From August 30 until September 2 2004, the Republican Party will be holding their annual convention in New York City. Dozens of groups are already organizing protests, although the city seems to be doing its best to minimize democratic expression through denying protest permits: “… Civil libertarians note that more than 20 groups have applied […]
The Ann Arbor News profiled in an article yesterday city resident Karen Sidney, who has used the Freedom of Information Act to examine city finances: ” … Sidney said the more she dug, the more she was bothered by the logic behind some major decisions being made. “Somehow, they found money to go ahead with […]
Michael Moore’s new film, Fahrenheit 911, premiered today at the Cannes film festival in France. The film, which was received enthusiastically by the audience, includes footage of American soldiers abusing Iraqi detainees, and President Bush on September 11, 2001. Here’s the conclusion of the BCC’s review of the film: “… Moore himself appears less in […]
The Gentrification of Ann Arbor The Starbucks at the corner of Liberty and Main Streets opened last week, bringing the total in Ann Arbor to nine stores, three located in the downtown area. The location is the former site of an Amer’s Deli and (briefly) a poorly managed Our Town Deli. When the new Starbucks […]
People interested in independent and community news and media might be interested in the Allied Media Conference, which will be held at Bowling Green University this June. The conference is a project of Clamor Magazine. Here’s more information: “If you believe communities should control their media… If you believe everyone should have the tools to […]
“Somewhere between the morel mushroom bisque and the glazed salmon, the big white tent began leaking. At first, University of Michigan officials, who had invited 900 of their most generous donors to the elegant lunch Friday, quietly sopped up the mess. The weather wasn’t going to rain on the launch of U-M’s $2.5-billion fund-raising campaign. […]
Here’s a story I’m late reporting on. The president of Michigan State University, M. Peter McPherson, announced his retirement on May 7th during MSU’s graduation. McPherson has been controversial for his connections to conservative politicians, surveillance of activist student organizations by campus police, and his role in the U.S. occupation of Iraq. > Lansing City […]