I am writing today to announce the closure of the Michigan Messenger. After four years of operation in Michigan, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news into a single site, The American Independent at Americanindependent.com. This is part of a shift in strategy, towards new forms [...]
An abstinence-only presentation provided to numerous school districts in Calhoun and Eaton Counties in October of this year provided false and misleading information to students about HIV, experts allege.
Two county registers of deeds filed a class action lawsuit Monday on behalf of Michigan’s 83 counties alleging that the Mortgage Electronic Registration Services owes millions of dollars in property title transfer taxes.
Despite evidence of the impact of mercury on children and public health, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette last month joined with 24 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to scuttle new EPA regulations that would reduce mercury emissions from power plants.
Less than three months after announcing he had a rare blood disease, State Rep. Mike Simpson (D-Jackson) has died.
Simpson, 47, suffered a heart attack Friday night on his way back from treatments at the Cleveland Clinic. Lawmakers performed the traditional honor for a lawmaker who has died in office. The House draped his desk in black, and placed flowers and Simpson’s picture on the desk. The flags at the Capitol were also ordered lowered to honor Simpson.
Simpson announced in October that he was recently diagnosed with the rare blood disorder light chain deposition. He was undergoing treatment for the disease, and was responding well to the treatment.
Lawmakers and the governor released statements about Simpson and his service to the state.
House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) had this to say in a press statement:
“Mike was one of the most passionate and creative legislators I’ve had the honor of working with,” Dillon said. “If you wanted someone to be a bulldog on an issue, he was your guy. There’s only a few people like that. You couldn’t meet Mike and not fall in love with him, even if you didn’t agree with him. He was sincere and down-to-earth, whether on the House floor or on a voter’s porch.”
House Republican leader Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire) said:
“The people of Michigan lost a good public servant today,” said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire). “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Representative Simpson, his friends and his constituents. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our Democratic colleagues during this difficult time. It was an honor to serve by his side. He was the epitome of a dedicated lawmaker, tireless advocate and real friend.”
And Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, had this to say:
“Mike Simpson was a committed legislator who was principled and passionate, an advocate and a fighter for his constituents and the citizens of Michigan. Mike will be sorely missed by those of us who had the privilege of working with him. His untimely death is a reminder of just how precious life is, and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family.”
Funeral services for Simpson will held Tuesday in Jackson. He is survived by his wife Debbie and the couple’s four adult children.
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