For many dog owners, their pup’s breed can mean higher insurance premiums or even losing coverage altogether.

But here in Michigan, state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou wants to change that. She’s reintroduced a bill that would ban home insurers from denying, canceling, or raising rates based solely on a dog’s breed.

We’ve got the latest on the bill.

Plus: We want your thoughts on the situation in Iran.

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Report: Michiganders paying more for nursing homes (Bridge Michigan): Michiganders paid more than the national average for nursing home care in 2025, with median costs reaching $143,628 for a private room and $135,050 for a semi-private room, significantly higher than US medians.

Hundreds protest police killing in Grand Rapids (WZZM): Hundreds gathered in downtown Grand Rapids Saturday as Angelica Johnson called for justice in the fatal police shooting of her son, Da’quain Johnson. She demanded the release of additional video and the name of the officer involved. Michigan State Police are investigating the Feb. 18 shooting.

Warmer weather to bring rain to Michigan (MLive): Michigan is heading into a steady warm-up this week, with highs climbing into the 50s and possibly 60s by Friday, with several rounds of rain expected along the way. That rain could lead to some late-week flooding in some areas.

A 2025 Forbes Advisor analysis of state insurance filings found that some of the most common breeds banned by insurance companies include rottweilers, German shepherds, great Danes, and pit bull terriers. (stiv xyz/pexels)

By Capital News Service

A new House bill would prevent home insurance companies from denying, canceling or raising prices for homeowners and tenants based on the breeds of their dogs.

A 2025 Forbes Advisor analysis of state insurance filings found that some of the most common breeds banned by insurance companies include rottweilers, German shepherds, great Danes and pit bull terriers.

According to a report by US News and World Report using data from the American Pet Products Association, the pit bull terrier also happened to be the most commonly owned breed in Michigan in 2025.

Year-end data from pet-sitting app Rover also lists pit bull mixes as the most common breed in the state.

Michigan Humane said that many home insurance companies charge higher rates or even refuse or cancel liability coverage if a homeowner acquires a purebred or mixed-breed dog of one of those breeds.

Americans woke up this past Saturday to news that Israel and the United States had entered into a new conflict with Iran.

Reaction from Michigan lawmakers to the war and to President Donald Trump—who has referred to himself as the president of peace—has been mixed.

So, this week, we want to know how Michiganders feel. Tell us:

Reminder: When responding, include your first name and where you’re from to have your answer included.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Capital News Service. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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