Author

Jon King
Jon King has been a journalist for more than 35 years. He is the Past President of the Michigan Associated Press Media Editors Association and has been recognized for excellence numerous times, most recently in 2021 with the Best Investigative Story by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Cleary University. Jon and his family live in Howell, where he also serves on the Board of Directors for the Livingston Diversity Council.
Michigan’s Aug. election results were certified without drama. Will things be as smooth in Nov.?
By: Jon King - August 27, 2022
Michigan’s Aug. 2 primary results were certified earlier this month with little to no fanfare in contrast to the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. So is this a sign of normalcy returning to the process or the calm before the storm coming with the Nov. 8 general election? “Michigan’s canvassing boards fulfilled their […]
Lansing-area Chipotle becomes chain’s first location to unionize in the U.S.
By: Jon King - August 26, 2022
The Chipotle restaurant in Delta Township, near Lansing, has become the chain’s first location across the country to unionize. By a vote of 11-3, workers at the store on Thursday approved joining the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. If Chipotle doesn’t file an objection within five business days, the National Labor Relations Board’s regional director can […]
Michigan’s student count day falls on Jewish holiday, prompting concerns and call for change
By: Jon King - August 25, 2022
State education officials say they are aware of concerns about the annual student count day taking place on the same day as an important Jewish holiday and that procedures are in place to address the issue. In Michigan, schools are funded by the state on a per-pupil basis for K-12 students, which sits at $9,150 […]
Jury convicts two suspects in Whitmer kidnapping plot
By: Jon King - August 23, 2022
Two men whose first trial on charges of planning to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 ended in a mistrial, have been convicted by a second jury. Adam Fox, 39, and Barry Croft Jr., 46, were found guilty in federal court in Grand Rapids Tuesday morning on conspiracy charges connected to a plot to […]
As Soldano backs out, Rebandt picks up LG fight and Trump endorses Hernandez
By: Jon King - August 22, 2022
Just hours after Kalamazoo chiropractor Garrett Soldano announced that he will no longer be seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor, another of the failed GOP gubernatorial candidates said he will seek the position instead. “After thoughtful consideration and prayer I accept the request and support from delegates, county chairs, and citizens to run for […]
GOP unity questioned as party heads into state nominating convention
By: Jon King - August 22, 2022
Updated, 3:05 p.m., 8/22/22, with comments from James Craig The weekend brought varying signs of unity within Republican ranks as the party heads into its convention in Lansing on Saturday. Two days after teasing a possible outsider bid for lieutenant governor on Friday, Kalamazoo chiropractor Garrett Soldano signaled that he is actively campaigning to be […]
Dixon opposes abortion for rape victims because there’s ‘healing through the baby’
By: Jon King - August 21, 2022
Despite complaining that Democratic attack ad had taken her comments on abortion out of context, Republican gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon seemed to confirm the ad’s point in a recent TV interview. The ad by Put Michigan First, a group allied with the Democratic Governors Association, criticized Dixon’s stance on abortion as extreme, noting her support […]
After Dixon makes her pick, Soldano teases a possible run for lieutenant governor
By: Jon King - August 20, 2022
Just hours after Republican gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon named former state Rep. Shane Hernandez (R-Port Huron) as her choice for lieutenant governor, one of her former competitors has said he may make a run for the No. 2 spot. Garrett Soldano, a Kalamazoo chiropractor, posted on Facebook Friday evening that as the state GOP convention […]
Closing arguments set Monday in retrial of defendants in Whitmer kidnapping plot
By: Jon King - August 20, 2022
Closing arguments are set Monday in a Grand Rapids federal courtroom for two men charged with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. Defense attorneys for Adam Fox, 39, and Barry Croft Jr., 46, rested their case Friday after nine days of testimony. The pair are being tried for a second time on […]
Judge blocks prosecutors from enforcing Michigan’s ‘chilling and dangerous’ abortion ban
By: Jon King - August 19, 2022
An Oakland County judge has ruled that an injunction on the state’s abortion ban will remain in effect, preventing local prosecutors from enforcing a 1931 law which prohibits doctors in Michigan from performing any abortions except to save the life of the “pregnant woman.” Circuit Court Judge Jacob Cunningham issued the ruling Friday after two […]
White supremacist group leader resentenced in Washtenaw County
By: Jon King - August 18, 2022
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday that the leader of The Base – a national white supremacist group that advocates for violence against the government – had been resentenced by a Washtenaw County judge. Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Patrick Conlin sentenced Justen Watkins to 56 months to 20 years following his previous guilty […]
Defense in Whitmer kidnapping plot retrial accuse judge of favoring prosecution
By: Jon King - August 18, 2022
Two key witnesses testified Wednesday in the retrial of two men charged with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. Ty Garbin of Hartland Township, and Kaleb Franks of Waterford, said the defendants were fully onboard with the plan and eager to implement it. Garbin and Franks, who are considered vital for the […]