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:
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.
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.
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.
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An aerial view of the Ridge Fire in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.(Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
Firefighters are working to contain two wildfires in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, one of which has forced evacuations.
The Ridge Fire was estimated at about 256 acres as of Sunday afternoon, burning about 10 miles northwest of Marquette between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive, according to Michigan's Department of Natural Resources.
Three residences on County Road 510 have been evacuated due to the fire. The Marquette County Sheriff's Office established Negaunee Township Hall on M-35 as an evacuation center.
The Craig Lake fire is estimated at about 30 acres, according to the Michigan DNR, and is burning north of Craig Lake State Park. That fire is in "a very remote area that is also rugged terrains that is very difficult to access," the Michigan DNR said.
An aerial view of the Craig Lake Fire in Michigan's Upper Peninsula as of 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.(Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
A temporary flight restriction is in place over both fires. Drones are not permitted in the area.
Fire danger is at "very high" levels in the Upper Peninsula today due to drought conditions, warm temperatures and strong winds, the Michigan DNR said.
Officials initiated the "Ready, Set, Go!" protocol for residents along North Basin Drive due to the Ridge Fire. The current status is "Set," meaning residents are encouraged to:
Monitor local media and emergency alerts.
Load vehicles with emergency bags and valuables.
Be ready to leave.
The Michigan DNR said Monday that heavy smoke may be present in Negaunee, Ishpeming, Marquette, Michigamme and surrounding areas this morning due to a shift in wind direction overnight and not as a result of significant increases in fire activity. The agency urged people in the area with certain underlying medical conditions to limit their time outdoors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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").
FILE - President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)(Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein / AP)
Last year, Vandermeer's premonition came true in a very personal way. The 62-year-old lost his job as a product designer at Howard Miller, a clockmaker that relied on parts produced overseas. After a century in business, the company in Zeeland, Michigan, closed its factory, sold off its inventory and brand name and laid off nearly 200 workers.
“So much for bringing jobs back,” Vandermeer said. Next month, he plans to vote straight Democrat in the midterms.
As if an unpopular war with Iran and persistent inflation were not enough trouble for Republicans, they are confronting a backlash over the tariffs that Trump made a cornerstone of his economic agenda. He promised that charging higher taxes on imports would spur a factory renaissance in the United States, but that has not come to pass. Although the country has added manufacturing jobs so far this year, the sector has fewer employees than when Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers insisted that a factory boom is underway, citing increases in manufacturing output and more work in certain nonresidential construction trades. “Factory construction jobs of today mean more manufacturing jobs down the road once those factories come online,” she said.
Even before the tariffs, Howard Miller struggled as Americans lost their taste for fancy timepieces such as its signature grandfather and mantel clocks. So the company broadened its offerings years ago to include bar carts, cabinets and consoles.
But those products also depended on glass and other parts from abroad, and diversification did not ensure survival.
“I could still have a job, but now I don’t because of tariffs,” Vandermeer said. “It was like taking a knife to the back.”
Job losses pile up in battleground states
Vandermeer lives in Michigan's 4th Congressional District, which is represented by Republican Bill Huizenga, who is running for a ninth term in the November 3 election.
Before Trump implemented his broadest set of tariffs last year, on what the president called “Liberation Day,” Huizenga was supportive.
“Is it going to be easy? Not necessarily. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely it is,” he told reporters at the time.
A spokesperson for Huizenga said last week that the congressman “sees a potential role for tariffs” for boosting domestic manufacturing "while recognizing the need to address their broader economic effects.” His Democratic opponent, state Senator Sean McCann, has criticized the incumbent for opposing legislation that would rein in tariffs that Trump imposed unilaterally.
There are similar issues in competitive races in Kansas, Iowa and Ohio, where Republican acquiescence could hurt the party on Election Day as their constituents face factory layoffs, farm foreclosures and higher prices.
Tracy Chew, 55, voted for Trump in 2016, then for Democrat Joe Biden in 2020 and Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024.
She used to work for Case, a backhoe manufacturer, but the company announced before the tariffs that it would close its plant in Burlington, Iowa. She lost her job in April, as did her daughter, followed by husband and son-in-law over the next few weeks.
Chew is leaning toward voting for Democrats again this year, feeling that Trump let them down.
“I’m furious he isn’t doing enough," she said. “Tariffs are not targeting the right companies, the right amount."
Layoffs in Iowa have piled up elsewhere.
Winnebago Industries, which produces recreational vehicles like campers, cut 200 jobs last year after the cost of importing aluminum, steel and electronics increased by tens of millions of dollars.
“It’s a day to day battle,” said Michael Happe, the company's chief executive.
In the tight race for an open U.S. Senate seat in Iowa, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson faces Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek. There is a close contest, too, in Kansas, where Democrat Adam Hamilton, the pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in the U.S., is trying to unseat Republican Roger Marshall.
Cole Hoppock, chief executive of appliance maker Vornado Air in Wichita, Kansas, said Trump's tariffs “impacted virtually everything.” The company known for its retro household fans laid off more than 70 factory workers in February, blaming higher prices for imported parts.
Trump's trade policy could force cutbacks soon at another Kansas employer, Canadian jet manufacturer Bombardier. Trump has threatened to ban the company's sales in the U.S. if Bombardier does not start making all its planes in the U.S. Bombardier said it buys parts from 2,800 companies in 47 states, including in Kansas, where it employs more than 1,000 people
Trump's approach to trade is unpopular
Trump has spent years complaining that other countries are ripping off the U.S. when it comes to trade. Most economists say he is wrong and that his remedy — broad universal tariffs — would cause more pain than help.
Now most Americans disagree with Trump's approach, according to The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. A September poll showed only about 3 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of trade negotiations, compared with 4 in 10 in March.
Some of Trump's tariffs have been haphazard.
He targeted Brazil because of political differences and he jacked up tariffs on China to levels so extreme that they risked a recession and forced the president to retreat. The Supreme Court in February ruled against Trump's declaration of an emergency to roll out his “Liberation Day” tariffs last year, leaving foreign trade unsettled as the administration continues to adjust with new levies and threats.
Tariffs are far from the only reason for the lost of manufacturing jobs, and factories have cut workers for decades with or without them. Even some Republicans who dislike Trump's approach will not split with the party.
Bicycle Corp. of America, which closed its factory in South Carolina last year, blamed rising prices for imported parts. Koby Bird, who retired after working in quality control, likes tariffs but was frustrated by Trump's habit of raising and lowering them seemingly at whim.
“It was all over the place,” Bird said. “Businesses couldn't plan.”
Next month, Bird is likely to stick with Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Darline Graham, because tariffs are only one issue and he believes Democrats would spend too much money on the wrong things.
Ernie Goss, an economist at Creighton University in Nebraska, said manufacturing woes may not convert to Democratic victories. He said some people may “think the tariffs in the long run will work.”
Some workers may be turning on Trump
Wendell Young, a union leader in Pennsylvania, where several factories have had layoffs, said he senses a backlash among workers.
Last summer, Young said he got a firestorm of angry responses to his email blaming tariffs for a decision by Post Holdings to cut 160 jobs at a local pet food factory.
“Keep politics out of this," wrote one of workers at the plant in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. "President Trump isn’t the reason.”
“People used to beat me up for not supporting Trump. I haven’t heard that in a year," said Young, president of Local 1776 of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. “Some of these people are red Republicans and they are shocked. They expected more jobs."
Post Holdings ultimately agreed to reduce the head count by offering severance for people to leave, but lower production had a ripple effect.
Local can manufacturer Trivium Packaging decided to cut several jobs because they were getting less orders from Post and other companies, according to Young's union.
“I understand the mindset behind tariffs, but I just don't know if it's working," said former Trivium worker Heather Kingston. She left for another company before the layoffs, and her husband is still working at Trivium. “There doesn’t seem to be many manufacturing jobs moving into the area,” she said.
Kingston said she voted for Republican Dan Meuser in the 9th District last time but is having doubts this year. Meuser's seat is considered safe, but other races in the state are up for grabs, including in the 7th and 8th districts, which are near the Post and Trivium factories.
FILE - Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan, speaks during a campaign rally at a coffee shop, Aug. 3, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)(Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP)
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.
“I’m really sorry for your experience, and I hope that you’re 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 nation’s 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, I’m not shying away from it,” El-Sayed said in an interview. “Run against me. See how well that works out for you.”
El-Sayed’s 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.
“If you want their votes, you have to make nice with those people, and he’s not really doing that,” said Michigan political strategist Adrian Hemond, who supported Stevens. “Maybe he doesn’t 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 America’s.”
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 you’re watching, don’t wuss out, man,” El-Sayed said.
And he responded to Kennedy’s attack by suggesting the Republican is in the KKK.
“That’s 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 couldn’t 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.
“I’m 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-Sayed’s 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 he’s 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 doesn’t 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 don’t see them now.”
Visiting smaller towns such as Port Huron has become central to El-Sayed’s 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. That’s 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 Thursday’s 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.
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.”
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.
Macomb County to install two inflatable bladders into pipe to help reduce combined sewer overflows into Lake St. Clair( Macomb County)
The state of Michigan wants to know what you want to know about the state's infrastructure.
That includes roads, gas and electricity, drinking water, internet, and other essential services.
The Michigan Infrastructure Council is collecting questions in a survey, which will be used to create a Statewide Infrastructure Guide.
Palencia Mobley is head of the council. She says it's quite common for residents to have questions about the complex systems that support their daily lives, including who maintains them, and how they're paid for.
Mobley said there's been a serious lack of investment in many of these essential things for decades.
"There are multiple things that have led us to where we are now, and we just really believe that an engaged and an informed citizenry are our best advocates and our best allies for ensuring that we can meet the infrastructure challenges that do exist," she said.
The survey will be used to create a Citizens' Guide to help residents become better educated and more involved in the issues. The survey runs through October 30.
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.
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.
"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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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