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Michigan sees steep decline in 2026 national economic ranking
Michigan fell 13 spots in an annual ranking of economic competitiveness — the third worst fall for any state since reporting began in 2008.
The Great Lakes State dropped from 19th place nationally to 32nd in just one year, according to the 2026 edition of “Rich States Poor States,” an annual report published by the American Legislative Exchange Council. “Rich States Poor States” ranks the economic competitiveness of states based on differences in tax rates, minimum wage laws, liability costs and other state policies. The ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index considers a total of 15 variables to establish a state’s standing.
Michigan’s highest ranking came during the years of former Gov. Rick Snyder, when it reached 12th place in 2019. Click here to read more.

UM sorry for graduation speaker’s praise for pro-Hamas student protestors — 1,000 students, staff demand apology withdrawal
University of Michigan officials are apologizing for commencement remarks by faculty senate chair Derek Peterson on Saturday to honor of pro-Hamas protestors.
“A today’s U-M spring commencement ceremony, our outgoing Faculty Senate Chair made remarks regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict that were hurtful and insensitive to many members of our community,” UM President Domenico Grasso wrote in a statement posted to the university’s website. “We regret the pain this has caused on a day devoted to celebration and accomplishment. For this, the university apologizes.”
More than 1,000 faculty and students have since signed onto a letter urging Grasso to withdraw the apology. Click here to read more.

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How the Sunrise Movement Became a Vehicle for Disruptive Protests
At its inception, the Sunrise Movement was a youth-led climate advocacy organization. The group made a major splash during the first Trump administration, with high-visibility protests, including a 2018 sit-in at Nancy Pelosi’s office featuring New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and a clear focus on climate change.
But like many peer organizations, Sunrise underwent what some have described as an “identity crisis” during the Biden administration. Its focus grew broader and more radical, especially after it broke decisively with mainstream Democrats following Biden’s support for Israel after the October 7 Hamas attacks. Last September, after years of mission drift, Sunrise shifted its purpose to “getting rid of the authoritarian government we’re in.” Click here to read more.

Teen fulfills lifelong promise of taking his grandmother to prom: ‘It’s her dream’
LA CROSSE, Wis. — A teen in Wisconsin fulfilled his lifelong promise of taking his grandmother to prom.
Avant Williams is a junior at La Crosse Central High School. While most students take a date their own age, Williams made a promise to his grandmother when he was a toddler.
“Since I was like a little kid, my grandma’s been telling me she wanted to go to prom. It’s her dream, and then today I just feel like I should make that come true,” Williams said.
His grandmother, Svala Heller, is from Iceland, where proms are not common.
“She didn’t have a prom, so then my junior year of prom she told me I have to take her, so that’s why we’re here,” Williams said.
For Heller, her dream has been shaped by years of watching American culture from afar.

DOJ sues Denver over assault weapons ordinance, alleging Second Amendment violation
DENVER — The Trump administration sued Denver and its police department on Tuesday seeking to strike down an assault weapons ban that has been in place for Colorado’s largest city since 1989.
The lawsuit came a day after Denver officials publicly rejected calls by the Department of Justice to repeal the longstanding city ordinance that makes it a crime to possess assault weapons.
Trump administration officials allege the ban violates the Constitution’s Second Amendment right to bear arms.
“The Constitution is not a suggestion and the Second Amendment is not a second-class right,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “Denver’s ban on commonly owned semi-automatic rifles directly violates the right to bear arms.” Click here to read more.
