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America’s peak socialism — abandoned a century ago

The emergence of the Democratic Socialists of America and their political victories, from New York City across the fruited plains of Michigan and Wisconsin, all the way to Colorado, strikes many as a new thing in U.S. politics. Previous movements have, in fact, increased, sometimes ...

A better conversation needed on data centers

Much of the public conversation has focused on preventing data centers from coming to the Upper Peninsula. That concern is understandable, but it overlooks how land use regulation actually works. A statewide prohibition on data centers would be a matter of state law. Local governments, on the other hand, are responsible for considering where all lawful land uses may be permitted and what standards they must meet. Through my work as a regional planner and participation in Michigan’s Statewide Data Center Working Group (a collaboration of statewide land use experts, attorneys, planning ...

GOP holdouts to back Blanche’s AG nomination after deal struck

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Republican senators who threatened to block acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation to lead the Justice Department said Monday they will support his nomination, ending an impasse over plans to create a fund to compensate allies of President Donald ...

Trump was never funny

In a display of Stockholm Syndrome, the White House Correspondents’ Association invited Donald Trump to be the keynote speaker at their annual festival of self-appreciation. Because he is who he is, he did not take the opportunity to do the kind of gentle press ribbing that past presidents ...

When college access grows, Michigan reaps the benefits

For decades, college has been — and continues to be — the most reliable path to well-paying careers. But when students and families hear stories about the rising costs of college, the growing student debt crisis, and the rapidly changing job market, it’s natural for them to wonder if postsecondary education is worth the time and money. Yes, barriers do exist. But frustrations with cost, debt and completion should push us to remove barriers, not dismiss these opportunities — and Michigan can’t afford to discourage students from college when 84% of high-demand jobs require at ...