Brad LaPlante
@bradlaplante
Asking the why and the how at @WLNS.bsky.social. I host “The Moment,” a weekly interview series about big ideas. Send tips/feedback to blaplante@wlns.com.
Michigan State University trustee Rema Vassar on power, dissent and why she won’t sign the revised Code of Ethics. Watch: youtu.be/AMiQ0NJy8U8?...
In Playbook this morning: Yes MI Action Committee, a dark money super PAC, is planning to spend $7M before the August primary for Mallory McMorrow.
Nessel's team did not make the AG available for this episode, but they sent the following statement:
The White House's Earth Day post claims the U.S. is the "hottest country in the world."
The stage is set. Gilchrist vs Forlini for secretary of state. Savit vs Lloyd for attorney general.
Inbox: Haley Stevens Barnstorms with Democrats at the Michigan Democratic Party Convention Stevens sends the release after being booed by a very progressive showing at the convention.
Long live LIVE news! WLNS is the only TV station in the Lansing/Jackson market that airs a live local news program on weekend mornings.
#TheMoment: @curtisherteljr.bsky.social says Democrats will lose the youth vote if they don't fixate on affordability this election season. Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TPL...
Father-in-law sent this as a reaction to my mother-in-law’s update about the weather (he’s on a work trip in SC). But yep! Pretty much sums it up
Your Sunday listen: @mattmaasdam.bsky.social, running for Congress: "I have not seen any evidence" for "why" the U.S. should be at war with Iran.
New in POLITICO's Playbook PM: Americans for Prosperity Action is spending $500K to help Mike Rogers in the #MISen race. Watch: youtu.be/8Yczvh-6Vp4?...
Average price of gas in the area is $3.80/gal. Costco, which is always cheaper, has it at $3.74/gal. Passed by $4.19/gal at Frandor today. $31.69 for 8.45 gallons.
Inbox: Mallory McMorrow’s camp says it raised $3M in Q1, the most in a quarter of any #MISen candidate so far.
“Much needed and important new job in the private sector” to be announced later.
A text went out today to pitch the new Deep Green data center in Lansing as a worthwhile investment for city infrastructure and services.
Interesting tidbit from a Reuters Institute x Oxford U research report this week. Most people generally favor the idea of impartial news coverage, but young people lose trust in outlets that are neutral on topics like racism and climate change.
Nearly 16,000 in Detroit for women’s hockey between Montréal and New York. 82% capacity at Little Caesars Arena.
Tomorrow: Michigan GOP Chair Jim Runestad says he disagrees with calling Mike Duggan a "former Democrat." Says he's 100% a Democrat, and Dems are attacking him because they're afraid he'll take votes away from Benson.
From the Detroit News today: An outside lobbyist for ICE contractor Palentir hosted a fundraiser at his home for Haley Stevens’ Senate campaign. Highly recommend reading: 3 U.S. Senate hopefuls took money from ICE contractors. One returned it www.detroitnews.com/story/news/p...
Trump confirmed his meeting with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, where she said earlier this week she re-upped her request for FEMA funding after the ice storm last year. Trump says he approved $100M after the meeting with Whitmer and input from U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers.
Friday: State Sen. Stephanie Chang will discuss some ICE bills aimed at "reining in ICE." We'll also talk about some Dems' calls to abolish the agency. Also, Erin Schor joins the show to discuss her candidacy to replace Kara Hope in the Michigan House. Watch Friday at 9 a.m. on WLNS+.
Your Sunday listen: Former Ukraine Ambassador Bridget Brink says democracy is "at stake" in the U.S. Watch: youtu.be/b0cDUhbmjUk?...
Mike Bouchard Jr., who is running for an open U.S. House seat in Macomb County, gave a statement on the U.S.-Israel attacks in Iran:
Grassroots organizer William Lawrence, who is running for the Democratic nomination in Michigan's 7th congressional district (Lansing area), says he plans to hold an anti-war demonstration. www.facebook.com/share/p/14VL...