Flock cameras spark privacy battle across Michigan, and 4 other major stories
Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader cameras are triggering a growing backlash across the state, with vandalism, contract cancellations, and public opposition reflecting wider concerns.
It is one of five “must-read” stories from MLive over the weekend.
‘There’s no guardrails.’ Flock cameras spark privacy battle across Michigan
A subscription is required to read this story.
Examples of the backlash include a camera pole being sawed down in Wayne County, and Livingston County temporarily removing cameras after repeated vandalism.
Despite the backlash, Flock use is expanding. Participating entities include local police and sheriff’s offices as well as private businesses and institutions.
Reporter Gus Burns shares more in this story here.
Here are four more compelling MLive stories to read.
‘I’m astonished’: East Lansing sketch artist reflects on $100K ArtPrize win
East Lansing artist Kristin Pennock won the $100,000 ArtPrize 2026 Public Vote Grand Prize for “Sketchdiet: A Year of Drawing Everything I Ate.”
Pennock said she was “astonished” and honored by the win, which was announced during ArtPrize’s closing ceremony on Oct. 3 at the Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids.
Reporter Skyla Jewell-Hammie shares more in this story here.
From hub for farmers to growing city, Dexter’s past hints at future
Dexter, west of Ann Arbor, evolved from a farming hub into a traditional Michigan village, became a city in 2014, and is now nearing 5,000 residents.
Dexter’s earliest development was shaped by geography: Native American trails followed the Huron River through the area, and water access helped establish it as a local crossroads.
Major residential growth came in the 1990s and 2000s, with subdivisions such as Huron Farms, Orchard River Hills, Dexter Crossing, and Westridge.
Reporter Jennifer Eberbach shares more in this story here.
One Michigan county hasn’t voted for a Democratic governor since 1890
One county has gone longer than any other in Michigan without voting for a Democratic candidate for governor.
While Ottawa County has the longest Democratic drought, Wayne County has gone the longest without backing a Republican gubernatorial candidate.
Reporter Michael Kransz shares more in this story here.
‘Just a lucky coincidence’: Kayakers who found missing hiker share rescue story
MORE BY BRADLEY MASSMAN
Fire damages Tomukun Noodle Bar in Ann ArborOct. 4, 2026, 3:41 p.m.
Bow hunter injured by stray bullet from nearby target shooting, police sayOct. 4, 2026, 1:53 p.m.
Two kayakers helped locate Craig Berg, a 70-year-old hiker who had been missing for 11 days in Isle Royale National Park.
The kayakers, identified on Reddit only as Richard and Dan, shared details of the rescue during an Oct. 3 “Ask Me Anything” session.
Reporter Bradley Massman shares more in this story here.
Brad Massman is a crime reporter for MLive covering cops and courts for West Michigan. He's received first place awards from the Associated Press for best enterprise and investigative reporting as well as best... more
This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by MLive.com staff.
