Ben Solis
@bensolis1.bsky.social
Senior Reporter with Michigan Advance. Geek of All Trades. Equal opportunity muckraker.
Without fear or favor.
Latest column from the chief.
Latest column from the chief.
“If she continues down this path, Whitmer risks transforming a strong, people-first narrative into a muddled story of corporate appeasement and economic strategy on autopilot.”
My latest commentary for @michiganadvance.com
My latest commentary for @michiganadvance.com
Whitmer’s data center enthusiasm will undo her record of putting the people of Michigan first • Michigan Advance
For most of her tenure as Michigan’s chief executive, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has earned her reputation the old fashioned way: by delivering results that matter to the people she represents. GOP propaga...
michiganadvance.com
December 5, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Without fear or favor.
Latest column from the chief.
Latest column from the chief.
Reposted by Ben Solis
Michigan’s recently passed road funding measures have various pitfalls and oversights that might lead to the money not being delivered on time, while also making it difficult to predict if the legislation will actually improve statewide road and bridge infrastructure.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
New analysis warns Michigan’s 2025 road funding deal may fall short and arrive late • Michigan Advance
Michigan’s recently passed road funding measures have various pitfalls and oversights that might lead to the money not being delivered on time, while also making it difficult to predict if the legisla...
michiganadvance.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Michigan’s recently passed road funding measures have various pitfalls and oversights that might lead to the money not being delivered on time, while also making it difficult to predict if the legislation will actually improve statewide road and bridge infrastructure.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
The battle for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat is gearing up to include at least one potentially messy primary on the Democratic Party side and a potentially bruising fight on the GOP side if a new challenge to the party’s frontrunner causes intra-party friction.
Story by @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story by @bensolis1.bsky.social
Field shaping up in Michigan’s contested U.S. Senate race • Michigan Advance
The battle for retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters’s seat in the upper chamber of Congress is gearing up to include at least one potentially messy primary on the Democratic Party side and a potentially bru...
michiganadvance.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:16 PM
The battle for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat is gearing up to include at least one potentially messy primary on the Democratic Party side and a potentially bruising fight on the GOP side if a new challenge to the party’s frontrunner causes intra-party friction.
Story by @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story by @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl, two out-of-state conservative activists who pleaded no contest to orchestrating a series of robocalls aimed at suppressing the vote of Black residents in Detroit, were sentenced to one year of probation on Monday by a Wayne County judge.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
MAGA robo-callers sentenced for intimidating Michigan voters • Michigan Advance
Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl, two out-of-state conservative activists who pleaded no contest to orchestrating a series of robocalls aimed at suppressing the vote of Black residents in Detroit, were sen...
michiganadvance.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl, two out-of-state conservative activists who pleaded no contest to orchestrating a series of robocalls aimed at suppressing the vote of Black residents in Detroit, were sentenced to one year of probation on Monday by a Wayne County judge.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
End Gun Violence Michigan is planning to host its first-ever, nonpartisan gubernatorial candidate forum in May, but at present, only the Democratic Party candidates in the 2026 race responded to the invitation.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Democratic candidates for Michigan governor set to appear for spring forum on gun violence • Michigan Advance
End Gun Violence Michigan is planning to host its first-ever, nonpartisan gubernatorial candidate forum in May, but at present, only the Democratic Party candidates in the 2026 race responded to the i...
michiganadvance.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:17 PM
End Gun Violence Michigan is planning to host its first-ever, nonpartisan gubernatorial candidate forum in May, but at present, only the Democratic Party candidates in the 2026 race responded to the invitation.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
A survey of likely Michigan voters released Tuesday shows the state’s Democrats are circling the wagons around Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, while Republicans are likely to pull for U.S. Rep. John James of Shelby Township in the 2026 primary election.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Rogers leads Senate poll as Stevens closes gap; Benson, James top early 2026 governor field • Michigan Advance
A survey of likely Michigan voters released Tuesday shows the state’s Democrats are circling the wagons around Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, while Republicans are likely to pull for U.S. Rep. Joh...
michiganadvance.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:04 PM
A survey of likely Michigan voters released Tuesday shows the state’s Democrats are circling the wagons around Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, while Republicans are likely to pull for U.S. Rep. John James of Shelby Township in the 2026 primary election.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
Michigan’s Republican House Speaker Matt Hall has come under fire for receiving tickets to a Detroit Lions game supplied by a lobbyist, who now says he has a copy of the check that shows Hall paid full market price of the tickets, in line with current law.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Lobbyist who provided Lions tickets to Hall said fair market value was paid, has check to prove it • Michigan Advance
Michigan’s Republican House Speaker Matt Hall has come under fire for receiving tickets to a Detroit Lions game supplied by a lobbyist, which is also now the subject of a lobbying law complaint from a...
michiganadvance.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Michigan’s Republican House Speaker Matt Hall has come under fire for receiving tickets to a Detroit Lions game supplied by a lobbyist, who now says he has a copy of the check that shows Hall paid full market price of the tickets, in line with current law.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township were among the most effective lawmakers in terms of sponsored legislation in a specific policy area, the Center for Effective Lawmaking said in a new report.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Stevens, Peters rated most effective Democrats in technology, other key policy areas • Michigan Advance
Two Michigan Democrats serving in Washington, D.C. were among the most effective lawmakers in terms of sponsored legislation in a specific policy area, the Center for Effective Lawmaking said in a new...
michiganadvance.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:05 PM
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township were among the most effective lawmakers in terms of sponsored legislation in a specific policy area, the Center for Effective Lawmaking said in a new report.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
A political action committee that works to elected pro-Israel Democratic candidates up and down the ballot has thrown its weight behind U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Stevens’ Michigan U.S. Senate bid gets a boost from pro-Israel political action committee • Michigan Advance
A political action committee that works to elected pro-Israel Democratic candidates up and down the ballot has thrown its weight behind U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham. On Thursday, the Democrat...
michiganadvance.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:01 PM
A political action committee that works to elected pro-Israel Democratic candidates up and down the ballot has thrown its weight behind U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Birmingham.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
William Null of Shelbyville is the latest candidate to signal their interest in seeking the Republican nomination for governor in 2026, despite his history of being implicated in the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Michigan man acquitted in Whitmer kidnapping plot is gearing up to run for governor • Michigan Advance
William Null of Shelbyville is the latest candidate to signal their interest in seeking the Republican nomination for governor in 2026, despite his history of being implicated in the plot to kidnap Go...
michiganadvance.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:03 PM
William Null of Shelbyville is the latest candidate to signal their interest in seeking the Republican nomination for governor in 2026, despite his history of being implicated in the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
As plans and announcements for new AI data centers proliferate across Michigan, a Howell Township trustee is telling people that the parent company for Facebook and Instagram is behind another project planned on more than 1,000 acres of agricultural land.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Local Michigan township trustee says Meta is behind data center project planned near Howell • Michigan Advance
As plans and announcements for new AI data centers proliferate across Michigan, a Howell Township trustee is telling people that the parent company for Facebook and Instagram is behind another project...
michiganadvance.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:02 PM
As plans and announcements for new AI data centers proliferate across Michigan, a Howell Township trustee is telling people that the parent company for Facebook and Instagram is behind another project planned on more than 1,000 acres of agricultural land.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
the new info was Donald Trump's updated approval ratings
November 19, 2025 at 5:31 PM
the new info was Donald Trump's updated approval ratings
Reposted by Ben Solis
Abdul El-Sayed is leading Michigan Democrats in pushing to label the war on Gaza a genocide, urging the party to match its values with action, a stance long held by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Michigan Democrats push to label war on Gaza a genocide as party moves closer to their position • Michigan Advance
Before a crowd of burgeoning student activists and college Democrats, U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at an event on Tuesday took a question about one of his primary opponents and what made them ...
michiganadvance.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Abdul El-Sayed is leading Michigan Democrats in pushing to label the war on Gaza a genocide, urging the party to match its values with action, a stance long held by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
There have been a lot of disgusting and surreal moments in the Oval Office over the last 10 months that disgrace the United States, but Trump publicly dismissing the brutal assassination of a Washington Post journalist as insignificant and blowing smoke up the ass of a despotic butcher is up there
November 19, 2025 at 12:16 AM
There have been a lot of disgusting and surreal moments in the Oval Office over the last 10 months that disgrace the United States, but Trump publicly dismissing the brutal assassination of a Washington Post journalist as insignificant and blowing smoke up the ass of a despotic butcher is up there
Reposted by Ben Solis
Abdul El-Sayed, the progressive candidate on the Democratic Party side of Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, gained a powerful ally in former Congressman Andy Levin, a stalwart labor union supporter.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Former Congressman Andy Levin endorses El-Sayed’s U.S. Senate bid in joint op-ed • Michigan Advance
The progressive candidate on the Democratic Party side of the U.S. Senate race gained a powerful ally in former Congressman Andy Levin, a stalwart labor union supporter. Levin’s endorsement of Abdul E...
michiganadvance.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Abdul El-Sayed, the progressive candidate on the Democratic Party side of Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, gained a powerful ally in former Congressman Andy Levin, a stalwart labor union supporter.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
The legislative earmark reforms championed by Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) during the fraught 2025-26 budget process became law on Tuesday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the House and Senate’s respective bills into law.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Whitmer signs Republican-led push for Michigan earmark reforms into law • Michigan Advance
The legislative earmark reforms championed by Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) during the fraught 2025-26 budget process became law on Tuesday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed ...
michiganadvance.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:10 PM
The legislative earmark reforms championed by Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) during the fraught 2025-26 budget process became law on Tuesday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the House and Senate’s respective bills into law.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
Majorie Taylor Greene: "The real test will be, will the Department of Justice release the files?"
November 18, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Majorie Taylor Greene: "The real test will be, will the Department of Justice release the files?"
Reposted by Ben Solis
Defend The Vote on Tuesday endorsed Matt Maasdam and state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), who are seeking the party’s nominations in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District and 4th Congressional District races, respectively.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Maasdam, McCann pick up Defend The Vote endorsements in congressional races • Michigan Advance
A pro-democracy donor group that has committed to invest $14 million during the 2026 election cycle has given endorsement nods to two Michigan Democratic candidates in a pair of 2026 U.S. House races....
michiganadvance.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Defend The Vote on Tuesday endorsed Matt Maasdam and state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), who are seeking the party’s nominations in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District and 4th Congressional District races, respectively.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
The dependence by local governments to fund local trial courts, putting pressure on judges to generate revenue for court operations, could be a thing of the past if the Legislature acts on a new funding model proposed by the state’s judiciary.
By @bensolis1.bsky.social
By @bensolis1.bsky.social
Michigan judiciary offers new trial court funding model to end conflict between fees and justice • Michigan Advance
The excessive dependence on local governments to fund local trial courts, which puts pressure on judges to generate revenue for court operations and creates barriers to justice, could be a thing of th...
michiganadvance.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:41 PM
The dependence by local governments to fund local trial courts, putting pressure on judges to generate revenue for court operations, could be a thing of the past if the Legislature acts on a new funding model proposed by the state’s judiciary.
By @bensolis1.bsky.social
By @bensolis1.bsky.social
Wise words from our fearless leader and Advance EIC @jonkingnews.bsky.social.
In this commentary, Michigan Advance Editor-in-Chief Jon King says Michigan Republicans are no longer merely questioning elections. They are actively seeking to undermine them.
Jon King: Michigan’s GOP is manufacturing a crisis to undermine democracy • Michigan Advance
Let’s be blunt: Michigan Republicans, like their counterparts nationally, are no longer merely questioning elections. They are actively seeking to undermine them. Their latest maneuvers, calling for ...
michiganadvance.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Wise words from our fearless leader and Advance EIC @jonkingnews.bsky.social.
Reposted by Ben Solis
Ryan Friedrichs, a vice president for the company pushing the controversial data center project in Saline Township, and the husband of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, would recuse himself from any projects before the state if Benson is elected governor in 2026.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Benson’s husband to recuse from state work on controversial data center if she is elected governor • Michigan Advance
Ryan Friedrichs, a vice president for the company pushing the controversial AI data center project in Saline Township, and the husband of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, would recuse himself from a...
michiganadvance.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Ryan Friedrichs, a vice president for the company pushing the controversial data center project in Saline Township, and the husband of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, would recuse himself from any projects before the state if Benson is elected governor in 2026.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
The fight against election disinformation and changes to Michigan’s petition circulation process cleared the upper chamber of the state Legislature on Thursday. Senators moved the legislative package with bipartisan support.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Michigan Senate passes petition collection, election disinformation reforms • Michigan Advance
The fight against election disinformation and changes to Michigan’s petition circulation process cleared the upper chamber of the state Legislature on Thursday. Senators moved the legislative package ...
michiganadvance.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The fight against election disinformation and changes to Michigan’s petition circulation process cleared the upper chamber of the state Legislature on Thursday. Senators moved the legislative package with bipartisan support.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
Union battles at Detroit Medical Center may shadow Duggan’s 2026 bid for Michigan governor
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/13/u...
Another banger from @bensolis1.bsky.social
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/13/u...
Another banger from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Union battles at Detroit Medical Center may shadow Duggan’s 2026 bid for Michigan governor • Michigan Advance
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has positioned himself as a friend of labor as he seeks the office of governor in 2026, but his past dealings with unions when he headed up the Detroit Medical Center shows h...
michiganadvance.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Union battles at Detroit Medical Center may shadow Duggan’s 2026 bid for Michigan governor
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/13/u...
Another banger from @bensolis1.bsky.social
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/13/u...
Another banger from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has positioned himself as a friend of labor as he runs for governor in 2026, but his past dealings with unions when he headed up the Detroit Medical Center shows he had fraught relationships with workers attempting to organize and seek equal pay
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Union battles at Detroit Medical Center may shadow Duggan’s 2026 bid for Michigan governor • Michigan Advance
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has positioned himself as a friend of labor as he seeks the office of governor in 2026, but his past dealings with unions when he headed up the Detroit Medical Center shows h...
michiganadvance.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has positioned himself as a friend of labor as he runs for governor in 2026, but his past dealings with unions when he headed up the Detroit Medical Center shows he had fraught relationships with workers attempting to organize and seek equal pay
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
Bernadette Smith, who resigned recently from her post of Michigan Republican Party co-chair, has officially filed paperwork to form a campaign committee in a bid to take on former congressman Mike Rogers in a Republican U.S. Senate primary.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Former Michigan GOP co-chair creates campaign committee for Senate bid against Rogers • Michigan Advance
Bernadette Smith, who resigned recently from her post of Michigan Republican Party co-chair, has officially filed paperwork to form a campaign committee in a bid to take on former congressman Mike Rog...
michiganadvance.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Bernadette Smith, who resigned recently from her post of Michigan Republican Party co-chair, has officially filed paperwork to form a campaign committee in a bid to take on former congressman Mike Rogers in a Republican U.S. Senate primary.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social