The Ann Arbor Independent Editorial Team 2257 posts 224 comments

The Koch brothers spent a total of $220 million on the 2014 midterm elections through their right-wing political advocacy front groups, such as Americans for Prosperity. Front groups raise money by spinning false narratives. This post…

by P.D. Lesko The only reason former City Administrator Howard Lazarus is several hundred thousand dollars richer is thanks to an open-ended, 2016 contract negotiated by someone among the attorneys employed in the City Attorney's…

The plan calls on the Legislature and governor to cut taxes for individuals with incomes up to $175,000 and joint filers who make less than $350,000.  A new group led by Democratic activists wants voters in November to decide whether…

by Martha Stuit What words come to mind when you think of the Midwest? You may think about its geography, the middleness, or its position and moniker as the heartland with farming and small towns. You might look at a map to see…

by Frank Scheck You'll find it hard to walk past a homeless person again after seeing this disturbing documentary.  105 minutes The growing crisis of youth homelessness is explored in Rotimi Rainwater's documentary, executive…

by Robert Parker and Rebecca Lewis For decades land use regulation across the U.S. has emphasized single-family houses on large lots. This approach has priced many people out of the quintessential American dream: homeownership. It also…

Stephen Lange Ranzini is a local banker who has been involved in Ann Arbor politics for several years. He lives downtown with his wife, Lisa, and their three young children. While he has never run for local office, his advocacy on behalf…

by Ari LeVaux Hot peppers and cheese are a winning combination. Whether it’s red flakes on a slice of pizza, a spicy tray of cheese-drenched nachos or a serving of ema datshi (a Himalayan dish of hot chile and molten cheese), the action…

by P.D. Lesko Correction: Derek Delacourt, Ann Arbor's Community Services Area Administrator, responded to say he has no involvement with or jurisdiction over the Ann Arbor Unit of Community Standards. On Friday February 21, 2020…

by Christopher Porter Washtenaw County is renowned for its cinema events, from the predominant Ann Arbor Film Festival (March) and the Sundance/Cannes/etc.-affiliated Cinetopia (May) to the…