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2025

HARBOR NEWS

MSU Campus Shooting Survivors Secure $29.75M in Historic Settlements

Thumbwind - Lansing - June 11, 2025

"In a significant legal development, Michigan State University (MSU) has reached a settlement totaling $29.75 million with three students who survived the mass shooting on its campus on February 13, 2023."

Shooting survivors reach settlement with Michigan State

CBS News - New York - June 10, 2025

"Three people who were injured during a February 2023 shooting on the Michigan State University campus have reached a financial settlement with the university."

Settlement reached for three MSU shooting victims

WNEM News 5 - Bay City - June 10, 2025

"Three survivors of the Michigan State University shooting have reached settlements totaling $29.75 million, according to Grewal Law and Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman."

Report: MSU reaches settlements for 3 injured in Berkey Hall shooting

WOOD TV News 8 - Grand Rapids - June 10, 2025

"Multiple news outlets are reporting three students injured in the 2023 mass shooting on Michigan State University’s campus have reached settlements with the school. News 8 sister station WLNS-TV says the three students will receive a combined total of $29.75 million."

3 mass shooting victims reach $29.5 million settlement with Michigan State University

WXYZ News 7 - Detroit - June 10, 2025

"Three victims of the on-campus mass shooting at Michigan State in 2023 have reached settlements with the university totaling nearly $30 million."

3 Michigan State University shooting survivors awarded nearly $30M in settlements

WJBK Fox 2 - Detroit - June 10, 2025

"Three students who survived being shot in the 2023 Michigan State University shooting reached nearly $30 million in settlements with the school, the law firms representing them announced Tuesday."

3 mass shooting victims reach $29.5 million settlement with Michigan State University

WXMI Fox 17 - Grand Rapids - June 10, 2025

Three victims of the on-campus mass shooting at Michigan State in 2023 have reached settlements with the university totaling nearly $30 million.

3 Michigan State University shooting victims reach multi-million dollar settlements

WDIV News 4 - Detroit - June 10, 2025

"Three of the five injured, Nathan Statly, Troy Forbush, and Yukai “John” Hao, reached settlements with the university totaling $29.75 million."

Michigan State University shooting survivors awarded $29.75 million in settlements

9 & 10 News - Grand Rapids - June 10, 2025

"Attorneys Mick Grewal and Scott Weidenfeller of Grewal Law and William Azkoul of Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman announced today that they have reached settlements totaling $29.75 million on behalf of three survivors of the on-campus shooting that took place at Michigan State University in 2023."

MSU settles for $29.75 million with students injured in 2023 mass shooting

Up North Live 7 & 4 - Traverse City - June 10, 2025

"Three students injured in the 2023 mass shooting on Michigan State University’s campus will receive $29.75 million from the school as part of a settlement, attorneys representing the students announced Tuesday, June 10."

Michigan State agrees to pay nearly $30 million to shooting survivors

Bridge Michigan - Lansing - June 10, 2025

"Michigan State University will pay nearly $30 million in total to three people critically injured during the February 2023 campus shooting. Lawyers for Nathan Statly, Troy Forbush, and Yukai “John” Hao announced Tuesday they had reached settlements with the university."

MSU settles for $29.75 million with students injured in 2023 mass shooting

WWMT News 3 - Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids - June 10, 2025

"Three students injured in the 2023 mass shooting on Michigan State University’s campus will receive $29.75 million from the school as part of a settlement, attorneys representing the students announced Tuesday, June 10."

WLNS coverage of today's MSU settlement, with Attorney Mick Grewal of Grewal Law

WLNS News 6 - Lansing - June 10, 2025

Mick Grewal, founder of Grewal Law, talks about the settlement from the 2023 MSU shooting.

Michigan State settles with 3 survivors of 2023 mass shooting for $30M

Traverse City Record Eagle - Traverse City - June 10, 2025

"Michigan State agreed to a $14.2 million settlement with Nathan Statly; $13 million with Yukai “John” Hao; and $2.5 million with Troy Forbush, according to lawyers at Grewal Law and Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman."

Three MSU mass shooting survivors secure nearly $30 million settlement with university

Michigan Advance - Lansing - June 10, 2025

"Attorneys for three of the students wounded during the 2023 shooting at Michigan State University announced Tuesday a several million dollar settlement for their injuries, pain and suffering."

MSU agrees settlement of $29.75 million to Feb. 13 shooting survivors

The State News - East Lansing - June 10, 2025

"Michigan State University has reached a settlement with survivors of the Feb. 13, 2023 campus shooting, two years after legal action was taken against the university, lawyers representing them announced Tuesday morning."

Three mass shooting victims reach $29.5 million settlement with Michigan State University

Yahoo News - New York - June 10, 2025

Three students who survived being shot in the 2023 Michigan State University shooting reached nearly $30 million in settlements with the school, the law firms representing them announced Tuesday.

Michigan State U. to Pay Nearly $30 Million to 3 Survivors of Campus Shooting

New York Times - New York - June 10, 2025

"Michigan State University has agreed to pay a total of nearly $30 million to three students who survived a shooting on campus in 2023 in which three other students were killed, lawyers announced on Tuesday."

The middle is looking for civility and results

WJR 760 AM - Detroit - June 5, 2025

John Sellek joined WJR's Stephen Henderson and Nolan Finley to discuss their new book and the Baldly Bipartisan project 

Sellek Best PR Professional

MIRS News - Lansing - May 29, 2025

"The person who insiders viewed as the most effective public relations consulting professional was Harbor Strategic’s founder, John Sellek, who earned 20% of the vote."

National Cherry Festival visits Minneapolis 

KSTP TV 5 - Minneapolis-St. Paul - May 20, 2025

National Cherry Queen Tessa Nico and festival leader Kat Paye took the NCF tour to Minneapolis, Minnesota this week! 

MIRS Monday Podcast May 26, 2025

MIRS News - Lansing - May 26, 2025

MIRS sits down with Destiny Wilkins, head of the Jackson County Medical Care Facility. She talks about how long-term care and nursing home facilities feel about the U.S. House GOP’s proposed Medicaid changes.

LETTER: Celebrating College Completion Day

Livingston Post - Howell - May 19, 2025

"Everyone talks about making college more affordable—and that matters. But the truth is, affordability alone won’t help Michigan lead in innovation if students don’t make it to graduation."

DeVos family plots new strategy ahead of 2026 election

Detroit News - Detroit - May 19, 2025

"Republican donors and business leaders sense an opportunity to recover policy momentum that's been lost on education and economic development issues, said Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic."

Agrawal: Michigan’s innovation agenda starts with student support

Detroit News - Detroit - May 18, 2025

"That’s what’s possible when students get the support they need. Graduates don’t just earn degrees; they also gain the tools, relationships and resilience to build meaningful lives and careers. Too many Michiganians never get that chance though."

Opinion: Protect seniors, say no to funding cuts that hurt long-term care

Gander Newsroom - Michigan - May 16, 2025

"More than 66% of Michigan nursing facility residents are Medicaid beneficiaries. And nearly 1 in 5 assisted living residents rely on a program that provides Medicaid funding for individuals who receive services in their home or an assisted living community."

Michigan's Big Show with MPS

Spotlight Media - May 15, 2025

Harbor's John Sellek teamed up with Michael Patrick Shiels to talk about the Democratic US Senate primary and the latest on Shri Thanedar.

The Metro: Why are men falling behind in college enrollment, completion?

WDET - Detroit - May 12, 2025

"So if getting a college degree is still the recommended path to success, why aren’t men doing it? While college enrollment among men has declined in recent years, targeted programs and outreach efforts have emerged to reverse that trend."

Trump's first 100 days

WJR AM - Detroit - April 29, 2025

John Sellek joined WJR to discuss President Trump's first 100 days 

3-time ACM winning country music star coming to National Cherry Festival

MLive - Traverse City - April 28, 2025

“Trace Adkins delivers a performance that’s rich with soul and packed with country spirit,” said Kat Paye, Executive Director of the National Cherry Festival. “We’re excited to welcome him to Traverse City as we celebrate 99 years of cherries, community, and country music.”

Michigan governor race gets crowded: 'The more, the better'

Detroit News - Detroit - April 19, 2025

"The job of governor — the top political position in the state — is a valued one with some candidates plotting for years to pursue it, said John Sellek, a longtime Republican political adviser and CEO of the firm Harbor Strategic Public Affairs."

Breaking Down John James' Run for Governor

WJR 760 AM - Detroit - April 8, 2025

"Democrats are attacking John James' electoral journey but leave out that Benson lost statewide and ran 3 more times. Garlin Gilchrist was picked as LG after losing a city clerk race. Turns out politics is hard."

Who Are Trump Supporters Blaming If The Tariffs Cost Them Their Jobs?

MIRS - Lansing -  April 8,  2025

"When a gov has the best approval ratings running a Pure MI social persona, people aren't looking for a ton of results. The storm was the first test showing she is still gov in tough times but it felt sluggish"

WJR's St. Patrick's Day Celebration with Paul W. Smith

WJR AM - Detroit -  March 17,  2025

Live from Doyle's Pub, Harbor's John Sellek said that the race for governor in Michigan is now officially a two-year campaign.  

MIRS Monday Podcast

MIRS News - Lansing - March 3,  2025

This week: Harbor Strategic's John Sellek gives his assessment on Governor Whitmer's State of the State address and how his Save MI Tips group succeeded

Republicans offer mixed-bag in response to Whitmer's State of the State address

Fox 17 - Grand Rapids -  February 27,  2025

"FOX 17 Spoke with CEO of Harbor Strategic, John Sellek Thursday morning, who highlighted where Whitmer seemed to have a hit and where she may have missed."

State of the State Expert Breakdown

Fox17 - Grand Rapids -  February 27, 2025

John Sellek joined West Michigan's Fox17 to breakdown Gov. Whitmer's State of the State address.

Preserving Muskegon's History Millage Campaign

White Lake Beacon - Whitehall/Montague -  February 20, 2025

Community leaders, educators and parents today launched the Preserving Muskegon’s History campaign to educate county residents about the exciting impacts of a proposed construction millage for the Lakeshore Museum Center’s Muskegon Museum of History & Science.

Muskegon Museum millage up for May vote

WOOD Radio - Grand Rapids -  February 20, 2025

"Voters in Muskegon County will decide in May whether to approve a millage to expand and upgrade the Muskegon Museum of History and Science."

Michigan lawmakers strike deal on wages and tips — but not sick leave, yet

Bridge Michigan - February 13, 2025

"Others praised the compromise, including John Sellek, a spokesperson for a group called Save MI Tips that fought to preserve the tipped credit: ‘Tonight, Michigan servers and bartenders can sleep a little easier knowing a bipartisan legislative solution to the impending tip credit crisis is a big step closer to reality.’”

MI Senate advances bill that secures $15 minimum wage by 2027, increased tipped wage

My Up Now - February 13, 2025

“‘Listening to the people who do the job and saving their income and jobs is not a partisan issue. It’s an economic issue,’ said John Sellek from Save MI Tips after the legislative victory.”

A Michigan Senate race is wide open … again

National Journal - February 13, 2025

Harbor's John Sellek appeared in the National Journal talking about the dynamics of back-to-back senate races in the Michigan Senate.

Tipped wage deal remains elusive; Whitmer supports negotiation extension

9&10 News - February 12, 2025

Michigan policymakers are running up against a quickly approaching deadline for sick time and tipped wage changes. “No solution, no compromise over the next nine days is not an acceptable outcome for an industry, and we’ll all be feeling the negative outcome,” said Justin Winslow, CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Analysis: Another big US Senate race in Michigan? This one could play out far differently

Detroit Free Press - February 3, 2025

"Trump's team clearly prepared for a blitz that fills every moment with activity. That’s left the Democrats on their heels," said John Sellek, CEO of Harbor Strategic, a PR firm in Lansing. "Trump spooked Democrats so badly they don’t know how to attack him."

Senator Gary Peters Won't Seek Reelection in 2026

WJR Radio - January 29, 2025

Harbor CEO John Sellek joined WJR Radio with Guy, Lloyd & Jamie. "It says something that a generally well-regarded, hard working public official is willing to walk away from such a coveted position," said Sellek.

Michigan, Georgia top hot battlegrounds for 2026

Axios - January 29, 2025

"Peters walking away has, 'caused a complete roiling of everything, the whole Dem. side, both the gov.'s & senate race,' said John Sellek, a PR executive in Lansing, Mich., who used to work in republican politics. 'It's opened the door to possibly affecting the gov. race instantly.'"

Threat of ballot issues adds another complication to minimum wage, paid leave negotiations

Crain's Detroit - January 27, 2025

John Sellek, spokesperson for Save MI Tips, said, "One Fair Wage is only making threats of a referendum because the votes were far more bipartisan than they claimed. They know better than anyone that they just got demolished on the ballot in blue state Massachusetts with the exact same proposal. That's the last thing they want to do."

Debate over tipped wages, sick time continue at the Michigan Capitol

WLNS 6 - January 14, 2025

“I had one business owner say to me they have never seen policies so devastating to business,” says State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-46). “These bills have to pass and we have to help our servers continue to get their tips and we need to help our restaurants and small businesses from closing.”

Bills before Michigan House Committee look to reverse Supreme Court ruling on tipped workers’ wages

WLUC TV 6 - January 14, 2025

"Rep. Fairbairn says if the tipped worker wage is increased, it could mean higher costs for businesses and ultimately consumers. 'We’ve seen it happen in these different cities,' Fairbairn said. 'In Chicago and Washington, D.C., they’re both backpedaling now after they removed the tip credit. We’ve seen it fail in these other locations and we’re trying to stop that from happening.'"

MI House Committee hears testimonies for bills aimed at reversing tip wage, sick time laws

WWMT Channel 3 - January 14, 2025

"Many fear if the law goes into effect as it is expected to in February, they will have to raise menu prices, and potentially close their doors. '$15 an hour is a joke and it's a slap in the face,' Amy Covert, a server from Jackson, Mich., said. 'We can't support our families on that.'"

Servers push for preserving tipped wage at Michigan House hearing

WOOD TV - January 14, 2025

Amy Covert, a single mother of four who lives in Jackson, said she has worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years. “I can support my four kids on this job,” she said. “My average is more than half of what they want to pay us at $15 an hour."

Service industry workers testify as lawmakers consider chopping tipped wage and sick leave laws

Michigan Advance - January 14, 2025

The newly formed Michigan House Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses was filled with workers from across the state who offered their support to bills to undo a mandate to phase out the tipped wage credit and set requirements for paid sick leave that are set to take effect Feb. 21.

Square-off heats up on minimum wage, paid sick leave

Crain's Detroit - January 14, 2025

"The panel took testimony from several restaurant servers, business owners and business groups that advocated for the legislation during a nearly three-hour hearing that drew so much interest that people watched from two overflow rooms."

Michigan Legislature makes moves to change minimum and tipped wages

CBS Detroit - January 9, 2025

John Sellek, a spokesman with Save MI Tips, says that after months without traction, this week has been a breath of fresh air. "We feel like we broke a logjam, we've got a long way to go and almost no time on our hands. But finally, there's movement both in the House and the Senate. That's exciting," said Sellek. "Now we just need to make sure everything gets wrapped up before mid-February."

Three MSU mass shooting victims reach $29.75 million settlement

CBS News - New York - June 10, 2025

"Three of those who were injured during a shooting on Michigan State University's campus have reached a financial settlement with the East Lansing school, their respective lawyers announced."

Three Students Wounded in the MSU Campus Shooting Reach Settlements Totaling Nearly $30M

WHMI 93.5 FM - Howell - June 10, 2025

"Three victims of the Michigan State University campus shooting have reached settlements with the school totaling nearly $30 million, according to their attorneys."

MSU, 3 mass shooting victims settle suit for $29.7M, lawyers say

Detroit News - Detroit - June 10, 2025

"A $14.25 million settlement was reached for Nathan Statly, and Troy Forbush received $2.5 million, attorneys Mick Grewal and Scott Weidenfeller of Grewal Law said in a statement."

$29.75 million settlement reached for three survivors of shooting at Michigan State University

WWJ 950 AM - Detroit - June 10, 2025

"More than two years after a shooting at Michigan State University, attorneys for three survivors have announced a $29.75 million settlement with the school."

Three Shooting Victims Reach Multi-Million Dollar Settlements with Michigan State University

WSYM Fox 47 - Lansing - June 10, 2025

"Three shooting victims have reached multi-million-dollar settlements with Michigan State University. This is in relation to the February 2023 shooting on the school’s campus. Officials announced that they reached $29.75 million in settlements on behalf of three survivors."

Three MSU shooting survivors receive $29.75 million settlement

WLNS News 6 - Lansing - June 10, 2025

"Tuesday morning, Grewal Law and Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman Attorneys announced a settlement of $29.75 million was reached on behalf of three survivors of the mass shooting on Michigan State University’s campus in 2023."

Settlements reached for three MSU mass shooting survivors

WILX News 10 - Lansing - June 10, 2025

"Settlements have been reached between Michigan State University and three survivors of the 2023 mass shooting on Michigan State’s campus. Attorneys for Nathan Statly, Troy Forbush, and Yukai “John” Hao said the settlements total $29.75 million."

Michigan State settles with three survivors of 2023 mass shooting on campus

Lansing State Journal - Lansing - June 10, 2025

"Attorneys Mick Grewal and Scott Weidenfeller, of Okemos-based Grewal Law, and William Azkoul, of Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman law firm in Grand Rapids, announced the settlements June 10 for three of the five people wounded in the shooting."

WDIV (Detroit) MICK GREWAL INTERVIEW

WDIV News 4 - Detroit - June 10, 2025

Attorney Mick Grewal discusses today's announcement of a settlement between MSU & three victims.

MSU settles for $29.75 million with students injured in 2023 mass shooting

WEYI News 25 - Flint/Saginaw - June 10, 2025

"Three students injured in the 2023 mass shooting on Michigan State University’s campus will receive $29.75 million from the school as part of a settlement, attorneys representing the students announced Tuesday, June 10."

Michigan State settles with 3 survivors of 2023 mass shooting for $30M

San Francisco Chronicle - San Francisco - June 10, 2025

"Michigan State agreed to a $14.2 million settlement with Nathan Statly; $13 million with Yukai “John” Hao; and $2.5 million with Troy Forbush, according to lawyers at Grewal Law and Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman."

3 Michigan State Shooting Victims Settle with School for $30 Million

Campus Safety Magazine - Massachusetts - June 10, 2025

"Three people were killed and five others were wounded when a 43-year-old gunman opened fire in two campus buildings on Feb. 13, 2023, Campus Safety previously reported. Killed in the shooting were students Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser, and Alexandria Verner. Injured in the shooting were students Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez, Hanyang Tao, Yukai “John” Hao, Nate Statly, and Troy Forbush."

WWJ's Charlie Langton talks about the MSU settlement

WWJ AM - Detroit - June 10, 2025

WWJ's Charlie Langton breaks down the near $30M settlement with students who were injured in the 2023 MSU mass shooting.

MSU reaches $29.75M settlement with 3 shooting survivors

MLive - Lansing - June 10, 2025

"The law firms representing the three survivors announced they had reached a multi-million dollar settlement agreement with MSU on Tuesday, June 10. The three students each sustained life-altering gunshot wounds in the Feb. 13 shooting and their settlements totaled $29.75 million."

MSU shooting survivors reach nearly $30 million settlement with the university

WILX News 10 - Lansing - June 10, 2025

"More than two years after the mass shooting that left three students dead and five critically injured at Michigan State University, three survivors have reached a nearly $30 million settlement with the university."

Michigan State settles with 3 survivors of 2023 mass shooting for nearly $30M

Michigan Public - Ann Arbor - June 10, 2025

"Michigan State agreed to a $14.2 million settlement with Nathan Statly; $13 million with Yukai “John” Hao; and $2.5 million with Troy Forbush, according to lawyers at Grewal Law and Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman."

Michigan State settles with 3 survivors of 2023 mass shooting for $30M

The Independent - London - June 10, 2025

"Michigan State University has reached settlements worth about $30 million with three students who survived a mass shooting in 2023, attorneys said Tuesday."

Insider: Conservative group spends big early against Democratic congresswoman

Detroit News - Detroit - June 7, 2025

"Strategy-wise, many third-party groups are jumping in early to define or defend in swing seats, said John Sellek, a Republican consultant with the firm Harbor Strategic in Lansing."

Engler, Blanchard, Cherry, Bishop: Our election system works; now let's improve it

Detroit News - Detroit - June 2, 2025

"By all accounts, voting on May 6 was secure and safe, with Michiganians making their voices heard in support or opposition to funding for local schools, public safety, parks and more."

Tax the rich to pay for schools? Michigan voters may get chance in 2026

Bridge Michigan - Michigan - May 28, 2025

"There’s been “rhetoric and attempts around ‘tax the rich’ or graduated income tax in the past and if it was popular, we would already have one,” said Sellek, who worked on Republican Bill Schuette’s 2018 campaign for governor."

New FDA-Approved Blood Test for Colon Cancer Screening

WJR 760 AM - Detroit - May 20, 2025

A new FDA-approved blood test, the Shield test, is available for colon cancer.

National Cherry Queen visits Door County

Door County Daily News - Sturgeon Bay - May 20, 2025

"After traveling across Lake Michigan on the SS Badger, Nico and her traveling party headed to Door County to see where 95 percent of all tart cherries grown in Wisconsin are produced."

National Cherry Festival stops by Door County orchard

WBAY - Green Bay - May 19, 2025

NCF Queen Tessa Nico visited Green Bay, Wisconsin and Door County's Soren’s Valhalla Orchards cherry farm in advance of the 99th National Cherry Festival this July!

Letters to the Editor: Medicaid and James’ response

Macomb Daily - Macomb - May 18, 2025

"In Michigan, Medicaid is a lifeline, covering 23 percent of the population and three in eight working-age adults with disabilities across the state."

Battle over Medicaid boils over in DC; what it means for Michigan

Bridge Michigan - Michigan - May 16, 2025

The stakes are high in Michigan, where 2.6 million people receive some form of assistance through Medicaid, a costly safety-net program that provides billions of dollars in crucial funding to hospitals, clinics, mental health providers and nursing homes, among others.

Rep. Joe Tate (D) enters the Michigan Senate primary race

WJR Radio - Detroit - May 15, 2025

Harbor's John Sellek joined Jamie, Lloyd, and Chris on WJR Radio to discuss Rep. Joe Tate's entrance into the Democrat MISEN primary and what it means for that race.

Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan holds 14th annual Detroit Construction Science Expo

WDIV - Detroit - May 14, 2025

Skilled trades leaders are actively working to create more opportunities in trades and engineering for Detroit’s youth.

The Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan provided hands-on experience to students at this year’s Detroit Construction Science Expo.

Proposed Medicaid cuts would be devastating for Michigan

The Daily Mining Gazette - Houghton - May 4, 2025

"Nearly half of all children in Michigan are covered by Medicaid, and in 2024, 45% of all babies born here relied on the program. In many rural counties, Medicaid covers the majority of births, making it crucial for keeping birthing services open in those communities."

Alpena Power Co. seeks credit waiver

Alpena News - Alpena - April 25, 2025

"Alpena Power says it has already incurred about $2.5 million in costs in its response to the late-March ice storm "

Buss: James' bid for governor a mission to return home

Detroit News - Detroit - April 23, 2025

"Before he had even yet announced, James got support from 46% of respondents in a January survey of likely GOP voters from Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, outpacing other GOP candidates by at least 40-percentage points."

John James running for governor in 2026

WLNS - Lansing - April 9, 2025

"Speaking with Capitol reporter Tim Skubick, Harbor's John Sellek said that "John James is a star in the Republican party and starts off with a big advantage in the GOP primary."

Democratic Approval Ratings are at a New Low

WJR - Detroit -  March 18,  2025

Democrats ran in 2022 on cutting spending and taxes but now are opposing DOGE. It's whiplash for voters who want to see Washington right-sized. 

United Way of Marquette County partners with DoorDash to deliver pantry goods

WZMQ - Marquette -  March 12,  2025

"United Way of Marquette County has partnered with DoorDash to deliver food from local pantries to residents in need. The free delivery system derives from the Project DASH Initiative."

Michigan Farm News: Better collaboration, better politics: How farmers can get involved in elections

Michigan Farm News - Lansing -  February 27,  2025

"Bishop co-launched the Democracy Defense Project with former Michigan Lt. Gov. John Cherry Jr., a Democrat, and other leaders. They say respect and tolerance need to come to the forefront when it comes to the election process so that public perception changes."

Detroit Chamber/WJR SOTS Preview

WJR Radio - February 26, 2025

John Sellek joined Glenn Stevens of the Detroit Chamber preview Gov. Whitmer's State of the State live from Acuitas in Lansing.

Kash Patel to Lead the FBI

WJR Radio - February 21, 2025

John Sellek, who worked for two attorneys general, discusses the confirmation of the new FBI director with Kevin Dietz on WJR: "The resume has plenty to qualify him by DC standards. And all Trump picks are loyal. On partisanship, look no further than MI's attorney general nomination system & the open partisanship of folks like AG Nessel. Agree or disagree with the politics, but it's already baked in."

Muskegon residents to vote on museum millage in May

WGVU - Grand Rapids -  February 20, 2025

“There’s one thing about Muskegon: they’re proud of their history, and that is across the board no matter what community you live in and, across the board, they want to see their history preserved.”

Millage would expand Muskegon Museum of History and Science

WOOD TV - Grand Rapids -  February 20, 2025

"Voters in Muskegon County will decide on a millage in May that would expand the Muskegon Museum of History and Science."

Muskegon County to decide on millage to improve Museum of History and Science

WZZM - Grand Rapids -  February 20, 2025

Muskegon voters to decide on millage that would improve Muskegon's Museum of History and Science.

Michigan Senate Democratic leaders supported minimum wage law before voting to change it

The Detroit News - February 14, 2025

"Brinks had, 'acknowledged the overwhelming voices of tipped workers wanting an adjustment to the law and took their message to heart,' said John Sellek, spokesman for Save MI Tips. 'All laws need amendments from time to time and that's what good legislators do — listen and adjust. We are very thankful for her willingness to listen and lead on this issue.'

Whitmer; let’s make a deal on tipped wage and sick leave

WILX News - February 12, 2025

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is calling to delay the tipped wage and sick time law until July, citing concerns from both wait staff and small business owners ahead of its scheduled February 21 implementation. “This would create more space for the House and Senate to continue negotiations while we work on the budget,” Whitmer said in a statement.

Gov. Whitmer departs on Mideast trade mission as tipped wage deadline nears

The Detroit News - February 11, 2025

"Sellek, spokesman for Save MI Tips, said Whitmer: ‘can be effective for tipped workers from any location but we definitely need her leadership in this process. We are counting on her.’”

Who Wants To Run For Peters' U.S. Senate Seat In '26?

MIRS - January 29, 2025

"John Sellek said a U.S. senator has probably the best job in U.S. politics. Unlike a governor, who is limited to two 4-year terms, senators can serve unlimited 6-year terms. Sellek explained, 'you can be on all the Sunday shows you want. You're living your best life, really.'"

John Sellek, Founder and CEO of the Michigan Political Consulting Firm Harbor Strategic Public Affairs

Michigan's Big Show - January 29, 2025

John Sellek joined Michigan's Big Show to discuss Sen. Peters' decision not to seek a third term: "The only times people younger than Peters involuntarily left either had a health condition or were committed to prison. It doesn't happen & that should be eye-opening for a lot of reasons."

Sen. Gary Peters will not run for reelection, opening a key Senate race in 2026

9&10 News - January 28, 2025

"'What the Democrats are now going to have to try to do is separate out all those good candidates and see if they can get them to avoid challenging each other in a primary,' said John Sellek of Harbor Strategic."

Michigan House Passes Tipped Wage Legislation

WJR Radio - January 24, 2025

Harbor CEO John Sellek joined WJR Radio to discuss the legislative focus on the tip credit and the Senate's upcoming negotiations. "Both the Senate and the House put the tip credit at the top of their lists, so we are optimistic this will get done," said Sellek.

House committee opens hearings on minimum wage, sick leave initiatives

Michigan Public - January 14, 2025

“It doesn’t matter if you’re in Monroe or Marquette, Detroit or rural Michigan, it impacts everybody, it hits everybody hard, which is why it’s important that we fix it," said Representative Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland).

Michigan’s House holds select committee for new employment laws

WZMQ 19 - January 14, 2025

"Tipped workers have been speaking up about the changes since they were announced last July. With the beginning of the new legislature, lawmakers are pushing hard to pass a new law to set different rates before the changes kick in. At the bill’s committee hearing, 50 testimony cards were submitted, but only three against the legislation were heard."

State House committee holds first hearing on tipped minimum wage, sick time bills

ABC 12 - January 14, 2025

"We're here today because there is a looming cliff our state is racing toward. And on February 21, our restaurant workers our family owned small businesses and the future of literally thousands of jobs in our state will pay the price if our legislature does not act," said committee chair Rep. Bill G. Schuette.

Michigan House Committee holds hearing on bills aimed at amending Michigan's minimum wage and tipped wage credit

WZZM 13- January 14, 2025

Several restaurant workers and owners asked lawmakers to keep the current tipped wage system in place during a special committee hearing in Lansing on Tuesday morning.

Michigan restaurants warn of price hikes over wage, sick day laws

Bridge Michigan - January 14, 2025

Restaurant owner Marianne Hayoz testified in support of the bill, telling lawmakers the only way she could afford to comply with the coming changes is to raise her cafe’s prices and add service fees.” “This is something that I don't want to do, but unfortunately, there's no other option,” she said.

AFL-CIO, Michigan lawmakers clash on bills to scale back new sick leave, tipped wage laws

The Detroit News - January 14, 2025

"Several restaurant workers testified that the law, which is set to replace the lower tipped wage with a minimum wage, would be detrimental to their take home pay. 'Good hard working people will lose their jobs,' said Marianne 'Lu' Hayoz, a restaurant worker from Walker in suburban Grand Rapids. 'Doors will close. All for something we never asked for.'"

Michigan lawmakers tackle looming court ruling threatening small businesses and working for tips

Thumbwind - January 14, 2025

Tammy Upchurch, a server in Midland, expressed concern over losing tips that significantly supplement her income. “This would destroy anybody making 30, 40, or 50 dollars an hour sometimes,” Upchurch said. “The wage we’re paid is overly compensated by the tips we earn. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

Advocates push to increase statute of limitation for sex abuse survivors

FOX 47 - January 2, 2025

John Sellek is the spokesperson for the sexual assault survivors group: Justice for Survivors. "Because so far in their view the law protects the abuser and keeps the survivor from being able to access the courts, to access justice, to come forward," Sellek said.

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