Civil Rights
Susan J. Demas: John Engler, living embodiment of toxic masculinity
Nobody expected John Engler to go gently into that good night. And he didn’t. In an 11-page screed dripping with bitterness and a twinge of self-pity, Michigan State University’s interim president essentially told the board last week: “You can’t fire me; I quit.” The GOP former three-term governor — who has remained a larger-than-life figure […]
Shirkey talks divided government, touts Medicaid work rules
On Jan. 1, state Sen. Mike Shirkey became the most powerful Republican in the Michigan Legislature. As the new Senate majority leader, the Clarklake businessman will now lead the GOP, along with the new House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering), through a time of divided government following Democrats’ key statewide office wins. The election of Gov. […]
Benson reflects on legacies of Richard Austin and MLK
Prior to being elected secretary of state last year, Jocelyn Benson had a long career dedicated to both civil right and voting rights. A former intern and researcher with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Benson has served on the board of the organization dedicated to tracking extremist groups and “fighting hate and bigotry and to […]
Photo gallery: Scenes from the Women’s March
Women’s March events were held over the weekend for the third straight year in Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Detroit, East Lansing, Saugatuck/Douglas and Holland. Those at the Grand Rapids event had a scare when a car drove into the crowd, FOX-17 TV reported. Advance reporter Ken Coleman was at the snowy Detroit rally on Saturday and […]
Photo gallery: MSU after John Engler
It was a snowy Thursday morning when the Michigan State University Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of interim President John Engler after a series of missteps in handling the Dr. Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. The board also hired his replacement, MSU administer Satish Udpa. Reporter Michael Gerstein spent the day on MSU’s campus. […]
Women’s March draws more than 1,000 in Detroit despite controversy
More than 1,000 people braved snowy conditions and attended today Women’s March at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. “This freedom that we have is not free. It was fought for. It was cried over. It was prayed for by someone for you. The cost of that freedom is this movement and […]
Gerrymandering suit settlement could spark political showdown for 2020
Voters may have believed they settled the issue of how to draw fairer legislative and congressional districts in Michigan when they voted for Proposal 2 on Nov. 6. But a new front in the redistricting fight could open up before the new Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) is seated. And it could mean new maps […]
Benson: Michigan’s team of female executives is a ‘win-win’
As the first Democrat to serve as Michigan Secretary of State in almost 25 years, Jocelyn Benson is also part of a brand-new leadership team in the state. Michigan is the only state in the country with women in top four leadership posts: Benson, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Chief Justice Bridget […]
With Engler out and Nassar settlement over, MSU hunts for permanent leader
With former Gov. John Engler out as interim president at Michigan State University, trustees say the university can finally begin healing from the scandal and emotional trauma left by years of hidden sexual abuse from former MSU gymnastics Dr. Larry Nassar. The board voted unanimously on Thursday morning to accept Engler’s resignation immediately and replace […]
AG to question Engler in Nassar investigation
Attorney General Dana Nessel plans to question former Michigan State University interim President John Engler in its ongoing probe into decades of campus sexual abuse perpetrated by former gymnastics Dr. Larry Nassar. Engler tendered his resignation on Wednesday and the MSU Board of Trustees accepted it immediately at its meeting Thursday morning. Attorney General spokeswoman […]
Whitmer: MSU has a ‘clean slate’ after Engler
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Michigan State University alumna and a sexual assault survivor, said on Thursday that the university has a chance to move forward now that interim President John Engler has resigned. Whitmer, a Democrat, did not mention the GOP former governor by name in a statement. She also didn’t mention the name of MSU […]
Lawrence to help lead women’s caucus
U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield) has been elected co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Women’s Caucus. She will share duties with U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.). “Working together to support the needs of women and families is a cornerstone of our country’s overall success,” Lawrence said. “I am committed to continue to collaborate in creating legislation […]