Michigan is the nation’s leader in reducing the rate of new crime by ex-offenders, according to the Council of State Governments Justice Center’s National Reentry Resource Center. The center’s 2012 policy brief highlights states that show significant declines in their three-year recidivism rates. It is based on data that tracks individuals released from prison between 2005 and 2007. ...

Unity in the Community (UITC) gave special awards Sept. 30 to eight people they’ve named “Michigan heroes,” including Detroit Corporation Counsel Krystal Crittendon and Gwendolyn Mingo, chair of the Coordinating Council of all Detroit citizen district councils representing the rights of residents in urban renewal areas. ...

The Detroit Department of Public Works (DDPW) will continue to collect yard waste placed in biodegradable paper bags or personal containers through early December (weather permitting). ...

There is a shooter randomly targeting drivers on I-96 near Wixom, a suburban area, yet the media often portrays Detroit as the only violent place. Is this fair? ...

Occupy Detroit Eviction Defense has recently won two victories fending off imminent eviction. Jerry and Gail Cullors of Detroit’s Rosedale Park received an emergency plea for help Oct. 31. The Cullors have resided at their 14503 Artesian residence for 23 years, living with their son and his grandmother, who is 88 years old and suffers from Alzheimer’s. The family faced eviction from Bank of America. Jerry w ...

Once the dust of this election season settles, we in Detroit should prepare ourselves for another onslaught by those determined to reshape our city. The corporate-foundation-government elite have made it clear they have no respect for democratic processes. They will push their agenda to privatize public services and turn public goods into private gain. ...

Language to recall Mayor Dave Bing has been approved. In a unanimous decision Nov. 5, the Wayne County Election Commission certified ballot language to remove Mayor Bing from office. “Mayor Dave Bing reduced the hours that police precincts are open to the public,” is the approved language. ...

“Pack your bags!” That was the message Detroit voters sent with their ballots Nov. 6 to DPS Emergency Manager Roy Roberts and other EMs. Proposal 1, and the continuation of emergency management rule, was headed for a narrow victory election night until the votes from Detroit pushed the ballot measure to defeat. ...

Election night 2012. ...

For many who believe Detroit voters are not prepared and do not turnout, this election was a reminder of the depth and capacity of Detroit voters — a majority Black city. It also speaks to the growing importance of Black voters and other minorities. Obama carried Detroit with 97 percent of the vote, according to a Nov. 7 Dept. of Elections unofficial report. ...