Local Government
‘We’re sending a message to the state that we respect science’
From an emphasis on reproductive rights, maternal care and mental health to millions of dollars aimed at tackling racial disparities, funding public health and increasing wages for health care workers, the $82 billion budget passed by lawmakers last month is slated to reshape Michigan’s health landscape and significantly increase access to care for residents across […]
ACLU urges GR mayor, commissioners to reject proposed ordinances targeting unhoused people
Proposed ordinances targeting panhandling and unhoused people in Grand Rapids are unconstitutional and would essentially criminalize homelessness, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan wrote in a Thursday letter to Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and city commissioners. “The city’s recent proposals exacerbate the challenges facing our unhoused residents by narrowing the already limited […]
Recall effort filed for member of Ottawa County’s far-right commission
A petition has been filed to recall a member of Ottawa County’s GOP-majority commission due to her vote to effectively fire the county health officer without cause. The petition, filed Monday by Larry Jackson, a resident of Park Township, to the county clerk sites the Feb. 28 vote where Republican Commissioner Lucy Ebel, which represents […]
Lawmakers, EPA administrator meet in Grand Rapids to highlight $5.1M clean water initiative
President Joe Biden’s “Investing in America” tour took form in Grand Rapids on Wednesday morning as lawmakers and community leaders peered into a pit in front of the home of Paige Biek and her family. The sight in question? A lead pipe, which had for years pumped water into the Biek household, was being replaced […]
Mortgage demand by Black Detroiters soars, yet flight to suburbs continues
In a significant development for metro Detroit’s housing market, the demand for mortgages by Black homebuyers has increased 188% across the city and region over the past decade, according to a new study. Between 2012 and 2021, the demand for mortgages among Black residents increased 443% for homes in Detroit and 159% for houses in […]
Detroit Immigration Task Force celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month
A resolution passed this month by the Detroit City Council celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month in Michigan’s largest city. “The resolution acknowledges Detroit’s past and present as a beacon of freedom, refuge, and opportunity for migrants from around the world. Detroit is home to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers of all backgrounds, and continues to welcome […]
Nessel joins Hamtramck protest over city banning LGBTQ+ Pride flags
Over 200 pro-LGBTQ+ people gathered outside of Hamtramck City Hall at Winfield Park Saturday to express dissent towards Hamtramck City Council’s recent decision to remove the LGBTQ+ flag from flying on city property. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel was among those in attendance, and opened up on the microphone, lambasting Mayor Amer Ghalib. “I am […]
Rep. Tsernoglou introduces ‘Puppy Protection Bill’ cracking down on puppy mills
State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) introduced a bill last week that would phase out the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores in order to combat inhumane breeding operations. According to a statement from Tsernoglou’s office, the “Puppy Protection Bill” (House Bill 4838) is aimed at ending the puppy mill to pet […]
On this day in 1993: Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young announces his retirement from public office
On June 22, 1993, Coleman A. Young announced that he would not seek a sixth term as Detroit mayor. The event was carried on C-SPAN, the federal government cable channel. “I’ve devoted the last 20 years serving the city of Detroit as its mayor,” Young said during a news conference in his office. “These years […]
On this day in 1943: Rioting in Detroit continues over racial tensions
On June 21, 1943, the first full day of race rioting took place in Detroit. It would extend to the early morning of June 22 and include a presidential order for peace and federal troops to quell civil unrest. The incident started as civil unrest on June 20 between whites and Blacks after an altercation […]
Metro Detroit cities rally behind LGBTQ+ residents after Hamtramck’s Pride flag ban
Leaders of cities neighboring Hamtramck sent a clear message to LGBTQ+ residents this week: You are welcome here. The remarks came after the all-Muslim Hamtramck City Council banned Pride flags from all city properties. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan underscored that the state’s largest city displays its Pride flag outside of City Hall. “The City of Detroit proudly […]
Hamtramck City Council bans Pride flag from city property
The all-Muslim Hamtramck City Council on Tuesday banned LGBTQ Pride flags from being flown on all city properties, drawing criticism that the diverse city chose bigotry over inclusivity. The so-called “neutrality flag resolution” also prohibits the display of religious, ethnic, racial, and political flags and states that the city won’t provide “special treatment to any […]