Michigan
Law enforcement across Michigan participating in Click it or Ticket campaign
LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – From May 20 through June 2, state, county, and local enforcement will check whether passengers are buckled up in the driver’s and front passenger seats.
Just two years ago, more than 200 people killed in traffic crashes were not wearing a seat belt. The enforcement of the Click It or Ticket Campaign is meant to help save more lives.
Seatbelts save lives. That’s the goal of the Click It or Ticket Campaign. Lieutenant Rene Gonzalez with Michigan State Police says wearing your seatbelt could be the difference between life and death.
“We’re going to be out there patrolling the roads, freeways, secondary roads along with other officers from city PD and counties and other state agencies, and they’re going to be patrolling looking for violators of the seatbelt law,” said Lieutenant Rene Gonzalez.
From 2020 to 2023, Michigan’s seat belt usage rate fell from 94.4% to 92.4%. Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth says the penalty for not wearing a seat belt extends beyond the $65 fine.
“The penalty just simply could be that you have this life-changing thing that you’ll have to deal with for the rest of your life,” said Scott Wriggelsworth. “And that’s going to be the penalty that was completely avoidable.”
Three seconds—that’s how long it takes to buckle your seat belt. For those sitting in the back, it’s just as important.
Rear-seat passengers are more than twice as likely to die in a crash if they aren’t buckled up. “It doesn’t matter where you are riding in a vehicle, whether it’s in the front seat, the rear seat, in the third row, a seat belt will save your life by keeping you in the seat,” said Peter Kurdock, Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety. “Individuals that aren’t wearing their belt and ejected from the vehicle suffer far worse injuries than those that remain belted in.”
Michigan has a primary seat belt law, which means you can only be stopped if the driver and front seat passengers are not buckled up.
That’s why the US Department of Transportation introduced a ruling to require car manufacturers to install seat belt reminders, especially in the rear seats.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that buckling up in the front seat can reduce the risk of serious injuries or death in a crash by 45%.
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Michigan
117th annual Race to Mackinac takes off from Chicago’s Monroe Harbor
Saturday, July 11, 2026 2:48PM
CHICAGO (WLS) — Sailors are making their way from Chicago to Mackinac Island on Saturday morning.
The racing division of the Race to Mackinac took off from Monroe Harbor. The first sailors began their journey at 9 a.m.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The race, spanning over 300 miles into Michigan, brings sailors from all over the world to compete. The event is considered the longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world.
The Race to Mackinac is now on its 117th year and is the Chicago Yacht Club’s signature sailing event. This year, there are 2,000 sailors competing on 252 boats total.
The race’s unpredictable weather and shifting winds on Lake Michigan serve as a challenge for sailors. The event goes on, rain or shine.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Michigan
Michigan State Police rule out suspect in Electric Forest baby death investigation
ROTHBURY, Mich. — Michigan State Police (MSP) detectives shared some more information Friday about their investigation of the infant death at this year’s Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury.
Troopers recently received a tip about a Muskegon woman who was said to have information about the incident, but after interviewing her and completing other necessary investigative steps, MSP said they ruled her out as a suspect.
A restroom vending company employee at the festival found the body of a neonate, a newborn infant who is four weeks old or younger, in a portable restroom in the festival camping area on June 28, according to troopers.
The festival is hosted at the Double JJ Resort, which was locked down to anyone entering the following day as police surrounded the scene.
Troopers are asking for tips from the public at michigan.gov/michtip.
Michigan
Harmful algal blooms reported on 2 large West Michigan lakes
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Harmful algal blooms have been reported on two notable lakes in West Michigan: Gun Lake and Muskegon Lake.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy says cyanobacteria was reported on Muskegon Lake July 3, but no tests have confirmed it.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department says a harmful algal bloom was confirmed Thursday on Gun Lake. The lake remains open, but the BEDHD is encouraging visitors to use caution and avoid water that has “visible algae.”
Visitors are encouraged to avoid any contact with water that appears bright green, blue-green, brown or red or has “floating mats of scum.”
Pets should also avoid the water. If they come into contact with the algae, pets should be rinsed off as soon as possible with clean, fresh water.
Exposure to algae can cause a rash or irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat. It can also cause stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever and trouble breathing.
“If you become sick, contact your healthcare provider. Seek medical care right away if you have trouble breathing, severe vomiting, or other serious symptoms,” the BEDHD said in a statement. “If your pet was exposed, rinse them well with clean water and do not let them lick their fur until they have been washed. Contact your veterinarian right away if your pet has vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, trouble walking, excessive drooling, shaking, or seizures.”
Harmful algal blooms are powered by the sudden growth of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria occur naturally in lakes, rivers and ponds but is often boosted by a sudden excess of nutrients, often caused by fertilizer runoff from farms or failed septic systems.
They can last for several days and sometimes even months. The water will look “scummy” or like “spilled paint or pea soup.” They are typically found in the summer and fall — usually peaking in August or September and dying off by the end of October.
You can report a suspected harmful algal bloom to EGLE at AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov or 1.800.662.9278.
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