A top court has ruled that two residents of the tiny Caribbean island of Barbuda have the right to challenge construction of an airstrip that critics say endangers fragile ecosystems and was begun without any permits.

California’s Senate race was expected to be a three-way Democratic prizefight this year.

Former U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell has died at the age of 64, according to a statement his family provided to CNN.

A former Michigan congressman who quit the Republican Party to protest GOP efforts to overturn Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump has died.

The group’s members include former governors, members of Congress, presidential advisors and party officials who all agree the Republican Party needs to be fixed of challenged by a new party entirely.

While the state has swung back to Democrats since Trump's narrow 2016 win, choosing President Joe Biden by more than 150,000 votes, Michigan's Republican Party has taken a hard right turn. Ad“All these things were a catalyst,” said Ken Sikkema, a former Michigan GOP Senate leader whose Grand Rapids district lost 5,000 jobs with three plant closures just before the 2008 crash. “Forces of nature take over at that point, and those forces were definitely tilting right, extreme far-right," said Venable, who was state Republican Party chief of staff in 2010. AdNodding to the emerging right wing, Michigan GOP fundraiser Ron Weiser invited Maddock to share the ticket for his bid to become state party chair. All the while, Michigan's GOP leadership has for the first time in memory bestowed legitimacy on its state's militia, long relegated to the shadows.

The other six members are Republicans and include four from the so-called Kraken Caucus and the state’s two freshmen members. Newly sworn in Michigan Republican congressman Peter Meijer’s office was reached, but did not have an official comment on what he would do Wednesday. The vote to object is expected to ultimately fail to overturn the election results, with or without an emergency audit. Currently, the objectors do not have the votes to reject an electoral college vote from any state. Objectors have also been explicit about asking for an audit, which already takes place in the State of Michigan.

DETROIT – Michigan Rep. Paul Mitchell announced on Monday that he is disaffiliating from the Republican Party. Although he voted to re-elect President Donald Trump, Mitchell finds the president’s push of conspiracy theories about the election to be disqualifying behavior. READ: Michigan electors unanimously seal election win for Joe Biden, Kamala HarrisToday I am disaffiliating from the Republican Party. “This party has to stand up for democracy first for our Constitution first and not political considerations,” he said. The Electoral College took on added importance this year because of President Donald Trump’s refusal to concede he lost his race for reelection.

Michigan congressman Paul Mitchell has left the Republican party and cited President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the election among the reasons why. Mitchell requested to change his party affiliation to independent for the remainder of his term in office. However, with the leadership of the Republican Party and our Republican Conference in the House actively participating in at least some of these efforts, I fear long-term harm to our democracy.”Mitchell previously announced his retirement from Congress and shared parting thoughts on Flashpoint. The enter letter is available in the embedded Tweet below:Today I am disaffiliating from the Republican Party. See my letter below: pic.twitter.com/76IxC4FMvJ — Rep. Paul Mitchell (@RepPaulMitchell) December 14, 2020WATCH: Congressman sues Michigan Gov.

DETROIT – The second surge of the coronavirus is leaving many asking for help from lawmakers in Washington. Garlin Gilchrist which this week released findings on a new study of the virus. Gilchrist was on Flashpoint Sunday and discussed findings of the study. Segment OneMichigan Democratic congresswoman, Elissa SlotkinSegment TwoMichigan Republican congressman, Paul MitchellSegment ThreeLt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist

The Michigan State Board of Canvassers is set to meet Monday afternoon to vote on certifying the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election results. UPDATE: Michigan Board of State Canvassers certifies Nov. 3 General Election resultsWith all 83 Michigan counties having already voted to certify their results, the Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to meet to canvass the November general election at 1 p.m. Monday. The board is expected to vote on certifying the results during this meeting. However, according to a CNN report, the vote will not be unanimous as one of the Republican members of the board plans not to vote in favor of certifying the election. It is unclear how Aaron Van Langevelde, the other Republican board member, will cast his vote.

DETROIT Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights icon, has died at the age of 80 on Friday after a six-month battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. The youngest and last surviving member of the Big Six civil rights activists, Lewis dedicated his life to fighting for equality. Leaders react to passing of civil rights iconMichigan Governor Gretchen WhitmerCongressman John Lewis was a civil rights legend who stood firmly on the front lines of our nations history. He touched the hearts of America as a Civil Rights icon in this country for decades. I will forever remember his stories of the Civil Rights movement, constant words of encouragement and the reminder to get into good trouble.

LANSING, Mich. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer filed a motion in Detroit federal court Friday to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Republican Congressmen Paul Mitchell alleging she exceeded her authority by issuing so many executive orders to address the coronavirus pandemic. Mitchell claims many of the executive orders are unconstitutional. READ MORE: Here are all 118 executive orders issued by Michigan Gov. The motion states that Mitchells claims are moot because Whitmer has issued executive orders that permit the very activities he alleged were prohibited.

DETROIT – The impeachment proceedings against president Donald Trump are moving into the next phase. This is a move that has the president’s supporters fired up. Today four members of Congress from Michigan made an appearance on Flashpoint to discuss the historic impeachment hearings and more. Segments One and Two: Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-12th District), Michigan Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-14th District), Michigan Rep. Andy Levin (D-9th District) and Michigan Rep. Paul Mitchell (R-9th District)Segment Three: Flashpoint host Devin Scillian wraps up this week’s episode

DETROIT We experienced another wild week in the nations capitol as public hearings in the Trump impeachment inquiry started. It was also an action-packed Sunday morning here at Local 4 as Flashpoint went live. "When news is happening so quickly that impacts our area, we will go live to have the most up to date information to talk about and the live element always gives it more of a charge, said Flashpoint host Devin Scillian. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-12th District), and Congressman Paul Mitchell (R-10th District) made an appearance on todays live episode. They both talked about the events that have unfolded since the public hearings started.

Michigan Congressman Paul Mitchell talked about the issue Sunday. We also took a look at whether the state's Freedom of Information Act laws need changing. Segment One:Michigan Congressman Paul Mitchell. Segment Two:Stephen Henderson, host of Detroit Today on WDET; Randy Richardville, republican and former majority leader of the Michigan State Senate. Segment Three:Chad Livengood, Crain's Detroit Business reporter and Kat Stafford, Detroit government watchdog reporter at the Detroit Free Press.

DETROIT - Here is what you missed on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:On Sunday's episode of Flashpoint there was a discussion on the life and influence of longtime Oakland County executive L. Brooks Patterson who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer Saturday morning. Then a republican congressman from Michigan says he's had enough -- the political bickering drives Paul Mitchell out of the game. He appeared on Flashpoint to talk about the move. Segments One:Guests including Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, WDET's Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson, Detroit News editorial page editor Nolan Finley and Michigan Democratic congresswoman Debbie Dingell weigh in on the life and influence of longtime Oakland County executive L. Brooks Patterson. Segment Two:Michigan republican congressman Paul Mitchell.

There is some good and bad news on the development front for Detroit. DETROIT - Here is what to expect on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:Republican Paul Mitchell and Democrat Debbie Dingell will make an appearance on Flashpoint Sunday morning to discuss a wide-range of issues. There is some good and bad news on the development front for Detroit. Segment One:Republican Paul Mitchell and Democrat Debbie DingellSegment Two:Kirk Pinho, reporter, Crain's Detroit Business and Daniel Howes, business columnist at The Detroit News. Watch Flashpoint on WDIV at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

Michigan Congressman Paul Mitchell talked about the issue Sunday. We also took a look at whether the state's Freedom of Information Act laws need changing. Segment One:Michigan Congressman Paul Mitchell. Segment Two:Stephen Henderson, host of Detroit Today on WDET; Randy Richardville, republican and former majority leader of the Michigan State Senate. Segment Three:Chad Livengood, Crain's Detroit Business reporter and Kat Stafford, Detroit government watchdog reporter at the Detroit Free Press.

"By the end of this year, the FAA plans to conclude evacuation testing to determine what, if any, regulatory changes are necessary to implement the requirement. The testing will take place ... using a cabin simulator that is capable of testing multiple configurations," the FAA said in a statement. Certainly not in the United States or North America." At the same hearing, Daniel Elwell, deputy FAA administrator, promised lawmakers that the FAA would undertake tests starting in November. "And so I think this (FAA) test could have significant impact on the industry and should be watched carefully."

Rep. Paul Mitchell of Michigan announced on July 24, 2019, in a House floor speech that he will not seek reelection. Rep. Pete Olson of Texas announced on July 25, 2019, in a statement that he will not run for reelection in 2020. Rep. Martha Roby of Alabama announced on July 26, 2019, that she will not seek reelection for a sixth congressional term in 2020. Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois announced on August 30, 2019, that he will not seek reelection in 2020. Rep. Bill Flores of Texas announced on September 4, 2019, that he will not seek reelection in 2020.

MARYSVILLE, Mich. - When Marysville City Council candidate Jean Cramer flabbergasted a candidate forum last week with comments about wanting to keep the city as white as possible, and then doubled down on those comments a day later, her story went national. On Monday, Cramer withdrew her candidacy amid a mounting number of people calling for her to resign. The City Council's regular meeting was packed Monday night with community members eager to have a thoughtful discussion about what happened. "I hope Marysville and the rest of St. Clair County will use this moment as a teachable moment," Adriana LaCroix told the council. "This woman needs to crawl back in the cave she crawled out from and stay there," Mitchell said.

DETROIT Here is what you missed on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:On Sunday's episode of Flashpoint there was a discussion on the life and influence of longtime Oakland County executive L. Brooks Patterson who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer Saturday morning. Then a republican congressman from Michigan says he's had enough -- the political bickering drives Paul Mitchell out of the game. Segments One:Guests including Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, WDET's Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson, Detroit News editorial page editor Nolan Finley and Michigan Democratic congresswoman Debbie Dingell weigh in on the life and influence of longtime Oakland County executive L. Brooks Patterson. Segment Two:Michigan republican congressman Paul Mitchell. Segment Three:Flashpoint host Devin Scillian wraps up this week's episode.

DETROIT - U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Mich., said he is not seeking reelection, a decision that's sending shock waves through political circles Wednesday. Local 4's Mara MacDonald spoke with Mitchell one-on-one about the decision and what's next for Michigan's 10th District. First elected in 2016 after long-time GOP Rep. Candice Miller announced she would not seek reelection, Mitchell would have been up to run again in 2020. When Mara spoke with Mitchell last week in Washington, D.C., his frustration and disgust over the current state of debate, as well as hyper partisanship, was palpable. There are already plenty of names floating in the ether of potential candidates, including Peter J. Lucido, Pete Lund and Mark Hackel.

U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Mich., said he is not seeking reelection, a decision that's sending shock waves through political circles Wednesday. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

WASHINGTON - Second-term Republican Rep. Paul Mitchell of Michigan will not seek re-election to Congress in 2020. Mitchells spokesman and his campaign consultant confirmed Wednesday that he will announce his retirement in a floor speech. Mitchells campaign consultant Stu Sandler has told The Associated Press that Mitchell wants to spend more time with his family. Mitchell last week criticized Trump for saying four Democratic congresswoman of color should go back to the countries they came from. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press.

Updated: 11:10 AM, Jun 4 2019 Published: 9:14 AM, Apr 28 2019DETROIT Here is what to expect on Sunday's episode of Flashpoint:Republican Paul Mitchell and Democrat Debbie Dingell will make an appearance on Flashpoint Sunday morning to discuss a wide-range of issues. There is some good and bad news on the development front for Detroit. Segment One:Republican Paul Mitchell and Democrat Debbie DingellSegment Two:Kirk Pinho, reporter, Crain's Detroit Business and Daniel Howes, business columnist at The Detroit News. Flashpoint is hosted by WDIV Local 4 anchor Devin Scillian. Watch Flashpoint on WDIV at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

Candidates running for office Nov. 6, 2018 recorded prepared statements at the WDIV-TV studios to inform potential voters. You can find their statements at the links below. U.S. Senate - Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) and John James (R)Michigan governor - Bill Schuette (R) and Gretchen Whitmer (D)Michigan Attorney General - Dana Nessel (D) and Tom Leonard (R)Michigan 8th U.S. House District - Rep. Mike Bishop (R) and Elissa Slotkin (D)Michigan 9th U.S. House District - Andy Levin (D) and Candius Stearns (R)Michigan 10th U.S. House District - Rep. Paul Mitchell (R) and Kimberly Bizon (D)Michigan 11th U.S. House District - Haley Stevens (D) and Lena Epstein (R)Michigan 12th U.S. House District - Jeff Jones (R) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D)Michigan 13th U.S. House District - Rashida Tlaib (D)Michigan 14th U.S. House District - Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D) and Marc Herschfus (R)DPS Community District Board (Citizen Detroit)Detroit Charter Commission (Citizen Detroit)36th District Court (Citizen Detroit)

Guest host Kimberly Gill welcomes Rep. Debbie Dingell and Rep. Paul Mitchell for a conversation on military action and other foreign policy challenges, plus health care, tax reform and the rest of President Trumps domestic agenda. Then, public relations professionals Christina Lovio and Peter Van Dyke on what went wrong at Pepsi and United Airlines.