At the federal level, democracy is on its heels in America. 

President Donald Trump has violated national and international laws by kidnapping Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement to breach residents’ civil liberties, including killing an individual in Minnesota, and by sending military troops to cities that have not requested them.

But at the local level, despite weak participation, officials say democracy is strong, that the trash is getting picked up on time, and that services are being properly distributed, especially in more urban areas. 

That’s what Stephanie Leiser found in a recent survey of Michigan municipal leaders. She’s the Director of the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, and a lecturer at University of Michigan. The Metro’s Sam Corey spoke with Leiser to learn more.

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Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore has been arraigned in a Washtenaw County courtroom. He faces one felony charge of third-degree home invasion, as well as misdemeanors for stalking in a domestic relationship and breaking and entering.

Moore was fired from his job earlier this week. A statement from the university says the termination was “for cause” after an internal investigation found he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

According to Washtenaw County assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski, the victim had been in a years-long affair with Moore but broke it off earlier this week.

“Eventually, she presented herself to the University of Michigan,” says Rezmierski, “cooperated in some form of investigation there. As we all no know, the defendant was at some point on Wednesday afternoon fired from his employment.”

Prosecutors allege that, after learning of his termination, Moore broke into the victim’s home, grabbing several butter knives and a pair of scissors. He then began threatening to take his own life in front of her.

“’My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life,’” Rezmierski quoted. “And a series of very, very threatening, intimidating [and] terrifying, quite frankly, statements.”

Moore was arrested on Wednesday evening and has been held in Washtenaw County jail since.

The former coach has posted his $25,000 bond, and is being released with a GPS tracking device and a no-contact order. He also must keep up with mental health treatment as a condition of release.

Moore is due back in court next month.

The University of Michigan has named Biff Poggi interim head coach while it decides on Sherrone Moore’s permanent replacement.