Michigan Puts $40M Into Dual Enrollment

Michigan’s new education budget sets aside $40 million to cover college tuition costs for high schoolers taking dual-enrollment classes, the state’s first dedicated funding for the program.

Only 7% of Michigan high schoolers use dual enrollment to earn college credit, among the lowest rates in the country. Districts have covered that tuition themselves out of their per-pupil funding, and the cost can make it harder for some districts to expand access.

The money reimburses districts, with priority for those where more than half of students are economically disadvantaged.

State data shows 77% of dual-enrollment students pursue higher education right after graduation, compared with 56% of all high schoolers. Michigan has set a goal of getting 60% of adults a college degree or career credential by 2030, up from 51.6% in 2024.

Canada Tariffs Set to Hit Michigan

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods take effect Sept. 8 and could put roughly $1.5 billion in Michigan exports at risk, leaving the state’s manufacturers especially exposed.

The Detroit Regional Chamber warns the sharpest pain will reach the register, from cars to home building to furniture, though its CEO cautions that tariffs “are not universally bad” and can serve legitimate economic purposes.

Not everyone opposes the pressure: Republican state House Speaker Matt Hall says Canada has been “taking advantage” of the auto industry and hurting Michigan workers, while manufacturers press for a quick resolution.

President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on several categories of Canadian goods, and Canada answered with tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on more than 700 U.S. products. Parts often cross the U.S.-Canada border several times before a vehicle is finished, and Canada is Michigan’s largest international trading partner.

MSU Deploys Wasps Against Lily Beetle

Michigan State University researchers released more than 4,400 parasitoid wasps this year to hunt down an invasive beetle that devours lilies.

The releases, spread across sites in Michigan, mark the state’s first biological control program aimed at the scarlet lily beetle. The wasp species are native to Europe, where the beetle is also found.

The wasps lay their eggs in beetle larvae and develop inside them, stopping the pest before it reaches adulthood. MSU entomologist Marianna Szűcs said the three wasp species were tested to confirm they specifically target lily beetles and pose little risk to other insects.

The effort could shield native plants like the Michigan lily and Canada lily, which the beetle also eats. Researchers say it will take years to know whether the wasps survive Michigan winters and take hold.

Flying together with our sponsor

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a healthy choice, but recent headlines about parasites and contaminants have many families taking a closer look at how they clean their produce.

PuriProduce uses a simple water-based cleaning process designed to help lift surface residues from fruits and vegetables without harsh chemicals. Give yourself extra peace of mind before every meal and help your family enjoy cleaner, fresher produce with every bite.

LEARN MORE

➤ Straits of Mackinac: Line 5 remained shut down Monday, nearly a week after a construction truck struck an exposed section of the pipeline in Wisconsin and released about 31,000 barrels of natural gas liquids. Enbridge hopes to restore service by Sept. 5 as the incident renews Michigan debate over the pipeline’s future. (See Details)

➤ Ann Arbor: C. Cybele Raver was unanimously elected Tuesday as the University of Michigan’s 17th president and the second woman to lead the university. The Vanderbilt provost will take office Dec. 1, succeeding Domenico Grasso. (See Details)

➤ Detroit: A staffer at John K. King Used and Rare Books found a 1901 bottle of crystallized picric acid, a potentially explosive chemical, among antique bottles stored at the shop for more than 30 years. Hazmat crews closed the street and removed the bottle. (See Details)

➤ Kalkaska: Aaron Popa, the village’s police chief and manager, was suspended with pay while state police investigate an Aug. 18 encounter with a citizen recorded on a police lieutenant’s body camera. Village President Jeff Sieting says Popa is presumed innocent. (See Details)

➤ Dorr Township: Fifty-plus residents rallied Monday outside an invite-only seminar where about 110 West Michigan officials studied data center planning and zoning issues. Microsoft owns nearly 270 acres in the township, and the organizer said limited space was why the seminar was closed to the public. (See Details)

➤ Bloomfield Hills: International Academy ranked No. 12 nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 high school rankings, while International Academy of Macomb in Clinton Township ranked No. 21. City High Middle School in Grand Rapids was Michigan’s next-highest school at No. 60. (See Details)

➤ Michigan basketball freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. will miss the season with a torn ACL suffered during an exhibition game in Europe. The five-star guard was expected to compete for a starting role as the Wolverines defend their national championship. (Read Story)

➤ The Detroit Lions are bringing back tight end Tyler Conklin just days after releasing him, according to a report. It’s unclear whether Conklin will join the 53-man roster or practice squad, but his return adds depth and flexibility at tight end. (See Details)

➤ Meanwhile, Amon-Ra St. Brown is featured on limited-edition Red Bull cans sold exclusively in Michigan. The Lions receiver, coming off 117 catches for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns, called the honor surreal. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: US Open | MLB | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤  Ready to take the next step toward your weight-loss goals? TrimRx connects eligible patients with licensed medical providers for personalized weight-management care, including access to GLP-1 treatments when appropriate. Complete an online consultation from home, explore your treatment options, and get ongoing support throughout your weight-loss journey.

➤ Cattle ranchers are raising concerns about a new Trump administration policy that took effect Tuesday, temporarily allowing more lean beef into the U.S. at lower tariffs to ease record prices. Michigan rancher Kevin Minney says U.S. cattle numbers are at their lowest since 1951, tightening domestic beef supplies. (More)

➤ Allegiant Air is adding two year-round nonstop routes from Flint Bishop International Airport to Orlando and Fort Myers starting February 2027, plus more flights to Sarasota and St. Pete-Clearwater. Introductory one-way fares start at $69. (More)

➤ The U.P. State Fair drew a record 108,500 visitors in Escanaba, up about 8% from 2025, with Saturday setting a single-day attendance record. The weeklong fair featured livestock shows, concerts, midway rides, and events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The new Sonic Glow Water Pick Labor Day Sale is here, making now a great time to upgrade your oral-care routine for less. This easy-to-use water flosser helps remove food and debris from between teeth and along the gumline. Shop the Labor Day savings before this limited-time offer ends. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Protect you and your family. Give your fruits and vegetables a deeper clean with PuriProduce. Using a simple water-and-salt cleaning cycle, this compact, hands-free device helps clean produce in just minutes, no scrubbing required. Perfect for busy kitchens, it makes meal prep quicker, easier, and more convenient.

LEARN MORE

➤ Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery near Grand Rapids has cut a Dolly Parton-themed corn maze, one of 20 farms across North America marking the 31st anniversary of her Imagination Library. The maze is now open, with $10.50 admission and part of every ticket supporting the book program in West Michigan. (Read Story)

➤ Michigan Left turns were reportedly first built at Eight Mile and Livernois in the early 1960s. The median U-turn design cuts crashes 30% to 60%, per MDOT, and other states are now adopting it. (Read Story)

➤ Fall color is on schedule in the Upper Peninsula, where early foliage is showing but peak is still weeks off. Forecasters expect the leaf show to start in mid-to-late September and peak the first three weeks of October, moving west to east across the U.P. (Read Story)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Tackle tough outdoor messes without dragging out a bulky pressure washer. WashUpGo delivers up to 970 PSI of cordless cleaning power and draws water from virtually any source. Lightweight and rechargeable, it’s built for cleaning cars, patios, furniture, boats, RVs, windows, and more, wherever the mess happens. (LEARN MORE)

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

➤ Buying these seven things before you retire could save you thousands, but the clock is ticking. (See List)

➤ Federal officials say a monthlong immigration sweep across New York netted thousands of arrests, including a number of violent criminals. (Hear Details)

➤ A Lake Tahoe swimmer needed nearly 40 stitches after an otter pulled her underwater and wouldn’t let go. (Hear Story)

How do you feel about data centers coming to Michigan?

1. Good for the economy
2. Worried about water and power
3. Mixed feelings
4. Not sure
5. Other (Reply to tell us)

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you a native Michigander?

1. Yes, born and raised: 69%
2. I’m a transplant: 16%
3. I moved here young: 11%
4. Other: 4%

In 1909, the United States laid its very first mile of concrete highway. Which Detroit thoroughfare was it?

Show me the answer