Tommy Simon, 1/10/12

Writer, humorist

Let me say, as a young gentrifier, it's not that easy. Aside from my daily struggle of squeezing my legs into my skinny jeans, life is not a trust-fund joyride when you're a partially employed member of Detroit's creative class.

Scott Janssen, 1/10/12

Master's degree in Political Science, co-founder of national effort to thank educators

There has been plenty of coverage of America's economic downturn in recent years but there has been one glaring hole: the perspective of the recent college graduate attempting to wade through such uncertainty.

Ryan Mack, 1/10/12

Financial Expert and Economic Commentator

For the year of 2012, it is time to start asking the right questions which enable us to focus on those things that we can control. Here are a few basic questions you should be asking yourself for this year:

Ann Brenoff, 1/9/12

Senior Writer, The Huffington Post

Come on Detroit; don't make us beg. Or appeal to Japan.

Laura Paull, 1/8/12

Laura Paull is Supervising Editor for Citizen Journalism at The Huffington Post and a contributing writer.

"My return to Bakersfield has made me personally aware of the economic situation this region of the state is facing. Not only have I, like many 2011 college graduates throughout the country, been having a hard time finding a job in this jobless economy, but as I look around my neighborhood I see abandoned houses everywhere."

Paul Ruth, 1/6/12

Secondary English teacher

With his calm and quiet demeanor, Rick Santorum has taken the nomination race by storm, becoming the most exciting candidate the Republicans have.

Daniel Cherrin, 1/5/12

Public relations and affairs specialist; former Communications Director for the City of Detroit

Detroit and Detroiters changed the way people live, work and enjoy their lives. Detroit then and Detroit today, stands as an emblem of America's spirit.

Peggy Brennan, 1/10/12

Co-owner, Green Garage

In addition to the creative benefits of repurposing, consider the cost savings. Other than labor, many of the materials are free.

Jonathan Timm, 1/4/12

Freelance journalist; Intern, WDET-FM

Not every family will be able bring rallies to their front lawns, but hopefully, the increasing momentum of the Henrys' fight is a sign of many more to come.

Emily Dievendorf, 1/3/12

Director of Policy, Equality Michigan

When I received word that Gov. Snyder signed the ban on health care coverage for domestic partners I choked. At this point, it is impossible not to recognize the terrible insults that the LGBT community faces in Michigan.

Lawrence J. Hanley, 1/5/12

International President, Amalgamated Transit Union in DC; Member of the AFL-CIO's Executive Council

Mass transit is in crisis across the nation. Over the past two years, 84 percent of transit systems have raised fares, cut service, or are considering either of these measures in the near future.

Howard Learner, 1/3/12

Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center

Let's move forward with these common-sense national mercury pollution reduction standards to protect children's health and the Great Lakes and other community waterways for all.

Meagan Elliott, 1/10/12

Ph.D. candidate in sociology, The University of Michigan

We don't need to wait for physical displacement to happen before we address ways to make sure it doesn't. The media in Detroit has the opportunity to seize on changes happening here in order to emphasize racial and class-based diversity.

Morgan Pehme, 1/4/12

Executive director, New York Civic

Many citizens believe that they could do a better job in government than our elected officials, if only they had the chance to serve. Running for office, however, is an enormously complicated, confusing, and expensive endeavor.