Half of Michigan Teachers Weigh Leaving

A new statewide poll found 56% of Michigan teachers are at least somewhat considering leaving the profession within five years, with low pay cited as the leading reason among those considering leaving.

The Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, the nonprofit that released the survey, reported that 45% are weighing an exit within the next 12 months even as 91% of teachers said they love and are dedicated to the work.

Michigan’s average starting teacher salary sits around $41,600, and 32% of teachers said they do not feel fairly compensated. “When you see a teacher making 41.6, there’s a huge gap,” said Kevin Polston, superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools.

MEWI leaders noted the state has made significant investments in the educator workforce in recent years but said the poll shows there is still a way to go.

Michigan Weighs a Data Center Pause

A push to pause new data center development in Michigan for a year remains pending in the Legislature, even as residents and environmental groups press lawmakers to act.

The bipartisan bills would halt data center permits until April 1, 2027, giving communities time to weigh the projects’ demands on water and power.

Business groups oppose a pause. Michigan Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Holcomb opposed the idea, saying, “Waiting a year and telling people to sit on the sidelines isn’t good for communities.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer opposes a statewide moratorium and has instead called for protections aimed at preventing data centers from raising residential electricity costs.

Wayland Pilot Wins National Balloon Title

Landon Kohtz, a 26-year-old from Wayland, won the 2026 National Hot Air Balloon Championship and leaves for Poland this week to compete on the world stage.

The World Hot Air Balloon Championship, sanctioned by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, takes place Sept. 18-25 in Krosno, where Kohtz will be one of 10 American pilots in a field of more than 100.

Kohtz’s passion for ballooning started at age 5, once he was tall enough to see over the basket, and he earned his pilot’s license at 20. His father, Keith, helped train him.

Before flying out, Kohtz celebrated the national title back home at the sixth annual Wayland Balloonfest.

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➤ Statewide: The Department of Natural Resources detected EHD, a sometimes-fatal deer disease spread by biting midges, in wild deer from Branch, Ingham, Jackson, and Lenawee counties. Officials say humans and pets can’t catch it, and venison from healthy deer is safe. (See Details)

➤ Also Statewide: Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency has restored unscheduled walk-in service at all 12 local offices for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Appointments still get priority, but claimants can now walk in as space allows or use new self-service kiosks. (More)

➤ Comstock Township: The Planning Commission approved the 400-megawatt Swan and Cygnet battery storage project 5-1 after years of debate and resident opposition. Developers still need safety agreements and additional county and state permits before construction. (See Details)

➤ Pontiac: A 37-year-old Auburn Hills man was arrested after allegedly shooting a 19-year-old and striking a 27-year-old woman in the head with a handgun during a youth football game at Wisner Stadium on Sunday. No children were hurt, and the remaining games were canceled. (More)

➤ Lansing: Efforts to restore the eyes and 3D teeth on “Big Penny,” the city’s truck-eating railroad bridge, hit a snag after Canadian National Railroad warned it may remove any attachments. A painted version is now under discussion. (More)

➤ Shelby Township: Matthew Eric Jenkins, 20, died after being struck by lightning on a walking path in Celebration, Florida, about a week after moving there to start the Disney College Program. He was training for the Chicago Marathon. (More)

➤ Michigan State opens as a nearly 30-point underdog at No. 3 Notre Dame on Saturday, with FanDuel listing the Fighting Irish as a 29.5-point favorite. The 2-0 Spartans, coming off wins over Toledo and Eastern Michigan, play their first road game on NBC. (More)

➤ Sports Illustrated’s latest NFL power rankings put the Detroit Lions at No. 11, down two spots from No. 9 after their 31-30 win over New Orleans. The Lions’ secondary struggled as Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw for more than 400 yards. (More)

➤ Michigan football returned to the AP Top 25 at No. 19 after beating No. 11 Oklahoma 17-10 on Saturday. The Wolverines had dropped out of the rankings the previous week. (More)

➤ Isaac TeSlaa and Hayden Large, teammates on Unity Christian’s first football state championship team, are both on NFL rosters this fall. TeSlaa is a second-year Detroit Lions receiver, while Large signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted tight end. (Read Story)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | Soccer

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➤ Coffee vs Hot Cacao vs Green Tea:  Which of these hot drinks was proven in a study boost stem cells by 220% in 30 days?  Billionaires drop 6 figures on stem cell therapy, but this hot drink costs 50 cents a day and boosts anti-aging stem cells improving heart health, blood pressure, and longevity.

➤ Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is leading a Michigan investment mission to South Korea, courting investment in shipbuilding, semiconductors, robotics, drones, and advanced manufacturing. The governor says the trip is aimed at strengthening ties with international companies and bringing more jobs and investment to Michigan. (More)

➤ Gas prices in metro Detroit keep climbing, with Michigan’s statewide average hitting about $4.30 a gallon after a jump of more than 25 cents in a week, AAA says. Some drivers say they’re cutting back on groceries to keep their tanks full, with Mideast tensions pushing oil higher. (More)

➤ Ada Township-based Amway sued a Florida Amazon seller, accusing Bregener Store of trademark infringement for selling non-genuine products. Amway says it sells only through its website and authorized distributors. (More)

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➤ Michigan’s fall turkey and small-game hunting seasons are underway, including ruffed grouse, woodcock, rabbits, and squirrels. Turkey season runs through Nov. 14, with hunters required to report their harvest within 72 hours. (More)

➤ A fireball meteor streaked over Michigan on Sunday night, caught at 8:47 p.m. by a Macomb Township weather camera and also captured by a camera in Cheboygan. Viewers reported seeing the flash as far away as Toronto, while Michigan Storm Watchers said it may have broken apart somewhere over Lake Huron or Ontario. (More)

➤ Saginaw celebrated 65 years as a sister city to Tokushima, Japan, at its annual Japan Festival on Sunday. The Japanese Cultural Center marked the milestone, along with the Tea House’s 40th anniversary, with music, dancing, martial arts, and calligraphy. (Read Story)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. 

➤ These 10 ways to save money could put thousands back in your pocket. (Hear List)

➤ Owning a car now costs thousands a year beyond the loan payment, and one expense is climbing fastest. (Hear Details)

➤ Celine Dion returned to the stage after years of silence forced by an incurable neurological disorder. (Listen Now)

Have you ever gone up in a hot air balloon?

1. Yes, and I loved it
2. Yes, once was plenty
3. No, but it’s on my list
4. No, keep my feet on the ground

Yesterday’s Results:

If a Michigan teenager asked your advice today, which path would you point them toward?

1. If it fits their skills/interests: 58%
2. A skilled trade: 33%
3. An apprenticeship/certificate: 4%
4. A four-year college degree: 3%
5. Whatever offers the best pay: 1%
6. Other: 1%

What is Michigan’s state bird?

Show me the answer