New Michigan laws crack down on gift card fraud
Gift card fraud happens when someone takes a card, steals the redemption information, and puts it back on the shelf. Fraudsters can steal the balance of the card before the purchaser can use it.
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Obama, Trump to campaign for Michigan candidates ahead of November election
Former president Barack Obama is scheduled to appear at a rally in Detroit on October 24 with U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El Sayed, gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, and other Democrats.
Irene Butter: Public Health Scholar, Holocaust survivor, dies
Beginning in 1966, Butter taught at the University of Michigan, focusing on health care, midwifery, and women's health. She became Professor Emeritus of Public Health in 1996.
Stateside: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
A conversation with Michigan Supreme Court candidate Noah Hood. Plus, perspectives on what it takes to highlight work from artists with disabilities and learned about the history of techno in Detroit.
It's Debate Week in Michigan. Candidates for governor and US Senate face off.
As of Monday, October 5, more than 120,000 Michiganders have already voted. That's roughly 1.7% of active registered voters in Michigan.
Supreme Court rejects appeal over Michigan school's ban on ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ sweatshirts
The Supreme Court is rejecting an appeal from a Michigan woman challenging a school district’s ban on shirts with the phrase “Let’s Go Brandon.” This phrase is a coded reference to profanity aimed at then-President Joe Biden.
Meet the Michigan Supreme Court Candidates: Noah Hood
Voters will elect two Michigan Supreme Court justices in November. Current Supreme Court Justice Noah Hood is running for re-election. He was nominated by the Democratic Party.
The core of Dexter Cider Mill's longevity? Family tradition
The Dexter Cider Mill is celebrating 140 years of operation, making them the state of Michigan's longest continually operating mill.
OPINION: AI is forcing Michigan schools to rethink learning
When generative artificial intelligence began showing up in schools a few years ago, much of the conversation focused on a familiar problem: cheating.
Despair over future fuels political anxiety for Michigan college students on the cusp of adulthood
Many college students today are feeling anxious about their future. They have concerns about their job prospects, homeownership and impending adulthood.
Ann Arbor nurse charged with helping man escape from ICE, legal experts predict similar cases
A former Ann Arbor nurse is facing a federal misdemeanor charge for allegedly helping an undocumented patient escape federal custody at Trinity Health hospital.
Governor’s race hits Saline Township, site of massive data center project
Republican gubernatorial candidate John James speaks outside the site of a planned data center in Saline Township on October 2, 2026.
GOP attorney general candidate attacks Democratic rival over sex work policy
Democrat Eli Savit, the current Washtenaw County prosecutor, has decriminalized consensual sex work. His office still prosecutes
DNR commissions new Lake Michigan research vessel
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has commissioned a new 66-foot, steel-hulled research vessel to monitor Lake Michigan fisheries and aquatic ecosystem.
TWTS: Dictionaries get glow-ups too
The New York Times announced that the Merriam-Webster Dictionary “is wordsmaxxing” and NBC News described it as a “glow-up” of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
1 of 100 registered voters in Michigan have already voted in the midterm election
According to the Secretary of State website, 1.3% of eligible Michiganders have voted (93,154 people) as of October 2. Michigan has just under 2 million vote-by-mail voters.
Stateside: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026
Diesel prices hit farmers at harvest time. We heard about what that means for Michigan's agricultural economy. And, an advocate in Michigan State University's community shares observations about sexual assaults on campus.
What shaped the sound of Detroit techno?
Detroit created techno in the early 1980s. Carl Craig explains how the city’s radio, jazz, funk, new wave, and electronic music helped shape the sound.
What's at stake in Michigan's 10th Congressional District
Michigan's 10th Congressional District went from leans Republican to a toss-up. What does that mean for the this year's midterm?
Long-awaited dam safety reforms move closer to law after Michigan Senate vote
The Michigan Senate has voted to overhaul the state's dam safety laws, moving reforms closer to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's desk.
Everything you need to know about PWHL Detroit, our new women's hockey team
PWHL Detroit begins its inaugural season in December, bringing professional women's hockey to Detroit. Here's what you need to know about the team, how to watch PWHL games and more.
Michigan regulators OK DTE contracts for Google data center
Michigan AG Dana Nessel pushed for stronger contract terms, arguing other customers could be at risk if the data center uses less power than forecast, or shuts down before the 20-year contracts expire.
Auchter's Art: Lose my number
While not all "attack" ads are necessarily bad, recently, both political parties seemed to have found John Auchter's phone number, and the texts are just pouring in.
Meet the Michigan Supreme Court candidates: Casandra Morse-Bills
Voters will elect two Michigan Supreme Court justices in November. Judge Casandra Morse-Bills was nominated by the Republican Party.
Residents push back at second town hall on UM computing center
Ypsilanti Township residents and leaders opposed a proposed University of Michigan computing center at a second town hall, citing noise and environmental concerns.
Whitmer backs federal gas tax holiday, but stays silent on state tax
With Michigan gas prices averaging $4.50 a gallon, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging federal tax relief while staying silent on state proposals to pause fuel taxes.
State will use $89 million in settlements from polluters to clean up Kalamazoo, Detroit rivers
The money will pay for removing toxic sediment and improving access to the rivers, while the state promotes swimming, fishing, and other activities.
Toyota unveils its main North American battery testing facility in Washtenaw County
Toyota will open the facility to the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center. Governor Gretchen Whitmer thinks that will help keep graduates from leaving the state.
Get into the spirit with these spooky season events around Michigan
As a slight chill comes to the air, and the leaves start to change, the witchy vibes of October also arrive… and with it comes many spooky season and Halloween events across the state for those of all ages.
Stateside: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
Today we begin a series of conversations with candidates for Michigan Supreme Court. Also, a new option for workers needing child care, and we stop by Michigan's oldest continually-operating cider mill.
High diesel prices cut into Michigan farm earnings during fall harvest
With diesel prices near $6.71 a gallon, Michigan corn and soybean farmers face shrinking profit margins as heavy machinery burns through fuel during fall harvest.
Here are 28 things to do in Michigan this weekend, October 2-4
Need something to do this weekend? Looking for new things to explore? Michigan Public is here to help! Check out some of these fun, interesting, and timely events across Michigan from October 2-4.
NRDC: Trump administration's fuel economy rollback is "get out of jail free" card for automakers
Environmental groups are lambasting the Trump administration's decision this week to issue a final rule that dramatically rolls back the Biden administration's fuel economy standards.
Isle Royale wolves inbred but likely to survive, study says
Researchers have found that wolves brought to Isle Royale in 2018 are likely to survive but face challenges from inbreeding and isolation.
Michigan parents charged after son displayed loaded gun at daycare
Two parents have been charged with misdemeanor crimes after their 3-year-old son displayed a loaded gun at a suburban Detroit daycare.
Meet the Michigan Supreme Court Candidates: Michael Warren
Voters will elect two Michigan Supreme Court justices in November. Judge Michael Warren was nominated by the Republican Party.
Slotkin says voters should be wary of federal interference in midterms
Senator Elissa Slotkin said President Donald Trump’s attempts at changing election processes so close to November are concerning.
Advocates pressure lawmakers to end fees for serving restraining orders
In Michigan, law enforcement agencies can charge fees for serving a personal protection order.
Antrim County clerk faces recall over canceled voter registrations
Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop faces recall petitions after state officials stripped her voter file access over alleged unauthorized cancellations of voter records.
Michigan US Senate candidates clash over who's better on crime
A Pew Research Center poll found 43% of Americans surveyed give Republicans the edge on crime policy. Of those polled, 29% favored Democrats. Twenty-five percent favored neither party on crime policy.
Stateside: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026
How the COVID-19 pandemic shaped one young voter's political perspective. Also, the tale of two bridges: the Ambassador, the Gordie Howe, and the guy who put a wrench in U.S.-Canadian relations.
Health care affordability tops survey of Michigan small business owners ahead of midterm elections
Taxes and workforce availability were also high on the list.
Most elected officials skeptical of new data center proposals, per UM survey
A new survey from the Ford School for Public Policy at the University of Michigan shows most elected officials also have hesitations or skepticism about new data center proposals.
What the Vote?: One Gen Z voter unafraid to break party lines
Now through November, Stateside is hearing from some of the state's youngest voters and getting insight into the issues driving them to the polls as part of our What The Vote? series. This week, we hear from a Grand Rapids resident who is choosing to participate in this election because she doesn't see her values…
Proposal 2 is on your ballot. What would it do?
Proposed by the group Michiganders for Money out of Politics, Proposal 2 would regulate political spending by utilities and large government contractors. Will it pass?
Issues & Ale: 2026 Election Preview with Michigan Public
Join Stateside host April Baer and a panel of Michigan Public hosts and reporters for a preview of the upcoming midterm election in Michigan, including key races, campaign promises, and the stakes.
Michigan Secretary of State candidates debate election security, voter trust
Candidates for Michigan Secretary of State detailed plans for election security, voter trust, and branch office access during a League of Women Voters forum.
Some lawful non-citizens set to lose Medicaid access under broader overhaul
Federal provisions limiting Medicaid coverage for non-citizens go into effect on October 1. The changes are part of an overhaul enacted by Republicans last year.
Michigan Libertarian party washes its hands of its gubernatorial nominee
Earlier this month, party leadership voted to censure Anthony Hudson. Now the party says it’s disavowing his campaign and disassociating “from any affiliation, support, or political connection."
Exploring the history of "good fire" in Northern Michigan
“Fire is like nothing else in the world. ... It’s something that can breathe, it can move across the landscape, it can transform things and rejuvenate things."
Michigan research council predicts legal challenges if money-out-of-politics campaign succeeds
The initiative would restrict political contributions by big utilities and state government contractors. But the U.S. Supreme Court has held that campaign contributions by corporations are protected speech.
Stateside: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
Why do we vote on some college school boards and not others? Then, one man’s mission to regulate an overpopulation of deer, and an indigenous author from northern Michigan looks at the lasting legacy of boarding schools.
U-M students react to suspension of planned policy to hide letter grades of first-semester freshmen
The University of Michigan has paused a planned program that would have removed letter grades from transcripts for many first-semester freshmen. Student reactions vary.
University of Michigan pauses freshmen no-grade policy for further review
The University of Michigan said it will pause its pilot program planned for fall 2027 that would remove letter grades for many first-semester students in the College of LSA.
Athletics outfielder sues Tigers after slamming knee into Comerica Park fence
Zack Gelof has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit Tigers for damages after his right knee slammed into a Comerica Park fence during a game last summer.
Police investigate after toddler pulls out loaded gun at Michigan daycare
Police in southeast Michigan are investigating after a toddler pulled out a loaded pistol at a daycare. Authorities say a police officer who is one of the child’s parents has been taken into custody as the investigation continues.
Family of man killed by Washtenaw deputies expands lawsuit, says officers withheld lifesaving aid
Attorneys representing the estate of John Jenuwine are expanding their lawsuit against Washtenaw County, adding six more law enforcement officers as defendants.
Join Michigan Public’s April Baer at Detroit Story Fest next week
Detroit Story Fest, featuring writers from many backgrounds and places in the state, including Detroit Free Press and Michigan Public, will take place October 8.
Grand Blanc Mormon church begins rebuilding one year after deadly attack
After a gunman killed four and burned Grand Blanc's LDS chapel last September, leaders held a groundbreaking service focused on rebuilding and renewing their spirits.
Stateside: Monday, Sept 28, 2026
What local electeds really think of data centers. A mysterious box pulled from the ground up north. One of Michigan's closely-watched Congressional swing districts. Justin Verlander takes a victory lap, plus your stories about the Keewenaw Peninsula.
Benson, James boast dueling endorsements from first responders, veterans groups
Both Republican John James and Democrat Jocelyn Benson have taken on endorsements from emergency workers and veterans in their campaigns for Michigan governor.
Health policy polling shows similar feelings across party lines
New polling shows Michigan Democratic and Republican voters are not all that different when it comes to their views on health policy.
Michigan congresswoman pitches bipartisan bill as way to lower child care costs
Despite the Childcare Modernization Act having Democratic and Republican support, the slow political process in Washington D.C. is keeping it from getting passed.
Michigan's Tenth Congressional race could determine which party controls Congress
The district, which represents parts of Macomb and Oakland Counties, has leaned Republican in the past, but the race between Michael Bouchard and Christina Hines is considered a toss-up.
Michigan regulators want to restrain utilities' bias toward building costly power plants
Governor Gretchen Whitmer asked the Michigan Public Service Commission for ideas on lowering utility bills. The commission says the most important way to do that is address "capital bias."
OPINION: From policy to practice: The sluggish pace of school reform
Michigan has spent a decade trying to improve how children learn to read. The latest results suggest there is still a long way to go.
It's time to prepare for Michigan's next emergency
In 2026, Michiganders have already navigated severe spring storms, tornadoes and historic floods.
House lawmakers consider several items during wind down to general election
Lawmakers in the Republican-led chamber took the opportunity to pass some final legislative priorities as well as possible longshots in the Democratic-controlled state Senate.
How we'll remember Justin Verlander as he caps an immaculate MLB career
Justin Verlander makes his final Detroit Tigers (and MLB) start Saturday at Comerica Park. Michigan Public sports commentator John U. Bacon shares how we'll remember JV.
ACLU report: University of Michigan unfairly targeted pro-Palestine speech
The ACLU says a number of universities across the country, including U of M, have "harshly" responded to a surge in pro-Palestine demonstrations on campus.
TWTS: The same, just more exact
Concerns about redundancy are back this week. It's the exact same thing we’ve talked about before, but this time about the expression "exact same."
Anxiety over trade war with Canada provides backdrop for Michigan U.S. Senate race
Both Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers are trying to boast better credentials with auto workers.
Anxiety over trade war with Canada provides backdrop for Michigan U.S. Senate race
U.S. Senate Candidates in Michigan campaign amidst a trade war with Canada
Stateside: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
Inside the legal troubles of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield; questions linger after a deadly crash involving a Grand Rapids man and an ICE encounter; and an interview with Congressman Tom Barrett about Congress’ need to regulate artificial intelligence.
Detroit community violence intervention program shows positive results, study says
A new study shows gun violence is declining in areas of Detroit where the city is running ShotStoppers, a community violence intervention program.
Your Stories: A Keweenaw earsicle
Listener Kate Lynnes shares a story of awe, wonder, and frost bite in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
John U. Bacon on Bryce Underwood's fumbles and Justin Verlander's farewell
Michigan Public sports commentator John U. Bacon on the beginning of Big Ten conference play and the final start of Tiger Justin Verlander's storied career.
Emergency hearing held over alleged toxic mold at Women's Huron Valley Prison
Attorneys for Krystal Clark are requesting a permanent transfer from Michigan’s Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, arguing that mold exposure is causing her life-threatening health issues. State officials argue that facility air quality is safe and that Clark frequently refused medical care.