Steve Carmody
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Flint, Michigan based reporter for Michigan Radio
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Articles by Steve Carmody
Michigan faith leaders call for civility as the midterm election season draws to an end
As an especially divisive election season draws to a close, some Michigan faith leaders are calling on Michiganders to show respect to their neighbors with different political views. The 2026 midterm elections have been marked by increasingly heated rhetoric and partisanship. But Reverend Kristin Stroble of East Lansing and other Christian pastors are encouraging Michiganders to show civility.
Michigan faith leaders call for civility as the midterm election draws to an end
As an especially divisive election season draws to a close, some Michigan faith leaders are calling on Michiganders to show respect to their neighbors with different political views. The 2026 midterm elections have been marked by increasingly heated rhetoric and partisanship. But Reverend Kristin Stroble of East Lansing and other Christian pastors are encouraging Michiganders to show civility.
Historic Palisades nuclear plant restart may only be weeks away, Energy Secretary says Original
The controversial restart of a West Michigan nuclear power plant may be near. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the Palisades nuclear power plant may restart as soon as the end of the November. Entergy, the previous owner, shut down Palisades in 2022, and sold it to Holtec International for decommissioning. It had begun producing power in 1971.
Economic news won't sway election voters, University of Michigan consumer expert says
The director of the University of Michigan’s influential consumers survey does not expect any economic news this week will sway voters in next week’s election. The U of M Index of Consumer sentiment is hovering around historic lows, as Americans express frustration with "pocketbook issues" such as the rising cost of living and high gas prices.
Economic news won't sway election voters, University of Michigan consumer expert says
The director of the University of Michigan’s influential consumers survey does not expect any economic news this week will sway voters in next week’s election. The U of M Index of Consumer sentiment is hovering around historic lows, as Americans express frustration with "pocketbook issues" such as the rising cost of living and high gas prices.
Michigan candidates make final push one week before midterm election
Candidates are hustling across Michigan to get votes in the final week before the November midterm election. Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers are making their final pitches to voters as Michigan's U.S. Senate race moves into its final week. Speaking Monday in Midland, Rogers talked about what he believes is at stake. "It is no longer is Blue vs. Red. This really is about the heart and soul of the United States of America and who we want to be," Rogers said.
Dam neighbors want Consumers to sell the structures so they don't get demolished Original
In the coming days, the Michigan Public Service Commission may decide whether to approve Consumer Energy’s plan to sell 13 dams to an out-of-state private equity firm In September 2025, Consumers Energy announced the plan to sell its hydroelectric dams in Michigan to a Maryland-based company for $1 each. Confluence Hydro, a subsidiary of Hull Energy, would buy the dams while entering a 30-year contract to purchase the power they generate, under the terms of the agreement.
Michigan candidates make final push one week before midterm election
Candidates are hustling across Michigan to get votes in the final week before the November midterm election. Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers are making their final pitches to voters as Michigan’s U.S. Senate race moves into its final week. Speaking Monday in Midland, Rogers talked about what he believes is at stake. “It is no longer is Blue vs. Red. This really is about the heart and soul of the United States of America and who we want to be,” Rogers said.
Michigan gas prices edge closer to record territory one week before 2026 election
Michigan gas prices are once again edging toward record territory a week before Election Day. AAA Michigan says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the state hit $4.83 a gallon last week. That's a 32 cent increase in the past week.
Nearly one million Michiganders have already voted more than a week before election day
Michigan's 2026 election is closing in on a milestone. 986,189, or 13.3% of active registered Michigan voters have already cast ballots, according to the Michigan Secretary of State office. 983,101 have voted by absentee ballot. 3,088 have voted early in-person. But early in-person voting is ramping up this weekend. As the momentum builds toward November 3, the Democratic and Republican parties are bringing in the big guns. Former President Barack Obama will be in Detroit Saturday to rally Democrats.
Nearly one million Michiganders have already voted more than a week before election day
Michigan’s 2026 election is closing in on a milestone. 986,189, or 13.3% of active registered Michigan voters have already cast ballots, according to the Michigan Secretary of State office. 983,101 have voted by absentee ballot. 3,088 have voted early in-person. But early in-person voting is ramping up this weekend. As the momentum builds toward November 3, the Democratic and Republican parties are bringing in the big guns. Former President Barack Obama will be in Detroit Saturday to rally Democrats.
Shelter-in-place order lifted in Toledo after chemical spill prompts evacuations
Officials in Toledo, Ohio, lifted a shelter-in-place order that had advised around 50,000 people to stay indoors Wednesday after a toxic chemical release sent a plume into the sky over the city just south of the Michigan border. The city also reduced an evacuation order to a half-mile radius around the facility. The incident began Tuesday night, when a 5,500 tank of glycidyl methacrylate ruptured and began leaking.
Democratic and Republican candidates for Michigan secretary of state spar over election integrity
For the first time in eight years, Michiganders will choose a new person to lead Michigan’s Secretary of State’s office. For a largely bureaucratic job, issuing driver's licenses and overseeing elections, the office has become increasingly controversial. About a hundred people gathered at a race track in Saginaw County's Birch Run Saturday to hear from Republican candidates. They applauded when Anthony Forlini’s name was announced. But the stage remained empty. For a while.
With two weeks to go, candidates in Michigan's 8th Congressional District outline their priorities
There are just two weeks remaining before the November general election, and candidates are stumping to get their closing messages to voters. Michigan's 8th Congressional District stretches from Flint north to Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. The 8th is seen a key swing district. Freshman Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet is seeking her second term. On Monday in Flint, she met with groups wanting to reverse changes to Obamacare, Medicaid, and Medicare.
With two weeks to go, candidates in Michigan's 8th Congressional District outline their priorities
There are just two weeks remaining before the November general election, and candidates are stumping to get their closing messages to voters. Michigan's 8th Congressional District stretches from Flint north to Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. The 8th is seen a key swing district. Freshman Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet is seeking her second term. On Monday in Flint, she met with groups wanting to reverse changes to Obamacare, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Party leaders focus on getting Michiganders to vote in the final weeks of the Midterm election
With little more than two weeks to go before Election Day, Republican and Democratic Party leaders are ramping up their Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns. Over the weekend, candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide offices headlined events aimed at rallying their supporters. About a hundred Republicans gathered at a race track in Birch Run on Saturday.
Party leaders focus on getting Michiganders to vote in the final weeks of the Midterm election
With little more than two weeks to go before Election Day, Republican and Democratic Party leaders are ramping up their Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns. Over the weekend, candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide offices headlined events aimed at rallying their supporters. About a hundred Republicans gathered at a race track in Birch Run on Saturday.
Party leaders focus on getting Michiganders to vote in the final weeks of the Midterm election
With little more than two weeks to go before Election Day, Republican and Democratic Party leaders are ramping up their Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns. Over the weekend, candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide offices headlined events aimed at rallying their supporters. About a hundred Republicans gathered at a race track in Birch Run on Saturday.
Party leaders focus on getting Michiganders to vote in the final weeks of the Midterm election
With little more than two weeks to go before Election Day, Republican and Democratic Party leaders are ramping up their Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns. Over the weekend, candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide offices headlined events aimed at rallying their supporters. About a hundred Republicans gathered at a race track in Birch Run on Saturday.
Party leaders focus on getting Michiganders to vote in the final weeks of the Midterm election
With little more than two weeks to go before Election Day, Republican and Democratic Party leaders are ramping up their Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns. Over the weekend, candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide offices headlined events aimed at rallying their supporters. About a hundred Republicans gathered at a race track in Birch Run on Saturday.
Party leaders focus on getting Michiganders to vote in the final weeks of the Midterm election
With little more than two weeks to go before Election Day, Republican and Democratic Party leaders are ramping up their Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns. Over the weekend, candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide offices headlined events aimed at rallying their supporters. About a hundred Republicans gathered at a race track in Birch Run on Saturday.
Party leaders focus on getting Michiganders to vote in the final weeks of the Midterm election
Published October 18, 2026 at 8:26 PM EDT With little more than two weeks to go before Election Day, Republican and Democratic Party leaders are ramping up their Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns. Over the weekend, candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide offices headlined events aimed at rallying their supporters. About a hundred Republicans gathered at a race track in Birch Run on Saturday.
Stubborn wildfires continue to burn in the Upper Peninsula
Dozens of firefighters have spent the weekend using hand tools, water pumps and leaf blowers to battle three different wildfires in the Upper Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has dubbed the trio of wildfires the Rugged Terrain Complex. Ridge Fire 40% contained; estimated at 466 acres. Craig Lake Fire 90% contained; estimated at 606 acres. Black River: 70% contained; estimated at 350 acres.
The long, sometimes bitter nurses strike at Henry Ford Genesys is over
Late Friday evening, Henry Ford Health announced that striking nurses at Henry Ford Genesys in Genesee County have voted to end their more than year-long strike. The strike, which started on Labor Day, 2025, has sometimes featured bitter rhetoric and accusations.
Study ranks states on elevated lead levels in drinking water
A new study finds Michigan had the third most residents affected by elevated lead levels in drinking water in 2025. The study was done for the group Protect Kids From Lead Coalition. According to the study, elevated lead levels were detected in 12 Michigan water systems in 2025, affecting 177,923 Michiganders. Nationally, 231 community water systems exceeded federal action levels for lead last year, affecting more than two million Americans.
Incorrect social security numbers and other issues threaten hundreds of Flint water crisis settlement claims Original
Hundreds of people could lose their share of the Flint water settlement Thursday, if they don’t complete their paperwork. More than 25,000 people were approved for a share of a settlement with the state of Michigan and others tied to the Flint Water crisis. A decade ago, improperly treated drinking water exposed tens of thousands of people in Flint to high levels of lead in their tap water.
Obama, Trump to campaign for Michigan candidates ahead of November election Original
Former President Barack Obama will be in Detroit later this month to campaign with Democrats on the November ballot. The former president is scheduled to appear on October 24 with U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El Sayed, gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, and other Democrats. Obama is just the latest high profile national figure to campaign for local candidates in Michigan ahead of the midterm election.
Irene Butter: Public Health Scholar, Holocaust survivor, dies
Public health scholar and Holocaust survivor Irene Hasenberg Butter has died. She was 95 years old. A survivor of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, Butter immigrated to the United States after the war. She attended Queens College in New York and went on to earn a Ph.D. in economics from Duke University. Beginning in 1962, Butter taught at the University of Michigan, researching healthcare and the health care workforce with a focus on women's health.
It's Debate Week in Michigan. Candidates for governor and US Senate face off. Original
This could be a pivotal week in both the race for Michigan governor and Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. The leading candidates in both races will appear in televised debates. Republican Congressman John James and Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are scheduled to face off on Tuesday in Grand Rapids in a gubernatorial debate. Benson said she’s prepared.
1 of 100 registered voters in Michigan have already voted in the midterm election
Election Day is still a month away but, as of Friday, more than 93,000 Michiganders have already cast their ballot. Michigan has just under two million vote-by-mail voters and absentee ballots started going out last week. According to the Michigan Secretary of State website, 1.3% of eligible Michiganders have voted (93,154).
High diesel prices cut into Michigan farm earnings during fall harvest
Rainy weather is giving many Michigan farmers a break from the fall harvest season. But nothing is giving farmers much relief from historically high diesel prices. Diesel prices in Michigan spiked last week to $6.89 a gallon. Since then, according to AAA Michigan, the price Wednesday had slipped to $6.71.It’s an improvement, but still $3 more a gallon than a year ago. Dave Rupprecht is a third-generation farmer in Tuscola County.
Michigan U.S. Senate candidates clash over who's better on crime
Michigan’s Democratic and Republican candidates for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat are debating who would be better on crime. Wednesday, Republican Mike Rogers touted his experience as a former FBI special agent and referred to crime rates in Saginaw, where he was appearing.
Health care affordability tops survey of Michigan small business owners ahead of midterm elections
A new survey of Michigan business owners finds their top issue for the midterms is health care affordability. The Small Business Association of Michigan says two-thirds of small business owners it surveyed said containing health care costs should be the top priority for incoming elected officials. Association president Brian Calley said business owners are being crushed by the increasing costs of health care.
Michigan's Tenth Congressional race could determine which party controls Congress Original
Absentee ballots are on their way to more than a million Michigan voters. The Tenth Congressional district is among several Michigan races that may determine whether Republicans or Democrats control Congress after the mid-term elections. The district that represents parts of Macomb and Oakland Counties has leaned Republican in recent years. President Donald Trump won the Tenth district by six points in 2024.
It's time to prepare for Michigan's next emergency
As Autumn takes hold, the Michigan State Police is recommending it’s time to start preparing for severe weather ahead. September is Preparedness Month in Michigan. In 2026, Michiganders have already navigated severe spring storms, tornadoes and historic floods. “The past year has reminded us that disasters can impact any Michigan community, at any time,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. The MSP is recommending: Make a family emergency plan.
El-Sayed casts campaign as "students vs. billionaires" as Rogers assails him on American values
Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate running for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat, appeared at the Michigan Theater on Wednesday, during a campaign event focused on students' concerns. It was his second stop in Ann Arbor in less than a month. El-Sayed spoke about the need to regulate artificial intelligence to keep it from swallowing up the white collar jobs that the college students in the audience would be seeking upon graduation.
Future of a mid-Michigan nurses strike cloudy as federal agency looks at request to drop union representation
On Thursday morning, a federal agency could weigh in on a nurses’ strike at a mid-Michigan hospital. For more than a year, nurses have been walking a picket line outside Henry Ford Genesys hospital near Flint. The strike has dragged on as the teamsters union and hospital negotiators have been unable to resolve disagreements over nurse to patient ratios and other issues. Earlier this month, some of the unionized nurses filed a petition to decertify the union.
Some Jewish leaders want Senate candidate El-Sayed to change some of his criticism of Israel
A group of progressive Jewish religious and Democratic Party leaders on Tuesday asked U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed to change some of his criticism of Israel. The group, NonNegotiable Michigan, took the step of addressing a letter to former Vice President Kamala Harris, who spent Tuesday campaigning with El-Sayed. In the letter, the group urges her to talk to El-Sayed about their concerns: "Dr. El-Sayed has had every opportunity to meet our request to support our basic needs.
AAA: Michigan gas price hits 2026 high
In what won’t be a surprise to Michigan motorists, gasoline prices have hit a new high for the year. AAA Michigan reported Monday morning the price for a gallon of regular unleaded hit $4.93, up $1.75 compared to a year ago. The most expensive gas can be found in Ann Arbor ($4.97), Lansing ($4.95) and Jackson ($4.95). Motorists are paying a little bit less in Flint ($4.90) and Marquette ($4.79).
Michigan Supreme Court orders review of Oxford school shooter's life without parole sentence
The Oxford High School shooter's attempt to overturn his sentence of life without parole is heading back to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Ethan Crumbley was 15 years old when he gunned down four of his fellow students in 2021. He entered guilty pleas to 24 criminal counts, including first-degree murder. In 2023, Crumbley was sentenced to life without parole. Crumbley has since tried to rescind his plea and get that sentence overturned. The Michigan Supreme Court had denied his arguments so far.
Michigan Court of Appeals directed to review convicted school shooter Ethan Crumbley's appeal of life without parole sentence
The Oxford High School shooter’s attempt to overturn his sentence of life without parole is heading back to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Ethan Crumbley was 15 years old when he gunned down four of his fellow students in 2021. He entered guilty pleas to 24 criminal counts, including first-degree murder. In 2023, Crumbley was sentenced to life without parole. Crumbley has since tried to rescind his plea and get that sentence overturned. The Michigan Supreme Court had denied his arguments so far.
Michigan US Senate candidates call for suspending state and federal gas taxes
This story was originally published by Michigan Public Sky high gas and diesel prices have Michigan’s two major party U.S Senate candidates doing something nearly unheard of: agreeing. Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed both say they support suspending the state and federal gas taxes. According to AAA Michigan, the price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline topped $4.75 on Thursday, up 40 cents in the past week.
Michigan US Senate candidates call for suspending state and federal gas taxes
Sky high gas and diesel prices have Michigan's two major party U.S Senate candidates doing something nearly unheard of: agreeing. Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed both say they support suspending the state and federal gas taxes. According to AAA Michigan, the price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline topped $4.75 on Thursday, up 40 cents in the past week. The price of a gallon of diesel in Michigan according to AAA, hit $6.54, up more than 60 cents in the past week.
Poll shows Michigan Republicans and Democrats differ in confidence in election system Original
As the November election draws closer, voter confidence in Michigan’s election system is edging lower. A new poll of 800 likely Michigan voters found 74.4% believe the system is fair and accurate. However, that’s down from 79.4% in 2025. The Glengariff Group was hired to conduct the annual poll by the bipartisan Democracy Defense Foundation. Pollster Richard Czuba said 85% of Republicans, Democrats, and Independent voters trust their own local county’s election system to be fair and accurate.
Michigan health officials express concern about common product growing in "recreational" use
State health officials are warning about the misuse of a common product that is sending a growing number of Michiganders to the hospital. Nitrous oxide has medical and culinary uses. But is also marketed for recreational use in grocery stores, smoke shops, vape stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and online.
Some Flint water settlement claimants must fix paperwork problems or lose share of fund
Hundreds of people who qualified for a share of the hundreds of millions of dollars of Flint water settlement funds may soon be cut out. More than a decade ago, the city of Flint’s drinking water source was switched to the Flint River. But the river water was not properly treated. The result was contaminants were released from aging pipes, including lead. The state of Michigan, city of Flint and several businesses agreed to pay into a more than $600 million fund to settle legal claims.
Michigan's border crossings with Canada will close briefly on 9/11
As the nation pauses to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Michigan’s border crossings with Canada will temporarily close. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the Gordie Howe Bridge, the Ambassador Bridge, the Blue Water Bridge, the International Bridge in Sault Ste.
Federal lawsuit claims decades of hazing abuse in the University of Michigan hockey program
Sixteen former University of Michigan hockey players have filed a lawsuit against the university claiming the Ann Arbor school’s hockey program adopted sexualized abuse as part of its standard hazing traditions. The lawsuit covers the years 1984 to 2001.
Republicans and Democrats hurl attacks and counter-attacks in Michigan governor's race Original
Democrats and Republicans are hurling allegations of incompetence and questionable decisions at each other’s candidate for Michigan governor. Congressman John James and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are locked in a tight race to succeed outgoing Governor Gretchen Whitmer in November’s general election.
Republican and Democratic U.S. Senate candidates laying out education plans
Michigan’s two major-party U.S. Senate candidates are clashing on how to improve education. Republican former Congressman Mike Rogers is facing Democratic former public health official Abdul El-Sayed in November’s election to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters. Wednesday in Pontiac, Rogers pointed to recent data showing less than 40% of Michigan third graders are reading at their grade level. “It’s not just Pontiac, it’s not just Detroit. It’s everywhere.
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