ArtPrize wraps up this weekend, so if you haven’t checked it out yet, consider this your heads-up to get out to Grand Rapids before it’s over. You’ve only got until Oct. 3 to see the hundreds of artworks taking over the city.

Honestly, beyond just enjoying the pieces, one of my favorite parts of looking at art is learning the stories behind the artists themselves, like where they came from and what drives them to create. So we’re going to do a bit of that today.

From the creator of a massive 21-foot driftwood dragon to a 65-carat opal butterfly, we’re diving into the personal stories behind three ArtPrize artists and what inspires them.

Wayne County executive vetoes data center tax break (The Detroit News): Wayne County Executive Warren Evans has vetoed proposed tax incentives and a community benefits agreement for a massive data center in Van Buren Township, saying the project moved too quickly without enough public input or independent analysis. The 282-acre facility could use millions of gallons of water and a gigawatt of power daily.

Recall effort against northern MI clerk moves forward (Votebeat): Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop could face a recall election after the Michigan Board of State Canvassers approved petition language allowing organizers to begin collecting signatures. The effort needs more than 3,500 valid signatures. If it qualifies for the ballot, voters would choose between Bishop and other candidates next spring.

Lions prevent Jets comeback (AP News): Jahmyr Gibbs scored three touchdowns as the Detroit Lions held off the New York Jets 31-24 to improve to 2-1. Up next, the Lions face the Carolina Panthers Sunday.

Local news is disappearing. The pressure on the newsrooms that remain is growing.

More than 3,500 newspapers have closed nationwide since 2005. Journalists and newsrooms face increasing attacks from the federal government, while funding for local news continues to dry up. We can’t keep doing this work without our readers’ support.

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Artist Tina Tabbi shows the dragon she created out of driftwood to ArtPrize 2026 visitors. The entry is on display at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids through Oct. 3. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

A massive driftwood dragon, a world-record seeking opal butterfly, and “Seven Deadly Sins” are ready to tempt you at ArtPrize 2026 through Oct. 3 in Grand Rapids.

These stunning works and the three artists who made them are among more than 1,000 artworks and 1,300-plus artists entered in one of the world’s largest art competitions. At stake is more than $600,000 in prizes, as well as high visibility for art that has taken months or years to create.

Nearly 1 million visitors attend ArtPrize every year to view a variety of art installations in indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

We’re starting to really get into that fall feeling with the leaves set to change colors any day now, and the cider and donuts becoming inescapable at every store you go to.

But beyond color tours, cider mills, and bonfires, I want to know what other activities Michiganders should be taking advantage of this season that they might not be aware of.

So, this week I want to know:

Reminder: When responding, include your first name and where you’re from to have your answer included.

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future edition.

Missed the answers to last week’s question: “Does Michigan’s bottle return system need an overhaul? What would you change?” Find them in our Friday newsletter here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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