Perry Johnson Proposes Long-Term Road Fix Strategy, Whitmer Earns Bipartisan Praise

Republican gubernatorial candidate Perry Johnson says Michigan should look overseas for solutions to its chronic road problems.

Speaking on 1320 WILS, Johnson suggested the state could learn from countries like Switzerland, where higher-quality materials are used to build roads that last significantly longer despite harsh winter weather.

“They only have to fix the roads every 10 to 15 years because you use higher quality material,” Johnson said. “Let’s have a quality effort so that in the end we end up spending less money per year.”

Johnson’s comments come as road funding and infrastructure remain central issues in Michigan politics.

Whitmer Receives Bipartisan Acknowledgment

Reaction is continuing following Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address.

John Sellek of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs offered rare praise for Whitmer during an appearance on 1320 WILS. Sellek, who previously worked for a Republican challenger against Whitmer in 2018, credited the governor for striking a more bipartisan tone.

“You have to give credit where it’s due,” Sellek said. “She’s figured out a pathway for positivity and bipartisanship, at least on the surface.”

Whitmer also surprised some political observers by thanking former President Donald Trump during her speech — a move Sellek noted likely caught many Democrats off guard.

Housing Reform Debate Intensifies

The Home Builders Association of Michigan is pushing for legislation introduced last week aimed at lowering housing costs and reforming zoning laws across the state.

CEO Bob Filka said on 1320 WILS that opposition is already forming.

“I was a little discouraged by all the mayors coming out earlier this week in strong opposition,” Filka said, noting resistance from the Michigan Municipal League.

Opponents argue the proposed legislation would strip locally elected officials of decision-making authority, reviving longstanding tensions between builders and municipal governments.

Lansing Police Investigate Multiple Deaths

Lansing police have identified a pedestrian killed last weekend near Capital Region International Airport.

Officers say 22-year-old Andrew Enness died after being struck by a vehicle early Saturday morning on Capitol City Boulevard. Authorities have not yet released details about the driver as the investigation continues.

In a separate case, police confirmed the body of 26-year-old Dleel Galal-Kowta was found in Sycamore Creek in Delhi Township. He had been reported missing and endangered in early January. Authorities say foul play is not suspected.

Meanwhile, search efforts have been suspended for 21-year-old Northern Michigan University student Trenton Massey, who disappeared during a snowstorm in the Upper Peninsula. Police in Marquette believe he may have fallen through the ice on Lake Superior.

A candlelight vigil for Massey is scheduled tonight at Corunna High School.

Embezzlement Charge Filed in Weberville

The Ingham County Prosecutor's Office announced that 38-year-old Tiffany West of Webberville has been arraigned on one count of embezzlement between $50,000 and $100,000.

According to Prosecutor John DeWane, West allegedly misused funds from the Webberville Junior Athletic Association between 2019 and 2025. Authorities say money intended for concession stand purchases was instead used for personal expenses.

Michigan Jobless Claims Drop Sharply

New unemployment claims in Michigan fell dramatically last week.

The U.S. Labor Department reports just over 3,600 new claims were filed — roughly half the total from the previous week — signaling potential improvement in the state’s labor market.

State officials will continue monitoring employment trends as economic conditions evolve.