Cadillac Boat Plant Shutdown to Impact 232 Workers as Parent Company Seeks Buyer

CADILLAC, Mich. — More than 230 workers in northern Michigan are facing an uncertain future after French boat manufacturer Groupe Beneteau announced plans to halt production at its Cadillac facility later this summer.

The company revealed Monday that production at the Wexford County plant, operated by its U.S. subsidiary Rec Boat Holdings (RBH), will end in August. The decision affects all 232 employees currently working at the facility and comes as the company begins searching for a buyer for the plant and several of its well-known recreational boat brands.

The Cadillac operation manufactures boats under the Four Winns, Glastron, and Scarab Jet brands. Groupe Beneteau said the move is part of a broader restructuring effort prompted by continued weakness in the recreational boating industry and ongoing economic uncertainty.

According to company officials, demand for bowrider and jet boats has fallen sharply, with orders for the three brands declining nearly 30 percent in 2026 compared to the previous year. The downturn has contributed to significant financial losses, with the brands reportedly generating nearly $34 million in operating losses over 2024 and 2025.

The production decline has been dramatic. Company figures show the Cadillac facility produced 2,313 boats in 2022, but output dropped to just 474 boats in 2025, highlighting the challenges facing the recreational marine market.

Employees were informed of the decision Monday morning. Company managers have begun meeting individually with workers to discuss severance packages, retirement options, benefits continuation, and other support services intended to ease the transition.

The announcement represents a major economic blow to Cadillac and the surrounding region, where manufacturing jobs remain a key component of the local economy. Community leaders and residents are now watching closely to see whether a new owner can be found to continue operations at the site.

Despite the shutdown announcement, Groupe Beneteau said it remains committed to finding a buyer for both the facility and the affected brands. Company executives stated their goal is to preserve an industrial future for the Cadillac plant and maintain employment opportunities in the area whenever possible.

For current owners of Four Winns, Glastron, and Scarab boats, the company emphasized that after-sales support, warranty service, and replacement parts will continue during the transition process.

The closure underscores the challenges facing portions of the recreational boating industry, where higher interest rates, inflation, and cautious consumer spending have reduced demand for discretionary purchases such as new boats. Industry analysts note that many manufacturers experienced record sales during the pandemic-era boom, only to see demand cool significantly as economic conditions changed.

For the 232 workers affected in Cadillac, the coming months will likely be focused on determining what opportunities remain—whether through a potential buyer, new manufacturing jobs elsewhere in Michigan, or retraining for careers in other industries.

While the future of the facility remains uncertain, the announcement marks the end of an era for one of Cadillac's major manufacturing operations and raises concerns about the broader economic impact on the region.

New Poll Shows Tightening Michigan GOP Governor's Race as Cox Gains Ground on James

  

LIVONIA, Mich. — A newly released statewide poll suggests Michigan's Republican gubernatorial primary is becoming increasingly competitive, with former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox closing the gap on Congressman John James as the race enters its final weeks before the August 4 primary election.

According to a poll conducted by MIRS between June 11 and June 13, James leads the Republican field with 28% support, while Cox follows closely at 27%, placing the two candidates within the survey's margin of error. Businessman Perry Johnson was reported at 23%, creating a three-way contest among the leading Republican contenders.

The poll results have energized the Cox campaign, which argues that the numbers demonstrate growing momentum despite a significant fundraising disadvantage. Campaign officials noted that Cox has spent approximately $2.6 million during the election cycle compared to James' reported $4.4 million in expenditures.

Cox, who served as Michigan's attorney general from 2003 to 2011, pointed to his statewide election victories as evidence of his ability to attract Republican voters and win competitive races.

"Republican voters want a winner who will deliver on their promises," Cox said in a statement. "That's why our campaign has all the momentum in this race. I'm a fighter who has beaten Democrats statewide twice and delivered real results for taxpayers."

The latest poll also comes amid broader questions about the strength of James' support among Republican primary voters. While James entered the race with significant name recognition and a strong fundraising advantage, several public polls throughout 2026 have shown his support either stagnating or declining as other candidates gained traction.

Political observers have also pointed to the Michigan Republican State Convention held in March, where James received a mixed reception from grassroots activists. During his appearance on stage, portions of the crowd audibly booed the congressman, a sign of the divisions that continue to exist within parts of the party base.  James's critics argue that he has struggled to fully consolidate the party's grassroots wing.

Communications Director Jon Shiner argued that the latest polling indicates a changing dynamic within the Republican electorate.

"James is in free fall, and Mike Cox is surging despite spending significantly less money," Shiner said. "What this poll tells us is this: no amount of money can cover up a bad candidate."

The James campaign has not publicly responded to the Cox campaign's characterization of the poll results. While Cox supporters view the survey as evidence of growing momentum, James remains narrowly ahead in the poll and continues to benefit from higher name recognition and substantial fundraising resources.

With roughly seven weeks remaining until Republican voters select their nominee, the race appears to be entering a critical phase. The narrowing margin between James and Cox suggests the contest is far from settled, setting the stage for an intense final stretch before primary day.

The winner of the Republican primary will advance to the November general election, where control of Michigan's governor's office will be at stake in one of the nation's most closely watched battleground states.

As campaigning intensifies across Michigan, polling, fundraising, endorsements, and voter turnout efforts are expected to play a major role in determining who emerges as the Republican nominee for governor. For now, the latest survey indicates that what was once viewed as John James' race to lose has become one of the most competitive Republican primaries in the country.

Michigan Revokes Antrim County Clerk’s Access to Voter Roll Amid Escalating Election Integrity Dispute

ANTRIM COUNTY, MI - A growing dispute between state election officials and Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop reached a new level this week when the Michigan Bureau of Elections suspended Bishop’s access to the state’s Qualified Voter File (QVF), citing what officials described as repeated violations of Michigan election law.

The move follows months of controversy surrounding Bishop’s efforts to review and alter voter registration records in Antrim County, a county that became nationally known after the 2020 presidential election due to claims of election fraud.

In a letter sent Friday, Michigan Director of Elections Jonathan Brater informed Bishop that her access to the statewide voter registration database was being revoked after a state review found she had taken actions that "do not comply with Michigan Election Law and fall outside the scope of your statutory authority."

Under Michigan law, responsibility for maintaining voter registration records belongs primarily to city and township clerks. County clerks have limited authority to access the system and may only make certain changes under specific circumstances, such as reporting deceased voters.

State officials allege Bishop exceeded that authority by directly altering voter records and sending registration notices to voters without proper authorization.

State Alleges Unauthorized Voter Registration Changes

The conflict dates back to March, when Bishop mailed notices to approximately 1,800 Antrim County voters asking them to verify their registration information. The county has roughly 25,000 residents, meaning the notices reached a significant portion of registered voters.

The Bureau of Elections contends those mailings should have been handled by local township and city clerks, not the county clerk's office.

According to reporting by Interlochen Public Radio and Votebeat, Bishop also changed the voter registration status of several residents to "cancel" within the Qualified Voter File. Journalists reviewing state records identified at least six voters whose registrations were changed to canceled status, while additional reports suggested more than a dozen modifications may have occurred.

Bishop has denied wrongdoing and has argued that she was elected with a mandate to clean up Antrim County's voter rolls.

Throughout her campaign for county clerk, Bishop frequently claimed the county's voter rolls contained deceased individuals and voters who no longer lived in the county. She promised to restore election integrity and remove ineligible registrations.

However, local clerks have challenged her claims.

Banks Township Clerk Julie Chellis previously questioned the methodology used to identify the voters targeted by Bishop's review, noting that some individuals on the list were active voters, including younger residents and absentee voters who were legally registered.

"The list doesn't make sense to me," Chellis said in earlier reporting. "There are people that are voting absentee, as we speak."

State Warned Bishop of Possible Criminal Consequences

The Bureau of Elections first formally warned Bishop in April that her actions were outside her legal authority.

In a strongly worded letter, Brater told Bishop that elected officials do not possess unlimited authority simply because they won office.

"You do not have unlimited authority to conduct any action you see fit simply because you were elected to office," Brater wrote.

The state demanded that Bishop stop altering voter records and provide explanations regarding changes that had already occurred.

According to reports, Bishop initially failed to properly respond to the state's inquiries. Election officials said responses were either incomplete or sent to incorrect email addresses and failed to answer key questions regarding which voter records had been modified and why.

The latest suspension order requires Bishop to complete election training, demonstrate compliance with Michigan election law, and fully answer the state's questions before her access to the Qualified Voter File can be restored.

Investigation Also Involves Husband's Access to Clerk's Office

The controversy has expanded beyond voter registration changes.

Michigan State Police have been investigating an incident involving Bishop's husband, Randy Bishop, a conservative radio host known throughout Northern Michigan as "Trucker Randy."

According to a state police report obtained through public records requests, a county employee observed Randy Bishop alone inside a secure section of the clerk's office on February 19 while Victoria Bishop attended a county commission meeting elsewhere in the building.

Investigators reported that Randy Bishop was using Victoria Bishop's office computer to watch a livestream of the public meeting.

The clerk's office contains access to election-related systems, including the Qualified Voter File.

The Bishops told investigators that Randy was merely waiting for an important phone call and wanted a quiet place to watch the meeting. Both denied that he accessed voter registration records or other sensitive election data.

Victoria Bishop told investigators that her husband did not know her login credentials and had not independently accessed her computer.

The Michigan Attorney General's Office has confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.

No criminal charges have been filed against either Victoria or Randy Bishop.

Political and Legal Tensions Continue to Escalate

The dispute has become increasingly political.

Randy Bishop has used his radio program to defend his wife and criticize Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and state election officials. During several broadcasts, he denied that Victoria Bishop improperly removed voters from the registration rolls and promoted efforts to raise money for potential legal action against the state.

At one point, fundraising efforts were launched to support a lawsuit against Benson and election officials, though no lawsuit ultimately appears to have been filed.

Reports indicate only a few hundred dollars were raised before the fundraising effort was removed.

No Expected Impact on Upcoming Elections

Despite the suspension, election officials say voters should not experience disruptions ahead of Michigan's August primary elections.

Antrim County Deputy Clerk Annette Marcus continues to have access to the Qualified Voter File, and most voter registration maintenance is performed by township and city clerks rather than county officials.

State officials also say they have worked with local clerks to restore any voter registrations that may have been improperly altered.

Still, the dispute has intensified scrutiny of election administration in Antrim County, a jurisdiction that has remained at the center of election integrity debates since 2020.

With investigations ongoing and state officials continuing to review Bishop's actions, the controversy is likely to remain a major issue heading into the 2026 election cycle.

Mayor Sheffield’s Absence From People Mover Board Raises Oversight Questions Amid Federal Corruption Probe

 

DETROIT — New scrutiny is being directed at Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield after records revealed she did not attend a single meeting of the Detroit People Mover board during her tenure as a board member from 2023 through 2025, a period that overlaps with an alleged corruption scheme now under federal investigation.

Sheffield was listed as a member of the governing board overseeing the Detroit People Mover but was absent from all meetings during those three years. The revelation comes as federal authorities allege that a senior People Mover official participated in a scheme that defrauded the transit agency of more than $300,000 while accepting bribes. The FBI's investigation has raised broader questions about oversight, accountability, and governance within the agency.

The Detroit People Mover, operated by the Detroit Transportation Corporation, is governed by a board responsible for financial oversight, policy decisions, and ensuring public funds are properly managed. Board members are expected to review budgets, contracts, audits, and operational reports.

Critics argue that regular attendance is one of the most basic responsibilities of any board member, particularly when taxpayer-funded agencies are involved. The fact that Sheffield reportedly missed every meeting during a period in which federal investigators say wrongdoing occurred has sparked debate about whether stronger oversight could have detected problems earlier.

To be clear, there is no allegation that Sheffield was involved in the alleged fraud or bribery scheme. Federal investigators have not accused the mayor of any criminal conduct. However, the situation has fueled criticism from those who believe elected officials appointed to oversight boards have a duty to actively participate in the organizations they govern.

Supporters of the mayor note that Detroit's mayor traditionally serves on numerous boards and commissions and that day-to-day oversight responsibilities are often delegated to agency leadership and staff. Nevertheless, governance experts frequently stress that board attendance is a critical component of accountability, particularly when public money is at stake.

The allegations involving the People Mover come at a sensitive time for Detroit. The city has spent years rebuilding public confidence in government institutions following past corruption scandals and financial crises. Any indication that oversight mechanisms failed to catch misconduct is likely to draw public attention.

The FBI investigation remains ongoing, and additional details regarding the alleged fraud scheme are expected to emerge as court proceedings continue. Meanwhile, questions remain about how a public agency entrusted with millions of taxpayer dollars could allegedly be defrauded for years without earlier intervention.

For Detroit residents, the controversy may ultimately be less about one official's attendance record and more about whether the systems designed to protect public funds are functioning as intended. As federal investigators continue their work, the People Mover case is becoming another test of transparency and accountability in city government.

AIPAC-Linked Super PAC Drops $2.3 Million Into Michigan Senate Race, Intensifying Debate Over Israel and Outside Influence

 

LANSING, Mich. — A major pro-Israel political action committee has entered Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate primary with a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign supporting U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, injecting new energy into one of the race's most contentious issues: Israel, foreign policy, and the role of outside money in elections.

According to campaign filings, the United Democracy Project (UDP), the super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), has reserved approximately $2.33 million in television and digital advertising across Michigan to boost Stevens' Senate campaign.

The ad buy includes more than $2.2 million in airtime reservations across the Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City markets, along with additional spending on CNN, MNOW, and satellite television networks.

Interestingly, the advertisements make no mention of Israel or Middle East policy. Instead, they highlight Stevens' work supporting Michigan's auto industry, protecting manufacturing jobs, and fighting against cuts to Medicare. One portion of the ad features former President Barack Obama praising Stevens' efforts to help save auto jobs during the industry crisis.

Nevertheless, the source of the spending has reignited a political debate that has become increasingly important in Democratic politics, particularly in Michigan, home to one of the nation's largest Arab American populations and a significant Jewish community.

Stevens' chief Democratic rival, former gubernatorial candidate and public health expert Abdul El-Sayed, wasted little time criticizing the move.

"A super PAC focused on sending our taxpayer dollars abroad is coming in to try and buy the race for a candidate who is going to do their bidding," El-Sayed said.

He argued that voters should focus on domestic priorities such as healthcare, education, roads, and bridges rather than organizations advocating for foreign policy interests.

"If you want your money spent on your health care in Michigan, your schools in Michigan, your roads and bridges in Michigan, then it'd be worth rethinking whether or not you're going to pay attention to what United Democracy Project and AIPAC think you should do," he said.

The spending also places a spotlight on the differing positions of the Democratic field.

Stevens has long been viewed as one of the more openly pro-Israel Democrats in Michigan's congressional delegation. While she has expressed concern about civilian casualties in Gaza and supported humanitarian assistance, she has consistently backed the U.S.-Israel alliance and military support for Israel.

El-Sayed, by contrast, has emerged as one of the state's most outspoken critics of Israeli policy. His calls for significant changes in U.S. policy toward Israel have earned him strong support among many progressives, younger voters, and Arab Americans who have been deeply critical of Israel's conduct during the Gaza war.

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow has attempted to occupy a middle ground between the two candidates. McMorrow has voiced support for Israel's right to exist and defend itself and has condemned antisemitism, while also expressing concerns about civilian suffering in Gaza. At the same time, she has sought to distance herself from outside political spending, arguing that Michigan voters—not national organizations and super PACs—should determine the outcome of the Senate race.

That position has allowed McMorrow to appeal to some Democrats uncomfortable with both El-Sayed's sharp criticism of Israel and the growing influence of outside groups such as AIPAC in Democratic primaries.

The issue has become particularly sensitive within progressive Democratic circles.

For years, AIPAC was largely viewed as a mainstream bipartisan lobbying organization. Today, however, it has become a lightning rod among many progressives who view the group's spending as an attempt to suppress criticism of Israel within the Democratic Party.

At the same time, many Jewish Democrats in Metro Detroit find themselves navigating a complicated political landscape. Some strongly support Israel's existence and security while also opposing the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Others worry that increasingly hostile rhetoric toward Israel risks alienating Jewish voters who remain committed to a two-state solution but reject accusations that Israel's very existence is illegitimate.

Political observers say those tensions could create challenges regardless of who wins the Democratic nomination.

If Stevens secures the nomination with significant support from AIPAC-affiliated spending, some progressive voters could become disillusioned and choose not to participate in the general election. Conversely, if El-Sayed captures the nomination, some moderate Democrats and pro-Israel voters could find themselves weighing whether to support Republican candidate Mike Rogers or abstain from the race altogether.

McMorrow's supporters argue that her candidacy offers a potential bridge between those factions, though whether that message can gain traction in an increasingly polarized political environment remains to be seen.

What is clear is that the Michigan Senate race is evolving into more than a contest between individual candidates. It has become a broader battle over the Democratic Party's future, the influence of outside money, America's relationship with Israel, and the priorities voters want their next senator to pursue.

With millions of dollars already being spent and national political organizations increasingly focused on Michigan, those debates are likely to intensify in the months ahead as voters decide who will advance to the general election and potentially represent Michigan in the United States Senate for years to come.

Donald Trump Is Holding the Gordie Howe Bridge Hostage While Michigan Waits

For years Michigan residents, Canadian neighbors, businesses, truckers, and taxpayers have watched the Gordie Howe International Bridge rise over the Detroit River. The massive $5 billion project was billed as a game-changing piece of infrastructure that would strengthen trade, create jobs, reduce congestion, and connect two nations more efficiently than ever before.

Today, the bridge is essentially complete.

And yet it remains closed.

Why?

Increasingly, critics point to one man: President Donald Trump.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge was expected to open in the spring of 2026. Construction is largely finished. Border facilities are in place. Local leaders on both sides of the border say they are ready. Businesses are ready. Residents are ready. Detroit is ready. Windsor is ready.

The only thing missing is the political green light.

Instead of celebrating a once-in-a-generation infrastructure achievement, Michigan finds itself trapped in another episode of political brinkmanship.

Trump has openly suggested that the bridge's opening could be delayed until the United States receives what he considers adequate compensation for its role in the project. The bridge has effectively become a bargaining chip in broader negotiations between Washington and Ottawa.

That may make for dramatic political theater. It makes terrible public policy.

The bridge was never intended to be a hostage in an international negotiation. It was intended to serve the public.

Every day the bridge sits unused represents lost economic opportunity. Businesses that planned around the new crossing continue waiting. Truck traffic remains concentrated at existing crossings. Communities on both sides of the border are denied the benefits they were promised years ago.

The delay is especially frustrating because Canadian taxpayers largely financed the bridge's construction, with the expectation that toll revenues would eventually repay the costs. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has publicly warned against forcing Canada into a bad deal simply to satisfy Trump's demands.

Meanwhile, Michigan Democrats have accused Trump and Republicans of "playing political games" with a project that should already be serving the public. Whether one agrees with that characterization or not, the reality remains that no firm opening date has been announced despite repeated expectations that the bridge would be operational by now.

This is not merely a local issue.

The Detroit-Windsor corridor handles hundreds of billions of dollars in trade. It is one of the most important commercial crossings in North America. Auto manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and countless other industries depend on smooth movement between the United States and Canada.

When politics delays infrastructure, workers pay the price.

Small businesses pay the price.

Consumers pay the price.

Michigan pays the price.

Trump's supporters argue that he is protecting American interests and negotiating from a position of strength. They point to his "America First" agenda and insist that the delay is part of a broader strategy to secure favorable terms for the United States.

But there is a difference between tough negotiation and unnecessary obstruction.

A completed bridge that sits empty benefits nobody.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge was supposed to symbolize cooperation between two longtime allies. Instead, it has become another example of how political disputes can derail practical solutions.

The people of Michigan do not need another political stunt.

They need the bridge opened.

The truck drivers waiting in line at existing crossings do not care about political leverage.

The businesses planning shipments do not care about partisan talking points.

The families hoping to visit friends and relatives across the border do not care about negotiation tactics.

They care about results.

After years of construction, billions of dollars in investment, and countless promises, the public deserves better than endless delays and political gamesmanship.

The bridge is built.

The infrastructure is ready.

The communities are ready.

The only question remaining is whether Donald Trump is willing to stop using the Gordie Howe International Bridge as a bargaining chip and finally allow it to fulfill the purpose for which it was built.

M

Complaint Alleges Rep. John James Used Taxpayer-Funded Ads Beyond Congressional District

A formal complaint filed with a U.S. House committee alleges that U.S. Rep. John James, R-Mich., improperly used taxpayer-funded communications to reach audiences outside his congressional district while preparing a campaign for Michigan governor.

The complaint was submitted May 27 to the House Committee on House Administration by Carl Berry, former police chief of Plymouth, who resides in Michigan's 6th Congressional District, represented by Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell.

According to the complaint, Berry received a YouTube advertisement paid for by James' congressional office despite not living within Michigan's 10th Congressional District, which James represents. Berry argues that the communication violated House rules governing taxpayer-funded member communications, commonly known as franking.

Members of Congress are permitted to use official funds for communications intended to inform constituents about legislative activities, government services, and other official business. House guidelines state that unsolicited mass communications should primarily serve constituents within the member's district and that efforts should be made to minimize distribution outside district boundaries.

The complaint cites records from Google's advertising transparency database showing that one version of a YouTube advertisement sponsored by James' congressional office ran throughout the Detroit Designated Market Area between May 18 and June 1. That media market includes portions of several congressional districts beyond the 10th District, including the 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, and 13th districts.

Screenshots included with the complaint allegedly show two separate advertising campaigns. One campaign was reportedly targeted exclusively to Michigan's 10th Congressional District, while another broader campaign reached viewers throughout the Detroit metropolitan area.

According to the complaint, the district-specific advertisement cost between $4,000 and $4,500 and reached as many as 250,000 viewers. The broader regional campaign allegedly cost between $6,000 and $7,000 and reached up to 450,000 viewers.

Berry argues that the existence of a district-specific advertising option demonstrates that James' office had the technical capability to limit communications to constituents but chose to expand the audience beyond district boundaries.

The House Communications Standards Manual states that unsolicited mass communications "must serve the district in which the Member represents" and "to the greatest extent possible, shall not be targeted outside of the Member's district." For digital advertising and other communications not tied to specific mailing addresses, the manual further requires that "best efforts must be made to ensure the communication is distributed to as few individuals outside the district as possible."

The complaint asks the committee to investigate whether James' congressional office violated House rules governing official communications and the use of taxpayer funds.

James, who is widely viewed as a potential Republican candidate for Michigan governor in 2026, has not publicly responded to the allegations. The House Committee on House Administration has not announced whether it will open a formal investigation.

The complaint comes as scrutiny increases nationwide over the use of taxpayer-funded communications by elected officials who are simultaneously pursuing higher office. While congressional offices routinely use digital advertising to communicate with constituents, House rules prohibit the use of official resources for campaign purposes.

No findings have been made regarding the allegations, and the complaint represents claims made by the complainant that have not been adjudicated by the House committee.