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Michigan House of Representatives gridlock ends as democrats retake house majority

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Michigan House of Representatives gridlock ends as democrats retake house majority


LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) – For nearly four months, the Michigan House of Representatives has been dealing with deadlock: 54 members for both the democrats and republicans in the legislature.

Now, two democrats have won special elections after the previous representatives were elected mayors of their respective cities. The House Speaker Pro Tempore says they’re ready to get back to work ahead of budget season.

“We are moving full speed ahead into budget season, getting those elections certified, getting those members in here so that they are able to vote and help us move things a little bit faster and just getting back to business,” (D) Michigan House Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Laurie Pohutsky said.

State Senator Ed McBroom says unity among U.P. lawmakers is important.

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“For us in the U.P., the more that we have a team that works together the more influence and success we have, whether that’s obtaining budgetary goals or policy goals, having a cohesive team that trusts each other, that works together is critical,” (R) 38th State Senate District Sen. Ed McBroom said.

In a statement, Representative Jenn Hill says the Democrats’ central priority is working on a budget that invests in the people of Michigan. McBroom says even though Republicans are in the minority now, he’s still focused on government transparency and supporting mental health.

“I’ve got a number of policy goals, a number of them have to do with substantive government reform and transparency issues, I’ve got a lot of work I’ve been doing on changing and reshaping, supporting mental health services in the Upper Peninsula,” McBroom said.

Lawmakers are set to take a summer break at the end of June and representatives will soon begin campaigning in their home districts.

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Warren mayor says running Michigan’s 3rd-largest city full of ‘challenges and surprises’

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Warren mayor says running Michigan’s 3rd-largest city full of ‘challenges and surprises’


Warren ― Warren Mayor Lori Stone touted the city’s new defense alliance with Sterling Heights, infrastructure improvements and progress in constructing affordable housing, among other achievements, in her annual State of the City address Tuesday evening.

Stone mentioned the Arsenal Alliance, a regional economic development partnership that is focused on supporting and expanding the multi-billion-dollar defense industry in the two Macomb County cities. The Sterling Heights and Warren city councils approved the partnership in April.

“We are stronger together in growing military and defense assets, providing opportunities for manufacturing to adapt to a changing mobility landscape,” she said.

Stone, who was elected mayor in November 2023, gave her second State of the City address on Tuesday to a crowd of over 100 people at the Warren Community Center Auditorium. She shared the city’s achievements from the past year in economic development, infrastructure, parks and recreation, and other areas.

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“Leading the third largest city in Michigan has brought me many joyful and jubilant experiences,” she said, “and it has also brought challenges and surprises.”

In the area of housing, Stone said Baker & Associates Realty Group LLC has broken ground on a project to construct modular housing west of Van Dyke Avenue and north of Toepfer Road. The city is also working with developers on more than 700 workforce housing units, the mayor said.

Stone also said that the city has 31 boards and commissions, such as the Animal Welfare Commission and Senior Health Care Commission. She noted that the city has filled 15 of these bodies completely and still has openings on 16 of them. She asked members of the public to serve on these boards and commissions.

Councilman Jonathan Lafferty was perplexed by the mayor’s decision to highlight vacancies on city boards two years into her first term, arguing that it is “not a success.”

“You don’t highlight the failure to appoint your boards and commissions and your appointees in your administration. You’re two years in,” he said. “This should have been done in the first 90 days. This is not a success.”

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Lafferty also said the speech was Stone’s second opportunity to “provide a bold and decisive vision for the city.” He said a State of the City should laud the city’s successes and “chart the vision ahead.”

“Where are we going as a city? How are we going to compete … in the next generation? How are we going to attract businesses for an economically diverse future?” he said. “The speech completely lacked all of those essential elements.”

In an interview after her speech, Stone said one of her goals for the year ahead is the start of the city’s parks and recreation master plan. The plan will look at how the city manages its parks and recreation centers, what programming is available and what is needed, she said.

Defense sector

Warren has the Detroit Arsenal, which is home to U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). Stone said after the speech that there are communities that are “prepared to compete to attract the Detroit Arsenal away from Warren.”

Warren and Sterling Heights are each contributing $250,000 annually to the Arsenal Alliance initiative.

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“By paying attention, by advocating, by fighting for and expanding on the ability to draw down federal funds, it grows our economy, and it lets people know, ‘Back off,” Stone said. “‘Detroit Arsenal, it belongs here in Metro Detroit.’”

Infrastructure

Stone touted the city’s new Stephens Road Detention Basin during her address. The city held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and plaque dedication in February for the $37.5 million basin, which city officials say will reduce basement flooding and result in fewer sewage discharges into the Red Run Drain.

After playing a video showing the basin being built, Stone said, “Warren, we did that. We did that,” leading to applause from the audience.

She also praised the fact that the city secured a $100 million low-interest loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for a project to replace the city’s aging sludge incinerator.

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asnabes@detroitnews.com



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Michigan football HC Sherrone Moore previews Michigan State rivalry, highlights team progress, injuries

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Michigan football HC Sherrone Moore previews Michigan State rivalry, highlights team progress, injuries


ANN ARBOR, Mich.Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore highlighted key player developments and preparations for the upcoming rivalry game against Michigan State.

It’s rivalry week as the Wolverines head to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday (Oct. 25) inside Spartan Stadium.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. on NBC.

Moore praised offensive lineman Blake Frazier, who recently had his first extended playing time.

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“Really proud of the player he’s become,” Moore said.

Frazier has gained significant weight since joining the team, now around 300 pounds, and has shown steady progression through extra reps and experience.

Fourth down conversion

On the team’s struggles converting fourth downs this season, Moore emphasized execution.

“We lost a block on one play that could have been a touchdown, and we dropped a pass,” Moore said. “We’ve got to fix that as a team.”

Injuries

Discussing injuries, Moore noted some players might return to practice soon but will be evaluated week by week.

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When asked about Evan Link’s injury, Moore said he thought he was lost for the season, but he and the team are expecting him back this season.

He said Frazier will start, and Brady Norton will play some offensive tackle while moving guys around accordingly.

Moore also said star running back Justice Haynes has been practicing and could possibly play this weekend.

Michigan State week

Moore also spoke about the significance of Michigan State week, especially for younger players.

“We talk about our rivalries during training camp, but we’ll definitely re-educate the team on what this game means,” Moore said, referencing the Paul Bunyan Trophy and the rivalry’s history.

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Reflecting on his own introduction to the rivalry, Moore recalled a memorable 2018 game involving Devin Bush, who was being held back by Moore as he stomped on the Spartans’ logo while trying to fight the whole team.

Moore also talked about the weather conditions, as all four seasons, as it rained, snowed, got cold, and was sunny, all in the same game.

When asked about Michigan State’s key players like quarterback Aidan Chiles and receiver Nick Marsh, Moore highlighted their explosiveness and route-running skills, stressing the need for a strong defensive plan.

Moore acknowledged the physicality and intensity of the rivalry, advising players to focus on execution rather than distractions.

“You’re not going to win the game talking,” Moore said.

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Bryce Underwood

On freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood’s performance, Moore praised his ability to evade pressure and make special plays.

“He does some things you can’t coach,” Moore said.

Moore also discussed the growth of the linebacking unit, highlighting standout performances and the young talent’s impact.

He emphasized the team’s urgency moving forward.

“Complacency will take away your edge,” Moore said. “We’ve got to stay hungry throughout this process.”

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With the Michigan State game approaching, Moore remains focused on preparation and respect for the rivalry.

“Records don’t matter,” Moore said. “We’re going to get their best, and they’re going to get ours.”

Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.



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Michigan gas prices hit lowest point per gallon since April 2021, AAA says

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Michigan gas prices hit lowest point per gallon since April 2021, AAA says


Gasoline prices in Michigan have reached a four-year low after the prices dropped 13 cents a gallon in the past week, AAA-The Auto Club Group reported. 

Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $2.79 a gallon for regular unleaded gas, which is 41 cents less than this time last month and 49 cents less than this time last year. This is not just a 2025 low, but the lowest since April 2021, AAA said. 

At that price point, a 15-gallon tank of gas costs about $41. 

Metro Detroit’s current average is $2.84 per gallon, which is about 9 cents less than last week’s average and 50 cents less than this same time last year. 

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The most expensive gas price averages in the state are Ann Arbor ($2.93), Marquette ($2.87) and Metro Detroit ($2.84). 

The least expensive gas price averages in the state are Grand Rapids ($2.69), Flint ($2.70) and Lansing ($2.72). 



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