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..
Michigan Supreme Court hears arguments challenging newly redrawn legislative districts
The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on whether they should direct the state’s redistricting commission to redraw recently approved district maps. A coalition of current and former Detroit politicians and activists allege the newly-redrawn districts violate the Voting Rights Act and would limit Black representation in state and federal government. If you reduce those majorities of African-American districts, and you look at the voting patterns, it's..
Author Raechel Anne Jolie explores what it’s like to grow up, struggle and thrive in the Rust Belt in new book
The Rust Belt is often described as a vestige of industrial strength. In the simplest terms, these are places where our collective victimhood — from the fall of unions, globalization and a contracting middle class — sometimes builds affinity. But those challenges raise questions, including, how do we survive places that don’t love us back in the..
“Grandmothers of America” captures the beauty and wisdom of aging
The new photo book “Grandmothers of America” is highlighting the beauty of an aging population and the advice they’d give to their younger selves. The concept is the brainchild of photographer Joey Schultz, who asked the question, “What would be the most powerful photograph that you could take?” The answer was a portrait of his..
General Motors is investing $7 billion in Michigan to raise EV production
On the heels of debuting its electrified Chevrolet Silverado, General Motors is putting more than $7 billion toward boosting its electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities in Michigan. The investment will be spread out across four of the automaker’s facilities. It includes money to renovate the company’s Orion assembly plant, which it says will produce Chevrolet Silverado..
Upton waiting out redistricting challenges before making re-election decision
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) says he's going to wait until challenges against Michigan's new political maps play out in court before deciding whether to run for re-election. The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission approved new district maps in December. Its congressional map puts Upton living in the same district as another Republican incumbent,..
Russia-Ukraine conflict: What you need to know about possible war
There are 100,000 Russian troops stationed near that country’s border with Ukraine. Fears continue to grow that an invasion is around the corner. The United States has ordered the families of staff at the American embassy in Kyiv to leave the country and is also allowing nonessential embassy employees to leave. Meanwhile, President Biden is..
13th Congressional District race in Michigan: Here’s who’s running, so far
Michigan’s redistricting commission changed the current legislative boundaries, including the 12th and 13th congressional districts. In the 12th, Rep. Rashida Tlaib says she will run in the new district. That leaves the new 13th wide open, a district that includes Detroit’s downtown and Midtown and stretches from Downriver communities to the Grosse Pointes. Rep. Brenda..
Whitmer COVID-19 nursing home policy was “misleading,” GOP lawmaker says
A report released last week by Michigan’s Auditor General used a broader definition of long-term care facility to determine the number of deaths in the first several months of the COVID-19 pandemic. It included places not required to report deaths to the state, like adult foster care homes. Using that expanded definition, the report saw..
State Sen. Adam Hollier announces bid for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District
State Sen. Adam Hollier is jumping into the fray of Michigan’s newly-redrawn 13th Congressional District. Hollier’s Senate district lies within the 13th. He says he’s running to help bring about structural change. “It's cliche to say that our system is broken,” Hollier says. “We all know that, but what we don't talk about is that is by design. Our system is..