Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights Posts Alert That ICE Detaining People McDoalds In Ypsilanti Tuesday Afternoon According To WICIR.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The Washtenaw Coalition For Immigrant Rights has a posted an alert stating that they received a call that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) was at a McDonalds at the corner of Michigan Ave and Ecorse in Ypsilanti Tuesday afternoon July 30. According to the post on the WICIR facebook page, "Agents in white cars were detaining people outside the restaurant."

This report by WICIR is currently unconfirmed. Purple Walrus Press is in the process confirming the report at this time.

Second Scheduled Democratic Presidential Debate Round 1 in the Motor City Tonight:

cbc. c.a

 By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Tonight is a big night in Detroit as round 1 and 2 of the second presidential debate will be held at the Fox Theater in the Motor City beginning this evening, July 30 at 8 PM. Round 2 will be held Wednesday night. The event will be moderated by CNN's Dana Bash, Don Lemon and Jake Tapper.

Over these next two nights a whopping 20 presidential candidates will be taking the stage to mix it up live on stage. Ooh, its going to be a fascinating watch!

Check out the debate Tuesday and Wednesday live at 8 pm as it plays out in Detroit The Motor City.

Eastern Michigan University Police Bike Rodeo August 3 At Convocation Center In Ypsilanti.

Photo Purple Walrus Press / Jeff Brown.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

If you attended last year's Eastern Michigan University Police Bike Rodeo, then you know how fun and educational it is. If you didn't attend last year, well,  you're in luck, because it is back! Yes, the second annual EMU Police Bike Rodeo will be taking place on Saturday, August 3, at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center.

The EMU Bike Rodeo features all kinds of cool things and even free stuff! The Bike Rodeo features a free safety check, mechanical check, helmet fitting, and a child helmet giveaway. You will also learn rules of the road, practice skills, and learn bike safety. Food and drink will also be provided.

The Bike Rodeo will be on Saturday, August 3, from 10 AM - 2 PM. See you there!

Third Annual Jazz In The Parking Lot Perfect Way To Spend Friday Night In Ypsilanti.

Photo Purple Walrus Press / Jeff Brown.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday evening than attending the third annual Jazz In The Parking Lot event in Ypsilanti on a warm summer night. The free event was hosted by Ypsilanti Community Schools and held in YCHS Shadford Field Parking lot on Packard Road. The concert was from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Shortly after 7 PM hundreds of people were already on hand to enjoy the concert that was headlined by Detroit's queen of the blues Thornetta Davis. Judging by the expression on everyone's face, the crowd thoroughly enjoyed the music. Great music, great vibe, and a happy crowd. Can't wait until next year.

Photos Purple Walrus Press / Jeff Brown.

2019 Kids Triathlon Rutherford Pool Ypsilanti August 10.

Photo Jeff Brown Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

It is that time of year again! Yes, it is time for the Ypsilanti Rutherford Pool Kids Triathlon and you definitely don't want to miss it! Our young Ypsilanti triathletes will run, swim and bike their hearts out, while having the time of their lives. They love it, I'm tellin' ya.

Kids age 4-12 are invited to participate in this annual fundraising event presented by The Friends of Rutherford Pool and the Ypsilanti Kiwanis. Kids will swim in Rutherford Pool before biking and running through Recreation Park. The main idea is fun and participation. The challenge will be completing the course... of course.

You can register online or pick up a paper application at Rutherford Pool. Applications will not be accepted after 8 PM August 7, so don't hesitate!

The event will take place Saturday, August 10, from 8:30 AM until 11:30 AM at Rutherford and Recreation Park in Ypsi.

Parola Perspective In Brief: Dear Millennials and Younger.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola.

Dear Millennials and younger, I'm a baby boomer who thinks it's obnoxious that people of my generation criticize yours.

But one thing I will always bust your ass about is your unwillingness to follow politics like you should, and your unwillingness to GET OFF YOUR ASSES AND VOTE!!

It's very simple folks: if you vote, Trump goes bye-bye. If you don't we have four more years of this horror show.

Huron Valley Ambulance Paramedics Will Be At Ann Arbor Art Fair.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

HURON VALLEY AMBULANCE PARAMEDICS AT THE ANN ARBOR ART FAIR

Summer is here, and you know what that means, right? Yes, it’s time for the 2019 Ann Arbor Art Fair. Running from July 18th to the 21st, the Art Fair is one of the most significant art events in the country, seeing upward of 400,000 guests attending the free three-day event each year.

I am happy to report that for the 24th consecutive year, Huron Valley Ambulance (HVA) will be providing on-site Emergency Medical Services to fairgoers and vendors. According to HVA, Huron Valley Ambulance provides medical coverage across the entirety of the fair, which covers 30 blocks in downtown Ann Arbor. To adequately cover to such a large area, HVA provides three paramedic bike teams, one paramedic mini-ambulance team, and a 40’ Mobile Operations Center on-site.

According to HVA, paramedic bike teams are positioned throughout the fair and consist of medics who can quickly maneuver through crowded spaces on bike, allowing them to reach patients swiftly. Bike team medics carry the same equipment found on an ambulance, allowing patient treatment to begin immediately. As stated in the HVA media release, the mini-ambulance team consists of medics on a gator equipped with medical equipment and a stretcher, enabling the crews to reach patients in crowds and take them off-site for ambulance transport. With forecasted temperatures during the Art Fairs near record highs, it is crucial that individuals attending the fair take extra precautions so that they may safely enjoy the event.

According to HVA, attendees and vendors are encouraged to wear sunscreen, take frequent breaks in the shade, and remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Attendees should also know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses; symptoms can include heavy sweating, muscle pain or spasms, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If anyone in the heat is experiencing these symptoms, move the person into a cool environment, and call 9-1-1.

Major Power Outages in New York City.

By Editor and Publisher Jeff Brown.

There is currently a major power outage in New York City Saturday evening. At this time thousands of people are without power. As of 8:25 Saturday evening New York City is dealing with severe traffic and subway problems.

According to the Metropolitan Transportation  Authority, "We're working to identify causes and keep trains moving."

Lights For Liberty Vigil-Ypsilanti To End Immigrant Detention Camps and Violent Policies Impacting Undocumented Immigrants draws Hundreds To Riverside Park Friday evening.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor/Publisher Jeff Brown.

Amid the recent announcement that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids will occur this weekend across the nation, hundreds of people participated in the Lights For Liberty Vigil that was held in Ypsilanti at Riverside Park Friday evening July 12. The vigil ran from 8 pm until 9:30 pm and was hosted by the Interfaith Council For Peace and Justice and Love Resilience Action Ypsilanti.

According to a statement from vigil organizers, the goal of the vigil was to come together to host a vigil to end the detention camps and all of the violent policies impacting undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers and come together to grieve the lives already lost as well as the ones that are forever changed by the trauma endured.

I spoke with Eastern Michigan University student Jordan Walton who attended the vigil Friday night. According to Jordan,"I want to be here with open arms. I came to show that I care and that everything going on in the political world, I don't agree with it."

Speakers at tonight's vigil included Ypsilanti community activist Lisa Bashert and Interfaith Council For Peace and Justice representative Desirae Simmons, as well as community members who shared their thoughts and poetry.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to arrest 2,000 undocumented immigrants across the nation starting this Sunday. ICE will be conducting raids to arrest migrant families who have previously received court orders to leave the country.

According to the New York Times, ICE raids are expected to occur in ten cities across the United States "over multiple days" and will include "collateral" deportations. This means that anyone who is at the scene of a raid may be arrested and detained as well.

On Thursday morning, July 11, Purple Walrus Press attempted to contacted ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls regarding whether ICE raids would be occurring in Michigan over the weekend. As of Friday night PWP has not received a response.


Photos by Purple Walrus Press.

Ypsilanti Mayor Beth Bashert participating in the vigil Friday.

Shooting in Ypsilanti Thursday leaves one victim wounded.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

A shooting that occurred in the 800 block of Armstrong in Ypsilanti Thursday, July 11,  has left a 48 year old man wounded. Two parked vehicles and two residences were also struck by gunfire.

Ypsilanti Police told Purple Walrus Press that officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Armstrong at approximately 1:12 pm Thursday because of reports of shots fired. While the officers were in route they found a victim who was then transported to the hospital for treatment for wounds.

Ypsilanti Police officers next located the crime scene securing it for evidence collection. The investigation revealed that after an altercation the man was shot. Officers then discovered that two parked vehicles and two unoccupied homes had also been hit by gunfire.

Currently, the victim is expected to recover from injuries. At this time no arrests have been made.

Lights For Liberty-Ypsilanti Vigil To End Detention Camps and Violent Policies Impacting Undocumented Immigrants To Be Held At Riverside Park in Ypsilanti July 12.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Amid reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that will reportedly occur Sunday, July 14 in major cities across the United States, a Lights For Liberty Vigil will be held at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti Friday, July 12 at 8 PM. The vigil is hosted by the Interfaith Council For Peace & Justice and Love Resilience Action Ypsilanti.

According to a statement, the Interfaith Council For Peace and Justice is coming together with other organizations to hold a vigil to end the detention camps and all of the violent policies that are impacting undocumented immigrants as well as those seeking asylum. Vigil organizers want to come together and grieve the loss of life and trauma endured, according to a statement from vigil organizers. According to a statement from organizers, "We want to find solace in being with others who will not tolerate these atrocities happening at the southern border and across this country at the hands of ICE. And, we want to share resources and opportunities to act locally by connecting with ongoing efforts to support our own community."

Purple Walrus Press contacted ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls Thursday morning regarding whether ICE raids would be occurring in Michigan this up-coming weekend. As of Thursday afternoon, PWP has yet to receive a response.

There will also be a vigil in Ann Arbor July 12 at the Federal building on Liberty Street. The vigil will begin at 8 PM.

Parola Perspective In Brief: Americans Love Public Options.

By PWP contributor and Fellow Flint Town Native Brooks Parola. 

Americans love public options, and proof is in the large numbers of public options that exist throughout our society: Public swimming pools are a public option for those who can't afford their own, or health clubs with pools. Public libraries, public parks, public schools, and public defenders are all public options for those who can't afford lawyers, private schools, or pay for state and national parks, or their own libraries. The benefits these options provide our society are immeasurable, so of course, we love them...what we won't love? Government taking away our CHOICE to purchase private healthcare anymore than we would if they took away our CHOICE to purchase a pool or pool membership, private school, a good lawyer, etc...Folks, any plan to take away people's choice to purchase private healthcare, is as wrongheaded as Trump and the GOP throwing people off their insurance through the repeal of Obamacare.

Camaro Superfest Riverside Park In Ypsilanti: Hot Cars and Fun In The Sun.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

If you appreciate a good lookin' Camaro, I hope you didn't miss Camaro Superfest this weekend at Riverside Park in Ypsi because there were tons of them. The event began July 5, and ran through Sunday, July 7.

Camaro Superfest bills itself as the longest running, best and friendliest ALL Camaro event in the USA and after strolling around the event Sunday, I couldn't agree more.

I'm no car buff, but you don't have to be an aficionado to enjoy the event. I had a wonderful time checking out all the beautiful Camaros, which included models from the 1960's through 2019. I also enjoyed chatting with event organizers and Carmaro owners. Nice folks.

What a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.


Photos Purple Walrus Press.

The First Annual Booksilanti Readers' Fair In Ypsilanti Saturday Is A Shining Gem in the Heart Of The City.

Local children's author Lisa Rose.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The first annual Booksilanti Readers Fair took place in Ypsilanti's Depot Town on Saturday July 6, and folks, it was a real gem. The event was held at spacious Ypsilanti Freighthouse providing the perfect setting for the first annual community event.

The Booksilanti Readers Fair, running from 9 AM until 4 PM Saturday, featured local book authors from the Ypsilanti area and metro Detroit. The free event also included children story hours, crafts and book related artisans. Participating bookstores included Ypsilanti Black Stone Bookstore and Cultural Center, Nicola's Books out of Ann Arbor and Bookbound Bookstore.

The event featured children's authors Jordan J Scavone, Lisa Rose, Debbie Taylor and Kristin and Brad Northrup. I had the pleasure of speaking with children's author Lisa Rose of  metro Detroit. Lisa displayed several books she has written including Star Powers, Shmulik Paints The Town, Circle Needs A Ball Gown and Oh No, The Tooth Fairy Broke Her Wing!

Purple Walrus Press also had the pleasure of talking with Black Stone Bookstore and Cultural Center co-owner Kip Johnson who was happy to be participating in the fair Saturday spreading the word about the incredible collection of books they carry as well as educational value his bookstore and cultural center provides to the community. Black Stone Bookstore opened in 2013 and has been a wonderful addition to downtown Ypsilanti.

PWP spoke also with Brother Noah, the creator of April 5th Booker T. Washington Holiday. Brother Noah's goal is to create a model for a world-wide Booker T. Washington holiday. Brother Noah was recently featured on WEMU and organized the third annual Booker T Washington Holiday Celebration which was held at the Ypsi Farmers Market this past April. Brother Noah is doing wonderful things for the Ypsilanti community and beyond.

Booksilanti organizer Julie Palmer was pleased with the number of attendees to the event and emphasized the true community nature of the Readers Fair. Julie is looking forward to next years annual Booksilanti Readers' Fair.

This truly was a community event and uniquely Ypsilanti. The Booksilanti Readers' Fair is a shining, diverse and dynamic gem in the very heart of Ypsilanti. Be sure not to miss the 2nd Annual Booksilanti Readers' Fair next year! See you there.

Photos Purple Walrus Press.

Brother Noah..Creator of Booker T. Washington Holiday Celebration.

Kip Johnson..Co-owner Black Stone Bookstore and Cultural Center in Ypsilanti.

Unveiled Dance Block Party Draws A crowd in Downtown Ypsilanti Friday Evening: First Fridays Ypsi Celebration.

Photo by Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

If you were strolling or driving down N. Huron Street in Ypsilanti Friday evening you were in for a treat, as N. Huron was alive with an exquisite display of live belly dancing performed by local belly dance organizations. Spectators crowded onto the sidewalk on Huron Street were able to witness the greatest dance party the streets of Ypsilanti have ever seen. The event was hosted by Ypsilantique and First Fridays Ypsi.

Belly dance troupes participating included Ypsilanti based Unveiled Belly Dance, Ann Arbor based Karma Belly dance, Oakland County based Mandali, and Ypsilanti student troupe Mechates.

 Angela, of Ypsilanti's Unveiled Belly Dance told me that the organization has been around for twenty years and that they perform at schools and events throughout the state of Michigan.

The dancing was fantastic, fun, uplifting and brought a colorful splash of grace, beauty and elegance to N. Huron Street in Ypsi. What else could you ask for on a Friday night?


Photos by Purple Walrus Press.

Hot Fun In The Summertime: The Ypsilanti Independence Day Parade raises Smiles and Spirits.

Photo by Purple Walrus Press.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

As we all know, we are one deeply divided nation. On this fourth of July, maybe we are even more divided than we were in the 1960's. But even these politically polarizing times did not get in the way of the Ypsilanti Community coming together to enjoy the annual Ypsilanti Independence Day Parade on Thursday.

Under partly sunny skies and muggy temperatures in the high 80's, the Ypsi Independence Day Parade drew a large crowd as hundreds of people lined Cross Street and took in the parade. In my estimation, the parade drew a larger crowd than I have seen in recent years.

From local politicians like Jeff Irwin and Debbie Dingell to high school marching bands and the local Hare Krishna's, this parade featured an eclectic mix of participants that represented the diversity of Ypsilanti.

The parade began at 11 AM and wrapped up around noon, as onlookers dispersed in need of a reprieve from the humid oppressive heat.

By the looks of things, everyone had a wonderful time and left with smiling faces. Folks, that is what the Fourth of July is supposed to be about.

Congresswoman Dingell Response To Visitors To Her Office Sharing Their Concerns About The Border Tuesday.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Today Congresswoman Dingell released the following statement:

“I learned this morning on the radio that people would be at my office to discuss their concerns at the border. I would have liked to have been there, but wasn’t able to be as I had a previously planned visit to the Ann Arbor VA to visit veterans before the July 4th holiday.

“I care deeply about these children and families and the situation at the border remains untenable. From what I have seen, heard reported, and spoke with colleagues about who had been at the border yesterday - the treatment of detainees is unacceptable. When a lawyer for the Justice Department argues that toothbrushes and soap don’t constitute humane treatment, we know the system must be reformed. We should be increasing protections for children, and imposing stricter rules for temporary shelters. Last week, I voted against the supplemental funding bill because it did not have adequate accountability to ensure simple and humane treatment.

“Also concerning are the reports of racist and sexist comments by Customs and Border Protection agents in a Facebook group. What was reported is simply unacceptable, disrespectful, and disturbing. Congress and the country want the facts and those responsible held accountable.

“Across Michigan and the country, Americans are raising their voices and raising awareness on these inhumane conditions at the border. It is important and why I will be joining other colleagues in traveling to the border in the next month.

“Congress must recommit to working in a bipartisan manner for comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, respects families, provides permanent protections for Dreamers, helps employers, and provides a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living and contributing to our country. Discussions are critical to reaching consensus on tough, effective border security and immigration policies that do not rip children from their mother’s arms or slam the door in the face of people seeking legal asylum after fleeing unthinkable violence or war.”

Parola Perspective In Brief: 65% Of Democratic Debate Viewers Were Over Age 55. Why?

Contributed to PWP by fellow Flint Town native Brooks Parola.

You may have seen that the debates had large viewership. But, are you aware that 65% of those viewers were age 55 and over? My question to young voters: Why didn't more of you watch the debates?

Don't answer with some kind of lame excuse that "it's still early". During the Romney/Obama election, I had a young friend who NEVER paid attention to politics until a month before the election, when he decides he's going to do what I called "cram for the exam"...he FAILED miserably. Every single discussion I had with him, leading up to the election screamed CLUELESSNESS, because he had ZERO historical context for any of the issues.

Young voters, REAL UNDERSTANDING REQUIRES YOU TO BE ENGAGED NOW!!! And I'm singling you all out, because you're notorious for NOT VOTING, and YOUR generation should have been the majority viewership of those debates, not mine.