The Magnificent History of the Maligned and Misunderstood Fruitcake
by Jeffrey Miller
Nothing says Christmas quite like a fruitcake – or, at the very least, a fruitcake joke.
A quip attributed to former “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson has it that “There is only one fruitcake in the entire…
Ann Arbor SPARK Officials Refuse Request for Public Records That Show Where Millions in Public Money Went
by P.D. Lesko
Ann Arbor SPARK receives the bulk of its funding from governmental sources, including state and federal grants, as well as the Ann Arbor LDFA, a tax-increment financing authority that diverts money from public schools and…
In Whistleblower Complaint, Michigan AG Asked to Investigate SafeHouse Board, Executive Director and Staff
by P.D. Lesko
A whistleblower's complaint against SafeHouse Center, the non-profit's Board members, Executive Director and staff, dated October 31, 2021, has been filed with Michigan's Attorney General. The complaint asks AG Dana Nessel…
Ann Arbor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell Pitted Against U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence in Every Redistricting Map Proposed
by Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, Mike Wilkinson
In the state House, Flint is represented by Democrats Cynthia Neeley and John Cherry, even though they live less than 3 miles apart within the city. But starting next year, they would be…
MDHHS Emails Reveal SafeHouse Executive Director Repeatedly Lied to Michigan Officials
by P.D. Lesko
On July 31, 2021, The Ann Arbor Independent published an article that revealed SafeHouse Center was unsafe, unsanitary and that client-facing staff at the non-profit worked in an atmosphere of what they called "racist…
New Film by U-M Prof Examines Henry Ford’s Legacy
by Sydney Hawkins
Why did you undermine Edsel? How did the “working man’s friend” become the enemy of Labor? Why did you hate Jews?
These are three of the 10 questions posed to the ghost of Henry Ford in a new film produced,…
The Federal Poverty Line: Half of Americans Face Economic Hardship
by Dr. Celine-Marie Pascale
Michael Chase works two jobs in southeast Ohio: one as a hotel night clerk and one as retail support – sorting through donations, setting new merchandise out, cleaning – at a nonprofit.
His schedule is not…
The Foodist: Espresso Exceptionalism
by Ari LeVaux
When I go to the coffee shop, it’s usually not for the coffee. Only one or two spots in town can brew a better cup than I. They have expensive, well-maintained espresso machines, carefully roasted beans and baristas who…
County Prosecutor Released Public Statement to Retaliate Against Victim for Speaking to Media
by P.D. Lesko
Note: The Ann Arbor Independent sent a request for comment and questions to the County Prosecutor, Victoria Burton-Harris and Christina Hines via email. Read that email here.
Sources inside and outside the Washtenaw…
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Says It’s Fine to “Mix and Match” Covid-19 Boosters Shots
by Laura Olson
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given a green light to Americans who want to receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by a different company than the one that produced the initial shot they…