The Ann Arbor Independent - A locally owned newspaper in Ann Arbor

by Ari LeVaux WE KNOW FOODS like donuts and soda can make you fat, but the effects of sugar on the liver and brain are less well-known. Dietary sugar can fry your liver in much the same way alcohol can. This in turn can hurt your brain,…

THE ANNUAL independent Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival runs April 12-16 at the Michigan Theater, hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor. Every film has been chosen by the Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival committee in…

by Philip A. Bassett FOR A LESSON in bigotry, lies and sheer negativity, you could try the Berrien County courthouse in St. Joseph, Michigan. I wouldn’t recommend it, though. Since 2006, I’ve been a witness there to many of the legal…

by P.D. Lesko NATHAN VOGHT IS the project manager who wants us to Reimagine Washtenaw Ave. as an economic development opportunity. Like the controversial WALLY commuter train project on which over $32 million in local and state funds…

by John Ball THE UNIVERSITY OF Michigan is showing a positive impact on sustainability as highlighted in the university’s 2014 sustainability report released last week. However, even with the gains, U-M’s efforts to divert trash from…

ON THURS. APRIL 9 from 7–8:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., those interested are invited to join in on a community-wide conversation about sustainability in Ann Arbor. The City of Ann Arbor and…

“I could get in trouble for saying this, but our biggest challenge is Ann Arbor Public Schools. Its a very strong and excellent district, but the AAPS has been actively taking students away from us. They have been opening up…

by Ari LeVaux WHILE DINING AT a Mexican restaurant in Albuquerque, NM, I was shocked to eat something that reminded of my mom’s East Coast Jewish cooking. I had taken a chance on a bowl of meatball soup called albóndigas, as it was a…

by Brent McDermott I NEVER KNOW what to post on Facebook. Before I share a photo, life event, opinion or a column I’ve just written, I always hesitate before clicking the “Share” button. I’m always gun-shy because of how judgmental I can…

by Cristina Glakas WHAT IS THE first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “feminism”? Do you think equal rights? Or do you associate feminism with man-hating? The first problem of feminism is the lack of agreement on what it…