Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer pushed back against Democrats who have begun questioning the party's support for transgender rights, telling them plainly that she has 'never wavered' on the issue. Her comments put her at odds with voices in the party calling for a softer line, and position her as a firm defender of trans rights ahead of the next election cycle.

Michigan health officials say residents can return to their normal lettuce-eating habits as new cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness often linked to contaminated produce, have slowed. The advisory had cautioned people about eating lettuce during the outbreak. Officials' announcement suggests the immediate public health risk has passed, though they continue monitoring for any further cases.

Lansing, Michigan has begun mailing out roughly 23,000 absentee ballots to voters ahead of the November election. The mailing marks the start of the absentee voting process in the city, with residents who requested ballots now able to receive and return them by mail, drop box, or in person at the clerk's office.

Michigan House lawmakers are working through a list of legislative items as they wind down sessions ahead of the general election. With campaigns intensifying and the legislative calendar narrowing, representatives are considering several pending bills before adjourning. The wrap-up period typically marks the last chance to advance measures until after voters head to the polls in November.

Richard Manoogian, the longtime Masco Corporation executive known for his business leadership, philanthropy and major art collection, has died at the age of 90. The Detroit News reported his death, and tributes are highlighting his role in Michigan business and his support of the arts and charitable causes.

The Lansing-Jackson television market in Michigan has booked $39 million in political advertising, with total spending expected to keep rising. WKAR reported the figure, underscoring how heavily advertisers are targeting Michigan's mid-Michigan media market as political campaigns pour money into the state ahead of the election.

One year after an attack on a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, residents are reflecting on loss and recovery while reporting that the community has grown closer through shared grief and mutual support. Local coverage describes healing efforts and gatherings marking the anniversary of the assault.

The Livonia city clerk in Michigan has outlined the key procedures residents need to follow to vote by absentee ballot in the upcoming election. The guidance covers how to request a ballot, deadlines for submission, and how completed ballots must be returned. Local officials routinely publish such explanations before elections to help voters avoid common mistakes that could lead to ballots being rejected.

A developer has proposed a five-story building with apartments and retail space near downtown Muskegon, Michigan. Local news reports the plan as part of ongoing redevelopment interest around the city center, though details on timeline, cost and number of units were not provided.

Boise State defeated Western Michigan in college football, handing the Broncos a loss and strengthening its own position as the leading Group of 6 contender for the College Football Playoff. The win positions Boise State ahead of other non-power-conference teams in the early race for a playoff bid, in what was billed as a marquee matchup between unbeaten Group of 6 programs.

Iowa beat Michigan on a last-second touchdown pass in the closing play of their game at Michigan Stadium, according to reports from the matchup. It marked the second time in a single September that a visiting team won at the Big House on a final-play touchdown pass, deepening a frustrating stretch for the Wolverines. Receiver Reece Vander Zee was involved in the decisive score.

Federal nuclear regulators are investigating a mishap during fuel assembly installation at the Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan. The facility, which recently returned to service, is under scrutiny after the installation error, though regulators have not reported any radiation release or injuries. Details about the cause and severity of the incident remain limited as the probe continues.