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Yesterday β€” 31 October 2024WXYZ-TV Detroit

SMART offering free rides for voters on Election Day

31 October 2024 at 19:19

SMART announced that voters can get free rides in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties on Election Day this year.

According to SMART, they will offer free rides on fixed bus routes, connector services, ADA Paratransit and SMART Flex.

The rides will be free from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 5.

"Voting is a fundamental right, and transportation should never stand in the way of someone making their voice heard," SMART General Manager Dwight Ferrell said in a statement. "This is the second time weve provided free rides on Election Day, and it reflects our continued commitment to being a pillar in the community."

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

'Incident was intentional': Mother and 2 children went over Niagara Falls, have not been recovered

31 October 2024 at 18:02

New York State Police and New York Park Police are working to recover the bodies of a mother and her two children who went over the American side of Niagara Falls on Monday night in an incident investigators are calling "intentional."

Police say they responded to an incident on Goat Island at about 9 p.m. According to investigators, 33-year-old Chianti Means, 9-year-old Roman Rossman and 5-month-old Mecca Means crossed over the safety guard rail and went over the falls on Luna Island.

Investigators say this incident was intentional but the circumstances remain under investigation.

New York State Trooper James O'Callaghan says the family has been very cooperative, which has allowed police to speed up their investigation.

Police held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to provide an update.

New York State police provide more information after mother and two children went over Niagara Falls

The New York State Police Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Aviation and Underwater Recovery Units are all helping with the investigation.

Police said search and recovery efforts have been ongoing since the night of the incident and they will continue. They said they are putting every effort forward that they possibly can. Crews will reevaluate things on Thursday based on what they gather between now and then.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there is always help available.

Erie County Crisis Services:Β (716) 834-3131 Niagara County Crisis Services:Β (716) 285-3515 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988This story was originally published by

Scripps News Buffalo

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Presidential candidates courting voters in the West

31 October 2024 at 17:45

Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Arizona and Nevada on Thursday while former President Donald Trump will make stops in Nevada as well, along with New Mexico.

With its five electoral votes, New Mexico is not considered a battleground state. The state has gone for Democratic presidential candidates since 2004.

However, New Mexico has the highest percentage of Hispanic residents in the country, and the Trump campaign has claimed that it has made inroads with the voting bloc, which traditionally favors Democrats. New Mexico is also a border state, which allows Trump to focus on his strict immigration policies.

RELATED STORY | Trump highlights Biden's 'garbage' comments by sitting in trash truck

Most political experts, however, do not believe Trump will be able to flip New Mexico. The most recent poll from the Albuquerque Journal shows Harris with a 9-point advantage in the state.

Thursday will likely be the last time Harris and Trump will travel to the West before Election Day as the focus on the bigger electoral prizes on the East Coast.

Depending on what happens in places like Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, a candidate could either secure the race or have to wait for votes to be counted in places like Arizona and Nevada.

Republicans are hopeful about their chances in both states because of the high turnout rate of early GOP voters. However, political insiders have expressed caution about reading too much into the numbers because it's not clear whether the early voters are new voters or the same people who would have voted on Election Day.

RELATED STORY |Β Who is Tony Hinchcliffe? The comedian who called Puerto Rico 'floating garbage'

Meanwhile, Harris will attempt to remind voters, especially Latinos, about racially charged rhetoric coming from Trump and his supporters.

Her rallies in Arizona and Nevada will feature influential Hispanic and Latino figures, including Jennifer Lopez and the musical group Los Tigres del Norte.

FBI searching for suspects wanted in armed jewelry store robberies in Dearborn & 2 other states

31 October 2024 at 17:40

The FBI is searching for masked armed robbery suspects who have hit jewelry stores in several states, including Michigan.

According to the FBI Chicago division, there are four masked suspects who were involved in the armed robberies in Illinois, Michigan and Missouri.

The FBI said the first jewelry store robbery happened on July 13, 2023, where three men walked into a store in Bridgeview, Illinois. It's believed they also hit another jewelry store in Brdigeview on Jan. 9, 2024.

On Aug. 7, 2024, the FBI believes the suspect robbed Marium Jewelry in Dearborn, and then allegedly hit a jewelry store in Winchester, Missouri.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 reward. Anyone with information is asked to call them at FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or your local FBI office.

See the surveillance video from Dearborn below

Healing family divides caused by polarizing election

31 October 2024 at 17:40

The bitter 2024 U.S. election is taking a toll on relationships across America. So much so that even immediate family members have become divided within their own home.

Gen Z voters are even making light of it in the latest viral trend on TikTok: canceling out your family members vote. In the videos, content creators call out older family members for voting against their candidate. Meanwhile some young women are praising their conservative fathers for voting against Trump in this particular election.

The heated rhetoric in the election means that conflict is a reality for many families and friends across America. But does it really have to be this way?

Colette Fehr doesn't think so. In a recent interview with Scripps News' Morning Rush, the licensed family therapist revealed some tips to help navigate the tension.

"Our political views tend to be tied up in our identity and they're really emotional," Fehr explained. "It's better to set boundaries around topics that are too inflammatory." Be explicit, but kind, when drawing lines around topics that can get too heated.

Engaging in respectful dialogue can also help both sides gain perspective. And focusing on shared values can go a long way in diffusing tension, according to Fehr.

A key aspect is to look at the bigger picture. After all, politicians come and go, but you'll always be connected to your family, one way or another, no matter what happens.

RELATED STORY | US voters concerned about post-election violence and efforts to overturn results

13-year-old Cris loves being outside and going to the movies

31 October 2024 at 16:53

Our Grant Me Hope child this week is 13-year-old Cris, who loves the summer because he can play outside, go swimming, bike riding and more.

However, according to the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), Cris' favorite season is Fall, and Christmas is his favorite holiday. During the fall, you'll see him playing with remote control cars, building things with Legos, playing video games, and then getting on ice skates in the winter.

MARE said that Cris likes going out places, like to the movies and parks, and he loves going to McDonald's.

According to one of his close adults, Cris is outgoing, shows creativity, and he has a drive to do things he is passionate about. He has a good sense of humor and a strong imagination. Cris is funny, friendly, caring, independent, social and very self-advocating. He has matured a lot and is very fun to be around.

A family must be willing to adopt Cris and Carlos together. The boys would do best with two male parents or a mom and dad. Their new family must be fierce advocates for the services that will help the boys thrive. Their new parent or parents need to be patient, understanding, experienced and trauma informed. The family must be able to provide a structured home with a regular routine. The boys would do best as the only or youngest children in the family.

For more information about Cris, visit the MARE website, and view a list of waiting children there. You can also see more stories on our Grant Me Hope page.

Mayor, fire chief ask Woodhaven residents to approve millage that would double fire department size

31 October 2024 at 16:45

For the first time in history, the Woodhaven Fire Department is asking residents to support a millage proposal that would allow the eight-person crew to double and go full time.

The mayor and the fire chief believe they need a full-time fire department to keep up with the increasing population and the rise in calls 911.

As I was pulling up to the Woodhaven fire station, crews were pulling out. Fire Chief Brad Myles tells me they were dealing with two different emergencies at the same time.

We have a gas leak going on right now and a medical emergency going on right now," Myles said.

The mostly part-time department had to ask surrounding areas for help. Myles said it's something they do often, especially since the number of 911 calls are increasing.

I started back in 1996, we had less than 800 calls. This past year we finished at 2,200 calls. This year well finish around 2,500 calls," Myles said.

Mayor Patricia Odette has been the mayor for 15 years, and she's seen the population grow across the city.

There was probably nothing at West and Allen when I first became mayor and now the citys booming with restaurants, stores," Odette said. "People dont realize about 30,000 people a day come through the City of Woodhaven. Although our population is around 13,000, we have approximately 30,000 people who travel through our city every day.

Because of this, for the first time, the fire department and the city are asking residents to vote for a public safety millage proposal.

The millage reads: "Shall Article 11 of the Charter of the City of Woodhaven, Michigan, be amended so as to permit the levy by the City of an additional ad valorem tax in an amount not to exceed three (3) mills for five (5) years, for such millage to be used for providing Fire Department emergency Services, dispatch and Protection from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030?"

We can take a good fire department and make it even better," she said.

The millage would:

Make the department full-time, adding eight more full-time firefighters to the eight they already have Add more dispatchers who would also be medically trained the city currently has one Reduce dispatch costs by over 60%

Odette said it wouldn't cost residents more money.

We had initially put a street millage in which we had effectively done many of the streets, but at this point, weve come to a decision to now, its kind of like your own pocketbook. What is my priority here, and my priority as their mayor, and they all know it is safety. So, its revenue neutral, so their taxes will not be raised," Odette said.

Most voters we spoke with are all for the proposal.

Having only one person on duty to take the calls, thats ridiculous. So yeah we need it. Need it bad," one person said.

I voted for it because Ive lived in the City of Woodhaven for a very long time and I just want to keep our city safe," another told us.

So many of us, because its a great community, have chosen to stay here and now were in our 70s and we need that kind of resource to help us stay safe and stay in our homes," someone said.

Voters who are on the fence are more concerned with the delays caused by the railroad crossings in the city and it's impact on the current fire department. It's a story we've been covering since 2020.

A member of the community who is voting no reached out to me on Facebook and provided us with a comment that says in part, "What good is more fireman (sic) and or trucks when we are always blocked in three different directions by 30-40 minute trains. Time is of the essence with emergency responders. I lived here 22 years now and this was supposed to happen two times now and they failed the people. The tracks must be done before anything"

For the people that might vote no or are voting no, they mentioned something about the railroad tracks, how there was supposed to be an overpass built, and that wasnt done, do you have anything to say?" I asked.

WATCH BELOW: Plans move ahead for 'ambitious' $39M project to address Woodhaven train delays Plans move ahead for 'ambitious' $39M project to address Woodhaven train delays

No, no thats still being done, thats still in the process. Thats led by Wayne County. Thats their project. The streets where the railroad is on, those are Wayne County roads. But yes, no thats still moving forward, the money is in place for that but Im waiting on the county," Odette said.

The mayor said she's hoping the $39 million county project begins next summer, but right now, she's asking voters to help pass the public safety milalge proposal.

Were talking about going from eight firefighters to 16, not only firefighters but theyre paramedics, people who can save their lives," Odette said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Detroit election officials detail plans for election night at Huntington Place

By: Max White
31 October 2024 at 16:43

City of Detroit elections officials spoke just days before the upcoming November 2024 general election, the work they're doing and the work that will be done in the coming days.

According to Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, the city has already seen a significant amount of early voters, and they anticipate to have a turnout of 51%-55% in this election. Detroit has 524,000 registered voters, according to Winfrey.

So far, about 22,000 voters have cast their ballots at one of the 14 early vote centers and by the end of early voting on Sunday, they expect nearly 35,000 Detroiters to have voted early. She also said that 110,000 absentee ballots have been issued.

"Things are much different now since 2022," Winfrey said about the changes passed with Proposal 2 back in 2022.

Huntington Place is where they will count the absentee ballots. In 2020, it became the heart of false claims by then President Donald Trump alleging that the election was rigged against him. Hundreds of people converged on what was then called TCF Center as workers counted the ballots.

Hear more from Winfrey in the video below Detroit City Clerk speaks about 2024 November General Election

Daniel Baxter, the chief operating officer of the Detroit Elections Department, said they are working with the Detroit Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, Department of Justice and more to keep the absentee ballot counting board secure.

"For this election, we have put together a very rigorous security plan," Baxter said. "Today, as we sit in this room, there are 10 police officers strategically located in the event that we have an event or someone violates or deviates from Michigan election law."

"We have established and maintained a comprehensive security plan for this week and the days moving forward," Winfrey added. This will continue through election night to ensure the safety of our election workers and the integrity of the election process.

Baxter said that they've been at Huntington Place for days and there hasn't been any disturbances or issues.

When asked about the parity for the counting boards, Baxter said they have a memorandum of understanding with the Michigan Republican Party and they have a Republican representative at each one of the 50 counting boards at Huntington Place.

According to Baxter, they also have a Republican representative at each one of the 14 early vote centers, and they are working to ensure there's at least one at each one of the 400 precincts on Election Day.

"Nothing changed. Were doing the exact same thing we typically do for every election," Baxter said.

Hear more from Baxter in the video below Daniel Baxter, Detroit Elections Department chief operating officer, speaks on November election

Winfrey also detailed out how election night should go in Detroit with results. She said they're expected to be posted around 9 p.m. and should be complete by midnight.

The early vote results will be around 8 p.m. with around 35,000 people. Absentee results should come out around 9 p.m. and then those will be followed by election day votes.

Results are expected to be posted around 9 p.m. and should be completed by midnight, assuming our 8 p.m. mail delivery doesnt bring in an unusually high number of ballots.

This year, the counting board has moved into a more spacious area of Huntington Place, and Baxter is reminding people that the transparency that has always existed will continue to exist in the new space.

Challengers, observers, the media and the like still have access to this process to ensure and maintain the integrity of the operation, Baxter said.

Winfrey was also asked how the city is planning to protect absentee ballots and ballot drop boxes amid situations in other parts of the country where ballot boxes have been set on fire.

Winfrey said they have a plan in place, and they use a device put inside the drop box that prevents a fire. She also said they have security sitting in front of the drop boxes overnight.

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

Top spooky movies for adults and kids this Halloween

31 October 2024 at 16:40

This Halloween, millions of Americans will be dressing up in costume and hitting the streets to trick-or-treat or celebrate with festive parties.

But others will be cozying up on the couch ready to watch some Halloween movies.

When it comes to what to watch, there are certainly some timeless classics that just cant be topped.

New York Magazines The Cut just dropped a list of top 10 Halloween movies this year, and the films are every bit as spooky as they are nostalgic.

So grab a blanket, some popcorn, and your neighborhood black cat (kidding!) and curl up to one of these classic films, as ranked by The Cut.

Top 10 Halloween Movies Overall

1. Clue (1985)

2. The Witch (2015)

3. Scream" (1996)

4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

5. Teen Witch (1989

6. Hocus Pocus (1993)

7. Coraline (2009)

8. Practical Magic (1998)

9. Halloweentown (1998)

10. Jennifers Body (2009)

For children wanting to join in on the movie fun, some films may have a little too much spook factor. Heres a list of top kid-friendly movies, as ranked by Entertainment Weekly.

Top 10 Kid-Friendly Halloween Movies

1. The Addams Family (1991)

2. Beetlejuice (1988)

3. The Boxtrolls (2014)

4. Casper (1995)

5. Coraline (2009)

6. Corpse Bride (2005)

7. Frankenweenie (2012)

8. Ghostbusters (1984)

9. Goosebumps (2015)

10. Halloweentown (1998)

Happy watching!

RELATED STORY | This Halloween, be safe when trick-or-treating by watching for cars

What is Decision Desk HQ, the service that helps news outlets make race calls?

31 October 2024 at 16:24

The polls may close on the night of Nov. 5, but it can take days, weeks and sometimes even months before the results of an election are officially certified especially a high-stakes presidential race.

The waiting period can be frustrating and nerve-wracking as election officials deal with inquiries and the public tries to navigate false information or preemptive claims of victory.

Media outlets and election officials are working to present the public with accurate information after Election Day. And, in an attempt to provide the public with timely projections or results, media outlets often work with data aggregators to help call elections.

The three most popular race callers used by various media outlets include The Associated Press, the Edison Research/The National Election Pool and Decision Desk HQ.

Each race caller uses different methods and standards on how or when they decide to call a race based on unofficial or certified results. Individual media outlets choose companies they plan to work with.

Scripps News partners with Decision Desk HQ to project election results.

What is Decision Desk HQ?

Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) launched as an independent provider of election results, race calls and data in 2012. It was the first provider to call the presidency for former President Donald Trump in 2016 and for President Joe Biden in 2020. In 2022, DDHQ says it projected the U.S. Senate, House and governor races with 100% accuracy, beating The Associated Press' race calls 71% of the time.

How does DDHQ work?

DDHQ uses technology like data-scraping as well as real people on the ground at polling sites to call races. For larger elections, like the presidential election, DDHQ is strategic about choosing which states and localities to send staff to. The election results are provided to media outlets to display on air and on their websites.

"In addition to election night returns, we also collect and curate absentee and early vote tallies, FEC data and polling data," DDHQ says.

What else does DDHQ do?

DDHQ goes beyond offering election results data. The company can also provide media outlets with pre-election and exit polling and historical election data. DDHQs election models can be modified with variables to better give the public an understanding of how elections can turn out.

Report shows dramatic drop in moms delivering triplets

31 October 2024 at 16:05

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new findings showing a dramatic drop in the number of triplets being born in the U.S. in recent years.

The report indicated that the decline began around 1998, but really picked up around 2009. In 1998, mothers giving birth to three or more children at once accounted for 193.5 out of 100,000 total births. By 2023, that number dropped to 73.8 out of 100,000 total births.

In 1998, triplet, quadruplet and higher-order multiple births totaled 7,625 in the U.S. By 2009, that number declined to 6,340. In 2023, just 2,505 births involved three or more babies.

RELATED STORY | After Roe was overturned, US had infant mortality spike, researchers say

This trend was also noted among quadruplet and higher-order births. In 1998, there were 706 births involving at least four infants. In 2023, there were 148.

The data indicated race was a major factor. The rate of White mothers giving birth to three more children at once declined 73% between 1998 and 2023. But for non-Hispanic Black moms, they were actually 25% more likely to give birth to three or more children.

Overall, the CDC says that the births of triplets remain at rates higher than before when fertility treatments became popularized in the mid-80s, which caused a huge spike in moms giving birth to multiple children at once. Changes to treatments, however, have led to numbers to come back down, the report notes.

RELATED STORY | Police responding to screaming woman realize she's in labor, help deliver triplets

"This decline in triplet and higher-order births over the last 25 years has been associated with changes to guidance related to the number of embryos transferred during assisted reproductive technology use," the report's authors wrote.

Avoiding court appearance, Musk pushes to get PA lawsuit over $1M giveaways moved to federal court

31 October 2024 at 15:53

Elon Musk did not appear in court on Thursday for a previously scheduled hearing that stems from a lawsuit over $1 million giveaways.

Philadelphia's Democratic District Attorney Larry Krasner filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to halt what he described as an "illegal" lottery being run by Musk's America PAC.

Musk's sweepstakes has offered a daily prize of $1 million to registered voters in swing states who sign his political action committee's petition supporting the First and Second Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

RELATED STORY | Elon Musk's $1 million election giveaway raises legal concerns

Musk, who has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump this election cycle, was ordered to appear in court on Thursday for a hearing, but late Wednesday, his attorneys filed a motion to have the case moved to federal court.

"We will proceed to federal court and we will address the issues there and seek to have the matter remanded back to the state court," said attorney John Summers, who is representing the district attorney.

Attorneys for Musk have not publicly commented on the matter.

Meanwhile, America PAC is continuing to give out checks. It posted a picture of winners from North Carolina on Thursday, noting a new winner will be selected every day until Election Day.

What is Diwali, the Festival of Lights? How is it celebrated in India and the diaspora?

31 October 2024 at 14:30

Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India and for Hindus in particular.

It is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people in the worlds most populous nation and the diaspora. Over five days, people take part in festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayer.

Diwali is derived from the word Deepavali, which means a row of lights. Celebrants light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

When is Diwali?

The dates of the festival are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in late October or early November.

This year, the holiday is being celebrated on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. In the U.S., Diwali falls on Halloween this year, which has triggered quite a few #Diwaloween memes on social media where some celebrants can be seen lighting diyas in their scary costumes or handing out laddoos to trick-or-treaters.

What are some Hindu stories of Diwali?

While Diwali is a major religious festival for Hindus, it is also observed by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The origin story of Diwali varies depending on the region. All these stories have one underlying theme the victory of good over evil.

In southern India, Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Krishnas destruction of the demon Naraka who is said to have imprisoned women and tormented his subjects. In northern India, Diwali honors the triumphant return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana, from a 14-year exile in the forest.

How is Diwali celebrated?

The festival brings with it a number of unique traditions, which also vary by the region. What all celebrations have in common are the lights, fireworks, feasting, new clothes and praying.

In southern India, many have an early morning warm oil bath to symbolize bathing in the holy River Ganges as a form of physical and spiritual purification.

In the north, worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth and prosperity, is the norm.

Gambling is a popular tradition because of the belief whoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the year. Many people buy gold on the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras an act they believe will bring them good luck.

Setting off firecrackers is a cherished tradition, as is exchanging sweets and gifts among friends and family. Diwali celebrations typically feature rangoli, which are geometric, floral patterns drawn on the floor using colorful powders. This year, several northern Indian states, including the capital New Delhi, are instituting partial or total fireworks bans to combat rising pollution levels during Diwali.

What are the Diwali stories from other faiths?

Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs have their own Diwali stories:

Jains observe Diwali as the day the Lord Mahavira, the last of the great teachers, attained nirvana, which is liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas a day that overlaps with Diwali to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind, a revered figure in the faith, who had been imprisoned for 12 years by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

Buddhists observe the day as one when the Hindu Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the third century B.C., converted to Buddhism.

New in 2024: Diwali Barbie

This year, Mattel has released its Barbie Signature Diwali Doll by designer Anita Dongre who wrote on Instagram that her Barbie represents the fashion-forward modern women who wears India on her sleeve with pride.

In contrast to her earliest iteration in 1996 who was clad in a bright pink sari or the 2012 avatar who was packaged with a monkey friend, Diwali Barbie is fashionably dressed in a lehnga, an ankle length embroidered skirt with motifs from Dongres home state of Rajasthan, a cropped blouse and vest.

This doll, priced at $40, sold out on day one on Mattels website.

RELATED STORY | Barbie unveils first-ever Diwali doll to celebrate one of India's most important holidays

No election-related clothing & more rules to know about when voting in Michigan

31 October 2024 at 14:04

Voters are heading to the polls across Michigan with early voting underway through Sunday Β and with Election Day on Tuesday.

There are several rules people must follow when heading into the polls, according to the Michigan Secretary of State's Office.

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

Check out some of the FAQs and rules you need to know about from the state.

Can I wear election-related clothing to the polls?

No, you cannot. Michigan prohibits the practice of displaying election-related materials. That includes clothing and buttons, plus pamphlets, fliers and stickers.

Do I need my voter registration card to vote?

No, as long as you are in the correct polling location, your name will appear on the registration list.

You can check your registration status at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Can I use a camera in the polls?

You can take a picture of your own ballot in the voting booth, but you cannot hold up your ballot for a selfie or photo.

Can you return another person's absentee ballot?

There are only certain people legally permitted to return a voter's absentee ballot:

The voter A member of the voter's immediate family who has been asked to return the ballot A person residing in the voter's household who has been asked to return the ballot A mail carrier during the course of their official duty An authorized election official in the voter's jurisdiction

Can I split my ticket?

Voters can split their ticket in the general election, but can also vote straight ticket. Voting straight ticket does not automatically include selections on the non-partisan side of the ballot.

Do I need to show ID?

Voters will be asked to present photo ID. Acceptable forms include:

Michigan driver's license or state ID card Driver's license or personal ID card from another state Federal or state government-issued photo ID U.S. Passport Military ID with Photo Student ID with photo from high school or accredited institution of higher learning Tribal ID card with photo

If you do not have one, you may sign an affidavit to state you're not in possession of a photo ID>

Starbucks will no longer charge extra for non-dairy milk substitutes in drinks

31 October 2024 at 12:23

Starbucks will stop charging extra for non-dairy milk substitutes in its drinks.

The move to not charge for milk substitutes will take effect on Nov. 7, when Starbucks launches its holiday menu.

Previously, customers received a charge when they requested almond, soy, coconut or oat milk in lieu of dairy milk. Now, nearly half of U.S. customers who pay to modify their drink at company-operated stores will notice a reduction in price of 10% or more, Starbucks said.

Core to the Starbucks Experience is the ability to customize your beverage to make it yours. By removing the extra charge for non-dairy milks, were embracing all the ways our customers enjoy their Starbucks, said Starbucks chairman and CEO Brian Niccol in a press release.

RELATED STORY | As fast food chains embrace value meals, Starbucks cutting promos

Starbucks said substituting non-dairy milk is the second most common customization from customers. The first is adding a shot of espresso to a beverage.

I made a commitment that wed get back to Starbucks, focusing on what has always set Starbucks apart a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather and we serve the finest coffee handcrafted by our skilled baristas, Niccol said. This is just one of many changes well make to ensure a visit to Starbucks is worth it every time.

RELATED STORY | Starbucks earnings drop yet again, amid declining sales

Search suspended after person reportedly went into Detroit River this morning

31 October 2024 at 12:20

Update: As of 2:30 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard had no new updates and said they have suspended the search.

Original story below

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Detroit Fire Department are searching for a person in the Detroit River on Halloween morning.

It's at Belanger Park near Fighting Island, about 3.5 miles down river from the Ambassador Bridge.

Around 4:30 a.m., there was a report of a person in the water. The Coast Guard and Fire Department have been involved since then.

Both agencies are running search patterns up and down the four-mile stretch of the river.

There is not a lot of information other than theyre looking for someone in the water. The Detroit Fire Department spokesperson says there is no information of how the person ended up in the water.

Trump highlights Biden's 'garbage' comments by sitting in trash truck

31 October 2024 at 12:18

Looking to capitalize off President Joe Biden's comments that suggested supporters of former President Donald Trump are garbage, Trump visited Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Wednesday and climbed into the passenger seat of a Trump-branded garbage truck.

The back and forth between Trump and Biden began on Sunday after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe kicked off a rally at Madison Square Garden with a joke that many have called racist. The Trump campaign attempted to distance itself from the comment by saying the joke does not represent the campaign's views.

"I don't know if you guys know this but there's literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. Yeah, I think it's called Puerto Rico," Hinchcliffe said.

President Biden expressed his dismay at the joke on Tuesday.

The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and its un-American. Its totally contrary to everything weve done, everything weve been," President Biden said.

RELATED STORY |Harris rallies Philadelphia voters at church, barbershop, bookstore and more

The White House later clarified that the president was not referring to Trump's supporters and that many were taking the comments out of context.

But the Trump campaign is looking to seize on President Biden's gaffe in the closing days of the presidential campaign.

"I think the comment made by both of them (President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris), because there are really two of them, about being garbage, maybe 250 million people, they shouldn't be talking," he said. "That is like the deplorable to Hillary (Clinton). I think this is worse, actually. For Joe Biden to make that comment, it's really a disgrace."

In 2016, Clinton said, "You could put half of Trump's supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables."

The Harris campaign attempted to distance itself from Biden's comments.

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I strongly disagree with any criticism of people based on who they vote for. You heard my speech last night," Harris said on Wednesday. "I believe the work that I do is about representing all the people, whether they support me or not."

But Trump continued to try to tie Biden's comments to Harris later on Wednesday.

"My response to Joe and Kamala is very simple: You can't lead America if you don't love Americans," he said. "It's true. You can't be president if you hate the American people, which I believe they do."

Kids in this Iowa city will trick-or-treat on Halloween for 1st time since 1938

31 October 2024 at 11:34

For the first time since 1938, children in Des Moines, Iowa, will go trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Going door-to-door for candy on All Hallows' Eve has long been commonplace throughout the country. But not in Des Moines, where Iowa's capital city took a different approach more than seven decades ago in hopes of tamping down on hooliganism.

Instead, Des Moines children don their costumes on Beggars' Night, typically the day before Halloween. And besides screaming, Trick-or-Treat, children are expected to tell a joke before receiving a treat.

This year, Beggars' Night was set for Wednesday, but because of expected heavy rain and thunderstorms, officials delayed trick-or-treating until Thursday, which to the rest of the country is the normal Halloween.

To my knowledge, it has never been moved or canceled since it was established after Halloween in 1938, Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte said. However, the safety of our residents, families and children is always our top priority and led to the change in this years scheduled Beggars Night.

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The city began its unusual custom at the suggestion of a former city parks director as a way to reduce vandalism and promote more wholesome fun for kids. Initially, children were encouraged to sing a song, recite poetry and offer some other kind of entertainment, but over time a joke became the most common offering.

Beggar's Night also has limited hours, typically running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Many of Des Moines' suburbs also adopted the Beggars' Night tradition and chose to shift the celebration to Halloween this year.

I didn't realize we were that much of an anomaly because for us, this is normal, said Debbie Westphal Swander, who owns a costume shop in West Des Moines. "We're going to be in sync at least for this year with the way the event is celebrated everywhere else.

The big picture for me is, it's absolutely about the kids. That's the most important thing.

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Bronny James saluted by Cleveland fans, scores first NBA points near hometown

31 October 2024 at 11:06

NBA rookie Bronny James, the son and current teammate of perennial star LeBron James, scored his first points in a regular season game late in the Lakers' 134-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Bronny James came off the bench midway through the fourth quarter to chants from the Cleveland crowd "we want Bronny." Bronny James was born in nearby Akron, and spent much of his childhood in northeast Ohio.

His father was drafted by the Cavs in 2003, a year before Bronny James was born. Like Bronny James, LeBron James was also born in Akron and grew up just miles south of Cleveland.

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After Bronny James got a warm welcome from Cleveland fans, the crowd erupted when his mid-range jumper dropped to give him his first two points in the league.

His father called the bucket an "unbelievable moment for him, our family."

"He was better than I would have been in that situation," LeBron James said. "20,000 fans screaming my name to get in the game, wanting me in the game and if the roles were reversed, not sure I would have been able to handle it. I just commend him on his composure and how he approaches not just the game but life in general."

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Bronny James said he was still in "game mode" when he hit the shot.

"I didn't really acknowledge it while playing," he said. "It felt good after."

LeBron James said the support his family got from Cleveland fans was "very humbling." He led the Cavs to their first NBA championship in 2016, and helped end a long drought of pro sports titles in the city.

It was Bronny James' second NBA game. Last week, the Jameses became the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game.

He is expected to split time between the Lakers and the club G League affiliate this season.

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