Rick Albin

Grand Rapids

Political Reporter at WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids, MI)

24 Hour News 8 Political Reporter. Retweets are not endorsements.

Articles

To The Point: Highlights from the Mackinac Policy Conference

6 days ago | woodtv.com | Rick Albin

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — The annual Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual Mackinac Policy Conference drew decision-makers, business leaders and stakeholders to Mackinac Island. This year, there were two major themes. The first was trade and tariffs. Relations with Canada, a key trading partner of the nation and Michigan, have been strained recently. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra told To The Point he believes that tension will ease.
Lakes a priority for Sen. Peters before retirement

1 week ago | woodtv.com | Rick Albin

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Now in his final term in the U.S. Senate and even in increasingly difficult circumstances in Washington, Gary Peters says he has things he would like to do before he leaves office. One priority is the environment. “I’ll still be working to get more Great Lakes legislation done. We have to do more work in that area. We’ve got to have more Great Lakes restoration funding. That’s under challenge right now,” Sen. Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, said.
Lakes a priority for Sen. Peters before retirement

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Rick Albin

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Now in his final term in the U.S. Senate and even in increasingly difficult circumstances in Washington, Gary Peters says he has things he would like to do before he leaves office. One priority is the environment. “I’ll still be working to get more Great Lakes legislation done. We have to do more work in that area. We’ve got to have more Great Lakes restoration funding. That’s under challenge right now,” Sen. Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, said.
Whitmer warns Michigan ‘uniquely vulnerable’ to damage caused by tariffs

1 week ago | woodtv.com | Rick Albin

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Business leaders and decision-makers gathered for the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference are discussing what President Donald Trump’s tariffs might mean for Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who offered the keynote speech at the conference Thursday, said there are many positive things to talk about in the state, but also some trepidation.
Whitmer warns Michigan ‘uniquely vulnerable’ to damage caused by tariffs

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Rick Albin

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Business leaders and decision-makers gathered for the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference are discussing what President Donald Trump’s tariffs might mean for Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who offered the keynote speech at the conference Thursday, said there are many positive things to talk about in the state, but also some trepidation.
Where does the Michigan state budget for FY26 stand?

1 week ago | woodtv.com | Rick Albin

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — With plenty of politicians and stakeholders gathered for the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference, the pending state budget is bound to be part of the conversation. Michigan currently has a divided government, which means working out a new spending plan could take a while. The Democrats have pushed one through the Senate, but Republicans in the House don’t seem impressed.
Where does the Michigan state budget stand?

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Rick Albin

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — With plenty of politicians and stakeholders gathered for the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference, the pending state budget is bound to be part of the conversation. Michigan currently has a divided government, which means working out a new spending plan could take a while. The Democrats have pushed one through the Senate, but Republicans in the House don’t seem impressed.
On Mackinac Island, Michigan lawmakers discuss the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

1 week ago | woodtv.com | Rick Albin

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — At the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, there were a lot of conversations about trade and tariffs. But there was also another big question on the minds of some people — what’s going to happen to the economy, particularly as it pertains to the federal budget? What will the Senate do with the House bill that was passed just last week? And what will happen if those plans are implemented? At least one U.S. senator has serious concerns.
To The Point: Michigan’s open Senate seat

1 week ago | woodtv.com | Rick Albin

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — This week on “To The Point,” with the primary well over a year away, the race for the open Senate seat in Michigan is already heating up. This week, we will introduce you to Democratic candidate Representative Joe Tate, who says, “I think it really comes down to Michiganders and who is going to be able to connect with them? Who is going to be able to listen to them?
To The Point: Michigan’s open Senate seat

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Rick Albin

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — This week on “To The Point,” with the primary well over a year away, the race for the open Senate seat in Michigan is already heating up. This week, we will introduce you to Democratic candidate Representative Joe Tate, who says, “I think it really comes down to Michiganders and who is going to be able to connect with them? Who is going to be able to listen to them?