Democrats Push for Partisan and Racial Fairness in Redistricting Strategy in Michigan and the U.S.
Russ McNamara October 26, 2021
As required by the U.S. Constitution, all 50 states are working to draw lines for state and federal legislative districts. While the process is handled by an independent commission in Michigan, that is not the case in every state. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is now the chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. He says..
"They Don't Hear Us": Detroiters Want A Seat at the Table in Allocating Federal Relief Money
Amy Senese The City of Detroit has a plan to spend over $800 million in American Rescue Plan money. It's part of the effort by Congress and the Biden administration to provide aid to communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic. So far, Detroit has allocated about $50 million in contracts, including $30 million for residential roof repairs. Recently, community..
"One Member, One Vote" Not A Panacea for the United Auto Workers, Says Wayne State Business Professor
Years of scandal and several high-profile arrests have left the United Auto Workers union looking for answers -- and potentially a new way to elect leadership. Nearly 1 million current and retired UAW members are now voting on whether they would like to implement a "one member, one vote" democratic system. Wayne State University School of..
Does Michigan Proposal 2 Go Far Enough To Protect Your Digital Data?
Tia Graham October 29, 2020
The use of personal electronic data has become a pressing topic in recent years. Michigan Proposal 2, an initiative on the November ballot, aims to add language to the Michigan Constitution requiring a warrant to search a resident's personal communication data. "I'm not sure that Proposal 2 goes far enough at this moment when we have more and..
On Point Host Meghna Chakrabarti Joins Stephen Henderson
Detroit Today October 1, 2020
Liz Linder Photography Each weekday on WDET when Detroit Today is finished, we go straight to On Point from WBUR Boston, a national public affairs show that dissects some of the most critical national topics and issues of the day. Now, some changes are coming to that program. Most importantly, it's going from a two-hour show to..
Reforming Police Is Only the Beginning
Russ McNamara July 2, 2020
Weeks of protests against system racism and police brutality have many people feeling like substantial reforms to law enforcement practices is within reach. Amanda Alexander is the founder and executive director of the Detroit Justice Center. She tells WDET's Russ McNamara that police are only one part of the equation. "The fact is that police often..
Journalists Covering Anti-Brutality Protests Face Threats from Police
Russ McNamara June 2, 2020
During the ongoing protests against racial injustice and police brutality, there's a trend emerging: Police are targeting journalist with arrests, rubber bullets, and pepper spray. The Committee to Protect Journalists, a non-profit that aims to promote freedom of the press on a global scale, says its tracking nearly 100 incidents of force being used against the press. "This..
Video of Floyd Killing Can Traumatize Communities, Victims of Violence
The graphic video of the police killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Minneapolis black man, has sparked demonstrations against police violence and systemic racism across the world. "I believe healing is imminent, but I don't believe that healing is going to be rapid." — Barbara Jones, Wayne State University Floyd, whose death has been ruled a homicide, is..
Metro Detroiters Sound Off on DIA Millage Ahead of Michigan Primary
Ryan Patrick Hooper March 4, 2020
Next week on your Michigan primary ballot, will you vote yes or no on a millage renewal for the Detroit Institute of Arts? The storied art institution in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood is at the center of a debate about whether or not to support the proposal of a renewed millage ahead of its expiration date. Michigan primaries take place..
Women Used To Run Hollywood. Why Are They Still Fighting For The Spotlight?
Ryan Patrick Hooper January 15, 2020
Courtesy of Beacon Press Following a banner year for women filmmakers, shock came when the 2020 Academy Awards nominees were announced and not one woman was nominated in the 'Best Director' category. In the midst of this conversation, it may be easy to forget that it was women who once reigned in cinema decades ago. "The beginning..