Michigan
Did a Michigan congressional candidate’s husband throw himself out of a moving car in her ad? • Alabama Reflector
This story originally appeared on Michigan Advance.
Michigan State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet’s husband, Joseph Rivet, may serve as a Bay City commissioner by day, but could a late career pivot to performing stunts be in the works?
In a recently released ad for McDonald Rivet’s campaign to succeed U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint, in Congress, Joseph Rivet is presented as jumping out of a moving vehicle, apparently frustrated with hearing his wife talk about cutting taxes.
“We felt it was really important to tell my record on the largest tax cut for working families in Michigan’s history, and I do talk about it incessantly,” said McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City.
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Democrats in the Michigan Legislature, holding a trifecta in Lansing for the first time in 40 years, passed a bill in early 2023 that was introduced by McDonald Rivet to boost the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% of the federal credit.
She’s facing Paul Junge, a former immigration official under former President Donald Trump. As for his economic policy, Junge told the Michigan Advance that the U.S. needs to lower the tax burden for working families and seniors and take action on lowering inflation. He said Trump’s campaign proposals of no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security and extending the Trump tax cuts are a “a great start.”
The Rivets wanted to “change the tone” in the race against Junge, said Rivet, who’s a former member of the state House. Junge is making a third bid for the U.S. House after previously losing to U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, in 2020 and Kildee in 2022.
“There’s so much negative. I spend so much time explaining to people that records are distorted in the negative stuff,” Rivet said. “But the reaction to this has just been refreshing, for us too. People have just been very responsive, and they appreciate that it’s taking a completely different tact to how we talk about Kristen’s priorities.”
After the commercial began airing, Rivet said he went shopping and, upon arriving at the register, the cashier told him, “Well, I’m glad to see you’re OK.”
“That’s the kind of response we’ve been getting, with a big smile on her face,” Rivet said. “It took me, like, five seconds to realize. You know, I’m like, what? And then I realized, oh, she saw the commercial.”
McDonald Rivet said that after she spoke at a recent event, people were more interested in taking selfies with her husband than with her.
“That sort of upbeat response, and just making people smile and giving them an opportunity to say some lighthearted things, has just been sort of fun,” Rivet said.
While Rivet said he felt a sense that he could do his own stunts, he added that “the smarter folks at the production company suggested that a professional union stuntman would be a far better thing to do. So I relented to their expertise.”
Rivet said he did not see this year’s remake of “The Fall Guy” – noting that he watched the original series starring Lee Majors – he said he was impressed with the professionalism of the stunt team.
“They knew my height, weight … they tried to make sure the stunt man really did sort of resemble my build and all those kinds of things,” Rivet said. “And they were serious. He practiced. They have a whole stunt safety team who goes through everything to make sure that everything’s done safely. It was impressive to watch.
But don’t rule out a second career just yet, he said.
“I still – if somebody’s a little more flexible with the chance of a nearly 60-year-old guy hurting himself, breaking something, then I might be willing to do it,” Rivet said. “I understand [Tom] Cruise does his own stunts, so, you know, who knows? I thought I was up for it, but they decided to err on the side of caution.”
While McDonald Rivet said there was a debate on staff about whether the ad was “too over the top,” she said she knew when she first read the script that the ad would be a hit.
“I read the script for the first time and literally laughed out loud,” McDonald Rivet said. “I had to put the paper down, I was laughing so hard.”
“It’s good fun and great substance,” McDonald Rivet said. “Politics doesn’t have to be awful. Every ad doesn’t need to be rooted in hate and fear. We can just talk about what we’ve done, and I think if you can get people to laugh and understand that you’re a human being … that’s good politics, too.”
Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Susan J. Demas for questions: [email protected]. Follow Michigan Advance on Facebook and X.
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Arab American Michigan Senate candidate records confrontation
Abbas Alawieh, a Democrat running for a Michigan Senate seat, recorded a confrontation with a man at his Dearborn Heights campaign office
A man threw a brick at a Michigan campaign office Thursday and then proceeded to say he did it because the candidate is a “f****** Arab.”
Democrat Abbas Alawieh, who’s running for a Dearborn-based seat in the Michigan state Senate, detailed the incident in a press release. Alawieh confronted the individual who allegedly targeted his Dearborn Heights office and recorded the conversation he had with the man.
“What’s the issue?” Alawieh asked the man at one point.
“You’re a f****** Arab,” the man who wasn’t identified in the press release or video said. “F*** you.”
In a statement, Alawieh said he and his team were meeting Thursday morning when they heard a loud bang against the wall of their office building. When Alawieh went outside to see what had happened, he saw a man trying to force open a locked door to the office.
“I asked what his issue was, and he immediately began hurling hateful, anti-Arab and Islamophobic insults at me,” Alawieh said.
The man had thrown a brick at a painting that included Alawieh’s name on the side of the building, the statement said.
Alawieh said he wants to ensure “every person, no matter their background, faith or name, feels safe, respected and fully at home.”
“I know Dearborn Heights and all of Senate District 2 as a welcoming community, and I am running a campaign on the issues that unite us, and to reject all forms of hate that divide us,” Alawieh said.
Alawieh reported the incident to Dearborn Heights law enforcement.
Michael Guzowski, the city’s chief of police, said his department is investigating a reported destruction of property incident at an office building on Van Born Road.
“This is an active investigation, and we are reviewing all available evidence to determine what occurred,” Guzowski said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dearborn Heights Police Department at 313-277-6770.
cmauger@detroitnews.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Hello, is it an awesome event you’re looking for? Well, you can see some great options not in a pair of eyes or a smile, but in this weekend planner.
Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of May 15:
Acrisure Amphitheater Grand Opening
It’s been a long time coming, but finally, the Acrisure Amphitheater is set to welcome in its first guests with not one, but two shows this weekend.
It kicks off Friday with a grand opening performance by Lionel Richie. And then on Saturday, catch several local artists as part of the Community Celebration.
Click here to grab tickets while you still can.
Heritage Hill Tour of Homes
Saturday marks the start of the 58th annual Heritage Hill Tour of Homes, where guests can explore some of the historic homes in the historic neighborhood.
One of those homes includes the Voigt House, which was built in 1895 and has not been open to the public in 17 years.
For more information, click here.
Puppies on the Patio at Harmony Brewing
What’s better than a cold one after a stressful week? How about sharing a cold one with your best friend?
You and your dog can enjoy a frosty beverage this Saturday at Harmony Brewing Company with a Puppy Pool Party. There will be kiddie pools, activities for dogs and humans and plenty of aforementioned beer.
Click here to learn more.
WestFest
Spring is in the air and you can tell not by the pollen closing in on us, but by the fact that WestFest is happening for another year.
For more than three decades now, the carnival has served as a way for those living on the West Side of Grand Rapids to come together and celebrate the changing of the season. The funds raised by the event will also go towards servicing families of Sacred Heart Parish & Academy.
Details can be found here.
Creston Neighborhood Pancake Breakfast
On Saturday, the Creston Neighborhood in Grand Rapids is inviting the community to partake in its free pancake breakfast and resource fair.
The event will provide plenty of resources from local organizations, a chance for folks to meet their neighbors and also enjoy some delicious pancakes for free.
More information can be found here.
Butterfly Release in Paw Paw
A special memorial butterfly release will be held Saturday in the village of Paw Paw to help those deal with their grief and loss.
Attendees are asked to arrive before 10 a.m. That is when the memorial service will begin, followed by the butterfly release.
For details, click here.
The Kite Festival at Grand Haven
One of the most visually stunning events returns to Grand Haven State Park Saturday and Sunday with the Kite Festival.
It’s your chance to check out dozens upon dozens of kites soaring through the sky. The best part is that it’s completely free to attend.
You can get more information by clicking here.
Kalamazoo Toy Show
On Saturday, head on out to the Kalamazoo County Expo Center for this year’s Kalamazoo Toy Show.
Kids 12 and under get in free to check out some incredibly preserved antique toys like cap guns, action figures, Pez dispensers and more.
Details can be found by clicking here.
Prom with a Purpose
The signature event of the Momentum Center in Grand Haven is Prom with a Purpose and it’s back this weekend.
The event gives folks a chance at reliving the glory days with a night of dancing, eating and fun. The event helps raise funds for the Momentum Center’s initiatives.
Click here to learn more.
Michigan
Michigan DNR confirms black bear roaming Downriver communities in furthest southeast sighting ever
FLAT ROCK, Mich. (WXYZ) — A black bear has been confirmed roaming the Carleton, Rockwood, and Flat Rock area — the furthest southeast the Michigan DNR has ever recorded a bear sighting in the state.
Watch Jeffrey Lindblom’s video report:
Two black bear sightings confirmed in southern counties
Residents near Woodruff Road first spotted the animal on a trail camera, with many initially mistaking it for a large cat. The Michigan DNR has since confirmed two black bear sightings in the area since Sunday, along with tracks to match.
Dale Hicks, a Rockwood resident, was among the first to spot the animal.
“I looked, and I said there’s a big cat by the double gate,” Hicks said.
WXYZ-TV
Neighbor Carolann Foerch said she was surprised to learn the animal had passed through her property.
“It was here and apparently walking through our back yard. He says, there’s a bear out there!” Foerch said.
WXYZ-TV
Foerch, who is originally from northern Michigan, said she welcomed the unusual visitor.
“I love the bear, you betcha,” Foerch said.
Fellow resident Corry Stanley summed up the reaction many neighbors shared.
“Guess it was a real bear,” Stanley said.
WXYZ-TV
Jan Saintamour, another Rockwood resident, called the sighting “kind of cool. Kind of odd.”
WXYZ-TV
What the DNR says
Cody Norton, a bear specialist with the Michigan DNR, said the sighting is unprecedented for the region.
“This is the furthest southeast we’ve seen,” Norton said.
WXYZ-TV
Norton described southeastern Michigan as far more developed than other parts of the state, making the bear’s appearance in the area without any reported sightings along its path especially unusual.
The DNR reports approximately 12,000 bears living across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Norton said the lower peninsula bear population has grown significantly in recent years.
“Our bear population in the lower peninsula has grown about 60-percent,” Norton said.
As bear numbers have risen, the animals have begun moving into areas further west and south. Norton said younger male bears in particular tend to wander in search of territory not already claimed by dominant males.
“They are able to survive and make a living in habitats we previously thought wouldn’t be suitable for bears,” Norton said.
Norton said bears would have historically inhabited this area before development pushed them out, and that as populations continue to grow, sightings in unexpected places like southeastern Michigan are likely to increase.
“Their world revolves around food,” Norton said.
What to do if you see the bear
The DNR says residents do not need to be overly concerned.
“I don’t think anyone should be too worried about this individual bear roaming around in this area,” Norton said.
Norton said there has not been a bear-related human fatality in Michigan since 1930. He added that residents do not need to worry about walking pets or letting animals outside.
However, there are steps residents can take to avoid unintentionally attracting the bear to their property:
- Secure garbage cans
- Manage bird feeders
- Do not leave pet food outside
If you do encounter the bear, the DNR advises against running. Instead, make yourself appear large, make noise, and slowly back away to a safe location.
As of now, the bear does not appear to be bothering anyone or displaying aggressive behavior. The DNR says it will continue to leave the bear alone unless it begins acting aggressively or causing property damage.
Hicks, for his part, said he plans to keep an eye out.
“I’m going to look at it and take pictures of it,” Hicks said.
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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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