Mid-Michigan News: Ukraine Peace Proposal, Michigan Early Voting Surges, and Consumers Energy Faces Criticism
U.S. envoy to meet Putin over Ukraine peace proposal
White House envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg today to present an updated proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
The meeting follows a day of talks in Oslo, Norway, involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of Norway and Finland. The discussions come as diplomatic efforts continue to find a path toward ending the conflict.
More than 780,000 Michigan voters have cast ballots early
Early voting is picking up across Michigan, with more than 780,000 voters having returned absentee ballots or voted at an early voting site less than two weeks before Election Day.
According to the latest figures in the report, voters have requested more than 2.1 million ballots. That's a 17% increase compared with the same point before the 2022 midterm election.
Michigan's Secretary of State's office is reminding voters who have not yet returned their absentee ballots to deliver them directly to their local clerk's office or an authorized ballot drop box. Officials say hand delivery can help avoid potential postal delays.
Attorney General criticizes Consumers Energy over another proposed rate hike
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is criticizing Consumers Energy after the utility announced plans to seek another natural gas rate increase just days after state regulators approved a previous hike.
On October 15, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a $139 million natural gas rate increase for Consumers Energy. The increase amounts to approximately 4.3% for a typical residential customer and is scheduled to take effect next month.
Then, on Monday, Consumers Energy filed notice of its intent to seek another natural gas rate increase on or after December 18.
The announcement has drawn criticism from Nessel, raising fresh concerns about the cost of keeping Michigan homes warm as colder weather approaches.
Sports: Pistons open season with a win
The Detroit Pistons kicked off their NBA season at Little Caesars Arena with a 121-113 victory over the Boston Celtics.
Detroit will hit the road Friday to take on the Miami Heat as the team looks to build on its season-opening win.
Mid-Michigan weather forecast
Today: Areas of fog this morning, followed by sunshine. High near 66 degrees.
Tonight: Clear skies with a low around 43.
Thursday: Sunny with a high near 63.
Friday: More sunshine, with a high near 63 degrees.
