Friday, October 24th, 2025
Good morning! Welcome to The Mitten, where we provide you a 5-minute rundown of all things Michigan every morning at 5 a.m., directly in your inbox!
A 70-year-old man surrendered a life raft he found from the wreckage of the Edmund Fitzgerald on the shores of Lake Superior in November 1975 as part of a bizarre police misconduct settlement. See a photo of the rare artifact here and read more in Top Stories.
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Man Surrenders Rare Life Raft from Edmund Fitzgerald Wreck in Settlement
The State of Michigan acquired a rare life raft recovered from the November 1975 Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck as part of a $600,00 settlement in a police misconduct case.
Larry Orr sued the state police after accusing an officer of violating his rights during a sexual abuse investigation that was later discredited. As part of the settlement with the state, Orr forefeited the rare artifact in exchange for $600,000 from the state.
According to reports, the defendant in the case, Lt. David Busacca, had knowledge of Orr’s possession of the raft, and Busacca’a team requested it during the settlement conference.
Orr, now in his seventies, found the raft himself on the shores of Lake Superior in November, 1975. You can see a photo of the raft here.
Michigan Set To Pause SNAP Benefits For Millions
The state of Michigan on Thursday announced the 1.4 million Michiganders on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are at risk of going without their benefits in November.
According to the release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the United States Department of Agriculture informed the state there will be limited funds to pay for the program starting next month due to the ongoing federal shutdown.
Michigan households affected by the potential shortfall are advised to seek other forms of assistance, including local food banks. You can find a list of all food banks in Michigan here.
$2.3 Billion Northern Michigan Battery Plant Abandoned
The State of Michigan is demanding the return of $47 million committed to Gotion Inc. for the construction of a $2.3 billion electric vehicle battery factory after the company abandoned the project.
The factory was originally announced in 2022, and garnered more than $400 million in state incentives. The project was planned for a 523-acre site in Big Rapids, and was projected to create 2,350 jobs.
After its announcement, the project received backlash from multiple U.S. Representatives including the chair of the House Select Committee on China for concerns over the project extending Beijing’s influence in the U.S.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is seeking $23 million back in land incentives, and $24 million in cash the company had not yet spent. You can read more on the story here.
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Around the Mitten
Bay City: The Bay Valley Resort opened a new restaurant offering steak, chicken, sandwiches, salads and much more as part of a $15 million redevelopment. (More)
Statewide: Governor Gretchen Whitmer reinforced her support of Michigan State Police leadership after ten senate Republicans signed a letter demanding their resignation. (More)
Hamtramck: Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri resigned following an agreement reached with the city after months of controversy and alleged misconduct. (More)
Grand Rapids: A former Grandville orthodontist pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor after convincing 18 girls to share explicit photos. (More)
Traverse City: The Vasa Ski Club announced its popular annual Ski Swap will take place on Saturday, November 22. (More)
Ann Arbor: A new cafe is serving Mushroom-infused beverages following the city’s decriminalization of the substances. (More)
Dearborn: Ford announced plans to increase production of the F-series line resulting in the transfer of all hourly employees at the EV center in Dearborn to the truck plant. (More)
Sports
Detroit Pistons legend and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested by the FBI on Thursday as part of an illegal sports gambling and rigging investigation. (More)
Following a sweep of former top-ranked Boston University, No. 1 Michigan State hockey will take on Northern Michigan University at 7 p.m. (More)
The Red Wings got walloped 7-2 by the New York Islanders in their second consecutive loss. (See Box Score)
Coen Carr led the way for the Michigan State basketball, scoring 17 points in the Spartans’ 75-66 win over Bowling Green in their first exhibition match. (More)
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Do you plan to visit one of the new Toys"R"Us locations this holiday season?
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