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The Metro: Why lawmakers are banning cell phones in Michigan schools

✇WDET 101.9 FM
By: Sam Corey
20 January 2026 at 21:20

In the Republican-controlled House, lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a bill banning cell phones in charter and public schools with strong bipartisan support. Now it’s headed to the Michigan Senate, where Democrats hold the majority.

Many school districts in the state already have phone bans and restrictions. But this recent vote in the state House was significant. A similar bill didn’t pass the same chamber last summer. Inaction was a theme last legislative session as lawmakers in Lansing passed the fewest number of bills on record.

What changed? And, what other bills might the legislature be able to pass along bipartisan lines this session?

State Rep. Mark Tisdel.
State Rep. Mark Tisdel.

Mark Tisdel is a Republican representing Rochester Hills and the sponsor of the cell phone ban bill. He spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.

 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

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The Metro: Congressman Tom Barrett works with White House to release Michigander in ICE custody

✇WDET 101.9 FM
By: Sam Corey
11 December 2025 at 19:22

Aggressive immigration enforcement has intensified nationwide. As of early this month, more than 200,000 people had been arrested by ICE agents, including about 75,000 with no criminal record at all.

Lue Yang doesn’t technically fit into this context. But his case is close.

Lue Yang (second from left) with his family, including his wife, Ann Vue, and their six children in traditional White Hmong attire.

He was born in a Thai refugee camp after his family fled Laos. The Hmong refugee has lived in Michigan since he was 8 months old. While he is here legally, Yang previously had a 1997 criminal conviction, which was expunged in Michigan, but isn’t recognized by federal immigration law.

That resulted in ICE agents arresting Yang in July at his work. He was in prison until last week when he was released with the help of Michigan Republican Congressman Tom Barrett. 

Why did Congressman Barrett help free Lue Yang? And, what was the process like for getting someone out of ICE detention?

Congressman Barrett joined The Metro to discuss that and more.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

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The post The Metro: Congressman Tom Barrett works with White House to release Michigander in ICE custody appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Michigan GOP leaders largely silent on racist, pro-Hitler messages exposed in Young Republicans group chat

✇Detroit Metro Times
By: Steve Neavling
15 October 2025 at 16:35

A vile group chat among Young Republican leaders across the country that included antisemitic and racist messages obtained and published by Politico has led to some members losing their jobs and others distancing themselves from the remarks. The Michigan Young Republicans chapter was mentioned in the report. In one exchange, Kansas Young Republicans Chair Laken […]

The post Michigan GOP leaders largely silent on racist, pro-Hitler messages exposed in Young Republicans group chat appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.

Opinion: Michigan’s students can’t wait while Republicans play games with our schools

✇Detroit Metro Times
By: Terrence Martin， Sr.
8 September 2025 at 17:32

As both a labor leader and longtime teacher in Michigan, I’ve seen firsthand the struggle our students, families, and educators face when politics gets in the way of progress. This moment is one of the most dangerous I’ve witnessed. As students head back to the classroom this fall, teachers and staff are preparing to give […]

The post Opinion: Michigan’s students can’t wait while Republicans play games with our schools appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.

Most Michigan voters support U.S. aid for Gaza, poll finds

✇Detroit Metro Times
By: Steve Neavling
21 August 2025 at 17:21

A majority of Michiganders want the U.S. to help secure food, water, and medical supplies for people in Gaza, where Israeli attacks since October 2023 have killed more than 62,000 and led to mass starvation, a new poll shows. The survey, released Thursday by the progressive advocacy group Progress Michigan, found that 69% of Michigan […]

The post Most Michigan voters support U.S. aid for Gaza, poll finds appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.

Opinion: Gutting Medicaid will make Michigan and America less healthy

✇Detroit Metro Times
By: Brandy Shoup， R.N.
15 August 2025 at 16:57

As an emergency room nurse in a rural community, and a mom whose daughter has multiple disabilities, I am appalled by Congress’ passage of President Trump’s cruelly named “Big Beautiful Bill,” which will result in millions of people losing their Medicaid coverage. But we still have our voices — and our votes — and advocates […]

The post Opinion: Gutting Medicaid will make Michigan and America less healthy appeared first on Detroit Metro Times.

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