׉?ׁB!בCטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://4rpctr4xZ8iXxM2ZfxESCWiSy8v7yJrsAJah_Rltwfo%`׉ 7cassandra://FvAJrqGHoZu5mDm6erV2tdq4obxqeKtysjfNThF_k3o͋V`h׉ 7cassandra://rSGuc5nu-aQNSoq2LMkoqiwBYpaP6M_TuPhmtD40k60.`j=wtw/2OטFu׈s׈Ej=wtw/2O׉E2 $ DTE in a trenchcoat. page 6 JUNE 26, 2026 | VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 14 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. MEET YOUR VENDOR: MICHAEL BROWN PAGE 3 15 YEARS OF NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. MICHIGAN PRIMARY is AUGUST 4! Voting information. page 15 Why the August 4 primary is the real election here. page 8 The local race for Michigan State Senator. page 8 Interviews with A2-Ypsi Mayoral candidates. page 9 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # ׉ 7cassandra://rSGuc5nu-aQNSoq2LMkoqiwBYpaP6M_TuPhmtD40k60.`j=wtw/2Oفj=wtw/2O؁ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://g3iKCLYb__Os_VtCpqH5wNs1qYQhCdMxzpZbozKpWlo%`I׉ 7cassandra://r6tQoEHkuPzA6Vceow_GnA6NtyRRh8U0d8INJVcYJDA `׉ 7cassandra://XDCDlXBdBKmipfR3IQeivelRFpS7xbubSCxC0GMxDQwN1`j=wtw/2Oנj=wtw/2O؁9׉Hhttp://www.groundcovernews.orgGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O ܁9ׁHhttp://www.groundcovernews.orgׁ ׁ Јנj=wtw/2O  9ׁH"mailto:contact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Јנj=wtw/2O w!9ׁH&mailto:submissions@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E 2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER15 JUNE 26, 2026 PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELFDETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Vendors are the main contributors to the paper, and are compensated to write and report. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bauman Jim Clark Jay Cooper CRAFT Times Amanda Gale Hannah Howell Mike Jones Marie Mike McNeeley Hannah Mondiwaand Hilary Nichols Will Shakespeare Scoop Stevens Felicia Wilbert PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett June Miller Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Libby Chambers Stephanie Dong Jacob Fallman Ben Foster Glenn Gates Robert Klingler Aklesia Maereg Margaret Patston Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emilie Ziebarth BOARD of DIRECTORS Anna Gersh Greg Hoffman Jessi Averill Jacob Fallman Jack Edelstein Glenn Gates Mike Jones Hailu Shitaye Shelley DeNeve Steve Borgsdorf CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org WAYS TO SUPPORT 1. Buy the paper, read the paper. 2. Get the word out — We rely on grassroots marketing. Talk to people about Groundcover and share us with your network. 3. Volunteer — You'll learn a lot about our vendors, the newspaper and your community. Interested in volunteering regularly? Fill out the form on our website. 4. Advertise your company, organization, event or resource — see rates below. 5. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram — promote our posts and share your favorite articles and vendor interactions. 6. Donate items — A seasonally appropriate list of items most needed at our office and on the street is available on our website. Drop off anytime we're open. ׉ 7cassandra://XDCDlXBdBKmipfR3IQeivelRFpS7xbubSCxC0GMxDQwN1`j=wtw/2O׉EJUNE 26, 2026 CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR The wizard knows SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover vendor No. 638 Women loving women seems natural to me. Men are narcissists who are incapable of love. Men plant seeds, move dirt around and then die. One day women will love women forever. If only I was one of them. I mean, not necessarily in a transgender way, but as a goddess-woman. Is there really a universe? Or is it just an illuMichael Brown, vendor No. 306 In one sentence, who are you? Michael Ray Brown. When and why did you start selling Groundcover? Because Groundcover helps you meet respectful and caring people. It also helps me understand other people’s struggles. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Visit the Cherry Republic store and Elmo’s T-Shirts and meet my customers. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn’t know? I am from Norfolk, Va., I was born in North Carolina and my birthday is July 15. What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover News? It helps me meet different people and stay out of trouble. What's the best/worst thing about selling Groundcover? There is no worst thing! The best is that it helps you to have a few dollars in your pocket. If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Spam out of the can and crackers. If you had a warning label, what would yours say? Keep your drama and problems to yourself. What words do you live by? Keep your eyes on the prize. What would be the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery? Go back to my hometown in Norfolk. What song do you have completely memorized? “Make It Last Forever” by Keith Sweat. What is the most impressive thing you know how to do? Dancing and working with cars and trucks. sion? Is there intelligent life out there? Or is it just window dressing? The Tao is nameless, the origin of Heaven and Earth. Is there a higher power or powers that can help us to accomplish our desires? I hope that there is a higher power because I desire to be a goddess-woman. My life has never made much sense to me. I was never successful as a man in a man’s world. I was born on a day of the year that is known for its association with the occult, December 21. I never because my father reprimanded me for And You Wonder Why And you wonder why She's crying in public Wiping tears from silent eyes Memories move like bullets Never more to remember but perhaps to die? I am the silent riot I am the A-class drama queen The funniest if I'm real honest But the saddest in my dreams Because I have lost the nuance of what makes dreams make-believe And you wonder why? Our love plays out like a bad Gatsby movie scene Hush because silence is bliss and ignorance is automatic Where critics always gather, angels and demons cannot coexist Lovers undercover, loners, and clowns rush off the scene to love, to kill, to prayerfully die And we, all along, are left here to wonder why? If true love exists, why do these things we call bliss make us wish to disappear? And you wonder why she's crying silent tears in public from wounded warrior eyes HANNAH HOWELL Groundcover contributor really thought much of it, probably expressing an interest in astrology and instructed me not to look to the stars for guidance. I looked to the Bible instead. I really did believe in Jesus because that is all you can really do with Jesus. Hebrews 11:6 says that if someone believes that Jesus existed then Jesus will reward them if they diligently seek him. Unfortunately, Jesus never existed. All was not lost though, I did learn about the concept of the god-man. Greek civilization blessed humanity with an understanding of the immortal soul. Those who know don’t say anything. Those who don’t know say a lot. New Age advocate Shirley Maclaine (actress from Steel Magnolias) doesn’t know; she goes into great detail about previous lives that she lived. It doesn’t work that way, but at times you do sense that you have already experienced something before. One day reincarnation will come to an end on this earth and there will be only women left to love women forever. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 j=wtw/2O܁j=wtw/2Oہ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://n277BwiEGJSqrDdiZoctE9t45ucjO2hoSkALw-Nb4Ls}`I׉ 7cassandra://U71eZRWGZsnmoUIs8qkz7cAWKO-q0l8vIROFKGnp33k `׉ 7cassandra://TBHTcW7Gj7_Gqmk7dNa4aDAzurQ5jkW4dqAQGe2GuJwQ`j=wtw/2Oנj=wtw/2O3m9׉Hhttp://www.a2sf.orgGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O cm9׉H0http://%20lowertowna2.org/events-calendar/%20%20Gׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O ˁ̳9׉H0http://%20lowertowna2.org/events-calendar/%20%20Gׁ ׁ rנj=wuw/2O2 @9ׁH&http://ypsilibrary.org/movingtogether.ׁ ׁ Јנj=wuw/2O1 @E9ׁHhttp://ypsilibrary.org/libraryׁ ׁ Јנj=wuw/2O0 ؁p9ׁHhttp://ypsilibrary.orgׁ ׁ Јנj=wuw/2O)7m9ׁHhttp://www.a2sf.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS ELECTION letter to the EDITOR Dear Debbie Dingell, At the Washtenaw County Democratic Party Monthly Meeting you stated that we don't know who our friends are. You claimed that if we didn't want these wars we should've voted harder for Democrats. I voted for Kamala Harris. I told everyone I knew to vote for Kamala Harris. I hate Kamala Harris. She's a jingoistic Zionist and a cop. When the doorknocker came to my door urging me to vote for Harris, I asked if she had committed yet to an arms embargo on Israel and the door knocker said no. I was furious not because I wasn't getting what I wanted most from Harris, but because I knew in that moment Harris was going to lose to Donald Trump. It didn't change my vote; I knew Trump would create more suffering for more people, but I knew the people of Michigan would not go out to vote for a candidate that couldn't do the one thing we demanded. I knew without a commitment to an arms embargo, Harris would lose Michigan and the other battleground states that demanded action, and that's exactly what happened. The Democrats claim that Trump is the source of all evil, but this evil started long before Trump. Cuba has been under economic attack from the U.S. for 66 years. When CIA-trained terrorist José Basulto repeatedly invaded Cuban airspace in the "Brothers to the Rescue" missions, Bill Clinton was in office. Joe Biden said about Israel in 1986, "It is the best 3 billion dollar investment we make. Were there not an Israel, the United States would have to invent an Israel to protect her interests in the region." The American people do not vote against evil, they vote for representation. If Democrats do not offer real representation of the people's interests, the people will not drag themselves out to vote for them. That is the reason Democrats are losing power. That is the reason — if you don't step up and really fight to stop these insane wars, you will lose your seat to someone who will, if we survive that long. — Sincerely, Jay Cooper Ann Arbor teachers, paraeducators might start the school year without a contract and need your support! Ann Arbor Public Schools district teachers do not have a new contract yet. Their previous contract expired on December 31, 2025, and they continue to work under the terms of the expired agreement while negotiations remain ongoing. As a result, teachers might begin the next school year without a contract. The Ann Arbor Education Association (AAEA) bargaining team reached a tentative deal in mid-April. However, in late April, over 99% of voting union members voted to reject it. Teachers rejected the proposal because of concerns over an insufficient 1.5% raise, increased class sizes, reductions in planning time, and a healthcare cost increase. Rallies for competitive compensation and district transparency have continued into June as negotiations move forward. Now that contract discussions remain in limbo, teachers are participating in “work to rule” actions, meaning they adhere exactly to the terms of the previous contract and refrain from taking on unpaid duties outside of scheduled hours. Ann Arbor teachers cannot legally strike under the Michigan law which prohibits public employee strikes, specifically the Public Employment Relations Act, in place since 1947. The union leadership for Ann Arbor Education Association stated, “There have been no discussions about striking," and they are focused on reaching a fair agreement. AAEA President Fred Klein stated at the May 6, 2026, board meeting, “This is a clear statement, that's not just a result — that is a mandate,” referring to the overwhelming decision of union MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 members to reject tentative contract agreement on April 27, 2026. Susan Zink, AAPS parent, voiced her concerns at the May 6 board meeting about failed contract negotiations. “The most recent tentative contract agreement negotiation attempt failed miserably. The contract agreement failed because AAPS didn’t show a genuine good faith effort to compensate our teachers competitively,” she said. Erin Wolf, also an AAPS parent, voiced his concerns at the June 3 board meeting. “The people of Ann Arbor have been sold a line that teachers are being paid too much and that it's hard to make a budget work. But look at the cumulative revenue since 2018, teacher compensation has always been every year lower than the growth in revenue. What has grown immensely is everything else. And we don’t know what ‘everything else’ means because you don’t have transparency in the spending,” Wolf said. I ran into Bridgit Cook, a teacher for Ann Arbor Open School, just before the June 3 board meeting. I recognized the blue “Support Ann Arbor Teachers” T-shirt she was wearing and I asked her if she was an Ann Arbor school teacher. She said yes. I informed JUNE 26, 2026 Proud teaching assistants Veronica Lutz, Tod Tharpe, Claire Arthurs, Jen Ribby, Edith Donnell, Jacob Perlmutter, pictured left to right. Like Ann Arbor Public School teachers, Ann Arbor Public School support staff do not yet have a contract and are bargaining over the summer. Their union, Ann Arbor Education Association for Paraeducators, bargains separately but coordinates in solidarity with AAEA and other workers at the school. Their next bargaining session is July 1. Photo submitted. her I was writing an article about the failed negotiation in April, and then I asked to interview her and she agreed. Cook: They want to take away planning time, give us larger classes and increase our healthcare cost. Jones: What is your biggest grievance with the previous failed tentative contract agreement? Cook: The absolute cluelessness for our effort and excellence that we invest into the students. And it seems to be… at every turn there seems to be no respect for that. Jones: Do you believe Ann Arbor school teachers will have a fair contract by next school year? Cook: It’s a coin toss with a 50-50 chance we will receive a fair contract. The last regular Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education meeting of the 2025-2026 school year was scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Ann Arbor Public School Board of Education Superintendent Jazz Parks stated at that board meeting, “We absolutely value our teachers. I hope that goes without saying. And we continue to negotiate with the organization that represents our teachers to get a resolution. And we continue to do that in good faith.” Teachers vow to continue to fight to get a meaningful contract offer. Note: Three seats are up for grabs on the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education this November. School board members serve four-year terms in a nonpartisan capacity, and terms of office begin in January. ׉ 7cassandra://TBHTcW7Gj7_Gqmk7dNa4aDAzurQ5jkW4dqAQGe2GuJwQ`j=wtw/2O׉EsJUNE 26, 2026 COMMUNITY EVENTS community EVENTS ANN ARBOR SUMMERFEST (A2SF) June 12-28. Tuesday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m., and Sunday starting at 4 p.m. Washington Street and Ingalls Mall, Ann Arbor. The June festival offers two concurrent series. The outdoor centerpiece at Top of the Park offers admission-free concerts, movies, open-air spectacles and unique family attractions held along a beautiful U-M campus green. The indoor, ticketed series features world-class music, dance, contemporary circus and comedy. www.a2sf.org CHEYENNE VICTORY DAY GATHERING + PROTEST Saturday, June 27, 2-6 p.m. Custer Monument, Elm and Monroe St., Monroe. 150th anniversary Battle of the Greasy Grass a.k.a Battle of the Little Big Horn. Renounce Manifest Destiny! Call for statue removal — the horse can stay but Custer's got to go! BREAKING CHAINS: RALLY AGAINST MASS INCARCERATION Saturday, June 27, 3-5 p.m. 7525 Cogswell Street, Romulus. Rally against ICE detention centers and Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility. Organized by the Coalition to Shut the Camps. BLACK PRIDE YPSI Y2K COOKOUT Saturday, June 27, 5-10 p.m. Growing Hope Marketplace Hall, 16 S. Washington St. Ypsi. Celebrate Pride Month with free food, games and beats curated by the amazingly talented DJ JOYCX and DJ TAYWAITS. JUNE CLOTHING SWAP Sunday, June 28, 4-8 p.m. Growing Hope Marketplace Hall, 16 S. Washington St. Ypsi Bring and take what you need! Clothing sorted by size, not gender. Masks required and provided. Donations accepted until 6 p.m. Hosted by Swap Ypsi. FIRST FRIDAYS YPSI Friday, July 3, 5-11p.m. Downtown, Depot Town, and in the West Cross Street districts of Ypsilanti. A self guided art and culture walk around the city of Ypsilanti! Art, shopping, food, music and fun! July theme: We the People of Ypsilanti. A2 JAYCEE'S ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Due to construction downtown, the parade route begins at S. State and E. William St, running north on State, West on Liberty, South on 5th, East on William, and ends at William and Thompson. Lineup will be on S. State, S. Maynard, and N. Maynard. SUMMER WELLNESS IN MOTION Ann Arbor's free summer wellness series of pilates and yoga designed to introduce the community to the park through accessible, outdoor wellness experiences in Broadway Park West. Pilates in the Park Presented by Core Collective Saturdays | 8–9 a.m. June 13–August 29 Open Air Yoga Presented by Eclipse Yoga Select Sundays | 9–10 a.m. June 14–August 16 Classes are free and open to all experience levels. No registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, water, sunscreen, and anything needed to enjoy a morning outdoors. For more information, participants can visit lowertowna2. org/events-calendar/ Broadway Park West is currently accessible by foot and bicycle only while surrounding construction continues. The park can be accessed through the tunnel off Depot Street or via the new Broadway Bridge, which connects to the Border to Border (B2B) Trail. Visitors are encouraged to use public parking spaces surrounding the development and enter the park through one of these entry points. Submit an event to be featured in the next edition: submissions@groundcovernews. com GET TO KNOW YDL! WHERE TO FIND US: Online at ypsilibrary.org Call us at 734-482-4110. TO GET YOUR LIBRARY CARD: 1) Fill out the easy online form at ypsilibrary.org/library-cards. 2) Call 734-482-4110 3) Or stop by any YDL location! DON’T HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE? We can work with a variety of IDs to get you your card. Moving Together SENIORS: If you’re looking for a way to stay active, get connected and earn prizes this summer, YDL is the place for you! Thanks to a grant from Molina Healthcare, enjoy art and fitness classes and cornhole and BINGO. Pick up your activity sheet at any YDL branch. Learn more at ypsilibrary.org/movingtogether. FEATURED EVENT Car Seat Safety with Washtenaw Sheriff’s Department Saturdays | Jul 11 & 25 12-3:30pm | YDL-Whittaker Officer Toneka Smith will provide all instructional materials, equipment, and resources to ensure you know how to install your car seat safely. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 j=wtw/2Oj=wtw/2O בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://GEZow3Ux9_C4TgAWejib3uag-MFOFt-MWX2PvzsdEHI <`I׉ 7cassandra://k0OiY3CnaQlPDDRven0V50JxGCNB99_78OYVOhOtLVA4n`׉ 7cassandra://hemfb0iGhLupKVwQkoBhMlMZNaQ-XKT0xDi8dREZI-0T`j=wtw/2Oנj=wtw/2O $*-9׉Hhttp://www.shutdownfermi.org/Gׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O ,@̛9׉Hhttp://www.shutdownfermi.org/Gׁ ׁ rנj=wuw/2O: ,C̛9ׁHhttp://shutdownfermi.org/ׁ ׁ Ј׉E6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS ENERGY DTE in a trench coat Ann Arbor for Public Power is a coalition of residents and organizations that is seeking to establish a Municipal Electric Utility (MEU) that will take control of the electric power grid in Ann Arbor from DTE Energy (a Detroit-based Fortune 500 diversified energy company). In order to create an MEU, A2P2 has started a local ballot initiative that will set the stage for a board of directors of the operation to transition the city to public power. Petitions to place the proposal on the ballot are generally available at the Farmers’ Market. At this time, there is no guarantee that it will appear on the Nov. 2026 ballot even though A2P2 has already turned in enough signatures to the clerk’s office. They turned in 5,175, but want that number to be higher, just in case there are errors in the original set. (Signature collection is ongoing until the final deadline of July 16.) A few nights ago, I came across a door hanger from an organization called Ann Arbor Responsible Energy Coalition (AAREC). The flyer did not appear to advocate a specific proposal of its own. Instead, it focused on criticizing A2P2's municipalization effort. Depending on which side of the hanger you see first, there is a statement that says “We can’t afford this risky city takeover of our energy.” In smaller print, “Running a power grid is complex — and mistakes have real consequences.” On the AAREC website there is a tab that says “Who’s tried this?” In other words, which cities have tried installing an MEU and failed? There were three. On the American Public Power Association website there is a state-bystate guide to successful locally governed power grids. There are dozens of municipal utilities across the country, including at least one in every state. Michigan has a number of them, including Lansing, Grand Haven and Chelsea. The next claim on the door hanger is firm that provides economic, financial and strategic expertise to law firms, corporations and governments. The alleged costs are as follows: • Asset purchase price: ~$350M • Grid separation and engineering JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 “Under this proposal, we will be putting the fate of our energy system in the hands of politicians with no relevant experience.” The A2P2 ballot initiative calls for five directly elected and four appointed persons to constitute the board, leaving the determination of qualification to the voters. The stated purpose of the proposal is to place governance of the utility under a board selected through local democratic processes. The flyer tells you there is “no independent oversight” but the ballot initiative clearly states that the city would have veto power. At the bottom of the hanger it says, “Ann Arbor deserves a less expensive and risky path to clean, affordable energy. This isn’t it.” The other side of the flyer says, “Our city cannot afford a government takeover of our power. We deserve reliable, affordable, clean energy — but a city-run utility is not how we get there.” These claims are made not only on door hangers but on ads distributed widely online. The initial AAREC committee was registered at DTE’s address, One Energy Plaza, Detroit. It is not based in Ann Arbor. The use of the word "we" raises questions about who the organization is claiming to represent. The largest and most prominent claim on the flyer says “city-controlled power = $1 billion in debt.” The AAREC website has an itemized list of costs of take-over which were derived from a municipalization study by Charles River Associates, a global consulting work: ~$185M • Billing and operational systems: ~$40M • Legal, consulting and transaction costs: ~$30M • Near-term capital investments: ~$290M • Customer make-whole payments: ~$125M A2P2 does not argue that these categories are fictional. It argues that the estimates attached to several of them are inflated. It is important to note that the Charles River Associates’ report was commissioned by DTE. The last part of the flyer lists four “crushing costs:” “$1 billion upfront cost,” “30-40% rate increase,” “$550$700 yearly bill increase” and “40% higher operating costs.” The $1 billion figure is an estimate of projected costs. The rate increases, annual bill increases, and operating cost increases are forecasts derived from those estimates. Again, this is from a study that was paid for by DTE. “An ‘astroturf’ organization is a deceptive public relations front that masks a coordinated corporate or political agenda as a spontaneous, citizen-led grassroots movement. These fake ‘grassroots’ groups disguise their true funders by using civic-sounding names to manipulate public opinion and push for deregulation or specific policy changes. “ — Merriam Webster Dictionary. “Ann Arbor Responsible Energy Coalition” has a civic-sounding name and employs grassroots rhetoric. They were initially registered at the DTE headquarters (this was changed when people online called out the obvious DTE affiliation), they rely on information from a consulting firm that was Is this a front for DTE? commissioned by DTE, and use a professional marketing company (Real Solutions based in Detroit) for their campaign effort instead of independent citizens from Ann Arbor. Taken together, these facts call into question the relationship of the Ann Arbor Responsible Energy Coalition to DTE Energy. Double-sided color door-hangers, websites, and high-end marketing companies all cost money. If DTE is funding this campaign, then they are using the money they get from your electric bill to convince you they are the better deal. Consumers Energy plans natural gas plant in Lima HILARY NICHOLS N.U.A.N.C.E. Ann Arbor is not only one of the most amazing towns in America, ranked as the city with the best quality of life in America by Forbes magazine, but it is also located in a great region. Thanks to our Greenbelt policy, thousands of acres of farmland and open space surrounding the City of Ann Arbor have been preserved. We can drive a short way from Main Street in any direction and be surrounded by idyllic pastoral land. When our neighbor just 12 miles west of town, Ken Klovski, witnessed Consumers Energy’s (CE) workers digging deep testing holes in his neighbor's field he did some research. Klovski is a retired DTE engineer and knew something about the process. His research found CE’s option agreement to purchase his neighbor’s land and an open project listed on The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)'s website. The MISO Queue Filing (Federal Infrastructure Registry): MISO runs the power grid across much of the Midwest. Consumers Energy filed for Project J3923 in the MISO interconnection queue on February 28, 2025: Capacity 1,414 megawatts Klovski shared his findings with MLive. When Jeff Parness saw the story, and viewed Lima Township’s townhall meeting posted on Youtube, the last question posed brought the concern close. “What are the health risks posed by particulate matter downwind from a gas fired power plant?” CE’s answer, that they follow all government guidelines, was not actually reassuring. Parness recently built their family’s dream house just see LIMA next page  JUNE 26, 2026 ׉ 7cassandra://hemfb0iGhLupKVwQkoBhMlMZNaQ-XKT0xDi8dREZI-0T`j=wtw/2O׉EJUNE 26, 2026 LIVING ARCHIVES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Fermi 2 nuclear power plant poses risks to a 62-mile radius with little reward CRAFT TIMES Washtenaw County — as well as the greater Detroit area — is within the fallout area of an aging nuclear power plant located on the shores of Lake Erie in Newport, Mich., 25 miles northeast of Toledo. Fermi 2 is a 1,198-Megawatt electrical boiling water nuclear reactor owned and operated by DTE Energy. It has been fully operational since January 23, 1988. Its license was recently renewed until 2045. Recent failures have raised safety concerns, especially in the long term since the plant was designed for only a 20year life span. With the surging availability of natural gas, wind and solar power and rising total costs (including environmental) of conventional energy sources, it is questionable whether it is even economically advantageous to continue operating the nuclear power plant — even more so when considering the risks assumed by the public. On Nov. 26, 2017, one of the plant’s two reactor recirculation pumps stopped working. Operators reduced power to 44 percent to repair the pump. Two days later, power went down to 41 percent. The pumps drive the recirculating water which cools the reactor core. (It was the failure of this system that caused the Fukushima plant in Japan to melt down following their massive earthquake in March, 2011.) “The issue was in the ground fault on the generator that supplies power to the reactor,” DTE spokesman John  LIMA from last page two miles east of the proposed site. The health of his family and his neighbors was at risk. That was June 5. By June 6, he had formed the page which launched the grassroots campaign NUANCE: Neighbors United Against Noxious Consumers Energy. Parness shared, “I recorded my first 'Good Morning Garrick' video.” Parness has now posted over 12 video messages spoken directly to Garrick Rochow, the CEO of CE. “I gave him Austerberry said about Fermi 2. “It was like a short circuit. It doesn’t happen often.” James Sherman, co-chair of Citizens’ Resistance at Fermi Two (CRAFT), has a different take. “DTE says it’s an uncommon problem, but in the CRAFT Times, there are monthly listings of mishaps such as this, including frequent generator failures,” said Sherman. “And Fermi is so unnecessary as a source of energy production. This aging equipment is a clear and present danger to the community. A generator failure may be trivial during normal operation, but they serve as a last line of defense in emergency situations. Coupled with loss of grid power and a reactor overheat, a generator failure could spell game-over for Southeast Michigan.” The 50-year anniversary of the failure of the breeder-reactor Fermi 1, featured on the September 2017 cover of Michigan History and the subject of the book We Almost Lost Detroit, were reminders of the large numbers of people at risk. Fermi 2 is one example of what a recent study done by the R Street Institute, a Washington, D.C. think tank, calls “merchant nuclear power plants,” which means they sell more electricity outside of their area than inside. The 2017 study recommends that seven nuclear reactors in the United States retire early because of large capital expenses and the costs of transmitting the power to the destination market. It identified Fermi 2 as a plant whose the courtesy of one week to withdraw the project before I start dialing June 16.” Clearly CE didn’t know the fire power of the population in this neighborhood when they positioned this purchase agreement. Within two weeks 1500 members joined the NUANCE site and amplified the fight. Neighbors who had never met, and held opposing beliefs, all came together in each other’s barns, living rooms and online with open hearts on the growing NUANCE page. 150 citizens crowded into Lima large operating, maintenance and transmission costs — coupled with a competitive energy market — make it ripe for closure. DTE could buy power at less than what it costs to produce it at Fermi 2. There are known health risks to those living near a reactor. The Dutch Ministry of Public Health has mailed potassium iodide (KI) tablets to three million people living near nuclear reactors. The pills were sent to all children under the age of 18 who live within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of a reactor, and all people within 20 kilometers (12 miles). If a reactor releases radiation, everyone will be given a notification to take their KI tablets, which contain so much stable iodine that the thyroid does not take up more, stable or radioactive. Belgium distributed KI tablets to its entire population because they all live within 100 kilometers of a reactor. The State of Michigan and federal government told our area that the tablet possession should be voluntary, and only within a 10-mile radius. The policies of Belgium and the Netherlands are closer to the American Thyroid Association’s position that everyone within 50 miles should have the tablets on-hand to saturate the thyroid and prevent it from taking up radioactive iodine in the event of an accident. Children are the most vulnerable to thyroid cancer, as proven after Chernobyl and Fukushima. However, the tablets do not protect against other radioactive substances, like cesium or plutonium, which affect other organs. Over 60 epidemiological studies worldwide have confirmed that Township’s emergency meeting on Friday June 12. All approved when Township Supervisor Bill VanRiper announced a 12-month moratorium to temporarily halt permitting, considering or approving power generating facilities in the township. The relief was palpable but not impenetrable. The efforts continued. On June 19, Parness called an emergency summit for elected officials, environmental lawyers and some press to gather at his dining room table. 23 participants from township, Originally published in the January 2018 edition of Groundcover News. children living near nuclear reactors have almost a 70 percent increased likelihood of developing leukemia. In Germany, a 2008 study commissioned by the government found a 60 percent increase in all cancers and 120 percent increase in leukemias among children under five years old who lived with five km (3.1 miles) of an operating reactor. After the German study was released, governments in France, Switzerland, and Britain all did their own studies. While the numbers weren’t as shocking as Germany’s, all the studies showed elevated numbers near nuclear reactors. The United States was doing its own study, and then cancelled it, claiming lack of funds to finish it. For more information on the Fermi 2 plant and its public risks, visit: www. shutdownfermi.org/ city and state level shared strategies and plans with legal counsel from the Sierra Club and The Great Lakes Environmental Legal Center. Now the fight had teeth. These leaders gather as an emergency legal and regulatory committee with key elected officials from all across the region and gathered for their second official meeting on June 23. Parness posted, “This amazing group headed up by Kate Henson, the Mayor see LIMA page 15  j=wtw/2Oj=wtw/2O בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://zAixCcr9iwyd3LVvfitx8kexG9tjy4hkXtXTuE64Dmo \/`I׉ 7cassandra://FsWvNpA4dtq9I12ygcHsG2xo9Ep7KYMOaDvhYtTMS9c4`׉ 7cassandra://gbhKv7uhla9Vbhq2Dv3FQEhOmLlk8ifVSpmX8NKU8A4TW`j=wtw/2O!נj=wtw/2O X9׉H http://www.electjasonrogers.org/Gׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O<̃9׉H http://www.electjasonrogers.org/Gׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2OuЁ̸9׉Hhttp://www.feliciabrabec.comGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2Ou9׉H http://www.electmichaelwhite.comGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O̻9׉H http://www.taylorforannarbor.comGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O "9׉H http://www.taylorforannarbor.comGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2Oy&.9׉Hhttp://www.voteyousef.comGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O<~9׉Hhttp://www.voteyousef.comGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O9׉H"http://www.nicolebrownformayor.comGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O"9׉H"http://www.nicolebrownformayor.comGׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2Ozo-9׉Hhttp://www.amber4thepeople.com)Gׁ ׁ rנj=wtw/2O 9׉Hhttp://www.amber4thepeople.com)Gׁ ׁ rנj=wuw/2O99ׁHhttp://amber4thepeople.comׁ ׁ Јנj=wuw/2O89ׁHhttp://www.niׁ ׁ Јנj=wuw/2O3>̄9ׁHhttp://voteyousef.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E[8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AUGUST PRIMARY Why the Aug. 4 primary is the real election here JAY COOPER Groundcover contributor It's hard to recommend that people vote when our representatives so rarely represent our interests. It's harder to encourage people to vote in a primary, but in deep blue places like Ann Arbor and Ypsi, the Democrat primary is the real election. Ann Arbor’s mayor has been a Democrat since the year 2000, and Ann Arbor City Council seats in order of ward and seat (two seats per ward) have been filled by Democrats since: Ward 1 — 1961, 1978; Ward 2 — 2002, 2020; Ward 3 — 1983, 1988; Ward 4 — 1994, 2005; Ward 5 — 1991 and 1990. The seat in the U.S. Senate that's up for grabs this election has been filled by a Democrat since 1978. If we had ranked-choice voting, where voters rank candidates in order of preference, this wouldn't be the case; the Democratic Party would have much less control over who represents us in seats of power, and progressive parties like Democratic Socialists of America would not have to endorse Democrats in a so-far not-so-successful bid to get progressive representation. That's why The local race for Michigan state senator FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 The Michigan State Senate is the upper chamber of the Michigan State Legislature. Alongside the Michigan House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Michigan state government and works alongside the governor of Michigan to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Michigan State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. Having the right to vote is a privilege that should never be underestimated. The power is in the decision of the people who vote. I am not endorsing nor suggesting who you should vote for, however here is the information I derived. This is a summation of the candidates who are running in this very important Michigan Senate race to represent folks in parts of Washtenaw, Monroe and Lenawee counties. I reached out to everyone; however, only one candidate, Felicia Brabec, answered. Let’s take a look at the Republican who is running, the elusive Jason Rogers. I say elusive because he never answered my email. However, I looked him up and only found very vague campaign information. He ran for state representative in 2024 and lost that election. His website, www.electjasonrogers.org/, has a brief bio, but there is no detail about what he will do in office. His report card is empty folks; it lists the background and history of the Republican party and his role as a party delegate. I don’t know how you are supposed to vote for someone who takes no stance in your community. What are the Republicans or Democrats going to do to help our community? Who are Jason Rogers’ opponents? The Democrat ballot offers Felicia Brabec and Michael White. Felicia Brabec served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, from 2021-2024. She was assigned to the House Appropriations Committee. Her background is as a clinical psychologist; she was in private practice but also worked with the University of Michigan and was a high school counselor. While in office, Brabec sponsored the Civil Right Housing Discrimination Act MI HB4063-HB4062; Corrections and State Identification Cards MI HB4193-MI HB4192; and History and Arts MI HB4177. These are only a few of the laws she supported; for all others check out her website, www.feliciabrabec.com. Michael White has spent more than two decades serving the people of Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan, from organizing voter education efforts to leading community organizations and neighborhood initiatives. He is currently the president of Educate Youth. See www.electmichaelwhite.com. The four questions I asked the candidates are: 1.What problems in our community concern you the most? Brabec: The rising cost of living, gun violence, access to mental health care, inequities in education and economic opportunity concern me. White’s page states, "Families across our district are facing rising costs, housing challenges, and uneven access to opportunity." 2. What is your plan to address the rising cost of housing and living? Brabec: To lower the cost of living, we can expand access to affordable childcare, reduce the cost of prescription drugs and improve our local infrastructure. We also need to prevent utility companies from imposing astronomical rate spikes, by supporting the MMOP ballot initiative to reduce money’s influence in politics, thereby stymying the lobbying power Jason Rogers (R) the Democrats canvassed so hard against ranked-choice voting – they don't want to give up their power in choosing our representation for us. Currently the only option we have is to vote in their primary. Luckily in Michigan you don't have to register as a Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary, you only have to select the Democratic primary ballot. JUNE 26, 2026 Felicia Brabec (D) of the utility companies. White’s page states some reccomendations such as focusing on practical solutions, lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing, and investing in education and workforce development. 3. How will you help address homelessness and affordable housing? Brabec: The rising cost of housing is a growing challenge across Michigan, that’s why I voted in favor of investing tens of millions of dollars into affordable housing. White’s website refers to support for affordable housing through investment in infrastructure. 4. What is one binding vow you’re making to voters today and how will you be held accountable for keeping it? Brabec: My binding vow to voters is that I will fight to expand access to mental health care for Michiganders regardless of income, insurance status, or ZIP code. As a clinical psychologist, I have seen how untreated mental health needs affect families, schools, workplaces and public safety. In the State Senate, I will work to increase funding for community-based mental health services, expand school mental health supports and reduce barriers to care for uninsured and underinsured residents. I will be held accountable by publicly reporting the bills I sponsor. I will also continue meeting with Michael White (D) providers, patients, families, educators, and advocates to make sure policy decisions are guided by the people most directly impacted. White’s page states: Michigan can lead the nation in innovation and economic growth, but only if everyone can participate. I will fight for good-paying jobs, workforce development, strong public schools, and small business growth, while ensuring corporate incentives come with real community benefits such as local hiring and fair wages. We can build an economy where people don’t have to leave Michigan to build a future and where opportunity is a promise paid forward, not a privilege passed down. In conclusion, those who care about their community and financial stability should take a look at issues very carefully. Voting for a label and not what represents your own interests can be a loss for the community. ׉ 7cassandra://gbhKv7uhla9Vbhq2Dv3FQEhOmLlk8ifVSpmX8NKU8A4TW`j=wtw/2O׉EJUNE 26, 2026 AUGUST PRIMARY MARIE Groundcover contributor According to the Washtenaw County May 29, 2026, official candidate list, both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti’s mayoral races have only two Democratic and no Republican candidates. Therefore the Aug. 4th vote will most likely determine the winner of both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti’s mayoral races. For this article both incumbent mayors and their challengers were interviewed. All interviews occurred during the month of June. Questions were designed to encourage responses reflective of issues constituents have suggested as topics they would like to read about. Not all responses provided are direct quotes, as they have been summarized to fit in the space allotted. Interesting background info Ann Arbor — Incumbent Christopher Taylor (www.taylorforannarbor. com) is a University of Michigan graduate with four degrees, including a music degree with a focus in opera and performance, and a Juris Doctor law degree. While at U-M, one of the leadership roles he held was as the president of the Inter-Cooperative Council, the organization concerned with the campus’s collectively-owned coop housing. He went on to practice law mostly in the Ann Arbor and became a city council member in 2008 and then mayor in 2014. Challenger Yousef Rabhi (www. voteyousef.com) was born in Washtenaw County, attended grade school in Ann Arbor, then earned an environmental science degree from U-M. He was a county commissioner before serving as a state representative from 2017-2023 (including a term as the Democratic Floor Leader), and then returned to serving on the county commission from 2023 until the present. Rabhi credits his passion for advocacy to his family’s strong political activist lineage and a preschool teacher he had who incorporated daily outdoor nature activities. Ypsilanti — Incumbent Nicole Brown (www.nicolebrownformayor. com) was raised in Ypsi and received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Social Work, then her Master’s in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. One of her favorite things to do is read and talk to students. She also cares a lot about mental health, mentoring and fostering community involvement. Challenger Amber Fellows (www. amber4thepeople.com) moved to Ypsilanti as a young adult and graduated from EMU. Since moving to Ypsi she has become active in local politics, including her current position as city council member, as well as in the artistic community. Her passions include music, writing and organizing community events. What would your city look like if you could wave a magic wand? Mayor Taylor: Ann Arbor would continue to have vitality, enthusiasm and openness. It would be more affordable to work and live in, and would be more diverse as a result. There would be 15-minute neighborhoods, so a short distance to get everything for everyday living; corner stores to visit and meet; third spaces to congregate and build communities. where neighborhoods are safe and connected; where local businesses succeed; and where every resident feels they belong and their voice matters. Most importantly, I want Ypsilanti to remain authentically itself while becoming the best version of what it can be: welcoming, equitable, resilient and full of opportunity for all. Councilwoman Fellows: I don’t feel like I get to decide, really. However, we would have way more community involvement in decision-making so the people who are most impacted get to decide what they see. It might look like more neighborhood assemblies. They [constituents] know their neighborhoods and what they want them to look like, but the city often blocks them. I would like to make it easier for the projects without the bureaucracy. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Interviews with 2026 A2-Ypsi Mayoral candidates bipartisan manner to pass and package a bill so Ann Arbor couldn’t do it anymore. Mayor Brown: One accomplishment I'm really proud of is leading in bringing Rx Kids to Ypsilanti. What I loved about it is that it wasn't just about passing a resolution or announcing a new program. It was about bringing people together around something simple to me: if we want stronger families and healthier communities, we have to invest in people from the very beginning. Councilwoman Fellows: In 2018, I worked with REDY (Rising for Economic Democracy in Ypsi), to pass a community benefits ordinance, which was the second one ever in the country. It’s not just an ordinance, we have three developments out of it. Candidates were asked to give examples of how they utilized their current elected position to address concerns of homeowners, renters and the homeless. In the context of their answers, they were also asked to give an example of how their position has limited progress towards addressing constituents’ concerns or how becoming Mayor could promote progress. Mayor Taylor: Ann Arbor is experiencing an affordable housing crisis. Nobody is getting kicked out of their homes, however we don’t have a lot, which means higher appraisals and thus higher taxes. We can’t reduce demand, but we need to meet that demand, which includes more multistory units, duplexes and tri-plexes. However, we now have an affordability crisis, especially in more dense transit corridors. I do oppose new city taxes. Having U-M is amazing; however, working with the university has its challenges, as it has a significant amount of leverage. The building codes are set by the County Commissioner Rabhi: Ann Arbor would be a beautiful vibrant place that brings joy; housing is a human right, and everyone has a place to live. It is sustainable and does not rely on carbon and fossil fuels. It is a unique place, with creativity, where artists thrive. There are vibrant small businesses, with diverse multicultural backgrounds; ownership and space is democratized so the community has many opportunities to have a part of the pie, instead of large outside corporations. Mayor Brown: Ypsilanti would be a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, not just get by… A city where people can afford to live, raise their families and build their future; Give an example of something you have been able to accomplish from start to finish with the community. Mayor Taylor: Two things: 1) the sustainable energy utility is a pilot program currently running today in the Bryant neighborhood, with low cost electricity to residents, which is 100% renewable. 2) In 2021 we became the only city in the United States that has a law that requires all public restrooms to have a complete array of menstrual products. County Commissioner Rabhi: About 10 years ago, the city started taxing solar panels on people’s homes. As a state legislator, I worked in a state; I would like the ability to establish building codes that are more sustainable, such as more insulation and quality windows. Rents have been going down in past months due to an active pro-housing approach, which has increased the supply. We created a renters commission, so people have a place to engage with local government directly to address concerns; we eliminated junk fees and created cost transparency; obligatory fees are disclosed upfront; and we passed right to first renewal. There is still not enough progress. There has been an increase in rental inspections — yet there is still a shortage. see MAYORS page 15  9 j=wtw/2Oj=wtw/2O בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://-IFcPmeGYgugWC9sGZwB6EJsC3VtwTC_MZ1OY0EUNFg `I׉ 7cassandra://29DMct1llvjkrX-Y8-PkN1RdncxQpI8xM-fO6DhPT806+`׉ 7cassandra://71S1WjuuW4IdOG06wklg3Qeuk19WFSsoDhIyPFj3DPMR`j=wtw/2O$נj=wvw/2OC nG9ׁHhttp://INSP.ngׁ ׁ Јנj=wvw/2OB SY̜9ׁHhttp://vancouverfwc26.caׁ ׁ Јנj=wvw/2OA ,-̿9ׁHhttp://2026worldcupwatch.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS DEMOCRACY Greek origins of western democracies, political experiments Acropolis, Athens. In ancient Greece, there were approximately 500 cities, each with their own system of government. Many of the cities, such as Athens, were described as citystates. Athenian democracy was notable for its inspiration and aspiration. A February 2026 publication by distinguished University of Michigan political science Professor emerita Arlene Saxonhouse, “Athenian Democracy," offered valuable insights into the key intellectuals, historians and philosophers who lived in Athens during its experiment in liberty and democracy. They included the historian Herodotus, and philosophers Thucydides, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Political theorists such as Thomas Hobbes, John Stuart Mill, John Locke and other enlightenment philosophers brought tremendous knowledge of Athenian democracy to the design and implementation of western democracies, including the American democracy. A brief history Athenian democracy Around the 6th, 5th and 4th centuries B.C.E., the Greek citizens of Athens said that they no longer wanted to be ruled by kings, tyrants and aristocrats. They wanted a system of government which was fair and guaranteed rights of liberty and freedom to the population. They no longer wanted poor farmers to lose their land to aristocrats who quickly turned them into slaves in perpetuity. They wanted participatory democracy which allowed citizens to debate and have voices in decision-making which affected their lives and their livelihood. The Athenians got their first wish from a prominent Athenian known as Solon. He started a system which gave more rights to Athenian citizens to debate and share their viewpoints on local issues and foreign policies. After more than 100 years of muddling through, a caring leader who was more responsive to the hopes and aspirations of the Athenian citizens emerged. His name was Cleisthenes. He represented the discontent among the working class, middle class and the military. He WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 Capitol in Washington D.C. der the Great circa 300 B.C.E. Alexander the Great, who was born in Pella, a small town in the city-state of Thessaloniki (now called Salonika), was a military general who wanted to end the concept of city-states in Greece and conquer neighbors such as the Turks, Egyptians and Syrians. After the conquest of Turkey, Alexander the Great built the first international highway, from Thessaloniki to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) which made it easier for people to move from Macedonian Greece to Turkey. After the conquest of Egypt, Alexander the Great named a major city for himself. It was called the city of Alexandria. Key concepts, design of the Athenian democracy According to the National Geographic Encyclopedia, ancient Greeks were the first to create the concept of democracy. The term democracy comes from two Greek words: “Demos” means people and “Kratos” means rule (or power). The meaning of democracy is “the idea that citizens of a country should take an active role in the government of their country and manage it directly or through elected representatives.” In a democracy, the people deliver the verdict. They have the right to replace a government, if they are not satisfied, through peaceful means of transferring power. The Greek concept of direct democracy is different from today’s democratic systems, which prefer representative democracy. According to history.com, the ancient Greek system was “composed of three separate institutions: the ‘Ekklessia,’ a sovereign governing body that wrote laws and dictated foreign policy; the ‘Boule,’ a council of represenintroduced political reforms, including equality before the law, to break the power of the nobility who ruled the city-state. Athenian democracy survived for more than two centuries. Only free men were allowed to participate — a minority of the population. Women and slaves were excluded from the political process. The Athenian system of democracy was suppressed by Alexantatives from the 10 tribes of Athens; and ‘Dikasteria,’ the popular court in which citizens argued cases before a group of lottery-selected jurors.” The literature of the poet Homer, “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey,” showed the Athenian citizens how to debate, how to navigate communal responsibilities, and how to question authorities that they came to have concerns about. In the book "The Iliad," Homer was able to JUNE 26, 2026 disseminate ideas about debate strategies, models of public discussion, and how a deliberative council worked. The books talked about passion and persuasion that mix to achieve political objectives, and the rejection of absolute monarchy. In conclusion, the evolution and development of the Athenian democracy left many questions and fewer answers. Around the 5th century B.C.E., Athen’s population was approximately 300,000 people. However, only about 50,000 Athenian citizens were allowed to participate in the city-state’s direct democracy. We know that women were not allowed to participate. We know that slaves were excluded and we know that other ethnic minorities were also excluded. Athens’ population composition in the 5th and 4th centuries B.C.E. was multiracial and multiethnic. The people of Athens were diverse. In the 4th century B.C.E., an Athenian public intellectual approached Socrates at the “Agora” (the marketplace for ideas in Athens) and said, “Socrates, who are you? Are you Greek? Are you an Athenian?” Socrates replied, “I am neither Greek nor Athenian. I am a citizen of the world. My heart is like no island cut off from other worlds. My heart is like a continent that joins all other worlds.” World-mindeness was an attitude - inculcated in all members of Athenian society. While they were willing to constantly debate domestic issues at the Agora, the Athenians were also very much interested in debates on foreign policy, including the questions of war and peace. The 27 year-old Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta was devastating. Socrates wrote about individual liberty and warned about the political consequences of religious interference; his pupil Plato wrote “Plato’s Republic,” and Plato’s pupil Aristotle wrote the constitution of Athens. Those writings guided American founding fathers like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin who spent time in Europe and were instrumental in the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia at the founding of the United States. Every Greek citizen during the Athenian democracy is considered a “public intellectual.” The ability to think critically and intensively was an ancient Greek tradition. Debates which go from rhetoric to action was also an ancient Greek tradition. Athenian Democracy led to the first concept of a city council and local governments, not just national governmental institutions. Many of our readers may be asking the question, "What are the lessons of Athenian democracy and experiments for America or other western democracies?” Some historians may say things like, “A revolution of the mind; people power to end monarchy, aristocracy and oligarchy.” They may add, “Searching for a government designed by the people for the people and for the interest of the people.” Some may also say, “Ideas of justice, fairness, dignity, liberty, freedom and community empowerment.” We know that the Athenian democracy lasted more than 200 years. But the American constitutional democracy is the longest lasting in the world. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence and revolution, let us hope that the nation will continue to take giant steps toward democracy, and more specificaly, equality, liberty, justice and of course, freedom. ׉ 7cassandra://71S1WjuuW4IdOG06wklg3Qeuk19WFSsoDhIyPFj3DPMR`j=wtw/2O׉E JUNE 26, 2026 INSP FIFA: The beautiful, bloated game? HANNAH MONDIWAAND AND MIKE MCNEELEY Megaphone With Vancouver poised to host seven matches for the 23rd FIFA Men’s World Cup from June 11 to July 19, excitement is building across the city. The 2026 games are being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. Vancouver and Toronto are the Canadian host cities in a soccer tournament that is considered the largest and most-watched sporting event in the world. Toronto is hosting six matches, bringing the Canadian commitment to 13 games. But with the cost per game in Canada now estimated at $82 million, according to a report from the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), many people are wondering: is it worth it? Vancouver is estimating that it will welcome 350,000 soccer fans for an event that is expected to generate $1 billion in visitor spending in British Columbia through 2031. The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will cost governments across Canada more than a billion dollars, the PBO report says. As Megaphone went to press, the CBC was reporting updated projections that show that the cost of hosting seven FIFA World Cup games in Vancouver has grown to around $700 million—or $100 million per game. Political leaders say that the global spotlight on Vancouver, as well as the tournament’s expected economic boost, present opportunities to create a lasting legacy. “The FIFA World Cup isn’t just a tournament but a historic moment to showcase our city on the world stage,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “We’re ready to welcome the world with open arms and create unforgettable memories for fans, families and future soccer stars alike. From the pitch to our public spaces, this is going to be a celebration of culture, community and the beautiful game.” Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief Jen Thomas is also highlighting the positive aspects of being a host city. “Our səlilwətaɬ community believes strongly in the power of sport and how it can inspire our people today and our next seven generations,” she said. “We are proud to work hand-in-hand with our partners to co-create and deliver an incredible tournament with a lasting legacy that benefits everyone.” That sense of optimism is echoed by BC’s premier. “Hosting FIFA World Cup matches will drive tourism and bring significant economic benefits as soccer fans from around the globe discover why our beautiful province is such a great place to visit and invest,” said David Eby. Out on the streets of Vancouver, the landscape has been gradually transforming into one big fan zone, with the area around the Vancouver Art Gallery festooned with decorative soccer balls, and the iconic Science World sphere restyled into "The Beautiful Dome”—a 40-metre recreation of the Adidas Trionda, the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026. On a sunny weekend, standing outside the gallery and under boldly coloured soccer balls representing Australia,the United States, Belgium, Canada, Qatar and others, Shareen Khan, a business owner and vendor at Robson Square, said that she is looking forward to the games. “It is summer in Vancouver. What an exciting time. We need a mix of culture and people. [FIFA] is a wonderful way to showcase our city.” Naim Patel, who works in the hospitality industry downtown, believes that hosting the event showcases the best of the city. “It’s totally worth it. We will get a lot of benefits … a lot of people will get employment. People from all over the world will come here to see how well-organized we are.” Arye Mondlak, bar manager at The Cordova Room, agrees. “It’s good for business, especially being close to the [BC Place] stadium. I love that we are going to be able to reach all sorts of customers throughout the world.” But alongside the enthusiasm, there is sharp criticism levelled at the costs— both financial and human—of hosting such a massive event. A coalition of housing advocates, labour organizers, drug user advocates and civil liberties groups say that there is another story unfolding: one that they argue deserves equal attention. On April 21, hundreds gathered to protest the city’s involvement in the World Cup near the Vancouver Convention Centre, where delegates were meeting for the 76th FIFA Congress, the legislative body of the International Association Football Federation. Demonstrators included hotel workers, housing advocates and unhoused residents, who aimed to draw attention to what they describe as the human and social costs of hosting the event. “The presentation of a ‘clean’ and ‘welcoming’ environment for tourists depends on an organized campaign of displacement and criminalization,” said Laura Macintyre, staff lawyer at Pivot Legal Society. “Vancouver’s residents are being kicked out of already precarious housing on Granville Street, told they can’t shelter in the two-kilometre radius surrounding BC Place, and A heavy police presences is expected throughout the games. Photos by Hannah Mondiwa / Megaphone. consistently displaced by police and bylaw … all to try to sanitize the city’s image.” The FIFA 2026 Bylaw gives the city broader authority over advertising, street vending, noise control, traffic, graffiti removal and the use of public space between May 13 and July 20. The majority of the changes will take effect within a two-kilometre “controlled zone” surrounding BC Place and the FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park. Advocates say that the influx of visitors and changes in policing patterns could disrupt already fragile conditions for people who use drugs, particularly in the Downtown Eastside. Vancouver is now entering its tenth year of a public health emergency related to the toxic drug supply. “In the Downtown Eastside, we know that policing has already changed for the soccer tournament,” said Dave Hamm, president of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users. He added that bylaw infractions and surveillance have increased. Labour concerns were also central to the protest. Unionized hotel workers say that while hotels may see increased revenue during the tournament, workers worry that the benefits will not extend to them. Cristina Figueroa from UNITE HERE Local 40 discussed fair wages and talked about hotel workers taking pride in their work and being ready to welcome the world. “FIFA will be raking in billions and billions of dollars. Some hotels will be charging over $1,000 a night for a room during the games. But too many hospitality workers can’t afford to live in the city,” she said. Pan Pacific workers have been in a contract negotiation for months and workers say that they are overworked and underpaid. “Will FIFA share their wealth and give a cut of their earnings to help working people in Vancouver? No,” said Figueroa. Housing advocates also questioned the city’s priorities. Athena Pranteau of AYX Bus Community questioned why there is no money for housing. “Where are the priorities? This is Vancouver, BC, Canada. Mayor Ken Sim, where are your priorities?” For some, the debate is not about whether sport can inspire, but about how to ensure that the legacy and benefits of the tournament extend to cities’ most vulnerable residents as well. The 2026 World Cup Watch aims to document all aspects of the games. According to its website, this group of scholars, activists and journalists are tracking the impacts of the World Cup and other mega events on cities across the world. Their “areas of concern” include city agreements and funding, labour, surveillance and policing, housing, the environment, health, techno-fascism, immigration and city “cleansing.” “Collectively, we have decades of experience researching and working with communities to understand and collaboratively document how mega events dispossess people of their homes, over-police whole communities, exacerbate climate change and environmental harm, gentrify neighbourhoods, and exploit workers,” the website states. To learn more about the impacts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit 2026worldcupwatch.org. For information about FIFA events in Vancouver, visit vancouverfwc26.ca. Courtesy of Megaphone / INSP.ngo GROUNDCOVER NEWS Many residents, tourists and business owners are looking forward to the opportunities that come with such a high-profile sporting event. Photo by Mike McNeeley / The Shift. 11 j=wtw/2Oj=wtw/2O בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://78niVvTvanVRHcEGG3osTGypJjlIqrQGCfPr3zFAm0A `I׉ 7cassandra://tKnPgZR19ah0mj5Yt793cV9AFJNNj3pWaLz8vpLVQa07`׉ 7cassandra://rHue4epotq9VqNLlbQ9Ph3DuNwrFAZ3Ha-4QR_l1fEEO`j=wuw/2O*נj=wvw/2O@ -9ׁHhttp://groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E$e12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES Will we Answer The Call For Blessings? Part 1 Somewhere in time – and recently in between essential errands, personal communications, a few job and volunteering seekings, and the last recent time! :/ I’ve sought ‘GC’ sales :0…, I came across a book that grabbed my attention while I was “charging” my phone and chargers. It’s a book about one of my favorite subjects; blessing. It’s a book by an Episcopal Cleric, Ms Adrian Dannhauser, entitled, “Ask me for a Blessing (You Know You Need One!)”. I picked up the book and started reading it, and I couldn’t put it down! (I did “check-it-out” at the circulation desk’ I “had to!” :) !!… ) If I wanted to, I could focus on all the particulars interspersed in this book that are directly contradictory to what GOD’S WORD, THE BIBLE, says. For example; I could fixate on what surely my Catholic friends and others and myself will surely regard as blasphemous! “Visions” of a woman with “a Staten Island accent,...a blue satin dress, and smoking a cigarette.” that the author claims is “Mary” (Dannhauser 118) The Mother of JESUS, appearing to her. Or, I could take up as a primary consideration, perhaps to rebuke the impugning of GOD that she includes in a poem by Catholic “monk and mystical poet (D 104) St John of The Cross that she writes of as having “scandalized” (D 104) her when she first read it (and it seems like that would really require “something!” :/…) If you desire to be Saved by JESUS, and be in Saving Relationship with HIM, Don’t “look-to” this book, for that. Dannhauser does recognize that it is Christian paradigm and doctrine that the means of fallen human Salvation occurs via CHRIST’S atoning blood. However she also variously hints at as if there are MANY! :0!!… ways and means to GOD, refers to THE HOLY SPIRIT in the feminine (D 98), and one could not find a “Romans Road” Salvation Map of any sort, in this book. She also disparages Christians exactly for seeking the Conversion – ie, The SALVATION that is BIBLICALLY ONLY! Via JESUS, in seeking Christian witness to others who don’t (yet?) believe-on HIM (D 20, 148-149), and seems to mock! The idea of Hell (D 20), though JESUS spoke of it more than any other person in the BIBLE. So what!? ??? ? do I LIKE? About this book? And what captured my wrapt attention for it? Throughout this book from Dannhauser there is just an engaging, candid earthiness; a witty depth of human perception, and loads! Of gracious human to human inspiration and understanding. Ironically, Ms Dannhauser’s “...Blessing...” book, specifically bless? What is our blessing mission and/or field? Who or what causes the most enthusiasm and passion in you, and why? There can be various specifics for AMANDA GALE Groundcover vendor No. 573 pulls us to GOD’S great tenderness, and HIS affirmings of us and that HE wants us to have for each other. So my article herein, is not a book review, but a reflective, thematic sojourn through some of the blessing mentionings that Ms Dannhauser’s book includes and touches upon. We each, all have an innate need for giving and receiving blessings; and the blessing life receives and gives the most benefits for each and all, and is therefore the most desirable. So what exactly is a blessing? Dannhauser offers several definitions— some her own and various inspirations from others. My best sum of words trying to perceive though not limit our experience of blessing is; an occurrence and/or declaration/pronouncement of a miracle, a gift, a greeting, a consecration, or favor/grace conferred from GOD and/or from one to another or each other. Blessing is elevating and esteeming. It looks past what isn’t, to what CAN! be. It looks beyond what is impossible and undesirable, to that realm of blissful realization that must occur via positive affirmations and willing reception of divine empowerment. Blessing says that we’re SPECIAL! – both the receiver and the giver – to be partaking in something so HOLY, and with each other. So what exactly does blessing do for the receivers and givers of it? Why do we need it? Amidst a myriad of very worthy topics, themes, and people-encounters that Dannhauser’s “...Blessing...” book mentions, I’m going to draw upon it for 3 themes about blessing/s that I want to share about. We humans – being in GOD’S image – though now also “Fallen” (cf Gen 3.6 w/7-13) – have some deep desires and needs. The blessing life/life of blessing meets us with purpose, value, and confident hope. Christians including myself affirm that we are created to glorify GOD, though also that HE really desires for us to enjoy HIM! and the relationships HE gives us, also. We also each have personal and vocational life callings. This can be thought of as for or to whom or what has GOD made us to each of us. I like Adrian Dannhauser’s inclusion of a Prayer from St Ignatius of Loyola—Founder of “the Order of The “Jesuits” “ (D 145) – though many Christians and myself share great concerns! about that “secret society” and believe that GOD DOESN’T! Establish these. I also don’t agree with praying to Mary – to whom this Prayer was originally addressed by Ignatius. However; here’s this beautiful PrayerThought that can of course be instead directed to GOD. Here it is, as my adaptation of it; “Place me with YOUR SON.” Dannhauser expands on this; Place me with Y(OUR) S(ON). Knowing it will sometimes hurt, place me with (YOUR) (son). Knowing it’s what the world needs, place me with Y(OUR) S(ON). Knowing I’ll have abundant life, place me with Y(OUR) S(ON). Place me with Y(OUR) S(ON), my L(ORD) and my LOVE.” (D 146) I have some additional prayer musings of my own, spawned from it; Let me be with YOUR SON—ALWAYS. Thank YOU that NOTHING! CAN EVER! SEPARATE us (cf Romans 8.38-39) Let me be ALWAYS where HE is, DOING WHAT HE DOES/IS DOING; Wherever HE is WELCOME, and There is NEED. Please bless me to Receive and Bless SPECIAL People in my LIFE with YOUR HOLY LOVE. GIVE me YOUR SPIRIT’S FIRE. Please use me as one of YOUR BLESSING Vessels. In JESUS’ Name, Amen. JESUS always brings blessing to those who will receive HIM. HIS presence with us is a blessing and invites blessing/s. Thus whoever is “With HIM” will innately bring HIS blessings to others. Another aspect of our deep desires and needs as beings human, is for affirmation of our worth and value. So where do we find JESUS, in HIS 1st Advent on This Earth? always busy doing good, praying to HIS/our FATHER; AND OFTEN WITH THE POOR AND THE OUTCAST. Dannhauser mentions that the primacy JESUS gives, “to people experiencing hardship and those standing...with... them...” is undeniable.” (D 115) Dannhauser also references, that in the Beatitudes, “we get quite the list of people whom JESUS calls blessed: the poor, the hungry, those who weep, those who mourn,...the persecuted... (etc).” (D 114) She also mentions “Liberation Theology”, “which started as a movement in the 1960s within the Catholic Church and Latin America and also with Black Churches in the United States...(It) begins with the presumption that people who suffer from poverty and injustice are a privileged channel for GOD’S grace.” (D 116) Students of history will realize this is a direct contrast to the “Divine Right of Kings” theory – which basically suggests that simply because a person or group is in a position of power—that that somehow evidences as if GOD is giving them approval to do “whatever!” they want (quotation, mine). Imperialism stems from thought trend such as this. As if we have something that somehow as if means that we are to selfishly and even oppressively use it—it it’s our desire to do so. The wealthy can conquer and wield-over, as they like. Further approving of “Liberation Theology”, Dannhauser mentions that this view recognizes that “GOD is with the least and the marginal in a way that G(OD) is not with the rest of the world. G(OD) sides with them and invites everyone to do the same.” (D 116) However, the often violent! Revolutions that “Liberation Theology” asserts, also contrasts the peaceful blessing SPIRIT OF CHRIST. And besides, our need goes deeper still, to the core of our beings for GOD’S blessing and receiving of us. For those of us willing to accept JESUS and receive GOD’S grace, Dannhauser’s reminder that “G(OD) approves of us even when G(OD) doesn’t approve of what we’re doing” (D 42), exactly! rings true. Of course we know that JESUS suffered and died to atone for our sin/s and will thus forgive whomever reveives HIM! ; but do we really let it sink into our consciousness and our hearts that JESUS suffered and “died for (us) because (we’re) worth it” (D 88) ?, as Dannhauser so beautifully, relevantly reminds us. As Christian Contemporary Singing-Artist Zach Williams also reminds us; There’s only love in the heart of GOD; HE’S not sittin’ there writin’ you off, wishin’ you lost. HE’s not sittin’ there writin’ you off; HE went to that Cross, HE went to that Cross!” (Zach Williams, Jonathan Smith, Erin Hulse ; “Heart of G(OD; )” To be Continued... JUNE 26, 2026 ׉ 7cassandra://rHue4epotq9VqNLlbQ9Ph3DuNwrFAZ3Ha-4QR_l1fEEO`j=wtw/2O׉E"JUNE 26, 2026 AUGUST PRIMARY  MAYORS from page 9 It has been hard to expand housing, but there has been an increase of 1200 new affordable units, with social services on site. Efforts are underway to help build another shelter. I'm hoping to get a full unarmed response program on the way. County Commissioner Rabhi: Everyone is dissatisfied with the state of things. We are paying more for goods and services, but the services received are getting worse. Fire and public safety don’t have enough staff and lack funding to address training as well as equipment gaps. Property owners and renters aren’t getting what they are paying for, because the city keeps giving out tax breaks to large corporations. The tax breaks are moving the city in the wrong direction, as the money goes into the developers’ pockets, and taxpayer money is spent on consultants from outside the community. In my current role, I created Washtenaw Dental Clinic in conjunction with the health department, so people with no insurance, or with medicaid, can receive dental care. As Mayor, I would like to put more into direct resources on the ground in order to increase access to case workers, to help decrease homelessness by increasing access to resources, to eliminate evictions. For example, increasing supportive services for seniors, which may promote access to addressing resource gaps such as replacing a heater, energy efficiency or funding to improve accessibility. Keeping seniors in their homes decreases the demand for subsidized housing. I would like to create a renters office, with renter advocates, where any renter having an issue with a landlord can get legal services, have an advocate, and get support with a building complaint. I would like to pass the tenant’s bill of rights. I support it fully. I’m anti-dispacement. We are seeing gentrification and displacement happening. Minority communities and businesses are facing displacement. I would create an office of anti-displacement, to push back against predatory practices. For example, addressing issues with past foreclosures or preventing foreclosures, creating payment plans, or paying off mortgages are ways of preventing displacement and keeping people in their homes. While current homeless sheltering options are not adequate, we are spending millions each year, and the money being spent on winter hotels each year could have purchased a year-round site in four years. Mayor Brown: A lot of people see a construction project and may think it was just decided on or just showed up one day. What they don't see are the years of conversations, relationship building, grant applications and advocacy that happen behind the scenes to make those projects possible. As mayor, I've spent a lot of time working with city staff and our county, state, and federal partners to make sure Ypsilanti is in a position to compete for funding and bring those dollars back home. Every outside dollar we can secure is one less dollar that has to come directly from local taxpayers. Examples include road improvements, water system improvements and park updates. If there is one thing I'd change tomorrow for taxpayers and homeowners, it would be making it easier for people to stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love without feeling financially squeezed every year. That's a goal I continue to work toward, even if I don't have all the levers to make it happen on my own. One example (related to renting) would be my work around nuisance and problem properties. I hear from renters and homeowners all the time about poorly maintained properties, absentee landlords and ongoing quality-of-life issues that impact entire neighborhoods. As mayor, I can't personally enforce ordinances or order repairs, but I can help make sure those concerns get attention. Honestly, I'd like to see a permanent shelter and more supportive housing options in Ypsilanti and our surrounding municipalities. We've brought on over 350 units of affordable housing since I've been elected in Ypsi, but it's not enough. If I had more authority, I'd accelerate the creation of more shelter beds, supportive housing and services so people have somewhere to go besides the street. Councilwoman Fellows: Dorsey Estates (newly constructed housing located behind Depot Town) is one of the developments that came out of the Community Benefits ordinance. Some of the people who live there are first-time homeowners, have fixed incomes, some are the first in their family to own a home; some are essential workers and/or municipal workers. I’m the only person on council who has been bringing up tax reform. It doesn't make sense to flat-tax everyone. There is lots of exploitation, as there is a ban on progressive taxation. I started a tenants rights committee, which had its first meeting in May. The purpose is to start rolling out policy to hold landlords accountable with more than fines for criminal acts related to management of properties. I would also like to see a more bold GROUNDCOVER NEWS 13 challenge to the state rent control ban. For the unhoused, I don’t feel we’ve accomplished enough, we should have had a shelter already. The county is holding it up. A permanent shelter should be designed by the community and integrated with other resources — harm reduction, outdoor safe tenting and response team. I have always been a community organizer, but a position on city council gives me more of a potent position. I can’t do it by myself. As mayor I would have a bigger megaphone. I could change how meetings and voting are run. Currently, leadership can push me out. I’m good at applying pressure. According to Fellows, if she wins, then her Ypsi City Council position will go to an appointment. According to one of Rabhi’s campaign representatives, if he wins, then his County Commissioner seat will go to the board for appointment within 30 days. If they decide to not appoint, it triggers a special election. In conclusion, all four candidates are very active in their community. Constituents engaged while researching this article generally find all of the candidates to be approachable, kind, caring and knowledgeable. However, these constituents are also expressing a desire to move in a new direction that better reflects active input from constituents and doesn’t promote predatory, exploitative practices. Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling an issue more than 4 weeks old. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code or leave positive review of a Vendor experience please email contact@ groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. j=wtw/2Oj=wtw/2O בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://ptECFwYuxFrokV-fDDR3CKMD4PaQc7A_rt3Y-DtK9zs8`I׉ 7cassandra://_jxxHZIHmMJcdvtk5zJ72ia4Z9nFj_LS0fuMd_tU97I`׉ 7cassandra://YxzGsuw22V6d4jP6JUYYbezJQbF5I5egCP6AQKUeuBwP`j=wuw/2O4נj=wuw/2O-9׉H=http://www.washtenaw.org/4448/Current-Election-Information%20Gׁ ׁ rנj=wuw/2O.9׉H=http://www.washtenaw.org/4448/Current-Election-Information%20Gׁ ׁ rנj=wuw/2O/7[9׉Hhttp://vote411.orgGׁ ׁ rנj=wvw/2OH;[9ׁHhttp://vote411.orgׁ ׁ Јנj=wvw/2OG 9ׁHhttp://www.washtenaw.org/4448/ׁ ׁ Јנj=wvw/2OFt̎9ׁHhttp://mi.us/Voter/Indexׁ ׁ Јנj=wvw/2OE_y9ׁHhttp://mvic.sos.stׁ ׁ Јנj=wvw/2OD΁p9ׁHhttp://Michigan.gov/ׁ ׁ Ј׉E d14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PUZZLES EVEN BETTER Tracy Bennett and Victor Fleming 12345 678910 14 17 20 23 24 25 28 30 37 40 41 44 45 47 48 49 52 54 61 64 55 56 57 62 65 63 66 © Tracy Bennett and Victor Fleming (published via Adobe Acrobat DC) ACROSS 1. "The Ecstasy" poet John ___ 6. Hindu mystic 11. Took to the shadows 14. Kick out 15. He's more roaster than rooster 16. Wonderment 17. Leniency, turned up a notch 19. ObGyn, for one 20. Lumberjack action 21. Crisler Center is one 23. Fairness, turned up a notch 26. Transparency, turned up a notch 28. One-named "OMG" singer 29. Ewe did what? 30. Some membership fees 31. Cock of the walk's walk 33. O god? 37. Aretha Franklin's "___ You Sure" 38. Consensus, turned up a notch 39. Marrying words 40. Find the same groove 42. Lets up 43. Columbian kitty 44. Italian alternative 46. Saoirse of "Lady Bird" 47. Attachment, turned up a notch 50. Mettle, turned up a notch 52. Suspect story 53. Coen brothers film turned FX series 54. Not a lick 55. With "the," a goal of selfless acts ... and this puzzle's theme 61. Apple tester? 62. Bisect 63. 6-time Tony winner McDonald 64. École ___ Beaux-Arts 65. Mary-Moore go-between 66. Roosevelt bear DOWN 1. See 9-Down 2. Hug and a kiss, and another hug 3. WEMU news letters? 4. Counters 5. Magical potion 6. Diorama or panorama 7. Designing Vera 8. Galoot 9. With 1-Down, "The Ecstatic" rapper aka Yasiin Bey 10. Off the hook, as they say 11. Underworld boss of old 12. Contrary words 13. Molder 18. "The Wizard of Oz" director Fleming, to friends 22. Perform once again 23. Traitorous disciple 24. Excessive interest? 25. Glossy effect 26. ___ couture 27. Some four-letter words 29. Low-lying vegetation 31. Atrial implant 32. "Fast Car" singer Chapman 34. ___ Prince aka Wonder Woman 35. Luggage dangler 36. Nary a soul 41. Crustacean in cakes 43. Defy civilized norms 45. Land safely 46. Ankle-biter of sorts 47. Stayed home in PJs, say 48. Boozer's bitter fruit 49. "Jeepers!" 50. Serve a function? 51. Mined material 53. Bestest 56. Solar beam 57. Final end? 58. Not even 59. LGA : New York :: ___ : Chicago 60. ___ of reckoning Originally published in the September 2018 edition of Groundcover News. 53 58 59 60 50 51 31 32 38 42 46 43 29 33 34 35 36 39 26 27 18 21 22 15 11 12 13 16 19 JUNE 26, 2026 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS June 12, 2026 edition D 1 14 17 ? 20 24 O N H O 33 38 42 45 T R A P 54 S ? 60 64 67 T A G 2 A R I E L 34 H E R E 55 E R T E 3 D O N N A 35 C U B A 56 C O E N 61 J A R 4 A 15 W 18 21 R F 28 39 49 B O N O R Y 29 K O 36 N E R U N 57 G A M E 5 C H A I 25 R M A N 46 T E E N 6 E E N 26 E O N S 47 65 68 D B A T H E 7 R E D 22 O N D O 43 C U R S O R Y 8 B L O T T O 40 M I T T 62 R I A 9 A 16 19 M R E D 41 E N T H 58 U S E D B H O R R 37 E N C E 59 N E S S 10 P R O 27 S A L T 48 R 50 A M 51 63 66 69 B A N F F 52 I D E A L 53 T E A R Y 30 44 G O O N 31 O P R Y 32 N E S T 11 23 P O U T 12 L O S E 13 E D E N ׉ 7cassandra://YxzGsuw22V6d4jP6JUYYbezJQbF5I5egCP6AQKUeuBwP`j=wtw/2O׉E JUNE 26, 2026 AUGUST PRIMARY voting INFORMATION Absentee voting starts June 25. Optional early voting starts July 6. Mandatory early voting starts July 25. Election day is Tuesday, August 4 (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)! WHO CAN VOTE? Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and must have lived in the city/township in which they registered for 30 days. Voters cannot be serving a sentence in jail or prison at the time of registering or voting. REGISTRATION If you have a Michigan driver's license or state ID, you can regsiter to vote online. Start the process at Michigan.gov/ Vote. You can register any time up through Election Day by going to your city or township clerk's office; bring your proof of residency. Ann Arbor: 301 E. Huron St Pittsfield Township: 6201 W Michigan Ave, Ann Arbor Ypsilanti: 1 S. Huron St. Ypsilanti Township: 7200 S. Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti WHERE TO VOTE? Find your polling place or early voting sites at mvic.sos.state. mi.us/Voter/Index View the official list of candidates for the Democratic and Republican party, as well as the official list of proposals at: www.washtenaw.org/4448/ Current-Election-Information ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS? Report an election issue by calling: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-6878683) Call or text 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español) ONE STOP SHOP FOR PERSONALIZED VOTING INFO vote411.org After a June 19 meeting with Lima Township NUANCE residents, Michigan elected officials formed a legal and regulatory committee.  LIMA from page 7 of Chelsea, and supported by Chelsea City Manager Elle Cole has created a powerful platform to leverage the power and resources of Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Scio, Sylvan, Lyndon, Freedom townships and surrounding communities to team up and support Lima Township in this fight of a lifetime that impacts all the residents — children, seniors, families — who live near or downwind from the proposed power plant.” Great Lakes Environmental Law Center GLELC staff attorney Andrew Bashi has been fighting these sorts of polluters for his whole career. “First thing to understand, there are GROUNDCOVER NEWS 15 definitely some unique harms that many are not aware of beyond the danger of the particulates. Sleeper issues that are often more threatening for day to day life to residents. Fire risk, the noise and heat island effect creates immediate and long term disturbances. These are not nuisances, these are serious life and death concerns.” As the threats to our region's quality of life compile, Bashi offers some optimism. “These community fights matter. I believe this push to build data centers will not continue at this rate. Our job now is to throw as many wrenches into the cogs to slow things down. And that is what we are doing.” j=wtw/2Oj=wtw/2O בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://jisCmSjYpVrHxTJ63iL8mzIys8dqrM7PBJfKMctoW-o`׉ 7cassandra://jY6FZMLP8R5nSSbGPgCSTWgfv0L4XPhzyQiZ74HsRx8͙`h׉ 7cassandra://PF-qeddUyD0wiMDtqypGzqqqgRh4YsACAKAvb6_O5zY1`j=wuw/2O;נj=wuw/2O6̙݁9׉Hhttp://avalonhousing.org/applyGׁ ׁ rנj=wuw/2O7+9׉Hhttp://avalonhousing.org/applyGׁ ׁ rנj=wuw/2O?Sd 9ׁHhttp://PEOPLESFOOD.COOPׁ ׁ Јנj=wuw/2O=̙9ׁHhttp://avalonhousing.org/ׁ ׁ Ј׉E16 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Vegetarian taco salad ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients 4 cups romaine lettuce 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 1⁄2 cup black beans 1 cup corn (roasted works best, removed from husk) 3/4 cup finely chopped tomatoes 1⁄3 cup thinly sliced green onion 3⁄4 cup grated cheddar cheese 1 cup crushed tortilla chips Dressing: 1/3 cup sour cream 3 T. red salsa 3/4 t. ground cumin Salt to taste 1⁄2 lime Directions Make the dressing by using a small blender to puree the sour cream, salsa, cumin, salt and juice from the lime half. Chop the lettuce and combine chopped vegetables with the beans, corn, chips and cheese. Incorporate the dressing and serve immediately. This has become a favorite! ypsilanti housing APPLY NOW Applications open for 206 North Washington in Ypsilanti Avalon Housing is very excited to announce that we are now taking applications for residents to live at Avalon’s first building in Ypsilanti, 206 North Washington St. You can find the online application form at avalonhousing.org/ apply. All of the available units are one-bedroom. Maximum occupancy is two people per apartment. The income requirements are: • One-person household: $1,650 – $4,840 monthly ($19,800 – $58,140 annually) • Two-person household: $1,650 – $5,500 monthly ($19,800 – $66,480 annually) (total household income) Rent will be $825/month, including utilities. The first move-in date will be Oct. 1. Applications are due June 30. Eligible applicants will be selected by a random lottery. JUNE 26, 2026 PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI MAKE MEALS YOU LOVE! Fresh ingredients to $5 OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. 07/23/2026 OFFER EXPIRES 5/30/2026 ׉ 7cassandra://PF-qeddUyD0wiMDtqypGzqqqgRh4YsACAKAvb6_O5zY1`j=wtw/2O׈Ej=wtw/2Oj=wtw/2O ,June 26, 2026j=wrS