Michigan Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Data Centers as State Faces Healthcare Cybersecurity Investigation

Mid-Michigan News | Friday, October 16, 2026

Oregon school shooting leaves four dead

A shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, left three children, ages 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher dead Thursday. Another child and a teacher were taken to the hospital with critical injuries.

Authorities say the suspected shooter, a 16-year-old Bend resident, was shot and killed by a community member who pursued him into the school. The motive remains unclear.

Benson and James face off in second gubernatorial debate

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Congressman John James faced off Thursday night in their second gubernatorial debate, discussing data centers, healthcare costs, energy prices and the state's economic future.

Data center development was one of the major topics. Benson said Michigan needs safeguards to protect local communities while allowing development to move forward. James argued that local residents should have the final say on whether projects are approved in their communities.

The candidates also clashed over healthcare costs, energy prices and Michigan's economic outlook.

Vance rallies Republicans in Monroe

Vice President J.D. Vance brought his midterm election message to Monroe on Thursday, rallying support for Republican candidates ahead of November's election.

Vance spent much of his speech criticizing Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed while praising Republican candidate Mike Rogers.

MyMichigan Health investigates alleged data theft

MyMichigan Health is investigating claims of a possible data theft after a group identifying itself as Meta-Encryptor made allegations involving the healthcare organization.

The health system has hired an independent cybersecurity incident response firm and is working with law enforcement to evaluate the claims.

The investigation remains ongoing. MyMichigan Health says investigators have not yet found evidence of unauthorized access to its systems or a compromise of patient information.

Sports: Red Wings win, Saginaw Spirit play tonight

The Detroit Red Wings skated past the Philadelphia Flyers, winning 2-1.

The Saginaw Spirit are scheduled to face the Sarnia Sting tonight.

College football fans have several games to watch Saturday:

• Noon: Michigan State hosts Northwestern.

• 1:30 p.m.: Central Michigan hosts Western Michigan.

• 3:30 p.m.: Michigan hosts Penn State.

Mid-Michigan weather

Mid-Michigan will see mostly cloudy and windy conditions Friday, with a 50% chance of rain. Temperatures are expected to fall to around 53 degrees by 5 p.m.

Tonight will be cloudy during the early evening before skies gradually clear. The overnight low is expected to reach 32 degrees.

Saturday will bring widespread frost before 9 a.m., followed by sunshine and a high near 54 degrees.

Sunday looks sunnier and milder, with a forecast high of 64 degrees.