Legislative

Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) has emerged as one of the most outspoken voices in Michigan’s Legislature criticizing the United States’ involvement in the escalating conflict with Iran, raising concerns in recent days through a press conference, social media posts and television appearance.

After the Detroit News reported that Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) might not run for reelection, House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) gave the story additional legs by postulating that the Democratic senator could be fixing to join the lucrative ranks of multi-client lobbyists in this town.

The House on Tuesday passed legislation to set aside $152 million for new runways at Selfridge Air National Guard Base to accommodate the 21 new F-15EX Eagle II coming to the Macomb County base to replace the retiring A-10 Warthogs, although a source connected with the Governor's office told MIRS Tuesday House members “jumped the gun.”

Roughly 50 people gathered outside the Capitol Monday evening protesting the U.S. military action in Iran. The protest follows the United States' Saturday airstrikes in Iran that have drawn sharp criticism from those who argue President Donald Trump's administration shouldn't have started what could become a prolonged conflict without congressional approval.

Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) announced in a press release that she will not seek reelection and will not run for public office "ever again," describing the decision as a "spiritual" one rooted in her Christian faith.

Trust in government and institutions is low, but with work it can be restored.

Democrats from several factions banded together to call for the stoppage of a Romulus warehouse being converted into an immigrant detention center. They also expressed fear that Michigan could be the next target of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

If the states successfully call for a national constitutional convention, Michigan would send five commissioners and five alternates who are at least 25 years old, registered voters and someone who has been a U.S. citizen and Michigan resident for at least five years under legislation considered in a House committee Thursday.

Michigan's last four governors called for folks to dial back the vitriol in today's politics, with each taking a unique twist on the subject of civility during a special lunchtime panel put on by the Ford Presidential Foundation and Michiganders for Civic Resilience.

The race to become Senate Democrats' next leader consists of some unknowns. While Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) is the senator most publicly and actively running for the job, another talked-about contender, Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), might not be running for reelection this year.

The push-and-pull between youth and their elders has played out over time immemorial. Every generation says theirs is different.

The Republican-led House is prepared to do “big things” in 2026 despite it being an election year, said House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) during Wednesday’s first press conference of the year.

The race to be the next Senate Republican leader is, by all accounts, an amicable contest among the group's returning members that, if history is any guide, will be decided among the group before the November election.

With Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) missing 86 percent of her votes last year to concentrate on her constituents' more immediate needs and asking to be removed from her committees in 2026, it's only natural to ask: If Whitsett isn't going to show up to the state Capitol this year, will her House colleagues remove her?

Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) asked House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) on Tuesday to be removed from all committees as she further distances herself from the traditional operations of a state legislator.

A former policy advisor for the Michigan House Republican Caucus is alleged to have strangled his 34-year-old girlfriend following an argument after a night at the bar, according to a police report.

Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), whose well-documented absences prematurely ended lame duck in 2024, missed 86.4 percent of the House's roll call votes in 2025 as her disenchantment over the Legislature's work continued under split power.

It's officially 2026! We're electing a new governor, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State and attorney general.

House Finance Committee Chair Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester) got a call earlier this month from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who wanted to compare notes on crafting a new job incentive program because, as the chair said, "what we've been doing is not working."

In a caucus with such conservative brands as Rep. Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers), Rep. Matt Maddock (R-Milford) and Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton), two-term Republican Rep. Donni Steele (R-Lake Orion) ended up with the House's most conservative record based on 46 roll call votes selected by MIRS.