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John Auchter for Michigan PublicI was listening to Michigan Public (naturally) when I heard the story about the Michigan House of Representatives passing a bill last week that would require state agency hiring decisions to be based on merit. Here's what caught my attention: The bill passed with nearly complete bipartisan support — all but one representative voted for it. Whoa! That level of agreement between Democrat and Republican politicians seems ... unlikely. Turns out, there was agreement on the vote, but not really on the intention. -
There’s the hair on our heads and the hares in our yards, and there has been some confusion about which one is part of the expression "harebrained."
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Sometimes we’re left in the lurch. It’s probably fair to say that most of us don’t know where that lurch is. -
The one bit that's worth addressing, though, is him referring to her as "the so-called Bishop." So-called? Not at all. She's certified, ordained, and legitimately educated and experienced. It may be unfamiliar to him, but it turns out that the Episcopal Church is very much a real thing. But I wouldn't expect he'd know that as a so-called Christian. -
It appears that some of those bad or uneasy feelings we may feel in the pit of our stomach have become a pit in our stomach.
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The Internet has provided the Cliff Clavins of the world with both a community (so they can breed their idiocy) and a megaphone (so we all can't help but to hear them). Worse, some of the richest ones control much of our media (traditional and social) and are taking autocratic steps to ensure we have to suffer their thoughts and opinions. -
It's that time again. With 2024 behind us, we can vote on the word of the year.
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If you are an out-of-state visitor coming to Michigan to attend the Detroit Auto Show that starts this weekend, you may notice that the locals are a notch or two happier than you might expect. -
Today, we talk to geologists about whether rock formations could keep excess carbon out of the atmosphere. Then, we revisit a conversation with creators of a podcast about the disappearance of Anita Wiley. Later, we travel to a colorful backyard also known as Hamtramck Disneyland. -
We can pepper our food or pepper our speech. If the mood strikes us, we can be peppy in a pep rally sort of way.
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At a certain point, too much flexing runs the risk of creating resentment and a deficit of goodwill, particularly among our allies. The United States is doing well, but it still needs a pack to run with. Being an alpha is good; being a lone wolf is dangerous. -
Freelance political cartoonist John Auchter's art and commentary speaks to the issues impacting Michigan thoughtfully and creatively. Here are some of his most popular works from 2024.
