Mackinac Island
Coverage of Mackinac Island in the Nexus archive.
- Whitmer signs bill giving Mackinac Island the right to regulate ferry services
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill allowing Mackinac Island to regulate ferry services by amending its charter. The law, sponsored by Sen. John Damoose, addresses concerns over rising ferry fees and potential monopolies by granting the island's voters authority to adjust ferry-related policies and pricing.
- If common ground exists in Lansing, it wasn’t on display at Mackinac’s legislative panel
The Mackinac Policy Conference's legislative panel highlighted tensions between Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and House Speaker Matt Hall, with attendees skeptical about finding common ground on the state budget. The session revealed ongoing legislative gridlock, with the fiscal year budget deadline approaching and past delays causing scrutiny.
- U.S. Senate debate at Mackinac Policy Conference exposes deeper debate over who gets heard
A U.S. Senate candidate debate at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island featured Abdul El-Sayed, Mallory McMorrow, and Haley Stevens, Michigan’s Democratic candidates. The event highlighted differing campaign strategies and skepticism about the conference’s ability to influence policies affecting working people.
- Gretchen Whitmer makes it official — she won’t run for president in 2028
Gretchen Whitmer initially stated she would not run for president in 2028 during a conference on Mackinac Island but later retracted her statement, saying 'never say never.' Her approval rating was 52.2% in the conference's polling.
- Gretchen Whitmer says she won’t run for president in 2028
Gretchen Whitmer announced she will not run for president in 2028, citing term limits and plans to take a break after her second term as Michigan governor. She emphasized a focus on state priorities and collaboration with the White House, despite mixed reactions to her administration's relationship with President Donald Trump.
- Pence talks about his relationship with Trump, ‘common ground’ at Mackinac Policy Conference
Mike Pence addressed the Mackinac Policy Conference on finding common ground in a divided nation and discussed his relationship with Donald Trump after their 2020 election fallout. He praised Trump's 2016 and 2024 election victories as reflecting public frustration with Washington and a desire to reclaim national governance. The conference emphasized bridging political divides despite skepticism about its feasibility.