Ben Solis
@bensolis1.bsky.social
Senior Reporter with Michigan Advance. Geek of All Trades. Equal opportunity muckraker.
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
Reposted by Ben Solis
A GOP staffer tied to a Republican consulting firm has resigned, following @bensolis1.bsky.social's reporting on Victory Field Operations' work with U.S. Rep. John James' gubernatorial campaign as one of its founders worked for Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt.
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/11/s...
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/11/s...
Second staffer tied to Republican consulting, petition firm ousted from Michigan Senate • Michigan Advance
Meghan Reckling, a Michigan Senate staffer who also co-founded the Republican Victory Field Operations, has resigned from her post in the office of state Sen. Lana Thies (R-Brighton), a move that foll...
michiganadvance.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:42 PM
A GOP staffer tied to a Republican consulting firm has resigned, following @bensolis1.bsky.social's reporting on Victory Field Operations' work with U.S. Rep. John James' gubernatorial campaign as one of its founders worked for Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt.
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/11/s...
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/11/s...
Reposted by Ben Solis
Michigan Advance’s Senior Reporter @bensolis1.bsky.social got the ball rolling on bringing to light this arrangement that wasn’t just unethical, but also broke legislative rules.
Ironically, those two things aren’t always the same.
Ironically, those two things aren’t always the same.
The move comes after Michigan Advance reported that Victory Field Operations was doing consulting work for the gubernatorial campaign of U.S. Rep. John James while one of its founders worked as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt.
From Ben Solis
From Ben Solis
Second staffer tied to Republican consulting, petition firm ousted from Michigan Senate • Michigan Advance
Meghan Reckling, a Michigan Senate staffer who also co-founded the Republican Victory Field Operations, has resigned from her post in the office of state Sen. Lana Thies (R-Brighton), a move that foll...
michiganadvance.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Michigan Advance’s Senior Reporter @bensolis1.bsky.social got the ball rolling on bringing to light this arrangement that wasn’t just unethical, but also broke legislative rules.
Ironically, those two things aren’t always the same.
Ironically, those two things aren’t always the same.
Reposted by Ben Solis
Ryan Friedrichs, vice president of Related Companies and husband of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, is a vice president in the company that is now pushing the development of a 1-gigawatt Oracle and OpenAI data center in a rural township.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Michigan’s Benson has familial, professional ties to company pushing data center project in Saline • Michigan Advance
Ryan Friedrichs, vice president of Related Companies and husband of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, is a vice president in the company that is now pushing the development of a 1-gigawatt O...
michiganadvance.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Ryan Friedrichs, vice president of Related Companies and husband of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, is a vice president in the company that is now pushing the development of a 1-gigawatt Oracle and OpenAI data center in a rural township.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
The move comes after Michigan Advance reported that Victory Field Operations was doing consulting work for the gubernatorial campaign of U.S. Rep. John James while one of its founders worked as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt.
From Ben Solis
From Ben Solis
Second staffer tied to Republican consulting, petition firm ousted from Michigan Senate • Michigan Advance
Meghan Reckling, a Michigan Senate staffer who also co-founded the Republican Victory Field Operations, has resigned from her post in the office of state Sen. Lana Thies (R-Brighton), a move that foll...
michiganadvance.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:08 PM
The move comes after Michigan Advance reported that Victory Field Operations was doing consulting work for the gubernatorial campaign of U.S. Rep. John James while one of its founders worked as press secretary for Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt.
From Ben Solis
From Ben Solis
Reposted by Ben Solis
The move followed a Michigan Advance report that Jeff Wiggins, from Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt’s office, was doing political consulting for U.S. Rep. John James. Both Nesbitt and James are Republican candidates for governor.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Michigan Senate leader’s press secretary moving to House speaker’s office • Michigan Advance
Jeff Wiggins, press secretary and strategic advisor for Michigan Senate Leader Aric Nesbitt, is leaving the Senate press office to join the press team of House Speaker Matt Hall, the House confirmed M...
michiganadvance.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:42 PM
The move followed a Michigan Advance report that Jeff Wiggins, from Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt’s office, was doing political consulting for U.S. Rep. John James. Both Nesbitt and James are Republican candidates for governor.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
GOP U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers brought election denialism in Michigan to new heights last month when he claimed, without evidence, that a van showed up carrying ballots at a Detroit counting location to swing the election against him.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Michigan Democrats rebuff Rogers’ evidence-free claim that the 2024 election was also stolen • Michigan Advance
Mike Rogers, the Republican U.S. Senate candidate who is seeking to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Gary Peters in 2026, brought election denialism in Michigan to new heights last month when he claimed, wi...
michiganadvance.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:08 PM
GOP U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers brought election denialism in Michigan to new heights last month when he claimed, without evidence, that a van showed up carrying ballots at a Detroit counting location to swing the election against him.
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
Bernadette Smith, co-chair of the MIGOP, resigned from her post, and with that has come rumors that she is gearing up to run for Michigan’s soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate seat, setting up a primary challenge with former Congressman Mike Rogers.
Exclusive from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Exclusive from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Former Michigan GOP co-chair appears poised to run for U.S. Senate against Mike Rogers • Michigan Advance
Bernadette Smith, the co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party who was elected this year along with current chair and state Sen. Jim Runestad of White Lake, has resigned from her post, the party conf...
michiganadvance.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Bernadette Smith, co-chair of the MIGOP, resigned from her post, and with that has come rumors that she is gearing up to run for Michigan’s soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate seat, setting up a primary challenge with former Congressman Mike Rogers.
Exclusive from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Exclusive from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
Attorney General Dana Nessel’s ability to go after a major producer of insulin for price gouging was before the Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday, with the state saying that it should be allowed to move forward despite previous court precedent noting otherwise.
By @bensolis1.bsky.social
By @bensolis1.bsky.social
Michigan Supreme Court hears argument in Nessel price gouging lawsuit against insulin drug maker • Michigan Advance
Attorney General Dana Nessel’s ability to go after a major producer of insulin for price gouging was before the Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday, with the state saying that it should be allowed to ...
michiganadvance.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Attorney General Dana Nessel’s ability to go after a major producer of insulin for price gouging was before the Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday, with the state saying that it should be allowed to move forward despite previous court precedent noting otherwise.
By @bensolis1.bsky.social
By @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
Mary Sheffield’s 12-year Detroit City Council career reached a new plateau on Tuesday after the city elected her as the first woman mayor in the city’s history.
“[In me] you have a leader who brought experience, who has a record of delivering for this city”
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
“[In me] you have a leader who brought experience, who has a record of delivering for this city”
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Mary Sheffield makes history: Detroit elects first woman mayor • Michigan Advance
Mary Sheffield’s 12-year Detroit City Council career reached a new plateau on Tuesday after the city elected her as the first woman mayor in the city’s history. Unofficial election results showed that...
michiganadvance.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Mary Sheffield’s 12-year Detroit City Council career reached a new plateau on Tuesday after the city elected her as the first woman mayor in the city’s history.
“[In me] you have a leader who brought experience, who has a record of delivering for this city”
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
“[In me] you have a leader who brought experience, who has a record of delivering for this city”
Story from @bensolis1.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Solis
As Mary Sheffield made history Tuesday night, becoming Detroit’s first woman elected mayor, two sitting state representatives from the Motor City failed in their bids for city council seats amid a wave of progressive victories.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Michigan lawmakers Carter, Whitsett get bounced in Detroit races in favor of progressives • Michigan Advance
As Mary Sheffield made history Tuesday night, becoming Detroit’s first woman elected mayor, two sitting state representatives from the Motor City failed in their bids for city council seats amid a wav...
michiganadvance.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:18 PM
As Mary Sheffield made history Tuesday night, becoming Detroit’s first woman elected mayor, two sitting state representatives from the Motor City failed in their bids for city council seats amid a wave of progressive victories.
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
From @bensolis1.bsky.social
Updated with notes from Sheffield's speech, what she told reporters before speaking to supporters, and commentary from Democratic state Sens Sylvia Santana and Mallory McMorrow, who spoke to Michigan Advance at the campaign's victory party.
@michiganadvance.com
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/04/m...
@michiganadvance.com
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/04/m...
Mary Sheffield makes history: Detroit elects first woman mayor • Michigan Advance
Mary Sheffield’s 12-year Detroit City Council career reached a new plateau on Tuesday after the city elected her as the first woman mayor in the city’s history. Unofficial election results showed that...
michiganadvance.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Updated with notes from Sheffield's speech, what she told reporters before speaking to supporters, and commentary from Democratic state Sens Sylvia Santana and Mallory McMorrow, who spoke to Michigan Advance at the campaign's victory party.
@michiganadvance.com
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/04/m...
@michiganadvance.com
michiganadvance.com/2025/11/04/m...