Michigan
Recruitment underway for Girls State program, held by Michigan chapter of American Legion Auxiliary
(FOX 2) – What would American democracy look like in the hands of teenage girls?
The question is both the subject of a documentary called “Girls State” and an annual competition run by the American Legion Auxiliary both in the chapter in Michigan and others across the country.
An experiment in how a demographic not represented in our current government might build up an infrastructure that could run a country, it gives young women the opportunity to test the waters in nation-building.
And according to those that have gone through the program, it’s one of the best experiences ever – and had vital lessons for all those who took part.
“I think the most important thing that I learned was just being able to share your ideas and opinions with people that are from all sorts of different backgrounds,” said Saanvi Jingilipalem. “You have girls from all across Michigan, like obviously people have different views on different policies.”
Jingilipalem is a senior at Salem High School. She was more than happy to capitalize on the melting pot of opportunity that awaited her. So was Gianna Roux, who attends Grosse Pointe North. After all, “what 16-year-old is writing bills and grants?” she asks.
“Just working with a bunch of girls my age that all had similar passions and are very dedicated to their work – it was really cool to see,” she said. “These girls are now like some of my best friends. I still talk to them to this day.”
The weeklong program has taken place since the 40s. Participants are split into one of two political parties and housed in mock cities and counties.
From there, they are given a packet of information that explains the state they live in and the issues they must remedy.
“We kind of had to work together to figure out a solution for that,” said Jingilipalem.
The women hold conventions, select their party’s platform, and their candidates for governor, secretary of state, supreme court, and more – giving a window into all three branches of government and beyond.
And what’s more, there’s a mock trial with prosecutors, judges, and a jury.
Those that take part also join an impressive network of great women, who include members of presidential cabinets, mayors, governors, and even U.S. senators like Debbie Stabenow.
The 83rd session of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Michigan, Girls State program is scheduled for June 23 to June 29, 2024, Michigan State University’s campus. The cost to send a student is $425, which is paid for by a sponsor.
If you’re interested in applying, go to michalaux.org and click on ALA Girls State.
Michigan
Watch: Dog with PVC pipe stuck around neck rescued in Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A dog is safe after being found wandering the streets in Wayne County with a piece of PVC pipe stuck around its neck.
Michigan Humane put out the call for help on social media on Tuesday after they received some photos of the dog and reports that it was seen near the border of Detroit and Dearborn.
The state’s oldest animal welfare group posted an update and some pictures of its own on Thursday, showing the dog in their care and getting the piece of pipe removed.
“Thanks to everyone’s support and tips, we were able to find the stray dog with a PVC pipe on his neck today and bring him into our shelter,” the social media post read. “We successfully removed the pipe from his neck, and he is safe in our care, receiving medical treatment.”
Michigan Humane did not provide any other information on the dog’s health status and did not elaborate on how the pipe may have ended up around the dog’s neck but believe it was put there intentionally. The organization has also announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.
Michigan Humane also thanked the Dearborn Police Department for helping them track down the dog and Carhartt for amplifying its message.
Michigan
Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast: Recapping Spartans’ Win Over Washington
No. 16 Michigan State just keeps winning, and it’s doing so against quality Big Ten teams.
The Spartans steamrolled Washington at the Breslin Center on Thursday, besting the visitors, 88-54. They did so in front of a vibrant home crowd on what was the annual Alumni Night.
With the victory, Michigan State improves to 13-2 on the year, 4-0 in Big Ten play and 8-0 on its home court. It is also extended its win streak to eight games.
Our Aidan Champion recaps the win on this postgame edition of the Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast.
You can watch the episode below:
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo addressed the media after Thursday’s contest.
Below is a partial transcript from Izzo’s opening statement:
Izzo: “Well, when you have a game like that, it’s hard to even know what to say except — that was Matt Larson that said it walking up the steps — I hope every media person, every alum, every student and every fan, appreciates the specialness we have here. The alumni reunions that we have every year are incredible, but for that many former Izzone members to come back over 20 and 30 years was special. Special for me, I think special for my team. And I almost felt sorry for Washington; I mean, they probably thought they were coming in here and there’d be no students. And that group was so good and so fired up; there was no entitlement, none of them left, none of them transferred. They were unbelievable. And I could have stayed there for a half hour after and thanked each and every one of them. But in all the things that happen, please appreciate that this place is different. It’s different. You can say it about places all over — this place is damn different. And I’m just thankful for them, I’m thankful for our marketing people, I’m thankful for our Izzone coach and I’m thankful for all the people that put in the work to get this thing done. I don’t want to make it bigger than the game, but for Tom Izzo, it’s bigger than the game. And when Matt said it to me walking up the steps, I thought it was special.”
Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
Michigan
Michigan State football lands Division II transfer WR Rodney Bullard from Valdosta State
Jonathan Smith continues to replenish his roster and Michigan State football’s receiver room.
The Spartans picked up a pledge Thursday from wideout Rod Bullard, a transfer from Division II Valdosta State in Georgia. The 6-foot, 170-pound native of Albany, Georgia, has two years of eligibility remaining after redshirting in 2022 and playing 28 games the past two seasons.
As a sophomore in the fall, Bullard caught 42 passes for 1,001 yards with 12 touchdowns and an average of 23.8 yards per catch. The Blazers lost to Ferris State in the Division II national title game, and Bullard had three catches for 15 yards in the 49-14 loss.
In 2023, he had 43 catches for 566 yards and seven scores and returned 16 kicks for a 24.8-yard average with a 99-yard touchdown return.
Bullard is the 14th transfer and third incoming receiver, joining Chrishon McCray (Kent State) and Omari Kelly (Middle Tennessee State). The Spartans lost wideouts Jaron Glover (Mississippi State), Jaelen Smith (Texas-San Antonio), Aziah Johnson (North Carolina) and Antonio Gates Jr. (undecided) among 13 outbound transfers from their 2024 team that finished 5-7 and missed a bowl game for the third straight season.
Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.
Subscribe to the “Spartan Speak” podcast for new episodes weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.
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