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Reproductive Rights.

The American Independent

With reproductive health care in peril, Michigan advocates and clinics fight for abortion rights

A renewed fight for abortion care is underway in Michigan, where more than 2.2 million people are in danger of losing their fundamental reproductive rights following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24.

People in the state are still able to obtain legal and safe abortions due to a preliminary injunction preventing the state's 1931 abortion ban from taking effect.

Since the Supreme Court's ruling, clinics across
The American Independent

Democratic governor candidate says abortion law 'puts New Hampshire women in extreme risk'

Dr. Tom Sherman is the Democratic nominee for governor of New Hampshire running against incumbent Republican Gov. Chris Sununu.

"I've always felt that a woman should have the right to make her own health care decisions, period,” Sherman told the American Independent Foundation in an interview. “There's just no role for the government being in between that process of medical decision-making."

Although abortion is still legal in New Hampshire up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, the state does not have
The American Independent

Wisconsin GOP legislators shut down special session on ballot initiatives in 30 seconds

A special session of the Wisconsin Legislature called by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to discuss a constitutional amendment that would allow voter referendums on state laws, and specifically the state's abortion law, was adjourned by Republican leaders of both houses immediately after it was convened on Oct. 4.

Wisconsin currently does not have provisions for legislators or voters to place initiatives for referendums on the ballot.

Republican Senate President Chris Kapenga⁩ convened and adjourne
The American Independent

Connecticut lawmakers act to protect abortion rights in face of GOP bans in other states

The Connecticut House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill this week that could transform the state into a sanctuary for legal abortion and effectively combat laws banning abortion in other states.

As a growing number of conservative-led state legislatures across the country introduce and pass anti-abortion laws, Connecticut lawmakers moved to protect women's reproductive rights. If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade decision this summer, 26 states are likely to ba
The Gander

‘A Life-Sustaining Access’: Over 2 Million Michigan Women Will Lose Reproductive Rights With Roe V. Wade Overturned

Labor, delivery, and abortion-care nurse Ashia George is worried for women who will face dangerous pregnancies and deliveries if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the Supreme Court, resulting in millions of Michiganders losing access to safe abortions.

Need to Know
• Almost 2.2 million women in Michigan could lose abortion rights if the Supreme Court overturns Roe V. Wade as the draft opinion obtained by Politico suggests.
• MDHHS reported nearly one in seven women in Michigan had an induced abortio
The American Independent

Michigan activist: Abortions happen 'whether they're legal or not'

A leaked draft opinion obtained by Politico last week suggesting the U.S. Supreme Court intends to vote to reverse the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling has inspired outrage across the country, as many fear a future without access to safe abortions.

The ruling in Roe v. Wade in 1973 affirmed a federal right to abortion.

Over 2.2 million women in Michigan could lose access to abortion services if the landmark ruling falls, according to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Michigan is one of
The American Independent

If Roe v. Wade falls, contraceptive bans could be next on Republicans' agenda

As uncertainty grips the nation following the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade this summer, some Republican politicians are already moving to restrict access to birth control next.

Abortion is still legal, though the medical procedure is difficult to access in many states. With the constitutional right to abortion currently under threat, abortion opponents are building on the momentum with the false argument that certain forms of birth control, especially emergency contr
The American Independent

Midterm voters come out in support of abortion rights

Voters across the nation turned out to protect abortion rights in their states on Tuesday in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision in June to overturn Roe v. Wade and leave the regulation of abortion rights to the states.

Following the rejection in August by voters in Kansas of a ballot measure on an anti-abortion amendment to the state's Constitution, five states — Vermont, Michigan, California, Kentucky, and Montana — had abortion-related questions on the ballot on Nov. 8.

Voters in

Minority Affairs.

The State News

'We need to start normalizing standing up for each other': Women of color at MSU share experiences of racism

As national protests calling for the end of police brutality following the death of George Floyd continue, women of color from Michigan State shared examples of racism they experienced.

A recent MSU graduate, Zaria Phillips said she used to straighten her hair all the time. She would make sure to stay out of the sun so she could preserve some lightness in her skin and didn't indulge in Black culture. It wasn't until she was older that she realized she will always be Black and people are never g
American Journal News

First Indian American elected to the House from Michigan plans to focus on racial equity

On Nov. 8, entrepreneur and Democratic state Rep. Shri Thanedar made history as the first Indian American to be elected to Congress from the state of Michigan. Thanedar, who won 71% of the vote, will represent the state’s newly drawn 13th Congressional District.

Thanedar immigrated to the United States from India in 1979 at the age of 24, seeking economic opportunities to support his family. He pursued a Ph.D. in chemistry and worked as a chemist before starting his own pharmaceutical business.
Spartan Newsroom

Indigenous group walks 300 miles to protest Line 5; Whitmer halts action on pipeline

An indigenous group marched to the Capitol this weekend to protest Enbridge’s Line 5. Starting from Mackinaw City, they have walked more than 300 miles in 30 days to draw attention to the oil pipeline.

Sarah Jo Shomin with Cody Bigjohn Jr., Nancy Gallardo and LJ Denemy began walking on Feb. 25. The group planned to in Lansing Friday and intended to walk from Adado Riverfront Park to the Capitol on Saturday.

“We believe the land doesn’t belong to us, we belong to the land,” said Bigjohn, 42. “T
The State News

4 Black, female student body presidents join forces, write letter to the Big Ten universities addressing racism

ASMSU President Abii-Tah Bih joined three other Black, female undergraduate student body presidents from the Big Ten schools and wrote a combined letter to their university administrations and all the Big Ten institutions regarding the racial incidents spiking in the Midwest. “I think it's about time that Black voices become a priority to our administration,” Bih said. “We want to dismantle this atmosphere (and) institutional racism that exists within our campus, unfortunately.”
The letter said...
The State News

'It's about time': 2 newly appointed Black council members share their attachment to East Lansing, talk about plans

With the appointment of two new Black council members, East Lansing City Council made history by creating the first council with people of color in the majority.

"It's amazing, and it's about time,” Watson said. “We've been a part of this community for a while, and I'm excited to serve and I'm excited for people to see me, to see someone that has their same color and knows that we can do this."
The State News

Black Lives Matter Lansing gathers at Capitol to honor George Floyd one year later

Gatherers at the event for the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's death hold up their phone flashlights and a portrait of George Floyd at Michigan's Capitol building on May 25, 2021.

Local activists, Black Lives Matter members and the organizers of the event spoke on the racial injustice faced by the Black community in the city of Lansing.

A year after the murder of George Floyd that sparked nationwide protests, Black Lives Matter Lansing led a small gathering outside the Michigan Capitol
TheStateNews

Hannah Community Center hosts civil rights activist Joanne Bland for Black History Month

Throughout the event, Bland shared stories of being born and raised in Alabama and the racial discrimination she faced during her lifetime. One of the most impactful story was her participation in the Selma march. The march was led by Martin Luther King Jr. and led to the passage of Voting Right Act of 1965.

In the recognition of Black History Month, East Lansing hosted Civil Rights Activist Joanne Bland to talk about her experience at Hannah Community Center on Feb. 11. The event was titled “A

Elections/Politics.

The State News

Voting for the second-choice candidate: Mid-Michigan residents weigh in

English senior Johnny Mocny was initially supporting Andrew Yang for the democratic nomination because he thought Yang had a lot of great new ideas. Now, he will be voting for Sen. Bernie Sanders, his second-favorite candidate.As Michigan gets ready for the primary elections on Tuesday, Democratic voters across Mid-Michigan are quick to move on and vote for their second choice after their favorite candidates dropped out of the race. “As (a Yang) supporter, I support (Sanders) now because I think...
The State News

Biden wins primary, students react with support for Sanders

Michigan State students share their deciding factors for voting in Michigan’s 2020 primary and if they voted based on the policies and values of each candidate or their potential performance in the upcoming presidential elections.   Results for Michigan’s 2020 primary election have been reported and former Vice President Joe Biden has claimed the winning spot for Michigan’s Democratic primary with 72 delegates and 52.9% of the votes.  “I voted for Bernie,” philosophy junior Simone Carpenter said...
The Gander

Everything You Need to Know About Michigan’s May 3rd Elections

MICHIGAN—In less than a month, Michiganders in 64 counties will have the opportunity to vote for who they want to represent them locally, including on their school boards. While turnout for these races are typically low, more people are realizing just how influential these positions really are. 


Over the past year, parents, lawmakers, and school boards have made efforts to ban certain books they’ve deemed “obscene” or inappropriate from school library shelves and classroom curriculum at a rec...
The American Independent

Colorado House races illustrate gun safety chasm between Democrats and Republicans

Two House races in Colorado could determine control of Congress in the November midterms. They are shaping up to be close contests between Democratic state legislators who played key roles in passing the state's red flag gun laws and Republicans who oppose virtually any legislation to curb gun violence.

In Colorado's 7th Congressional District, which includes areas west and southwest of Denver, Democratic state Sen. Brittany Pettersen is facing Republican Erik Aadland for the open seat of retir
The American Independent

Midterm voters come out in support of abortion rights

Voters across the nation turned out to protect abortion rights in their states on Tuesday in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision in June to overturn Roe v. Wade and leave the regulation of abortion rights to the states.

Following the rejection in August by voters in Kansas of a ballot measure on an anti-abortion amendment to the state's Constitution, five states — Vermont, Michigan, California, Kentucky, and Montana — had abortion-related questions on the ballot on Nov. 8.

Voters in
The American Independent

Report: House Republican used campaign funds to illegally pay for country club membership

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) spent more than $2,300 in campaign funds at a private businessmen's club, Roll Call reported on Monday.

The Texas Republican spent the campaign funds on membership fees or dues at the Amarillo Club, according to Federal Election Commission filings. It is illegal to use campaign funds for personal purposes.

Jackson has denied that the money he spent at the private club was for personal use.

"These costs are strictly associated with campaign and fundraising events," Ca
The American Independent

Michigan Democrats see 'record-breaking turnout' in midterm elections after Roe decision

More than 4.45 million Michigan residents made their voices heard in a record-setting midterm voter turnout, according to state election data. The previous record was set during the 2018 midterms, with a reported turnout of 4.34 million voters.

This year's election was the first major test of support for abortion rights in the state after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling in June.

"The historic, record-breaking turnout by Republican, Democratic and independent citiz
The American Independent

Michigan GOP candidate wants US to withhold aid to countries where abortion is legal

Michigan Republican congressional candidate John Gibbs suggested in a May interview that the United States should withhold aid from countries where abortion is legal.

Gibbs, who is running for Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, has said he is "absolutely against abortion" and is "100% pro-life in all cases."

"As a lawmaker, your job is to vote on legislation, so whenever anything comes up that involves pro-life, such as giving money to foreign countries that will let them perform abortions
The Gander

New Proposed Voting Legislation Would Allow Early In-Person Voting, Ban Guns From Polls

LANSING—Michigan House Democrats have introduced a package of nine bills that would make voting easier and safer for Michiganders with the aim of expanding ballot access and banning guns from the polling stations. 


In a press conference last week at the steps of the state Capitol, House Democrats announced they are firmly committed to protecting the right to vote and breaking down barriers to the ballot.


One bill in the legislative package would allow nine days of early in-person voting, s...
The State News

Andrew Yang supporters form a 'Yang Gang' in East Lansing

The group has only been active for about a month after the initial meet-up. With just over a dozen members present at the “Yang Gang Hang”, supporters talked about what Yang’s presidency would mean to them. Since then, they have been working together on phone banking for Yang’s campaign.

As the 2020 Presidential Election is approaching, voters are making more efforts to launch support groups for their preferred candidates. In East Lansing, residents in favor of Andrew Yang have recently come to
The American Independent

New Jersey GOP candidate secretly shares hidden webpage boasting his anti-abortion record

The campaign website of Tom Kean Jr., a Republican running for the seat in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District held by incumbent Democrat Tom Malinowski, contains a hidden page listing his stances on issues including abortion, education and immigration — issues that are not mentioned on the public website.

The hidden webpage cannot be accessed from any links or navigation on the public site. Gothamist reported on Sept. 18 that Malinowski's campaign was tipped off to the existence of the hid
The American Independent

Democratic governor candidate says abortion law 'puts New Hampshire women in extreme risk'

Dr. Tom Sherman is the Democratic nominee for governor of New Hampshire running against incumbent Republican Gov. Chris Sununu.

"I've always felt that a woman should have the right to make her own health care decisions, period,” Sherman told the American Independent Foundation in an interview. “There's just no role for the government being in between that process of medical decision-making."

Although abortion is still legal in New Hampshire up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, the state does not have
The American Independent

GOP House candidate condemns Biden's student loan forgiveness despite receiving PPP loans

Republican House candidate Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who is running against Democrat Jamie McLeod-Skinner to represent Oregon's 5th Congressional District, has publicly criticized President Joe Biden's federal pandemic relief agenda and other government spending programs — even though she herself has benefited from pandemic relief funds from the federal government.

According to ProPublica's Tracking PPP database, Chavez-DeRemer's family business, Anesthesia Associates Northwest LLC, received loans o
The State News

State Board of Canvassers certifies Nov. 3 election results - The State News

Democrat Julie Matuzak proposed the motion and it later passed with a vote of 3-0 since Republican Norman Shinkle abstained from voting.  Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted to certify the Nov. 3 general election results after listening to numerous public comments during the Monday meeting, confirming President-elect Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump by more than 150,000 votes. “More than 5.5 million Michiganders cast ballots in Nov. elections, a record in our state,” Elections...
The State News

Spartans for Sanders rebrands to Spartan Solidarity Network, files petition for back pay

Global and international studies sophomore Aurora Seelye calls potential new organization participants during the Spartans for Sanders meeting at Wells Hall on Feb.5, 2020. The organization's new focus is to improve conditions for students and university employees, all while targeting the Spartan community. Michigan State's Spartans for Sanders student organization originally surrounded its support around Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders through lobbying and community outreach, b...
American Journal News

First Indian American elected to the House from Michigan plans to focus on racial equity

On Nov. 8, entrepreneur and Democratic state Rep. Shri Thanedar made history as the first Indian American to be elected to Congress from the state of Michigan. Thanedar, who won 71% of the vote, will represent the state’s newly drawn 13th Congressional District.

Thanedar immigrated to the United States from India in 1979 at the age of 24, seeking economic opportunities to support his family. He pursued a Ph.D. in chemistry and worked as a chemist before starting his own pharmaceutical business.
The Wash

‘It's critical that they get a voice’: Rockville to vote on lowering voting age in upcoming city election

In the forthcoming Rockville elections on November 7, voters will decide whether 16 and 17-year-olds should gain the right to vote in local elections. This ballot proposal aims to involve younger residents in shaping their community’s future.As the city of Rockville, Maryland, gears up for the upcoming elections on Nov. 7, voters are presented with an opportunity to expand the scope of civic engagement to teenage residents.
Among the four referendum questions on the ballot, one stands out for it...
The State News

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers Democratic response to President Trump's State of the Union

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during her second State of the State address at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Jan. 29, 2020.

Addressing the nation from the public school her daughters, Sherry and Sydney, attend, she said she needed more than 10 minutes to respond to what the president had said.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union on Feb. 4 at East Lansing High School, shortly after Trump’s speech ended in Was

Policy/Government.

The Gander

A Michigan Nurse Gives an Inside Look at What Losing 'Roe' Could Mean for Patients

MICHIGAN—Growing up in a very religious household, Ashia George–a nurse in Southeast Michigan– attended a Catholic junior high school. She recalls the school echoing her parents’ perspective on abortion, and showing her class anti-abortion films. 

But when she needed an abortion, George took a long look at what she’d been taught about the topic–and what she’d learned about the science behind it. 

“It was a very emotional process for me, because I had gone through life thinking that it was...
The State News

2 million in grants provided to mid-Michigan cities for coronavirus response

Peters hosted Telephone Town Halls on Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday, April 1 to discuss the recently enacted CARES Act and resources available to workers, families, small businesses and medical professionals.

U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow announced on April 3 $2,857,209 funding in community development block grants and emergency solutions grants to help mid-Michigan cities respond to coronavirus, according to a press release. The funding was included in the Coronavirus, Aid, Reli
The State News

MDHHS to start reporting COVID-19 cases by a new format

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed by electron microscope. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The i...
The Gander

It’s Pothole Season and New Projects to Fix Michigan Roads Are Underway With Fresh Funding

On Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an expansive piece of legislation that addresses Michigan infrastructure and a lot more.

Need to Know
• A newly signed bipartisan law will make significant investments in Michigan’s roads, bridges, water, transit, and more.
• The spending plan targeted more than $317 million for road and bridge repairs to benefit both state and local projects.
• Most of the money comes from two federal laws championed by President Joe Biden.

MICHIGAN—Last month brough
miningjournal.net

State officials raise health alarm over herb kratom

LANSING — State health authorities report that four Michigan residents recently were struck by food poisoning when they consumed an herb that federal authorities are seeking to ban.

The herb, called kratom, is grown in Southeast Asia. Proponents say it offers relief from pain, depression and anxiety. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued several warning letters that no product containing it is safe and that there are no reliable scientific studies supporting medical claims.

The
The American Independent

Wisconsin GOP legislators shut down special session on ballot initiatives in 30 seconds

A special session of the Wisconsin Legislature called by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to discuss a constitutional amendment that would allow voter referendums on state laws, and specifically the state's abortion law, was adjourned by Republican leaders of both houses immediately after it was convened on Oct. 4.

Wisconsin currently does not have provisions for legislators or voters to place initiatives for referendums on the ballot.

Republican Senate President Chris Kapenga⁩ convened and adjourne
American Journal News

House passes gun safety legislation with almost all Republicans voting against it

The House of Representatives passed a package of gun safety legislation Wednesday night in an attempt to address the rise of gun violence following the recent mass shooting incidents in  Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas.
The Protecting Our Kids Act, H.R. 7910, is a package of multiple bills that would raise the age limit for purchasing certain semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21, require safe storage of firearms, limit large-capacity magazines and other ammunition-feeding devices, and requir...
The Gander

What a New Law Designed to Save the US Postal Service Means for Michigan

During a recent call, however, Michiganders called out their GOP congressmen for not supporting the Postal Service Reform Act, which was signed into law last week.

Need to Know
• President Joe Biden signed a postal reform bill that requires mail delivery six days a week and that the agency report delivery times to the public.
• The bill sponsored by Sen. Gary Peters will benefit Michigan’s rural and tribal communities to get timely delivery of medications, paychecks, and voting ballots.
• Rural
American Journal News

House Democrats push wide-ranging gun safety legislation in wake of mass shootings

In the wake of recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, House Democrats are pushing to pass the Protecting Our Kids Act to reduce gun-related violence across the nation. 
H.R. 7910, an omnibus bill that comprises gun safety proposals already introduced by House Democrats, is expected to receive a vote on the House floor this week after it was advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee on June 2 by a vote of 25-19. All Republican members of the committee voted against the...
The Gander

'Wyatt’s Law' Will Create a Statewide Child Abuse Registry to Protect Michigan’s Kids

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, “Wyatt’s Law” will establish an electronic database for parents and guardians to track confirmed cases of those who have abused or neglected children.

Need to Know
• Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed “Wyatt’s Law,” establishing a statewide child abuse registry to track confirmed cases of those convicted of abusing or neglecting children.
• The package of legislation was approved with a bipartisan vote.
• The bill is named for Wyatt Rewoldt, a child abused
The State News

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers Democratic response to President Trump's State of the Union

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during her second State of the State address at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing on Jan. 29, 2020.

Addressing the nation from the public school her daughters, Sherry and Sydney, attend, she said she needed more than 10 minutes to respond to what the president had said.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union on Feb. 4 at East Lansing High School, shortly after Trump’s speech ended in Was
The American Independent

Connecticut lawmakers act to protect abortion rights in face of GOP bans in other states

The Connecticut House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill this week that could transform the state into a sanctuary for legal abortion and effectively combat laws banning abortion in other states.

As a growing number of conservative-led state legislatures across the country introduce and pass anti-abortion laws, Connecticut lawmakers moved to protect women's reproductive rights. If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade decision this summer, 26 states are likely to ba
The Gander

Keep Your Pruning Shears Away From Oak Trees This Spring, Michigan DNR Warns

“Once oak wilt gets started, it is expensive to successfully manage and will kill all nearby red oaks over time, if untreated,” said James Wieferich, forest health specialist in the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.

Need to Know
• During this time of year, oak trees are at high risk for a fungal infection called oak wilt that can kill red oak trees and weaken white oak trees.
• To minimize the risk of oak wilt infection, the DNR restricts cutting of red oak trees on state land between April 15 a
The Gander

Mental Health Hotline for Moms Launched Nationwide to Support New and Expecting Mothers

Text or call: A new, confidential, toll-free hotline gives expecting and new moms free mental health support.

Need to Know
• You’ll connect with a free counselor able to provide a wide range of support.
• In 2019, Michigan moms had higher-than-average rates of postpartum depression

MICHIGAN—Michigan moms and moms-to-be have a new, free way to get mental health help. Whether stressed, struggling with postpartum depression, or anything else that comes with the mental challenges of being a parent
American Journal News

All but one GOP House member voted against Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act

In the wake of the shooting by a white man in a Buffalo, New York, supermarket on May 14 that left 10 people dead, all of them Black, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act on Wednesday.
The House voted 222-203 to pass the bill, sponsored by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), which would create new offices within the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Federal Bureau of Investigation to “monitor, analyze, investigate, and prosecu...
The Gander

Michigan AG Dana Nessel wants to stop mortgage services' convenience fees that exploit homeowners

A coalition of state attorneys general wants an end to excessive mortgage “convenience” fees.

Need to Know
• Mortgage servicers sometimes charge convenience fees to customers paying online or via telephone instead of by mail.
• The coalition argued that “pay to pay” fees exploit homeowners.

MICHIGAN—Convenience fees—a payment on top of a payment that can exploit homeowners—are commonly charged by financial institutions in exchange for allowing a consumer to easily make payments online or via t
The Gander

585,000 Michigan Children Have Better Access to Fresh Food Thanks to a State-Funded Grant Program

’10 Cents A Meal for Michigan’s Kids & Farms’ helps schools and early childhood education centers buy Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables and legumes, with grants of up to 10 cents per meal.

Need to Know
• The Michigan Department of Education announced an additional 29 grantees for a program helping kids eat Michigan farm-fresh food.
• Among the recipients are Cheboygan Area Schools, Freeland Community School District, Daily Shepherd Child Care Center, Boys And Girls Club Benton Harbor, Steepleto

Congress.

American Journal News •

House passes gun safety legislation with almost all Republicans voting against it

The House of Representatives passed a package of gun safety legislation Wednesday night in an attempt to address the rise of gun violence following the recent mass shooting incidents in  Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas.
The Protecting Our Kids Act, H.R. 7910, is a package of multiple bills that would raise the age limit for purchasing certain semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21, require safe storage of firearms, limit large-capacity magazines and other ammunition-feeding devices, and requir...
American Journal News •

First Indian American elected to the House from Michigan plans to focus on racial equity

On Nov. 8, entrepreneur and Democratic state Rep. Shri Thanedar made history as the first Indian American to be elected to Congress from the state of Michigan. Thanedar, who won 71% of the vote, will represent the state’s newly drawn 13th Congressional District.

Thanedar immigrated to the United States from India in 1979 at the age of 24, seeking economic opportunities to support his family. He pursued a Ph.D. in chemistry and worked as a chemist before starting his own pharmaceutical business.
The American Independent •

Colorado House races illustrate gun safety chasm between Democrats and Republicans

Two House races in Colorado could determine control of Congress in the November midterms. They are shaping up to be close contests between Democratic state legislators who played key roles in passing the state's red flag gun laws and Republicans who oppose virtually any legislation to curb gun violence.

In Colorado's 7th Congressional District, which includes areas west and southwest of Denver, Democratic state Sen. Brittany Pettersen is facing Republican Erik Aadland for the open seat of retir
American Journal News •

All but one GOP House member voted against Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act

In the wake of the shooting by a white man in a Buffalo, New York, supermarket on May 14 that left 10 people dead, all of them Black, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act on Wednesday.
The House voted 222-203 to pass the bill, sponsored by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), which would create new offices within the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Federal Bureau of Investigation to “monitor, analyze, investigate, and prosecu...
American Journal News •

House Democrats push wide-ranging gun safety legislation in wake of mass shootings

In the wake of recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas, House Democrats are pushing to pass the Protecting Our Kids Act to reduce gun-related violence across the nation. 
H.R. 7910, an omnibus bill that comprises gun safety proposals already introduced by House Democrats, is expected to receive a vote on the House floor this week after it was advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee on June 2 by a vote of 25-19. All Republican members of the committee voted against the...
The American Independent •

Michigan GOP candidate wants US to withhold aid to countries where abortion is legal

Michigan Republican congressional candidate John Gibbs suggested in a May interview that the United States should withhold aid from countries where abortion is legal.

Gibbs, who is running for Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, has said he is "absolutely against abortion" and is "100% pro-life in all cases."

"As a lawmaker, your job is to vote on legislation, so whenever anything comes up that involves pro-life, such as giving money to foreign countries that will let them perform abortions
The American Independent •

Report: House Republican used campaign funds to illegally pay for country club membership

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) spent more than $2,300 in campaign funds at a private businessmen's club, Roll Call reported on Monday.

The Texas Republican spent the campaign funds on membership fees or dues at the Amarillo Club, according to Federal Election Commission filings. It is illegal to use campaign funds for personal purposes.

Jackson has denied that the money he spent at the private club was for personal use.

"These costs are strictly associated with campaign and fundraising events," Ca
The American Independent •

Retiring GOP lawmaker: Death threats are 'a detriment getting good people to run'

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that he received death threats for voting in favor of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act last year. The Michigan Republican announced earlier this month that he will retire from Congress after nearly 36 years in office.

"It puts you at risk, particularly when they threaten not only you — I like to think I'm pretty fast — but when they threaten your spouse or your kids or whatever," Upton told NBC host Chuck Todd. "T
The American Independent •

Connecticut lawmakers act to protect abortion rights in face of GOP bans in other states

The Connecticut House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill this week that could transform the state into a sanctuary for legal abortion and effectively combat laws banning abortion in other states.

As a growing number of conservative-led state legislatures across the country introduce and pass anti-abortion laws, Connecticut lawmakers moved to protect women's reproductive rights. If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade decision this summer, 26 states are likely to ba
American Journal News •

Marjorie Taylor Greene tells British reporter 'Go back to your country'

During a press conference Wednesday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) aggressively told a British reporter to “go back to your country” when questioned about gun violence nationwide.
At a press conference, Greene called out the 14 Republican senators — including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell — who had voted on Tuesday to advance the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a gun safety bill.
“These are the Republican senators that Republican voters do not support anymore,” Greene said.
At th...
The Gander •

Michigan’s Longest Serving Congressman—Who Voted to Impeach Trump—Is Retiring

Rep. Fred Upton was one of 10 Republicans who supported the former president’s second impeachment in January 2021. He’s the fourth of that group to announce leaving office.

Need to Know
• Rep. Fred Upton was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump in 2021, following the Jan. 6 insurrection.
• Trump acknowledged Upton’s decision with a celebratory statement on his website, including: “UPTON QUITS! Four down and six to go. Others losing badly, who’s next?”
• The r

Culture.

Op-Ed/Columns.

Campus.

Local Reporting.

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East Lansing, Michigan:

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