October 7 Remembered: Michigan Voters, School Count Day and Business Leaders Push for Trade Stability
Today brings a mix of remembrance, election news, education and business developments across Michigan, along with plenty happening in the sports world.
Israel Marks Three Years Since October 7 Attack
Israelis gathered today to mark three years since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage.
In southern Israel, families gathered at the site of the music festival where many victims were killed during the attack. The assault sparked the devastating war in Gaza, which has left much of the territory in ruins and millions of people facing dire humanitarian conditions.
More Than 2 Million Michigan Voters Request Absentee Ballots
With about four weeks remaining until Election Day, more than 2 million Michigan voters have requested absentee ballots.
According to the state, 2,047,983 voters had requested a ballot by mail as of Tuesday morning. That's about 30 percent higher than the number at this point in 2022.
If you've already received your ballot, you can return it by mail, place it in a ballot drop box or take it to your local clerk's office.
It's Count Day in Michigan Schools
Today is Count Day, when Michigan's public schools tally their students to help determine state funding.
The enrollment count is used to distribute money to school districts on a per-pupil basis. With each student representing roughly $10,000 in state funding, school districts across Michigan are hoping their numbers add up.
In other words, today is one day when being counted at school is actually a very good thing.
Mid-Michigan Business Groups Join Trade Coalition
The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce are the latest Michigan organizations to join the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance.
The coalition is calling for more consistent federal trade and tariff policies, saying businesses need greater certainty when making decisions about costs, hiring and future investments.
Sports
The Milwaukee Brewers fell to the San Diego Padres, 4-3, in Game 3 of the NLDS, while the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1.
And soccer legend Lionel Messi played what was described as his final game for Argentina. Argentina defeated Puerto Rico 3-0, with Messi reflecting on the pride of wearing the national team's jersey for more than 20 years.
Mid-Michigan Weather
Mostly cloudy today, becoming sunny, breezy and warm with a high of 74.
Tonight, partly cloudy with a low of 47.
Thursday will be sunny and windy with a high of 66.
Friday stays sunny with a high near 68.
