BY IRENA LI AND GEORGE WEYKAMP
October 24, 2022
HAPPY MONDAY! It’s rivalry week here in Ann Arbor as the Wolverines prepare for their quest to vanquish the Spartans and bring Paul home. As per tradition, The Michigan Daily’s Sports section, in search of its 17th consecutive win, will be challenging the State News to a game of touch football on Friday at Elbel Field at 7:30 p.m. Tune in live on @theblockm, or stay tuned for the results, which will be announced in next week’s edition of A2 Outlook.
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Freshman Tarris Reed, Jr. greets the crowd as his name is announced during team introductions at Michigan Madness. The men’s and women’s basketball teams were featured at the event Friday night at the Crisler Center. Julianne Yoon/Daily.
MIDTERM MADNESS: The Michigan Daily created a midterm elections guide with our coverage of campaign events, ballot initiatives and crucial races on the ballot this November.
COUNCIL CATCH-UP: The Ann Arbor City Council voted to approve a $9M contract with health insurance provider Blue Cross Blue Shield during Monday’s meeting. Though the resolution passed, 8-2, councilmembers expressed disappointment regarding the company’s political donations.
“It is disappointing to know that, if we approve this contract, that Blue Cross Blue Shield can then use these funds to then continue to support extremist politicians and move forward legislation in Michigan that we have unanimously at this body suggested earlier last year that we did not support,” Councilmember Erica Briggs, D-Ward 5, said.
SHORT-TERM RENTALS: A bill circulating in the Michigan Legislature would restrict Ann Arbor officials’ ability to regulate and enact zoning restrictions on short-term rentals, prompting concerns from residents and elected officials regarding how this bill would impact affordability and housing supply for long-term residents.
“I think the communities should have some limited authority to make rules about these things,” state Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, said. “(They should have) limited authority to make sure that (short-term rentals) don’t present a persistent problem to their neighbors, that they are positioned in a way where it’s more fair to the hotels.”
HEALTH EQUITY: The Washtenaw County Health Department announced Thursday the formation of a new Health Equity Council to analyze health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Councilmembers will be selected from across the community and will initially work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Washtenaw County zip codes that have been most impacted by the pandemic.
“There is still work to be done to promote equity and prevent further harm, as COVID-19 and other health issues continue to disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities in our county,” WCHD officer Jimena Loveluck wrote in a press release. “We encourage those who are passionate about improving health for all in Washtenaw to apply to join the Health Equity Council.”
WHITMER v. DIXON: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon faced off in Grand Rapids last Thursday in the first of two debates prior to the Nov. 8 general election.
Whitmer opened by discussing how she believes in bipartisanship and working with people across the political aisle.
“I still believe there is more that unites us than divides us,” Whitmer said. “I believe in our democracy. I believe in decency and that’s what I want to focus on tonight and every minute I’m governor of this great state. Let’s work together and build a better future for our kids.”
Dixon began the debate by criticizing Whitmer’s policies.
“I’m running for governor because, quite frankly, Gretchen Whitmer has let us down,” Dixon said. “I’m sure you remember the promises that this governor made four years ago right here on this stage. She’s going to try to attack me tonight to distract from her record of broken promises, but I’m going to focus on the future. I’m going to talk about how to make Michigan freer and more prosperous.”
We value your opinion! Each week we will pose a question and share reader responses in the following edition.
This week’s prompt: Whether you’re a house divided or have no skin in the game, what’s your favorite rivalry week tradition?
“What’s on the statewide ballot in Michigan this November?” … The Michigan Daily
“Ann Arbor police investigating assault allegations involving high school football players” … ClickOnDetroit
“Ann Arbor police looking for missing 14-year-old girl last seen on Wednesday” … ClickOnDetroit
“Survey shows Ann Arbor parents believe school is less safe, inviting than before COVID-19” … MLive
“Ann Arbor still investigating cause of mysterious bump in roadway”… MLive
“As war rages, a Ukrainian family in Michigan holds on to home” … The New York Times
News tips? Comments? Questions?
A2 Outlook editors Irena Li and George Weykamp can be reached at irenayli@umich.edu and gweykamp@umich.edu, respectively.
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