The Michigan Messenger

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The Michigan Messenger going forward

By Staff Report | 11.16.11

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 [...]

Colorado-based abstinence program provided false and misleading information to Michigan students

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By Todd A. Heywood | 11.16.11

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.

Class action lawsuit filed against MERS over unpaid taxes

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By Todd A. Heywood | 11.15.11

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.

Schuette fights important mercury regulations

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By Eartha Jane Melzer | 11.14.11

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.

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Duncan supports in-state tuition rates for undocumented youth

By Todd A. Heywood | 11.08.11 | 12:33 pm

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan says that he supports allowing the children of undocumented residents to attend colleges at an in-state tuition rate.

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Border Patrol may stop public transit sweeps

By Eartha Jane Melzer | 10.31.11 | 1:33 pm

Immigrants rights advocates in Michigan say they are hopeful about reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has ended a policy of arbitrarily searching mass transit in the interior of the country.

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Tea party, conservative groups call on Congress to reject E-Verify

By Nicolas Mendoza | 09.19.11 | 10:25 am

With legislation pending both in the U.S. Congress and the Michigan House of Representatives to require employers to use a new federal immigration database, even conservative and Tea Party groups are speaking out against the idea.

Self-proclaimed former "terrorist" Kamal Saleem and Republican Rep. Dave Agema at an anti-illegal immigration rally Tuesday in Lansing

[UPDATE] Activists, lawmakers demand explanation for Saleem appearance

By Todd A. Heywood | 09.15.11 | 8:43 am

Immigration advocates and state lawmakers are raising questions about an alleged former terrorist who testified before the House Commerce Committee as well as spoke at a rally Tuesday on the steps of the Capitol.

Self-proclaimed former "terrorist" Kamal Saleem and Republican Rep. Dave Agema at an anti-illegal immigration rally Tuesday in Lansing

Self-declared ‘former terrorist’ speaks at Agema rally

By Todd A. Heywood | 09.14.11 | 8:09 am

The appearance of a man who claims to be a reformed terrorist at a rally against illegal immigration at the Capitol building in Lansing is raising questions both about the accuracy of his story and the propriety of his invitation to speak.

Anti-retroviral medications and condoms: the future of HIV prevention? Photo Illustration by Todd A. Heywood

Immigrant won’t face deportation over passing out condoms

By Todd A. Heywood | 08.29.11 | 3:34 pm

A permanent resident alien from the Dominican Republic will not face deportation after being convicted in 2007 of passing out condoms in Minnesota brothels.

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U.S. Congressman Dave Agema?

By Todd A. Heywood | 08.16.11 | 3:30 pm

With a raft of controversial social and budgetary bills moving through the Republican-controlled state House, Rep. Dave Agema (R-Grandville) is already looking for a possible new job.

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ICE accused of whitewashing abusive actions

By Eartha Jane Melzer | 08.09.11 | 10:18 am

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation into allegations of racial profiling and abuse by federal agents in the Detroit area has cleared officials of any wrongdoing and prompted bitter disappointment among immigrant rights advocates.

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Agema plans Sept. hearing on undocumented workers

By Todd A. Heywood | 08.05.11 | 4:36 pm

Rep. Dave Agema (R-Grandville) is planning hearings on Sept. 13 to push his anti-undocumented workers legislative agenda.

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Snyder: Arizona-style laws are divisive, Michigan needs more immigration

By Nicolas Mendoza | 07.19.11 | 1:06 pm

Immigrants are the key to revitalizing Michigan’s economy, said Gov. Rick Snyder (R) at a New Media Conference at Wayne State University on Monday. The Associated Press reports: