OP-ED: Can America Really Fire Its Way to Better Teachers?
by Liz Dwyer
TO THE AVERAGE American there’s only one Vergara that matters: “Modern Family” actor Sofia Vergara. But despite never gracing a single magazine cover, Beatriz and Elizabeth Vergara, two Los Angeles Unified School District…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Five minutes of your time on June 23rd would go a long way toward creating a better world for our children and grandchildren. On June 24th, 23 Michigan citizens will be in Washington, DC meeting with Senators…
Research Suggests Massage Improves the Fundamentals of Your Body’s Health
by Jill Richardson
IN THE U.S., massage is a multi-billion-dollar industry. As of July 2013, 16 percent of American adults received at least one massage in the last year. But, could it be that more Americans ought to get massages, and do…
LETTER FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD
The Ann Arbor Independent’s Editorial Board shapes this newspaper’s unsigned editorials. The Board members, volunteers who share their views and expertise, do not contribute to the creation of the newspaper’s other content.
The Editorial…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
New EPA Carbon Standards
Limiting the amount of carbon pollution that power plants spew into our air just makes sense. Many Americans believe these limits are already in place. But although we already have safeguards in place to protect…
EDITORIAL: Ann Arbor SPARK & Metrics
“I THINK THE metrics we give you are appropriate.” Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko made this statement at the June 16 City Council meeting. Mr. Krutko’s appearance at that meeting was nothing short of shocking. From loudly upbraiding Ward…
EDITORIAL: U-M’s New President Should Reverse the Over-Hype and Commercialization of U-M Football
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL AND U-M Athletic Director Dave Bradon’s efforts to “brand” U-M football have been criticized in the local, state and national media. Thanks to policies implemented by Mr. Brandon, a former CEO for Domino’s Pizza, student…
State Consumption Warnings Now Include Benefits of Eating Uncontaminated Fish
by Samantha Radecki
FOR YEARS, pregnant women have been advised to stay away from eating fish because of their mercury content. But last week’s announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection…
Scheme Targets New Corporations and Limited Liability Companies: Bogus $59.99 Fee for a Certificate of Good Standing
THE MICHIGAN Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Director Steve Arwood issued a warning last week to Michigan corporations about a non-governmental entity trying to collect a $59.99 fee on behalf of the State. The scheme…
City Council Members Raise Concerns About City Attorney Eval—Six out of Eleven Completed Online Survey
by P.D. Lesko
THE ANN ARBOR Charter requires City Council members to evaluate two of the city’s 690 employees: City Administrator Steve Powers and City Attorney Stephen Postema. City Attorney Postema, whose total compensation package…