Michigan Advance wins second straight Michigan Press Association News Media Publication of the Year
Susan J. Demas photo and illustration
The Michigan Advance has been named the Michigan Press Association's News Media Publication of the Year for 2024, the second straight year the publication has won the organization's top honor.
The awards were announced Thursday evening at the association's annual gathering in Frankenmuth. The theme for the event was 'Journalism…Democracy in Action.'
In total, the Michigan Advance took home 17 awards spanning 18 categories in the 2024 MPA Better Newspaper Contest, including first place for Government/Education News, Sports Writing, Digital Presentation, News Photo, and Feature Photo.
'Myself and the staff at Michigan Advance are incredibly honored to have again been selected as News Media Publication of the Year by the Michigan Press Association. This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication to public service journalism, spanning in-depth government coverage to compelling visual storytelling. Our back-to-back win reinforces the Advance's commitment to informing and engaging Michiganders every single day,' said Editor-in-Chief Jon King.
The annual contest ran from Aug. 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024.
The Michigan Advance is a member of States Newsroom, the nation's largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. The network reports on politics and policy from every capital, with coverage provided free of charge – without pop-ups, paywalls or ads.
Competing against other statewide publications, Michigan Advance won second place in 2021 and 2022 for Newspaper of the Year. Previously, the Advance was named the 2020 Newspaper of the Year for Class D weekly publications. The Advance also took second place for Newspaper of the Year in that category in 2019.
'The annual Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest gives our members a chance each year to assess and put forth their team's best work in journalism, photojournalism, column writing, graphic design and advertising,' said Wes Smith, Michigan Press Association past president and group publisher of View Newspaper Group.
'It is a rare moment in our profession where we allow ourselves to reflect and experience something akin to satisfaction for a job well done. Anyone in this business today is in it, not for kudos, but because of a passion and desire to serve our readers, our advertisers and our communities.'
2024 Statewide News Media Publication of the Year
1st Place – Best Digital Presentation – Nelle Dunlap, Goran Butorac, Susan J. Demas
1st Place – Government/Education News – Was Ottawa County's newest commissioner punished for running? – Sarah Leach
2nd Place – Government/Education News – 'Trauma after trauma': Nassar survivors grapple with another sexual abuse investigation at MSU – Anna Gustafson
1st Place – Best Newspaper/Publication Design – Nelle Dunlap, Goran Butorac, Susan J. Demas
1st Place – Sports Writing – Riley Gaines' selection as commencement speaker riles some Adrian College alums – Jon King
1st Place – News Photo – Supporters defiantly wave Trump's mug shot as he speaks in Detroit – Andrew Roth
2nd Place – News Photo – President Biden warns Trump is out for 'revenge' – Andrew Roth
1st Place – Feature Photo – Ms. Tea says the rent is 'too damn high' – Anna Liz Nichols
2nd Place – Feature Photo – Abortion rights loom large in 2024 campaign – Lucy Valeski
3rd Place – Feature Photo – Legendary singer Diana Ross wows Detroit at Michigan Central Station reopening – Andrew Roth
2nd Place – Reporter of the Year – Anna Liz Nichols
2nd Place – Spot News Story – Michigan State University to release thousands of Nassar documents, Nessel reopens investigation – Anna Liz Nichols
2nd Place – Best Page or Pages Design – 'Yearning for help': Teen dating violence survivors and allies call for more education on abuse – Anna Liz Nichols, Susan J. Demas
2nd Place – News Enterprise Reporting – LGBTQ+ Michiganders struggle for rights, acceptance – Jon King, Anna Liz Nichols, Andrew Roth
3rd Place – News Enterprise Reporting – The 'mom gap': Few mothers have served in the Michigan Legislature while raising children – Anna Liz Nichols
3rd Place – Business/Agriculture News – 'We fight the good fight and continue forward'- Jon King, Susan J. Demas
3rd Place – Opinion – Rick Haglund
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Explore dual citizenship or long-term residency options. You can enjoy greater legal security and stability in the country of your choice if you acquire dual citizenship or have a long-term, stable residency. You can enjoy greater legal security and stability in the country of your choice if you acquire dual citizenship or have a long-term, stable residency. Stay informed. Follow local news outlets and pay attention to any advisories issued by the U.S. State Department regarding your country of residence. 9. Maintaining Ties: Don't Burn Bridges Back Home If you intend to move abroad permanently, maintaining certain connections with the U.S. can be invaluable; Maintain a U.S. mailing address. This can simplify tax matters, banking communications, and voter registration. This can simplify tax matters, banking communications, and voter registration. Keep your U.S. driver's license (or obtain an international one). This can be useful if you need to return occasionally or make occasional visits. This can be useful if you need to return occasionally or make occasional visits. Register with the U.S. embassy . If you register your presence with them, you can receive assistance from the U.S. embassy in your new country in case of an emergency. If you register your presence with them, you can receive assistance from the U.S. embassy in your new country in case of an emergency. Consider maintaining a small U.S. property or residence. This can be a fallback option if your circumstances abroad unexpectedly change. In addition to providing peace of mind, this flexibility can be highly practical. 10. The Trial Run: Take a 'Test Drive' Before Committing Fully Spend three to six months living in your target destination before moving permanently. As a result of this 'trial retirement,' you gain invaluable insights into; Assess the climate, the community, and healthcare. Get a sense of the daily realities of the climate, interact with the local community, and evaluate the quality and accessibility of healthcare. Get a sense of the daily realities of the climate, interact with the local community, and evaluate the quality and accessibility of healthcare. Refine your budget. You can refine your budget based on a more accurate understanding of the actual cost of living. You can refine your budget based on a more accurate understanding of the actual cost of living. Adjust to the culture and daily life. Become familiar with the culture, learn daily routines, and assess your comfort level in the new environment. Become familiar with the culture, learn daily routines, and assess your comfort level in the new environment. Evaluate the distance from family and friends. Consider its emotional impact on you if you live far from your existing network of friends and family. Often, short-term rental agreements and digital nomad visas make this transition and evaluation more convenient. Final Thoughts: Charting a Course for a Financially Secure Global Retirement Retiring abroad can be the start of a new chapter in your life. Realizing this dream, though, takes careful planning, research, and understanding the unique financial landscape of international living. Don't be afraid to weigh your options, run the numbers, and get expert advice. A little preparation and financial awareness could help you trade the familiar for the foreign and enjoy a richer, more adventurous, and even more affordable retirement. FAQs Can I really afford to retire abroad? How do I assess the cost of living? Almost every aspiring expat retiree asks this question, and the answer is: it depends. In the same country, even within different regions, the cost of living varies dramatically from country to country. For instance, Portugal's small towns are often more affordable than Paris's. How to assess the cost of living: Thorough research is key. You shouldn't rely on anecdotes. Explore online resources like Numbeo, Expatistan, and International Living for comparative cost-of-living information. You shouldn't rely on anecdotes. Explore online resources like Numbeo, Expatistan, and International Living for comparative cost-of-living information. Create a detailed budget. Include the cost of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, entertainment, and even occasional flights home. Include the cost of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, entertainment, and even occasional flights home. 'Test drive' your destination. Consider living like a local before moving permanently (a few weeks or months). In this immersion, you will get a realistic picture of what it costs to live on a daily basis. Consider living like a local before moving permanently (a few weeks or months). In this immersion, you will get a realistic picture of what it costs to live on a daily basis. Factor in your lifestyle. Are you planning to eat out frequently? Is a car necessary? What kind of lifestyle would you prefer, a busy city life or a quieter rural one? The lifestyle you choose will have a significant impact on your spending. Often, retiring abroad is driven by a lower cost of living, which enables your pension, Social Security, and savings to stretch further. You can, however, ruin your dream if you miscalculate these costs. If I move abroad, what will happen to my U.S. retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs)? Can I transfer them? While living overseas, you can generally maintain your U.S.-based 401(k) and IRA accounts. Maintaining accounts. Most U.S. financial institutions allow you to keep your retirement accounts open. In some cases, however, providers may be unable to provide services to non-residents, so you may have to transfer your IRA to another custodian that caters to expats (e.g., Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab). Most U.S. financial institutions allow you to keep your retirement accounts open. In some cases, however, providers may be unable to provide services to non-residents, so you may have to transfer your IRA to another custodian that caters to expats (e.g., Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab). Contributions. In general, IRAs require earned income to contribute, which may pose a problem if your only source of income is retirement distributions or if the FEIE fully excludes your foreign earnings. In general, IRAs require earned income to contribute, which may pose a problem if your only source of income is retirement distributions or if the FEIE fully excludes your foreign earnings. Withdrawals. As usual, you can continue to take distributions from your U.S. retirement accounts. But, you still have to comply with U.S. income tax rules and early withdrawal penalties (if you are under 59 1/2). As usual, you can continue to take distributions from your U.S. retirement accounts. But, you still have to comply with U.S. income tax rules and early withdrawal penalties (if you are under 59 1/2). Transferring funds. Generally, you cannot transfer funds directly from a tax-advantaged U.S. retirement account (such as a 401(k) or IRA) to a foreign retirement account without significant tax consequences. Typically, such a 'transfer' would be treated as a taxable withdrawal from your U.S. account and a deposit into a non-qualified foreign account. Generally, you cannot transfer funds directly from a tax-advantaged U.S. retirement account (such as a 401(k) or IRA) to a foreign retirement account without significant tax consequences. Typically, such a 'transfer' would be treated as a taxable withdrawal from your U.S. account and a deposit into a non-qualified foreign account. Double taxation on distributions. Although U.S. tax treaties often prevent double taxation on pension income, it's important to understand the specifics. While the U.S. does not tax withdrawals from Roth accounts (if qualified), some countries do. You may also have to pay taxes on your U.S. pension or Social Security benefits if you live in a foreign country. Although U.S. tax treaties often prevent double taxation on pension income, it's important to understand the specifics. While the U.S. does not tax withdrawals from Roth accounts (if qualified), some countries do. You may also have to pay taxes on your U.S. pension or Social Security benefits if you live in a foreign country. Currency risk. When you have your retirement savings in U.S. dollars, you are at risk of currency exchange rate fluctuations. Your purchasing power will decrease when the U.S. dollar weakens against your local currency. Consult with a financial advisor specializing in international retirement planning to optimize tax efficiency, manage currency risk, and strategize withdrawal plans. What are the tax implications of retiring abroad as a U.S. citizen? This is perhaps the most challenging financial issue for U.S. citizens retiring abroad. In addition to Eritrea, the U.S. has the only policy of taxing citizens regardless of where they reside. If your global income exceeds IRS thresholds, you must still file a U.S. federal tax return annually, even if living abroad. Key tax considerations; Worldwide income taxation. The U.S. taxes your income, including Social Security, pensions, investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains), and income from post-retirement work. The U.S. taxes your income, including Social Security, pensions, investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains), and income from post-retirement work. Foreign tax credit (Form 1116). By offering the Foreign Tax Credit, the U.S. prevents double taxation (paying taxes to the U.S. and your new home country). If you have paid income taxes to a foreign government, you can claim a credit against your U.S. tax liability. Usually, if your foreign tax rate is higher than or equal to your U.S. rate, this credit can eliminate your U.S. tax bill on that foreign income. By offering the Foreign Tax Credit, the U.S. prevents double taxation (paying taxes to the U.S. and your new home country). If you have paid income taxes to a foreign government, you can claim a credit against your U.S. tax liability. Usually, if your foreign tax rate is higher than or equal to your U.S. rate, this credit can eliminate your U.S. tax bill on that foreign income. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE —Form 2555). The FEIE does not generally apply to passive income such as pensions or Social Security benefits. It is mainly for 'earned income' (wages, salaries, and self-employment). The FEIE does not generally apply to passive income such as pensions or Social Security benefits. It is mainly for 'earned income' (wages, salaries, and self-employment). Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR – FinCEN Form 114). When the aggregate value of all your foreign financial accounts (including bank and investment accounts) exceeds $10,000, you must report them to the Treasury Department. It is a reporting requirement, not a tax. When the aggregate value of all your foreign financial accounts (including bank and investment accounts) exceeds $10,000, you must report them to the Treasury Department. It is a reporting requirement, not a tax. FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). Under this law, foreign financial institutions must report information about accounts held by U.S. citizens to the IRS. Under this law, foreign financial institutions must report information about accounts held by U.S. citizens to the IRS. Tax treaties. Many tax treaties between the U.S. and other countries are designed to avoid double taxation and clarify which country has primary jurisdiction over certain types of income. In some cases, such as pension distributions, these treaties may offer relief, but the terms vary from country to country, so due diligence is required. Many tax treaties between the U.S. and other countries are designed to avoid double taxation and clarify which country has primary jurisdiction over certain types of income. In some cases, such as pension distributions, these treaties may offer relief, but the terms vary from country to country, so due diligence is required. State taxes. You may still owe state income taxes if you still have ties to the state you last lived in (property, dependents, etc.). You may still owe state income taxes if you still have ties to the state you last lived in (property, dependents, etc.). Estate and gift taxes. No matter where they reside, U.S. citizens are subject to U.S. estate and gift taxes. The process of navigating international tax laws is complex. It only takes one mistake to incur significant penalties or unexpected tax bills. Before moving abroad, it is highly recommended that you speak with a tax professional who specializes in U.S. expat taxation. What about healthcare? Will Medicare cover me abroad? There's a common misconception that Medicare follows retirees overseas, which can be a significant financial burden for them. However, in most cases, Medicare Parts A and B do not cover healthcare services outside the U.S. In rare cases (such as if a foreign hospital is closer than a U.S. one in an emergency), Medicare Parts A and B cover healthcare services outside of the U.S. As such, consider your options for healthcare abroad, such as: Local public healthcare system. In many countries, public healthcare is well-developed. In some cases, you may be able to access local public healthcare at a significantly lower cost or even for free, if you establish legal residency and meet specific eligibility criteria (which might include paying into the local social security system). In many countries, public healthcare is well-developed. In some cases, you may be able to access local public healthcare at a significantly lower cost or even for free, if you establish legal residency and meet specific eligibility criteria (which might include paying into the local social security system). Private international health insurance. For expats, this is a popular choice. With these plans, you can choose your own doctor and facility and have access to 24-hour emergency assistance. Age, health, and coverage level can all influence premiums. Make sure you compare plans carefully and shop around. For expats, this is a popular choice. With these plans, you can choose your own doctor and facility and have access to 24-hour emergency assistance. Age, health, and coverage level can all influence premiums. Make sure you compare plans carefully and shop around. 'Pay-as-you-go.' Some expats choose to pay out-of-pocket for medical services when healthcare costs are low, especially for routine care. However, there is a significant risk associated with this for major emergencies or chronic conditions. Some expats choose to pay out-of-pocket for medical services when healthcare costs are low, especially for routine care. However, there is a significant risk associated with this for major emergencies or chronic conditions. Keep Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). If you've paid Medicare taxes for enough years, Part A typically has no premium. You will be covered when you return to the U.S. for extended periods or major procedures. has no premium. You will be covered when you return to the U.S. for extended periods or major procedures. Consider keeping Medicare Part B. Part B has a premium, but if you decide to return permanently to the U.S., you won't be penalized for late enrollment. In general, healthcare expenses can be among the largest retirement expenses. To feel financially secure, you must understand your options and secure appropriate coverage. Do I need to consult with experts before retiring abroad? Absolutely, yes. Several aspects of retiring abroad are best navigated with the assistance of a professional. International tax specialist. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of U.S. tax obligations, foreign tax laws, and tax treaties. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of U.S. tax obligations, foreign tax laws, and tax treaties. Financial advisor specializing in expats. Can help you strategize investments, manage income streams, and build a strong financial plan for an international lifestyle. Can help you strategize investments, manage income streams, and build a strong financial plan for an international lifestyle. Immigration lawyer. It is essential to have a detailed understanding of visa requirements, residency requirements, and property ownership laws in the country of your choice. It is essential to have a detailed understanding of visa requirements, residency requirements, and property ownership laws in the country of your choice. Local experts. An accountant, lawyer, and real estate agent in your chosen country can provide insight into local laws, customs, and practicalities. Ultimately, international finance, legal requirements, and tax laws are too complex to handle without professional assistance. Investing in professional guidance upfront can save time, money, and stress in the long run. Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio; Pexels The post Your Passport to Paradise: Financial Prep for Retiring Abroad appeared first on Due.
