When Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, it looked like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s days in office were numbered.

With the country overwhelmed by grief and anger after the deadliest security breakdown in its history, his resignation seemed like a matter of time.

But the divisive veteran Israeli leader has scratched, scraped and literally battled his way back during a stormy three-year period of nonstop domestic crises and wars across the region. Confounding his critics, he now finds himself in a tight race for reelection on Tuesday.

RELATED STORY | Three years later, the wounds of Oct. 7 remain open across Israel and Gaza

Netanyahu has been the countrys most dominant politician for nearly two decades, and his legacy is on the line. A poor showing could end the 77-year-olds lengthy career on a bitter note and open the door to a new era in Israeli politics. A victory would cement his image as the ultimate political survivor.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, a onetime ally turned rival of Netanyahu, said there has never been so much at stake from national security to the future of Israels democratic institutions and its standing in the world. After a series of wars that have destabilized the region and jolted the global economy, the world is watching closely.

Politicians often say the current election is the most fateful in their country's history, Olmert said, but this time it really is.

The vote is a referendum on Netanyahu

Netanyahu's opponents, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, see Tuesday as a day of reckoning. They say Netanyahu should be held accountable for Oct. 7 and the failure to turn battlefield victories into diplomatic achievements.

What he is offering is an eternal war, Eisenkot, whose son and two nephews were killed in combat, said in a radio interview. Choosing a leader whose only goal is not to surrender means choosing a leader who will not deliver victories.

Netanyahus supporters say he was betrayed by Israels defense establishment and that he has led the country through a remarkable turnaround with devastating strikes against Hamas, Lebanons Hezbollah and Iran.

The Israeli leader has also turned to his traditional use of scare tactics. His campaign slogan, Right or Palestine, which rhymes in Hebrew, suggests his opponents would establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel, something his main rivals vehemently reject.

A two-state solution, still seen internationally as the only realistic way to solve the conflict, is politically toxic in Israel another legacy of Netanyahu's long rule.

Scars of Oct. 7 have hung heavily over the campaign

Nearly every poster, stump speech or televised debate seems to reference the Oct. 7 attack, which has scarred the country and remains fresh in the minds of voters.

Some 1,200 people were killed that day and 251 others taken hostage, the last of whom were returned in a ceasefire deal last year.

Israel responded with a military offensive that has killed over 74,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities, left the territory in ruins and triggered open-ended wars in Lebanon and Iran. Netanyahu faces an international arrest warrant, experts have accused Israel of genocide, and Israels image has further deteriorated with a spike in settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | 2 Israeli soldiers, 2 Palestinian gunmen killed in West Bank attack

Most Israelis across the political spectrum reject the war crimes and genocide allegations. But Netanyahu's opponents, including many former hostages, refer to his outgoing coalition as the failure government and have pledged to launch an official investigation into how Oct. 7 was allowed to happen.

Netanyahu has refused such an inquiry and calls his ongoing and inconclusive military campaigns a war of redemption.

Boosted by an endorsement from President Donald Trump, Netanyahu has also tried to turn attention to Iran, threatening to resume the war, and vowing to destroy its nuclear program and topple its government.

Donald, we have a job to finish. You said it and well finish it together, he said in a conversation with Trump released by his campaign.

Oct. 7 failures have deepened earlier fissures in the country

Netanyahu's rule has left Israelis bitterly divided over other issues, especially a longstanding system granting ultra-Orthodox men exemptions from military service.

In a country where enlistment is mandatory for most Jewish men and women, these exemptions have always angered the broader public. But resentment has grown as hundreds of young soldiers have been killed in battle and tens of thousands have been pulled away from families and careers for reserve duty.

Netanyahu, who has close ties with politically powerful ultra-Orthodox parties, has resisted attempts to end the exemptions.

He has also outraged many Israelis with his attempts to overhaul the legal system.

Before the war, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, launched a controversial plan to weaken the courts. That prompted mass anti-government demonstrations by crowds who accused him of undermining the countrys system of checks and balances to escape prosecution.

Each side has accused the other of weakening Israel on the eve of the Oct. 7 attacks. The plan has been mostly frozen since then, but Netanyahus allies want to revive it.

A clear winner is unlikely

Israelis vote for political parties, not individual candidates. Since no political party has ever captured a 61-seat majority on its own, political leaders must form coalitions.

Netanyahu has been a master at forming coalitions with religious and nationalist partners, but opinion polls suggest a tight race between his bloc and the one led by Eisenkot.

With non-aligned Arab parties campaigning hard, there is a strong possibility that neither of the main Jewish blocs will capture a majority. That could set the stage for weeks or even months of negotiations among around a dozen parties expected to win seats.

Small parties could gain leverage and promises may be broken

Netanyahus allies and members of Eisenkots bloc both say they will not govern with Arab partners.

Amid so much uncertainty, a number of scenarios are possible including a unity government between Eisenkot and Netanyahu, or an Eisenkot-led government backed by Arab partners from outside the coalition.

RELATED STORY | Trump endorses embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection

Eisenkot says he will not serve in a Netanyahu government. But politicians have broken promises before. The alternative would be to hold new elections early next year leaving Netanyahu in office until then.

The Palestinians are barely an issue

Largely missing from the Israeli public discourse is any discussion of the dire situation in Gaza or Israel's open-ended military rule over millions of Palestinians.

The Oct. 7 attack, which came after decades of conflict and four previous wars with Hamas, convinced many Israelis there was no partner for peace, while Netanyahu and his allies have largely succeeded in branding the Israeli left as weak or even traitorous.

Palestinians have little hope their lives will improve regardless of whether Netanyahu wins or loses.

Olmert, who led the last serious negotiations with the Palestinians before a corruption scandal forced him from office and Netanyahu replaced him in 2009, said the candidates arent discussing the two-state solution because it is not popular with voters.

But given the international outrage over the situation in Gaza and settler attacks, he said it will be impossible for the next government to ignore the issue for long.

Sooner or later, a new government will have to deal with it, he said.

The NFL and NFL Players Association have announced they are working together to review the handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis.

It was announced on October 19 that the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback would likely be out for the remainder of the season after multiple blood clots were found in his lungs.

RELATED STORY | Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts likely out for the season after blood clots found in his lungs

Hurts' health had been in question earlier that week when it was discovered that he had a blood clot in his calf. It was reported that the injury occurred on October 4, when he took a cleat to the calf during a game against the Los Angeles Rams.

He was added to the injury report and then traveled to London for a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Hurts played in the October 11 game, three days after informing medical staff of the injury.

He was initially diagnosed by specialists in London with superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf.

The Eagles quarterback then boarded a transatlantic flight back to Philadelphia, where a follow-up ultrasound found that the blood clot had moved.

RELATED STORY | Eagles are not being punished for handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clots, AP source says

According to an Associated Press source, the Eagles would not be punished for their handling of Hurts' blood clots.

"The league's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills, arranges for medical resources with leading providers in every international market with approval from the NFL Players Association," the league said. "Medical care for players is provided by club medical staff in coordination with independent doctors."

On Sunday, October 25, the league and players' union released a joint statement saying they were reviewing the handling of Hurts' diagnosis after the NFLPA called for an investigation.

Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli and will receive treatment involving blood thinners. He will not be allowed to participate in any football activities until he is off them.

A panel of federal appellate judges on Sunday questioned the timing, constitutionality and authority of the Justice Department's demand that California election officials set aside thousands of mail ballots from people the federal government suspects may not be citizens.

During rare weekend arguments, two of the three judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals appeared skeptical of a lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump's administration in mid-October. The lawsuit accuses California officials of failing to meet a 48-hour deadline to review 20,000 names the administration flagged as likely noncitizens on the state's voter rolls.

The administration asked a federal judge to require the state to withhold counting those ballots until the voters immigration status could be verified. The district judge scheduled a hearing for Oct. 27, days after the case was assigned, but the federal government appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, seeking an expedited decision.

Justice Department attorney Matthew Donnelly told the panel that California is causing irreparable harm by allowing noncitizens to vote in violation of their own state laws. The damage is irreversible and irrevocable.

RELATED STORY | DOJ threatens California with legal action over claim of noncitizens on voter rolls

The Trump administration has made efforts to identify noncitizen voters a priority this year, even though noncitizen voting is exceptionally rare.

Circuit Judge Mark Bennett, a Trump appointee, questioned whether the appellate court even has jurisdiction to hear the case even before a ruling by the lower court.

Donnelly argued that the schedule set by the lower court judge was too slow and effectively a denial of the government's request, as state elections officials process thousands of mail ballots every day.

Judge Gabriel Sanchez, appointed by former President Joe Biden, questioned whether the federal government was violating the Tenth Amendment, essentially commandeering the state to enforce a federal law that makes it a misdemeanor for a noncitizen to vote.

The federal government is simply asking California to enforce their own law, which also bans noncitizens from voting, Donnelly said. He argued the state's refusal to comply with the federal request to set aside the ballots for review was frustrating the purpose of the federal law against noncitizen voting.

The Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution gives state legislatures the power to set the time, place and manner of congressional elections, Bennett said. The executive branch may be unhappy with what theyre doing, and doesnt like the manner, Bennett said, but under the Election Clause the state has the right to determine those issues including how it sorts out any noncitizen voters.

Attorney Seth Waxman, representing Los Angeles County Clerk Dean Logan, said the federal government's list was unreliable and that segregating the ballots for a review process would effectively disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters.

Even if election staffers spent just three minutes checking each of the expected 2.75 million mail ballots against the government's list, the process would take 140,000 man-hours, Waxman said or about 16 years of working time.

Waxman cited a review of 200 records from the Trump administration's list conducted by Los Angeles County staffers. Assistant Registrar-Recorder Monica Flores said in a court filing that the sample included canceled or inactive registrations, individuals with no voting history and voters who appeared to have been born in the United States, which the filing notes is strong evidence of citizenship.

If the administration disagrees with how California runs its elections, it can ask Congress to change that process, said attorney Sam Siegel, representing California Secretary of State Shirley Weber.

The federal government has provided no credible evidence to support its suspicions, said Siegal.

It has no basis in law or in fact, he told the panel. We just dispute the premise that noncitizens are voting."

But Judge Patrick Bumatay, who was appointed by Trump, said everyone has an interest in ensuring that only eligible citizens vote. He suggested that granting the administration's request for an emergency order could provide clarity.

Without an injunction, you will never know if that is happening, Bumatay told Seigel.

Bennett said the panel would try to issue a ruling as quickly as possible.

As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wraps up two terms in office, Michigan voters will elect a new governor in just a few weeks. As part of our election coverage, Michigan Public is bringing you interviews with the candidates for Michigan’s top office.

Jocelyn Benson is a name known to many Michiganders. She has been the Secretary of State since 2019. And she is running as the Democratic candidate for Michigan governor. She sat down with Stateside host April Baer to discuss her plans for the state if elected.

April Baer: Will you tell us why running for governor seemed like the next step for you?

Jocelyn Benson: Well, you know, I'm a mom of a 10-year-old little boy, and it's not lost on me that everything we do over the next eight years will define my kid's future. And it will define the future of our loved ones all across the state. And in a moment where we need leaders who know how to run government well, who will get things done to drive down costs, to increase well-paying jobs, and to protect our rights, freedoms, democracy and safety everywhere we go.

That is the job I've done as Secretary of State, and it's a job I'm ready to do as governor. And I really do think we're on the precipice of a extraordinary moment, an extraordinary choice of which way we're going to go here in Michigan. I'm committed to making sure our schools are among the best in the nation, that we have well-paying jobs in this state, that our health care costs are going down, not up. And I'm, you know, running against someone who has raised health care costs while in Congress. So I'm very focused on making sure citizens know that choice, that I will fight for them, I will work for them, and I will work with anyone to get things done for them.

AB: What would you want voters to know about what you've accomplished as Secretary of State?

JB: You know, I'm really proud of Secretary of State. We've seen our elections go from being ranked 30th in the nation to number two nationwide in safety and security and accessibility. We've had back to back to back the highest turnout elections in our state's history. But also, I'm proud to have taken the Department of State, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and turned it around. We transformed what is oftentimes the poster child of government bureaucracy of everything that's wrong with government. And we've made it a representation of everything that government can do well. We save people time. We have kiosks in grocery stores. And as I look to what we need to do to drive down costs here in Michigan, a lot of it is just running government well, making sure health care is accessible and the like. So I'm proud we've been able to transform one of our largest agencies to make sure it's saving people time, saving people money, and making your life easier. And now I want all of government to work that well for all the people.

AB: You're a Democrat. If elected, you would be following a Democrat in office. Tell us about what would you keep doing as governor and what policies would you want to change?

JB: Well, one of the things that I will prioritize as governor is improving our public education systems. And we're coming off of three decades of back-to-back efforts of Republicans defunding our schools at a higher rate than any other state in the nation. That's a big reason why we see the numbers we're seeing today in reading scores and the like. So I want to continue reinvesting in our schools, which the Whitmer administration has done, providing free lunch and breakfast for kids as well. But we need to do more. We need to better pay our teachers, we need to support our schools. And I need to, and I want to redo our funding structure to ensure that we are meeting the unique needs of every district.

So improving education and also administering government in a way that works for folks. When I look at healthcare affordability, we need a governor who's going to make sure the Department of Health and Human Services is more efficient and more directly able to serve the people, to help us appeal unfair health insurance denials, to take on medical debt, and demand more transparency in medical billing. So that captures a lot of our plans for driving down costs and improving our state. And so it's a continuation. But also, I'm running to bring transformational change to our schools, to our economy, to our state.

AB: We do hear quite a bit from voters about rising costs in their lives. Is there anything else that you want to talk about that you would do as governor to try to relieve that pressure on Michiganders?

JB: Yeah. I mean, everywhere I go, we're on our a statewide tour right now, people are sharing heartbreaking stories, particularly about the cost of health care, which is skyrocketing for small business leaders and families alike. And it's not lost on me that my opponent voted three times to raise health care premiums while I have a plan to lower them. But that's not all. We have to improve housing affordability, and we have a plan to increase the supply of affordable housing while supporting first- and second-time homeowners and holding accountable bad actors who are driving up costs. Also, electricity. We need to invest in clean energy infrastructure so that we are enabling the reduction of energy costs in the state, and also making sure child care is more affordable for folks. Increasing well-paying jobs by diversifying our economy, improving small business growth is also how we can increase affordability here in Michigan.

And above all, making sure we are making Michigan the place that our young people choose to call home. Again, as a mom, this is personal to me. I will move with a sense of urgency to make sure our state provides opportunities for employment, for jobs, for growth, and that we're investing in transformational things like high speed rail and other things that will help make our communities safe places for everyone to thrive.

AB: How much power does state government have to work on prices when many of the forces driving inflation are federal and global in nature?

JB: Well, as governor, I will use every tool available to me in my toolbox to drive down costs. A lot of that is streamlining the administration of government, but it's also being able to work with our legislature to find ways to modernize how we're building, how we're opening child care centers, how we're enabling small businesses to grow. So the legislative process and the executive working together can do a lot to to lower costs.

And make no mistake, one of the reasons why we're seeing a lot of costs go up recently are these tariffs, tariffs with Canada that are hitting Michiganders harder than any other state. And as governor, we're going to negotiate subnational agreements between Michigan and Canada to actually find ways to minimize the negative impact that these tariffs are having and make better agreements with our neighbors to the north that will protect our costs and protect our jobs.

AB: How can the state support Michigan businesses that are dealing with increased expenses because of tariffs right now?

JB: Well, in addition to negotiating agreements that could perhaps provide carve outs to tariffs for our auto suppliers in particular, also looking for ways that we can enable business to have a helping hand from government instead of government being an obstacle course. It too often is difficult oftentimes to start and grow a business, to scale up funds, and ensure we're supporting those entrepreneurs and innovators who want to make Michigan a place where they can grow their business.

So a lot that we can do to streamline how government works will help small businesses grow, will help medium and existing businesses grow. And then also investing in talent workforce development, not just in better schools, but in apprenticeships and other opportunities that will help our businesses grow and find the talent they need to thrive. The great news about that is that it also creates well-paying jobs for our citizens, and everyone can see Michigan as a place where they can start and grow their business, start and grow their career, and above all, thrive.

AB: Can I ask what you mean by carve outs to the tariff agreements?

JB: Yeah. So there's plenty of examples of of subnational agreements where you're making an agreement between the state of Michigan and Canada that could, for example, and Maine has done this on rock salt for their roads. Say, when this particular product just goes between Michigan and Canada or vice versa, we want to exempt it from tariffs, particularly tariffs that Canada is placing on the U.S. that are driving up costs as well as some things in exchange. And then many governors can have the opportunity to work with the Department of Commerce to, once that agreement, is set to get approval, to protect those exemptions. And again, that's what a governor does: try to find every possible way to protect our state from bad decisions being made at the federal government level that are driving up costs for Michiganders.

AB: Data centers are a very contentious topic in communities across Michigan. How should the governor's office address backlash to data center development?

JB: Well, I believe that we see a lot of a lot of times where data centers are driving up, are making it hard for communities to thrive. And I've called for a moratorium until we have guardrails in place to actually ensure that data centers have to play by our rules if they're going to build here. That means protections for our water, protections for our energy costs, and above all, protecting local voices to ensure they have a say in community benefits agreements that will bring costs down in their own communities. Those types of guardrails and protections are critical to ensure that we are giving local citizens, the opportunity to have a say if a data center should even come to their community. And it's a sharp contrast to my opponent, who has voted four times against having any local say or supporting local citizens in having a say over whether data centers could come to their community.

As governor, I'll actually create a portal where people can see and evaluate data centers that are coming to their community, so that we can see collectively, and they can have their voice heard collectively, on any decisions being made that affect them.

AB: Could tell us about what you see as the greatest threat to democracy in Michigan right now, and how you would respond to that threat as governor?

JB: Well, as secretary of state, I've seen firsthand how far people will go to potentially not just overturn elections, but block people from even voting to begin with. And as secretary of state, that has meant working to prepare for any possibility that the federal government or anyone else, any other bad actors, could try to interfere with our elections or deny those results. And so the next governor has to be prepared, prepared as I am, to ensure citizens know their power, can exercise their vote, and can do so without any fear of intimidation or any other efforts to try to block their voice or their vote.

And make no mistake, the battle over the future of our democracy is still ongoing. It's one that we saw firsthand in 2020, when the president of the United States and my opponent spent millions of dollars trying to overturn fair and free elections, that we must continue to fight both as state leaders but also as citizens to stand up to. I say often how democracy is still on the ballot this year, and by electing state leaders, up and down the ticket, who will stand to protect the voice of the people and the votes of our citizens, that's how we can ensure best that our democracy continues to prevail, even against efforts at the federal level to try to undermine it.

Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown avoided prison time Monday for beating a music producer with a tequila bottle at a London nightclub three years ago.

The 37-year-old was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for a year.

He had faced up to three years in prison after pleading guilty to a count of affray in July for the attack on the dance floor of Tape, a private club in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood in February 2023.

Video footage played in court showed Brown having to be pulled away from the victim, his former friend Abraham Diaw, after striking him twice in the head with a bottle.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Chris Brown must pay $13 million to housekeeper who was attacked by his dog, jury rules

"The repeated use of a glass bottle in that way, especially aimed at the head, was plainly dangerous, it carried the risk of delivering a more serious injury than was ultimately sustained," Judge Tony Baumgartner said in Southwark Crown Court.

Despite the seriousness of the attack, Baumgartner said Brown did not qualify for a custodial sentence because he pleaded guilty and there were several mitigating circumstances, including stable employment and charity work. The judge acknowledged Brown's previous convictions but said he had maintained a clean record in recent years.

Brown has faced repeated legal trouble since his felony conviction in the 2009 assault of his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, hours before the pair were due to perform at the Grammys.

He has been arrested in several U.S. states over altercations but was either not charged or prosecutors later dropped the charges. In 2019 he was arrested in Paris and questioned on suspicion of rape, but was released without charge.

In return for his guilty plea, prosecutors dropped charges of assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and having an offensive weapon, a bottle.

Brown's friend and vocal coach Omololu Akinlolu also pleaded guilty to affray and was given a four-month suspended sentence.

Affray is the use or threat of unlawful violence that leads someone to fear for their safety.

Prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe said Brown played a leading role in the attack.

"By any circumstances, when one watches that footage, it is Mr. Brown that moves first," Stonecliffe said.

Defense lawyer Sallie Bennett-Jenkins said Brown apologized to all those at the club that night, though she emphasized the attack lasted no more than 20 seconds.

RELATED STORY | Grammy winner Chris Brown pleads guilty in London nightclub attack case

"This is an ugly and unattractive incident," Bennett-Jenkins said. "It is something which undoubtedly would have caused distress to those who are present and for which Mr. Brown offers a profound apology to all those present."

Diaw was discharged from the hospital with head and knee injuries, Stonecliffe said.

Brown was cheered outside the courthouse by fans who came from as far as Italy and the Netherlands.

His face was covered behind in a black mask and dark glasses and his bleached hair was mostly hidden from view under a black ball cap. He wore a black leather jacket and light-colored turtleneck.

He blew a kiss to one fan and appeared to sign an autograph for another as he moved through a pack of photographers and onlookers.

Not everyone was cheering for him. When he arrived at court in the morning, a lone voice could be heard shouting at him to ask when he was going to learn that violence is not OK.

Brown left the United Kingdom after the brawl but was arrested in May 2025 at a Manchester hotel after flying to the city for a concert. He had been free on bail of 5 million pounds ($6.7 million), which allowed him to tour Europe and North America the past two summers.

Brown rose to stardom as a teen in 2005 and won his first Grammy for best R&B album in 2011 for "F.A.M.E." He earned his second in the same category for "11:11 (Deluxe)" in 2025.

Artificial intelligence giant Anthropic filed papers Monday for what could be the biggest initial public offering of stock ever even as its top executive warns that advanced AI could pose an existential threat to humanity.

The filing sets up the San Francisco company for a Wall Street debut next month, potentially eclipsing the SpaceX initial public offering in June that raised a record $86 billion. An Anthropic IPO would also put the company ahead of OpenAI in going public in what is expected to be a pair of blockbuster stock debuts for the rival AI labs.

The filing comes weeks after CEO Dario Amodei argued in an essay for slowing the development of the most advanced AI models. An IPO could provide Anthropic with enormous resources to accelerate its expansion. The amount the company ultimately raises remains uncertain, as do its final valuation and offering price, but even at lower estimates, it would turn the five-year-old startup into one of the worlds most valuable companies and potentially boost the wealth of Amodei and his sister and co-founder, Daniela, by billions of dollars.

The 335-page document showed Anthropics revenue is growing rapidly, but like many other tech companies going public, it has yet to turn a profit. The company behind the chatbot Claude reported a net loss of $80.7 billion in the first half of 2026. That compares to a loss of $13 billion in the same period a year earlier.

Despite the losses, Anthropic, valued earlier this year at $965 billion by private investors, is reportedly set to see that value rise to $1.5 trillion or possibly $2 trillion, although its final valuation has not been established. At $1.5 trillion, Anthropic would rank among the worlds most valuable public companies, alongside Tesla.

As for money raised, the offering could raise as much as $100 billion, according to reports, surpassing the current record set by another one of Musks companies, SpaceX, earlier this year.

In a regulatory filing, Anthropic said it will list its stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "ANT."

A text or email warns of suspicious activity on your bank account. It looks legitimate, and the urge to click can be immediate. But that message could be coming from a scammer not your bank.

The American Bankers Associations Banks Never Ask That campaign aims to help consumers recognize those traps as criminals use increasingly convincing texts, emails, websites and even artificial intelligence to impersonate trusted companies.

It really is a big issue, said Paul Benda, Executive Vice President for Risk, Fraud and Cybersecurity at the American Bankers Association.

Asked whether he receives texts claiming to be from his bank, Detroit resident Brandon Jackson said, Most of the time I ignore them.

Domenique Wood, who was visiting metro Detroit from New Jersey, said she has accidentally clicked suspicious links. Yeah, literally, all the time [including] at work sometimes which is really bad, she said with a laugh.

Gautam Bogg, visiting from Philadelphia, said the prevalence of scam attempts did not surprise him. Maybe not so surprised because theyve probably gotten smarter over the past couple of years, Bogg said.

Benda said consumers cannot rely only on familiar warning signs such as strange wording or typos. Criminals are using AI to make fraudulent websites and emails resemble communications from banks and other trusted companies. He added that they also use deepfakes to imitate someones voice or face.

The criminals are leveraging AI just like we are. And so, they've gotten much more advanced, Benda explained.

Benda pointed to a joint study by Gallup and the Stop Scams Alliance on 2025 financial scams. He said the study estimated that scammers stole $68 billion from Americans roughly $186 million a day affecting about 15 million U.S. adults. He said the findings also showed that 12% of successful scams in 2025 involved artificial intelligence or deepfakes.

The American Bankers Association recently updated its Banks Never Ask That campaign with scam tactics and resources to help consumers protect their financial information. The website covers five major categories:

Consumers can take the sites Scam Slayer Quiz to test their ability to recognize suspicious messages. The site also offers guidance on scam warning signs and strengthening an online bank account, along with reminders to hang up, delete suspicious messages and block scam contacts. Resources are also available to educate people about check fraud.

Learn more at BanksNeverAskThat.com.

Michigan drivers are facing another hit to their wallets as gas prices surge across the state, leaving some Metro Detroit residents weighing the cost of filling their tanks against other everyday necessities.

The statewide average for a gallon of gas has climbed to $4.82, according to AAA, up 33 cents from a week ago and $1.75 from the same time last year.

Prices are even higher in Metro Detroit, where drivers are paying an average of $4.87 per gallon. That's up 34 cents in a week and $1.87 compared with a year ago.

For some drivers, prices at individual stations have already reached $5 a gallon.

"Lower the gas prices so we can live better," Detroit resident Corey Hana said.

Hana said the rising cost of fuel is especially difficult for families already struggling to afford necessities.

"We got single moms out here, man, that's struggling," Hana said. "I don't think they need to be filling their tank up, putting their whole little check into the tank, when they got kids to feed."

Detroit resident Damarcus Woods said keeping his vehicle fueled can cost him around $100.

"Gas all day, gone," Woods said. "I'm paying a hundred in this."

The latest spike in Michigan gas prices comes amid refining issues in Illinois, according to Patrick De Haan. Tensions in the Middle East are also contributing to concerns about fuel prices, while Brent crude climbed above $100 per barrel.

The impact isn't limited to drivers filling up their personal vehicles.

Mock, the owner of Mock's Towing, said the price of diesel has become a significant burden for his nearly three-year-old towing business. He said diesel is costing more than $7 per gallon.

"Back in the day when I first started, it was around half of this, half the price of diesel right now," Mock said. "Gasoline is crazy. Diesel's crazy. Even the people I deal with on the road, they'd rather leave their cars stranded than pay for a tow. Everything's ridiculous."

Despite the higher operating costs, Mock said he's reluctant to pass those expenses along to customers who are dealing with financial pressures of their own.

"I know people are charging 3, 4, 500 for five, ten mile tows right now," he said. "I'm trying to keep it copacetic and look out for people and what they can afford."

But keeping prices affordable has made it increasingly difficult to make the business work. Mock said that while one tow could once cover his expenses, it can now take four before he begins to make money.

"That's very tough," Mock said. "And I'm barely making it out here. But, what are we gonna do?"

Drivers who spoke with 7 News Detroit overnight said higher fuel prices are forcing them to make concessions elsewhere in their budgets just to keep gas in their tanks.

With prices approaching $5 a gallon across Metro Detroit, those decisions are becoming increasingly difficult for families and businesses already dealing with higher everyday costs.

The final full week of campaigning has begun after a weekend of bitter attacks on all sides. This week, more red states are entering the conversation for being potentially competitive and so are legal challenges from the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump is heading to Mississippi Monday, another traditionally conservative state that few talked about as being competitive earlier this year.

But after a number of high-profile visits by Democrats to campaign for Democrat Scott Colom, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, it has entered the conversation.

RELATED STORY | Democrats tout momentum as early voting rises ahead of midterms

While current Mississippi Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith is still favored, she has faced criticism for months after being asked about beef prices and suggesting there are other proteins to eat.

Trump told reporters he thinks his frequent rallies are helping.

"I have heard we have turned the whole thing around and for whatever reason presidents don't win the midterms and I think we really turned it around and I think the rallies have turned it," Trump said.

Trump and Obama duel on the campaign trail

Trump is also dueling with former President Barack Obama on the campaign trail this week, with Obama campaigning in Ohio and Michigan and mocking the former president in the process.

"Guy's building a ballroom bigger than White House, paved over the Rose Garden, put a helipad on the south lawn," Obama said at one rally. "And there is gold everywhere. What's up with the gold? He has got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory."

MORE ELECTION NEWS | Young voter turnout could be pivotal in this year's midterms

Polls show Democrats maintaining an edge in both House races and many Senate races with 8 days to go. But Republicans remain very skeptical of polling.

A closely watched race in Alaska

One of the biggest races is in Alaska, where Democratic nominee Mary Peltola was involved in a car accident over the weekend, sustaining minor injuries.

This comes after the Department of Justice has sued to block Alaska certification, citing concerns that incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is facing another Dan Sullivan on the ballot.

"That is very unfair, that's just outright cheating," Trump said.

The post Margo Moon’s Shell Shock’D Tacos | CONTAINER on The Metro appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

A 15-year-old was arrested and faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent in connection with a mass shooting Saturday night that left 11 people wounded, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said Monday morning.

The investigation suggests a physical altercation took place among individuals known to one another before shots were fired near the Florida A&M football stadium, Revell said.

At this stage of the investigation, none of the victims appear to have been the intended targets, the police chief said.

The investigation remains active and additional arrests are possible, Revell said.

Six juveniles, including an 11-year-old, are among the injured, Revell said late Saturday. No deaths have been reported.

RELATED STORY | 11-year-old, other minors among 11 shot near Florida A&M University stadium

The off-campus shooting took place hours after a homecoming football game at Bragg Memorial Stadium, where the Golden Lions of the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff beat the Florida A&M Rattlers 31-28. Its unclear whether the shooting was connected to the game.

In addition to those shot, a victims grandmother was injured while fleeing.

As of Sunday morning, five people had been released from the hospital, while six remained hospitalized, Tallahassee police said. Of those still being treated, one was in critical condition, police said.

There have been at least 383 mass shootings in the US so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which, like CNN, defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more people are shot, not including the shooter.

Homecoming events at Florida A&M, a historically Black university with nearly 10,000 students, took place throughout the past week and were scheduled to conclude Sunday, according to the universitys homecoming schedule.

Saturday nights shooting on Perry Street likely stemmed from a fight between two to three people, the police chief said, and the departments Violent Crimes Unit will lead the investigation.

Tallahassee police detectives have reviewed digital evidence and canvassed the area, police said in a statement Sunday.

We need our communitys help. No detail is too small, and no piece of information should go unreported, the statement said. If you know something, please share it with our detectives. Your information could be the key to holding those responsible accountable.

Investigators established a tip hotline and a link for people to submit evidence.

As our detectives work to determine exactly what happened and identify those responsible, we remain committed to getting answers for these families.

Florida A&M President Marva Johnson encouraged anyone with information to call the tip line, saying the Tallahassee police are leading the investigation.

To our Rattler family and our surrounding Tallahassee community, I share your outrage and profound sadness at the senseless and despicable shooting that took place near our FAMU campus last night, Johnson said in a statement Sunday evening.

To all the victims, please know that we are with you and we are praying for your recovery in body, mind and spirit, she said. We have reached out to the members of our FAMU family who were injured in this tragic incident to offer our care and support.

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey called the incident a truly horrific and heartbreaking tragedy.

Tonight and in the days ahead, the FAMU family is not alone. Our entire community stands with you, Dailey wrote on X.

Stephanie Walters, who was selling HBCU apparel during homecoming, said she also heard shots.

People are just scared, she told CNN affiliate WCTV. If you were out here, you heard the gunshots. It was a lot of them. There was no doubt in my mind that somebody was injured.

Raymond Isham said he had just left campus when the shooting happened, and he was concerned about his daughter, who was in the area where the shooting occurred.

Shes obviously going to have to process through this, Isham told WCTV, and were going to be there with her to walk through this.

Brazils President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva, a vocal critic of U.S. President Donald Trump, was reelected Sunday in a result that provides relief to critics of widening U.S. influence in Latin America.

With 100% of the vote counted, Brazils electoral court announced that the soon to be 81-year-old Lula had a lead of nearly 4.4 million votes over opponent Flvio Bolsonaro, giving him 51.8% of the total vote. Bolsonaro quickly refused to concede defeat and asked for the election results to be annulled after an evening of chaos at some polling places that followed a last-minute decision to extend voting by two hours.

Bolsonaro is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, whom Lula defeated to take the presidency in 2022.

Lula's triumph bucks a regional trend of victories for right-of-center presidential candidates allied with Trump. It also means Latin Americas largest economy, with a GDP of $2.6 trillion per year, will likely continue defying Trumps demands, despite the pressure of increased tariffs.

Lula says Brazil is not anyones backyard'

A video published by Lulas campaign shows the veteran leader celebrating with First Lady Rosngela da Silva and allies after his runoff victory was confirmed by Brazils electoral court. Wearing star-shaped red glasses, he kissed his wife.

Speaking to his supporters, thousands of whom gathered on Sao Paulo's main artery and in Rio de Janeiro's Cinelandia Square, Lula expressed his gratitude to the Brazilian people, and pledged to respect all Brazilians, regardless of gender or religion. He also attacked Bolsonaro.

This was a defeat for denialism and lies. I must confess that every time I attended a debate, I felt embarrassed, he said.

He also doubled down on his commitment to Brazils sovereignty.

Either the homeland remains free, or we die for Brazil, he said. This country will not accept being anyones backyard.

RELATED STORY | Brazil threatens reciprocal tariffs after US targets imports

In Rio de Janeiro, cars beeped their horns and a woman dressed in red the color of Lula supporters shouted You lost! Cry harder! to four men in yellow and green sipping beers, Bolsonaro's signature colors. A huge roar echoed in the street as the result was confirmed.

Rodrigo Valentim, a 51-year-old businessman and supporter of Bolsonaro, said that another Lula government would harm the economy. He pointed to financial markets positive reaction to the result of the first round, when Bolsonaro bested Lula.

I dont understand how people can vote for Lula, he said. The country is collapsing.

Lula is set to begin his fourth non-consecutive term as president on Jan. 5, 2027.

Bolsonaro rejects results after confusion at polling places

The electoral court's announcement ended an evening of confusion at polling places after Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin ruled three minutes before the scheduled end of voting to keep polls open for two more hours, following requests by both candidates. Lulas request came after issues with buses that provide transportation to polls in Sao Paulo and Salvador, two cities that tend to favor the incumbent. Bolsonaros request was due to heavy rains in Brazils south, where he is favored.

The decision delayed tallying the votes by two hours. It was unclear how many polling stations stayed open after the scheduled closing time. Polling stations in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro closed shortly after the original 5 p.m. deadline, reporters for The Associated Press observed.

Bolsonaro, whose father is serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup after he lost the 2022 presidential election to Lula, pointed out that Zanin is Lulas former lawyer and criticized him for changing the rules of the game in the middle of the game.

It's impossible to recognize the results of the election in the context of these things that happened, he said.

It's not clear if Bolsonaros complaint could meet the legal threshold to annul the results. Bolsonaro also has the right to request a recount if he has evidence of fraud, but that might not change the results.

The president of the electoral court, Kassio Nunes Marques, who was appointed to the Supreme Court by former President Bolsonaro, said that the extension of voting hours did not impact results.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump administration revokes visa of Brazils ambassador to US, escalating diplomatic spat

Joao Pedro Padua, a law professor at the Fluminense Federal University, said that Bolsonaro can file a lawsuit directly with the countrys electoral authorities or the Supreme Court, asking for the elections to be declared null and void.

But there isnt much legal basis for that, Padua said. The extension of voting hours is unusual, but for it to invalidate the elections, the candidate would have to prove that it affected voters ability to freely express their will. There doesnt seem to have been any such impact.

Lula overcame concerns about security and cost of living

Bolsonaro bested Lula by more than 2.2 million votes in the first round of the election earlier this month. Sunday night's victory by Lula marked the first time since Brazils military dictatorship ended in 1985 that the second-highest vote-getter in the first-round elections won the presidency.

Lula faced a tough reelection battle because of concerns about the cost of living and security. Bolsonaro made a tough-on-crime approach the cornerstone of his campaign and pledged to bring down food costs while Lula, trying to lure undecided voters, has invested in costly incentives.

Both have been hit by corruption suspicions involving family members and allies, with Bolsonaro implicated in a sprawling scandal rocking Brazil. Lula previously spent more than a year in prison on corruption convictions that were eventually annulled.

This will likely be the last victory of the veteran leaders political career. Lula began his political career in the 1970s as a union leader. He then helped found the Workers Party, which he represented as a presidential candidate three times until he finally won it in 2002. He was reelected four years later and was succeeded by one of his cabinet ministers, Dilma Rousseff, in 2010. She was reelected in 2014 but impeached two years later.

Lula tried to run for president again in 2018 but was jailed in March after being convicted. He was released from prison after 580 days and saw Brazils Supreme Court annul his sentence after police found messages that showed the judge who convicted him was biased. He quickly became one of Jair Bolsonaros biggest critics and narrowly beat him in 2022.

Since he lost the first round, Lula reorganized his campaign, appealed to young voters, put millions of Brazilians on the streets to defend democratic values and his legacy, raised fears of another Bolsonaro administration and boosted several government initiatives.

He joins Trump and Nicaraguas President Daniel Ortega all aged 80 as one of the oldest presidents in the Americas.

When Angela Clark opened her storage unit, she expected to retrieve some belongings.

Instead, she said she was greeted by the smell of mold.

"When I opened it up, I just smelled the mold instantly," Clark said.

She said furniture, keepsakes, and other possessions inside the unit had been damaged by water. Clark believes a leaky roof allowed moisture to seep into the unit, soaking many of her belongings.

"All my dressers are ruined, my nightstand is ruined," she said.

Among the damaged items was a couch she said she purchased just weeks before placing it into storage.

The damage went beyond furniture. Clark said some of the items carried sentimental value and cannot be replaced, including a jewelry box and her mother's purse.

"There's things in here that belonged to my mother and my father who have both passed away now," she said. "I can never replace any of that."

Many renters don't know who's responsible

Millions of Americans rely on self-storage facilities to hold everything from furniture and holiday decorations to family keepsakes and important documents.

But many renters don't realize that if something goes wrong, the storage company may not be financially responsible for damaged belongings.

WATCH as a woman discovers all her belongings in storage are ruined:

In reality, coverage often comes through a homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance policy rather than the storage facility itself, according to the company SpareFoot.

Consumer advocates say renters should understand exactly what is and isn't covered before signing a lease.

"Ask directly who is financially responsible if something is damaged, and you should get that answer in writing," said Josh Planos of the Better Business Bureau.

The manager of Clark's facility pointed to the lease agreement, which states that obtaining insurance for stored property is the tenant's responsibility.

What to ask before renting a storage unit

Experts say consumers should do their homework before moving belongings into storage.

Questions to ask include:

Some storage companies offer in-house insurance policies, though coverage limits may be relatively modest. Consumers should carefully review policy details and exclusions before relying on that coverage alone.

The Better Business Bureau also recommends inspecting a unit before signing a contract.

Document problems immediately

If renters notice signs of water damage, pests, broken locks or poor maintenance, experts say they should report the issues immediately and keep records, including photos and written communications.

Clark hopes her experience serves as a warning to others.

"This is all of my belongings," she said. "How do you tell someone that they're just out of luck?"

Doing a little research before signing a lease could save renters thousands of dollars and prevent heartbreaking losses later, so you don't waste your money.

__________________________________________

Follow John:

For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com

Five months after 33-year-old Nicholos Hatcher was fatally stabbed in Livonia, his mother is preparing to return to court as two men connected to the case face separate court proceedings Monday.

For Felisha Hatcher, the months since her sons death have been filled with grief and questions about the events that led to his killing.

On May 28, Felisha Hatcher said she began searching for answers after learning her son had been involved in some type of incident.

I began to call hospitals in Livonia, kind of backtracking his jobs, Felisha Hatcher said.

Eventually, she decided to call Livonia police.

I said you know what, let me call Livonia police. I know hes out there, and see if they heard anything, and so I called, she said.

Felisha Hatcher said police eventually told her they would come to her.

They said, were gonna come to you. I didnt know what that meant. I had no idea, Felisha Hatcher said. But now I know when they come to you to give you the news, its not good.

Police said Nicholos Hatcher had been stabbed that afternoon near Middlebelt Road and West Chicago Street in Livonia.

His mother said she was told someone had stolen her sons backpack and that he wanted it back. She said words were exchanged before her son was fatally stabbed.

Looking back, Felisha Hatcher said she has thought about the different choices that could have changed the outcome that day.

As a mother, you look at a different million ways that things could play out, she said. Him not taking a moment, just a moment, to think of the ramifications or long-term ramifications of the choices.

The case is now moving into its next stages in court.

Scott Andrew Harrnigton, who pleaded guilty to larceny and receiving and concealing stolen property, is scheduled to be sentenced Monday.

Felisha Hatcher said she does not believe Harrington will receive jail time and is disappointed by the punishment she expects him to receive.

For me, thats heartbreaking because you initiated that whole chain of events to me and youre gonna get away with what looks like to me a slap on the wrist, and its a slap in the face to the family, she said.

Spencer Judge Krusell, who is charged with second-degree murder in Nicholos Hatchers death, is also expected in a Wayne County courtroom Monday, where his trial is set to begin.

I can only hope justice will do what its supposed to do, Felisha Hatcher said. That is my hope.

While the court proceedings focus on the circumstances surrounding Nicholos Hatchers death, his mother wants people to remember the person her son was.

Nicholos was working two jobs when he died, his mother said, both of them doing something he loved: working as a chef.

She remembers him as someone who cared deeply about his family and community.

The world was just robbed of that light far too soon, she said.

President Donald Trump entered McMorran Place Arena in Port Huron to a cheering crowd and immediately took direct aim at Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and the Democratic party.

He covered an array of topics from tariffs on Canada to the election at hand.

When Im on the ballot, we win everything. When Im not on the ballot its the midterms when Im not on the ballot, people dont show up. Please show up and vote," the president said.

Trump brought out major star power, like rapper Nicki Minaj.

By the way, I looked at one helluva beautiful (expletive) before: Nicki Minaj," he complimented Minaj's backside.

Trump added, "That's hard to miss!"

The superstar joined Trump on stage and pumped up the crowd.

When I say Mike, you say Rogers. Mike, Rogers. Mike, Rogers. When I John, you say James. John, James, John, James," the crowd chanted along.

Related: Michigan Voter Guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 election

Minaj told the audience Michigan plays a vital role in national elections and encouraged them to get out and vote for conservatives.

Were not going to give up because we want our children to grow up in a place where we can be proud of. We dont want our children to be bombarded with sex changes, right?" she said.

GOP gubernatorial candidate John James faces Democrat Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in November.

Michigan voters are done with the excuses. Theyre tired of being told this is the best that we can do. Theyre ready for leadership. Theyre ready for change, he told the audience.

El-Sayed's opponent, GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers said we need you to find a friend, even your liberal Uncle Earl. Grab him. Talk to him. Get em convinced about the future of this country, whats risk for our kids and our grandkids.

On Saturday, former president Barack Obama stumped in Detroit for Democratic candidates.

"We need to start showing the American people who are hungry for solutions what real leadership looks like, what concrete plans look like that actually lower costs, and make healthcare more affordable, and make housing more affordable, and get utility bills under control. We just can't be against something. We gotta be for something," Obama said.

With Election Day quickly approaching, both parties say they are leaving no stone unturned in battleground Michigan.

PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) — President Donald Trump intensified his anti-Muslim rhetoric against Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed on Sunday, portraying him as a threat to national security and questioning his loyalty to the United States in remarks that drew a sharp rebuke from a former top Arab American ally.

Trump called El-Sayed, a former Detroit health official, a “jihadist” who was “on the side of the terrorists” and would “have to go through a metal detector before he’s allowed to go into the Senate.” He also repeatedly invoked the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, drawing a comparison between stopping El-Sayed from entering the Senate chamber and the passengers who fought back against the hijackers aboard United Flight 93.

El-Sayed, who would become the nation’s first Muslim senator if elected, has called attacks on his loyalty to the country “shameful” and repeatedly denied any ties to extremist groups. The Republican president's remarks were condemned by Bishara Bahbah, a founder of Arab Americans for Trump, the group that helped lead the president’s outreach to Arab American voters in 2024.

“The president’s statements are out of line," he said in a phone interview. "They are crossing a red line. They are racist.”

With Republicans on the defensive over inflation, soaring fuel prices and the Iran war, the president has been trying to generate turnout by claiming that El-Sayed and other Democrats are existential threats to America, instead of electoral rivals. Michigan’s Senate race between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is among a handful of contests that could determine control of the chamber.

Trump made his remarks in Port Huron, a Canadian border city about an hour north of Detroit and near communities where he made significant gains among Arab American voters in 2024. He became the first Republican presidential candidate since 2000 to win Dearborn, a city with one of the nation’s largest concentrations of Arab Americans.

Trump, who imposed a travel ban targeting several predominantly Muslim countries during his first term, has increasingly leaned into anti-Muslim rhetoric as Election Day approaches. He also attacked Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota at Sunday’s rally, where he declared that he had come to Michigan “to keep a jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member from becoming a United States senator.”

Cole Wozniak, a spokesperson for El-Sayed, responded to Trump's comments in a statement: “While they lie and resort to desperate, bad faith attacks, Abdul remains laser focused on his plans to bring down costs and stand up to the chaos and corruption in Washington."

El-Sayed’s faith, associations and past statements become campaign flashpoints

Central to Republicans’ strategy against El-Sayed in the final weeks of the campaign has been an effort to link him to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic movement with branches that the U.S. government has designated as terrorist organizations.

There is no evidence that El-Sayed has any affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood. His half-sister, Eman Abdelhadi, wrote on social media in 2012 that “my family has long been MB” and described a conversation with her mother about her involvement in the Muslim Brotherhood in the early 1970s.

El-Sayed was born in the United States to Egyptian immigrant parents who divorced when he was young. He was raised by his father, not his biological mother.

Trump on Sunday also targeted El-Sayed’s ties to popular streamer Hasan Piker, who appeared alongside the Democrat multiple times during the primary campaign, including at his election night event.

Piker in the past has said that “Hamas is a thousand times better” than Israel, describing some Orthodox Jews as “inbred” and that “America deserved 9/11.”

El-Sayed has faced criticism for his own rhetoric. He has repeatedly refused to answer questions about whether Iran or Israel poses a bigger threat to the country. Earlier this year, he said “hurt people hurt people” after an attack on a synagogue in the Detroit area. The attacker had lost four relatives in an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon the week earlier. El-Sayed later apologized, saying he was not trying to justify what happened.

“To anyone who feels like my comments might have been hurtful, I’m really sorry,” he said. “That was not my intention.”

Founder of Arab Americans for Trump calls the president 'racist'

Bahbah, whose organization has since changed its name to Arab Americans for Peace, said Trump’s remarks were unacceptable to Arab and Muslim communities, including Christian Arabs.

“The remarks are out of line and crazy. I mean, no sane individual would say these things," Bahbah said.

Dearborn helped Trump win Michigan in 2024 after many voters in the city were outraged by the Biden administration's handling of the war in Gaza.

“The president of the United States saying that about a person because of his religion, that is just not acceptable,” said Bahbah. “And people are going to remember that on Nov. 3."

The campaign has been one of the most contentious this year

Rogers and El-Sayed have been locked in a bitter race to fill the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

During their second and final general election campaign debate, Rogers questioned El-Sayed's loyalty to the United States.

“Are you for America, or are you for these terrorist groups overseas?” Rogers asked.

El-Sayed said that questioning was “shameful.”

“I’m proud of our Constitution that guarantees all of us the right to pray as we choose to pray,” he said.

Speaking before Trump’s appearance Sunday, Rogers repeated his allegations linking El-Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood.

“The Muslim Brotherhood celebrated exactly one victory in the United States in the primary this year,” Rogers said on stage. “Abdul El-Sayed's.”

Rally doesn't deliver a new economic handout, but gets boost from Minaj

Trump has routinely announced new investments in factories at his campaign rallies, but he did not do so as part of his speech in Michigan, a state defined by the auto industry.

The president instead repeated investments already being made by domestic automakers. Those automakers could see their finances slump if the president expands his trade war with Canada, which has been an essential partner for the U.S. automotive sector.

While it lacked a fresh promise for Michigan's economy, Trump's rally did deliver a bit of star power.

Rapper Nicki Minaj appeared on stage and urged people to get out and vote for the state's Republican ticket. Her appearance followed an awkward moment from Trump, who has increasingly been fixated on commenting about other people's body parts.

After praising the body of Ohio Sen. Jon Husted, a Republican in a close election contest, Trump turned his eye toward Minaj and commented on her posterior.

The president then signaled for Minaj to stand for the crowd and she did, after which Trump said, “I hope Nicki wasn’t insulted, but we love Nicki. She’s been with us for a long time.”

___

Cappelletti reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.

Detroit Metro Airport could be a new destination for Emirates with nonstop flights to Dubai, according to a new report.

The Points Guy reported Saturday that Emirates is looking at potentially three new U.S. destinations from Dubai Detroit, Denver and Philadelphia.

That's according to Emirates President Tim Clark, who said, "There aren't many cities in the world that we will not be able to touch if we want to get there," according to The Points Guy.

It would be the latest international flight from Detroit, which does not have a nonstop flight to Dubai.

Emirates flies from several U.S. cities, the closest being Chicago.

A package of bills has been introduced in the Michigan House and Senate to help homeowners who become victims of deed fraud.

Deed fraud is when someone files a forged deed to claim ownership of someone else's property with a county Register of Deeds. They can then take out loans on the property or even try to sell it to a second victim.

Donovan McCarty is an associate professor of law and director of the Housing Justice Clinic at Michigan State University.

McCarty said in Michigan, it's easy to commit the fraud and hard to fix it. Registers of deeds don't have any authority to substantially review deeds that are submitted to them, he said.

"The problem is, once a false deed is recorded, the least amount of time I see it take to fix is about six months, and it can cost a lot of money to hire an attorney to do that — the average is $3,000-$5,000, and in more complicated cases, it can be $10,000 or more."

McCarty said in some cases, people have lost their homes to foreclosure, because the false deed triggered a lifting of the cap on their property taxes, and they couldn't afford to pay the higher tax while they were fighting to get the false deed expunged.

In another case, which he represented, the person who submitted a false deed then filed an eviction notice for the man who owned the house.

Because the man had communication issues — including no phone and computer at home — he missed court hearings, and the eviction went through.

"The bailiffs came and broke down both his doors and removed all his property," McCarty said.

The man lost all his personal belongings, and had to live in hotels while McCarty handled the court case to get him back in his home.

"The fraudsters typically prey on low income people, minority communities," McCarty said. "Detroit seems to be a place that is specifically hard-hit by deed fraud. And so as you can imagine, the people in those situations especially don't have the resources to fight these frauds."

The bills set up a fast-track process to get the false deed expunged, with a fill-in complaint form that property owners can file with the court themselves, without having to hire an attorney.

The bills also keep the victim's property taxes from being uncapped and skyrocketing while the process is taking place, and extends the statute of limitations from one year to three years to go after the perpetrator of the fraud, although McCarty says it's rare that they are identified and held responsible.