Donald Riegle: A Life of Public Service

0:00It's April 27th. Welcome in. This is Canada News Today, where local news meets AI. Former Michigan Congressman Donald Regal passed away at 88 from cardiac arrest at his San Diego home. He served nearly three decades in Congress under seven presidents, starting as a Republican before switching to Democrat. Regal kicked off his career in the House back in 1966 at just 28 years old, straight out of Flint. He took on Nixon over Vietnam. Some parties in 1973, then won a Senate seat three years later, holding it till 1994. His family called him the cornerstone of their lives, a courageous leader fighting for justice, jobs, and fairness. He led the charge against NAFTA to save Michigan manufacturing gigs and pushed hard for worker rights plus better health coverage back home. As Senate banking chair, Regal reformed the savings and loan mess and secured treatment for Gulf War vets hit by that mysterious syndrome. Later, he headed government relations at a big PR firm till retirement.

1:03In his later years, he chairs time with grandkids across Michigan and California with his wife of 48 years right there at the end. Memorial plans are still coming together, but his push for everyday folks leaves a real mark.