Michigan auto workers have launched a strike against major General Motors supplier American Axle after contract negotiations failed to produce a new labor agreement before a midnight deadline.

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain announced the strike during a livestream Sunday night, saying the company had not offered workers a fair contract before the deadline expired.

“American Axle, time is up. No contract, no axles,” Fain declared.

Picketing began Monday morning at an American Axle facility in St. Joseph County on Michigan’s west side. Union leaders say workers are standing firm after what they describe as difficult negotiations and unfair treatment by management.

UAW Local 2093 Bargaining Chair Josh Jagger accused the company of engaging in unfair labor practices during the contract talks.

“They have tried to intimidate us, harass us, calling the police on us for exercising our First Amendment rights,” Jagger said. “We will not be intimidated. We will not be ignored.”

American Axle had not publicly commented on the strike as of Monday morning.

Gas Prices Continue to Decline Across Michigan

Michigan motorists are seeing some relief at the pump despite fuel prices remaining relatively high.

According to AAA Michigan, the statewide average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.38, down 27 cents from a week ago.

The Lansing area saw an even larger decline, with prices averaging $4.19 per gallon, a decrease of more than 30 cents compared to the previous week.

Cleary University Student Remains in ICE Custody

A Venezuelan student-athlete attending Cleary University in Howell remains in federal immigration custody following a traffic stop earlier this week.

Karlina Perdomo is being held at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, the largest immigration detention facility in Michigan.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say Perdomo was detained Tuesday after her vehicle’s license plate was flagged during a traffic stop. However, family members have questioned that explanation, saying she possessed a valid driver’s license and insurance and that the vehicle was properly registered and current on payments.

Relatives say they first learned of her detention through a Facebook post.

Perdomo’s first immigration hearing is scheduled for June 8.

Local Seniors Celebrate Graduation

Thousands of Mid-Michigan students celebrated graduation Sunday as commencement ceremonies were held for seniors from Holt, Mason, Okemos, Haslett and DeWitt high schools.

Graduation ceremonies for seniors in the Lansing School District are scheduled for Saturday at the Breslin Center.

Community Honors Organ Donor Legacy

Community members gathered Sunday in Lansing for the annual Amaya Edmond Day of Service, honoring the life of the 7-year-old girl who died during a home invasion in 2010.

Although her life was cut short, Edmond saved five others through organ donation.

Volunteers spent the day creating comfort blankets for families navigating the organ donation process during an event hosted by Gift of Life Michigan and U of M Health Sparrow.

The annual service project continues to celebrate Edmond’s legacy while raising awareness about the impact of organ donation.