In April 2020, just when the world was forced into a lockdown caused by COVID-19, Kristle Marshall was ready to launch This Is Not a Bill. The goal was simple: Spread joy. Using her visual design skills, the multimedia artist created a project where she mails customized illustrations depicting joy to strangers. [caption id="attachment_124919" align="alignleft"..
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Reporters react to Whitmer’s State of the State speech
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her State of the State speech Wednesday night. She discussed her agenda and highlighted her ability to spark bipartisanship. Whitmer didn’t talk much about the pandemic, but notably…
Culture D-Tour: The art of practicing gratitude with Detroit artist Kristle Marshall
In April 2020, just when the world was forced into a lockdown caused by COVID-19, Kristle Marshall was ready to launch This Is Not a Bill. The goal was simple: Spread joy.…
Going sober? Detroit bars and brands are embracing “dry January” and beyond
The idea of “dry January” -- giving up alcohol or other vices for a month to kick off the year -- has grown in popularity over the past decade, with some abstainers carrying on their sobriety for months after. Detroit bars are starting to take notice of a more health-conscious crowd looking for alternatives when..
Didn’t learn much about sex in school? Zoë Ligon fills in the gaps with “Carnal Knowledge”
Sex educator Zoë Ligon has made a name for herself as the “dildo duchess of Detroit." There's plenty to back up that title. She’s an accomplished writer and journalist, releasing the book “Carnal Knowledge: Sex Education You Didn’t Get In School” in 2020. She’s featured on this month’s issue of Sexual Health Magazine. She’s an..
Reporters react to Whitmer’s State of the State speech
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her State of the State speech Wednesday night. She discussed her agenda and highlighted her ability to spark bipartisanship. Whitmer didn’t talk much about the pandemic, but notably said she wants Michigan students back in schools. The governor was very soft in her delivery." — Rick Pluta, senior state capitol correspondent..
Watch live: Justice Stephen Breyer announces his retirement
WASHINGTON (AP) — Longtime liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, numerous sources said Wednesday, giving President Joe Biden his first high court opening, which he has pledged to fill with the historic naming of the court’s first Black woman. Breyer, 83, has been a pragmatic force on a court that has grown increasingly conservative, trying..
Motor City Mobile Wellness aims to bring holistic health care to Detroiters
In June 2020, Rachel Thompson and Yoda.Kai lost their six-month-old daughter, Amaru. “We called an ambulance for help,” Thompson says, and “instead of receiving any type of care, we were met with a whole bunch of police officers who arrived with the EMTs.” The authorities declared it a crime scene, Thompson says, “instead of actually helping us with concerns..
Whitmer calls on schools to go back to in-person instruction
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says it's time for school districts that are now virtual to get kids back in classrooms. 98% of our districts in Michigan are in person right now. We've got some big ones that are not. I want to work with those districts to help support them so that they can get kids..
Overtaxation is top of mind for Detroit homeowners as property values rise
Last weekend, more than 600 people participated in an online public forum to discuss reparations for Detroit residents affected by overassessments on their property taxes. Sonja Bonnet was a keynote speaker. “I lost my home due to illegal and unconstitutional tax foreclosure,” Bonnet told the group. “Today I want to speak to the community just..
Whitmer’s State of the State focuses on education, taxes
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out her agenda Wednesday night during her State of the State address. Speaking at Detroit Diesel in Redford Township, Whitmer, who is up for re-election this year, addressed key issues like education, taxes and mental health. She promised another increase in education funding. “Soon, I'll introduce a school aid budget that will mark the biggest state education funding increase in more than 20..
Sterling Heights planning commission approves American Muslim Diversity Association expansion
The Sterling Heights Planning Commission has unanimously given approval to the American Muslim Diversity Association (AMDA) to move forward with plans to expand its building and parking lot. The commission granted AMDA a special use permit to build a gym, banquet hall and classrooms, as well as to create a separate prayer space for women..
