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El Sayed, Michigan Democrats run against tariffs, Canada trade war

El Sayed, Michigan Democrats run against tariffs, Canada trade war

Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and other Michigan Democrats talk to USA TODAY about the trade war with Canada as a campaign issue.
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John James Proposes Repeal or Reduction of Michigan's Wholesale Marijuana Tax, Courts Industry Donors

John James Proposes Repeal or Reduction of Michigan's Wholesale Marijuana Tax, Courts Industry Donors

Republican gubernatorial nominee John James is advocating for the repeal or significant reduction of Michigan’s 24% wholesale marijuana tax. He argues that this tax inflates prices, grants an unfair advantage to illegal operators, and has not met its projected revenue targets. This tax was initially part of a bipartisan road funding agreement signed by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer last year. James publicly announced his intention to address the tax in mid-August, following a campaign fundraiser organized by marijuana industry leaders, including executives from the JARS Cannabis dispensary chain. This event generated nearly $90,000 for his campaign, highlighting the industry's willingness to support candidates who oppose the tax, which many view as a significant threat to their businesses. In 2018, James had stated he would vote against recreational marijuana legalization but would respect the voters' decision. Now, he emphasizes the state's responsibility to uphold the voter-approved law while ensu...
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Mike Rogers Unveils Plan to Boost Detroit Homeownership with Tax-Free Construction Zones

Mike Rogers Unveils Plan to Boost Detroit Homeownership with Tax-Free Construction Zones

Mike Rogers, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, has introduced a four-key plan aimed at stimulating homeownership in Detroit. Speaking from one of the city's 122,000 vacant lots, Rogers outlined his proposal, which includes creating residential housing zones where new home construction would be 100% tax-free. This initiative seeks to reverse the trend of demolition in Detroit by incentivizing new building projects. Keith Ledbetter, President of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Southeast Michigan, endorsed the plan, highlighting its potential to address the need for more housing and skilled workers in Michigan. Detroit residents, such as Rykiel Martin, a mother of five, and Beulah Walker, a skilled trades worker, expressed support, noting the plan's potential to create opportunities within the city and make homeownership more accessible. Rogers emphasized a shift in focus from tearing down homes to constructing new ones to revitalize the city.
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Detroit City Council Explores Alternatives to DTE Energy After Widespread Power Outages

Detroit City Council Explores Alternatives to DTE Energy After Widespread Power Outages

The Detroit City Council is debating the city's continued reliance on DTE Energy for its power supply. This discussion follows severe storms, including a tornado, that caused power outages for over 450,000 people, with thousands affected within Detroit. Last week, the City Council voted to direct its Legislative Policy Division to research alternative energy options. This initiative will also involve examining energy strategies adopted by other Michigan cities, such as Wyandotte and potentially Ann Arbor. The vote, which passed without objection, reflects significant frustration among council members and residents regarding the recent power disruptions. DTE Energy, however, is reportedly pushing back against these efforts to explore alternative power sources. Council members Gabriela Santiago-Romero, Denzel McCambell, and Mary Waters have publicly discussed the issue.
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Supreme Court lifts a cloud over midterms, letting mail ballots flow as normal to voters

Supreme Court lifts a cloud over midterms, letting mail ballots flow as normal to voters

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected President Donald Trump's attempt to limit mail voting by imposing new Postal Service regulations for the midterm elections
Detroit Free PressDetroit Free Press
Court order leaves Michigan ballot rules for 2026. What's happening

Court order leaves Michigan ballot rules for 2026. What's happening

A federal court left in place an injunction that blocks a USPS plan to set up mail ballot lists and new rules.
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House Democrats Expand 'Red to Blue' Program, Including Non-Democrat Candidates

House Democrats Expand 'Red to Blue' Program, Including Non-Democrat Candidates

House Democrats are expanding their 'Red to Blue' program by adding new candidates, notably including an independent, Bill Hill, who is running for Alaska’s at-large House seat. This move, announced by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), aims to broaden the party's geographical and ideological reach, particularly as redistricting has reduced the number of traditional battleground districts. The program provides strategic guidance, staffing, and fundraising assistance to its selected candidates. In addition to Hill, the new additions include Will Lawrence, a Democrat challenging Republican Rep. Tom Barrett in Michigan, and Mitchell Berman, who is seeking to unseat Republican Rep. Bryan Steil in Wisconsin. The DCCC's decision to back an independent like Hill, who secured policy commitments on organized labor and abortion rights from the Alaska Democratic Party, reflects a strategic effort to appeal to a wider electorate, especially in states where voters often split their tickets.
Detroit Free PressDetroit Free Press
Lake America today. Trump Strait tomorrow? | Letters

Lake America today. Trump Strait tomorrow? | Letters

Freep readers are on fire this week, weighing in with a Dolly Parton/Trump mashup and discourse on the obscure maritime law that affects gas prices.
USA TodayUSA Today
I don't care if they're friends, Vance should call out Carlson | Opinion

I don't care if they're friends, Vance should call out Carlson | Opinion

JD Vance says friendship shouldn't require political loyalty tests. But when it comes to Abdul El-Sayed's friends, he applies a different standard.
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Representative Tlaib Highlights Corporate Pollution's Role in Michigan School Heat Crisis

Representative Tlaib Highlights Corporate Pollution's Role in Michigan School Heat Crisis

U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI 12th District) has issued a statement asserting that corporate polluters are exacerbating a heat crisis in Michigan schools, leading to significant negative impacts on students. Tlaib, a Detroit native and one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, argues that extreme heat is exposing the vulnerabilities of Michigan's aging school infrastructure. She points to recent summer experiences, including power outages prolonged by DTE Energy's alleged lack of preparedness, and smog from wildfires, which have resulted in spoiled groceries and medicine, and skyrocketing utility costs for residents. Many families reportedly paid nearly $800 in cooling costs, with 63% of Michiganders experiencing increased expenses to stay cool. Tlaib emphasizes that this issue disproportionately affects lower-income students and students of color, whose schools often lack adequate air conditioning. She notes that when temperatures reach 90°F, absentee rates can spike by 16%, and stu...
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Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Vetoes Bill Banning Local Guaranteed Income Programs

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Vetoes Bill Banning Local Guaranteed Income Programs

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed a Republican-led bill that aimed to prohibit local governments from enacting guaranteed income programs. This action places Arizona in contrast with other states where Republican lawmakers have successfully banned or challenged such initiatives. For instance, Iowa recently passed legislation prohibiting local governments from creating or maintaining guaranteed income programs, signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds. Similarly, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Harris County over its guaranteed income program, leading to a freeze by the Texas Supreme Court. In Michigan, House Republicans have demanded an inspection of a taxpayer-funded cash assistance program. Governor Hobbs' veto signals a different approach in Arizona, allowing local jurisdictions the autonomy to explore and implement direct cash payment programs for residents, despite the legal, budgetary, and philosophical concerns raised by GOP lawmakers nationwide.
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Governor Whitmer's Fight Like Hell PAC Supports Candidates Nationwide on Key Issues

Governor Whitmer's Fight Like Hell PAC Supports Candidates Nationwide on Key Issues

Governor Gretchen Whitmer launched the Fight Like Hell PAC in 2023 with the goal of supporting candidates across the United States who are committed to addressing 'kitchen-table issues' and safeguarding fundamental freedoms. Since its inception, the PAC has actively recruited over 4,000 individuals nationwide to either run for office or contribute to political campaigns. The organization has also conducted leadership training sessions for hundreds of participants in various states, including Michigan, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Illinois, as well as virtually. These trainings provide future leaders with expertise and practical experience in critical areas such as campaign management, finance, communications, and safety. Additionally, Fight Like Hell PAC has supported candidates through more than 200 voter activation events, which have included rallies, phone banks, town halls, and roundtables, aiming to mobilize voters and bolster campaigns in competitive races.