The Detroit News Two Metro Detroit Republican challengers are gearing up to battle two Democratic U.S. House freshmen who have built massive campaign war chests that threaten to turn their swing seats into more securely Democratic outposts. The two districts originally were seen as key battlegrounds that could help Republicans take control of the Democratic-led U.S. House. But Democratic prospects for maintaining control have improved as President Donald Trump’s polling popularity has waned across the country.Still, the Republican House candidates are vowing to raise the...…The Detroit News Two Metro Detroit Republican challengers are gearing up to battle two Democratic U.S. House freshmen who have built massive campaign war chests that threaten to turn their swing seats into more securely Democratic outposts. The two districts originally were seen as key battlegrounds that could help Republicans take control of the Democratic-led U.S. House. But Democratic prospects for maintaining control have improved as President Donald Trump’s polling popularity has waned across the country.Still, the Republican House candidates are vowing to raise the...WW…

The Detroit News An Ypsilanti-area medical student is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Dearborn in the Aug. 4 primary in Michigan, where a Dingell has served in Congress since 1933. Solomon Rajput, 28, is boosting his name on claims that he's more progressive than Dingell, more representative of the Muslim community in the 12th District and more in tune with everyday people who aren't "political royalty," as he describes Dingell."Congresswoman Dingell is a perfectly nice person. But this is a progressive district, and she's not a...…The Detroit News An Ypsilanti-area medical student is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Dearborn in the Aug. 4 primary in Michigan, where a Dingell has served in Congress since 1933. Solomon Rajput, 28, is boosting his name on claims that he's more progressive than Dingell, more representative of the Muslim community in the 12th District and more in tune with everyday people who aren't "political royalty," as he describes Dingell."Congresswoman Dingell is a perfectly nice person. But this is a progressive district, and she's not a...WW…

The Detroit News Lansing — Michigan's unemployment compensation fund has fallen below $2.5 billion, triggering a tax increase for employers in the next calendar year to help refill the fund, according to a spokesman for the Unemployment Insurance Agency. At the same time, the state announced Thursday it has overpaid $8.2 million in duplicate unemployment payments to about 3,000 out-of-work residents and is going to attempt to collect the money.The overpayment, found May 11, includes both state and federal stimulus dollars.It was not immediately clear what the current balance...…The Detroit News Lansing — Michigan's unemployment compensation fund has fallen below $2.5 billion, triggering a tax increase for employers in the next calendar year to help refill the fund, according to a spokesman for the Unemployment Insurance Agency. At the same time, the state announced Thursday it has overpaid $8.2 million in duplicate unemployment payments to about 3,000 out-of-work residents and is going to attempt to collect the money.The overpayment, found May 11, includes both state and federal stimulus dollars.It was not immediately clear what the current balance...WW…

The Detroit News A federal judge ruled Friday that Michigan's indoor gyms can reopen on June 25 in spite of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive order keeping them closed. Grand Rapids U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney granted a preliminary injunction that halted the executive orders requiring the closure of the facilities at the request of the League of Independent Fitness Facilities and Trainers Inc. and a group of 22 companies operating gyms in Michigan. "Unfortunately, on the record before it, the court has not been presented with any evidence that shows a rational...…The Detroit News A federal judge ruled Friday that Michigan's indoor gyms can reopen on June 25 in spite of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive order keeping them closed. Grand Rapids U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney granted a preliminary injunction that halted the executive orders requiring the closure of the facilities at the request of the League of Independent Fitness Facilities and Trainers Inc. and a group of 22 companies operating gyms in Michigan. "Unfortunately, on the record before it, the court has not been presented with any evidence that shows a rational...WW…

The Detroit News Michigan's independent U.S. Rep. Justin Amash of West Michigan indicated he’s considering this week whether to run for president. A former Republican, the congressman from Cascade Township criticized President Donald Trump Monday for remarks he made during a press briefing indicating the president has “the ultimate authority.”“Americans who believe in limited government deserve another option,” Amash wrote Monday on Twitter. When a follower responded with “Please be you,” Amash said, “Thanks. I’m looking closely at it this week.”The Grand Rapids area congressman...…The Detroit News Michigan's independent U.S. Rep. Justin Amash of West Michigan indicated he’s considering this week whether to run for president. A former Republican, the congressman from Cascade Township criticized President Donald Trump Monday for remarks he made during a press briefing indicating the president has “the ultimate authority.”“Americans who believe in limited government deserve another option,” Amash wrote Monday on Twitter. When a follower responded with “Please be you,” Amash said, “Thanks. I’m looking closely at it this week.”The Grand Rapids area congressman...WW…

Get the newsShare This Story!Let friends in your social network know what you are reading aboutGov. Gretchen Whitmer asked Vice President Mike Pence if the White House could tone down its messaging and takes a 10% pay cut on $159,300 salaryA link has been sent to your friend's email address.A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the ConversationTo find out more about Facebook commenting please read theWelcome to our new and improved comments.This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.You will need to...…Get the newsShare This Story!Let friends in your social network know what you are reading aboutGov. Gretchen Whitmer asked Vice President Mike Pence if the White House could tone down its messaging and takes a 10% pay cut on $159,300 salaryA link has been sent to your friend's email address.A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the ConversationTo find out more about Facebook commenting please read theWelcome to our new and improved comments.This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.You will need to...WW…

The Detroit News When things were tense in the Michigan Senate, Morris "Mo" Hood III was known for standing at the microphone and sharing encouraging words.On Tuesday, his colleagues stood at the same microphone and honored the legacy of the longtime Democratic Detroit, who was a former Senate minority floor leader,.Hood, 54, a former member of both the Michigan House and Senate, died Monday from the coronavirus. Hood, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2016, had been suffering from the virus, and a few weeks ago was placed on a ventilator.He is survived by his wife, said Bill Nowling, a...…The Detroit News When things were tense in the Michigan Senate, Morris "Mo" Hood III was known for standing at the microphone and sharing encouraging words.On Tuesday, his colleagues stood at the same microphone and honored the legacy of the longtime Democratic Detroit, who was a former Senate minority floor leader,.Hood, 54, a former member of both the Michigan House and Senate, died Monday from the coronavirus. Hood, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2016, had been suffering from the virus, and a few weeks ago was placed on a ventilator.He is survived by his wife, said Bill Nowling, a...WW…

The Detroit News Lansing — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out plans Monday for the partial reopening of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula later this week in a go-slow approach that will have restaurants and bars operating at half capacity, among other precautions.Starting Friday, two regions — which include 17 northern Michigan counties and the entire Upper Peninsula — will be among areas to see relief from some restrictions.The governor's plan will reopen retail businesses and offices in those regions starting Friday, including bars and restaurants, which will be...…The Detroit News Lansing — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out plans Monday for the partial reopening of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula later this week in a go-slow approach that will have restaurants and bars operating at half capacity, among other precautions.Starting Friday, two regions — which include 17 northern Michigan counties and the entire Upper Peninsula — will be among areas to see relief from some restrictions.The governor's plan will reopen retail businesses and offices in those regions starting Friday, including bars and restaurants, which will be...WW…