BTL Staff
World AIDS Day Calendar
Ann Arbor Nov. 21 – Dec. 5 Select works from the Siyazama Project, a community-based arts initiative created by and for women artists in South Africa, brings awareness to a region ravaged by HIV / AIDS, University of Michigan Museum of Art., 525 [...]
National News Briefs
Compiled by Dawn Wolfe Politics House tells Delay to release Hate Crimes bill WASHINGTON - In a 213-186 procedural vote - with 31 Republicans - the U.S. House voted Sept. 29 in favor of passing the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes [...]
First Openly Lesbian MMA Fighter Wins UFC 207
BY BTL STAFF News flash: Amanda Nunes dominated Ronda Rousey in the main event of UFC 207 on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas, and won with a knockout in 48 seconds of Round 1. "I'm the champion here, Amanda Nunes, the lioness!" she said after. Original MMA [...]
Franklin Graham, Other Anti-LGBT Clergy Booked for Trump Inauguration
BY BTL STAFF A host of anti-LGBT clergy members will participate in Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, including Rev. Franklin Graham and Archbishop Timothy Dolan, according to a report by the Advocate. Trump's inaugural committee today [...]
Overdose Reversal Bill Becomes Law
BY BTL STAFF Photo courtesy of Gov. Rick Snyder's Office TRAVERSE CITY – Newly signed legislation will provide Michigan residents more access to medication that reverses overdoses from heroin and other opioids, according to a Traverse City Record [...]
Gay Couple Wins HGTV House in Ann Arbor
BY BTL STAFF ANN ARBOR – Brandon Hickson-Hamilton was sitting at home with his husband watching HGTV when he saw an advertisement for a contest to win the Urban Oasis house in Ann Arbor. As a self-described fan of the channel, he'd seen several [...]
I Never Had a Problem with Being Gay': George Michael, LGBT Rights Champion, Remembered
By BTL STAFF George Michael will be remembered for his work as a prominent gay rights campaigner as well as for his glittering pop career, the Guardian reports. The performer, who died from heart failure on Christmas Day aged 53, had been a fervent [...]
McCormick and Francis: LGBT Youth Should Be a Top Priority in CPS Overhaul
BY BTL STAFF Gov. Greg Abbott's recent directive to officials at the Department of Family and Protective Services to ramp up their efforts to protect endangered children in the foster care system has placed the spotlight on some of the systemic [...]
$31M Apartment Complex to Fill Last 'Void' in Midtown
BY BTL STAFF DETROIT – Developers will break ground this spring on a five-story, 110-unit apartment building planned for the last large vacant area on Woodward in Midtown, according to a report by The Detroit News. The mixed-use development will [...]
Brewhouse' Among New Restaurants, Stores at Grand Rapids Airport
BY BTL STAFF GRAND RAPIDS – Beer City USA is a distinction twice earned and still claimed by Grand Rapids, which claims dozens of breweries spread through the city and surrounding areas, according to an MLive.com report. So perhaps it's [...]
Birmingham Spa Hosts Party for Special Group of Teens
BY BTL STAFF Rivage Day Spa pampered a group of teens from Wish Upon a Teen with mini-pedicures. BIRMINGHAM – The Birmingham Spa and Wish Upon a Teen combined to host a Spa Day for teenage girls battling serious medical conditions, according to a [...]
Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. Names Board Member Andrew Haan President
BY BTL STAFF KALAMAZOO – Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated has named board member Andrew Haan as its new president, according to an MLive.com report. "Andrew comes to this position with a pronounced passion for downtown Kalamazoo, an understanding of [...]