Blogging for Michigan

Here are today's top stories –  

Detroit News: Final chapter for Borders; 10,700 workers to lose jobs – Borders Group Inc., the Ann Arbor-based bookselling chain whose success helped shut the doors of many independent bookstores, said it will soon go out of business, deciding Monday to ask a bankruptcy court to approve its sale to a group of liquidators. The liquidation could begin at some of the company's 399 stores as early as Friday, with a phased rollout to conclude by the end of September, Borders said.  

Detroit Free Press: Online commentary: Emergency managers undermine principles of democracy – Around the world, people are demanding democratic accountability from their governments. Many of those crying out the loudest are people with very few resources, whose countries are facing deep and painful economic woes. No one who values democracy would suggest that just because they are poor, these heroes have no right to self-rule. Yet here at home, some in our state have given up on democracy — despite being elected officials themselves. And evidently they believe that those with the fewest resources need democracy the least.  

Michigan Messenger: Poll: Voters would reject Emergency Manager law – A strong majority of Michigan voters would vote to repeal the state’s Emergency Manager law if given the opportunity, according to a Gongwer News Service poll. Public Act 4 — the Emergency Manager law — allows political appointees to take over financially troubled local governments, fire elected officials and break contracts. The poll, conducted by EPIC/MRA surveyed 600 likely voters between July 9-11 and found that a 53-34 percent majority would reject the law, that independent voters would reject it by 58-29 percent, and that 60 percent of Northern Michigan voters would overturn it.  

AP: 2 committee hearings set for Michigan lawmakers – There are no full sessions of the House or Senate planned for this week in the Michigan Legislature as lawmakers continue a relatively light summer meeting schedule. Only two committees are scheduled to meet at the Capitol.  

Detroit Free Press: Guest commentary: Put an end to the stalling tactics for unionizing [...]