Here are some important articles covering recent events in Grand Rapids and Michigan:
- Protesters Greet Bush in Benton Harbor – Former President George W. Bush spoke in Benton Harbor, Michigan yesterday. His speech was met by a small number of protestors calling for his prosecution as a war criminal.
- George W. Bush on his presidency: ‘There is such a thing as the fog of war’ – Former President Bush largely avoided specifics when he spoke last night. He avoided talk of torture, said nothing of Michigan’s struggling economy, and declined to give his thoughts on President Barack Obama. He said that he was president during very difficult times and that many of his decisions were informed by the threats against the U.S.
- Principles, not popularity, guided his decisions in the Oval Office, George W. Bush tells Benton Harbor audience – This story from the Kalamazoo Gazette provides an interesting study in contrast… note how their emphasis and perspective differs from that of the Michigan Messenger article above. It’s a good example of why independent, leftist media is needed.
- Drug Industry Immunity Must End – Activists are organizing to put an end to Michigan’s one-of-a-kind drug industry immunity laws that shield drug companies when their products harm or kill people.
- Michigan Readies Energy-Saving Loan Program – The Michigan Land Use Institute reports on a new program that will give Michiganders low-interest loans that will pay for better insulation, more efficient appliances, and even small solar or wind-powered systems.
- Demand and supply: Fleeing Iraq is one thing; seeking help for trauma is another – This article from the Metro Times looks at the roughly 8,400 Iraqi refugees who have made Michigan their home in the past two years.
- Food fighters: Taking control of our food supply, from the kitchen garden to the community – A look at urban gardening and foraging in the Detroit area.
- Grand Rapids-area unemployment rate drops to 10.5 percent in April – Unemployment dropped in the past month, but it’s still up over the past year.
- Teachers, union air disagreements during Grand Rapids schools community meeting – Members of the Grand Rapids teachers union questioned the Grand Rapids Public Schools about their finances at a community meeting where the district intended to discuss its bleak financial outlook. According to the union, the district’s finances are not as bad as what they let on.
- Cabinet officials to visit auto communities in Midwest – Some of President Barack Obama’s cabinet officials will be touring the industrial Midwest–including Michigan–to talk about federal recovery efforts aimed at helping communities and workers affected by the downturn of the auto industry.
As always, if we missed anything, let us know in the comments.
MediaMouse 