Midland

Adults with special needs joined the audience at Tunes by the Tridge in downtown Midland as part of the city’s LEAP program. The weekly concerts are one of many summer activities designed to build community connection and life skills.

A satirical Facebook post that claimed Saginaw Bay had been renamed to “Bay Bay” went viral earlier this year, and not everyone got the joke. As misinformation, influencer news and AI-generated content blur the lines between fact and fiction, experts say media literacy is more important than ever.

Downtown Midland businesses reported increased sales and customer traffic during Mini Golf on Main, a free 18-hole course that ran through June. The event encouraged families to explore local shops while playing through the city’s Pedestrian Plaza.

Fire officials in the Tri-Cities and Great Lakes Bay Region are urging safety ahead of the Fourth of July, reminding residents of local fireworks laws, potential fines and where to watch shows in Midland, Saginaw and Bay City.

The 35th state Senate district has been vacant since the beginning of the year. A special election could shift the balance of power in the chamber, with Democrats only holding a one-seat majority.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told WCMU recently that there will be a special election to fill the open 35th District State Senate Seat, which includes representation for Midland, Bay City and Saginaw.

New fiber optic cables will soon be installed in Midland.

"The governor has a lot of leeway and control over calling the election itself," Reporter AJ Jones told WCMU's All Things Considered host David Nicholas. "The constitution says the governor 'may call a special election.'”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says her legal is still trying to determine when they will call a special election in state Senate district 35, which represents the cities of Midland, Bay City and Saginaw. It's been vacant since Jan. 3 after Kristen McDonald Rivet was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Midland historians and residents talk about the rich history of African American community in Midland. They discuss first settlers, people who paved the way for today, struggles and future hopes.