Rebecca Thiele became the Arts & More producer for WMUK in 2011. Rebecca also assists the station with social media practices and occasionally anchors during All Things Considered. She is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
More than 14,000 people statewide and hundreds in the West Michigan area were without power this morning. According to Consumers Energy’s outage map, some residents living near Battle Creek are still without power.
WEST MICHIGAN -- Hundreds of West Michigan residents are without power this morning after another winter storm whipped through the area Tuesday night. Consumers Energy reports there are 224 customers without power in Allegan County and nearly 200 in Kent County before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27.
The 2012 Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests show the achievement gap in the state is widening. The average achievement gap is up two points from last year. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports some of the largest gaps were in schools with high proficiency overall.
Area schools saw slight improvements in math and reading on this year's state tests for elementary and middle-school students, but the story wasn't the same for every child. The fall 2012 Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests showed schools still struggle to help minority and low-income students perform as well as other kids.
A bill that makes photographing rural or industrial property illegal passed in the Indiana state senate yesterday. The South Bend Tribune reports the issue now moves to the house. Activists have criticized the bill, arguing the legislation makes it easier for big companies to hide workplace injustices and animal cruelty. Proponents of the bill say it protects farmers’ privacy.
Michigan governor Rick Snyder says a tax credit for low income residents is redundant. According to Interlochen Public Radio, state democrats want to revitalize the Earned Income Tax Credit, which has faced significant budget cuts in the past few years. But Snyder says residents with low wages already receive the credit.
Imagine a giant snowball fight, only instead of snow, everyone has a handful of a different colored powder. That’s what the Hindu holiday of Holi is like in India. Here in Michigan, the India Association of Kalamazoo will hold its Spring Festival on Saturday to celebrate Holi and other Indian festivals that mark the coming of spring.
