Read more

According to a notice distributed by UAW Local 699, voting on a strike authorization will begin Wednesday, May 20, at 4 a.m. and continue through Thursday, May 21, at 8 a.m. at the union hall located at 1911 Bagley Street in Saginaw. The notice states that a picture ID is required to vote.

Get updates on the situation at Nexteer by signing up to this free newsletter. I will email out updates as I get them. Click the button below.

Subscribe now

The vote does not automatically mean workers will go on strike. Instead, it would authorize union leadership to call a strike if negotiations fail to produce a new agreement.

In a statement provided to me, Nexteer confirmed the upcoming vote and said negotiations are continuing.

Tensions have been growing for weeks after workers overwhelmingly voted down two separate tentative agreements.

According to information provided to me, workers rejected the first tentative agreement on March 31 by 96.2 percent. After union leadership extended the previous contract and returned to negotiations, a second proposal was rejected in mid May by roughly 73 percent.

Some workers pushing for tougher action say they are frustrated with issues involving pay, scheduling, and working conditions.

Share

The push for a possible strike is reportedly being led by the Nexteer Workers Rank and File Committee. Workers involved in the effort are demanding an end to the tiered wage system, significant wage increases, cost of living adjustments, and limits on mandatory overtime and what they describe as scheduling abuse.

A strike at the Saginaw area facility could have a major impact on the auto industry because Nexteer supplies steering and driveline components used by major automakers including General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.

Subscribe now

Industry observers note that modern auto manufacturing depends heavily on “just in time” delivery systems, meaning even a short disruption at a major supplier can quickly impact production lines at assembly plants across the country.

As of now, no strike date has been announced, and negotiations between Nexteer and UAW Local 699 are expected to continue.

Attorney Philip Ellison from Outside Legal Counsel, who focuses on property rights and government transparency cases, joined me for a wide-ranging discussion on Michigan law, the Open Meetings Act, and what citizens are legally allowed to do at public meetings.

Ellison said his work often centers on defending individuals when government actions interfere with property rights, as well as challenging violations of transparency laws.

“We protect the rights of individuals to basically fight against the government and have a voice,” Ellison said.

Click here to contact attorney Phillip Ellision.

A key part of the conversation focused on Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, which requires public bodies to conduct official business in meetings open to the public. Ellison emphasized that these protections are not limited to journalists or attorneys.

“Anyone in this state has a right,” he said, noting that citizens can attend, speak, and record public meetings.

Under Michigan law, individuals are generally allowed to record public officials during meetings, as long as they are not disrupting the proceedings. Ellison said that in many cases, citizens do not need to ask permission to record.

“If the government interferes with their right to record, they’re violating the law,” he said.

Share

Ellison also addressed confusion surrounding consent laws, explaining that Michigan is considered a one-party consent state. That means only one person involved in a conversation needs to be aware of the recording and that person can be the one doing the recording.

The discussion also highlighted what Ellison described as a broader transparency problem in Michigan. While the state was once a national leader in open government laws, he said it has fallen behind in recent years.

“Rankings have routinely put us either last or second to last or third to last,” Ellison said.

Despite legal requirements for open meetings, Ellison noted that many government bodies still resist transparency, sometimes by imposing unclear or inconsistent rules on recording. While public entities can establish reasonable regulations, those rules must not interfere with a citizen’s ability to observe or document proceedings.

Click here to contact attorney Phillip Ellison and learn more about his wins.

He also made clear that people do not have to live in a specific community to attend or speak at its public meetings. Any member of the public, regardless of residency, has the right to participate.

When it comes to live streaming or recording meetings themselves, government agencies are not currently required under Michigan law to do so. Still, Ellison said there is little excuse not to.

“The cost to do live streaming now is so incredibly inexpensive that it would be almost silly not to do that,” he said.

He added that increased access through streaming can help people who cannot physically attend meetings stay informed and engaged.

Both Ellison and I agreed that transparency ultimately benefits the public, especially as government officials make decisions that directly impact people’s daily lives.

Ellison encouraged residents to learn their rights and not be afraid to exercise them.

“This is about educating people,” I said during the interview.

We plan to continue this conversation in a monthly segment focused on legal issues, property rights, and government transparency.

This interview and article are a paid partnership with Dave Bondy.

In an interview, Kelly Bales, an elected official in Elba Township, described Lapeer as a historically family friendly community built on strong local connections, but said recent years have brought noticeable changes. She pointed to fewer small businesses downtown and population shifts that she believes have altered the character of the area.

Bales said conflict among commissioners has intensified following a November election that brought new leadership and changed the balance of the board. She said some of the friction stems from shifting dynamics, with disagreements becoming more visible and, at times, personal.

While acknowledging that differences are part of government, Bales said the tone of recent meetings has been unproductive. She urged officials to focus on policy and respect one another, rather than allowing disputes to become personal.

Subscribe now

“It’s not always fun when you don’t win,” she said. “But that’s part of the process.”

Questions have also been raised during meetings about transparency, including concerns over the hiring of an attorney. Bales said those questions can be fair, but added that some information may be limited by confidentiality and suggested that not all details are always shared publicly.

She emphasized that communication breakdowns are contributing to the tension and said a lack of constructive dialogue can lead to further division.

“When people stop that communication, then you’re going to have animosity and chaos,” she said.

Share

Bales also called on residents to take a more constructive approach when voicing concerns, encouraging them to bring forward solutions rather than criticism alone.

“Come with a solution to a situation, opposed to just being negative,” she said.

She said the city remains an important hub for the county and expressed concern about its future if the current environment continues. Maintaining a welcoming and thriving downtown, she said, is key to supporting local businesses and preserving the community for future generations.

Despite the visible conflict, Bales said she believes many residents support local leaders but are less vocal than critics.

Her message to both officials and the public: reduce the tension, communicate more effectively and focus on moving the community forward.

A Mid-Michigan mother says her daughter was pulled out of class at Bangor High School in Bay County, Michigan, and questioned alone by an attorney without her knowledge.

According to Melissa Gary, the interview happened on October 28, 2025, and was conducted by attorney Mary Jo D. Banasik of the Thrun Law Firm. Gary says she was never notified or asked for permission before her daughter was questioned, and that the attorney was the only person in the room.

Gary has since spoken at multiple school board meetings, demanding answers about why her daughter was questioned and how it was handled.

Documents later reviewed by the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission found no violations of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct by the attorney.

Despite that finding, Gary continues to raise concerns about how the situation was handled.

I’ve obtained documents that provide additional context about what was happening behind the scenes, along with details the family says they were never told. I also spoke exclusively with Gary about what she believes was kept from her.

The documents and timeline below outline what happened and who was involved. I also have an exclusive interview with Gary.

Read more

The program allows residents to rent vehicles by the hour or day as an alternative to owning a car. Since its launch, about 300 people have used the service, and officials say demand is strong, with vehicles frequently in use.

Local media coverage has largely focused on the program’s benefits, highlighting its potential to provide low-cost transportation and reduce the financial burden of car ownership. City officials have also promoted the service as a way to increase access to transportation, particularly for residents who may not qualify for traditional rental services.

But the program is not self-sustaining.

The city has committed roughly $500,000 over three years to support the program, with additional funding coming from the Michigan Department of Transportation. User fees — about $5 per hour or $60 per day — cover only part of the operating costs, leaving taxpayers to subsidize the rest.

If you want Grand Rapids news you aren’t getting anywhere else click the button below to sign up to my free newsletter.

Subscribe now

During a recent mobility commission meeting, officials discussed the need to increase “farebox recovery,” meaning a larger share of costs would need to be covered by users rather than public funding.

At the same time, some commissioners raised concerns about pricing, suggesting the current rates may be too low to support the program long term. Officials also noted that costs, including insurance, have increased, adding pressure to either raise prices or rely more heavily on subsidies.

Share

Expansion could further increase costs.

City officials said limited electric vehicle charging infrastructure is already slowing growth, meaning additional investment may be needed to support more vehicles. As demand increases, so could the financial commitment required to maintain and expand the system.

Supporters of the program argue it provides important benefits that justify the public investment.

They point to increased access to transportation for low- and moderate-income residents, particularly for essential trips like grocery shopping and medical appointments. The program includes insurance and does not require a credit check, which lowers barriers for some users.

Subscribe now

Supporters also say the program could reduce the number of uninsured drivers and provide a flexible transportation option for people who do not need a car full time.

Still, the program highlights a broader policy question for the city: whether taxpayer funding should continue supporting a service that is not yet financially self-sustaining.

The current contract runs through next year, and city officials are expected to decide whether to expand the program, adjust pricing, or continue public funding in the months ahead.

For now, the car-share program remains both a growing service and an ongoing financial commitment for taxpayers.

This is a story I first brought you in December of 2024.

Testifying before the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee, Zachary Wenzlick of Freeland detailed his family’s three-year legal battle with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, known as EGLE, over a pond on private property.

The hearing focused on House Bill 5707, introduced by state Rep. Matthew Bierlein, which would create a permit exemption for small, noncommercial residential ponds under one acre.

Bierlein told lawmakers the bill is aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on property owners while maintaining environmental protections.

Consider becoming a paid subscriber to support my independent journalism. Click the button below.

Subscribe now

“This legislation is a straightforward, common sense reform,” Bierlein said, adding that current law can expose homeowners to “costly enforcement actions” and “legal uncertainty” even for small projects.

Wenzlick described the dispute as an example of what can happen when state rules are unclear and aggressively enforced. He said the pond, located on land previously used for sand and topsoil mining, has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem supporting birds, fish and other wildlife.

Despite that, he testified that EGLE labeled the pond a detriment to the state’s natural resources, a claim he called “nothing short of absurd.”

Wenzlick also challenged the agency’s interpretation of wetland regulations, arguing the area had previously been designated as non-regulated and that the pond remains under one acre, below thresholds typically requiring permits.

Share

He said the family has spent tens of thousands of dollars fighting the case and has faced threats of steep fines and legal action.

“All in all, not even counting the cost of digging the pond… this is probably in the realm of $40,000 to $50,000 over a three-year timeframe,” Wenzlick testified.

Lawmakers on the committee appeared sympathetic, with some questioning EGLE’s handling of the case and the broader regulatory framework.

One lawmaker described the situation as “appalling,” while another raised concerns about potential retaliation against residents who challenge the agency.

Bierlein said the bill is intended to restore balance between environmental oversight and private property rights.

“It balances environmental stewardship with private property rights,” he said.

EGLE officials, however, opposed the legislation, arguing it conflicts with federal regulations under the Clean Water Act and could undermine Michigan’s authority to manage its own wetlands program.

Subscribe now

Agency representatives said existing rules already allow pond construction under certain conditions and include expedited permitting processes for small projects.

“Ponds can be constructed in Michigan… if they meet applicable criteria,” one official told the committee, adding that permits can be obtained quickly in many cases.

Officials also said the Wenzlick case is currently in litigation and declined to discuss specific details, though they noted efforts were made to reach a voluntary resolution.

According to testimony, the agency had proposed a restoration plan that would have allowed a smaller pond to remain while addressing wetland impacts, but the family declined.

The bill would not have applied to the Wenzlick property as currently written because the wetland impacts exceeded one acre, EGLE officials said.

Still, Wenzlick urged lawmakers to act, warning that other families could face similar situations.

“If a private landowner cannot do something as simple as dig a hole on their private property, do we even have such a thing as private property in this state?” he said.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.

The Michigan Department of Education voted 6 to 2 to oppose the initiative, known as the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program. The vote is not final policy but signals strong opposition from state education leaders as the decision now rests with Whitmer.

If you don’t get this newsletter yet, please click the sign up button below so you can get my stories sent to your inbox.

Subscribe now

The program was signed into law in July 2025 as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” It creates a nationwide tax-credit scholarship system aimed at expanding school choice for families.

Under the plan, individuals can receive tax credits of up to $1,700 for donating to nonprofit scholarship organizations. Those groups then distribute funds to families to help cover private school tuition, tutoring, and other education-related costs.

Supporters say the program empowers parents and gives students more educational options, including private, religious, and alternative schooling. Federal officials and Republican lawmakers argue it could help lower costs and improve outcomes, particularly for families seeking alternatives to struggling schools.

Share

Opposition has been especially strong from teachers unions who have come out firmly against the plan. Unions argue the program functions as a backdoor voucher system that could divert resources and attention away from public schools. They warn it could weaken public education by encouraging students and funding to shift into private systems that are not subject to the same oversight.

Public school advocates have echoed those concerns, urging Whitmer to reject the program and instead focus on strengthening Michigan’s traditional public school system.

The federal program is voluntary, meaning each state must choose whether to participate. More than two dozen states have already opted in, increasing pressure on Michigan leaders to take a position.

That decision now falls squarely on Whitmer.

Subscribe now

So far, Whitmer has not committed to joining the program. She has indicated she is still reviewing the details and has not announced whether she will approve or reject participation.

Supporters of the program argue it could expand opportunity by giving families more control over their children’s education and creating competition among schools. U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, who supports school choice efforts, said, “School choice creates more competition among schools and helps schools reach their full potential.” Advocates say that kind of competition, paired with financial support through tax-credit scholarships, could give more students access to better educational options.

If Whitmer chooses to opt in, Michigan families could begin accessing the scholarships as the program rolls out. If she declines, Michigan would remain outside the federal initiative for now.

Read more

The hearing focused on community mental health services across the state, where legislators said billions of dollars are spent annually but families continue to struggle to get help.

One lawmaker said the state has a responsibility to fix the system, noting Michigan spends about $5.3 billion each year on mental health services.

The lawmaker also raised concerns that some individuals who testified previously were threatened, warning that it could discourage others from speaking out.

“If people feel afraid to come forward, if people are threatened when they come forward… where are we?” the lawmaker said.

Subscribe now

Parent describes disruption in services

One parent testified about his adult son with significant disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy, who relies on structured care and support programs.

The parent said his family moved to Michigan in part because of better access to services, but later faced disruptions when a local adult day program closed.

He described a period of isolation after the closure, saying the lack of services led to behavioral challenges and limited interaction outside the family.

Those months were among the most difficult, he said, adding that the situation improved after his son entered another program where he was engaged and supported.

However, he raised concerns about funding disputes that could lead to additional closures, saying reimbursement rates for direct care workers do not reflect current labor conditions.

“This is the heart of the funding issue,” he said.

Share

Testimony highlights access barriers

Another witness testified about helping a friend navigate the mental health system, describing repeated hospitalizations and difficulty securing long term care.

She said requests for resources were often ignored or delayed, and the system was difficult to navigate.

“It often feels like a maze of doorways leading to locked doors,” she said.

She also described efforts to secure residential care, including raising money independently after services were denied.

“No one should have to crowdfund health care of any kind,” she said.

Parent raises concerns about long term care and oversight

Another parent told lawmakers about ongoing challenges obtaining services for a child with complex medical and mental health needs.

The parent said access to care has been inconsistent despite medical recommendations and documentation, with approvals often delayed or denied.

“The barrier has been access and approval,” the parent said.

Subscribe now

The testimony described years of trying to secure stable services, with concerns about lack of coordination and accountability.

“Our family has spent many years trying to secure stable services for our child,” the parent said.

The parent also said attempts to escalate complaints to oversight agencies did not result in meaningful changes.

Patient details delays in treatment

Another witness testified about trying to obtain residential treatment for an eating disorder, saying her condition worsened while navigating the system.

She said she requested specialized care in 2025 and was denied multiple times despite provider recommendations.

“I feel like I’m not important because my BMI isn’t low enough,” she said in a message written during the process.

She described the appeals process as overwhelming, especially while dealing with serious health issues.

“No one should have to spend over a year fighting for medically necessary treatment,” she said.

Lawmakers cite systemic issues

Lawmakers acknowledged the challenges described in testimony and said the system appears to be deteriorating.

“We know the system is broken,” one representative said, pointing to a lack of accountability and oversight.

Another lawmaker suggested an audit of the state’s mental health spending to determine how funds are being used.

“I think there needs to be an audit… and where it’s going,” the lawmaker said.

Officials said resolving the issues will take time but emphasized the importance of continued investigation and potential reforms.

Read more

The organization provides toolkits, training materials, and guidance that are used by educators, schools, and youth-serving organizations across the state. While MOASH does not directly teach students, its materials and recommendations are designed to influence how sexual health education is discussed and delivered in Michigan communities and classrooms.

The group has a contract with the State of Michigan’s Department of Education and also provides training sessions to teachers and staff in districts across the state.

On the organization’s website “About Us” page, they say their mission statement is to mobilize youth voices, engage community partners, and inform decision-makers to advance sexual health, identities, and rights.

MOASH says on it’s website it’s a strategic partner in the Michigan Department of Education’s LGBTQ+ Students Project, which has delivered training and resources to school and health personnel representing more than 500 school districts across Michigan.

I talked with Katherine Bussard from Salt and Light Global who has done extensive research on MOASH and tells me what she found:

The following is an example of one of the documents in the group’s LGBTQI+ inclusivity toolkit. The group encourages adjusting language. One example is using terms like “committed relationship,” “lifelong relationship,” or “monogamous relationship” instead of “marriage.”

The group claims that 1 in 8 students in Michigan schools indetify as LQBTQ+ and that 23% of LGBTQ+ students attempted suicide in the last 12 months.

MOASH developed what they are calling the K -5 Consente Toolkit:

The organization says the toolkit is “designed to guide you through choosing appropriate consent-related curriculum and resources that work for your classroom, district, and household. These resources are recommended by our team because they are all high quality, age-appropriate, research-based, and scored well on our rubric. The K–2 and 3–5 standards and rubric are adapted from the National Sex Education Standards, which were created by the Sex Education Collaborative. Each resource was evaluated by our team of educators, anti-violence experts, and parents.”

At its core, the material focuses on basic child safety principles that most parents and educators agree on. It teaches that children own their bodies and have the right to personal boundaries, that it is okay to say no to unwanted touch, and that feeling uncomfortable is a signal worth listening to. It emphasizes that abuse or boundary violations are never a child’s fault and that some secrets are unsafe and should always be shared with a trusted adult. Children are encouraged to identify trusted adults, ask for help when something feels wrong, and treat others with respect and dignity. These ideas are widely supported because they are aimed at protecting children, preventing abuse, and helping kids communicate when they need help.

The toolkit becomes controversial when it addresses gender identity issues.

See the standards for grades 3 through 5 below:

By the end of fifth grade, the toolkit states students should be able to:

“Define gender, gender identity, and gender role stereotypes.”

“Discuss the range of ways people express gender.”

“Demonstrate ways to treat people of all gender expressions and identities with dignity and respect.”

MOASH links to a document for K–2 grades that says “the idea of giving too much information too soon to children is a myth.”

MOASH has numerous resources on it’s website including resources for gender affirming care listing names of doctors and hospitals providing Gender Affirming Care in Michigan.

MOASH provides resources to schools when it comes to supporting trans students, dress codes and much more.

MOASH also provides schools resources on how to start gay straight and alliance clubs at schools.

The MOASH K–5 Consent Toolkit is not required by the state of Michigan, and there is no public list showing which school districts have formally adopted it. The toolkit is offered as a voluntary resource, with decisions made locally by school districts through their Sex Education Advisory Boards and school boards. Some districts, such as East Lansing Public Schools, have publicly referenced or shared the toolkit as a resource, but that does not necessarily mean it is fully implemented in classrooms. The use of the toolkit ultimately varies by district based on local policies and community input.

FUNDING

The Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that receives funding from a mix of government grants, private foundations, and individual donations. A significant portion of its budget comes from public funding through federal and state grants supported by taxpayer dollars. These grants are awarded through competitive processes and are used to support MOASH’s work in adolescent health education, sexual violence prevention, and related programming.

In recent years, public records show that hundreds of thousands of dollars in MOASH’s annual revenue have come from federal and state government sources. This includes funding tied to federal health initiatives, such as teen pregnancy prevention and youth health programs administered by federal agencies, as well as grants connected to Michigan state departments. This means a substantial share of MOASH’s operations is funded, at least in part, by taxpayer money.

In addition to government funding, MOASH also raises money through private donations, foundation grants, and other nonprofit revenue sources. While private support plays a role, public funding makes up a notable portion of the organization’s overall budget, placing MOASH among many nonprofits that rely on a combination of taxpayer-funded grants and private contributions to carry out their work.

MOASH TAKING A STAND

The Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health became part of Michigan’s sex education controversy during the state’s effort to update health standards in 2025. On October 14 and 15, 2025, packed public hearings drew backlash from parents over topics such as gender identity and parental rights. The debate culminated on November 13, 2025, when the Michigan State Board of Education voted 5–2 to approve the updated health standards.

MOASH supported the changes, calling them evidence-based and overdue, while critics argued they pushed controversial content into schools. The fight carried into early 2026, as Republican lawmakers moved to limit or roll back the standards, keeping the issue at the center of a broader debate over education policy and parental control.

PUSHING BACK

Republicans in the Michigan House of Representatives are pushing back by proposing cutting funding to the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH).

I have reached out to MOASH for comment and no one has returned my request for comment or interview.

The rupture occurred around 1:30 a.m. along a 42-inch transmission line operated by the Great Lakes Water Authority in River Woods Park near Squirrel Road. The break caused significant flooding in the surrounding area and disrupted water service across a wide region.

Click here to get updates sent to your email on this story. I will update this article when I get new details.

Subscribe now

City officials quickly declared a state of emergency, warning that the situation could persist for days as crews work to stabilize and repair the damaged infrastructure.

Businesses Told to Shut Down or Limit Operations

Local officials issued urgent warnings to businesses, particularly those that rely heavily on water, including restaurants, salons, and manufacturing operations.

Subscribe now

Many businesses were advised to close temporarily or severely limit services due to low water pressure and safety concerns. In some areas, water service has been reduced to emergency-only use, creating major operational challenges.

The disruption is not just a minor inconvenience. For businesses that depend on sanitation standards, especially in food service, the lack of safe water effectively halts operations.

Boil Water Advisory and Limited Supply

A mandatory boil water advisory has been issued for large portions of Auburn Hills, particularly areas north of Cross Creek Parkway and University Drive.

Residents and businesses are being told:

• Do not drink tap water without boiling it

• Avoid using water for food preparation

• Limit usage to essential needs only

In some neighborhoods, water is being temporarily supplied by municipal towers, but officials warn that supply may not be sustainable if repairs take longer than expected.

Emergency potable water distribution sites are expected to be set up as the situation continues.

Share

Regional Impact Across Oakland County

The water main serves a broader regional system, meaning the effects extend beyond Auburn Hills.

Officials have warned that communities including Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Pontiac, and surrounding areas could experience:

• Reduced water pressure

• Possible service outages

• Expanded boil water advisories

Earlier in the week, a separate advisory had already been issued in nearby areas after pressure drops were detected in the same system, signaling ongoing stress within the infrastructure.

Subscribe now

Infrastructure Failure Raises Bigger Questions

The size of the pipe involved — a 42-inch transmission main — highlights how critical this line is to the region’s water supply.

When infrastructure of this scale fails, the impact is immediate and widespread:

• Homes lose reliable water access

• Businesses shut down

• Emergency services face added strain

Water main breaks like this are often tied to aging infrastructure and system pressure issues, problems that many municipalities across the country are dealing with.

What Happens Next

Repair crews are working to isolate the break and restore system pressure, but officials have not given a firm timeline for full restoration.

Until then, residents and businesses are being asked to:

• Conserve water strictly

• Follow boil water guidelines

• Prepare for ongoing disruptions

The situation remains fluid, and officials say updates will continue as repairs progress.

Bottom Line

This is not a small localized issue. It’s a major infrastructure failure affecting multiple communities and economic activity across Oakland County.

And here’s the reality most people don’t want to say out loud:
When a single pipe can shut down businesses and disrupt thousands of lives overnight, it’s a reminder that a lot of this infrastructure is running closer to the edge than people realize.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:19 p.m. when Frontier Flight 4345 reported hitting a person on the runway. Emergency crews responded immediately to the scene.

Share

Airport officials said the individual had jumped the perimeter fence and was crossing the runway when they were struck about two minutes later. The pedestrian has not been identified and is not believed to be an airport employee.

Twelve people reported minor injuries in connection with the incident, and five were transported to local hospitals.

Passengers aboard the flight were transported back to the terminal by bus, and most later departed on another Frontier flight.

Officials said the airport’s perimeter fence was inspected following the incident and found to be intact.

Subscribe now

Runway 17L was closed as authorities investigated but was expected to reopen within a couple of hours.

Airport officials expressed sympathy to those involved, calling the incident “extremely saddening.”

In a May 8 filing, attorney Philip L. Ellison of Outside Legal Counsel PLC argued the university is seeking “institutional immunity from public accountability dressed in the language of academic freedom.” Ellison represents FOIA requester Hassan M. Ahmad in the case.

The university, in a March application for leave to appeal, has asked the court to find that Article VIII, Section 5 of the Michigan Constitution exempts its governing board, the University of Michigan Board of Regents, from generally applicable transparency laws enacted by the Legislature. Ellison’s filing states that no Michigan court has previously recognized such a doctrine.

Subscribe now

The case, Ahmad v. Regents of the University of Michigan, began nine years ago when Ahmad, an immigration attorney, filed a FOIA request seeking eleven boxes of documents held at the university’s Bentley Historical Library. The materials were donated by Dr. John Tanton, a Northern Michigan ophthalmologist described by the Reagan administration as “the most influential unknown man in America” for his role in shaping U.S. immigration policy.

According to Ellison’s filing, the university accepted the papers as a public institution but later declined to release them, citing a private agreement that purportedly restricts access until 2035.

The Michigan Court of Claims and the Michigan Court of Appeals both ruled in favor of disclosure. After multiple court-ordered indices and an in camera review of sample documents, the Court of Claims found the records “devoid of intimate, embarrassing, private, or confidential information.” The university has not released the records and has instead pursued further appeals.

Ellison’s filing also highlights what he describes as an inconsistency in the university’s position, noting that the university maintains a FOIA office, publishes procedures, and has processed FOIA requests for decades.

Share

“Only after losing countless arguments over nine years did the University suddenly discover that FOIA itself is supposedly unconstitutional,” Ellison said. “That is not principle. That is litigation opportunism.”

In addition to opposing the university’s appeal, Ellison filed a conditional cross-application asking the court to reconsider two legal doctrines he says have been used by public bodies to avoid transparency requirements.

One doctrine, stemming from Residential Ratepayer Consortium v. Public Service Commission, allows public agencies to raise new FOIA exemptions during litigation that were not included in their original denial. Ellison called it “the functional equivalent of a legal mulligan,” arguing it forces requesters into costly lawsuits.

Another, based on Local Area Watch v. City of Grand Rapids, has been used by courts to deny punitive damages to FOIA requesters despite a 2014 legislative change that states courts “shall award” such damages in certain cases.

Share

“FOIA was written to make government accountable to the people,” Ellison said. “Public records do not become secret because a private donor wished it so.”

The University of Michigan has argued that certain records are exempt from disclosure and that constitutional protections apply to its governance. The Michigan Supreme Court has not yet decided whether it will take up the case.

Get more from Dave Bondy in the Substack app

Available for iOS and Android

Get the app

Read more

Get more from Dave Bondy in the Substack app

Available for iOS and Android

Get the app

Jocelyn Benson loses in court again! Judge rules SOS can’t hide records on method voters cast ballots

It’s another courtroom loss for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Court of Claims Judge Christopher Yates issued a 7-page ruling on Monday that found Benson, who is overseeing her own election for governor as the Democratic frontrunner, can not deny access to records detailing the method voters cast their ballots.

The case stems from a lawsuit from conservative activist Phani Mantravadi, who sued Benson’s Bureau of Elections in 2024 after the bureau eliminated voting type identifiers for absentee, Election Day, and early voting from his subscription to the state’s Qualified Voter File.

In a notice, the bureau cited “the constitutional right to a secret ballot” as the impetus behind the “big change to the reporting process,” according to the ruling. Click here to read more.

Playing Cops: Criminals Pretending To Be Police Is a National Problem

Working at a 24/7 bodega in the heart of Brooklyn, Tajuken Deli employees are prepared for almost anything – except having guns pointed at their heads by cops.

That’s what seemed to be happening one early April morning last year, when four armed men dressed in police uniforms flashed their badges, yelling “NYPD” as they stormed the neighborhood shop. Surveillance video shows one worker being quickly knocked to the ground and zip-tied into submission before being dragged to the back of the store. Another worker and customer were also subdued as the masked thieves dressed as cops made off with cash and a bag of lottery ticket receipts before fleeing in a dark van.

“You don’t know who to trust nowadays,” local resident Danny Taylor told a TV reporter. Click here to read more.

Are you in Mid-Michigan? It’s time to get your A/C tune up. Bigfoot Pro Services has a $69 deal running for a limited time. Click here to go to their website.

Unfair policies shut kids out of extracurriculars

More than 160 school districts in Illinois lock kids out of participating in school activities simply because they aren’t full-time public school students.

It’s not the law. The Illinois School Code allows school boards to make district activities inclusive for all resident students.

But those 165 districts completely exclude part-time students. A student could attend school five or more hours a day and still not get to compete with the marching band on Saturdays.

Some districts’ policies would be comical if they weren’t so unfair. Delavan CUSD 703 in Central Illinois prohibits part-time students from participating in district activities. Click here to read more.

The significance of DOJ indictment of former Fauci Advisor Dr. David Morens

In a major development tied to long-running congressional probes into the origins of Covid-19, the Justice Department has announced the indictment of Dr. David Morens. Charges include conspiracy against the United States; destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations; concealment, removal, or mutilation of records; and aiding and abetting.

There are also reports as of this publication that former FBI Director James Comey has also been indicted.

Morens, age 78, is a former senior advisor at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). He also served as a top aide to Dr. Anthony Fauci from 2006 to 2022.

According to prosecutors, Morens and as-yet unnamed co-conspirators allegedly orchestrated a plan to dodge Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and federal records laws during the pandemic. Click here to read more.

How the nonprofit left turned helping the homeless into a demand for obedience.

This week, I was physically assaulted by a homeless nonprofit worker while spending time with people I know on the street. What happened next revealed something I have been watching for years: parts of the homeless service system have confused compassion with control.

I was having a good day. I had just finished an interview and was talking with people I know when two nonprofit workers rode up hostile and began yelling that I was “exploiting” homeless people by interviewing them and offering five dollars for their time. Then a woman who calls herself Squire struck me in the head. Click here to read more.

Subscribe now

I reached out to every member of the commission, along with the mayor, requesting an on-camera interview. As of now, none have agreed to participate.

I did talk to Tim Gailbraith who lives in the community and keeps a close eye on the commision. Tim is publihsing his coverage on his Substack platform.

Commission member Joshua Attwood released the following statement in response to my article:

At the Monday, May 4 meeting, Jeramy Hing pushed back against what he described as negative comments and slander from both fellow commissioners and members of the public.

In my interview, Tim Galbraith explains that while the situation is not as extreme as larger cities, there is clear conflict between commissioners, with frequent disagreements, strong personalities, and public clashes during meetings. Many residents have raised concerns, frustrated by what they see as unproductive back and forth that at times feels more personal than productive.

If you want more updates from Lapeer and beyond make sure you are signed up to this newsletter. Click the button below to get the stories sent to your email.

Subscribe now

A major point of contention involves transparency and decision making, particularly surrounding the hiring of an outside attorney using taxpayer dollars. Some commissioners have questioned why they were asked to approve spending without fully understanding the purpose, while the mayor has cited personnel confidentiality as a reason for limiting discussion. That disagreement has fueled broader concerns about whether proper processes are being followed and whether all elected officials are being given equal access to information before making key decisions.

The citizens are noticing the drama on the commission and speaking out. In the clip below, one resident says commission members may want to consider seeing an industrial psychologist:

Galbraith says the issues go beyond personality conflicts and reflect deeper philosophical differences about how the commission should operate. While the city continues to move some business forward, he believes the ongoing friction is making it harder to function effectively. Transparency and accountability remain central concerns for residents, many of whom are closely watching to see whether leaders can move past the conflict and focus on governing.

Subscribe now

Mayor Jeramy Hing spoke out the May 4, 2026 meeting calling out the weakness of others and said accusatoins and assumptions and accused other speakers of slander.

As the situation continues to unfold in Lapeer, many residents say they are simply looking for transparency, accountability, and a commission that can work together effectively. While disagreements are part of any governing body, the level of tension and lack of clarity around key decisions have raised concerns about whether the current dynamic is serving the community’s best interests.

Share

Whether the commission can move past the conflict remains to be seen. For now, residents are paying close attention, and some are calling for more open communication and a renewed focus on the basics of governance. How leaders respond in the coming weeks could determine not only the direction of the commission, but also public trust in the city’s leadership moving forward.

Subscribe now

The “community responder” program is intended to dispatch trained professionals, such as social workers and mental health specialists, to calls involving behavioral health crises, substance use and homelessness. Police would remain available to respond if situations escalate or involve a threat to public safety.

Make sure you are getting my exclusive stories by signing up to this free newsletter. Click button below.

Subscribe now

City officials estimate the program could cost about $1 million and include a team of roughly 10 responders, though final details will be determined through the city’s budget process.

Supporters say the program could reduce unnecessary arrests and connect people in crisis with services rather than the criminal justice system. Similar models have been adopted in other cities as part of broader efforts to rethink responses to nonviolent emergencies.

However, some critics question whether the approach will work as intended. Concerns include whether unarmed responders will be able to safely handle unpredictable situations, how quickly police backup could arrive if needed, and whether the city can sustain the program’s cost long term. Others have raised questions about how calls will be screened and who decides when a situation is appropriate for a non-police response.

The resolution signals the council’s support for moving forward with the program, with funding and operational details expected to be addressed in upcoming budget discussions.

Ypsilanti joins a growing number of municipalities exploring alternative emergency response models aimed at addressing mental health and public safety challenges outside traditional policing.