The unimaginable nearly happened Thursday afternoon in West Bloomfield when a man rammed a truck into the Temple Israel synagogue while children were inside.

Thankfully, the quick action of security staff, teachers, and police stopped the threat before any of the young kids in the building were harmed.

Today, we’re bringing you the latest on how families and staff responded, and what we know so far about the attack.

Plus: Meet a professional Michigan blacksmith who has combined his skills and love of sweets into a brand-new candy-making business.

Lawmakers condemn synagogue attack (WOOD-TV): Leaders across Michigan condemned antisemitism after an armed man crashed a vehicle into a Detroit-area synagogue Thursday afternoon before being shot and killed by security. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other officials called for safety in places of worship.

Michigan Senate passes bill package combating medical debt (WEMU): The Michigan Senate approved a package of bills this week aimed at reducing the burden of medical debt. Supporters, including state Sen. Sarah Anthony, (D-Lansing), say the measures would expand financial assistance and limit how unpaid medical bills affect credit and collections.

Women at Huron Valley prison send open letter to state lawmakers (WWMT): Women incarcerated at Huron Valley Correctional Facility sent an open letter to state leaders calling for clemency, resentencing, and support within the prison. The letter follows a state oversight hearing held last month on unsafe conditions at the facility.

(The ‘Gander TikTok)

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New polling shows former Detroit mayor Mike Duggan is emerging as a real contender in Michigan’s race for governor, and that should get your attention.

Here’s the deal: Duggan is running as an Independent. He left the Democratic Party in late 2024, pitching himself as the type of candidate who’s above the partisan fray. That’s the brand. But the receipts tell a different story. We covered Duggan’s donor list before, and we’re revisiting it now that he’s polling as a legitimate contender— the people bankrolling his campaign include some of the same Republican mega donors who helped elect Donald Trump.

Now, let’s talk about the math. Recent polling has Republican John James at 34%, Democrat Jocelyn Benson at 32%, and Duggan at 26% in a three-way race. Take Duggan out, and the same analysis shows Benson at 47%, and James at 45%. Benson wins. With Duggan in, James wins.

So what? Well, Duggan is gonna keep telling you that he’s different, that he’s not partisan, that he delivers for working people. Some of that may even be true. But the question isn’t whether Duggan was a good mayor. The question is, what his presence in this race actually does. And the answer, according to every credible analysis out there right now, is that it makes it significantly easier for a Republican to become Michigan’s next governor. His donors know that. The polling shows that. And now you know it, too.

Get the full story from political correspondent Kyle Kaminski in this edition of “so what, Michigan?“

Leah Trosch, of Franklin, right, carries her 4-year-old granddaughter Kayla Trosch away from Shenandoah Country Club after the attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Thursday, March 12, 2026. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

When an attacker rammed his truck through the doors of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, staffers in the building defaulted to the training they’d received repeatedly in the face of growing anti-semitism.

“Because of the work of our security team and because of the work of our staff, our children just thought an alarm had gone off,” Rabbi Joshua Bennett said. “They were playing with their family and friends.”

Staffers quickly hustled classrooms full of preschoolers into a lockdown and later out of the building.

Also see: DHS identifies suspect in Temple Israel attack as Lebanese immigrant

Randy and Brianna Haas own and operate The Sugarsmith Candy Shop, which offers traditionally made, small-batch candy. (Randy Haas)

By Chaunie Brusie

What do the art of blacksmith work and candy craftsmanship have in common? Well, if you ask Randy Haas, a professional blacksmith and owner of The Sugarsmith Candy Shop in Marlette, Michigan, they have a lot in common.

From getting the timing and temperature just right to incorporating patterns and textures, Haas believes the blacksmith techniques he’s honed have carried over perfectly into the candy-making world.

“The most interesting similarity is that imagination is really the main limitation to coming up with new patterns, or flavors,” Hass comments. “The obvious similarities are that both are handmade and the burns!”

Combining the similarities of his two crafts into one passion, Hass now owns and operates The Sugarsmith Candy Shop as a family business where it’s all hands—and sweet treats—on deck.

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

A Republican-backed bill package was recently introduced that, if passed, would allow for Michiganders to carry a concealed pistol without a permit.

So, on Monday, we asked readers:

Do you think allowing people to carry a concealed pistol without a permit is a good idea?

Here’s what you had to say:

” I am opposed to a law that allows concealed carry without a permit. At the very least, anyone carrying a concealed weapon should have their background checked by authorities to make certain that they are not mentally ill, have a criminal background or are otherwise a danger to others.” — Deborah, Berrien Springs

“I am definitely for passing a law that enables citizens to carry concealed without a permit. I have to pay a hefty fee for a constitutional right that I already have that is to keep and bear arms. Let’s get back to the constitution. In addition while we are at it let’s get a reciprocal for all the USA so we don’t have to be illegal when crossing state borders.” — Jerry, Roscommon

“I am flabbergasted this [is] even being considered. What’s next? A war the vast majority of Americans did not see coming after the last election? Or maybe masked so-called law enforcement officers? Oh yeah, I guess we would at least be very consistent with where we have been heading.” — John, Pleasant Ridge

“I cannot believe this is even being considered given the professed value of human life Republicans claim to have. Apparently, one can only feel safe in the womb. After birth, especially if you are female, no one has a right to life. Training starts with active shooter drills in preschool. NO. I do NOT support ANY kind of concealed carry, let alone without a permit.” — Kim, South Haven

“A big NO to everyone being able to wear a concealed weapon! A lot of people who own guns do not have the knowledge or temperament to carry a concealed weapon!” — Judy, Marshall

“No, I have been a permitted concealed carrier for 20 years.  I took the class and I keep up with my shooting and gun safety skills.  If any fool can carry a gun there will be more shooting deaths.“ — Tim, Kalamazoo

“No, I don’t think people should carry concealed pistols. Our grandfather served in both World War I and World War II, and he would not have kept a weapon at home.  He worried about us grandkids finding a weapon.  And we were Quakers, too, so my big brother did not go to Vietnam. We should all be peacemakers!” — Holly, Ann Arbor

“I think it’s an extremely bad idea to allow people to carry a concealed pistol without a permit. We already have too many people dying from gun violence in our great state. We need more restrictions on guns, not fewer. I’ve already spoken to my state representative and plan to contact my senators and our governor to urge them to oppose this idiotic set of bills.” — Karen, Traverse City

And if you have a question you’d like me to ask our community, send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

*Responses may be edited for conciseness or clarity.

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?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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