Almost ten years ago, a group of people fed up with the way things were going in the world and in Grand Rapids, Michigan started meeting. Inspired by the excitement surrounding the World Trade Organization (WTO) summit in Seattle, Media Mouse formed as a group that sought to distribute information [...]
Coming off the protests against the Republican National Convention (RNC), I'm not sure entirely how I feel personally about organizing in response to the G20 in Pittsburgh, but I'm really heartened to see that some solid people are putting work into giving the G20 a rowdy midwestern [...]
Back in February, a MediaMouse.org contributor wrote about the 2010 Olympics that are being held in Vancouver and the inspiring organizing being done to oppose the Olympics by a broad coalition of social justice groups.
As a follow-up to that piece, we are publishing a fifteen minute documentary produced by [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Iran's Guardian Council Admits' [...]by Patricia Cogswell, Byron Center, MI
I have been following the health care insurance issues very closely. I am a retired Health Care practice manager and a former RN. I have seen the evolution and downfall of health care over the years.
The major change is in the word Healthcare [...]
Former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice will be speaking in Grand Rapids on Monday at the Economic Club of Grand Rapids' annual dinner. As is always the case with these events, they are limited to members of the Economic Club and their' [...]
The Associated Press reported Thursday that Benton Harbor community activist will remain under house arrest while he is waiting the outcome of his appeal. You can read more about Pinkney's case online. For more on the ruling, see the AP article below:
(AP) -- LANSING, Mich. - A Benton Harbor' [...]
The footage you are about to see is poignant, heart-wrenching, and often a direct result of U.S. foreign policy. In order to help the refugees whose lives have been shattered by U.S. foreign policy and military attacks, please provide aid through the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. [...]
In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of attention placed on global warming. From the focus on "green jobs," to "sustainability," and "clean energy" there has been a lot of talk about what to do to address the problem. Much of this talk has centered [...]
A new coalition called the Alliance for Healthy Air is calling for the Michigan legislature to pass legislation that would crack down on diesel pollution.
The coalition says that diesel pollution from vehicles can be easily reduced by as much as 90% by retrofitting existing vehicles with pollution [...]
Fresh off the disappointing passage of more money for the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the anti-war group United for Peace and Justice has declared today a national call-in day to Congress to demand an "exit plan" from Afghanistan.
The group writes:
This week, the [...]
This week, the United States Senate passed a resolution that apologizes for slavery. It's pretty sad that it took well over one-hundred years to get to this point, but at least it's something. It should be noted that Michigan Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow both [...]
Back in February, MediaMouse.org reported on a campaign called "Read the Bill" that was calling for the passage of legislation that would require Congress to post bills online for 72 hours before voting on them. The legislation would allow time for members of Congress, the media [...]
Here are some interesting stories published elsewhere on the web in the past twenty-four hours. Feel free to discuss them in the comments or let us know if we missed anything:
Capitol news coverage dying - This column from the Lansing City Pulse by MIRS editor Kyle Melinn looks at [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Iran's Supreme Leader Backs Vote' [...]This week, activists from across the country gathered in Detroit for the People's Summit and Tent City to counter the National Business Summit in Detroit.
The People's Summit was organized to promote "active resistance, political discussion and strategizing" with the end goal of developing "people's stimulus plans" and an "economic'" [...]
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is seeking clarification on a new administrative rule adopted by Michigan's Supreme Court that could allow judges to demand that witnesses remove religious head coverings while testifying.
The Washington-based group says that the removal of religiously-mandated attire such as a hijab would violate the' [...]
I'm generally skeptical of many tax breaks given to corporations for development projects. All too often, the projects come at the expense of tax revenue that could be otherwise used to provide social services. In many cases, projects fail to deliver on their promises of economic and neighborhood revitalization.
Most' [...]
Here's some interesting stories published elsewhere in the past twenty-four hours. As always, if we missed anything, leave a comment below:
Michigan Supreme Court gives judges control over courtroom dress - The Michigan Supreme Court decided that judges should be allowed to force witnesses to remove head scarfs and other' [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Supporters of Mousavi' [...]A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) titled "Blocking Faith, Freezing Charity" finds that U.S. anti-terrorism laws that target charitable giving are preventing Muslims from practicing their religion through charitable giving and are consequently impacting the perception of the United States in the Muslim world. The [...]
After a lot of hope following the election of President Barack Obama, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)--a measure aimed at making it easier for workers to form unions--seemed destined for failure in March. A key Republican Senator--Arlen Specter--withdrew his support for the bill and [...]
It has been a slow morning, but here are some interesting articles published elsewhere in the past twenty-four hours:
Senate Republicans to Cut Michigan Promise Scholarship, Other College Tuition Aid - Republicans in the Michigan Senate are looking to cut a variety of college tuition scholarships that help low income [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
House Passes $106 [...]
Over the past few weeks--and really years--we've harped on the Democrats unwillingness to mount a serious challenge to the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. It's critical that someone do that, because for all the talk of them being "Bush's wars," the simple fact is that they wouldn't [...]
Here's links to a few worthwhile articles covering Grand Rapids and Michigan that have been published elsewhere on the web. As always, if we missed anything, let us know in the comments.
How Much Power Does Consumers Need? - Consumers Energy is under fire both for high fees it is' [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Hundreds of Thousands Protest [...]
On Saturday, the annual Grand Rapids Water Festival will take place in Riverside Park from 12:00pm to 9:00pm. The event will feature tables from environmental organizations, speakers, and a number of performances by folk and bluegrass bands. Among those slated to speak are representatives from the [...]
Last week, we highlighted an article in USA Today that explained how lobbyists are skirting federal campaign finance regulations by giving money to "honor" lawmakers. At the time, we wrote that it is an example of how corrupt the legislative process has become.
Now, there is another noteworthy example. Late [...]
In Saturday's Grand Rapids Press, there was an interesting article about a study being undertaken by Grand Action to look at the feasibility of constructing and operating a downtown market that would feature fresh produce, meats, and other local goods. The market would be designed to' [...]
Here are some interesting articles covering Grand Rapids and Michigan that were published elsewhere on the web in the past couple of days:
Byrnes same-sex marriage initiative surprises Mich. Democrats - State Representative Pam Brynes is introducing legislation to reverse the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. According to Brynes,' [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Iran Supreme Leader [...]
Democratic negotiators have reached a compromise on a supplemental spending bill that will continue to fund the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill--which had become the source of unexpected controversy after provisions to fund the IMF and to ban the release photos showing abused [...]
Some worthwhile articles published elsewhere in the past 24 hours or so:
Mich. Court of Appeals hears case of preacher sentenced for criticizing judge - This article from the Michigan Messenger is a good profile of activist Rev. Edward Pinkney of Benton Harbor who was recently in Grand Rapids for [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Admin Rules [...]
By now, most MediaMouse readers have probably heard that James Von Brunn shot and killed security guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. It was the third shooting connected to the white supremacist movement in the past three months.
Not too long after the shooting, news [...]
Over the past several months, we've regularly posted portions of Brave New Films' documentary Rethink Afghanistan (see parts 1, 2, and 3). Now, the progressive filmmakers have released four new videos that offer a critical perspective on the Afghanistan War--the perspective of Afghan civilians who bear [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
White Supremacist Kills Guard in [...]Here's some interesting headlines covering Grand Rapids and Michigan from the past twenty-four hours:
Dueling gay identity events highlight change in Grand Rapids - The Michigan Messenger looks at two upcoming events in Grand Rapids--an anti-gay conference organized by a Focus on the Family affiliated organization and a panel discussion' [...]by Kate Wheeler
November 1, 1878. That was a particularly dark day for American Indians; the day that Captain Richard Pratt opened the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. His goal: to "kill the Indian, but not the man"--to "fix" Indians by teaching them that everything about being an [...]
A statement from the Michigan Campaign Finance Network:
The U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Caperton v. Massey Coal Company establishes that extraordinary campaign spending to support the election of a judge can create an unconstitutional probability of bias that requires the judge to disqualify [...]
USA Today--certainly not well-regarded as a source for hard-hitting journalism--has a surprisingly good piece that looks at how lobbyists are able skirt campaign finance regulations by contributing funds to "honor" lawmakers. The paper writes:
Despite a ban on gifts to lawmakers and limits on campaign contributions, lobbyists [...]
For years (ex: this post from 2005), we have been talking about how the U.S. war in Afghanistan has been taking a toll on civilians in the country--a prediction that was first made by the anti-war movement back in 2001.
In recent years, air strikes have continued to devastate [...]
Over the past few weeks, news that the Obama administration had picked Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal to was met by opposition from anti-war and liberal voices who have criticized McChrystal for his ties to both the abuse of detainees and targeted assassinations.
Last week, McChrystal appeared before the Senate Armed Services [...]
Here are some interesting articles published elsewhere in the past 24 hours covering Grand Rapids and Michigan:
Riemersma Is In the Republican Primary for the 2nd Congressional District - With Representative Pete Hoekstra leaving his U.S. House seat to run for governor, a number of Republican candidates have announced their [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration [...]
The Center for American Progress--a liberal/centrist think-tank--has released a new report that examines the 2004 ballot initiative that banned gay marriage in Michigan.
The report is titled "The Faithful Divide Over Wedding Vows: A Profile of Michigan's 2004 Battle Over Marriage Equality" and it takes' [...]
Last week, the total number of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan reached 5,000. Despite this grim milestone, few media outlets took note--including progressive/left media outlets. At this point, there really isn't much to say about the two occupations that hasn't been said on this website and others countless [...]
Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives approved additional funding for the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill contained no restrictions on continued military operations in Afghanistan and was generally quite disappointing--although not unsurprising--given that it came out of a House controlled by supposedly [...]
Tomorrow, a federal appeals court in Grand Rapids will begin hearing an appeal by the ACLU on behalf of the Benton Harbor activist Reverend Ed Pinkney who has been targeted by the government for his civil rights work in Benton Harbor.
Outside of the hearing, a [...]
Here's some interesting Grand Rapids and Michigan headlines from today and over the weekend:
Dillon finds new way to disappoint - The Democratic speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives is touting nuclear energy jobs as "the most promising green jobs in the state." Perhaps he didn't get the memo' [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Two U.S. [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the [...]
For the past several years, MediaMouse.org has repeatedly criticized any Iraq "withdrawal" plan that does not include a provision to remove U.S. contractors are entirely inadequate. Without addressing that issue, the U.S. could easily remove a substantial number of troops--as President Obama is intending to do--but [...]
The Michigan Universal Health Care Access Network (MichUHCAN)--an advocacy group working for comprehensive health care--has responded to proposals to reform the individual health insurance market in Michigan. In a blog post, the group says that the proposals are a "pretty good idea" and that [...]
On Monday, we posted about the murder of Dr. George Tiller--an abortion provider who offered critical services to women--and how the media is covering the case and how the government has responded. We noted that it hasn't been labeled "terrorism," even though the action was clearly aimed at intimidating' [...]
We missed yesterday, but here's some recent Michigan headlines:
Senate Republicans (Still) Obstructing Smoking Ban, Drug Company Immunity Legislation - Blogging for Michigan looks at how Senate Republicans are blocking action on a smoking ban and repealing drug company immunity in the Michigan State Senate.Bouchard Strategy: "I'll Be So'" [...]Calvin College has posted the videos from this winter's "Wake Up Weekend"--an annual celebration of animal advocacy--online. They are very much worth watching for anyone wanting to learn more about animal rights, animal advocacy, veganism, and factory farming.
The following video--just one of many--is of Nekeisha Alexis-Baker's talk on "Speciesim," [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Obama Addresses Muslims Worldwide in [...]
I received a disturbing email earlier today about an "ex-gay" conference at Sunshine Community Church here in Grand Rapids. For those of you who haven't heard of them, "ex-gay" ministries are rightwing religious/political ministries that operate with a homophobic/anti-gay agenda that says that homosexuality is a mental' [...]
Here's some local and Michigan headlines:
Jackson calls for nationwide moratorium on home foreclosures - Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson called for a nationwide moratorium on home foreclosures yesterday in an interview with The Michigan Messenger. Jackson also said that he "absolutely" supports a single-payer health care system.Convicted Detroit [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration [...]
Last week, the Washington Post reported that Ralph Nader was offered money by Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair Terry McAuliffe to drop out of the presidential race in 2004. Nader said in an interview that McAuliffe offered him money--which he believes were Democratic Party funds--that [...]
Over the weekend, an a doctor named George Tiller--who provided abortions to women who needed them--was gunned down as he entered his church. The shooting was part of a long campaign of anti-abortion violence aimed at intimidating doctors who perform abortions. Not only that, it's part' [...]
Here are some recent headlines published elsewhere covering Grand Rapids and Michigan:
Goodbye, GM - Michael Moore--writing from the Flint birthplace of General Motors--looks at the company's bankruptcy. Congratulations to Rep. Dave Agema - Representative David Agema of Grandville was ranked the least effective legislator in the House [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
General Motors Declares BankruptcyGeneral Motors is filing for [...]
Last weekend, The Nation magazine held an event in Detroit titled "Meltdown in Detroit: Economic Collapse, a People's Plan for Recovery" that explored the economic crisis and how Detroit and the rest of the country can move on from the crisis.
The event featured a panel discussion with many' [...]
By Kate Wheeler
On Wednesday, May 27, two events occurred that may, at first, seem unconnected. News hit the Internet that the Supreme Court had overturned Michigan v Jackson, the case that established that those arrested for crimes have the right to an attorney present during all questioning by the police. [...]
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 [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration [...]
Last week, the House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Committee advanced a 930-page climate bill to the full Congress. The bill establishes a cap-and-trade system to regulate global warming causing emissions, requires an increase in renewable energy, and sets many new energy efficiency standards. It calls' [...]
Tonight, the Wealthy Theatre will host an interesting event on prisons. The event, "Live/Life: From a Prison in Ionia to the Streets of Grand Rapids," will provide a live forum in which 7 prisoners at Ionia's Bellamy Creek Correctional Institute will take questions via telecast from' [...]
Here's some interesting articles pertaining to Grand Rapids and Michigan from elsewhere on the Internet:
Michigan Will Lead the Green Industrial Revolution - Governor Jennifer Granholm takes to the Huffington Post to talk up Michigan's work addressing climate change. Specifically, she is championing efforts to make cars made in [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
US, South Korea Raise Military Alert LevelThe [...]
The first Really, Really Free Market of the summer will be held this Saturday, May 31 from 1pm to 5pm. The market--which is basically a flea market where everything is free--will take place at the empty parking lot at the corner of Wealthy and [...]
Recent Grand Rapids and Michigan headlines:
Mich. House committee hears testimony on bill to amend life-without-parole sentences for minors - Yesterday, the Michigan House Judiciary Committee heard over five hours of testimony on proposed legislation that would give the state's parole board the option of freeing juveniles convicted of murder [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Obama Nominates Sotomayor for Supreme CourtPresident [...]
Over the years, I've read a number of books on the private mercenary industry and the use of military contractors in the so-called "War on Terror." Most often, these books' [...]
Critical Mass--a monthly bike ride promoting bicycle awareness--will take to the streets this Friday (May 29) in downtown Grand Rapids.
The rides have a long history in Grand Rapids going back nearly nine years, but in recent years, they have largely stagnated and been overshadowed by other [...]
In light of news of health insurance monopolies in Michigan, the group Healthcare-NOW! is organizing protests for single payer health care on May 30 in over forty cities nationwide. The protests will be going on at the same time as the AHIP (American Health Insurance [...]
Here is our round-up of headlines covering Grand Rapids and Michigan over the past few days. We're slowly getting back into the swing of things after a full weekend of gardening, so if we missed anything, let us know in the comments:
Lawmakers consider ban on life for juveniles -' [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
UN Security Council [...]
A new study by the Health Care for America Now coalition criticizes the consolidation of the private health insurance industry, saying that it is creating skyrocketing premiums for both patients and employers. The study says that the majority of metropolitan areas--over 94%--are "highly concentrated" according to [...]
A new study by labor expert and Cornell University Professor Kate Bronfenbrenner has found that employer opposition to labor unions has intensified in recent years and has become more punitive.
The new report--titled "No Holds Barred: The Intensification of Employer Opposition to Organizing"--looks at five years of [...]
Over the past several years, MediaMouse.org has regularly reported on efforts aimed at organizing Starbucks workers both here in Grand Rapids and around the country. The Starbucks Workers Union just celebrated its fifth anniversary despite an ongoing campaign of anti-union intimidation by Starbucks.
Since the union's formation, Starbucks has been' [...]
Here are some interesting stories from the past 24 hours:
Free Press prepares to ax 10% of its staff - Even as it touts its better than expected print sales and web traffic, the Detroit Free Press is going to be cutting 10% of its staff.Auto Workers Taken for [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Obama Backs Indefinite Jailing, Criticizes Bush MeasuresPresident Obama has [...]
Yesterday, a 55-year old Grand Rapids man was hit while traveling on a bicycle in Grand Rapids.
According to media reports, the unnamed bicyclist was hit by a City of Grand Rapids dump truck who was pulling out of a driveway. The driver of [...]
On Tuesday, a group of more than 150 scientists, researchers, and academics released a letter urging Michigan's U.S. Representatives and Senators to take action against climate change by supporting measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The letter says that global warming could have devastating consequences on Michigan's economy and environment [...]
Even as Michigan's economy continued its downward spiral, many campaign finance records were broken in 2008 according to the Michigan Campaign Finance Network's 2008 Citizen's Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance.
The organization reports that campaigns for the U.S. House of Representatives in the' [...]
A couple of weeks ago, we posted about the City of Grand Rapids stimulus tracker that allows people to see where money from the federal stimulus package is being spent.
Now, the State of Michigan is following suit with a new website that reports [...]
Grand Rapids and Michigan headlines from the past 24 hours:
Bicyclist's death in crash with city dump truck serves as solemn reminder for those gathered at 'Ride of Silence' event - On the day of the annual "Ride of Silence" to commemorate cyclists killed by motorists, a 55-year old man' [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
60 Killed [...]Here are some interesting stories covering Grand Rapids and Michigan:
Grand Rapids city manager says budget cuts may force layoffs, City Hall closure for two weeks - With budget cuts, the City of Grand Rapids may need to close City Hall for two weeks and cut staff in order to [...]
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.
Senate Dems Block [...]
As part of its three days of coverage on Amway and its 50th anniversary, the Grand Rapids Press published an interview today with co-founder Richard DeVos (he co-founded the company with Jay Van Andel. Here at MediaMouse.org, we've long been critical of Richard DeVos,' [...]
Economist Dean Baker, the co-founder and co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C., was the keynote speaker at the 2009 Michigan Policy Summit in Detroit on Saturday, May 16, 2009. Baker has a Ph.d. in Economics from the University of Michigan and blogs for [...]
