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Policy. Government. Politics. Minority Affairs. Reproductive Health.

 Reporting Highlights

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 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.
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 Wash •

Jewish groups descend on Washington to support Israel

Tens of thousands gathered at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, draped in the white and blue flag of Israel, as they came together to denounce antisemitism.

Chants of “Bring them home!” reverberated through the multitude as the Jewish community and its supporters came from all over the nation to show support for Israel. The mass gathering came in response to Hamas attacks on Oct. 7 and the hostages taken by the militant group.

The March for Israel comes as the war between Israel
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 •

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
TheStateNews •

A second 'gridlock' protest planned. Who's behind it? It's complicated.

Operation Gridlock is planned to return to Lansing on Wednesday in protest once more against the governor’s extended executive order. Both Michiganders Against Excessive Quarantine and Michigan Conservative Coalition took to Facebook and denied having any role in organizing the second protest.

Last week, Michigan’s Capitol was surrounded by cars as residents protested in response to the extension of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' order.

"I think that to some degree (the order)
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
TheStateNews •

Financial stress among students at a high during pandemic

"It’s definitely stressed me out," Bloomfield said. "My plan for this and next month (was) to make that money, save and not have to worry about next semester. And now, it’s got to the point where I’m wondering if I can move back to school in the fall and live off-campus again ... I’m just stressing about next semester already.”

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, advertising management sophomore Hannah Bloomfield was working up to 29 hours a week at two on-campus jobs in order to pay for her food, re