Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning! Welcome to The Mitten, where we provide you a 5-minute rundown of all things Michigan every morning at 5am, directly in your inbox!
Crystal-clear satellite images from space show exactly where peak fall colors can be seen in Michigan this weekend. Check out the photos here and read more in Top Stories.
Detroit 65° ☀️ | Grand Rapids 66° 🌤️ | Warren 65° ⛅ | Sterling Heights 65° ⛅ | Lansing 64° ⛅ | Ann Arbor 65° ☀️ | Flint 64° 🌤️ | Troy 65° ⛅ | Dearborn 65° ☀️ | Livonia 63°
Top Stories
New Detroit Transit Hub to Bring Amtrak in 2029
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a new $40 million agreement between Michigan Central, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the City of Detroit that will build a transit hub featuring an intercity bus station and potential train lines.
The project is set to be built on land owned by Ford Motor Company south of the Department of Public Works yard, and is targeted to open on December 31, 2028.
The project will be funded through a $10 million Federal Transit Administration grant and an additional $30 million in state money. You can read more on the project plans here.
Six Michigan Universities Ranked Among Best in U.S.
Six Michigan universities were ranked among the best in the country according to WalletHub’s College and University Rankings for 2026.
The highest-ranking Michigan institution was the University of Michigan at No. 46 nationally. The next-highest university ranked was Michigan Technological University at No. 233 nationally, with UM-Dearborn and Michigan State following behind at No’s. 272 and 309.
The rankings were formed based on 30 key measures including student selectivity, cost and financing, campus safety, and more. You can view the full rankings and methodology here.
Where to View Peak Fall Colors in Michigan
New, crystal-clear satellite images show the state of Michigan’s “true” fall colors from space, revealing where fall colors can be seen now—and where they may expand in coming weeks.
The images from space shows fall color present around Mancelona, Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Kalkaska, Grayling and Otsego, all of which are inland.
Parts of the Grand Traverse region and Upper Peninsula are also showing peak colors, which will only likely last through the weekend. Rain and wind are expected to start leaf drop in current peak areas, which allows for an opportunity to see the areas through Saturday.
You can see the satellite images showing peak areas, and the best spots to visit before this weekend here.
Around the Mitten
Upper Peninsula: An animal rights group is seeking the Michigan Court of Appeals to apply habeas corpus rights to chimpanzees at the DeYoung Family Zoo for “unlawful imprisonment.” (More)
Lansing Township: A new Planet Fitness location is set to open near the Eastwood Towne Center in the next month. (More)
Detroit: The Detroit Pistons are proposing a new stadium for Detroit’s future WNBA team at the old Uniroyal tire factory. (See Concept Photos)
Ann Arbor: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, an Orlando-based pet store franchise, is set to open its second Michigan location next week. (More)
Grand Haven: A $6 million Lake Michigan retreat was listed by Bridgett VanDerHoff, retired founder and CEO of the AppleTree & Gilden Woods preschool chain. (See Listing)
Sports
The Red Wings won their third straight game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers by a score of 4-1. (See Box Score)
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch will miss the team’s matchup against Tampa Bay after the NFL upheld Branch’s one game suspension following an appeal. (More)
Three new No. 1 teams were ranked in the latest high school football rankings from Michigan sports writers. (See Rankings)
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