible for benefits. The requirement is part of bipartisan legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year that overhauled Michigan’s unemployment system, including increasing the maximum number […]
What to know as wildfires envelop Michigan in smoke (again)
by Kelly House, Bridge Michigan Like clockwork, Michigan and much of the surrounding region are once again engulfed in summer smoke as wind pushes air south from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota. Detroit had the worst air quality of any major city in America Thursday morning, with an index of 698 – well above […]
Pleasant Lake’s history and celebration of 65 years of lake protection efforts
submitted by Pleasant Lake Property Owners Association Freedom Township in southwestern Washtenaw County has a hidden gem originally named Lake Pleasant. Maps of Michigan in the 1870s and later made a name change to Pleasant Lake. This kettle lake, the product of retreating glacier action, is about two miles long, a half mile wide, and […]
73rd annual Chicken Broil: Changes to drive-through and shuttle parking
submitted by Jeff Mann, chairman/president, Manchester Chicken Broil The 73rd annual Manchester Chicken Broil, the decades-long and entirely volunteer-run event that takes place in the City of Manchester, Michigan, located 25 minutes outside Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, is set for Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 4pm to 7:30pm, at the Alumni Memorial Field. Back by […]
How the Chicken Broil came to be
by Leon Mann Manchester’s World-Famous Chicken Broil is entering its 73rd year of community bonding and great food! But many may not know the storied history of how the beloved Chicken Broil came to be. The first Chicken Broil was put on by one of Manchester’s many service clubs active in the 1950s, The Exchange […]
Washtenaw: Dangerous air quality, stay indoors if possible
From Washtenaw County: Air quality across Southeast Michigan has deteriorated significantly due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires. An air quality alert remains in effect for all of Michigan through Friday, July 17. As of 9am on July 16th, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Ann Arbor area reached approximately 405, which falls within the […]
MHSAA holds 147th annual banquet
submitted by Colleen Kemner, treasurer, MHSAA The Manchester High School Alumni Association (MHSAA) recently held their 147th annual banquet in the Manchester High School commons area with MHS alumni and guests attending. This multi-generational event included members of the class of 2026 with the oldest class represented being 1943 (Reno Feldkamp, in case you’re wondering). […]
