Ghouls, ghosts and goblins hit the streets in Ypsilanti with gusto and candy bags on Halloween.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

 By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

There is nothing like Halloween in Ypsilanti as droves of Trick or Treaters pounded the pavement with clever costumes and candy bags Tuesday evening, Halloween night. Between 6pm and 8pm  kids flooded neighborhoods in spite of chilly temperatures.

I can say with authority that in Ypsilanti's Normal Park Neighborhood, Trick or Treaters kept coming and coming and coming! I thought it would never let up. It was like the Woodstock of Trick or Treating in the neighborhood for crying out loud. Handing out candy was downright exhausting, I'm tellin' ya!

Word on the street is that Ypsi Trick or Treaters Tuesday evening were innovative in their costumes, up beat and polite, and you know what?.. That's a beautiful thing.

Photos Purple Walrus Press.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell's statement after Enbridge announcement of damage to Line 5 pipeline previously unreported.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI 12) has issued the following statement after Enbridge has announced damage to Line 5 pipeline previously unreported.

“These latest revelations are deeply disturbing. Michiganders deserve accurate information about the quality and condition of the pipelines, which carry 23 million gallons of oil through the Straits of Mackinac every day. Enbridge has repeatedly failed to disclose damage and potential vulnerabilities to Line 5 in a timely manner. This is unacceptable, and why Congressman Dave Trott and I have introduced legislation to ensure a comprehensive study of the pipelines. If Line 5 is found to be unsafe, it should be shut down.”

News Alert: Paul Manafort and Rick Gates charged: Manafort turns self into FBI in D.C.

By Publisher Editor Jeff Brown

Updated 11:45 am October 30, 2017.

Monday morning, October 30, 2017, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort turned himself into the FBI in Washington D.C. after he and Rick Gates, who was a former Trump campaign official, were charged with conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money and making false statements.

Speculation is that others will also be charged in the coming days and weeks.

Updated 11:45 am October 30, 2017.

Here is a summary of the 12 charges against Manafort and Gates from Quartz.com 

Count one: Conspiracy against the US.

The two, “together with others,” knowingly and intentionally conspired to defraud the US by impeding, impairing, obstructing and defeating the lawful functions” of the Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury.

Count two: Conspiracy to launder money.

The two “knowingly and intentionally” transferred money to and through the US, with the “intent to promote the carrying on of specified unlawful activity.”

Count three through six: Paul Manafort failed to report his foreign bank accounts with the US Treasury from 2011 through 2014.

Count seven through nine: Richard Gates failed to report his foreign bank accounts with the US Treasury from 2011 through 2013.

Count ten: Unregistered agent of a FARA principal.

Both Gates and Manafort failed to register as lobbyists of a foreign agent, as required under the Foreign Agent Registration Act first passed in 1938, the indictment says.

Count 11: False and misleading FARA statements.

Both Manafort and Gates lied in statements made to the Attorney General about lobbying for foreign agents, the indictment says. These include false statements about “meeting or conducting outreach to US government officials,” and false claims that their work on behalf of Yanukovych’s party did not include “meeting or outreach in the US.”

The two also claimed that they could not turn over email correspondence linked to a partnership they formed, because it “does not retain communications beyond 30 days.”

Count 12: False and misleading statements.

The two lied repeatedly to the DOJ, the count says, in statements submitted in Nov. 2016 and February 2017. In addition, they also had other people “falsify, conceal, and cover up, by a scheme and device a material fact,” make “false, fictitious and fraudulent statements,” and use “false writing” and documents.

University of Michigan Author Talk: Ultimate Insiders: White House Photographs And How They Shape History.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

On November 1, White House photographer Ken Walsh will be speaking at the Gerald Ford Library about presidential photographs that have shaped fundamental impressions and public images of presidents through the artistry of photography.

Walsh has a new book out that highlights the way in which official White House photographs have become historical documents that chronicle the presidency, providing an insiders view to these inimitable people who are not known by the general public. Walsh will talk about the way in which White House photographs can make or break a presidency.

Ken Walsh is a long-time White House correspondent, one of the longest in history. He began working for U.S. News in 1984 as a congressional correspondent and has covered the presidency for a period that spans three decades.

The event will be held at the Gerald Ford Library on Wednesday, November 1, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. The event is free.

On The Flint Water Crisis: Melissa Mays.

Contributed to Purple Walrus Press by Melissa Mays of Flint.

I never thought my family and I getting poisoned would open my eyes to the countless racial, economic, environmental and overall social injustices in this world. Especially in this land of the free. It's horrific. So do we sit back and let ourselves be overwhelmed and shut down? Do we allow self-pity and trauma take over? Or do we stand together and fight back?

I'm in awe of all the amazing and historical moments I've been honored to be a part of in just 3 short years. For example, this amazing "Nevertheless We Persisted" NRDC panel at The Womens Convention.

On the Flint Water Crisis: Activist Melissa Mays.

Contributed to Purple Walrus Press by Melissa Mays of Flint.

In case people are wondering what the Lifetime movie can do, it can remind the world that we are still suffering in Flint and that the #FlintWaterCrisis is nowhere near over. We need this because people outside of our little bubble think all is well because they haven't heard anything about us in a while. We have to remind people that they cannot forget Flint because we need their help and support.

Where does the sidewalk end? How about the corner of Stone School Rd and Morgan in Pittsfield Twp?

Walkway to nowhere. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Something is amiss at the corner of Stone School Road and Morgan in Pittsfield Township. Hmm.. What is it? Oh, I know! There's a walkway/bridge like structure on the shoulder of the road that leads to...um, nowhere! Yes, that's right, nowhere!

Here's the story. A couple of weeks ago a reader contacted me with information about an odd structure at the intersection of Morgan and Stone School Rd in Ann Arbor. According to the message, "A year or so ago, this really elaborate pedestrian bridge was built there that connects to absolutely nothing." I know! Pretty weird. Well, understandably, this information piqued my curiosity, so on Thursday morning, October 12, I grabbed my camera, got in my car and drove over to the scene of the strange sounding structure. I headed West on Ellsworth, turned left on Stone School Rd. Quickly, Stone School becomes a dirt road. I didn't know this. Anyway, I continued down Stone School Rd another half mile and approached Morgan Rd. Sure enough, there on the left side of the road, near the little intersection, was an indeed, elaborate and nice looking structure. I'm not sure if I would call it a pedestrian bridge or a walkway. Both names would accurately describe it.

Sure enough, the pedestrian bridge/walkway did connect to...absolutely nothing! I parked my car in front of where the structure, ahhh, ended, and got out for a closer look. What I was looking at was a fairly large, well-constructed, beautifully designed walkway, with really nice side rails and everything. It does extend length wise over a sort of gully on the shoulder of the road, I believe. But it is just standing there, surrounded by a dirt road and tree's, connecting to nothing at all. The walkway simply begins and ends while connecting to zilch, zip, nada. I have to say that when I walked over to the thing, there was something slightly creepy and odd about it.

While snapping off a few photos of the walkway, a couple people driving by stopped and asked me what was going on. One fellow told me that the structure has been sitting there like that for two years. Hmm. Interesting.

The questions are, what is this structure, why is it there, how long has it been there, what is it suppose to connect to and, are public funds being used to pay for it? I left and began to try to find out some answers.

First, I contacted MDOT. According to the person I spoke to at MDOT, the walkway was not under their jurisdiction. I was told to try the Washtenaw County Road Commission. The representative I spoke with there told me that based on the location, she didn't think the walkway was under their jurisdiction either but she wasn't positive. She said she would find out. Ten minutes later I was surprised to receive a call back from the representative. I was told that the walkway was not their project and that I should call Pittsfield Twp. I did learn that the walkway is in Pittsfield Twp. I called Pittsfield Twp, spoke to two people who couldn't help me, but was connected to someone named Ben Carlisle, who it seemed would be able to provide some answers. I left a message for Carlisle, but alas, never heard from him. I wrote an email to the Twp with questions pertaining to the strange incomplete structure, but, you guessed it, no response as of October 26.

Here is what I do know. Out there at the corner of Morgan and Stone School, there is a weird and elaborate but incomplete pedestrian structure that starts and stops and goes nowhere. It looks expensive, but has apparently been sitting there incomplete for a couple years possibly. There are work signs, but it is obvious that no work has been done for quite a long time.

Could the structure be some kind of elaborate existencial statement on mankind created by a UM grad student? Is the structure part of a set for the filming of an H.P. Lovecraft or Stephen King film? I don't know, but its kinda creepy!

Photos Purple Walrus Press.

Flint Congressman Dan Kildee statement in support of Congressman Elijah Cummings request for Governor Snyder subpoena.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Tuesday afternoon, October 24, Flint Congressman Dan Kildee (MI 05) issued a statement in strong support of Congressman Elijah Cummings, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, who as of today requested that Governor Rick Snyder be given a subpoena in order to request answers about when he first learned of the Legionnaires' outbreak that occurred in the Flint Area during the Flint Water Crisis.

According to Congressman Cummings, ""Governor Snyder has been obstructing our investigation for months, and it is now clear that the only way he will turn over the documents we asked for is if he is compelled to do so." "We must obtain the documents that Governor Snyder has been withholding from Congress since we first requested them on a bipartisan basis back in February 2016," 

According to Flint Congressman Dan Kildee, “Restoring trust for Flint families starts with getting the whole truth. Until Flint families get the whole truth from the Governor, they are right to be skeptical of state government officials who created this crisis.

“It is important for the Oversight Committee to continue its pursuit of the truth for Flint families.”

Huron Valley Ambulance to host free pet CPR course.

By Jeff Brown. Editor & Publisher.

Ann Arbor Huron Valley Ambulance will be hosting a free Pet CPR and First Aid training on Friday, November 3, 2017 in Ann Arbor.

The truth is that pets are just as susceptible to medical emergencies as humans. These medical emergencies include cardiac arrest. Individuals participating in this free training will have the opportunity to learn how to care for their pet in the event of an emergency. All participants will also receive a pet bandana.

 Pet CPR will take place at Huron Valley Ambulance Ann Arbor Headquarters located at 1200 State Circle on Friday, November 3 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm

$58.8 million in student aid approved by Eastern Michigan University Regents.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to a press release from Eastern Michigan, the University Board of Regents approved $58.8 million in student financial aid for students. The student aid package includes scholarships, awards and grants for the 2018-19 academic school year.

The financial aid package was approved by the Board of Regents at its regular meeting on October 20.

The financial aid package represents a 3 percent increase over the 2017-18 academic year.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell statement on shooting at Ford Stamping Plant in Woodhaven Friday.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.
U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell issued the following statement Friday afternoon, October 20, after an employee shot and killed himself Friday at the Ford Stamping Plant which is located in Woodhaven. 

“My heart breaks for the family of the Ford employee who took his life today. It is devastating that another person saw this as the only option. Thankfully, there were no other deaths and we are grateful to the Woodhaven Police and first responders who acted quickly to secure the scene. I am praying for everyone who was there and all impacted.”

Viewpoint: Jocelyn Benson best choice for Democratic nominee for Secretary of State in 2018.

By Bill Hammond of Flint. Purple Walrus Press.

Jocelyn Benson is the best choice for Democratic nominee for Secretary of State in 2018 - for protection of voting rights and civil rights as our next Secretary of State.

Benson has been part of the fight against gerrymandering (racial and otherwise), against racial discrimination and prejudice in athletics, and to promote equality for Michiganders throughout her professional life. Her experience as the Dean of Wayne State Law School only further confirms her readiness to protect the vote of all Michiganders.

The NFL's Contradictory Stance on the National Anthem.

By Bob Resch. Purple Walrus Press.

Come to find out concerning all the controversy surrounding the
National Anthem, The NFL DOES have a rule pertaining to players
conduct during the Anthem found on pages A62--63 that states:

      "The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and
all players must be on the sideline for National Anthem.  During the
National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at
attention, face the flag, hold their helmets in their left hand, and
refrain from talking."

Apparently the White House and the NFL are unaware of this rule.  Mr.
Trump says "The NFL's refusal to  impose rules for the National Anthem
shows the league has total disrespect for the country."    In their
just concluded Winters Owners meeting, the  NFL now feels it's OK for
players to kneel and link arms as a show of solidarity.  The NFL made
no  mentioned of the existing rule or imposing any fines for breaking
rule A62-63.

Mr.Trump has always had a nose for Big Sports, Big Money, Big Glitz
and Big Glamor.  In the early 80's as owner of the New Jersey Generals
in the USFL, his involvement was called A BEAUTIFUL CIRCUS!  He was
also widely blamed for the demise of the league in 1985 by trying to
force the league, which played in Spring, to go head to head with the
NFL in the Fall.  Major Failure.

So it appears that 35 years later he is still battling the NFL.

One thing's for certain in the history of mankind.....RULES ARE MADE
TO BE BROKEN!

Parola Perspective: Drug distributors and opioid epidemic: Catch 60 minutes?

Image cdc.gov.

By Brooks Parola. Purple Walrus Press.

Anybody watch 60 Minutes Sunday?! The drug distributors, chain drug stores selling and diverting opioid drugs that they KNEW were being sold on the black market and feeding the opioid epidemic?!

And then, pressuring congress to pass laws that cripple the DEA's ability to go after those companies for being DRUG DEALERS?!

Folks, Chris Christie, can claim all he wants that he cares about the opioid epidemic, but as long as HIS party, the Republican Party, champions deregulation that puts the wealth of corporations over the welfare of the public, all it is, is what he and other Republicans specialize in: Utter crap.

4,924 pipes replaced to date in Flint under Mayor Karen Weaver's Fast Start Initiative.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to a press release from the City of Flint, 4,924 lead-tainted service lines have been replaced in the city of Flint under Flint Mayor Weaver's Fast Start Initiative to date. The goal of  Weaver's initiative is to replace the water service lines of 6,000 homes in Flint. The initiative began in March of 2016.

Four companies have undertaken the job of digging up and replacing the lead-tainted Flint service lines. The water lines run from the street to the meter located inside the homes of residents. This is phase four of Fast Start.

According to the Mayor's office, work crews have identified 1,012 homes that have copper service lines. These copper service lines did not need to be replaced.

Congressman Dan Kildee (Flint) issues statement on the Iran Nuclear Agreement.

By Publisher & Editor Jeff Brown.

U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement on October 13, 2017, after President Trump declined to certify the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action known as the Iran Nuclear Agreement, according to a press release from the Kildee office:

“By failing to certify the Iran nuclear agreement, President Trump is rejecting the advice of his top defense and diplomatic advisors and putting America’s national security at risk by opening up the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran.

“National security and foreign policy experts, including President Trump’s Secretaries of State and Defense, agree that Iran is in compliance with the agreement. Since it was enacted, the U.S. has certified eight times that Iran is in compliance, including twice by President Trump himself. Thus, President Trump is ignoring not only his own national security team, but also the facts.

“Let me be clear: Iran continues to be a bad actor on the world stage. It held a young man from my hometown, Amir Hekmati, as a political prisoner for nearly five years and continues to hold other Americans. But the nuclear deal was never designed to address all of Iran’s provocations. Rather, it sought to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, which the agreement has so far has accomplished. It is easier to address Iran’s other bad behavior without also having to also contend with a nuclear-armed Iran.

“In addition, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff recently said that walking away from the deal would make other countries less willing to enter into diplomatic accords with the United States. As tensions continue to rise with North Korea, President Trump backing away from the agreement makes a diplomatic resolution with North Korea even harder.

“Congress will now have 60 days to respond to the President’s reckless decision. Congress must abide by the agreement to protect America’s security and interests abroad.”

Appropriately, Michigan reclaims Rosie the Riveter world record at Convocation Center in Ypsilanti

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and thousands of other women and girls reclaimed the Guinness World Record for the largest assemblage of Rosie the Riveters since the end of the 2nd World War. The event was held at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center in Ypsilanti on Saturday October 14. Approximately 3,755 girls and women reclaimed the record that had previously been held by California.

According to Dingell, “Today a diverse group of women, from six weeks to 110 years old, traveled from Michigan and all over the world to help preserve our state's history and bring the Rosie record home,” said Dingell. “This was an incredible afternoon with all generations – including 58 Original Rosies – sharing stories, passing on our history and celebrating the iconic women who stepped up during World War II and forever transformed the role of women in the workplace. We were united as Americans and celebrating how everyone came together in this country at that historical time. These trailblazing women continue to inspire and empower us all, and reclaiming the world record is a perfect tribute to their enduring legacy and ‘We Can Do It’ spirit. Today we are all prouder than ever of the amazing story we represent.”

Neighborhood Theatre Presents Black Cat Cabaret at Bona Sera Underground in Ypsilanti

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Ypsilanti based Neighborhood Theatre Group will usher in the Halloween season with a performance of  Black Cat Cabaret October 20 & 21 at Bona Sera Underground in downtown Ypsilanti. The show begins at 8 pm with the doors opening at 7 pm. There will also be a full bar, a raffle contest and a costume contest. Sounds pretty awesome! From what I hear, spooky, sexy, and sassy best describe this production. Rumor has it there will be some new songs as well.

Black Cat Cabaret stars Audrey Becker, Alice Duhon, Lynne Frederickson, Kylista Geiger, Mi mi Keebler, Brittney Nobles, Maegan Murphy, Greg Pizzino, Angela VanKempen, and Craig VanKempen. The production is directed Kristin Anne Danko. Featured is the band The "Haunted" House Band.

Neighborhood Theatre Group is focused on creating a welcoming and collaborative environment in Ypsilanti, Michigan for theatre artists. NTG features original works, sketch shows, cabarets and self-produced videos.

Tickets are $10 online, $12 at the door and $5 for students with valid ID. Tickets are available at 

It is almost time for...Trick or Treating in Ypsilanti!!

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Aah, autumn in Ypsilanti... The leaves starting to turn, EMU football, a nip in the air, scary movies, hot cider, Creepy Clowns..what?? Ok, skip the Creepy Clowns! But, of course, the best thing about Ypsilanti in Autumn is Halloween, and good old Trick or treating! You know you love it! So do I! But more importantly, the kids love it!

So, October 31, in just a couple of weeks, this town will be running amuck with little (and not so little) adorable costume wearing, sugar high actin' kids! Don't miss out! You, the kids, and the neighbors are going to love it!

This event will occur in all Ypsilanti neighborhoods from 6-8pm on Halloween night, rain or shine. So put the porch light on and have the candy ready! Personally, I'm partial to starbursts. Just sayin'.

P.S. If you get any pics of fantastically decorated houses prior to Halloween send them to purplewalruspress@gmail.com.

Thanks!

Bill Hammond on Flint Community Schools.

Bill Hammond. Purple Walrus Press.

It's becoming increasingly clear that the Flint Community Schools are not able to maintain their bldgs. currently in use. And they obviously cannot maintain any of their closed bldgs. in any degree of security.

The question I have is; Is it an administrative failure? Do we need a new Superintendent? Do we have an ineffective Board of Education?

Or is purely an issue of too little funding and too few students? Is it time to disband FCS? Or merge with several of the smaller adjoining Districts?

How it do we solve this problem?

Ypsilanti City Council Special Meeting: Investigative Hearings relating to financing of city officials trip to China.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Tuesday evening, October 10, 2017, one of the most important Ypsilanti City Council meetings in recent memory took place at Ypsilanti City Hall.  The purpose of the City Council Special meeting was to hold an investigative hearing relating to the financing of city officials trip to China which was tied to the proposed International Village development at Water Street in Ypsilanti.

I attended to the Special Meeting Tuesday night in order try to get a better understanding of the trip to China / International Village issue, and to, hopefully, write an informative article about the meeting. Let me tell you that in my opinion, this is one complicated and messy topic. What is clear to me is that this International Village/trip to China issue has become a very polarizing matter for the city. I for one, feel that the fact that the issue has become so divisive and polarizing is frustrating, disappointing and frankly sad.

The matter of the proposed International development which would be built on the Water Street property in Ypsilanti, and four city officials recent trip to China that was related to International Village, has divided the community in Ypsilanti. The four city officials questioned at the hearing about the recent trip to China included Mayor Edmonds, Mayor Pro-tem Nicole Brown, Police Chief Tony Degiusti and Economic Development Director Beth Ernat. City Manager Darwin McClary was also questioned at the hearing by City Council members.

In this article I am going to try to share, as best I can, my take on what occurred at the Tuesday night Ypsilanti City Council Special Meeting. I am certainly no expert on the ins and out of city politics and or the procedures at hand pertaining to investigative hearing, but I'll try provide, from my perspective, a small window into Tuesday's meeting. Here is my perspective on the meeting.

The Special Meeting / Investigative Hearing began with an audience participation segment. It was my impression that many people, in fact, quite possibly, the majority of people present in the room at the meeting were very unhappy and skeptical about International Village and the trip to China taken by the four city officials. During the audience participation segment I counted that 25 members of the audience came to the microphone and addressed City Council. Of those 25 individuals only 4 people had positive opinions or spoke in support of International Village matter and/or the trip to China issue. In my estimation, of the 25 people who spoke from the audience, 21 individuals were critical of the China trip and very much concerned about or plain old unhappy and frustrated about the general direction of the proposed International Village situation. Many in the audience were skeptical about the China trip.

City Manager Darwin McClary was questioned first by City Council members.  According to my notes, (paraphrased) when asked about his involvement with arrangements for the trip, McClary replied that he had no involvement with the trip arrangements. When Council member Lois Richardson ask McClary if he should take care and over see the city, McClary replied that he should have known what was going on. This represents just a fraction of the statements made by McClary.

Next, Beth Ernat was questioned. The basic message I perceived from Ernat's statements under questioning (paraphrased) was that if she could do things differently, she would have taken funds for the trip from LDFA. (Local Development Financing Authority).

Under questioning, Mayor Pro tem Nicole Brown also said that looking back she would have done things differently as far the trip to China, stating that she would have more checking about funding, but has always had trust in the administration. Also paraphrased.

When approximately four hours into the hearing, Mayor Edmonds was questioned, Edmonds sounded clear and confident. When asked by a council member about what she could have done to avoid suspicion, Edmonds replied, and this is paraphrased as well, that the trip to China was confirmed shortly before it was scheduled and that she attempted to find out more about funding in the short time she had. Mayor Edmonds added that she wished she'd had more time to check into funding.

Obviously, I have only included brief little statements from city officials who were questioned Monday night. There were many more statements made and back and forth between City Council those officials being questioned.

I do wonder how and why these four city officials were chosen to go on this trip to China. Why didn't the entire city council go on the trip? Possibly, there is a good answer for this question. I don't know. But it seems worth asking.

I'm also wondering how well Ypsilanti City Council and administrators get along and work together as a team. I detect a discord. This only reflects my opinion.

The bottom line is that it was apparent to me that many people in the audience at City Hall Tuesday night are skeptical about the administration and want to see more transparency on the part of the Mayor and City Council. On display Monday night was, from many in attendance, a general lack of trust. Whether or not this lack of trust exhibited by many in the room is deserved is something that the City needs to get to the bottom of. I'm sure they will.

Indigenous People's Day: March of Indignation on UM campus in Ann Arbor Monday.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Approximately 150 people, many carrying signs, participated in the March for Indigenous Peoples' Day on the University of Michigan campus Monday evening, October 9, 2017 in Ann Arbor. The march began on the UM Diag at 5 pm and wound through campus, stopping in front of specific campus buildings along the way, including the UM President's house, the Michigan Student Union and the CCL Science building.

Throughout the march participants carried signs reading "Michigan is Stolen Land", "Support Indigenous Autonomy" and "Dignity and Rage", and chanted "No Pride in Genocide", "Indigenous Rights are Human Rights", and "No More Stolen Lands, No More Stolen Lives."

The march was organized and hosted by Students 4 Justice at the Univesity of Michigan, Solidarity and Defense Huron Valley, Tricontinental Solidarity Network and May Day Collective.

According to organizers, the march was intent on speaking out against injustices against indigenous people in the United States and around the world.

Photos Purple Walrus Press.

Native American group voices concern over proposed International Village in Ypsilanti and evidence of sacred burial grounds in Water Street area during City Council Town Hall Sunday.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor and Publisher Jeff Brown.

An Ypsilanti City Council Town Hall hosted by council member Beth Bashert with City Manager Darwin Mclary took place Sunday, Oct 8 at the Ypsilanti Senior & Community Center. The event was held in order to discuss the proposed International Village development which would be built on the Water Street property in Ypsilanti. Recently some city officials have been criticized for taking a trip to China that is connected to International Village. The community seems to be divided as to whether or not the city officials should have accepted the trip to China.

But amid the discussion pertaining to the trip to China, representatives from an Native American organization took the floor and spoke about an issue very important to them..

According to representatives from the North American Indian Association of Detroit and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Government, the proposed International Village development in Ypsilanti that could break ground, may be located on or near sacred Native American burial grounds. Representatives from both organization spoke at the Ypsilanti City Council event held at the Ypsilanti Senior & Community Center Sunday afternoon.

Representatives of the Native American organization, included NAIA President Linda Schuyler and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Council Treasurer Jeff Chivis. It was my understanding that Schuyler and Chivis want to make sure that the City of Ypsilanti and the developers are sensitive to the possibility that the proposed International Village may be built on or near native American sacred burial grounds at the Water Street location. Indeed, according to a September 5, 2010 article in the now inactive YpsiNewscom by Laura Bien that addressed Native American burial grounds, "There’s other evidence that the burial sites were not confined to the Riverside Park area. In 1914, burial sites were discovered in the Water Street area, at Parsons and Lincoln streets. In 1914, the Westfield and Fall River Lumber company had a lumberyard there. Behind it lay a gravel pit, where the graves were discovered."

As I understood the discussion during Sunday's Town Hall, Schuyler and Chivis asked that they be directly informed and consulted with by the City of Ypsilanti if any evidence is found that Native American burial grounds may be disturbed during the development process for the proposed International Village. Bashert and McClary agreed.

Darwin McClary and Beth Bashert. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

U.S. Rep Dan Kildee, D Flint Twp statement on incompatible testimony regarding Flint Water Crisis.

By Editor Publisher Jeff Brown.

In an October 7, 2017 press release U.S. Rep Dan Kildee, D Flint Township, issued the following statement after an official with the State of Michigan testified in court that Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was aware of the Legionnaire's outbreak that occurred in Flint and surrounding area much earlier than he stated in front of Congress:

“Mr. Hollins’ testimony raises concerning questions about the Governor’s statements that need to be answered. I have already spoken to the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Congressman Elijah Cummings, and asked that the committee immediately look into these conflicting statements. I am confident that the committee will look into this matter right away and get to the truth.

“People have to tell the truth when they testify before Congress. No one is above the law and misleading Congress is a very serious offense.”

This is a developing story.

Bob Resch on International Village and Ypsilanti city officials' trip to China.

Bob Resch. Purple Walrus Press.

Let's not get bogged down with the "who knew what when." Who cares who paid for the trip. It's a $16,000 bill NOT paid for by the City. So what if our representatives got a free ride AND a first hand look at all the angles of the development in China. I agree with Amanda Edmonds that this is necessary DUE DILIGENCE as part of the investigation of what Water Street might become IF this project goes through. DO NOT LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH! We may never see another offer of a developer willing to do the infrastructure, sewers, streets, lights, and all the buildings on Water Street. If they need the $23M for Brownfield remediation, and it's substantiated by OUR team of experts then so be it. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE ART OF THE DEAL! I think the City needs more than $140,000 up front for the property. There also needs to be a commitment from IV to be able to finish the development AND a willingness to pay a yearly fee, TO BE DETERMINED BY THE CITY, for Police, Fire, DPW and whatever other expenses will be incurred by the City until the Brownfield payment is completed. If this kind of controversy is allowed to continue then IV will look elsewhere.

Federal grant to reduce crime in Flint announced by Congressman Dan Kildee

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to an October 5, 2017 press release from Congressman Dan Kildee, (MI-O5)  the Hamilton Community Health Network based in Flint has received a federal grant for $ 1 million from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance. The grant was given in order to reduce crime, create trust and improve community safety in the city of Flint. The grant will help give crucial support to the Bryne Criminal Justice Innovation Program and the North Flint Revitalization Initiative. This programs will work in conjunction with the Flint Police Department and Flint business's to provide support to neighborhoods in Flint, particularly the North side.

According to Congressman Kildee, "This federal grant will help Flint reduce violent crime and make our community a safer place to live,” Congressman Kildee said. “I am proud of Hamilton Community Health Network’s important work, in collaboration with local law enforcement, which will help create safer streets and neighborhoods.”

EMU dance professor to showcase her work Screen. Dance. Now. at Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti Oct 7.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Eastern Michigan University dance professor Joanna McNamara has made dance films that have been shown in South Korea, Prague and Carnegie Hall, and right now she is thrilled about an up-coming screendance event in Ypsilanti, according to EMU.

Joanna is co-founder and co-director of Screen. Dance. Now., which is a one day festival that will be held at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti. The festival will take place Saturday, October 7 from 1 pm till 10 pm. The one-day event will showcase a media style that focuses on the combination of music, dance and film.

According to a Joanna in a recent EMU press release, “There have been choreographers and filmmakers making films for a long time,” says McNamara, “but it’s really taken off and gotten very competitive in the last decade or so, although the Dance on Camera festival in New York City has been going on for 45 years.”

After speaking to a representative from the Riverside Arts Center Thursday it was evident that that this will be a very interesting, fun and important event that you don't want to miss.

Parola Perspective: On the NRA.

Brooks Parola. PWP.

I keep hearing that the vast majority of gun owners in this country; large segments of the NRA, do not agree with NRA leadership, and want sensible gun control laws in this country...If that's true, when are they gonna do something?

When are they gonna protest; mass membership cancellations, or an overthrow of that leadership? Or is it all like everything else with the NRA, a bunch of smoke and mirrors?

3rd Annual Monologue Competition at Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse in Ypsilanti Oct 6.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

A special First Friday event featuring Ypsilanti's very own Neighborhood Theatre Group is coming soon as the 3rd Annual Monologue Competition will be taking place Friday, Oct 6 from 6 PM - 9:30 PM. The event will be held at Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse in Ypsilanti.

So what does this all entail? Well, here are the rules... Participants have 3 minutes to perform a memorized monologue of any genre. Monologues can be published or original.

There will be three judges. The judges include Brian Cox, who is founder of Pencilpoint Theatre Works and winner of the Wilde Award for Best New Script for his play "Clutter", Jenny Koppera, Artistic Director of Spinning Dot Theatre and part-time lecturer of theatre at EMU, and Emilio Rodriquez, Co-founder of Black and Brown Theatre, and professional Playwright, director, and teaching artist.

Ist, 2nd, and 3rd prizes sound pretty awesome.

A 60 minute massage with licensed Message Therapist Kell B.

Two tickets to Pointless Brewery and Theatre.

A grab bag of Trader Joe's most popular items. I love it!


If you would like to perform email NeighborhoodTheatreGroup@gmail.com by Oct 4.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell statement on shooting in Las Vegas Monday.

By editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Americans  awoke to terrible news Monday morning Oct 2, 2017, as at least 58 people were were killed and over 500 injured by a shooter who shot round after round into an audience of 22,000 people a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada late Sunday night.

 Here is Congresswoman Dingell's statement released Monday morning October, 2, 2017.

“Our nation awoke to horror as we learned that more than 50 innocent people lost their lives and hundreds more were injured in the deadliest mass shooting in our country’s history. Our hearts are with Las Vegas, those fallen and injured, their families and all affected by this unimaginable violence. May they find comfort in knowing that our nation stands with them and grieves alongside them.

“We cannot allow fear or violence to divide us or change us. We must stand together and work together to prevent another act of cowardice from stealing innocent lives.”