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Articles by Sam Robinson
How the Obamas are Motivating Black Voters in Michigan’s U.S. Senate Race
By Sam Robinson https://michiganchronicle.com/ This video of former President Barack Obama pointing to U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens’ work for his administration is being criticized by supporters of U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Photo: Ad Impact Black voters in Detroit say ads featuring President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are part of the reason they’re voting for U.S. Rep.
How the Obamas are Motivating Black Voters in Michigan’s U.S. Senate Race
By Sam Robinson Sam Robinson is a journalist covering regional politics and popular culture. In 2024, Robinson founded Detroit one million, a local news website tailored toward young people. He has reported for MLive, Rolling Stone, Axios and the Detroit Free Press. Black voters in Detroit say ads featuring President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are part of the reason they’re voting for U.S. Rep.
Kamala Harris Takes Democratic Party Convention Stage in Detroit
By Sam Robinson Michigan Chronicle https://michiganchronicle.com/ State Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing interviews former Vice President Kamala Harris at the Michigan Democratic Party convention at Detroit’s Huntington Place Saturday, April 18. Photo: Samuel Robinson Kamala Harris in Detroit Saturday took on a fiery tone in her comments against U.S. President Donald Trump, who defeated the former vice president in the most recent presidential election.
Kamala Harris Takes Democratic Party Convention Stage in Detroit
By Sam Robinson Michigan Chronicle https://michiganchronicle.com/ State Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing interviews former Vice President Kamala Harris at the Michigan Democratic Party convention at Detroit’s Huntington Place Saturday, April 18. Photo: Samuel Robinson Kamala Harris in Detroit Saturday took on a fiery tone in her comments against U.S. President Donald Trump, who defeated the former vice president in the most recent presidential election.
US CLO portfolio overlap - Managers get CLOser, but more diverse
The average overlap between US CLO managers’ portfolios has increased since our last report in 2024. This report dissects portfolio overlap, as per the latest US CLO trustee reports, between managers for deals closed in 2023 and 2024 (see the bottom of this article for methodology). At the time of this analysis, CLO and loan markets have been on divergent paths: new loan issuance is down, while CLO issuance has sky-rocketed. This shift means that CLOs make up a larger share of the loan market.
Footnotes 2025 Gift Guide
Yeah, yeah, I know … another gift guide. But I am both petty and bourgeois. Plus I have fun putting this together every year. So without further ado, let’s jump right into the 5th-Annual Footnotes Gift Guide. As always, this guide is 100% unsponsored—just objects, books, and ideas I use or discovered this year. Notebooks STALOGY Editor’s Series 365Days. I use this for my day-to-day journaling, drafting, and note taking.
Outflows continue for loan ETFs and CLO ETF market leader
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Michigan Court: Detroit Broke Law with Shotspotter Expansion
The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled last week that the City of Detroit illegally approved a 2022 contract to expand its use of the ShotSpotter gunshot-detection technology. The court said the city failed to comply with its own 2021 surveillance ordinance, which requires specific community input procedures outlining how the technology works. “Given the inherent invasiveness of surveillance technology, the City adopted specific procedural requirements that must be met when procuring such technology.
Kinloch Welcomes Federal Collaboration to Address Crime: "We Have a Problem"
Federal law enforcement assistance in high crime areas may be a tool to combat crime in Detroit, Triumph Church pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch suggested during the debate between himself and polling favorite city council president Mary Sheffield. Public safety and continuing to reduce the city’s homicide rate was a main point of contention between both candidates inside the WXYZ studios in Southfield on Wednesday at the only debate scheduled between them ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election.
Takeaways from Contentious Detroit Mayoral Election: Sheffield, Kinloch Battle Over Accomplishments
Triumph Church Rev. Solomon Kinloch cast a dark shadow over the prospects of a potential Mary Sheffield administration during the first televised debate. Sheffield didn’t hold back on the pastor’s absence in the community during candidate forums leading up to the August primary election, questions surrounding how he purchased his Oakland Township home and his lack of political experience.
Three Democrats run to be Michigan's next Secretary of State
Three Democrats — two from Detroit and one from Lansing — are running to earn the nod from their party at next year’s state party nominating convention. Michigan voters on Nov. 3, 2026 will elect a new U.S. Senator, governor, Secretary of State and attorney general. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is term-limited and ineligible to be elected to a third term. She announced earlier this year she is running for governor.
Sheffield, Santiago-Romero Cross Endorse Campaigns for Mayor, City Council
Polling front runner council president Mary Sheffield picked up another endorsement from a council colleague for her campaign to become the city’s next mayor. District 6 incumbent Gabriela Santiago-Romero joined Sheffield at the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership Monday afternoon at an event where both candidates spoke about their support of one another and their shared values of inclusion and equity.
East Siders Rally to Shut Down Mouron Owned Concrete Facility
East side residents, community organizations and political leaders gathered at Gaylord and Moran Friday morning to urge the city to close a concrete crushing plant they say is polluting their neighborhood. Local activist Jahdante Smith, who lives in District 3, says residents nearby the facility report poor air quality, noise pollution from the truck traffic and blight outside of the facility.
Former DNC Vice Chair Backs McKinney for Congress
Democratic activist and former DNC vice chair David Hogg announced it is supporting state Rep. Donavan McKinney, D-Detroit, over incumbent U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13th District. “Shri Thanedar is exactly the kind of out-of-touch, ineffective, and out-for-himself incumbent we want to kick out of office,” Hogg said in a statement Monday.
Michigan Democratic Party Hits Duggan Over Republican Donors with Detroit Billboards
The Michigan Democratic Party purchased several billboards across Detroit criticizing the city’s mayor, Mike Duggan, for accepting donations from longtime Republican allies for his independent bid for governor. Duggan announced he left the party last year in December upon revealing that he would run for governor after serving as mayor for 12 years.
Detroit Lawmakers, Business Leaders Silent on Council Race Between Socialist and Republican Ally
Denzel McCampbell will face state Rep. Karen Whitsett in the Nov. 4 general election. Photos: Samuel Robinson Elected officials and local business leaders in Detroit are staying quiet about their controversial colleague’s Detroit City Council race in District 7. State Rep. Karen Whitsett’s colleagues in the state House did not respond to messages asking to address her chronic absenteeism, or whether they have a preference as to who’s elected to the west side council seat.
Detroit Mayoral Debates Set Between Mary Sheffield, Solomon Kinloch
Two debates have been scheduled for Detroiters to hear from both mayoral candidates after the primary election. City Council President Mary Sheffield and Triumph Church pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr., the top vote getters during the Aug. 5 primary election, will pitch their visions for the future of the city on stage one-on-one for the first time Wednesday, October 15, at 7 p.m. at WXYZ-TV’s Southfield studios. You can watch the debate on Channel 7 and online streaming.
First Look at Detroit’s New Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Park on West Riverfront
The 20-foot bear slide at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park sits across from a 22-foot otter slide. Photo: Samuel Robinson Residents along Detroit’s Southwest riverfront can expect to see an influx of new visitors when it opens at the end of this month. The new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, at 1801 W. Jefferson, sprawls 22-acres across W. Jefferson at the Detroit riverfront. Opening on Oct.
Detroit Economic Opportunity Director Launches Bid for Downriver State Senate Seat
Detroit entrepreneurship and economic opportunity director Justin Onwenu launched a bid for state Senate in a seat in the redrawn 1st Senate District that could see a competitive Democratic primary election. In an announcement video released Thursday, Onwenu asks whether Michigan politics is worse than D.C., highlighting the chaotic lame duck session last year in which Democrats were blocked from accomplishing legislation that would have benefited Detroit residents the most.
Gilchrist Says Israel is Committing Genocide at Arab Conference
Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist came out in opposition to taxpayer support of the war in Gaza and vowed to not take money from a pro-Israel lobby at an Arab American conference in Dearborn Saturday. “The Netanyahu government is committing a genocide on the Palestinian people. This is not a matter of opinion. This is a matter of fact,” Gilchrist said on Saturday at Arab Con, a national conference that included notable Arab American and Muslim speakers.
Whitsett's Absence Felt at District 7 Candidate Forum
Chantel Watkins, Horace Sheffield, McClendon Starks II and Denzel McCampbell. A chair with State rep. Karen Whitsett’s name crossed out sits between Sheffield and Starks. Photo: Samuel Robinson State Rep. Karen Whitsett wasn’t present at a candidate forum last week but it didn’t stop the candidates, moderators and members of the audience from calling out her support of conservatives.
Free read: Core City restaurant condemns Epstein, Metro Detroit's best crab boil, Dearborn in the news
Howdy, folks. Hope you’ve been well since the last time I’ve written directly to you like this — I know it’s been a minute. Shoutout to Tobias Harris, who was seated sipping on an iced cortado with oat milk, when I walked into Babo. He’s really proud of his down payment assistance program he created in partnership with the Michigan Housing State Housing Authority. Harris, whose brother played at Eastern Michigan, was aware of local political figures and the talk surrounding them.
Haugabook Ends Write-In Campaign for Detroit's District 5 Council Seat
Photo courtesy of Esther Haugabook. Former Detroit City Council candidate Esther Haugabook is ending her write-in campaign she said was encouraged by District 5 residents who weren’t satisfied with either candidate in the general election. UAW retiree Renata Miller and Board of Police Commissioner Willie Burton face each other in Detroit’s Nov. 4 general election.
Wayne County Receives Credit Rating Boost From Moody's
Wayne County received a vote of confidence via a new report from a credit rating firm that shows the county is in a strong financial position. The rating agency based the improved rating on Wayne County’s reserves, reduced liabilities, and economic growth. Moody’s Ratings has upgraded the County’s issuer rating and its general obligation bonds to Aa3 from A1, citing Wayne County’s strong reserves, declining long-term liabilities, and growing economic base.
Kinloch's Post-Primary Campaign Turns up Heat on Sheffield
Triumph Church pastor Rev. Solomon Kinloch said he wouldn’t run a negative campaign, but his statements about his opponent in the last few weeks have been anything but positive. On Monday, in response to reporting from the Detroit Free Press that questions whether city council president Mary Sheffield broke city ethics rules by requesting and accepting six Jeezy tickets from Comerica Bank. The city charter strictly prohibits elected officials from taking gifts.
Haley Stevens Rallies With Black Caucus in Detroit, Explains Vote for Charlie Kirk Resolution
Haley Stevens with Brenda Carter, Joe Tate, Michael Howard and Tyrone Carter. Photo: Samuel Robinson The battle for the city of Detroit’s votes in the 2026 Democratic primary election for U.S. Senate is one that is being staked out early by U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham. The Congresswoman held a campaign event with supporters from Michigan’s Legislative Black Caucus at Fixins in the city’s historic Paradise Valley neighborhood downtown.
Another Former Opponent Endorses Sheffield for Detroit Mayor
Councilman Fred Durhal III is the second former mayoral opponent to endorse city council president Mary Sheffield for Detroit mayor. Durhal announced he was backing Sheffield Monday at In Harmony Cafe Sweets & More, a coffee shop on the city’s west side along Dexter Avenue within District 7, the council district he represents. Sheffield’s campaign said the business was chosen because of its location on the boundary line of both leaders’ districts.
Sheffield: Detroit Would Fight Back Against Trump Deployment of National Guard
Mary Sheffield talks to supporters at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Academy in Corktown on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Detroit City Council president and mayoral front runner Mary Sheffield said Wednesday at a community forum for her mayoral campaign that as mayor, she would fight back against any overstepping of local authority by the Trump administration. Sheffield’s comments came the same day Vice President J.D. Vance jokingly told a crowd of supporters in Livingston County that all Gov.
Benson, Duggan Both Claim Teamsters Endorsements
The race for governor is heating up as two candidates from Detroit announced endorsements from Teamsters this week. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and independent Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan both announced endorsements from Michigan Teamsters on Tuesday. While the Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43 endorsed Duggan for governor, an initial release from Duggan’s campaign Tuesday incorrectly indicated that the endorsement was on behalf of its 10 local affiliate unions.
'Growing Concern' Fueling Haugabook's Write-in Campaign for Detroit's District 5
Esther Haugabook. Photo: Samuel Robinson Esther Haugabook, a housing advocate who finished third in the Detroit’s municipal primary, launched a write-in campaign on Tuesday for the District 5 city council seat.
Wayne County Partners with MDOS to Process IDs for Returning Citizens
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington. Photo: Samuel Robinson. The Michigan Department of State on Monday announced a program for returning citizens to get IDs and register to vote will extend to Wayne County. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson came to the county’s new jail near New Center to announce the partnership with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Monday at a press conference inside the Wayne County Justice Center on E. Ferry Street.
Bomb Threats Target Michigan Lawmakers
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and State sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield. Photos: Samuel Robinson Law enforcement officials responded to bombs threats made against Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and State sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield last week. The public was made aware of the threat against Gilchrist’s home on Thursday. The following morning, Moss said on social media that he had received a bomb threat Thursday night as well.
QnA: Hollier on Dropping Congressional Bid, Corporate Influence and War in Gaza
Adam Hollier in October 2023 at a launch event for his 2024 Congressional campaign. Photo: Samuel Robinson Former State sen. Adam Hollier, D-Detroit, talked about why he dropped out of the 13th Congressional District U.S. House race and is running for Michigan Secretary of State in an hour-long interview Wednesday that revealed his views on several hot-button topics.
Jenkins: "I'm not really interested" in role in potential Sheffield administration
Saunteel Jenkins and Mary Sheffield outside of Cody High School Former Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins, who endorsed Mary Sheffield this week after a contentious primary battle, told reporters Wednesday she isn’t currently interested in a cabinet position in a Sheffield administration, should she win the general election Nov. 4.
Hollier Joins Democratic Candidates Running for Michigan Secretary of State
Former state sen. Adam Hollier, a candidate for Michigan Secretary of State. Photo: Samuel Robinson Former state Sen. Adam Hollier has joined two other Democrats running for Michigan Secretary of State, he announced Wednesday morning. The news that Hollier would drop out of the race to defeat U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District was first reported last week by Michigan Chronicle.
Detroit developer's dad is lifelong friend of Jeffery Epstein
Detroit developer Philip Kafka spent a good amount of one-on-one time with sexual trafficker Jeffery Epstein when he was 19, according to a letter penned by Kafka’s father, who was a childhood friend of the disgraced pedophile. Terry Kafka, who is also referred to as “Johnny Boy” Kafka, of Dallas, TX, appears on one of the first pages of Epstein’s “birthday book.” The documents inside Epstein’s 50th birthday book were released under House Oversight subpoena this week.
Trump Secretary of Education to Visit Renaissance High School
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon is set to speak at Renaissance High School Monday in Detroit as part of a national tour championing conservative education policies. McMahon, a former WWE executive tapped by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Education, has been stopping in each state to promote school choice, parents rights and the end of diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
Adam Hollier to Drop Congressional Bid, Consider Run for Secretary of State
Adam Hollier in October, 2022. Photo: Samuel Robinson Former State Sen. Adam Hollier, D-Detroit, is getting ready to drop out of the race for U.S. House in Michigan’s 13th District and is instead considering a run for Secretary of State, sources with direct knowledge of Hollier’s plans tell Michigan Chronicle. “Over the last month, leaders from around Michigan have reached out to ask that I consider running for Secretary of State.
City of Detroit Slams Rogers for Calling on Trump to Send Troops
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers is facing criticism from the city of Detroit and his political rivals for calling on President Donald Trump to send military troops to Detroit. Rogers, who is endorsed by Trump, is urging the president to add Detroit to a list of cities, including Washington D.C., Chicago and Baltimore, where military troops patrol streets.
Detroit Law Department to Prosecute Certain Misdemeanors
Starting next summer, the city of Dertroit will lead the prosecution of some misdemeanors which will give the city more control over sentencing and should give the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office more time to handle violent crimes. The Detroit City Council approved 8-1 an amendment to the city code through an ordinance Tuesday allowing its law department to prosecute misdemeanor crimes such as retail fraud, larceny and domestic violence.
Report: Entertainment Tax Could Generate $47 Million for Detroit
A new tax on tickets sold in Detroit could generate $14 million to $47 million, according to a new report from the Michigan Citizens Research Council. Researchers with the Michigan Citizens Research Council released a report Wednesday outlining the potential impacts of implementing a tax on local entertainment venues.
Housing Development in Harper Woods is Community's First in Decades
The first new housing development in Harper Woods will bring 71 units-for sale to the Metro Detroit suburb. Robertson Brothers Homes and Renovare Development, in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Developemnt Authority (MSHDA), invited stakeholders to a groundbreaking ceremony for Fraser Square Wednesday morning on Lennon Street in Harper Woods. Developers and state stakeholders said goal of the project is to ensure those who serve the community have an attainable path to homeownership.
Why Duggan Doesn't Expect Trump To Send Troops To Detroit
President Donald Trump has not threatened the city of Detroit with federal agents to curb crime because of the longstanding partnerships with federal law enforcement agencies that already exist, according to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. In a recent interview on CNN, Mayor Mike Duggan said the Trump administration deserves credit for the increase in the number of federal prosecutors by a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney.
Detroit City Council District 7 Race: McCampbell, Whitsett Exchange Criticism Over State Budget Vote
Detroit state Rep. Karen Whitsett called her opponent in District 7’s Detroit City Council race “inserted by Rashida Tlaib” in a post responding to his criticism of her vote approving a Republican state budget proposal.
Michigan Laborers Endorse Jocelyn Benson for Governor
Democratic candidate for governor Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced an endorsement from a statewide labor group Thursday as candidates in the race for governor are touting key backers. The labor group, Michigan Laborers’ District Council (LiUNA), represents over 15,000 members who build the state’s roads, bridges, transit and energy sources.
Michigan's Top Earners Would Pay More Under Contested School Funding Proposal
A proposed constitutional amendment to boost school funding by taxing wealthy residents more is gathering signatures despite its petition language being held up by a state panel. The Board of State Canvassers approved the group’s petition language at its June 27 meeting, members cited procedural issues when it rescinded the approval, forcing the group to go back to fight the language’s approval.
Here's Where You Can See Mary Sheffield, Solomon Kinloch Ahead of Election
Mary Sheffield and Solomon Kinloch. Photos: Samuel Robinson/Nic Antaya The campaigns for Detroit mayoral nominees city council president Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. are hosting events for supporters to hear directly from the candidates. Sheffield’s is hosting a town hall series starting this week through the election to allow residents to engage directly with the council president, the first being Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Ballot Proposal to Ban Corporate Political Spending Moves Forward
A ballot proposal aimed at restoring public trust by tackling corporate influence in politics is another step further after its petition language was approved by a state panel last week. Michiganders for Money Out of Politics (MMOP) is a grassroots coalition of progressive organizations leading a statewide ballot initiative to ban political contributions from companies with state or local government contracts above $250,000.
Will Detroit City Council Members Endorse a Candidate for Mayor?
Detroit City Council members have stayed quiet about their colleagues on the nine-member body running for mayor. While Detroit City Council president Mary Sheffield and Triumph Church pastor Solomon Kinloch are touting endorsements from a range of current and former elected officials, they haven’t received public support from anyone on council.
Duggan Endorses Mary Sheffield for Detroit Mayor
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan endorsed City Council president Mary Sheffield for Detroit mayor Wednesday outside of a woman’s home off Woodward Ave. he said is an example of the cooperation between the mayor’s office and council. Supporters of Sheffield and her staff gathered outside the home of Geraldine Noble, who received a roof repair grant through a city program Duggan credited Sheffield with expanding.
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