February 17, 2026

Press Release

Lansing, Mich. — Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 36% — a clear warning sign for Michigan Republicans rubber stamping his MAGA agenda and the economic chaos that comes with it.

Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans say the economy is “fair or poor,” and 59% disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy as families feel the impact of rising costs and his damaging tariffs. November’s will be a clear referendum on Trump — and Michigan Republicans who continue to back him.

“Trump’s approval rating isn’t dropping in a vacuum,” said Amber Gantt, spokesperson for the Michigan House Democrats. “Voters are reacting to the Republican Party’s disastrous policies and economic chaos enacted not only in Washington, but right here in Michigan. When voters send a message this November, it won’t just be about Washington — it will be about every Republican who chose Trump over Michigan families.”

Read The Highlights Below:

USA Today: You do the (midterm) math: Trump’s 36% approval, MAGA’s $304 million

• Start with Trump’s approval: 36%. That was the president’s rating in the Associated Press/NORC survey taken Feb. 5-8, the latest of the public polls considered most credible.
• That level of support, if it persists, would be a seven-decade low for a president at a midterm and a red alarm for the GOP.
• […] a president’s popularity has consistently forecast how his party’s candidates are going to fare. Midterms are not only elections but also referenda on the White House, the prime opportunity for voters to weigh in on how they think the commander in chief is doing.
• The benchmark of how consumers are feeling has sunk 20% since Trump took office again a year ago, reflecting continued concern about the economy now and pessimism about what’s ahead.
• Lower-income workers have seen slower wage growth, and more households are falling behind on their debts.
• Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans now describe economic conditions as only fair or poor. Assessments of Trump’s handling of the economy, once a strength, is now a liability. Disapproval hit a record 59% in an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll taken Jan. 27-30. Most said Trump’s signature tariffs had hurt.
• […]To the president’s annoyance, surprisingly solid economic statistics have failed to persuade many Americans to adopt a rosier outlook.

Press Release

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 17, 2026 — The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) today honors the life of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, a towering civil rights leader whose life’s work advanced justice, strengthened democracy and left an enduring mark on communities across Michigan and the nation. The MLBC issued the following statement in remembrance:

“The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus reflects on the extraordinary moral leadership of Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose life reminds this nation that justice requires persistence, courage and an unshakable belief in the worth of every person. Through moments of progress and setback alike, he challenged America to confront inequality honestly and to expand democracy beyond rhetoric into lived reality. His work helped elevate the voices of working people, strengthened the political power of Black communities and affirmed that public service is, at its core, a moral calling. As Michigan continues its own work toward equality, equity and civil rights, we honor Rev. Jackson’s legacy by carrying forward his demand for accountability, inclusion and hope through action.”

February 13, 2026

Press Release

A sextortion investigation that began with a Calhoun County Sheriff’s Deputy initial response in Michigan, has resulted in the arrest of a North Carolina man now facing more than 25 felony sex crime charges.

On January 2, 2026, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office involving a local 18-year-old female who reported she was being extorted by Kelbie Glover, 22, of Rose Hill, North Carolina. Glover is a registered sex offender in Sampson County from previous convictions related to sexual battery and indecent exposure.

Sampson County Investigators worked quickly to locate Glover, and developed probable cause that Glover was threatening to release private images of the female to family members and arrested him on one count of sexual extortion of an adult, a felony. He was initially denied bond under Iryna’s Law, however, later received a bond and was released after that bond was paid.

A continued investigation between January 22 and February 2 uncovered digital evidence showing images of multiple underage females and identified additional victims who were extorted or received unsolicited explicit images from him. Evidence also corroborated that Glover sexually assaulted an 18-year-old female in Sampson County in late 2024. Due to these findings, arrest warrants were obtained for the following, in addition to the January 2 charges:

• 1 count of Second-Degree Forcible Rape
• 14 counts of Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Child
• 5 counts of Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Child
• 1 count of Indecent Liberties with a Child
• 1 count of Extortion
• 1 count of Disseminating Obscenities
• 1 count of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

On February 4, 2026, a Sampson County District Court Judge set bond at $475,000 with stipulations of wearing electronic monitoring device, being confined to his home when not at work or school, and having no access to electronic devices if released pending trial.

The Calhoun County Sheriff is thankful for the work of the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office continuing the investigation and for our good working relationships with surrounding jurisdictions, including ones out of state.

February 11, 2026

Press Release

In accordance with Public Act 300 of 1949, the Calhoun County Road Department (CCRD) is enacting Seasonal Weight Restrictions beginning at 6 a.m., Tuesday,

February 17, 2026. 

When roads have been frozen all winter, they begin to thaw from the surface downward, melting snow and ice, saturating the softened ground. During the spring thaw, trapped moisture beneath the pavement softens the roadbed, making the road surface more vulnerable to damage. Calhoun County Road Department determines when weight restrictions begin each spring by measuring frost depths in various locations in the County, observing road conditions, and monitoring weather forecasts. Weight restrictions remain in effect until the frost line is deep enough to allow moisture to escape and the roadbeds regain stability.

The weight restrictions, which reduce normal legal loads, apply only to multiple-axle vehicles, not pickup trucks or passenger cars. Seasonal weight restrictions lower axle-loading limits and reduce maximum travel speeds for certain vehicles. The Michigan Vehicle Code (Excerpt) Act 300 of 1949 https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-257-722 provides details about seasonal weight restrictions and their effect on axle loading and speed limits.

For seasonal permits and a list of seasonal roads, visit 

calhouncountymi.gov/departments/road_department/seasonal_weight_restrictions.php.

For information from the County Road Association, visit

For more information, contact CCRD Permit Agent Erin Cummings at 269-781-0024 or ecummings@calhouncountymi.gov

February 11, 2026

BREAKING:  Press Release

LANSING, Mich. — After Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Monday— a project he previously called a “vital economic link” between the U.S. and Canada — Michigan Republicans are backing his threat.

Today, Republican Speaker Matt Hall said he was “supportive of the president’s tweet,” praising Trump as “the ultimate deal maker,” even as the state just suffered the second-highest job losses in the country under Trump’s economic chaos.

In response, Michigan House Democratic Fund spokesperson Amber Gantt released the following statement:

“Once again, Michigan Republicans are falling in line behind Donald Trump — even if it means risking billions in trade and putting Michigan auto workers and manufacturing supply chains on the line. At a time when Michigan families are already feeling the impact of Trump’s economic chaos, Republicans are choosing political loyalty over Michigan’s economy. Voters will remember that in November.”

Press Release

February 9, 2026

Open to Local Non-Profit and Community Groups

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance (NMM) Program in Calhoun County. Offered annually by the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA), this program supports the upkeep of vacant Land Bank–owned properties in the cities of Battle Creek and Albion while providing funding opportunities for local non-profit and community groups.

Community organizations, such as churches, youth groups, scouting groups, nonprofits, and other civic groups, are encouraged to apply. Approved groups will mow and maintain 20 vacant properties from April through October, mowing the properties at least once every three weeks. Groups that successfully complete the program will earn a total stipend of $3,600 for their organization. With prior approval from the Land Bank, participants may also receive 20 percent of the stipend ($720) after completing two mowing cycles to help cover equipment costs.

“Our Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance Program gives groups and volunteers a meaningful way to give back by helping maintain neighborhoods, while also earning funds to support their local activities,” said CCLBA Executive Director Krista Trout-Edwards. “We encourage any interested groups to apply and be part of this community-driven effort.”

The deadline to apply for the 2026 Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance Program is Friday, March 27. This is not an individual employment opportunity and is only available to nonprofit and community groups. To see if your group or organization may qualify, contact the CCLBA at 269-781-0777 or landbank@calhouncountymi.gov. Applications are available online at calhounlandbank.org/neighborhood-mow-maintenance/.

Albion State Rep Frisbee Votes to Cut Support for Moms and Babies

Matt Hall Talks “Lower Costs” as His Own GOP Budget Would Have Cut Healthcare and Food Assistance for Working Families

LANSING, Mich. — Today, House Speaker Matt Hall claimed Republicans are “lowering costs” for Michigan families — even as House Republicans voted for a budget that cuts affordable health care access, slashes food assistance, and raises everyday costs.

Despite Hall’s claims, House Republicans backed and voted for a budget that:

• Raises healthcare costs and puts rural hospitals at risk by cutting $3.8 billion from health and human services, including Medicaid
• Raises grocery bills for families by slashing over $333 million from food assistance
• Cuts support for moms, babies, and new parents — including prenatal care, diaper assistance, and the RX Kids pilot program
• Cuts millions in mental health support for first responders struggling with PTSD

The following House Republicans voted for Matt Hall’s budget:

• Rylee Linting, District 27
• Jamie Thompson, District 28
• James DeSana, District 29
• Steve Frisbie, District 44
• Kathy Schmaltz, District 46
• Ron Robinson, District 48
• Ann Bollin, District 49
• Mark Tisdel, District 55
• Alicia St. Germaine, District 62
• David Martin, District 68
• Nancy DeBoer, District 86
• Karl Bohnak, District 109

“This is what Republican leadership looks like — big talk about lowering costs, paired with a budget that drives up everyday costs,” said Amber Gantt, Communications Director for the Michigan House Democrats. “That’s not lowering costs — it’s pushing them onto the backs of working families.”