WXYZ-TV is proud to be hosting a U.S. Senate debate between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Both candidates have agreed to the debate, which will air on WXYZ on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Broadcast live from our studios at Broadcast House in Detroit, the debate will air statewide, giving voters across Michigan the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates as they make their case for the U.S. Senate.

Do you have a question you'd like to submit for the candidates? Send it to us below; we may pick your question for the debate:

Related election information Check if you're registered to vote in Michigan Find your polling location How to get an absentee ballot  View your sample ballot  More information about early voting

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico returned to the campaign trail over the weekend after a 12-day absence that fueled speculation about his whereabouts.

His opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and other Republicans questioned Talarico's explanation that he had been home with the flu.

At one point, Paxton called for "proof of life" in a social media post questioning Talarico's whereabouts.

The speculation included unsubstantiated claims circulating online that Talarico had been receiving treatment at a mental health facility in Ohio.

I had the flu," Talarico insisted in an interview with MS Now on Sunday. "This is the craziest thing Ive ever heard. Its wild that someone can just post something on the internet and then the media just runs with it."

The rumors prompted the Lindner Center of HOPE to publicly deny that Talarico had been a patient.

"Representative James Talarico has never received treatment from Lindner Center of Hope," Lindner Center HOPE posted on X.

Talarico responded to the post by saying, "Ive never even been to Ohio "

Over the weekend, Talarico was seen meeting with potential voters at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. He also attended a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas on Saturday, where he met with the country singer.

The Texas Senate contest is among the most closely watched races in the country as Democrats seek their first statewide election victory in more than 30 years.

President Donald Trump is weighing whether to dismiss Kimberly Guilfoyle from her position as US ambassador to Greece after a string of reports about misconduct, a person familiar with the matter said Sunday.

Trump has been monitoring reports claiming Guilfoyle, who was engaged to Trumps eldest son Donald Trump Jr. for four years, accepted lavish gifts as ambassador and sought money in exchange for providing access to administration figures before she was confirmed.

Lawyers for Guilfoyle have denied the allegations about seeking money and said reports about her travel were misleading, adding that she complied with federal gift and reporting requirements.

The reports have irked senior administration officials, particularly since they emerged when Secretary of State Marco Rubio was visiting Athens for a high-profile speech on Western democracy delivered from the Acropolis.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Two FBI agents ousted over investigation into alleged harassing calls to wife of Trump adviser Stephen Miller

Trump is expected to decide soon whether to fire Guilfoyle, the person said. The president offered no defense of Guilfoyle when questioned by CNN about the allegations Friday.

I just heard about it. Too bad. I mean, I dont know, Trump said. I just heard a little bit about it. I dont know too much, but she was always very nice.

Eric Deters, a former Trump donor, said Guilfoyle asked him in a text message to wire her $100,000 to pay off an American Express card in the days before her Senate confirmation. Deters ultimately did not wire Guilfoyle the money, saying he didnt have the liquid assets at the time.

The messages were first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Lawyers for the ambassador said in a statement provided to CNN that Deters owed Guilfoyle money for speeches and consulting work and called his statements false.

When Ms. Guilfoyle was preparing to leave private life for public service, she did what any professional does and tried to close out her outstanding receivables. Asking a client to pay for work already done is not corruption. It is the opposite of corruption, her lawyers wrote.

Guilfoyle also denied to administration officials last week that she sent the messages, the person familiar said.

Guilfoyle has remained close to the Trump family. After her breakup with Donald Trump Jr., she received the plum assignment in Greece.

Allies of the president and his son told CNN they felt the episode is embarrassing, though its not clear whether there will be consequences for Guilfoyle. Trump has repeatedly made clear he is not happy when allies profit off of their relationship with him.

Vice President JD Vance on Friday withheld judgment on whether there should be consequences for Guilfoyle, saying he refused to try people in the court of public opinion.

But the vice president said, in general, he was uncomfortable with access-for-pay schemes. Of course I dont like anybody selling access to another government official, certainly a high-level government official, he said.

Lets see what the truth is. And obviously, if there was something bad that happened, then people have to suffer consequences for it, he said.

The-CNN-Wire & 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

For many Latinos, food is more than something to eat. It is family, tradition and a connection to home.

For decades, Mexicantown Bakery and Armando's Mexican Restaurant have helped provide all three in southwest Detroit. Behind the pastries, cakes and family recipes is a story of perseverance that began with immigrant parents who arrived in Detroit looking for opportunity and built a legacy that now spans generations.

"We came here in '66 with my parents from Cuba," said Mexicantown Bakery owner Omar Hernandez.

Watch Sara Molina's video report below: A Southwest Detroit family's recipe for success

Hernandez and his sister, Cecilia Benedict, general manager of Armando's Mexican Restaurant, said their parents worked at a nearby meat-packing plant after settling in Detroit. Hard work quickly became a family value.

"We always worked," Benedict said. "That's all we did. It was ingrained in our blood."

That work ethic helped the family establish businesses that have become staples in southwest Detroit. Before the family gained ownership of Armando's in the '80s, they opened their own bakery.

Years later, Hernandez opened Mexicantown Bakery in 1995. Now, more than three decades later, it continues to grow.

"It's gonna be 31 years now," Hernandez said. "Hispanics are very entrepreneurial."

According to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latino-owned businesses across Michigan generate billions of dollars annually, with southwest Detroit serving as one of the state's most significant hubs for Hispanic entrepreneurship.

Wayne State University Latino studies professor Jorge Chinea said the Hernandez family's story reflects a broader trend among Latino-owned businesses.

"A lot of Latino-owned businesses start family-owned, and then they get fixed and address the needs of the Latino community," Chinea said.

While operating a small business can be challenging for anyone, Chinea said Latino entrepreneurs have historically faced additional obstacles, including limited access to capital, labor shortages and the need to constantly adapt to changing economic conditions.

"If you adjust to the market forces and you make allowances that things are changing around you, you can survive," Chinea said.

As southwest Detroit's Latino population has diversified over the years, so have the products offered at the bakery.

"We have a lot more Central and Latin Americans," Hernandez said. "Guatemalans, Hondurans, Colombians, Venezuelans."

Benedict said the bakery responded by adding products that reflected those communities' traditions and tastes.

"They want to have that family feeling," she said.

The family's reach now extends far beyond southwest Detroit. Hernandez said social media has helped attract customers from throughout Michigan and neighboring regions.

"Over 50% of our clientele comes from half an hour or an hour away on the weekends," he said. "They come from Ohio, Canada."

Like many businesses, the family also faced uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"COVID. That was like my, 'oh my God, we're gonna get through COVID,'" Benedict said. "But you know what? You just did it every single day."

Looking back on decades of success, the siblings said their advice to future entrepreneurs is simple: stay committed, work hard and pursue something you genuinely enjoy.

"Do what you love," Benedict said, "and success will come."

Omar has also owned numerous businesses aside from the bakery, but today, Mexicantown Bakery continues to offer more than pastries and desserts. For many visitors, it offers a taste of culture, community and the history of a family that helped shape southwest Detroit.

To learn more about the bakery, click visit their website.

Federal agents on Monday searched the home of Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a frequent target of Trump administration criticism, as part of a criminal investigation, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The search was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations agents, said the people, who were not authorized to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. More details about the investigation were not immediately clear, though Vice President JD Vance has in the past accused Omar of committing immigration fraud an allegation she has denied and has said he and a top White House official were trying to figure out how to investigate the Minnesota congresswoman.

An email seeking comment was sent Monday to a representative for Omar.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Man who sprayed vinegar at Rep. Ilhan Omar during town hall pleads guilty to assault

The Justice Department said in a statement Monday that HSI agents executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the department in the Washington, D.C., area but provided no other details. The street was blocked off Monday morning as HSI agents remained near the home.

This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the department said.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, of which Homeland Security Investigations is part, referred questions about the search to the Justice Department.

Omar represents Minnesotas 5th District, including Minneapolis. She was first elected to the House in 2018 and has been a member of what's called The Squad of female lawmakers known for their progressive views and pointed opposition to President Donald Trump, a Republican.

Republicans have raised questions about Omar's past since before she was even elected, including asserting that she had married her brother and committed immigration fraud. Omar has broadly denied the allegations as disgusting lies.

It certainly seems like something fishy is there, but everybody's entitled to equal justice under the laws, Vance told reporters in May. So we're going to investigate it. We're going to take a look at it. If we think there's a crime, we're going to prosecute that crime.

In a separate interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Vance said without offering evidence that we actually think that Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud against the United States of America.

He said that he and deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller had been discussing it and trying to look at what the remedies are.

Thats the thing that were trying to figure out," he said. "What are the legal remedies now that we know that shes committed immigration fraud. How do you go after her? How do you investigate her? How do you actually do the thing? How do you build the case necessary to get some, some, some justice for the American people?

Omars office in March dismissed Vances claims as fabricated and defamatory.

This is rich coming from someone who literally said they were willing to create stories to redirect the media, Omars chief of staff, Connor McNutt, said in a statement.

This is a ridiculous lie and desperate attempt to distract from the pedophile protection partys unpopular war of choice, increasing gas prices, and rapidly dropping polling numbers, McNutt said of the vice presidents allegations and comments.

Another phase of the Restore the Reuther project is complete.

Over the weekend, the Michigan Department of Transportation crews closed both eastbound and westbound sides of I-696 between I-75 in Hazel Park and M-10, the Lodge Freeway, in Southfield.

The closure gave crews time to move westbound traffic from the eastbound side of the freeway back onto the newly reconstructed westbound lanes.

MDOT says this is the second to last step for the I-696 project. Eastbound is set to reopen later this year.

Watch Sara Molina's video report below: Everything is under construction: Westbound I-696 lanes, exits open

Drivers said they are ready for it to be done.

It just feels like literally everything is under construction all the time. But it definitely influences gas prices. Like personally, having to pay more gas because of how much I have to take detours, driver Kate Moore said.

For more than a year, the eastbound lanes of I-696 between I-75 and the Lodge have been closed as part of the project.

696 in particular, I actually I don't take it too often, but when I did and there was construction, it would suck because it'd be down to like one lane sometimes. You know, traffic all the way down the freaking highway, driver Jaden Bunton said.

Exit ramps from I-75 to M-10 have opened with westbound I-696, except for the off ramp exit to Woodward Avenue.

That will remain closed until Saturday, Oct. 17, while crews continue resurfacing work on the service drive at westbound 10 Mile Road.

Fire crews from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other agencies are battling two wildfires in the Upper Peninsula.

See photos from the DNR of the wildfires in the video below Two wildfires reported in Upper Peninsula amid dry conditions

According to the DNR, The Ridge Fire is estimated to be around 256 acres and is approximately 10 miles northwest of Marquette between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive.

The DNR said that residents along North Basin Drive should be prepared to follow "Ready, Set, Go" conditions as the wildfire continues to burn. As of 7 p.m. Sunday, residents should be in the "Set" condition and ready to go at any point.

That includes: "Monitor local media and emergency alerts. Load vehicles with emergency bags and valuables. Be ready to leave conditions can change quickly so be alert and ready to act."

There has been an evacuation center set up for residents at the Negaunee Township Hall at 42 East State Hwy M-35 in Negaunee.

According to the DNR, The Ridge Fire is in very rugged and difficult terrain, which is making suppression efforts very challenging. Two Fire Boss aircraft from Minnesota which scoop up water to drop on the fire are assisting, as well as an MSP helicopter. There are also 40 DNR firefighters on the ground working to establish a dozer line.

The Craig Lake Fire is estimated at around 30 acres as of Sunday night and is burning north of Craig Lake State Park. It's also in a very remote area with rugged terrain, making suppression efforts challenging.

Both fires are fueled by a mix of conifers and hardwoods on ridge tops and a mix of balsam and spruce in the lowlands, said Keith Murphy, DNR Incident Command. Public safety and firefighter safety remain our top priority.

Earlier this week, the DNR said that the fire risk was high across the Upper Peninsula and urged people to be careful when burning.

Grasses have dried out and leaves are starting to drop, which adds a layer of fuel that can feed and speed the spread of a wildfire, said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Make sure to check for a burn permit before you burn any yard debris and be careful of heat or sparks from equipment and off-road vehicles."

A growing number of Republicans are pushing back on President Trump's deal to get more Russian oil into American and global energy markets.

The deal was announced Friday after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump detailed a staggered release of Russian diesel totaling nearly 5 million tons going into American and global markets.

RELATED STORY | Trump says US to get diesel from Russia to help ease prices before midterms

A bipartisan group of senators released a statement Sunday saying Congress banned Russian energy imports in 2022 in response to the war in Ukraine. The statement came from U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and John Curtis (R-UT).

"President Trump's decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. runs directly counter to that law. The Administration has also failed to consult with Congress or submit any explanation to justify its decision as required by statute," the senators said.

"The United States should not provide Putin with a financial lifeline while Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians. The Administration must reverse course," the senators said.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) is promising to force a bill to the House floor to block any Russian oil purchases.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | House approves sweeping Russia sanctions bill, sending it to Trump

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who recently visited Ukraine, said the deal makes no sense and is a betrayal of the legacy and leadership of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Just over three weeks ago, President Trump signed a new bill into law named after Graham that expanded sanctions and tariffs on Russia.

Trump's Russian oil announcement did not include specific dates for the staggered release, and no prices were provided for whoever would buy the additional oil.

As shoppers begin stocking up for the holidays, gift cards remain one of the most popular gift options. They're easy to buy, easy to give, and usually appreciated.

But consumer experts say there's one big risk many people don't think about: what happens if the business closes before the card is used.

WATCH as a woman describes what happened when she waited to use a restaurant gift card:

Gift card caution: Beware stores, restaurants that may go out of business

That's what happened to Nancy Bertline.

Like many people, Bertline often receives gift cards from family members during the holidays, but one card sat unused for too long. She said she waited almost six months, hoping to cash it in for an anniversary dinner.

"We called and nobody answered," Bertline said. "We left a message to see about getting a reservation. Nobody bothered to call us back."

She later discovered the restaurant had shut its doors for good.

"We were watching the news, and they went out of business," Bertline said. "My husband said, 'You're sunk now. We're not going to be able to get this back.'"

Don't save gift cards for a special occasion

Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs said one of the biggest mistakes consumers make is hanging onto gift cards for months, or even years, waiting for the perfect time to use them.

"Typically, you're going to forget about it and it's going to be too late," he said.

Interactive: Holiday deals started early. Here's where shopping now pays off

According to Capital One Shopping, 43% of U.S. adults have at least one unused gift card, with an average of $244 sitting unspent. In its research, 12% have had a business close permanently before being able to use a gift card.

What to do if a business closes

If a company files for bankruptcy before you use a gift card, you may be able to submit what's known as a "proof of claim" with the bankruptcy court. That places you on the list of creditors seeking repayment, though there's no guarantee you'll recover any money.

The Consumer Federation of America recommends several other steps:

Contact the business or owner directly If you purchased the gift card with a credit card, ask your card issuer whether you can dispute the charge Reach out to your state or local consumer protection agency for assistance

Act quickly if you hear a company may be closing

James said consumers should pay attention to reports that a business is struggling financially.

"I had a Sports Authority $50 gift card, and I heard they were going bankrupt and closing their stores," he said.

He admits he waited too long, hoping for deeper closing sale discounts, but in the end, wasn't able to use the gift card.

"Whenever a store goes into liquidation, they sell all their stuff to another company," James said. "And so, my gift card was completely useless."

Bertline said shes left with a $100 gift card she can no longer use but still hopes for a solution.

"That's what I would hope; that they could do something for myself and everybody else," she said. "It would just be nice."

Bottom line

Gift cards may be a holiday favorite, but they're not always as good as cash. If you receive one this season, don't let it sit in a drawer waiting for a special occasion.

Using it sooner rather than later could help ensure it doesn't become a worthless piece of plastic, and you dont waste your money.

_________________________

"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

Follow John:

Facebook: John Matarese Money Instagram: @johnmataresemoney X/Twitter: @JohnMatarese

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

With midterm elections just weeks away, some Michigan voters are turning to AI to research candidates ahead of Nov. 3.

A new national study by the American Association of Political Consultants Foundation found 20% of AI users turned to the technology for political issues, elections or voting. ChatGPT and Google Gemini are the most commonly used AI tools among voters, according to the study.

Eighteen-year-old Wayne State University student Shealon Robinson is among those turning to AI to sort fact from campaign noise.

"I feel like there's a lot of misinformation with propaganda on ads on TV like YouTube... And I want to like further understand is that true?" Robinson said. "If I have a question about the person, I just go to Google."

Watch Faraz Javed's video report below: Michigan students weigh in on using AI to research midterm candidates

Oakland University political science professor Nicole Mathew says when it comes to political research, where the information comes from matters.

"It could be a good place to start, especially if you ask the AI to identify its sources and then you can follow up by looking at the actual sources that the AI is using," Mathew said.

Mathew also raised concerns about whether AI can be trusted for political research.

"That's part of the problem is we don't really know what's inside that black box of how it's deciding what to tell you. And I think people have a fear that while these AI companies, they have a lot of business before the government, so what if they're trying to steer people in a particular direction," Mathew said.

Joshua Feinstein is the co-creator of Polifine.org, a new AI-powered platform built for Michigan voters. The goal of the nonpartisan website is to cut through the campaign noise.

"With so much money being spent on this election and people just getting tons of information and information, we are not looking to persuade either anyway, and within two, three minutes, find out again, does this candidate align with my values? When they say they align with my values, what have they actually done? Not what they've said." Feinstein said.

Students say two of the biggest races they will be watching closely are Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate seat, and Jocelyn Benson and John James for governor.

Not all young voters are ready to let AI guide their ballot choices. Wayne State student Zachary Wick said he would not use AI tools to help make his decision.

"AI has been known to mislead and give false answers," Wick said.

Wayne State student Brooklynn Anderson agreed.

"I personally wouldn't use it," Anderson said.

Wayne State student Dominic Said sees potential in the technology.

"I think this AI tool will be a benefit to help people find where their vote should go and what they stand for." Said said.

Feinstein remains optimistic about the role AI could play.

"I think most of us hopefully will fall into the camp of using AI as a very advanced tool to help us with things that are important." Feinstein said.

For voters who prefer to avoid AI, Mathew recommends turning to local journalism.

"A lot of local newspapers, local TV stations cover these local races that you might not know as much about compared to the Senate race or the governor's race. So that's a great place to turn to," Mathew said.

Robinson encouraged young voters to stay engaged.

"Now's the time to really get active and understand what's going on, because it has an impact on us." Robinson said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The city of Madison Heights on Sunday announced that it is disconnecting its Automated License Plate Reader cameras and will not be renewing its contract with Flock Safety.

The city says it made the decision after "an extended review of the program and the Citys responsibility to ensure that any technology in use meets established standards for accountability, privacy, and operational integrity."

Three ALPR cameras were used in the city, officials said. They say they waited for Flock staff to assure the city that the "appropriate guardrails were in place," but they failed to address the concerns.

"Without clear and reliable safeguards, the City cannot continue the operation of the ALPR system at this time," the city said in a statement.

Related video: Oakland County investigating alleged misuse of Flock camera data by former deputy Oakland County Sheriff's Office investigates alleged misuse of Flock camera surveillance data by former deputy

City officials say no new data has been collected since the city-run cameras were bagged and not actively used since Sept. 23.

"City staff extends its appreciation to City Council for their continued engagement in this discussion and for providing thoughtful input throughout the evaluation process, as well as the many residents and local businesses who shared feedback," the city said.

The city says there are several businesses and organizations in Madison Heights that have their own cameras and independent contracts with Flock.

Related video: 'No Flock Zone' Controversy brewing over Flock camera at Madison Heights dispensary 'No Flock Zone' Controversy brewing over Flock camera at Madison Heights dispensary

"The City of Madison Heights remains committed to public safety and to the responsible evaluation of technologies that support that mission while upholding community expectations for transparency, accountability, and privacy," the city said.

Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Rachel drenched the Las Vegas valley on Sunday morning, causing widespread flooding.

More than one inch of rain fell early in the morning on the west side of the valley, which prompted a Flash Flood Warning. Cameras captured floodwaters across Las Vegas, leaving cars stranded and forcing road closures.

[RAW VIDEO] Cars left stranded in flood waters near Koval, Winnick in Las Vegas WATCH: Flooding behind The LINQ near the Las Vegas Strip [RAW VIDEO] Flood waters behind The LINQ in Las Vegas WATCH: Floodwaters move through near Hotel Rio [RAW VIDEO] Heavy flood waters move through near Hotel Rio

The flooding stretched to near the Nevada-California state line, with all lanes closed at I-15, according to the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.

Meteorologists say Sunday afternoon will be partly cloudy with the potential for additional showers and thundershowers. The evening will see only an outside chance for more rain. A Flood Watch and Wind Advisory are in effect through 5 a.m. Monday.This story was originally published by the

Scripps News Group in Las Vegas.

PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) Abdul El-Sayed, holding a handheld mic and wearing his signature V-neck black shirt, slowly shook his head as a woman at his town hall described how she burned through her savings after undergoing emergency brain surgery.

Im really sorry for your experience, and I hope that youre on the mend, said El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, after outlining proposals for guaranteed health care and paid leave.

Later that night, while talking to reporters in the basement below the theatre, his tone was far different. El-Sayed called his Republican opponent Mike Rogers a coward, said President Donald Trump was afraid to visit the state and dismissed as dumb a question about whether Iran or Israel posed a greater threat to the United States.

The exchanges captured two sides of a candidate who is the central figure in one of the nations most consequential Senate races. El-Sayed would be the country's first Muslim senator, and he's crisscrossing the state to counter a Republican effort, fueled by tens of millions of dollars, to portray him as a dangerous radical. But he has also embraced his confrontational side by mocking and taunting Trump and Rogers.

If they want to make me the main character in the midterms, Im not shying away from it, El-Sayed said in an interview. Run against me. See how well that works out for you.

El-Sayeds brash, swaggering confidence rubbed some Democrats the wrong way during a divisive primary against Rep. Haley Stevens. The former public health official has shown little interest in toning it down, remaining unapologetic about his progressive agenda and adversarial approach, emboldening supporters who believe he's the right candidate for an angry electorate that has lost faith in the political establishment.

But his doubters fear he'll cost Democrats control of the Senate by failing to unite his party's disparate factions ahead of November.

If you want their votes, you have to make nice with those people, and hes not really doing that, said Michigan political strategist Adrian Hemond, who supported Stevens. Maybe he doesnt have to. The entire theory of this candidacy has been he can remake what the electorate looks like.

Republicans target El-Sayed

Even though Michigan backed Trump twice in his three presidential campaigns, no Republican has won a Senate race in the state since 1994.

The political landscape is no friendlier this year. Trump started an unpopular war with Iran, leading to higher gas prices. Rogers has opted for a low-key campaign with fewer public events than El-Sayed as he tries to make the race all about his Democratic opponent.

As of Oct. 10, Republicans had outspent Democrats by $78 million to $63 million in the Michigan Senate race, according to AdImpact, which tracks political advertising. Around $40 million in Republican spending has gone toward negative advertisements, compared to only around $20 million from Democrats.

The ads portray El-Sayed as dangerously radical and too extreme, highlighting his past calls to defund the police and relax immigration enforcement. Others tie him to Hasan Piker, a popular online streamer with whom El-Sayed has appeared and who has drawn criticism for past comments, including saying that America deserved 9/11.

On Friday, Rogers appeared alongside Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy, who told reporters that El-Sayed sleeps in a Bin Laden jersey. Rogers laughed.

Vice President JD Vance has called him evil. In one social media post, Trump shared a photo of himself with first lady Melania Trump alongside a photo of El-Sayed and his wife, who wears a hijab, with the caption: Two VERY DIFFERENT Americas.

Late Wednesday, Trump referred to El-Sayed as Mohammed and said he goes back to the days of the Jihad.

El-Sayed has hardly backed down. At the campaign stop in Port Huron, he taunted Trump to visit Michigan, suggesting Rogers and other Republicans were afraid the president would hurt their chances.

Donald, if youre watching, dont wuss out, man, El-Sayed said.

And he responded to Kennedys attack by suggesting the Republican is in the KKK.

Thats rich coming from someone who wears his bed sheets out at night, El-Sayed posted on social media.

El-Sayed uses a personal touch with voters

Before the Port Huron town hall, El-Sayed worked his way down a line of people who couldnt fit inside the theater, shaking hands, taking photos and stopping for conversations.

Jeff Petrucella and his wife Alice traveled from Macomb County to see El-Sayed. They described themselves as politically middle of the road and said they had voted Republican in the past.

Im pretty done with the Republicans right now, Jeff said.

Alice said she was looking for a change that is better for my granddaughters, pointing to El-Sayeds support for Medicare for All. Nor was she put off by his more confrontational appearances on Fox News.

I think he expresses himself well. You can tell hes a well-spoken, educated man, she said.

Pat Kreiner was among those who waited nearly an hour to see El-Sayed. Her children had persuaded her to support him in the Democratic primary.

My son said to me, I have been living with this trickle-down economy since the day I was born, Kreiner said. It doesnt work for me.

Kreiner also expressed anger about Trump's trade war with Canada, just across the river from Port Huron.

We are heartsick about our neighbors, she said. They used to come over a lot. We dont see them now.

Visiting smaller towns such as Port Huron has become central to El-Sayeds campaign, with his team recently saying he's held more than 500 events in over 100 cities across the state.

Go everywhere. Talk to everyone. Thats what we do, El-Sayed said in an interview.

The personal approach has not erased all the skepticism surrounding El-Sayed, including within his own party.

His criticism of Israel and association with Piker have raised concerns among some Jewish Democrats. El-Sayed has held a series of private gatherings with undecided Jewish voters as he works to win their support.

He has also sought to strengthen his standing with Black voters. In the Democratic primary, Stevens drew more support in Wayne County, home to Detroit and its large Black population.

Ahead of Thursdays debate, El-Sayed attended two events with Black leaders before stopping at a Black barbershop, where he moved from chair to chair talking with customers. He stopped at one point to speak with a pregnant woman, congratulating her and asking when her baby was due.

November 8th? El-Sayed joked. Make sure you vote early, huh?

The race has become about more than just Michigan

While El-Sayed has spent much of his campaign trying to win over Michigan voters, his candidacy has taken on significance far beyond the state. Republicans have made him a symbol of what they warn is an increasingly radical Democratic Party, while progressives see his campaign as a chance to prove their politics can win in a closely divided state.

At a New York City fundraiser on Oct. 5, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cast his campaign as a test for progressives nationwide.

If Abdul can win in Michigan, anybody can win anywhere, said the New York Democrat, a potential presidential candidate.

Ocasio-Cortez plans to campaign with El-Sayed in Michigan next week, followed by former President Barack Obama on Oct. 24.

The national stakes have also drawn renewed opposition. United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with AIPAC, disclosed an initial $94,000 expenditure against El-Sayed on Friday, after spending nearly $30 million to oppose him in the Democratic primary.

And El-Sayed, despite insisting the election should focus on Michigan voters and their economic struggles, has embraced the larger implications of his candidacy.

I am grateful for your support, he told the audience at the New York fundraiser, according to remarks obtained by The Associated Press. He said he had two goals pick up a U.S. Senate seat and change the nature of our politics for the better.

Related election information Check if you're registered to vote in Michigan Find your polling location How to get an absentee ballot  View your sample ballot  More information about early voting

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to what he described as an energy ceasefire.

Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it! the president said in a post to social media Sunday morning.

RELATED STORY | After making deal with Putin, Trump says its time for Ukraine to get a new president

CNN has reached out to the White House and Kremlin for information on how the agreement was reached and what the next steps may be. A source close to Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelensky told CNN the announcement was news to them, but that they will agree if Russia does.

Asked about Trumps post on Truth Social, another Ukrainian official told CNN, We just read it as you did.

The announcement comes days after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the two announced a controversial deal to supply markets with Russian diesel fuel.

Talks with top Ukrainian and US officials, including Trumps son in law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, got underway in Miami as the diesel deal was announced Friday, but Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky starkly criticized the news. Trump said as recently as Saturday that Ukraine should get a new leader who can make a deal.

RELATED STORY | Trump says US to get diesel from Russia to help ease prices before midterms

It was not immediately clear what led to the Sunday announcement. In an interview earlier on Sunday, Zelensky also called for a ceasefire.

OK, if they want energy ceasefire, we are open for this, Zelensky said about Russia during an interview with ABC News. Dont attack us. Dont kill our children. We will stop attacking your diesel. And I think its fair, fair deal.

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Federal immigration agents shot and wounded a driver while his 5-year-old child was in the back seat Thursday during a targeted enforcement operation in the Bronx in New York City, because the agents believed their lives were in danger, federal officials said.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Sunday he is sure ICE body camera footage of the shooting will be released.

The shooting occurred just after 4 p.m. in the Marble Hill neighborhood when an ICE agent discharged a weapon into the mans vehicle, New York City officials said late Thursday.

Federal officers used vehicles to block the man in, but he refused lawful orders to exit his vehicle, according to Marcos Charles, executive associate director of ICE. The man allegedly drove his vehicle into two government vehicles and then weaponized his vehicle and accelerated toward other officers, Charles said.

The officers fired at the man, believing that their life and the life of their partners and the general public were in danger, Charles said.

RELATED STORY | New report alleges ICE has wasted millions of dollars on unused detention facilities

Oscar Belgal, 28, from the Dominican Republic, suffered a superficial wound to the neck, officials said. Charles said ICE plans to try to remove him from the country as soon as possible.

The child was not injured and is in the care of family members, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

Two agents were also injured in the encounter and have since been treated and released from the hospital, according to a law enforcement source.

Video footage released by the NYPD on Friday shows the initial moments of the incident, revealing federal agents drawing guns when they first approached Belgals vehicle.

The vehicle is seen reversing in a parking spot when a plainclothes federal law enforcement officer approaches the drivers side window with his gun drawn, the video shows. The vehicle then starts to move forward when another federal agent approaches the driver side of the vehicle and draws his weapon.

As the vehicle begins to pull away, one of the agents starts to punch the drivers side window of the car, the video shows.

The video which does not have audio appears to show the vehicle potentially hitting a black car that was driving by as it pulled away.

The video then changes to another angle and appears to show the aftermath of the shots being fired offscreen, as bystanders are seen ducking. Soon thereafter, an agent wearing plainclothes is seen holding a child, presumably Belgals 5-year-old, who was in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the shooting.

ICE did not make any mention of federal agents drawing their weapons when they first approached the vehicle, according to their account of the shooting.

When reached for comment on the footage, the Department of Homeland Security referred CNN back to Mullins remarks earlier on Friday in which he defended the ICE officers actions, saying the target of the arrest was one of the worst of the worst.

Belgal, according to Mullin, was part of an investigation into a shooting of a Customs and Border Protection officer last year and had previously fled from officers in September.

ICE INC. | ICE waived rule requiring detainees receive medical checkups within two weeks

The shooting was the first involving ICE agents in New York City since President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown and comes the same week as ICE leadership told agents to increase arrests by 1,000 more people daily, according to two sources familiar with the verbal directive.

This is the latest ICE shooting in which officers fired into a vehicle after claiming the driver used the vehicle as a weapon. In many of these instances, video and witnesses have called into question DHS version of events, most notably in the case of Renee Good, a US citizen who was fatally shot in Minneapolis early this year.

Belgals attorneys filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in federal court Friday, saying he was arrested without a valid warrant and without any consideration of his individual circumstances. US District Judge J. Paul Oetken ordered that he remain in the US for the time being. The attorneys incorrectly referred to his last name as Bergal in the filing but confirmed his last name is Belgal.

Belgal has been transferred to a detention center in Brooklyn and spoke to his attorneys Friday, telling them he was in pain, still had a bullet in his body and wanted to see his family, the attorneys said.

He shared for the first time that obviously hes afraid, hes deeply concerned about his 5-year-old son, attorney Harold Solis said. The first thing he asked me is whether his son is OK.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he had spoken to Trump and Mullin to negotiate the mans release, but those negotiations were unsuccessful.

I made clear to the president, to the secretary, our request that ICE agents leave the scene entirely, as well as the demand that ICE stop its enforcement actions in New York City. These actions are making the city less safe, they are making the city terrified, Mamdani said.

A thorough investigation into the shooting will be conducted by Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, guided by the evidence and the law, Clark said in a statement Friday. New York Attorney General Letitia James said she has full faith in Clark to lead the probe.

What happened in the shooting

Belgal was a subject of a Homeland Security investigation and was part of a gang known for theft using weapons, Charles said.

We have belief that Oscar has either indirect or direct knowledge of the shooting, and thats why he became a target, Mullin said.

DHS said Belgal has ties to the Trinitarios gang and had two prior arrests on drug and weapons charges.

In 2023, he was arrested for robbery, and he ultimately pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny and received five years of probation, according to NY court records. He was also arrested last year on drug charges and has pleaded not guilty, court records show.

At least one ICE agent discharged seven rounds in the incident, striking Belgal in the neck below his left ear, Tisch said.

NYPD officers responded to the scene and encountered several men in construction-style attire, face masks and at least one carrying a gun, Tisch said. The injured man was handcuffed and seated on the ground.

Witnesses reported to police they saw a man dressed in a bright yellow construction vest holding a gun. Witnesses also told officers they heard five to six gunshots and people screaming, according to police officials.

Video purportedly from the scene shows a man matching that description holding a semi-automatic rifle and wearing an ICE badge around his neck.

The video footage released Friday appears to show an agent wearing a yellow vest and holding a long gun running up to the scene after the shooting.

Mamdani said the ICE agents who surrounded the mans vehicle were not wearing uniforms.

There was no reasonable way to identify them as ICE agents, Mamdani said.

The officers were wearing body cameras and they were turned on, Mullin said Friday. They were not aware there was a child in the car, he added.

Mullin said Sunday he is sure the footage will be released, though he did not say when.

Im sure it will be, Mullin told CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union when asked whether footage from the body cameras worn by ICE agents during the encounter will be released.

Right now, FBI and HSI are doing the investigation. So as it develops, and we get all the information out correctly, well release information at due time, Mullin said.

The aftermath of the shooting

The NYPD was not involved in the incident, the department said in a statement. After the shooting, NYPD officers arrived at the scene to deal with crowd control and evidence at the scene.

The mans vehicle had ballistic damage to the front windshield, and the back windshield was shattered, Tisch said.

NYPD body-camera footage released Friday shows officers arriving at a tense scene: A man in a construction vest held up a rifle, bystanders were yelling and a handcuffed man sat on the ground receiving treatment to his neck.

Several officers lifted up the injured man, placed him into the back of the NYPD vehicle and drove away, the video shows. The officers later took the man out of the vehicle and carried him toward an ambulance, according to the video.

In addition, in the moments after the shooting, NYPD officers learned from witnesses that a 5-year-old child had been in the car, but the child was not on scene, according to a law enforcement source. This led to a frantic hunt to locate the child and to determine whether he was safe, the source said.

Detectives went door-to-door on the street, reviewed video footage and reached out to Belgals relatives. They finally located the child uninjured just before 7 p.m. at a Yonkers beauty salon in the care of an aunt, the source said.

Hours after the shooting, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and police officers could be seen walking behind yellow police tape as a group of protesters started gathering at the scene.

Video appears to show a tow truck removing the mans vehicle, which has a gunshot hole through the windshield, from the scene.

HSI responded to the scene to take over the investigation of the shooting, according to a federal source, similar to the law enforcement response to the September 20 ICE shooting in Austin, Texas, which left a man from Venezuela wounded.

At this time, federal agents have exercised their authority to take over the investigation, Tisch said.

NY officials slam ICE operations

Mamdani offered a full-throated criticism of ICE on Thursday night, calling the agency rotten to its core.

Todays shooting is only further devastating confirmation of what we have long known, which is that ICE operates with impunity, that they sow chaos and terror across our country, that they have killed far more of our neighbors than they could ever have claimed to save, he said. We will not normalize ICEs viciousness. We will not accept its cruelty.

Mullin rejected that characterization and said ICE and DHS were enforcing the countrys immigration and criminal laws.

Its shameful that you have a mayor that goes out there and puts criminals over law-abiding citizens, he said.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday said she also spoke with Trump and Mullin about the incident.

I expressed outrage on behalf of New Yorkers and urged them to halt ICE enforcement operations in New York, Hochul wrote in a post on X. I also asked that any body-camera footage of the shooting be released to the public so we can establish the facts and get to the truth.

Local leaders and city council members joined the governors call in demanding DHS release all available body-camera footage and for the state attorney generals office to launch an independent investigation into the shooting during a Thursday night news conference.

We want justice for this family, we want it for this neighborhood, New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat said at a news conference. And as I said before, I say today, we need to get rid of ICE.

Whether youre in the Bronx or Manhattan, whether youre documented or not, whether the color of your skin or your religion, you are a New Yorker first, and New Yorkers stand up for New Yorkers, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said.

In Clarks statement announcing her offices investigation, the Bronx district attorney said, Any shooting in the Bronx is a matter of grave concern that impacts community safety.

Her office is working to establish facts and determine the appropriate course of action as part of the investigation, the statement said.

New York Attorney General James said New Yorkers deserve nothing less than a full and transparent investigation conducted without fear or favor.

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A plane made an emergency landing on a freeway shoulder in Flint Township after a mechanical failure, police said Saturday afternoon.

The single-engine plane landed on I-69 near I-75. Police say the pilot was making a descent toward Bishop International Airport when the engine stalled after a mechanical failure.

No injuries were reported and no vehicles were damaged.

Flint Township police, airport authorities and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.

Pope Leo XIV announced Sunday he will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a nodular lesion on his lung that was recently discovered during medical checks.

The 71-year-old pope said the nodule was found at an early stage and was circumscribed or well-localized. The Vatican later said Leo would undergo surgery in the first days of the week, with an expected recovery time of a week.

The American pope made the announcement during his Sunday noon blessing. He thanked the crowd for their closeness and entrusted himself to their prayers.

A lung nodule is a small abnormal area measuring less than 3 centimeters (1 inch) that sometimes appears on a CT scan of the chest or abdomen, according to the American Cancer Society. Often, the scans are done to investigate trauma or a lung infection, unrelated to a lung cancer screening.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | One year in: How Chicago's Pope Leo XIV has led the Catholic Church and challenged Washington

Leo has no previously known health problems and is considered physically active, with weekly tennis games and swimming at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo.

The pope has a major trip planned Nov. 6-17 to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. It's unclear whether the planned surgery and recovery would affect the itinerary, but Leo said earlier in his remarks Sunday that he planned to go.

In his remarks, delivered in Italian, Leo said during a recent medical check, doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is circumscribed. The doctors believe its best to take action, so, following their advice, Ive decided to have surgery to remove it."

The surgery is already scheduled for the coming days. Thank you for your spiritual support, and I entrust myself to your prayers, he said.

Leos predecessor, Pope Francis, died April 21, 2025, of a stroke following a long hospitalization brought on by a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. Francis suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man.

Leo is expected to undergo surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where Francis and popes before him were treated and where there is a special apartment for pontiffs.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, among the few outsiders to visit Francis during his long final hospitalization, expressed her support, and that of the Italian government, to Leo as he faces this challenge in the coming days. In a statement, she added that the serenity and calm with which he spoke about it were reassuring.

A deadly shooting on Detroits west side Saturday night left one person dead and three others injured, including a 14-year-old, according to Detroit police.

Officers responded around 10:18 p.m. Saturday to reports of shots fired on Wabash Street near Seldon Street. When they arrived, they found four people suffering from gunshot wounds.

Police said three of the victims were inside a vehicle, while a fourth victim was found next to the vehicle.

Watch 7 News Detroit Reporter Tiarra Braddocks' story in the video player below: Police still searching for suspects in quadruple shooting

One victim died from their injuries. Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said the victim's identity and age have not yet been released.

I will say that the deceased individual had a firearm on him and also a tether, Bettison said.

The three surviving victims include an 18-year-old woman who was shot in the foot, a 23-year-old who was shot in the arm, and a 14-year-old who was shot in the stomach, according to police.

Investigators believe there was more than one shooter involved.

It appears that with the shooters, more than one, and were collecting shell casings at this time. According to one of the victims, they fled on foot through the field, Bettison said.

Community leader reacts to violence

Pastor Maurice Mo Hardwick of the Live in Peace Movement, an organization focused on reducing gun violence in Detroit, said he was devastated to learn about the shooting.

I just dont understand how they could so freely just pull out a weapon and shoot all these people and think theyre going to get away with it, Hardwick said.

He said gun violence continues to affect families and neighborhoods across the city.

People are just willing to resolve every issue with a gun, Hardwick said.

The shooting comes amid several recent acts of gun violence in Detroit. On Friday, an 18-year-old man was shot and killed on the citys east side. Police later arrested two people in connection with that case.

Hardwick offered condolences to the families affected by both shootings.

Im praying for you, my heart goes out to you Detroit, Hardwick said. Lets pray for this city.

Detroit police have not announced any arrests in the Wabash Street shooting and continue to search for the person or people responsible.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detroit police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Tips can be submitted anonymously.