Republican Candidates Exchange Personal Attacks

The latest Republican gubernatorial debate, hosted by WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, featured several heated moments between candidates U.S. Rep. John James, businessman Perry Johnson, and former Attorney General Mike Cox.

Johnson emphasized his status as a political outsider, saying he was not a career politician. James quickly pushed back, criticizing Johnson's previous statewide campaigns and accusing him of misleading voters through campaign advertising.

Later in the debate, James and Cox exchanged pointed remarks over their backgrounds after Cox referenced James' family history. James responded by defending his family's journey from Mississippi, highlighting generations of hard work and sacrifice.

Despite the personal attacks, the candidates also discussed policy issues, including education. Each outlined proposals aimed at improving student achievement, with ideas ranging from expanding parental rights in education to allowing school funding to follow students.

Lansing Police Investigate Stabbing at Mental Health Facility

Lansing police have arrested a 28-year-old man following a stabbing Thursday afternoon at the Community Mental Health Authority serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties.

The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on the second floor of the facility outside its pharmacy, prompting a temporary lockdown.

According to CEO Sara Lurie, the victim was stabbed with a sharp plastic object below the shoulder near the chest. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover. Police have not released additional information about the suspect or a possible motive.

BWL Proposes Utility Rate Increases

Customers of the Lansing Board of Water & Light could see higher utility bills later this year.

The utility is proposing rate increases for electric, water, and steam services beginning October 1. Public hearings on the proposal are scheduled for August 1 and August 4 at the REO Town Depot, where customers will have an opportunity to provide feedback before any final decision is made.

Whitmer Declares Flood Emergency

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for three northern Lower Michigan counties following severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall on June 29.

The declaration covers Antrim, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties, where widespread flooding caused significant damage and disrupted local communities.

Michigan Joins John Deere Repair Settlement

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined four other state attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission in reaching a settlement with John Deere over repair restrictions.

The agreement requires the agricultural equipment manufacturer to provide farmers and independent repair shops with greater access to diagnostic software and repair tools. Regulators alleged the company unfairly limited repair options by requiring customers to use authorized dealerships.

As part of the settlement, John Deere will pay $1 million to be shared among the participating states.

CNBC Ranks Michigan Among Top States for Business

Michigan continues to earn recognition for its business climate.

A new CNBC study ranks Michigan as the sixth-best state in the nation for business. Ohio claimed the top spot, followed by North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, and Minnesota.

Republican candidates seeking Michigan's governorship squared off during a debate in Detroit Tuesday night, highlighting differences over the future of data centers and local control while addressing a range of issues affecting the state.

Businessman Perry Johnson called for a moratorium on new data centers, arguing Michigan's natural resources make it especially attractive for the rapidly growing industry.

"We have the best environment anyone could ever want," Johnson said. "We have the most coastline in the entire country and we have a relatively cool climate, which is ideal for these data centers."

Congressman John James emphasized protecting local communities and natural resources while supporting responsible development.

"My priority is local control, protecting our water, preventing pollution, making sure electricity bills do not go up, and prioritizing blighted and brownfield sites over productive farmland," James said.

Former Attorney General Mike Cox echoed those concerns, saying local governments should have the final say on whether data centers are built in their communities. He also said developers should bear the costs of any new electrical infrastructure and comply with environmental standards.

The three Republican candidates are scheduled to meet again for another debate Wednesday evening in Grand Rapids.

James Draws Criticism Over Remarks

Meanwhile, John James is facing criticism following comments he made during a Newsmax interview regarding the recent Ashura procession in Dearborn.

James questioned why American flags were absent from the event and compared the gathering to extremists he encountered while serving in Iraq, saying he "did not fight extremists to have them at our doorstep."

The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) condemned the remarks in a July 2 statement, calling the comparison "misguided" and arguing it unfairly equated peaceful Americans exercising their constitutional rights with violent extremists.

Holt Community Mourns Teacher

The Holt Public Schools community is mourning the loss of Nicholas Parisho, a special education teacher at Holt Junior High School, who was killed in a traffic crash last weekend in Toledo, Ohio.

Parisho's partner suffered critical injuries in the crash. Superintendent Hal Heard III informed district families and staff of the tragedy in a letter released this week.

Former Michigan Assistant Sues University

A former assistant to University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore has filed a lawsuit against the university.

Paige Shiver alleges the university wrongfully denied her requests for records related to its investigation into her relationship with Moore. The relationship became public after Moore was arrested last year following a confrontation at Shiver's home. The University of Michigan has not commented on the lawsuit.

Cyclospora Outbreak Nears 1,000 Cases

Michigan's cyclospora outbreak continues to grow, with state health officials reporting 992 confirmed cases as of Wednesday—an increase from approximately 700 cases reported earlier this week.

Investigators have not yet identified the source of the outbreak.

Earthquake Recorded in Lake Michigan

A minor earthquake was recorded Wednesday in Lake Michigan.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 2.9-magnitude earthquake occurred roughly 12 miles northwest of Kenilworth, Illinois. No damage or injuries were immediately reported.

With fewer than four weeks remaining before Michigan's August primary election, Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens squared off during a debate hosted in Grand Rapids.

One of the night's sharpest exchanges centered on the conflict involving Iran and U.S. foreign policy. El-Sayed argued that American policy has been overly influenced by Israel and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), suggesting both major political parties have allowed outside interests to shape decisions.

Stevens responded by emphasizing her support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, saying Israel has the right to exist peacefully alongside the Palestinian people. She also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying his leadership has not made the region safer.

Republican gubernatorial candidates John James, Perry Johnson, and Mike Cox are scheduled to participate in their own debate Wednesday evening in Grand Rapids.

Lansing Clerk Pushes Back on DOJ Election Claims

Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope is disputing claims made by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the administration of the 2024 election.

In a video posted to social media Tuesday, Swope said a recent DOJ letter contained false information, including allegations that voters experienced long lines and that Lansing failed to use Michigan's statewide voter list at polling locations.

The Justice Department has announced plans to send election monitors to Lansing, East Lansing, and Detroit during upcoming elections.

Swope welcomed the observers but warned against any actions he believes could interfere with voting.

"We've had election observers in the past and are comfortable with observers from the Department of Justice," Swope said. "What we won't stand for is interference in our election or intimidation of our voters."

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall expressed support for the DOJ's decision, saying additional oversight helps ensure election integrity and public confidence in the voting process.

Mason Recall Petition Rejected

Efforts to recall Mason Mayor Russell Whipple have hit a roadblock.

Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum rejected the recall petition after determining the language submitted did not match what had previously been approved by the County Election Commission.

The recall effort followed controversy over proposed zoning restrictions on data centers that were later repealed.

A separate recall petition targeting Mason City Council Member Elaine Ferris remains under review.

Power Restoration Nears Completion

Utility crews continue restoring electricity following last week's severe weather.

Consumers Energy reported fewer than 100 customers remained without power Tuesday, while DTE Energy said approximately 5,000 customers were still awaiting restoration.

Michigan Lawmakers Target Paraquat

Michigan could become one of the first states in the nation to phase out the herbicide Paraquat.

The highly toxic weed killer has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease and is already banned in more than 70 countries, though it remains legal in the United States.

State Representative Julie Rogers has introduced legislation that would gradually prohibit the sale and use of Paraquat in Michigan over the next two years.

If approved, the measure would place Michigan among the leaders in restricting the controversial agricultural chemical.

Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz has announced he will remain at the university, ending speculation that he would leave for Clemson University.

In a letter to the MSU community, Guskiewicz said he and the university's Board of Trustees have had productive discussions regarding previous governance concerns. His annual compensation totals approximately $1.5 million.

While Guskiewicz is staying in East Lansing, MSU Athletic Director J Batt is still departing for the University of Kentucky. As a result, Batt's contract buyout will remain at $5 million. The buyout would have been reduced by half under a contractual provision had Guskiewicz accepted the Clemson position.

Storm Recovery Continues Across Michigan

Power restoration efforts continue following last week's severe weather. As of early Tuesday morning, about 5,000 Consumers Energy customers remained without electricity statewide, with most outages concentrated in southern Michigan. Locally, nearly all Lansing Board of Water & Light customers have had service restored.

Approximately 30,000 DTE Energy customers, primarily in southeast Michigan, are still without power. The Michigan Public Service Commission is providing credits of $42 per day for customers affected by prolonged outages.

During a Monday news conference, DTE's Brian Calka acknowledged the increased reimbursement but noted it may not fully offset losses such as spoiled food resulting from extended outages.

DOJ to Monitor August Primary Elections

The U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to Lansing, East Lansing, and Detroit for the August 4 primary election.

According to a letter sent to Michigan officials, the DOJ requested election-related documents from the municipalities, citing concerns over long polling place lines and shortages of provisional ballots during the 2024 election. Michigan's Secretary of State and Attorney General have disputed those concerns, saying the allegations are unsupported.

McMorrow Voters Can Replace Absentee Ballots

Michigan voters who cast absentee ballots for Mallory McMorrow in the U.S. Senate primary before she withdrew from the race have an opportunity to replace their ballots.

Voters who have already returned their absentee ballots may spoil them by submitting a signed written statement to their city or township clerk by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24, either in person or by mail. Ballots that have already been counted cannot be replaced.

Cyclosporiasis Cases Continue to Rise

Michigan health officials are reporting a sharp increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness linked to contaminated fresh produce.

Nearly 700 cases have now been reported statewide this year, with the total quadrupling in less than a week. Investigators have not yet identified the specific source of the contamination, and health officials continue to monitor the outbreak.

Power restoration efforts continued across Michigan Sunday following severe thunderstorms that swept through the state late last week.

As of early Sunday morning, fewer than 20,000 customers remained without electricity statewide, according to Consumers Energy. Many of the remaining outages were concentrated in mid-Michigan, primarily south of Lansing. The Lansing Board of Water and Light reported fewer than 300 customers still without power.

Meanwhile, Lansing police are investigating a shooting that left a 26-year-old man in critical but stable condition early Sunday morning. Officers responded to the 300 block of Riverfront Drive near the Lansing Shuffle. Police said all parties involved have been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In Barry County, a 23-year-old Lansing man was seriously injured in a deadly head-on crash Sunday morning. Michigan State Police said the man was driving westbound on M-37 when his vehicle collided with another vehicle driven by a 59-year-old woman from Hastings. The woman was killed in the crash. Another man involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene.

Drivers in the Lansing area can also expect renewed construction activity following the Fourth of July holiday weekend. A major reconstruction project is beginning Monday at Capital Region International Airport. Port Lansing Road will be upgraded between DeWitt and Airport roads, while Capital City Boulevard will see improvements from Grand River Avenue to West Circle Drive. Phase one of the project is scheduled to run through Sept. 6 between Airport Road and Capital City Boulevard.

Statewide road construction projects that had been paused to ease holiday travel are also resuming Monday morning.

In politics, Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow announced Sunday that she is suspending her campaign. Her departure leaves U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and candidate Abdul El-Sayed as the remaining Democratic contenders in the August primary. The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in November’s general election.

McMorrow said in a social media video that she plans to continue supporting Democratic efforts to keep the Senate seat in party control and pledged her support to the eventual Democratic nominee.

Health officials are also reporting a significant increase in cyclospora infections across the state. More than 100 new cases of cyclosporiasis were reported Saturday, bringing Michigan’s total to more than 570 cases. State officials noted the state typically averages about 50 cases annually.

Elsewhere in Michigan, two former street racing enthusiasts are working to promote legal and safer car meetups after a chaotic gathering in downtown Grand Rapids led to blocked streets and freeway disruptions over the weekend. One person was arrested following the incident. The men, who described themselves as retired “sliders,” said they hope organized events can provide a safer outlet for automotive enthusiasts.

After more than a year of negotiations, Okemos Public Schools and its teachers have reached a new contract agreement.

The deal comes following lengthy discussions between the district and the teachers union, with benefits and pay serving as the primary sticking points throughout negotiations. Details of the agreement have not yet been released.

Meanwhile, Michigan lawmakers have reached an agreement on a state budget despite missing the July 1 deadline for the upcoming fiscal year. House Speaker Matt Hall said the spending plan totals more than $75 billion. Legislators worked through the overnight and early morning hours to finalize the agreement.

In Clinton County, authorities have identified the man killed in a two-vehicle crash last weekend on U.S. 127 near St. Johns. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office says 64-year-old Anthony Boushee of Elsie died in the collision, which happened around 4:15 p.m. Sunday.

Investigators say Boushee was attempting to turn onto the southbound highway from Maple Rapids Road when his vehicle was struck by another southbound vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle, a 51-year-old woman, along with her 80-year-old passenger, were hospitalized with serious injuries.

Authorities in Shiawassee County are also investigating a drowning involving a father who disappeared while swimming with his 8-year-old son Thursday. Officials say the man left the designated swimming area of a lake at a campground on Krouse Road near Owosso. The child was not injured.

A bill introduced in Congress would rename the Charlotte post office after a local Medal of Honor recipient. Congressman Tom Barrett’s legislation would designate the facility as the Francis C. Flaherty Post Office Building. Flaherty, a sailor from the area, was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

In Livingston County, a 23-year-old construction worker died Wednesday after a trench collapsed near Fowlerville. Sheriff’s officials say the incident happened at a worksite near Grand River Avenue and Nicholson Road. Authorities noted it was the third trench-collapse accident reported in Michigan within two days.

The Michigan Department of Corrections also confirmed another death at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Washtenaw County. Officials say 62-year-old Dalephenia Jones died Thursday, two weeks after suffering a cardiac event. Her death marks the fourth reported at the prison in the past two months.

Independence Day festivities are getting underway across mid-Michigan, with one of the region’s largest celebrations taking place tonight in Mason. The annual parade is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks shortly after 10 p.m. at the Ingham County Fairgrounds.

For the second consecutive year, Michigan lawmakers failed to meet their self-imposed July 1 deadline to finalize the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Despite the missed deadline, leaders in the Michigan House and Senate say progress is being made, with negotiations expected to continue Thursday and potentially into early Friday morning ahead of the observed Fourth of July holiday weekend.

As budget talks continue in Lansing, millions of Michiganders are preparing to travel for the holiday. State transportation officials announced that traffic restrictions will be lifted on nearly 60% of road construction projects beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Monday to ease congestion for travelers.

AAA estimates that more than 2.6 million Michigan residents will travel at least 50 miles from home during the long weekend.

Drivers should also prepare for continued summer heat. An extreme heat warning that has been in place since Monday is expected to expire Thursday night, though temperatures are still forecast to remain in the low 90s on Friday. Rain is expected on the Fourth of July, with highs near 90 degrees.

While much of Mid-Michigan has been dealing with sweltering temperatures, severe weather also impacted parts of the Upper Peninsula this week. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Delta County Tuesday night. It marks Michigan’s 23rd tornado of the year.

Health officials are also monitoring a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis across the state. Michigan has reported double its typical annual number of cases over the past nine days. Normally, about 50 cases are reported statewide each year.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite commonly spread through contaminated food or water. Federal health officials say recent cases across the United States have often been linked to contaminated fresh produce during the summer months.

Jackson and Shiawassee counties have each reported seven cases.

In local government news, John Dewane announced that veteran trial attorney Sarah Pulda has been promoted to chief assistant prosecutor. Pulda previously served as the Circuit Court Unit Chief in the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office.

Meanwhile, General Motors reported a decline in second-quarter vehicle sales. The automaker sold approximately 715,000 vehicles in the United States from April through June, down 4.2% compared to the same period in 2025. Despite the decline, GM remains the nation’s top-selling automaker.

LANSING, Mich. — Lansing police are expected to release additional information Wednesday regarding multiple shootings that occurred earlier this week, including one that left a teenager dead.

Investigators say 15-year-old Deron James was killed early Monday morning near St. Joseph Park on Hillsdale Street. A 20-year-old woman was also shot during the incident and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

In a separate shooting reported early Monday, a 22-year-old man was shot in the shoulder on Moores River Drive, across the river from Hillsdale Street. Police have not yet announced whether the shootings are connected.

Meanwhile, voters in Mason could see a recall effort appear on the November ballot. The Ingham County Clerk’s Office has received petitions seeking the recall of Mayor Russell Whipple and City Council Member Elaine Ferris following controversy surrounding a proposed data center zoning ordinance that was later repealed.

Petition organizers must gather at least 1,000 valid signatures for the recall effort to move forward.

As another summer heat wave grips the Lansing area, health officials are urging outdoor workers and residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

MIOSHA Senior Industrial Hygienist Jamie Green said workers should watch for symptoms including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, excessive sweating, confusion, and collapsing. Officials recommend staying hydrated, taking breaks, and cooling down immediately if symptoms develop. Emergency services should be contacted in severe cases.

At the state Capitol, lawmakers returned to session Tuesday hoping to finalize Michigan’s 2027 fiscal year budget before their self-imposed midnight deadline. The push comes one day after public school districts were required to approve their own budgets amid continued uncertainty over the state school aid budget.

In other statewide news, President Donald Trump has approved more than $32 million in disaster relief funding for Michigan following severe storms that impacted dozens of counties in April. Trump announced the approval on Truth Social, saying he informed Governor Gretchen Whitmer of the decision.

Former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was also released from jail after posting a $1 million bond. Arnold faces charges including kidnapping, armed robbery, and conspiracy connected to an alleged incident in Tampa, Florida, earlier this year. The Lions released Arnold shortly after Monday’s bond hearing.