Upcoming Natural Area Preservation (NAP) Volunteer Opportunities
THE CITY OF Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) works to protect and restore Ann Arbor’s natural areas. This involves conducting plant and animal inventories, ecological monitoring, and stewardship projects in Ann Arbor parks. These…
Ann Arbor Civic Band 2014 Summer Concert Series in West Park
THE ANN ARBOR Civic Band (AACB), founded in 1935 as an extension of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, is in its 79th year of providing residents of Ann Arbor with outdoor concerts during the summer months. The Ann Arbor Parks…
Council Member: After Vote, SPARK CEO Beckoned Mayoral Candidate Out of Chambers and “Screamed” At Her
by P.D. Lesko
Please note: Kai Petainen is a member of The Ann Arbor Independent’s Editorial Board
ANN ARBOR SPARK CEO Paul Krutko was “angry” and “screaming,” according to a City Council member who heard an exchange between Krutko…
The Case for Abolishing Juvenile Prisons: How Isolating Minors Who Need Connection Endangers Us All
FROM THEIR VERY founding in America in 1825, juvenile prisons were designed to rip teenagers from their homes and communities and isolate them as punishment. Nearly two centuries later, they operate under the same design, despite research…
Thousands Attend Opening of $1.2 Million Ann Arbor Skatepark at Vets Park
by Donna Iadipaolo
Skaters—from Tony Hawk and Andy MacDonald to amateurs— jumped and twirled, food tents served delectables, and those in attendance just enjoyed a glorious start to summer.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE attended the official…
Upcoming Natural Area Preservation (NAP) Volunteer Opportunities in July
THE CITY OF Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) works to protect and restore Ann Arbor’s natural areas. This involves conducting plant and animal inventories, ecological monitoring, and stewardship projects in Ann Arbor parks. These…
Michigan Crosswalk Safety Rules Unclear, Hinder Walkability
by Darcie Moran
WHEN A CAR and a pedestrian meet at a crosswalk, what’s supposed to happen?
It’s a safety question that’s left some Michigan communities requesting more signs to remind drivers to yield for pedestrians.
But some…
AAPS Superintendent Criticizes Michigan Pols (Again) Over School Funding
by Rob Smith
“It is shameful,” said Dr. Jeanice K. Swift, Superintendent of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. “This proposal unfairly impacts communities across the state of Michigan, such as Ann Arbor.
AS THE MICHIGAN Legislature debated…
EDITORIAL: “Incumbent” Judges
THIS NEWSPAPER DOES not endorse in races for elected office. As such, we offer no opinion whatsoever concerning the best candidate for the probate judgeship vacated by Nancy Wheeler Francis. That being said, the appointment of Referee Julia…
The Social Death Penalty: Why Being Ostracized Hurts Even More Than Bullying
by Lynn Parramore
IN RECENT YEARS, bullying and harassment at work and in school have been grabbing headlines, creating greater awareness. But there’s a dehumanizing experience that is just as common, perhaps even more damaging to…