Jim Newell
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Articles by Jim Newell
Oxford Twp. Planning Commission postpones Starbucks’ preliminary site plan approval
OXFORD TWP. — The Oxford Township Planning Commission postponed preliminary site plan review approval for a new Starbucks in the Meijer parking lot on July 23 after commissioners wanted to see a traffic impact study before granting approval. The proposed Starbucks is a for a 2,081 square feet new building on 1.04 acres just north of Taco Bell. Starbucks would have a drive through and patio dining. The lot is currently zoned Commercial 2 (C-2) for suburban commercial developments.
deny Oxford Community Schools non-homestead operating millage
OXFORD TWP. — The results of the Aug. 4 Primary Election are in and voters once again denied the Oxford Community Schools Operating Millage Replacement Proposal, this time by a margin of 23 votes. Voters in Oakland County (portions of Oxford, Addison and Brandon townships) passed the 10-year millVoters age (2026 to 2035) proposal with 4,220 (50.02%) voting in favor and 4,186 (49.8%) voting against the proposal, 34 more votes in favor of the millage.
Candidate races set for Nov. 3 general electionIf
OAKLAND COUNTY — The results of the Aug. 4 Primary Election are in and three of the candidates for state senator and state representative are Oxford residents. Incumbent Rep. Josh Schriver (R-Oxford) ran unopposed in the Republican Primary in the Michigan State Legislature 66th District race. He will face Democrat Ned Zimmer of Oxford for a two-year term in the legislature. Greg Hill of Oxford will face Donni Steele of Lake Orion in the race for Michigan State Senator, 23rd District.
Orion Twp. board places three public safety millages on the Nov. 3 ballot
ORION TWP. – The Orion Township Board of Trustees voted 6-0 during a special meeting on Friday to approve new ballot language for three public safety millages for the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The millages are intended to fund police and fire services in Orion Township, though the proposed millages are drastically lower than the public safety millages on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot.
Voters reject Orion Twp. police, fire millages in primary election
OAKLAND COUNTY — Orion Township voters rejected proposals for public safety, turning down the proposed fire millage by just over 50% and the proposed police millage by nearly 60%. The local candidate races are also set for state senator, state representative, Lake Orion Village Council and the Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education, barring any write-in candidates who file before the Oct. 23 deadline.
Nobody in American Politics Can Figure Out When to Back Down Original
Politics A Democrat is standing by a terrible tweet, while a Republican with nothing to lose still can’t find a spine. Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Joshua Lott/Getty Images. Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, Slate’s politics newsletter that encourages you to get some rest this August.
Meet the Onetime Trump Critic Running Against Abdul El-Sayed
Politics Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers. Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images and Sarah Rice/Getty Images. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. One imagines Mike Rogers has enjoyed a lovely Michigan summer. The GOP Senate candidate was uncontested in his primary for his second straight run, after only narrowly losing to Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024.
For Progressives, a Massive Win in Michigan Is Only the Beginning Original
Politics As Abdul El-Sayed prevails in the Michigan Senate primary, it sends the Democratic Party a message for the midterms—and for 2028. Aug 05, 202610:11 AM Jeff Kowalsky/Getty Images Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Abdul El-Sayed, a public health official, narrowly defeated four-term Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary.
Village Council holds special meeting to discuss disincorporation petition rumors
LAKE ORION — The Lake Orion Village Council held a special meeting on Monday to discuss with village administration and its attorney whether or not they tried to stop a proposal to disincorporate the village from appearing on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Council Members George Dandalides and Michael Lamb requested the meeting, saying several residents contacted them after hearing that the village was trying to block the disincorporation question from going before voters.
Michigan Goes to the Polls Original
Politics This Senate primary is about to show Democrats what they have in store. Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Emily Elconin/Getty Images, Bill Pugliano/Getty Images, Sarah Rice/Getty Images, and U.S. Congress. Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
The “Bernie Would’ve Won” Election
Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Evan Cobb for the Washington Post via Getty Images, Win McNamee/Getty Images, Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images, Sarah Rice/Getty Images, Emily Elconin/Getty Images, and Getty Images Plus. On a hot and smoky mid-July Saturday night at the Detroit Opera House, the front-running campaign in Michigan’s Senate Democratic primary had little to say about the Republican Party. But it offered no mercy for the Democratic establishment.
Voters to decide in November whether or not to disincorporate Village of Lake Orion
Village of Lake Orion voters will decide in the Nov. 3 general election if they want to disincorporate the village or not after the village council took no action on disincorporation petitions submitted by resident Rob Reighard.
Voters to decide on Orion Twp. fire, police millages on Aug. 4Orion
ORION TWP. — When Orion voters head to the polls for the Aug. 4 primary election, they will see three local millage proposals on their ballots, as well as candidates for the state senate and legislature. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Operating Millage The four-year millage request is for 3.85 mills, an increase over the 3 mills that voters approved in the Aug. 4, 2020 election. That millage expired on Dec. 31, 2025.
Donald Trump Is Very, Very Angry Original
Politics Iran is destined to become the signature failure of his second term. There’s almost nothing he can do about it. July 25, 20265:45 AM Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images and Qeeraw/Getty Images Plus. Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
Coming together to help feed Oxford residents
Volunteers work at the Oxford Community Garden on Wednesday mornings, harvesting produce and watering crops. Produce from the garden – administered by Oxford Township Parks & Recreation – is shared with community programs like Free Meals, Meals on Wheels and Hope Senior Apartments. Photo by Jim Newell OXFORD TWP. — The Oxford community is truly coming together at all levels to help feed residents in need.
Kids & Kops car show on Sunday in downtown Lake Orion
The Kids and Kops Classic Car Show is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday in downtown Lake Orion. The show, hosted by Golling Buick GMC, is a fundraiser for the Lake Orion Police Association. Photo by Jim Newell LAKE ORION — Classic cars will line the streets of downtown Lake Orion on Sunday for the Golling Buick GMC annual classic car show benefiting the Lake Orion Police Association.
Orion voters to decide on police, fire millage Aug. 4
ORION TWP. — When Orion voters cast their votes in the Aug. 4 primary election, they will see Operating Police Millage and Fire and Emergency Medical Services Operating Millage proposals on their ballots. However, Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said residents seemed to be confused, or have misconceptions about the millages, with many spreading misinformation online or by word of mouth. The township’s police and fire millages expired Dec.
Disincorporation petitions verified by township clerk
LAKE ORION — Petitions to disincorporate the Village of Lake Orion have been verified and now the Lake Orion Village Council has scheduled a special closed-session meeting with its attorney for 4 p.m. today to consider its next steps. Orion Township Clerk Julia Dalrymple sent a letter to village Clerk/Treasurer Sonja Stout, dated July 15, stating that she has verified the disincorporation petitions and determined they are sufficient under the law.
It Could Always Be Worse—and That’s All Part of Trump’s Plan Original
Politics Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, which is happy to report that it has nothing to say about any insecure men who might commandeer national airwaves on a Thursday night to spread conspiratorial nonsense. The politics were hot and heavy this week.
Detroit man held in Great Lakes Crossing shooting released from jail
AUBURN HILLS — One man is dead and a woman was injured during a shooting at Great Lakes Crossing Outlet Mall on July 11. The alleged shooter, a 22-year-old Detroit man, was taken into custody and was cooperating with the investigation, according to information from the Auburn Hills Police Department. On Tuesday, Auburn Hills police confirmed that the case had been sent to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday for review.
Lindsey Graham Finally Had Exactly What He Wanted Original
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Lindsey Graham would have been pleased to know that he would never spend a second of his life as an ex-senator. No one needed to be a senator like Graham, who suddenly died over the weekend, and no one savored it more. In his 2016 presidential run, Graham would campaign about how he, a bachelor with no kids, had no life and would be purely focused on the work.
What’s Next for Maine Democrats After Platnerpocalypse? Original
Politics Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, a newsletter that can finally stop writing about Graham Platner—for five years, when he will be a first-ballot Surge Hall of Fame inductee.
Second trench collapse in 24 hours injures worker in Orion Twp.
ORION TWP. — A 25-year-old Clarkston man is in stable condition after being injured in a trench collapse July 1 at a new subdivision under construction in Orion Township. The collapse in Orion Township came a day after a trench collapse in Oxford Township injured a 35-year-old Ira Township man who was taken to the hospital for his injuries, according to reports from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office on both incidents.
Second trench collapse in 24 hours injures Clarkston man
ORION TWP. — A 25-year-old Clarkston man is in stable condition after being injured in a trench collapse July 1 at a new subdivision under construction in Orion Township. The collapse in Orion Township came a day after a trench collapse in Oxford Township injured a 35-year-old Ira Township man who was taken to the hospital for his injuries, according to reports from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office on both incidents.
Who Could Replace Graham Platner? Original
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Democrats’ brief experiment in letting their hair down and nominating a Senate candidate who makes them feel edgy has all but concluded. After a well-corroborated Politico story in which an ex claimed that Graham Platner sexually assaulted her, the party has seen enough. Democrats ranging from Chuck Schumer to Zohran Mamdani have called on Platner to drop out.
Republicans Have a New Supervillain in the Works
Politics Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, a newsletter that could have chosen to do a fun “ranking the World Cup teams by their fans”–type deal but instead has chosen, once again, to torture you with information about American politics. This week, Congress slopped it up once more before heading into a long recess.
Republicans Have a New Supervillain in the Works
Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week's edition of the Surge, a newsletter that could have chosen to do a fun "ranking the World Cup teams by their fans"–type deal but instead has chosen, once again, to torture you with information about American politics. This week, Congress slopped it up once more before heading into a long recess.
This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things Original
Politics Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Congress recently did something correctly. It passed a big, bipartisan bill to address one of voters’ big, bipartisan concerns: housing affordability. Everything was done the right way.
Lake Orion Lions Club Jubilee returns this weekend
The Lake Orion Lions Club’s Jubilee returns to Orion Township from Thursday through Sunday with carnival rides, live music and entertainment tent and more. The Jubilee, the club’s largest fundraiser, is at a new location this year – Civic Center Park and Wildwood Amphitheater. Photos by Joseph Goral ORION TWP.
This Is the Week J.D. Vance Became Vice President Original
Politics Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, a very special Friday Federal Holiday edition that makes a great reading companion to your steak-and-sauerkraut breakfast. The United States and Iran have agreed at last on a framework for a deal to end the war, a tremendous success for Trump if it works and a total failure for J.D. Vance if it doesn’t.
Village resident starts petition to disincorporate the Village of Lake Orion
LAKE ORION — Lake Orion resident Robert Reighard has started a petition to disincorporate the Village of Lake Orion. The petition language reads: “The village of Lake Orion is proposed to be disincorporated into Orion Township, Oakland County, Michigan.” Reighard, a longtime resident and business owner in Lake Orion, said he started the petition simply to give residents a choice on whether they want the village to be disincorporated, or remain as it is.
Orion Twp. board passes six-month moratorium on data centers
ORION TWP. — The Orion Township Board of Trustees voted 7-0 on Monday to approve a resolution establishing a six-month moratorium on data centers being developed in the township. The township’s planning commission and planning and zoning department requested the moratorium in order to research and draft amendments to the current zoning ordinances, which do not address data centers. “Our current zoning ordinance, Ordinance no.
Orion Twp. Public Library kicks off Summer Reading Program
Kids of all ages got to enjoy fun activities at the Orion Township Public Library during the annual Summer Reading Program kickoff on Saturday. Library staff made sure kids had a lot of excitement before embarking on a summer of reading adventures. And there’s still time to sign up for the program. Photo by Jim Newell ORION TWP. — School may be out for the summer but reading is still in at the Orion Township Public Library. And librarians want it to be a fun adventure for the whole family.
Oxford Twp. receives ‘clean’ financial audit report for 2025
OXFORD TWP. — The Oxford Township Board of Trustees received an unmodified opinion on its 2025 annual audit report during its meeting on June 10. Rana M. Emmons, managing partner with PSLZ PLLC – Certified Public Accountants, presented the audit report covering the township’s fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2025. “Once again, the township did receive an unmodified opinion, which is the highest level of audit opinion possible. No exceptions, disclaimers, anything like that to report this evening.
The Legend of Susan Collins Original
The 2020 election made Maine Sen. Susan Collins a political legend. National Democrats, who’d effectively let Collins walk to victory in 2014, wanted her seat in the worst way this time. The Democratic candidate, state House Speaker Sara Gideon, and her outside affiliates raised more money than could even be spent on a political campaign in Maine. Democrats’ heavy-handed assault seemed to be working: Collins did not lead in a single public poll for the entirety of 2020.
How America 250 Became Trump 80 Original
Politics Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, a newsletter that could have beaten Elon Musk to trillionaire status but is consciously pursuing a slow-growth model instead. This week, as every week, we check in on the latest primary results, as well as complete our regularly scheduled check-in of California’s primary results.
Miracle League games bring fun, inspiration to family, friends, fans
ORION TWP. — From the smiles on the players’ faces, the high-fives with teammates and coaches and the cheers from family, friends and fans, the Miracle League baseball games at Friendship Park exude the spirit of playing for the love of the game. Because every game, every at bat, every pitch at the Miracle League Field at Friendship Park in Orion Township is a celebration.
Orion Twp. declares ‘Mother’s Day REDO’ to support local businesses
Downtown Lake Orion streets are typically thriving during summer evenings but were void of activity when businesses were closed due to the water main break that forced Orion Township to declare a State of Emergency in mid-May. Photos by Jim Newell ORION TWP. — When the water main break in May forced Orion Township to declare a State of Emergency on Mother’s Day, the impact reached far beyond the water system.
Will Graham Platner Make It to November?
Politics Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, a newsletter that always gets stuck right here (the beginning) and may have to bring on Hunter Biden as an opening joke writer. A lot happened in politics this week, and we’re not even lying about that like we usually do.
Will Graham Platner Make It to November?
Politics Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, a newsletter that always gets stuck right here (the beginning) and may have to bring on Hunter Biden as an opening joke writer. A lot happened in politics this week, and we’re not even lying about that like we usually do.
Are Democrats Blowing a Golden Opportunity to Beat Susan Collins?
Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week's edition of the Surge, a newsletter that always gets stuck right here (the beginning) and may have to bring on Hunter Biden as an opening joke writer. A lot happened in politics this week, and we're not even lying about that like we usually do.
Oxford girls soccer defeats Clarkston in district championship
District Champs! — The Oxford varsity girls soccer team are district champs after defeating Clarkston 1-0 in a penalty shootout on Friday at Grand Blanc High School. This is the Wildcats’ second consecutive district title. The team played Northville in the regional semifinal on Tuesday after Oxford Leader press time.
Skalnek Ford opens new state-of-the-art facility on Lapeer Roadsales
Skalnek Ford has opened its new dealership on Lapeer and Scripps roads, holding an open house on Thursday, May 21 to usher in the new era of the family-owned business. As part of the opening ceremonies, Ryan Skalnek presented Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett and Treasurer Matt Pfeiffer with a $20,000 check for a beautification project in the township along Lapeer Road. Photos by Jim Newell ORIONTWP.
Trump Is Now Taking Out GOP Incumbents for No Reason Original
Politics Sign up for the Surge, the newsletter that covers the most important political nonsense of the week, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Surge, a newsletter that sees the cage-match construction at the White House and wonders how long it will be before President Donald Trump announces the America 250 pole-dancing contest on the Washington Monument.
Orion community commemorates Memorial Day
The Lake Orion marching band performed in the annual Memorial Day Parade in downtown Lake Orion. The parade was one of several activities in the Orion community on Monday, with veterans and the public honoring those who lost their lives in the service of the nation. Photos by Jim Newell ORION TWP.
Skalnek Ford opens new state-of-the-art facility on Lapeer Road
Skalnek Ford has opened its new dealership on Lapeer and Scripps roads, holding an open house on Thursday to usher in the new era of the family-owned business. As part of the opening ceremonies, Ryan Skalnek presented Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett and Treasurer Matt Pfeiffer with a $20,000 check for a beautification project in the township along Lapeer Road. Photos by Jim Newell ORION TWP.
Orion Twp. lifts water restrictions after water main work finishes sooner than expected
ORION TWP. — A section of water main in northern Auburn Hills that failed May 10 and forced Orion Township to declare a state of emergency and impose severe water restrictions is now repaired and the water is flowing again. The boil water advisory for residents has also been lifted. Before residents consume water from their taps, Orion Township recommends that they flush out their systems by running cold water from their faucets for at least five minutes.
Orion community to remember its fallen veterans on Memorial Day
Veterans from North Oakland VFW Post 334, American Legion Post 233 and the members of the Orion Veterans Memorial Board will hold a Memorial Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. Monday at the Orion Veterans Memorial on Lapeer Road between Odanah and Heights roads. Photos by Jim Newell ORION TWP. — Memorial Day in Orion is a solemn day of remembrance with people from throughout the community joining Orion’s veterans in remembering those U.S. military men and women who died in service to the nation.
Orion Twp. lifts water restrictions after water main work finishes sooner than expected
ORION TWP. — A section of water main in northern Auburn Hills that failed and forced Orion Township to declare a state of emergency and impose severe water restrictions is now repaired and the water is flowing again. Suzanne Coffey, CEO of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) said work on installing a new section of a 42-inch water main in Auburn Hills that failed early Sunday morning, May 10 is now complete during a press conference on May 13. “So, at this point in time, GLWA’s water is flowing.
Land clearing begins at Aldi site
Work crews began clearing the land on the future Aldi site last week, located on the corner of Lapeer Road and Market Street. Photo by Jim Newell OXFORD TWP. — Work crews began clearing the land last week at the future Aldi site on the southwest corner of Lapeer Road and Market Street. The Oxford Township Planning Commission voted 5-0 during its meeting on Feb. 26 to recommend approval of the final site plan for the Aldi development.
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