DEBBIE STABENOW

Former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who served seven terms in the U.S. House, is running for U.S. Senate in Michigan.

With Senator Debbie Stabenow announcing her retirement, Michigan had an open Senate seat up for grabs next year. All of which makes for hotly contested primaries.

Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is expected to soon announce a bid for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat next year.

Supporters of Hill Harper rallied at Cadillac Square in Detroit Tuesday afternoon to hear him speak a day after he announced his run for Senate.

An actor best known for his roles on “CSI: NY” and “The Good Doctor” will run for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat and challenge U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin for the Democratic nomination.

Former state Rep. Leslie Love, a Democrat who represented Detroit for six years in the Michigan Legislature, announced Monday that she is running for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2024.

A Michigan lawyer and scientist is launching a campaign for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Debbie Stabenow in 2024.

The October 2002 votes in the House and Senate to authorize war with Iraq were grave moments in American history that would have reverberations for decades.

Democratic congresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan says she'll seek the state's open Senate seat in 2024.

Republican Rep. John James of Michigan is opting against a campaign for the Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Debbie Stabenow in 2024.

Michigan leaders were making the case to bring a new air force mission to Selfridge Air Base in a series of new letters to the Air Force.

Democratic congresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan is taking steps toward seeking the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Democrat Debbie Stabenow.

Although the Motown Museum in Detroit received $10 million in federal funding, the overall cost of the museum’s redevelopment plan has increased due to inflation.

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.

Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News at Local 4+.

Longtime Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow says she will leave the U.S. Senate at the end of her term in January of 2025.

Who could replace Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow in 2024?

The surprise announcement that Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow won't run for a fifth term in 2024 sets up a scramble by both parties for an open seat in the key battleground state.

Longtime Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow says she will leave the U.S. Senate at the end of her term in January of 2025.

Sen. Chuck Schumer has been elected for another term as Democratic leader in the Senate.

President Joe Biden is trying to allay concerns raised by French President Emmanuel Macron about a clean energy law that benefits electric vehicles and other products made in North America.

The federal government wants to expand all-hours mental health and substance abuse care in communities around the country.

Senator Debbie Stabenow is responding to the investigation at Detroit’s John Dingell VA Medical Center after allegations of misconduct were made.

In recent days, President Joe Biden has sharpened his attacks against Donald Trump and the so-called MAGA Republicans for posing a threat to democracy.

In recent days, President Joe Biden has sharpened his attacks against Donald Trump and the so-called MAGA Republicans for posing a threat to democracy.

A House oversight subcommittee wants regulators and industry leaders to explain what they are doing to stop cryptocurrency fraud and other scams perpetrated on consumers.

A tax credit of up to $7,500 could be used to defray the cost of an electric vehicle under the Inflation Reduction Act now moving toward final approval in Congress.

After 13 years, at least three crashes, dozens of scams and Ponzi schemes and hundreds of billions of dollars made and evaporated, cryptocurrencies finally have the full attention of Congress.

One of the country’s most powerful women brings her clout to Michigan to focus on a shortage that has been slowing down the state’s vital auto industry.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says Democrats will push ahead on restraining pharmaceutical prices and extending health insurance subsidies for millions of Americans.

Reaction comes in from across the state after the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe V. Wade.

On Monday, it was announced that Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard had been awarded “Sheriff of the Year” by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association.

On Wednesday, Local 4 reached out to every Michigan lawmaker in Congress and asked them an open question about the shooting trend.

President Joe Biden is under pressure to preserve access to abortion, but he has few good options to do it.

The Senate is gearing up for a vote on legislation that would codify abortion rights into federal law.

For decades, Democrats have tried to motivate their voters by warning of the conservative fight to outlaw abortion.

Ann Arbor and Detroit are set to receive over $84M in aid from the U.S. Department of Transportation according to U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow.

Officials announced Friday morning that significant improvements are coming to Southeast Michigan water systems.

The United States has shut down Russian oil imports in the face of the continued war in Ukraine. But what else can be done? We’re sitting down with Senator Debbie Stabenow to see what she has to say.

Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News.

While the Ukraine crisis presents the U.S. with a foreign policy threat, it's also pushing gasoline prices higher at home.

The Biden administration's new infrastructure package will pump more funding into two high-profile Great Lakes projects.

The Army Corps of Engineers will receive $479 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to modernize the Soo Locks.

A federal watchdog says the Trump administration overpaid corn farmers by about $3 billion in federal aid in 2019 and that farmers in the South were paid more for the same crops than elsewhere in the country.

Republicans plan to forcefully oppose race and diversity curricula in public schools as a core piece of their strategy in the 2022 midterm elections.

First Lady Jill Biden arrived in Michigan on Sunday evening for her visit to the annual Yeshiva Beth Yehudah dinner in Detroit.

Starting this month, 13 mental health and addiction clinics across Michigan will receive the same Medicaid funding as any other health center in an effort to help bridge the stigmatic and funding divide between mental and physical health.

An innovative program to help people with mental health and substance abuse problems is being primed for a major expansion as the COVID-19 pandemic deepens struggles with drug use, depression and anxiety for many Americans.

Senate Democrats say they’ve reached a budget agreement envisioning spending an enormous $3.5 trillion over the coming decade.

Biden remained mostly quiet to reporters on major issues facing Michigan, like infrastructure, climate change and the 2022 midterm elections.

President Joe Biden stayed mum on policy during a Saturday trip to Michigan, focusing instead on cherries and on voters who were mask-free amid eased coronavirus restrictions.

A Michigan man has pleaded guilty to threatening Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Elissa Slotkin, according to Attorney General Dana Nessel.

If you’ve shopped for a new or used car recently you may have noticed that prices have increased.

Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI), Gary Peters (MI) announced on Tuesday that Willow Run Airport will receive $15,275,685 from the Department of Transportation. The airport will use the Federal Aviation Administration grant to improve its existing runways. “I’m pleased to announce this federal grant, which will help improve Willow Run’s daily operations.”“Investing in Willow Run Airport will support economic development in the region,” Senator Stabenow said in a release. “Willow Run Airport is a critical gateway for our local economy in Ypsilanti and Washtenaw, as well as throughout the entire tri-county area,” Congresswoman Dingell said in a release. “With more than $15 million in federal funds, Willow Run can make critical improvements to their runway that will keep pilots and passengers safe, while increasing cargo capability arriving at and departing from the airport.

DETROIT – A group of Michigan women hold powerful positions in Washington, D.C., representing all of us in the House of Representatives and Senate. Rep. Rashida Tlaib is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. When it comes to Michigan’s voices in the halls of power, many of those voices are women. “I believe in listening to people, hearing what they really have to say,” Dingell said. “She said, ‘Make sure you always know that you’re representing women everywhere.’”And women everywhere now look to Michigan for their advice.

DETROIT – From vaccine distribution to reopening the economy and fixing worn-out infrastructure, many major projects are county responsibilities. Sunday’s episode of Flashpoint included a conversation with the county executives from Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. The leaders are Oakland County Executive, David Coulter; Wayne County Executive, Warren Evans and Macomb County Executive, Mark Hackel. Jennifer Granholm who currently serves on President Joe Biden’s cabinet as secretary of energy made an appearance. Segment OneOakland County Executive, David Coulter; Wayne County Executive, Warren Evans and Macomb County Executive, Mark HackelSegment TwoSecretary of Energy and former Michigan governor, Jennifer Granholm

“I’m pleased to announce the addition of a new FEMA-supported site in Detroit,” said White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients. “This site, located at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, has the ability to administer 6,000 shots per day.”UPDATE March 15: You can now register to get vaccinated against COVID at Ford FieldREAD: FEMA to convert Ford Field into regional mass vaccination siteIt was initially reported in February that officials from FEMA were touring Ford Field and were planning to turn the home of the Detroit Lions into a massive vaccination site. “Protect lives and move Michigan and Detroit forward.”The way forward, she said, is the the vaccination site at Ford Field. I am thrilled that the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act will deliver resources -- that I secured -- directly to the federal vaccination program at Ford Field. Having this new mass vaccination site operated by FEMA will be a significant step forward for our city and our region toward that goal.

Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – Tough as it was for Democrats, passing President Joe Biden’s sweeping $1.9 trillion COVID-19 rescue package into law was the easy part. Biden’s signing of the American Rescue Plan on Thursday marks a milestone for his administration and for Democrats who have command of the House, Senate and White House for the first time in a decade. If Senate Republicans start blocking the legislation, Democrats are prepared to force them into long days and nights of dramatic floor filibusters, like the movie version in “Mr. The filibuster gives the minority enormous ability to halt action, and Senate Democrats used it plenty of times when they were out of power. Still, Biden's infrastructure package may be one bill that could win over Republican support.

Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – Tough as it was for Democrats, passing President Joe Biden’s sweeping $1.9 trillion COVID-19 rescue package into law was the easy part. If Senate Republicans start blocking the legislation, Democrats are prepared to force them into long days and nights of dramatic floor filibusters, like the movie version in “Mr. The filibuster gives the minority enormous ability to halt action, and Senate Democrats used it plenty of times when they were out of power. Still, Biden's infrastructure package may be one bill that could win over Republican support. Doubting bipartisanship will emerge, there is growing support among Democratic senators to do away with the filibuster if Republicans use it to block Biden's bills.

The state got nearly $1.8 billion to help schools under the package enacted in late December. Noting that GOP legislators had not negotiated with her, the governor vetoed $652 million in other aid, including $97 million in federal school funds, until a deal is reached. The House on Wednesday quickly passed bills to restore the $652 million that was vetoed, including $405 million in state funding for pandemic-affected businesses. But many Democrats voted no, pointing out — as the governor has — that GOP legislators did not include all federal funding for rental home and food assistance. Michigan is due to receive billions in additional funding under the package headed to Biden's desk, including $3.8 billion for schools.

DETROIT – The $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill could be on President Joe Biden’s desk by the end of the week -- but when will the stimulus payments make their way to citizens? Local 4′s Hank Winchester spoke with Sen. Debbie Stabenow on Monday from Washington. READ: Stimulus check update: When to expect $1,400 payments and who’s eligible? The bill includes a $1,400 stimulus payment for individuals earning less than $75,000 and couples making less than $150,000. As the COVID-19 bill moves forward, citizens should update their information with the IRS.

DETROIT – It has been a whole year since the first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Michigan. On Sunday’s episode of Flashpoint we took a look at what the country and world has learned throughout the year in addition to how to move forward from this point. A new study this week found the likely reason the United States leads the world in COVID-19 deaths is because the country has the world’s most overweight population. There was also a discussion on how stakeholders in the education crisis feel about in-person learning resuming. Related: Nearly 1 year since first cases of coronavirus confirmed in MichiganSegment OneLori Higgins, Bureau Chief for Chalkboard Detroit and Chastity Pratt, Education Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., leaves the chamber just after the Senate narrowly approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, at the Capitol in Washington, Saturday, March 6, 2021. Senate passage sets up final congressional approval by the House next week so lawmakers can send it to President Joe Biden for his signature. Ad“Lessons learned: If we have unity, we can do big things,” Schumer told The Associated Press in an interview after the vote. The outcome “gives us optimism about doing more big things in the future — because it worked,” he said. He and Schumer spoke often as the Senate leader steered the pandemic aid to approval.

Scott Applewhite, File)CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia has long proclaimed itself “Almost Heaven,” a nod to a song and soaring mountaintop vistas. But Manchin, who grew up in the mountain town of Farmington, has emerged as a key swing vote in a divided Senate. Not since Robert Byrd’s death in 2010 has a senator from West Virginia wielded this much influence. With his centrist instincts in such a red state, Manchin has occasionally been the subject of rumors he'll switch parties. “We're hoping Senator Manchin remembers that he represents some of the poorest people in this country,” Kerner said.

DETROIT – Everyone agrees that Americans need relief from the pandemic, but what kind of relief is right or might be too much? We talked about it Sunday on Flashpoint with Democratic Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Michigan’s 14th congressional district and Republican Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan’s 10th congressional district. The House passed a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package early Saturday, 219-212, that includes $1,400 checks for most Americans and billions of dollars for schools, state and local governments and businesses. Both Lawrence and McClain talked about that and more. Segment OneDemocratic Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Michigan’s 14th congressional district and Republican Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan’s 10th congressional district.

Potholes on Beech Daly Road just north of Warren Avenue in Dearborn Heights. (WDIV)WASHINGTON – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will testify before a U.S. Senate committee on Wednesday about the need for investment in infrastructure. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works will hold a hearing entitled, “Building Back Better: Investing in Transportation while Addressing Climate Change, Improving Equity, and Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation.”Whitmer will be joined by Maryland Gov. The hearing begins at 10:15 a.m. -- watch in the video player below:

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 4:Charges announced against 2 men accused of threatening public officialsMichigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced charges against two men accused of threatening public officials. One is accused of leaving threatening messages for U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and making threatening calls to Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin.

Two men were charged by Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office for making threatening three high ranking Michigan public officials.

DETROIT – After giving his two cents at the White House, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan returned to the city to continue steering it through the pandemic. Then the “other” pandemic -- the mental health struggles of young people after a year of COVID-19. From pretty much the beginning, we’ve wondered about the toll the pandemic has been taking on all of us from a mental health standpoint. Segment OneDetroit Mayor Mike Duggan. AdSegment TwoDr. Lynn Smitherman from Wayne State University and Mary Beth Garvey, a family therapist from Grosse Pointe.

DETROIT – Sunday’s episode of Flashpoint was live and included a roundtable discussion on the historic second impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump. On Saturday, Trump was acquitted in the impeachment trial. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, author of Medicare for All: A citizen’s guide, also made an appearance and discussed the Medicare for All movement. Segment OneA roundtable discussion with Zoe Clark, co-host of It’s Just Politics on Michigan Radio; Guy Gordon, host of The Guy Gordon Show on WJR; Nolan Finley, editorial page editor of The Detroit News and Stephen Henderson, host of WDET’s Detroit Today show, on the impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump. AdSegment TwoDr. Abdul El-Sayed, author of Medicare for All: A citizen’s guideSegment ThreeHost Devin Scillian wraps up this week’s episode remembering prominent self-defense attorney, Cliff Woodards.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, file photo, President Donald Trump waves as he boards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, en route to his Mar-a-Lago Florida Resort. Former President Donald Trump is welcoming his second impeachment acquittal and says his movement “has only just begun.”Democratic senators from Michigan were among the U.S. lawmakers who cast “guilty” votes on Saturday in hopes of charging Trump with incitement. “Former President Donald Trump spent months pushing a big lie – that the November election was stolen from him. Today, 57 Senators – including a record 7 Republicans – voted to find former President Trump guilty for inciting that deadly insurrection on our very democracy. The Senate vote followed the bipartisan vote to impeach him by the House of Representatives.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Sen. Gary Peters sat through hours of testimony during the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump and they have hours more to go. READ: ‘It was disturbing in a major way’ -- Michigan Senators respond to testimony from Impeachment trialThe two Michigan Senators said watching the videos from inside the U.S. Capitol Building over the past few days has been disturbing. WATCH: Live stream: Trump impeachment trial in Senate (Day 3)AdStabenow and Peters were both inside the Capitol Building during the deadly siege that forced them to hide from those looking to harm or kill lawmakers. Both have called for the impeachment of Trump, but they said they weren’t sure where some Republican colleagues would change their mind and join them. “This will go down in history as the largest bipartisan vote to convict a president of the United States.”It appears Trump’s defense team plans to wrap up sometime Friday, which means the Senators’ vote will be sooner than expected.

Dramatic video and audio from the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building were presented Wednesday during the second day of the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump. WATCH: Live stream: Trump impeachment trial in Senate (Day 3)U.S. House of Representatives manager Madeleine Dean became emotional as she recounted the moment the rioters tried to enter the House Chamber. AdREAD: Trump can’t hang on to lawyers after false election claimsMichigan’s two Senators said it was difficult to relive the day of the deadly insurrection. They said the footage during Wednesday’s trial shocked them and they were disturbed by how violent things became inside the U.S. Capitol Building. Ad“Their language about wanting to kill people, wanting to kill Mike Pence and the Speaker but also saying over and over again just whoever they saw they wanted to kill,” Stabenow recalled.

DETROIT – A million vaccines have been distributed in Michigan, which sounds like a lot, until you realize it isn’t nearly enough. On Sunday’s episode we turned to one of the leading authorities on vaccines. Dr. Arnold Monto, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health spoke about where we stand on vaccine distribution. And Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson puts forth her prescription for strengthening Michigan’s elections. The state leader spoke about the issue more on Sunday.

From left, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen joined the Democratic senators for a private virtual meeting, both declaring the Republicans' $618 billion offer was too small. “President Biden spoke about the need for Congress to respond boldly and quickly,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said after the lunch meeting. The president made it clear that he won’t delay aid in hopes of winning GOP support. Biden proposes $170 billion for schools, compared to $20 billion in the Republican plan.

DETROIT – The United States Senate is preparing for the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. Several Republican lawmakers say the proceedings are at odds with now-President Joe Biden’s articulated desire to bring the nation back together. On Sunday, we discussed the impeachment trial with U.S. We also heard from Washtenaw County’s new prosecutor Eli Savit, who has decided it will not be business as usual in the prosecutor’s office. AdSegment OneInterview with U.S. Sen. Debbie StabenowSegment TwoInterview with Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli SavitSegment ThreeHost Devin Scillian wraps up this week’s episode with a round of “3 and Out”Watch Flashpoint live every Sunday at 10 a.m.

In this Jan. 27, 2021, photo, President Joe Biden speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Democrats in the House and Senate are operating as though they know they are borrowed time. Schumer said he drew from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's advice to “act big” to weather the COVID-19 economic crisis. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, a former White House budget director under George W. Bush, wants a deeper accounting of what funds remain from the $900 billion coronavirus aid package from December. “The risks of going too small dramatically outweigh the risks of going too big,” said Gene Sperling, a former director of the White House National Economic Council, who signed the letter.

WASHINGTON – Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) had a front-row seat to Wednesday’s inauguration festivities on the Capitol steps. Stabenow said on Wednesday, there was a tremendous sense of hope and optimism from her and her colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and her grandson Walter on the Capitol steps on Jan. 20, 2021. (Debbie Stabenow)Stabenow and Walter took a picture on the Capitol steps with their Aviator sunglasses -- a nod to the newly sworn-in President Joe Biden. And so a number of the senators, we all showed up with Aviators on is a salute to Joe,” Stabenow said.

Senator Debbie Stabenow, from Michigan“It was such an honor to witness history today as President Biden and Vice President Harris were sworn into office. More than a trailblazer and trusted voice for President Biden, Vice President Harris will fight for justice and equality in this nation. And I look forward to getting the job done with President Biden and Vice President Harris.” Rep. DingellU.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, Michigan’s 13th district“I congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their historic inauguration. The inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris completed the peaceful transfer of power as required by our Constitution. The success of President Biden and Vice President Harris will be a success we all share.

DETROIT – Michigan members of Congress shared details of the violent and deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building Wednesday. READ: Michigan lawmakers respond to deadly siege on US Capitol BuildingMembers of Congress continue to reel from the insurrection on Capitol Hill as stories of fear, chaos and bravery have come out. Bill Huizenga was one of them trying to take benches to try and secure the chamber,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. “I started seeing clips and began to realize that there were mobs that didn’t care if they hurt people or damaged people,” Dingell recalled. Michigan officials are calling for the removal of Maddock and any representative who participated in the violence.

DETROIT – Some Michigan lawmakers are calling for President Donald Trump to be removed from office as they recount the terrifying moments when they were told to hide and find shelter. READ: Michigan lawmakers call on Pence to invoke 25th Amendment to remove Trump from officeThe deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building took place while the entire Congress was on their respective floors. Sen. Debbie Stabenow described the chaos and confusion Thursday morning and said many staffers were visibly upset after reaching a secure location. Related: Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell on Capitol riot: ‘They were attacking what is the symbol of our country and our democracy’“They opened some back doors and -- without telling us exactly what was happening -- they started yelling ‘Go go go go go!’” Stabenow recalled. Related: Michigan GOP Rep. Lisa McClain describes situation inside U.S. CapitolMore coverage

READ: Pro-Trump groups storm US Capitol, force lockdown: Follow live coverageAt about 2:15 p.m., the U.S. Capitol was placed on lockdown as groups breached the Capitol steps. https://t.co/iKYIGCvFk1 — Rep. Debbie **Wear A Mask** Dingell (@RepDebDingell) January 6, 2021I am safe in a secure location. — Rep. Debbie **Wear A Mask** Dingell (@RepDebDingell) January 6, 2021We have been told the Capitol is now secure. — Rep. Debbie **Wear A Mask** Dingell (@RepDebDingell) January 6, 2021Haley StevensCongresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) released two tweets. @realDonaldTrump should demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately.

However, the benefits will be slightly delayed until Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency can update its system with the renewals. If this comes to a vote, Stabenow believes enough Republicans will join to get the 60 votes needed to pass it. House votes to override Trump’s veto of defense billThe Democratic-controlled House voted overwhelmingly Monday to override President Donald Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, setting the stage for what would be the first veto override of his presidency. House members voted 322-87 to override the veto, well above the two-thirds needed to override. The Senate, which is expected to vote on the override this week, also needs to approve it by a two-thirds majority.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Legislation passed to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Ann Arbor after Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)Decades ago, Lieutenant Colonel Kettles courageously went back into enemy territory to save the lives of 44 of his fellow servicemen. It is a fitting tribute to rename the Ann Arbor VA hospital for a hometown hero. In 2015, Dingell led legislation to waive time limitations that deemed Lieutenant Colonel Kettles ineligible for consideration of the Medal of Honor. After the bill was enacted, President Obama awarded Kettles the Medal of Honor on July 18, 2016, nearly 50 years after his heroic actions.

University of Michigan alumna Rohini Kosoglu has been named to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ White House senior staff. Kosoglu will serve as domestic policy advisor to the Vice President. She previously served as a legislative aide to Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow. She also previously served as a legislative aide to U.S. Originally from New Jersey, Kosoglu is a graduate of the University of Michigan and George Washington University and is a mother to three young children.

DETROIT – On Tuesday, Republican John James conceded to Democrat and incumbent Gary Peters in Michigan’s closely watched US Senate race. In the statement James who previously ran for a seat on the Senate against Democrat and longtime US Sen. Debbie Stabenow congratulated Peters on his victory. Republicans including James had called for an investigation into the election results alleging potential voting fraud. Since the presidential election Republican leaders have made allegations of voter fraud without substantial evidence. “John James’ life of service sacrifice and selflessness has inspired millions of Michiganders.

MINNEAPOLIS – The reelection defeat of U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson in Minnesota and some key retirements mean a shakeup is coming for the industry on Capitol Hill, with power likely to shift from the Midwest to the South and the coasts. Both the House and Senate agriculture committees will get new chairs, and there will be a new top Republican on the House panel. Fischbach plans to seek a seat on the Agriculture Committee, but she'll have to draw heavily on her legislative skills to have much of an influence as a freshman in the minority party. Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan is the only one of the top four agriculture committee leaders returning in 2021. Neither Roberts nor Rep. Michael Conaway of Texas, the ranking Republican in the House committee, sought reelection.

Peters, the only non-incumbent Democrat to claim a Senate seat in 2014, is one of just two Senate Democrats running in a state Donald Trump won four years ago. Public polls have shown him extending his lead over James, a Black businessman and Iraq War veteran, but Republicans who see an opening insist James has a shot. He aims to be the first Michigan Republican to win a Senate seat in a quarter-century. James, unlike other Republican Senate candidates, has largely kept pace in fundraising with his opponent. Peters joined Biden and former President Barack Obama at events in the Democratic strongholds of Detroit and Flint on Saturday.

DETROIT – Jill Biden, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, is scheduled to campaign in Michigan on Thursday, Oct. 29. She is expected to be joined by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Debbie Dingell and Westland Mayor Bill Wild. Jill Biden campaigned in Metro Detroit earlier this month as the Biden-Harris campaign aims focus on Michigan voters. Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris campaigned in Metro Detroit Sunday and discussed how a Biden-Harris administration could impact Michiganders. WATCH: Interview with Sen. Kamala Harris on hunger, job loss, Michigan

Peters was the only non-incumbent Democrat to win a Senate election in 2014, when he prevailed easily despite the GOP’s successes nationally and in Michigan. All largely back both Biden and Peters, but a bigger percentage remain undecided in the Senate race, according to some polls. He said he ranks as one of the most bipartisan Senate Democrats and, despite being a freshman in the minority, has written and passed more of his bills than any other senator. Before winning promotion to the Senate, Peters was a congressman, lottery commissioner and state senator and served in the Navy Reserve. Stu Sandler, a consultant for James' campaign, said support for Peters is “soft all around.

Biden sat down with Local 4′s Mara MacDonald for a one-on-one conversation. When asked why his poll numbers among that group were soft, Biden said, "I don’t know but my whole career, I’ve had the support of blue collar workers pretty coherent here in the automobile industry. But what would be different if it was a Biden Administration and not a Trump Administration in dealing with COVID-19? When asked why, Biden said, "It’s fundamentally what her judicial philosophy is. The issue is is her judicial philosophy going to prevent her from saying there is a right to privacy.

The final agreement gives the administration continued immediate authority to dole out Agriculture Department subsidies in the run-up to Election Day. This is cash flow to mom and pop businesses all over rural America," said Texas Rep. Michael Conaway, top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee. Trump announced a new $13 billion allotment of bailout funding at a political rally in Wisconsin last week. But the financial fix had been passed before, and other Democrats, including endangered House incumbents in states like Iowa and Minnesota, pressed for it. In the past, both Democrats and Republicans have sought to use government funding deadlines and must-past temporary funding bills as leverage to try to win concessions elsewhere on Washington's agenda.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s two Senators are against a Supreme Court confirmation vote before Nov. 3. As representatives gear up for a showdown over how to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Michigan’s Senior Sen. Debbie Stabenow has been critical of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. READ: Senate Leader Mitch McConnell pledges quick vote on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s successor“Mitch McConnell will do whatever is in the short-term political interests for him,” Stabenow said. Stabenow said there are some Republican Senators that she expects will cross party lines -- like Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. “We don’t know for sure, but I would assume the two of those colleagues that are still with us would be there,” Stabenow said.

Audience members watch from their cars as Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, seen on a monitor, speaks during a CNN town hall in Moosic, Pa., Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Biden faced a half-dozen questions about the coronavirus and a potential vaccine in the town hall from moderator Anderson Cooper and audience members. The town hall was the first time that Biden had faced live, unscripted questions from voters since winning the nomination. Trump participated in a town hall Tuesday in an auditorium in Philadelphia. Trump signaled he'd been watching the town hall before he took the stage for a rally in Misonee, Wisconsin, on Thursday night. “They’ve got cars ... it’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen.”Trump's ABC town hall was held inside a half-empty auditorium, with attendees socially distanced and wearing masks.

Audience members watch from their cars as Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, seen on a monitor, speaks during a CNN town hall in Moosic, Pa., Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

DETROIT – Oakland County Circuit Judge Hala Jarbou is expected to become the first Chaldean American to serve on a federal bench, according to leaders in the community. On Thursday, the US Senate confirmed her nomination to serve as a federal judge in western Michigan during a 83 to 15 vote. She has an immigrant success story and traces her roots to Telkaif, Iraq. Before that she served in the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office, working primarily in the Circuit Court Division. Jarbou earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.

Senator Gary Peters is in a tight race with Republican challenger John James, according to a new WDIV/Detroit News poll. Sen. Peters is running for his second term in the U.S. Senate, while John James is making his second attempt at being an incumbent for the seat. Heading into the final stretch of the 2020 election, Peters holds a 3-point lead over James, which is in the margin of error for the WDIV/Detroit News poll. METHODOLOGYThe Glengariff Group, Inc. conducted a Michigan statewide survey of November 2020 likely general election voters. The 600 sample, live operator telephone survey was conducted on September 1-3, 2020 and has a margin of error of +/-4.0% with a 95% level of confidence.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Monday the extension of federal waivers allowing flexibilities in child nutrition programs to continue feeding all Michigan children during the coronavirus pandemic. This means meals will continue to be provided to children ages 18 and under at no cost to the families. The program waivers were set to expire Aug. 31. Sen. Debbie Stabenow said the U.S. Department of Agriculture did a fantastic job last spring by getting food to needy children. She said the department waived rules and spent money to make it easier for children to get meals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will not continue to provide food program waivers that have ensured students are fed while schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic unless Congress acts, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan warned Tuesday. Some children get their only meals at school. Should Congress choose to go in this direction, USDA stands ready to provide technical assistance.The USDA did not return a request for further comment Tuesday. She said she hoped it was not coming from the Trump administrations push to put students back in schools for in-person instruction. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.