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Poll: 98% of Michigan State Police Troopers voice ‘no confidence’ in leadership

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Poll: 98% of Michigan State Police Troopers voice ‘no confidence’ in leadership


Most Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers expressed a lack of confidence in the department’s leadership in a recent internal poll of membership, prompting calls for the leadership to resign from Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, a Porter Township Republican who is running for governor.

In a one-question survey conducted by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association between June 2 and June 6, 98% (1,167 members) expressed no confidence in the leadership of Col. James Grady and Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe.

The union reported that approximately 75% of its more than 1,500 members responded to the survey.

“It’s time for him to go,” said Nesbitt in a one-on-one interview with Local 4 on June 9 in downtown Detroit. “It’s time for new leadership. It’s time to improve the morale of the state police. It’s time to actually get back to what they’re doing—protecting the life and property of the citizens of Michigan.”

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Nesbitt went further: “When 98% of your employees say that you are doing an ineffective and poor job, something needs to change. The leadership needs to change. And if the governor’s not willing to change it, that’s why I’ve called on him to resign.”

Nesbitt also promised that, if elected governor, he would act swiftly to replace the top leadership at MSP.

“Day one,” Nesbitt said. “Somebody that can lead the police officers that actually has the backing of the blue — that professionalizes and makes sure we have the most professional state police officers in the nation.”

The MSP Command Officers Association also conducted a similar internal vote, and 90% of its members reported no confidence in the department’s current leadership.

Governor’s office, MSP push back

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In response to the report, both the governor’s office and MSP defended Col. Grady’s leadership.

A spokesperson for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement, saying in part:

“Thanks to the work of Colonel Grady, Michigan has seen major drops in violent crime. He’s also had troopers’ backs by fighting for pay raises.”

The Michigan State Police issued a more detailed statement defending Grady’s tenure, citing investments in personnel, equipment, and training.

“It has been a priority for Colonel Grady to conduct in-person visits to MSP worksites to listen to member feedback. During these visits, he’s engaged in meaningful conversations, including seeking input from the membership about morale and opportunities for areas of improvement.

Under Colonel Grady’s leadership, the department has continued to invest in better training and professional development opportunities, updated equipment, and improved technology. Further, dozens of new troopers joined the ranks last month, and this year’s proposed budget includes pay raises for troopers and sergeants.”

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Michigan State Police

The department said Col. Grady remains committed to moving the department forward and supporting the men and women of the Michigan State Police.

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Michigan groom sentenced for killing his best friend on his wedding night

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Michigan groom sentenced for killing his best friend on his wedding night


FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A man in Michigan who got married and then ran over his best friend that same day, killing him, after an alcohol-fueled argument was sentenced Monday to least 30 years in prison.

“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” James Shirah said in Genesee County court.

Shirah, 24, was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier that day and the celebration had moved to a house.

James Shirah is sentenced to at least 30 years in prison during a hearing, Monday, May 11, 2026 in Flint, Mich. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP)

Shirah’s attorney had argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, however, said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor, MLive.com reported.

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“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Judge Khary Hanible said.

In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.

“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence.

Shirah’s wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.

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SW Michigan show returns as growing destination for vinyl collectors

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SW Michigan show returns as growing destination for vinyl collectors


BENTON HARBOR — Vinyl collectors and music fans are invited to dig through thousands of records and music collectibles at the Southwest Michigan Record Show.

The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at Grand Upton Hall inside Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, according to a press release.

Now in its fourth season, the show features 25 vendors from five states, offering 70 tables filled with vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, record supplies and music memorabilia.

Free admission begins at 10 a.m.

General admission is free starting at 10 a.m., while early entry is available at 8:30 a.m. for $5. Door prize drawings are planned for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., including $25 shopping certificates and record supplies from BCW Supplies. The first 75 attendees will receive free tote bags.

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A food truck will be on site, and cash is preferred for purchases. Some vendors may accept cards, PayPal, Venmo and other payment methods, but there is no ATM on site.

Vendors from across the Midwest and beyond

The show is expected to feature a wide selection of music genres, including classic rock, pop, ’80s, metal, punk, jazz, blues, R&B, country and soundtracks.

“This show is still being discovered, and that’s part of what makes it exciting,” event organizer Jeremy D. Bonfiglio said in the release. “We’ve built a strong group of experienced vendors, so whether you’re just getting into vinyl or digging for something rare, there’s a real opportunity here to find something unexpected.”

Free parking is available near the entrance of Mendel Center, 2755 Napier Ave.

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Future dates planned

The Southwest Michigan Record Show is also scheduled to return Sept. 19.

For more information, visit southwestmichiganrecordshow.com or follow the event on Facebook.

This story was created by reporter Cheryl Morey, with the assistance of artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing.



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Yes, you can play curling in West Michigan

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Yes, you can play curling in West Michigan


ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The spirit of curling is one of friendship.

While memory of the Winter Olympics may have long melted away in the minds of many Americans, there some whose curiousness for the sport of curling has extended all the way into the springtime.

“Everybody’s having fun,” said Paul Curran, league manager for the Grand Rapids Curling Club. “It’s a really weird sport in that it’s really friendly.”

The club, which plays at the Cedar Rock Sportsplex in Algoma Township, has seen a recent spike in interest in its beginners leagues and learn to curl classes.

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“We’re all here to curl and learn,” said beginner Aaron Schwieterman. “Everyone’s making mistakes, but still having a great time learning the sport and trying to mimic what the professionals do at the Olympics.”

“I recommend it to anybody who wants to try something different,” said beginner Margaret Steketee. “If I can do it, anybody can do it.”

For a period of time on the ice, these newcomers to the sport turn into competitors. Then, at the conclusions of their games, they revert to being friends.

“Largely, what you’ll find with curlers is that when they’re done curling, they want to be friendly and hang out,” Curran said. “Which is what our league is doing right now.”

As long as people are interested, Curran says the club will continue to put on beginners leagues and lessons.

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“The more people we get out here curling, the better,” he said.

For more information on ways to play and learn how to curl in West Michigan, visit the Grand Rapids Curling Club’s website.

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