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Former Northwestern AD Mike Polisky Joins MSU Athletics

Anna McManus — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:14:47 +0000

Photo: Al Goldis ~ AP

EAST LANSING ~ Mike Polisky is joining Michigan State Athletics as CEO of Spartan Ventures, Athletic Director Dan Bartholomae announced Friday. The former Northwestern athletic director will oversee the department’s fundraising efforts and lead the For Sparta campaign, a $1 billion initiative focused on supporting student-athletes and updating athletic facilities.

Polisky fills a position that became vacant in September when former Spartan Ventures CEO Jon Palumbo left Michigan State to join former athletic director J Batt at Kentucky. Eric Reinke served as interim CEO during the search process.

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(CONTINUED) In 11 years at Northwestern, Polisky’s tenure coincided with two bowl victories for the Wildcats and major fundraising and facility projects. MSU football has not appeared in a bowl game since 2021, and as NIL budgets rise, athletics funding is increasingly important to building a roster set up for success in post-season play.

“College athletics is entering one of the most transformative periods in its history, and I believe Michigan State is uniquely positioned to lead in this new era,” Polisky said in a statement released by the university.

Polisky joins Bartholomae and head football coach Pat Fitzgerald in their first year leading key areas of Michigan State athletics. As schools continue adapting to increasing NIL and revenue demands, Spartan Ventures will play a central role in funding roster development, student-athlete support and future facility investments.

Young Voters Fuel El-Sayed’s Advantage as Election Day Nears

Nic Fardella — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:43:18 +0000

Photo: Paul Sancya ~ AP

October 29, 2026 ~ Just days before the midterm election, Steve Mitchell, President of Mitchell Research and Communications, joins Kevin Dietz to break down his latest polling data. What are voters saying about the governor’s race, key statewide contests, and the issues driving turnout as Election Day approaches?

LANSING, Mich. ~ A new Michigan poll suggests Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has opened a 7-point lead over Republican Mike Rogers as voters prepare to head to the polls next week. Pollster Steve Mitchell said El-Sayed’s advantage appears to be driven by strong support among younger voters and independents, groups that could play a decisive role in the outcome of the race.

For many Michigan voters, the poll reflects a divide between generations, with younger voters overwhelmingly backing El-Sayed while older voters favor Rogers. Mitchell said the numbers indicate Democrats may be gaining momentum in the campaign’s final days, though voter turnout and late-breaking developments could still shape the race before Election Day.

Whitmer Predicts Strong Democratic Showing as Election Nears

Nic Fardella — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:09:00 +0000

Photo: AP

October 29, 2026 ~ Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson ahead of next Monday’s elections. Who is she supporting and how does she see the future?LANSING, Mich. ~ With Election Day approaching, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said many Michigan voters are feeling the strain of higher costs and economic uncertainty, creating what she believes could be a favorable environment for Democratic candidates. Whitmer pointed to tax relief, free school meals and expanded access to community college as policies aimed at helping families navigate financial challenges.

Looking beyond the election, Whitmer said improving literacy rates and addressing potential health care challenges remain major priorities for Michigan’s future. The governor also encouraged residents to cast a ballot, saying the state’s elections often carry national significance and help shape political conversations across the country.

Surface-to-Air Missiles Become Latest Layer of Protection in Palm Beach

Nic Fardella — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:18:37 +0000

Photo: Carolyn Kaster ~ AP

October 29, 2026 ~ Surface To Air Missile System have been placed around Trump Airport and near Mar-a-lago. Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson ask Fox News Reporter and WJR Contributor, Eben Brown, about it. Why are they there? And is it unusual for these things to be moved so publicly?WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. ~ New surface-to-air missile systems have been deployed around President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate and near Donald J. Trump International Airport in Palm Beach, adding another layer of security to the restricted airspace surrounding the president’s South Florida residence. Officials said the air defense assets were placed in the area at the request of the U.S. Secret Service as part of ongoing efforts to protect the president from potential airborne threats, including drones and low-flying aircraft.

For residents and travelers passing through Palm Beach, the visible military equipment serves as a reminder of the heightened security measures accompanying presidential visits. Aviation and military experts identified some of the systems as Avenger air defense platforms equipped with Stinger missiles, describing them as a final line of defense against potential threats in the skies above one of the nation’s most closely watched properties.

Exhibition Win Marks First Look at 2026-27 MSU Women’s Basketball

Anna McManus — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 01:38:11 +0000

Photo: Anna McManus

EAST LANSING ~ MSU women’s basketball earned a preseason win over Michigan Tech Wednesday night. The Spartans closed with a 28-point fourth quarter en route to a 100-53 victory.

Wednesday was the first look at the nine newcomers who joined the program this season, giving the Spartans a roster with more new faces than returning players. Five of those additions are international student-athletes, including leading scorer Monique Bobongie. The Australian freshman guard finished her Spartan debut with 21 points and seven rebounds, while returning players Theryn Hallock and Kennedy Blair helped steady the offense during slower stretches.

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(CONTINUED) MSU maintained control throughout the full 40 minutes, recording 21 assists while committing just 10 turnovers, meaning players managed to keep the ball moving without losing possession. Perimeter shooting was not a major factor in the Spartans’ three-digit scoring output. Instead, they found success in the paint and on the glass, outrebounding Michigan Tech 37-21. MSU also shot 58.6% from the floor behind efficient ball movement and second-chance opportunities.

The Spartans showcased a balanced offensive attack and consistent defensive pressure in their exhibition opener, and look to carry the momentum to the season opener. MSU will begin the regular season against Valparaiso on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6:30 p.m. in East Lansing.

Michigan State Survey Shows Democrats Leading in Key Michigan Races

Nick Lundberg — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:14:32 +0000

Photo: Paul Sancya ~ AP

Oct. 28, 2026 ~ Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) and Professor of Political Science at Michigan State University, Matt Grossmann, discusses voter turnout and some of the bigger races.EAST LANSING, MICH. ~ According to a Michigan State survey, Democrat Jocelyn Benson is up by 12 points over Republican John James in the governor’s race, while Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is only up by 2.5 points over Republican Mike Rogers.

“About 37% of Michigan voters tell us that they are less likely to support a candidate who is a Muslim,” Grossmann said. “This isn’t kind of a hidden view that has to come out. This is one that some voters are quite willing to express.”

Michigan Candidates Make Final Push to Reach Voters

Nic Fardella — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:09:07 +0000

Photo: Nic Antaya ~ AP

October 28, 2026 ~ Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers joins Kevin Dietz for a final campaign update, discussing the key issues in the race and his message to Michigan voters before the midterms.

October 28, 2026 ~ Republican congressional candidate Mike Bouchard joins Kevin Dietz for a final campaign conversation ahead of the midterms, outlining his priorities and making his closing argument to voters.

DETROIT ~ As Michigan’s election approaches, candidates across the state are making their final push to connect with voters, focusing on the issues they believe matter most to local communities. With just six days remaining until Election Day, candidates are working to earn support through campaign stops, advertisements and community events.

For many Michigan residents, the election is an opportunity to weigh competing visions for the future and decide who will best represent their priorities. With early voting underway, candidates are making a final effort to reach undecided voters before ballots are cast.

Israeli Voters Await Outcome as No Party Secures Majority

Nic Fardella — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:12:41 +0000

Photo: Oded Balilty ~ AP

October 28, 2026 ~ Deadline Detroit Columnist, Doron Levin, joins Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson to talk about yesterday’s elections in Israel. Did they go smoothly? And who has been declared the winner?JERUSALEM ~ Israelis are awaiting the final outcome of a closely watched election after no political bloc secured the 61 seats needed to form a majority government in the country’s 120-seat parliament. With no clear winner emerging, coalition negotiations are expected to determine who will form Israel’s next government.

For many voters, the election was about issues beyond individual candidates, including national security, military service and Israel’s future direction. As coalition talks begin, communities across Israel are watching closely to see what comes next for the country’s government and its role in the region.

Families Seek Answers After Deadly High-Speed Train Collision in Spain

Nic Fardella — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 14:02:38 +0000

Photo: Manu Fernandez ~ APURDA, Spain ~ A deadly train crash on Wednesday left families across Spain searching for answers after two high-speed trains collided on a route connecting Madrid and Seville. Authorities said at least 64 people were killed and dozens more were injured when one train struck another near the town of Urda, making it one of Spain’s deadliest rail disasters in recent years.

As rescue crews worked through the wreckage, local residents offered water, shelter and support to shaken passengers and grieving families. Investigators are working to determine what caused the collision, while communities across Spain mourn the lives lost and hope for the recovery of those injured.

Trump Expected to Visit Michigan Again Before Midterm

Nick Lundberg — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:55:20 +0000

Photo: Jacquelyn Martin ~ AP

October 28, 2026 ~ Michigan Republican Party Chair Jim Runestad joins Kevin Dietz to recap Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Howell, discuss the GOP’s midterm strategy, and weigh in on whether President Trump could return to Michigan before Election Day.DETROIT, MICH. ~ After President Trump held a rally in Port Huron over the weekend, Michigan Republicans are expecting him to come back to the state before the Nov. 3 midterm election, according to The Detroit News.

His travel schedule has yet to be finalized or announced, so the plans could change. He is expected to return on the day of the 2026 race.