Lansing News Today | 2 Min | The Daily News Now!

Michigan’s biggest political battles are coming to a head with live debates from Nexstar Media — governor and Senate races set for October 6 and 8, featuring high-profile matchups like John James vs. Jocelyn Benson and Abdul El-Sayed vs. Mike Rogers, as both state and federal seats open up with current leaders stepping down. Tune in locally on WOOD-TV or stream nationally on NewsNation and The Hill — your chance to see candidates face off before Election Day.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/politics/2026/09/17/benson-james-rogers-el-sayed-debate-wlns-wood-governor-senate/91809963007/

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A massive rally flooded the Michigan Capitol this week, uniting patients, business owners, and advocates for cannabis reform. Dubbed “Cannabis Day at the Capitol,” the event centered on a statewide petition demanding transparency and public input before major changes to medical and recreational cannabis laws. Organizers fear proposed bills removing plant count limits could inadvertently restrict access and risk re-criminalization, urging lawmakers to keep the system fair and open. Panels and forums allowed direct dialogue with legislators on issues like caregiver rights and hemp, amplifying the community’s voice. The petition is set to be delivered to lawmakers soon, ensuring the people who use and work in the industry remain central to shaping Michigan’s cannabis future.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wilx.com/2026/09/17/advocates-patients-push-back-proposed-michigan-cannabis-law-changes/

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https://sources.thednn.ai/191a3e57663fae49

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Republican gubernatorial candidate John James is racing against the clock to overhaul Michigan’s energy market, proposing to lift the cap on competition with big utilities to slash energy bills—just 48 days before Election Day. His plan includes capping rate hikes to inflation, replacing the entire Public Service Commission with consumer-focused appointees, and countering utility claims that deregulation will lead to blackouts and price spikes. As energy costs strain households, James positions affordability as his top promise—while his opponent also vows to tackle soaring electricity prices.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/politics/elections/governor/2026/09/17/john-james-dte-consumers-energy-monopoly-power-companies-michigan-electric-choice-cap/91810009007/

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Michigan schools are seeing a major attendance rebound—student participation hit 91.5% last year, up from previous years and marking the fourth straight year of growth. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more school days, has dropped to 27.2%, signaling real progress. Schools are rolling out creative strategies—from parent outreach and mental health support to door-to-door student engagement—to understand and address why kids miss class. State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko credits collaborative efforts across schools, families, and communities for this momentum, while stressing that continued action is needed to sustain and build on these gains.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wilx.com/2026/09/17/michigan-student-attendance-improves-fourth-consecutive-year/

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https://sources.thednn.ai/dcdcd0d45504305b

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Potter Park Zoo just unveiled the winners of their 2027 calendar photo contest—12 stunning shots capturing everything from penguins and lynx to geckos and arctic foxes. Top photographers snagged multiple spots, showcasing the wild diversity of their residents. More than just eye candy, every sold calendar funds conservation efforts, turning art into action. Pre-orders are live now—with shipping starting mid-October—so grab yours and help protect wildlife while decorating your walls with jaw-dropping animal photography.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wilx.com/2026/09/17/potter-park-zoo-announces-winners-2027-calendar-photo-contest/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/5395eb3965fd6033

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The House just unanimously passed a bill to honor Ensign Francis C. Flaherty, a WWII Medal of Honor recipient who died heroically at Pearl Harbor, by naming Charlotte, Michigan’s post office after him—bringing home the legacy of a local legend whose remains were finally identified and laid to rest in his hometown.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/09/17/congress-bill-charlotte-post-office-francis-flaherty-pearl-harbor/91806050007/

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Ricin found in Hastings, Michigan sends shockwaves through the community as one person is hospitalized and authorities scramble to trace the source—raising alarms about safety and demanding public cooperation. Meanwhile, Michigan State Police launch a new cold case website to enlist public help in solving old crimes, while across the state, flags fly at half-staff on Patriot Day as Michigan pauses to honor and reflect.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/videos/news/local/2026/09/17/michigan-moh-pearl-harbor-congress-post-office-francis-flaherty/91806778007/

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Michigan Stadium is rolling out reusable cups in its club areas, marking a bold step toward zero waste at the “Big House.” Launched Sept. 5, the program—powered by Michigan Athletics, Learfield, SOLO, Levy, and Bold Reuse—aims to cut landfill waste by circulating cups through industrial washing and return systems. With capacity for over 107,000 fans, this initiative shows how sustainability can scale at massive events, building momentum for other venues to follow.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2026/09/17/michigan-stadium-debut-reusable-cup-program-dart-solo/91805923007/

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Gun Threat in Jackson Ends in Arrest | Lansing News

Two young women, Vanessa Bautista and Alexa Navarro, have been found dead in the St. Joseph River after going missing from Elkhart; their bodies were identified by Berrien County medical examiners, and the cause of death remains under investigation. Authorities recovered their submerged Jeep Grand Cherokee near Niles, with neighborhood video showing tree damage where the vehicle entered the water — and some residents recall seeing police activity early Sunday morning. A close friend of Alexa expressed bewilderment over her last known route, calling it unusual for her, while urging patience as investigators work to piece together what happened — and to remember Alexa as the vibrant person she was.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wilx.com/2026/09/16/questions-remain-after-two-missing-south-bend-mothers-found-dead-river-niles/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/ff87290ee02a6e6a

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