Michigan Tech’s $55 Million Gift

Michigan Technological University broke ground in Houghton on a student wellness center fully funded by a $55 million gift, the largest individual gift in the school’s history.

The donor is alumnus Chang K. Park, a 1973 graduate whose name the 78,400-square-foot center will carry. It will house an urgent care clinic supported by UP Health System–Portage and is set to open in fall 2028.

The center will pull together health care, fitness, and mental health services now scattered across more than 30 campus locations.

When the university’s Board of Trustees approved the project in December 2025, President Rick Koubek called it a historic day for Michigan Tech. “It’s a historic day for Michigan Tech as we recognize the incredible generosity of Chang Park,” he said.

Hunters Urged to Wear More Orange

Michigan hunters are being urged to wear more hunter orange this season after a change to the state’s firearm rules.

The Natural Resources Commission eliminated the Lower Peninsula’s Limited Firearms Deer Zone, the old “rifle line” that had restricted high-powered rifles across the state’s southern, more populated half. All legal firearms are now allowed throughout the Lower Peninsula during firearm seasons.

During the Nov. 15–30 firearm season, every deer hunter must wear hunter orange as their outermost layer, visible from all sides. Hunters are being advised to wear more orange because higher-powered firearms allow bullets to travel farther.

The zone was originally created because of safety concerns in the more densely populated south. Officials also point to an abundant Lower Peninsula deer herd and declining hunting participation, which have contributed to increased deer-related car crashes and crop damage.

Chipmunks Dig in across Michigan

As cold weather sets in, Michigan homeowners are finding chipmunks burrowing under patios, getting into walls, and potentially damaging wiring in vehicles.

Still, the damage is usually minor, said Jared Duquette, the Department of Natural Resources’ human-wildlife specialist, who called chipmunks “a short-term nuisance” most troublesome in spring and fall.

Under a 2023 rule change, Michigan landowners no longer need a permit to kill a chipmunk that’s causing damage. Chipmunks can be hunted or trapped year-round, subject to state regulations. Trapping and relocating one, though, still requires a DNR permit.

Wildlife experts suggest first removing what draws chipmunks in, like spilled birdseed, open gaps, and easy shelter, rather than reaching for a trap. “Chipmunks aren’t inherently nuisance animals,” said Aaron Sullivan of the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤  Oakland County: The county sheriff’s office is investigating a former deputy who allegedly accessed Flock surveillance-camera data without authorization after leaving the department, amid a broader local debate over the license-plate readers’ privacy risks. (More)

➤  Detroit: A new transportation study calls for near-term safety, lighting, and accessibility upgrades to the 2.9-mile People Mover loop, with a 2027 analysis to weigh new rail cars and extensions toward Corktown and Eastern Market. (See Details)

➤ Also Detroit: Former President Obama will campaign with gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson and U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit on Oct. 24, the first day of Michigan’s early in-person voting period. The location will be announced 24 hours beforehand. (More)

➤ Battle Creek: New tests show levels of trihalomethanes, disinfection byproducts, have dropped across Battle Creek’s water system, with all eight retested sites now under the federal limit. The running annual average, however, remains above the state and federal standard. (See Report)

➤  Lansing: Police are investigating whether five deaths of homeless men along the Lansing River Trail over the past year are connected, with Chief Robert Backus saying a serial killer hasn’t been ruled out. Three of the deaths have been classified as homicides. (See Details)

➤ Northern Michigan: State Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, is backing House Bill 6007, which would remove certain restrictions on kids’ lemonade stands that bring in under $5,000 a year. The bill cleared committee and remains in the Senate for further consideration. (More)

➤ The Detroit Pistons opened their four-game preseason last night against the Phoenix Suns at Little Caesars Arena, offering the first on-court look at a core led by Cade Cunningham and newly re-signed center Jalen Duren. (See Score)

➤ The Red Wings slipped to 0-2 after a 3-2 home loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, and coach Todd McLellan said the team must finish games better. Detroit hosts the Ottawa Senators Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena, chasing its first win. (More)

➤ Lions coach Dan Campbell backed defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard after Sunday’s loss despite Detroit ranking last in the NFL in points and total yards allowed. Campbell said the Lions must start generating takeaways after going four games without an interception. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | NHL | WNBA | NBA | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Hit longer, straighter shots without changing your swing. SwitchGrips use a patented counterbalance system to optimize your club’s balance, helping increase swing speed, improve contact, and tighten shot dispersion. They fit everything from drivers to wedges, install in about two minutes, and are USGA and R&A approved for tournament play.

➤ Freedom Fuel, a discount gas chain promoted by President Trump, opened its second Detroit station on W. McNichols Road near Woodward, about a month after its first. Regular gas there ran $3.99 a gallon Sunday, below the area’s $4.46 average. (See Details)

➤ Bank of Ann Arbor agreed to acquire Milford-based Huron Valley State Bank in an all-cash deal valued at about $52.1 million. The combined Michigan community bank will have roughly 360 employees, 21 locations across four counties and $3.8 billion in assets, with the deal expected to close by early 2027. (More)

➤ Ford CEO Jim Farley was named Automotive News’ 2026 Industry Leader of the Year, recognized for his leadership on industry challenges including growing Chinese competition and a shortage of skilled workers. Farley has led the Dearborn-based automaker since 2020. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Journey to Patmos, the island where John wrote the Book of Revelation, and explore the real history behind three of its seven churches. Times of Fire brings ancient prophecy to life through archaeology, history, and Scripture—free to watch from RevelationMedia.

Flying together with our sponsor

Could Your Retirement Budget Use Some Breathing Room?

Retirement should be about enjoying what you’ve worked for, not worrying about every expense. FinanceBuzz highlights practical ways retirees can trim unnecessary costs, from forgotten subscriptions and everyday purchases to larger recurring expenses that may no longer fit their lifestyle.

Small changes can add up and help your savings stretch further without sacrificing the things you enjoy. See the money moves FinanceBuzz recommends for cutting retirement costs.

➤ Lost Isle Royale hiker’s rescuers shared how they found Craig Berg after 11 days stranded. They gave the dehydrated, hypothermic hiker food and water before calling for a Coast Guard helicopter rescue. (Read Story)

➤ Bond by the Beach brings real vehicles and props from the James Bond films to Shadowland on Silver Beach in St. Joseph on Oct. 16–17, courtesy of the recently relocated Ian Fleming Foundation. (See Details)

➤ Antrim Dells Golf Course turned part of a tree slated for removal into an Irish golf-themed sculpture, hiring the Chainsaw Men of Michigan to carve the remaining trunk. The design honors Antrim County’s Irish heritage and could last another 20 to 30 years. (See Photo)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Waking Up to Pee at Night? It’s Not Normal. If nighttime bathroom trips are disrupting your sleep, you’re not alone – but it’s not something you have to accept. A new report reveals the real reason so many adults wake up to pee and a simple way to support 24-hour bladder control, fewer urges, and fewer leaks. See what’s behind it and how to fix it. Read Now.

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

➤ Your dog’s sleep twitches aren’t random, and researchers can now decode what’s behind them. (Listen Now)

➤ Amazon is issuing a new wave of refunds worth up to $200 after regulators accused it of deceptively enrolling Prime customers. (Hear Episode)

➤ Gen Z students are fueling a Catholic surge at nearly 60 college campuses, from Texas A&M to Silicon Valley. (Hear Details)

Who’s your favorite James Bond?

1. Sean Connery
2. George Lazenby
3. Roger Moore
4. Timothy Dalton
5. Pierce Brosnan
6. Daniel Craig
7. Never seen one

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you agree with Michigan’s new e-bike bans and age limits?

1. Yes, they’re needed: 60%
2. Yes, but only for minors: 18%
3. Not sure: 17%
4. No, they go too far: 5%

Michigan Tech sits in Houghton on the Keweenaw Peninsula, a region that boomed in the 1800s mining which metal?

Show me the answer