PHOENIX – A 19-year-old mother is under arrest on child abuse and aggravated DUI charges after police say she left her five-week-old baby strapped in a car seat on top of her car and drove off.
The child is said to be in good condition and now in custody of Arizona Child Protective Services.
At about 1 a.m. Saturday, Phoenix police officers got calls that a baby was in a car seat in the middle of a road.
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Detroit will vote on legalizing marijuana after state Supreme Court rejects city's appeal
Detroit will vote on legalizing marijuana after state Supreme Court rejects city's appeal | MLive.com
If the ballot measure passes, people 21 and older could use or possess less than an ounce of pot on private property and not face arrest and prosecution under the city code. However, marijuana use and possession are crimes under state law.
If the ballot measure passes, people 21 and older could use or possess less than an ounce of pot on private property and not face arrest and prosecution under the city code. However, marijuana use and possession are crimes under state law.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
All-You-Can-Eat News Buffet
All-You-Can-Eat News Buffet - By Mark Steyn - The Corner - National Review Online
However, it turns out the cannibal/gay story is a different one from the cannibal/alien story. (I wrote about the latter here.)
You wait ages for a Canadian cannibal story, and then they all show up at once.
(If you’re concerned that Americans aren’t pulling weight in this area, don’t worry.)
However, it turns out the cannibal/gay story is a different one from the cannibal/alien story. (I wrote about the latter here.)
You wait ages for a Canadian cannibal story, and then they all show up at once.
(If you’re concerned that Americans aren’t pulling weight in this area, don’t worry.)
The No-Jobs Plan
The No-Jobs Plan | Blog | Energy Tomorrow
The May employment numbers are out, and here are the headlines:
CBS News: Rotten May jobs report underscores weak recovery
Maddow Blog: Brutal new jobs report disappoints
Washington Post: The labor market takes a big step backward
CNNMoney: Hiring slows, unemployment rises
New York Times: Weak U.S. Hiring Adds to Global Gloom
But not all is bad news today.
The Economist gives us a bright spot:
“AMERICA’S ’unconventional’ gas boom continues to amaze … America’s gas boom confers a huge economic advantage. It has created hundreds of thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly. And it has rejuvenated several industries, including petrochemicals, where ethane produced from natural gas is a feedstock.”
A bright spot that some want to shut down:
The May employment numbers are out, and here are the headlines:
CBS News: Rotten May jobs report underscores weak recovery
Maddow Blog: Brutal new jobs report disappoints
Washington Post: The labor market takes a big step backward
CNNMoney: Hiring slows, unemployment rises
New York Times: Weak U.S. Hiring Adds to Global Gloom
But not all is bad news today.
The Economist gives us a bright spot:
“AMERICA’S ’unconventional’ gas boom continues to amaze … America’s gas boom confers a huge economic advantage. It has created hundreds of thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly. And it has rejuvenated several industries, including petrochemicals, where ethane produced from natural gas is a feedstock.”
A bright spot that some want to shut down:
Stunning Democrat Hypocrisy
Blog: Stunning Democrat Hypocrisy
..the party that is horrified at the prospect of American voters being required to show photo identification has included this little gem of a requirement in the program for the Massachusetts Democratic Convention which convenes today:
Registration and Credentials
A PHOTO ID WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER
THE MASSMUTUAL CENTER
..the party that is horrified at the prospect of American voters being required to show photo identification has included this little gem of a requirement in the program for the Massachusetts Democratic Convention which convenes today:
Registration and Credentials
A PHOTO ID WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER
THE MASSMUTUAL CENTER
Ecorse Cuts Police OT in Half Once Union Contract’s Restrictive Language Was Removed
Ecorse Cuts Police OT in Half Once Union Contract’s Restrictive Language Was Removed [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
When Joyce Parker took over as emergency manager for the city of Ecorse in 2009, she was faced with a police union whose five-year contract had been expired for two years.
Faced with $8 million in debt, Parker wasn’t going to be able to save any money in police overtime with more efficient scheduling. That was because the contract wouldn’t allow it.
The provision of the Police Officers Association of Michigan contract read: “The City will not change the work schedule resulting in the loss of overtime.”
“I’ve never seen that in a contract,” Parker said this month. “There is language you will find in those contracts that doesn’t exist in other contracts. It’s a good example of how extreme some of the language is in some of these contracts.”
Eventually, an arbitrator ruled in favor of the city allowing them to alter schedules and reduce overtime.
The city of Ecorse paid $302,796 in police overtime in 2007-08. With one month left in fiscal 2011-12, Ecorse is on track to pay about $147,000 in police overtime, or more than 50 percent less than what was paid four years ago, said Tim McCurley, the city’s contracted controller.
Vincent Vernuccio, labor policy counsel for the Competitive Enterprise Institute, said such restrictive language in union contracts creates a “vicious circle.”
“It is politicians who are getting money from unions or bureaucrats who want to keep unions happy,” Vernuccio said. “Before the emergency manager, there was nobody looking out for the taxpayers.”
Ecorse Cuts Police OT in Half Once Union Contract’s Restrictive Language Was Removed
'Extreme' language in contract made fiscal responsibility nearly impossible
Faced with $8 million in debt, Parker wasn’t going to be able to save any money in police overtime with more efficient scheduling. That was because the contract wouldn’t allow it.
The provision of the Police Officers Association of Michigan contract read: “The City will not change the work schedule resulting in the loss of overtime.”
“I’ve never seen that in a contract,” Parker said this month. “There is language you will find in those contracts that doesn’t exist in other contracts. It’s a good example of how extreme some of the language is in some of these contracts.”
Eventually, an arbitrator ruled in favor of the city allowing them to alter schedules and reduce overtime.
The city of Ecorse paid $302,796 in police overtime in 2007-08. With one month left in fiscal 2011-12, Ecorse is on track to pay about $147,000 in police overtime, or more than 50 percent less than what was paid four years ago, said Tim McCurley, the city’s contracted controller.
Vincent Vernuccio, labor policy counsel for the Competitive Enterprise Institute, said such restrictive language in union contracts creates a “vicious circle.”
“It is politicians who are getting money from unions or bureaucrats who want to keep unions happy,” Vernuccio said. “Before the emergency manager, there was nobody looking out for the taxpayers.”
Made in the USA? It had better be, if it's a flag flown at a Michigan state building
Made in the USA? It had better be, if it's a flag flown at a Michigan state building | MLive.com
American and Michigan flags flown at state buildings would have to be made in the United States under terms of a bill given final legislative approval Thursday in the state Senate.
The measure passed 36-0 and is headed to Gov. Rick Snyder for his consideration.
American and Michigan flags flown at state buildings would have to be made in the United States under terms of a bill given final legislative approval Thursday in the state Senate.
The measure passed 36-0 and is headed to Gov. Rick Snyder for his consideration.
Report: Gov. Rick Snyder has doubts about requiring Consumers Energy, other utilities, to raise renewable-energy standard to 25 percent
Report: Gov. Rick Snyder has doubts about requiring Consumers Energy, other utilities, to raise renewable-energy standard to 25 percent | MLive.com
The state’s 2008 energy-reform law requires that utilities have 10 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015.
Russell said Consumers is on its way to meet that goal and that raising that standard would be costly to customers and the environment.
The state’s 2008 energy-reform law requires that utilities have 10 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015.
Russell said Consumers is on its way to meet that goal and that raising that standard would be costly to customers and the environment.
Right to work: teacher debates Mackinac Center president on collective bargaining ballot initiative
Right to work: teacher debates Mackinac Center president on collective bargaining ballot initiative | MLive.com
"Right to work is not on my agenda and I don't want to see it on my desk," Snyder told MLive at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference on Tuesday....
Groups of unionized workers from throughout the state launched the "Protect Our Jobs" campaign to collect 322,609 signatures needed to get the issue on the ballot.
The proposal would prevent right-to-work legislation that prohibits employers or labor unions from requiring employees to join a union and pay dues.
It also would ban some 80 bills that ballot proposal organizers say would curtail collective bargaining rights.
"Right to work is not on my agenda and I don't want to see it on my desk," Snyder told MLive at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference on Tuesday....
Groups of unionized workers from throughout the state launched the "Protect Our Jobs" campaign to collect 322,609 signatures needed to get the issue on the ballot.
The proposal would prevent right-to-work legislation that prohibits employers or labor unions from requiring employees to join a union and pay dues.
It also would ban some 80 bills that ballot proposal organizers say would curtail collective bargaining rights.
GM to close assembly line, lay off 2,000 workers in Canada
GM to close assembly line, lay off 2,000 workers in Canada | MLive.com
The line currently builds the current generation Chevrolet Impala and overflow of the Chevrolet Equinox.
Production on that assembly line will end in June 2013 when production of the automaker’s next-generation Impala moves to GM’s Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant and production of the Equinox moves to Spring Hill, Tenn.
Last year, GM said it planned to add two shifts and about 2,500 hourly and salaried workers to its Detroit-Hamtramck plant to build the Chevrolet Malibu and Impala.
The line currently builds the current generation Chevrolet Impala and overflow of the Chevrolet Equinox.
Production on that assembly line will end in June 2013 when production of the automaker’s next-generation Impala moves to GM’s Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant and production of the Equinox moves to Spring Hill, Tenn.
Last year, GM said it planned to add two shifts and about 2,500 hourly and salaried workers to its Detroit-Hamtramck plant to build the Chevrolet Malibu and Impala.
Michigan getting creative to find financing options for businesses
Michigan getting creative to find financing options for businesses | MLive.com
One program will provide microloans to small business owners looking to get started and grow.
It’s a partnership with Michigan Corps, a nonprofit that leads social change efforts, and Kiva.org, a crowd funding source that pools small (as little as $25) contributions from individual lenders (everyday citizens) in order to make microloans of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
“It’s a great opportunity for folks who are looking for very small loans to get access to capital,” said Michael Finney, MEDC president and CEO....
The MEDC is working with banks and other financial institutions to raise $125 million to $200 million in capital to invest in redevelopment projects. The MEDC will chip in $20 million, representing 10 to 15 percent of the total pool.
“In many cases we find that the collateral is insufficient or the deal doesn’t cash flow properly so those projects weren’t getting the financing needed,” Finney said.
One program will provide microloans to small business owners looking to get started and grow.
It’s a partnership with Michigan Corps, a nonprofit that leads social change efforts, and Kiva.org, a crowd funding source that pools small (as little as $25) contributions from individual lenders (everyday citizens) in order to make microloans of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
“It’s a great opportunity for folks who are looking for very small loans to get access to capital,” said Michael Finney, MEDC president and CEO....
The MEDC is working with banks and other financial institutions to raise $125 million to $200 million in capital to invest in redevelopment projects. The MEDC will chip in $20 million, representing 10 to 15 percent of the total pool.
“In many cases we find that the collateral is insufficient or the deal doesn’t cash flow properly so those projects weren’t getting the financing needed,” Finney said.
GM to offer lump sums to 42,000 white-collar retirees
GM to offer lump sums to 42,000 white-collar retirees | MLive.com
In February, GM announced it would eliminate traditional pensions for its 26,000 current salaried U.S. workers.
The changes included terminating all traditional pensions and moving to a 401(k)-type retirement fund, an extra week of vacation time and performance-based bonuses instead of "across the board pay raises."
In February, GM announced it would eliminate traditional pensions for its 26,000 current salaried U.S. workers.
The changes included terminating all traditional pensions and moving to a 401(k)-type retirement fund, an extra week of vacation time and performance-based bonuses instead of "across the board pay raises."
Thad McCotter ends write-in campaign for Congress
Thad McCotter ends write-in campaign for Congress | MLive.com
"One can't clean up a mess multitasking," he said in a statement released about 5:45 p.m.
"One can't clean up a mess multitasking," he said in a statement released about 5:45 p.m.
MEA president calls Muskegon Heights charter school plan 'ruthless takeover' | MLive.com
MEA president calls Muskegon Heights charter school plan 'ruthless takeover' | MLive.com
The president of the Michigan Education Association says the plan to turn Muskegon Heights' public schools into a charter school system is an “unimaginable attack on democracy and public education.”
MEA President Steven Cook issued a strongly-worded statement opposing the “ruthless takeover” plans of Muskegon Heights Public Schools Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon, whom Cook erroneously refers to as “Don Witherspoon.”
“In one swift secretive move, he’s robbed the community of their neighborhood schools, ended the career of more than 85 staff members, and sold the education of Muskegon Heights students to the lowest bidder,” Cook said.
The president of the Michigan Education Association says the plan to turn Muskegon Heights' public schools into a charter school system is an “unimaginable attack on democracy and public education.”
MEA President Steven Cook issued a strongly-worded statement opposing the “ruthless takeover” plans of Muskegon Heights Public Schools Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon, whom Cook erroneously refers to as “Don Witherspoon.”
“In one swift secretive move, he’s robbed the community of their neighborhood schools, ended the career of more than 85 staff members, and sold the education of Muskegon Heights students to the lowest bidder,” Cook said.
Stop S.S. Badger coal ash discharges with upgrades to historic ferry, environmentalist says
Stop S.S. Badger coal ash discharges with upgrades to historic ferry, environmentalist says | MLive.com
The environmental group’s leader made it clear in his letter that he supports the continuation of the Badger with all of the employment and economic boost it gives to the tourism industries in Ludington and Manitowoc.
“A company that brings, by its own estimates, $40 million or more in annual economic impact to its port communities should be able to secure financing to keep such a valuable asset running well into the future,” Brammeier concluded.
The environmental group’s leader made it clear in his letter that he supports the continuation of the Badger with all of the employment and economic boost it gives to the tourism industries in Ludington and Manitowoc.
“A company that brings, by its own estimates, $40 million or more in annual economic impact to its port communities should be able to secure financing to keep such a valuable asset running well into the future,” Brammeier concluded.
Muskegon Heights residents react to emergency manager's charter school plan
Muskegon Heights residents react to emergency manager's charter school plan | MLive.com
Chris Thomas, who has two boys who will be in middle school next year, said they are committed to the Heights – at least for next year.
“We’ll be here,” he said.
But once the boys hit high school, sticking around will depend on the sports that are offered, Thomas said.
“If there’s no sports here … we will have to go somewhere else,” he said.
Chris Thomas, who has two boys who will be in middle school next year, said they are committed to the Heights – at least for next year.
“We’ll be here,” he said.
But once the boys hit high school, sticking around will depend on the sports that are offered, Thomas said.
“If there’s no sports here … we will have to go somewhere else,” he said.
Muskegon High School, Michigan Works offer employment class for at-risk students
Muskegon High School, Michigan Works offer employment class for at-risk students | MLive.com
Michigan Works Director Deborah Groeneveld said the program benefits students and employers. Michigan Works would like to expand it to other school districts next year if they can find additional funding.
Students sometimes have an easier time grasping the importance of employment skills than academic courses, Groeneveld said, and letting them take a class they see as relevant can encourage them to persevere in their other classes.
“The idea is to get them to graduate and then teach them skills to go to college or find a job,” she said. “It makes them want to be here.”
Michigan Works Director Deborah Groeneveld said the program benefits students and employers. Michigan Works would like to expand it to other school districts next year if they can find additional funding.
Students sometimes have an easier time grasping the importance of employment skills than academic courses, Groeneveld said, and letting them take a class they see as relevant can encourage them to persevere in their other classes.
“The idea is to get them to graduate and then teach them skills to go to college or find a job,” she said. “It makes them want to be here.”
Michigan House says most 4-year-olds not ready for kindergarten
Michigan House says most 4-year-olds not ready for kindergarten | MLive.com
State law allows children to start kindergarten in the fall if they turn 5 by Dec. 1 of that year. The bill gradually pushes the date up to Sept. 1.
The bill was approved 64-43, and comes after the state Senate unanimously approved a similar bill in early May.
State Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, said after his bill was approved that educators have complained that some 4-year-olds have been allowed to start kindergarten, but just aren’t ready socially, causing disruptions in class and often being held back a year.
State law allows children to start kindergarten in the fall if they turn 5 by Dec. 1 of that year. The bill gradually pushes the date up to Sept. 1.
The bill was approved 64-43, and comes after the state Senate unanimously approved a similar bill in early May.
State Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, said after his bill was approved that educators have complained that some 4-year-olds have been allowed to start kindergarten, but just aren’t ready socially, causing disruptions in class and often being held back a year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)