Latest news with #ShriThanedar
CBS News
21-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Federal bill banning hunters from bear baiting on public lands introduced by Michigan representative
U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Michigan's 13th Congressional District, is sponsoring a bill that would ban hunters from intentionally placing food on federal public lands to attract bears. The Don't Feed the Bears Act was introduced to the House by Rep. Thanedar on Wednesday. He said the practice, known as bear baiting, "Creates danger for both people and animals." The legislation directs federal land management agencies to enforce the ban, Thenedar's office said in a news release. "This bill is about strengthening public safety, animal welfare and responsible wildlife management," Thenedar said. He added that bait stations can cause bears to lose their natural fear of humans, which increases the chances of a conflict between a bear and human. Bear baiting is legal in Michigan, according to the state's Department of Natural Resources. Hunters are allowed to "establish or tend to" up to three bait stations, using meat, fish, baked goods, jams, jellies, sweeteners and candies, pie filling, yogurts and granola, the agency said. Bait placed on public lands in Michigan must be placed on the ground and cannot be held with containers of any kind, according to the DNR. "There are effective and ethical ways to hunt that do not endanger the public or alter the natural behavior of wildlife," Thenedar said. The bill is co-sponsored by three Democratic U.S. House members, including Rep. André Carson of Indiana, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C. According to one study that looked at brown bear attacks from 2000 to 2015, North America recorded an annual average of 11.4 attacks. In that period, most of them occurred in western mountain states and Alaska. CBS News Detroit has reached out to the Michigan Bear Hunters Association for comment.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Detroit Schools Have Highest Cuts to Federal Funding in Michigan
This article was originally published in Michigan Advance. Detroit schools are facing some of the deepest cuts to federal funding in the country as The White House withholds $6.2 billion of funds nationwide. The appropriations were already approved by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump. But the administration informed states that they would be withholding the funding for five programs that support educator development, student enrichment programs, migrant education, English learners and 21st-century learning centers. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter While data isn't available for the program supporting migrant education, federal data organized by New America shows that Michigan stands to lose $81.6 million across the other four programs – accounting for more than $65 per student in the state. The deepest cuts are in areas represented in Congress by Democrats, with those school districts facing a loss of $45 million compared to nearly $36.6 million in areas represented by a Republican. That's an average of $7.5 million per school district in Democratic areas compared to $5.2 million per district in Republican areas. Michigan's seven Republican members of Congress represent 713,666 students, while the six Democrats in Michigan's congressional delegation represent 530,785 students. On average, school districts represented by a Democrat would lose about $84 per student, while school districts represented by Republicans would lose about $51 per student. That's a reversal from the national trend, where the average school district represented by a Republican would lose 1.6 times as much funding per pupil than those represented by a Democrat. That's in part because while 91 of the 100 school districts nationwide facing the deepest cuts are in Republican congressional districts, Detroit is one of the ten districts with the most funding at risk. They would lose the third most funding nationwide for student support and enrichment programs and the sixth most funding for education development. In total, the district has more than $16 million on the line. U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) represents the hardest hit congressional district, which stands to lose about $210 per student, followed by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) at about $87 per pupil. The school district has the highest poverty rate across the 46 states for which data was available at 46.9%. Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti could not be reached for comment. Zahava Stadler is the project director of the Education Funding Equity Initiative in the Education Policy Program at New America. She told Michigan Advance that highly impoverished districts are likely to face significant cuts since poverty rates are a consideration for some federal grants. 'Higher poverty districts are going to be hit again and again and again as the federal government dithers over whether or not to release all of these individual funding streams to which school districts are legally entitled,' Stadler said. The federal government withholding the already-allocated funding has made it even more difficult for schools to plan their budgets after the Republican-led Michigan House of Representatives failed to pass a budget by their deadline of July 1. Even if school districts are able to maintain the programs through other funding sources, Stadler said they wouldn't be able to then reimburse those funds later on if the federal funds came through. 'Money can't just get moved around at will,' Stadler said. 'Federal dollars have rules. And the administration is throwing districts into chaos as they are rapidly approaching a new school year.' Beyond the programs themselves having an impact on students, Stadler said the fight over funding also symbolizes the wrong message for the students who benefit from them. 'The message that these kids are getting is that their country doesn't want to invest in them, their schools aren't able to invest in them,' Stadler said. 'And that is a really difficult and tragic thing to hear as a young person who is just trying to grow and thrive in a community of which they're a member.' Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jon King for questions: info@
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bernie Sanders endorses McKinney's challenge of Rep. Shri Thanedar
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a two-time Democratic presidential candidate and stalwart of the progressive movement, has endorsed state Rep. Donavan McKinney, D-Detroit, in his intraparty challenge of sitting U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar. McKinney's campaign announced Sanders' endorsement on June 17. Although he's an independent member of the U.S. Senate representing Vermont, Sanders caucuses with the Democratic Party in the chamber and is widely seen as a leader of its progressive wing. His endorsement has helped candidates lift their national profiles and raise money. Sanders' endorsement could also further lift McKinney's profile relative to another candidate who is challenging Thanedar, former state Sen. Adam Hollier, also of Detroit, who lost a Democratic primary race against Thanedar in the predominately Democratic district in 2022 and then failed to qualify for the ballot in 2024 due to a lack of valid petition signatures. "I'm urging all Michiganders to join me in supporting Donavan's campaign," Sanders said in a statement. Sanders becomes the second sitting member of Congress to endorse McKinney in his challenge of Thanedar, following U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib's announcement in May that she would back McKinney over her fellow Detroit Democrat. Tlaib, a progressive stalwart in her own right and longtime ally of Sanders', has insisted that Thanedar's representation of his constituents − many of whom previously were represented by Tlaib − has been poor, which Thanedar, a wealthy Indian immigrant and entrepreneur, has denied. In his endorsement message, Sanders did not mention Thanedar or his record since entering Congress in 2023 representing Michigan's 13th Congressional District. 'I'm proud to support Donavan McKinney for Congress," Sanders' statement said. "Donavan is exactly the type of leader we need in Washington right now. He understands the struggles working class communities are facing in Detroit and across the country because he's lived those struggles himself." Sanders' statement also said that as a state legislator, McKinney has "fought to get big money out of politics and taken on powerful special interests" and that in Congress, he will support increasing the minimum wage, providing more funding to public schools and for public housing and universal health care. Thanedar shares those political positions. But McKinney, who entered the race to challenge Thanedar in next year's election in April, has continued to claim that Thanedar, as a "self-funded multimillionaire," has more in common with President Donald Trump than he does the 13th District, which is one of the poorest in the nation. McKinney also criticized Thanedar for using taxpayer funds to effectively promote himself; Thanedar has said the funds he has used on billboards and other media with his name and face on them are intended to improve outreach to constituents. 'Senator Sanders has long been a progressive champion for working class Americans and I am honored to receive his endorsement,' McKinney said. 'His political courage and his commitment to doing the right thing — even when it's unpopular, even when it's hard, even if he's alone — are a true inspiration to me, as is his commitment to fighting for a more just, more equal America." Sanders ran for president as a Democrat in 2016 and 2020, and won the state of Michigan's presidential primary over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@ Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bernie Sanders endorses McKinney's challenge of Rep. Shri Thanedar
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Progressive knives come out for Democrat behind Trump impeachment push
Progressive knives are out for Rep. Shri Thanedar (D), a Michigan lawmaker who has emerged as something of a lightning rod within his party as he braces for a potentially tough reelection fight. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) last week became the first House Democrat this cycle to back a primary challenger to an incumbent when she threw her support behind Thanedar's progressive rival, arguing Thanedar has failed his constituents. Meanwhile, the second-term lawmaker has drawn criticism from moderates after his push to impeach President Trump, which received no oxygen from Democratic leadership. The developments signal a potentially explosive primary that could be one of the highest-profile intraparty clashes in next year's midterms. 'The question is can there be a clear alternative vs. a multiprimary field,' said former Michigan Rep. Mark Schauer (D), arguing that a more crowded field to split the anti-Thanedar vote may benefit him. Thanedar has undergone a political evolution during his relatively short amount of time serving in public office. After building a career as a businessman, he first entered politics when he ran for governor of Michigan in 2018, coming in third place with 18 percent of the vote but performing more strongly in the Detroit area. He was elected to the Michigan state House in 2020 and won an open seat representing Michigan's 13th Congressional District in the U.S. House two years later. He had sought to establish his reputation as a progressive, having run for governor on issues like advocating for a $15 minimum wage and single-payer health care. But critics have raised questions about Thanedar's progressive credentials for years. During his gubernatorial run, they pointed to issues like his donation to the late Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) presidential campaign and allegations that he considered running as a Republican in 2018. Thanedar denied that he considered running as a Republican and said at the time that he only made the donation to attend an event and ask McCain a question. He's also faced criticism throughout his political career over the millions of dollars that he has lent his campaigns, leaning on his significant wealth to boost his candidacy. He became even more of a target after he renounced his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America in October 2023 over the group's promotion of a rally in New York City that Thanedar said was antisemitic. The rally was held just a day after Hamas's deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 and saw hundreds taken as hostages. Thanedar maintained that his ideals hadn't changed at all and he still supported issues like universal health care, labor unions, environmental justice and equity for communities of color. He faced a progressive challenge last year from Detroit City Council member Mary Waters but won his primary by 20 points. But the effort to oust him this time has gotten a fresh boost thanks to Tlaib, who has thrown her support behind state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D). Former state Sen. Adam Hollier, who planned to run last year but didn't receive enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot, is also running. McKinney has sought to portray Thanedar as an out-of-touch multimillionaire, arguing in his campaign launch video that he has more in common with President Trump and Elon Musk than his constituents. McKinney told The Hill in a statement that he feels he can win the race despite last year's challenge failing because of the 'incredibly broad spectrum of support' he has rallied. He noted that Tlaib is the only other member of Congress representing Detroit, and she supports him because she needs a 'real partner in Washington to deliver for our communities at home.' He said he truly understands the issues facing constituents because he's experienced them himself, noting that he represents the poorest state House district in Michigan and had a single mother who worked multiple jobs. He also said he understands the impacts of environmental pollution as he has to regularly check his children's lead levels to ensure the water isn't poisoning them. 'From Detroit to Downriver and beyond, we've been left behind and forgotten by Washington for far too long,' McKinney said. 'And that's because you can't fight for our communities if you're an out-of-touch millionaire bought by corporate super PACs and billionaire-funded lobbies.' A spokesperson for Thanedar's campaign argued that the congressman remains 'highly popular' in the district, enjoying widespread grassroots support. 'While some in the establishment may support one of his opponents, voters resonate more with the Congressman because they know his story of struggle, overcoming poverty, and achieving his American Dream,' they said. 'Voters know that Congressman Thanedar is fighting for them every day in Congress, for things like education, workforce development, healthcare, housing, so they can achieve their American Dream.' Thanedar has often pointed to his own story of growing up poor, immigrating to the U.S. from India and becoming a successful businessman. The spokesperson said the primary, still 15 months away, is not at the top of anyone's mind and noted Thanedar hasn't lost an election in Detroit previously. 'The media making this about the primary, instead of focusing on the substance of Trump's crimes, is giving Trump a pass,' they said. Thanedar dropped his effort to force votes on impeaching Trump, at least temporarily, last week after his proposal received no support from other Democrats, particularly as it had almost no chance of succeeding in the GOP-controlled House. Democratic strategist Len Foxwell said the effort is a distraction from a focus on the economy as polls show voters dissatisfied with Trump's handling of it, and any time spent not discussing the economy is a 'missed opportunity.' Thanedar, who has argued that pushing for impeachment is the right thing to do, said his constituents are 'fully supportive' of his efforts. Strategists said the effort could be helpful for boosting support among the Democratic base, but Thanedar still could face his biggest challenge yet in his career. 'I think he's tremendously vulnerable with candidates that put together a strong race that is focused on the community,' said strategist Andrew Feldman, who's worked in Michigan. As a Democrat wanting change in Washington, Schauer said he would prefer the focus to be on competitive seats that Democrats could pick up next year, but the primary race still matters, particularly to the constituents of the 13th District. 'Every seat in Congress is important,' he said. 'We need Democrats that are going to be effective in office. So it's important, for sure.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Progressive knives come out for Democrat behind Trump impeachment push
Progressive knives are out for Rep. Shri Thanedar (D), a Michigan lawmaker who has emerged as something of a lightning rod within his party as he braces for a potentially tough reelection fight. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) last week became the first House Democrat this cycle to back a primary challenger to an incumbent when she threw her support behind Thanedar's progressive rival, arguing Thanedar has failed his constituents. Meanwhile, the second-term lawmaker has drawn criticism from moderates after his push to impeach President Trump, which received no oxygen from Democratic leadership. The developments signal a potentially explosive primary that could be one of the highest-profile intraparty clashes in next year's midterms. 'The question is can there be a clear alternative vs. a multiprimary field,' said former Michigan Rep. Mark Schauer (D), arguing that a more crowded field to split the anti-Thanedar vote may benefit him. Thanedar has undergone a political evolution during his relatively short amount of time serving in public office. After building a career as a businessman, he first entered politics when he ran for governor of Michigan in 2018, coming in third place with 18 percent of the vote but performing more strongly in the Detroit area. He was elected to the Michigan state House in 2020 and won an open seat representing Michigan's 13th Congressional District in the U.S. House two years later. He had sought to establish his reputation as a progressive, having run for governor on issues like advocating for a $15 minimum wage and single-payer health care. But critics have raised questions about Thanedar's progressive credentials for years. During his gubernatorial run, they pointed to issues like his donation to the late Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) presidential campaign and allegations that he considered running as a Republican in 2018. Thanedar denied that he considered running as a Republican and said at the time that he only made the donation to attend an event and ask McCain a question. He's also faced criticism throughout his political career over the millions of dollars that he has lent his campaigns, leaning on his significant wealth to boost his candidacy. He became even more of a target after he renounced his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America in October 2023 over the group's promotion of a rally in New York City that Thanedar said was antisemitic. The rally was held just a day after Hamas's deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 and saw hundreds taken as hostages. Thanedar maintained that his ideals hadn't changed at all and he still supported issues like universal health care, labor unions, environmental justice and equity for communities of color. He faced a progressive challenge last year from Detroit City Council member Mary Waters but won his primary by 20 points. But the effort to oust him this time has gotten a fresh boost thanks to Tlaib, who has thrown her support behind state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D). Former state Sen. Adam Hollier, who planned to run last year but didn't receive enough valid signatures to appear on the ballot, is also running. McKinney has sought to portray Thanedar as an out-of-touch multimillionaire, arguing in his campaign launch video that he has more in common with President Trump and Elon Musk than his constituents. McKinney told The Hill in a statement that he feels he can win the race despite last year's challenge failing because of the 'incredibly broad spectrum of support' he has rallied. He noted that Tlaib is the only other member of Congress representing Detroit, and she supports him because she needs a 'real partner in Washington to deliver for our communities at home.' He said he truly understands the issues facing constituents because he's experienced them himself, noting that he represents the poorest state House district in Michigan and had a single mother who worked multiple jobs. He also said he understands the impacts of environmental pollution as he has to regularly check his children's lead levels to ensure the water isn't poisoning them. 'From Detroit to Downriver and beyond, we've been left behind and forgotten by Washington for far too long,' McKinney said. 'And that's because you can't fight for our communities if you're an out-of-touch millionaire bought by corporate super PACs and billionaire-funded lobbies.' A spokesperson for Thanedar's campaign argued that the congressman remains 'highly popular' in the district, enjoying widespread grassroots support. 'While some in the establishment may support one of his opponents, voters resonate more with the Congressman because they know his story of struggle, overcoming poverty, and achieving his American Dream,' they said. 'Voters know that Congressman Thanedar is fighting for them every day in Congress, for things like education, workforce development, healthcare, housing, so they can achieve their American Dream.' Thanedar has often pointed to his own story of growing up poor, immigrating to the U.S. from India and becoming a successful businessman. The spokesperson said the primary, still 15 months away, is not at the top of anyone's mind and noted Thanedar hasn't lost an election in Detroit previously. 'The media making this about the primary, instead of focusing on the substance of Trump's crimes, is giving Trump a pass,' they said. Thanedar dropped his effort to force votes on impeaching Trump, at least temporarily, last week after his proposal received no support from other Democrats, particularly as it had almost no chance of succeeding in the GOP-controlled House. Democratic strategist Len Foxwell said the effort is a distraction from a focus on the economy as polls show voters dissatisfied with Trump's handling of it, and any time spent not discussing the economy is a 'missed opportunity.' Thanedar, who has argued that pushing for impeachment is the right thing to do, said his constituents are 'fully supportive' of his efforts. Strategists said the effort could be helpful for boosting support among the Democratic base, but Thanedar still could face his biggest challenge yet in his career. 'I think he's tremendously vulnerable with candidates that put together a strong race that is focused on the community,' said strategist Andrew Feldman, who's worked in Michigan. As a Democrat wanting change in Washington, Schauer said he would prefer the focus to be on competitive seats that Democrats could pick up next year, but the primary race still matters, particularly to the constituents of the 13th District. 'Every seat in Congress is important,' he said. 'We need Democrats that are going to be effective in office. So it's important, for sure.'
