Throughout the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, three leaders took the stage to deliver fast-paced, 10-minute sessions spotlighting timely issues shaping Michigan’s future and the path needed to drive the state forward.
Devin Scillian | Diversify Your Information Diet
“As Jonathan Swift once said, ‘Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it,’” Journalist and Author Devin Scillian said.
In a divisive political environment full of media outlets and influencers spewing inaccurate information, Scillian said it’s becoming even more difficult for Americans to wrangle a hold of the truth.
“It has been heartbreaking for me to find that even as we all have access to the world’s libraries, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and almanacs at our very fingertips, the truth can’t seem to get its pants on,” said Scillian.
How can Americans protect themselves against false information and seek out the truth? For Scillian, the answer is clear: diversify your information diet, “spend a little less time with opinion and more on straight reportage.”
Scillian closed with an old quote on freedom and truth.
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable. But that’s okay. We can handle it.”
– Devin Scillian, Journalist and Author
This Mackinac Moment was sponsored by Business Leaders For Michigan.
Patricia Mooradian | The Henry Ford: A National Steward of the American Story
The Jackson Home, now more than 100 years old, will open to the public on June 12 at The Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village, documenting one of the most significant moments in U.S. history—the Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965. The home served as a safe haven for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his allies as they “worked, collaborated, strategized, and planned” the marches that raised awareness of the difficulties faced by Black voters.
“For The Henry Ford, this project is not just about preserving a structure. It’s about preserving the legacy of a critical moment in our nation’s history. It’s about preserving that legacy. That critical moment. It’s an opportunity to safeguard a cornerstone of American democracy. The very home where strategy, courage, and conviction converged to secure voting rights for millions of Americans in 1965.”
– Patricia Mooradian, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Henry Ford
The Henry Ford is a treasured community space, serving as a national steward of the American Story and containing “authentic objects reflecting everyday people who do extraordinary things.”
After four years of development and hard work, the Jackson Home will open to the public.
“I hope you all come visit,” closed Mooradian.
This Mackinac Moment was sponsored by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
Matt Hall | Selfridge Is a Good Thing
During a Mackinac Moment, Speaker Matt Hall focused on his legislative priorities and the key issues shaping Michigan’s future. Kicking off his keynote, Hall highlighted his recent collaboration with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to secure funding for a new runway at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
“You have seen Gov. Whitmer and I achieve common ground…We got that over the line to save Selfridge for another 40 years. That’s a good thing.”
– Matt Hall, Speaker of the House, State of Michigan
Hall also touted Michigan’s historic, bipartisan road funding plan and a significant property tax cut that is currently in progress.