A2P Notes: The News Chix, anchored by Millie W. Benson, weighs in on the subject of crime reporting this week. On August 8, 2011, A2Politico posted a feature piece titled, “Mayor & Police Chief’s Longtime Claims That “Crime Is Down” Bogus? AAPD Sources Reveal Crime Reports Not Filed & Allege Crimes Misclassified.” Perhaps if you live in Ann Arbor you’ve seen the advertisements plastered on the AATA buses trumpeting the fact that rape in Ann Arbor is down 46 percent. That must be a comfort to some politico, somewhere, but the city’s batting zero in its efforts to nab the suspected serial rapist who recently attacked six woman.

In this latest episode of The News Chix, Millie W. Benson breaks the story that Ann Arbor has completely overhauled its crime reporting system for the “convenience” of city residents. To report a crime in Ann Arbor is now as simple as 1-2-3. Well, and a little hunting on the city’s web site for a photo of the crime—without photos crimes can’t be reported. Oh, and don’t forget the 14-digit code. Then, just call 911 and it will be smooth sailing from there. With just a couple of minor exceptions. Benson, a long-time resident of Ann Arbor, and keen-eyed political observer, reports on local politics like, well, no other sock puppet wearing dangly earrings can. In this third episode, Benson once again scoops the local media with her segment, and reveals that calling Pakistan to report a home invasion is just the thing to reduce crime, save money and help Ann Arbor residents feel safer despite the drastic cuts made to the city’s police force over the past several years. To watch other episodes of the News Chix, click here or press 1 on your cell phone. Click here to follow the News Chix on Twitter.

A2P Notes: The News Chix, anchored by Millie W. Benson, weighs in on the subject of awards this week. Did you know the City of Ann Arbor spends millions of dollars on a 15-member staff whose job it is to apply for awards? Yes, really. Did you think the awards won by Ann Arbor were, well, just given out based on merit? Benson, a long-time resident of Ann Arbor, and keen-eyed political observer, reports on local politics like, well, no other sock puppet wearing dangly earrings can. In this second episode, Benson reports on a very prestigious award given to Ann Arbor’s mayor, John Hieftje. She once again scoops the local media with her segment, and reveals to Ann Arbor residents Mayor John Hieftje’s plan for his city to have at least one award for something, well, anything, per resident. To watch other episodes of the News Chix, click here. Click here to follow the News Chix on Twitter.

A2P Notes: The News Chix, anchored by Millie W. Benson, debuts this week. Benson, a long-time resident of Ann Arbor, and keen-eyed political observer, reports on local politics like, well, no other sock puppet wearing dangly earrings can. In this first episode, Benson reports on cuts to safety services, in particular the reduction in the number of firefighters who will respond to calls. She scoops the local media with her “garden hose” segment, and passes along to Ann Arbor residents Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje’s helpful tips, hints and suggestions should a conflagration happen to break out. Hint: don’t stash that soaker system just yet. A2Politico readers can look forward to more News Chix reporting. Or not. To send new tips to the News Chix, readers will find a convenient drop box in the basement of the Larcom Building, closed for the past eight months, due to flooding after a $4.9 million dollar renovation, but expected to be open when some elected official takes note and moves to get the situation resolved, or when hell freezes over. Whichever comes sooner.