Elections & Politics

After all these years, Kelley sees nobility in public service

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By ANDI BRANCATO
Capital News Service
LANSING – “The People’s Lawyer” is a more-than-apt description of Frank Kelley’s career as Michigan’s—and the nation’s—longest-serving attorney general. And it’s the perfect title for Kelley’s recently released autobiography, written with Wayne State University journalism department chair Jack Lessenberry. The book offers highlights of Kelley’s unmatched 37 years as Michigan’s top attorney. “The People’s Lawyer” (Wayne State University Press, $34.99) has received a fair amount of publicity, all of it warranted. Kelley’s record will likely remain untouched, since term limits have restricted an attorney general from serving more than eight years, and so the wealth of knowledge he attained won’t be achieved again.

Business & Economy

Authors “Canvas Detroit” for art’s impact on the urban environment

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By BECKY McKENDRY
Capital News Service

LANSING — In “Canvas Detroit,” a new book from Wayne State University Press, Nichole Christian and Julie Pincus profile the Motor City’s brightest and most diverse up-and-coming street artists. From murals on boulevards to grass sculptures, their work can actively improve the urban environment and shine a light on previously ignored and abandoned cityscapes, the authors say. Detroit is a city that needs “problem solving,” Christian says, and art won’t solve it all. But the city is fostering a wickedly creative atmosphere that is ripe for revitalization. In a recent interview, Christian explained the importance of street art and how it can revitalize a city.

Transportation & Roads

Millennials' message: we drive less

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By BECKY McKENDRY
Capital News Service
LANSING- The Millennial Generation is shying away from the driver’s seat, according to a new report. “Moving Off The Road,” published by the nonprofit Public Interest Research Group, suggests working from home, economic factors and urban population contributed to less driving nationwide. In 2013, Michigan drivers traveled almost 6.7 percent fewer miles than in 2005 and 7.6 percent fewer miles than in 2007, the peak driving year. Those in their late teens to early 30s strongly lead the trend. And as the trend is expected to continue, many Millennials are transporting themselves in different ways.

Education

Minority enrollment hurt at public law schools

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By PATRICK LYONS
Capital News Service
LANSING– Michigan public law schools are admitting fewer minority students than most of the state’s private law schools, a new study shows. The reason, experts say, is a 2006 constitutional provision, Proposal 2, which prohibits public colleges and universities from considering the race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin of applicants. The University of Michigan and Wayne State University have public law schools with 22 and 16 percent minority enrollment respectively. The state’s private ones are Michigan State University, Thomas M. Cooley and the University of Detroit Mercy. The minority enrollment rate for these institutions ranges from 19 to 27 percent.