

Cover Story
Entertainment and incarceration in Greektown, downtown Detroit’s wildest district
The story often goes like this: As the summer months encroach in Detroit, as temperatures get hotter and the crowds downtown get larger, Greektown gets crazier. In May, as Michigan began its slow climb down from new coronavirus highs in April, the phrase “I’m in Greektown area” became a short-lived local meme — a sort…
6 Best Short Term Loans: Fast Cash Loan Lenders Reviewed (2024)
Life happens in unexpected ways every day. As the saying goes, when you make plans, God laughs. Life teaches us, again and again, to expect the unexpected, and yet, sometimes you get caught off guard. Finding the right short-term personal loan depends on several factors, such as what the loan is for, the length of…
8 Best Automatic Pool Cleaners: Comprehensively Reviewed (2024)
The best type of pool cleaner you can get is an automatic pool cleaner. They take the once dreaded task of spending hours manually cleaning your pool and turn it into a convenient experience. These robotic pool cleaners have made it easier than ever to clean your pool in a fraction of the time it…
7 Best Bad Credit Loans: Get Cash Fast in 2024
Struggling with bad credit is one of the most stressful experiences in life. Any situation where a financial emergency pops up or if you want to consolidate your debt can make it seem impossible to get a personal loan without turning to predatory payday lenders. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth and although…
7 Best Online Divorce Sites & Services: Online Services Reviewed
Divorce is something that can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide today, we want to break down everything you might want to know about using an online divorce service. We’ll touch on the good, the bad, and the ugly — because you deserve to know it all. Then, we’ll go…
Best Whole House Water Filter Systems for Clean, Safe Drinking Water
Water is essential to life; we use it to clean, bathe, cook and drink. However, the type of water we use can be problematic and many households are using unsafe water. In some instances, the water coming into your home may include harmful contaminants such as pesticides, bacteria, and others. While you may not be…
This might be the last metro Detroit performance from prog rock royalty King Crimson
Calling all 21st century schizoid people: this may be your last chance to catch the gods of prog rock in concert, in the states, anyway. “Management has said it’s very unlikely we’ll be back in America,” Crimson’s Jakko Jaksyzk revealed ahead of the tour. “I think they thought announcing it as a kind of farewell…
Hard cider rules at the annual Blake’s Cider Dayze tasting event in Armada
It doesn’t have to be autumn to desire some cider. Or in the case of Blake’s 6th Annual Cider Dayze event, lots of cider … and craft beer … and wine. Touted as the largest premier craft cider and beer festival in the Midwest, Cider Dayze returns with alcoholic offerings from more than 50 regional…
Hazel Park Art Fair returns to Green Acres Park with more than 70 featured artists
Like so many community events, the Hazel Park Art Fair is making a triumphant return after taking a hiatus and will showcase the work of more than 70 established and up and coming artists across a variety of mediums, all of whom will be displaying their creations at Green Acres Park. In addition to art…
The Mountain Goats to bring the darkness to Royal Oak Music Theatre
As the world was burning and one day after California-based stalwarts of folk the Mountain Goats wrapped Getting into Knives in 2020, the four-piece drove from Memphis to Muscle Shoals, Alabama to record the band’s 20th studio record, Dark in Here. Released earlier this year, Dark in Here could be, at first glance, considered the…
Unlock Michigan launches 2nd petition to limit state, local health powers
A right-wing group’s second petition to quash health orders is underway, this time aimed at eliminating the ability of state and local health officials to implement mandates, as they’ve done during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, the GOP-led Legislature voted to approve the Unlock Michigan petition to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor…
Top 5 Delta-8-THC Gummies and How to Choose the Best
Delta-8 gummies have become insanely popular as of late. After numerous delta-8-THC products sprang up on the market, brands began to think of ways to make them more palatable to the masses. Enter gummies. Think of delta-8 gummies as a bridge between CBD products and cannabis edibles. They use the compounds delta-8-THC, which causes a…
We tried all four strains of Tee Grizzley’s new cannabis line
When it comes to weed, I have to admit I’m a little bit green. I don’t know how to roll a blunt, I have no idea how much a zip is, and I just learned how to French inhale a few months ago. During the pandemic, I started to use cannabis to deal with anxiety,…
Detroit singers will honor Aaliyah with a tribute showcase
Fans were overjoyed when Aaliyah’s record label announced it would be reissuing her entire discography this year, starting with the singer’s double platinum album, One in a Million. While many are enjoying the sounds of the late singer, Wednesday, Aug. 25, marks 20 years since her death. On Thursday, R+B Live Detroit will honor Aaliyah…
Whitmer signs bill to expunge first-time drunken-driving convictions
About 200,000 first-time drunken-driving offenders will have a chance to expunge their convictions under bipartisan legislation signed Monday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. People convicted of driving while under the influence of marijuana, cocaine, or another Schedule I drug are also eligible for expungement. “No one should be defined by a mistake they have made in…
Detroit cop arrested, suspended following brawl just hours after graduation
Just hours after graduating from the police academy over the weekend, a probationary Detroit cop was arrested after he was caught on video in a brawl in Greektown. The officer, who was off-duty, has been suspended with pay pending an internal investigation. At a news conference Monday, Detroit Police Chief James White said the investigation…
Group urges Michigan nursing home staff, residents to get vaccinated
The most recent Michigan data showed 51% of staff and residents of nursing homes have been vaccinated against COVID-19, despite the disproportionate share of deaths this group has seen since the pandemic began. More than 5,700 residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Michigan have died from COVID. They make up…
Pizza Hut says its ‘Detroit-style’ pizza was such a hit that it’s bringing it back
Despite mixed reviews, national chain Pizza Hut says the “Detroit-style” pizza it debuted earlier this year was such a success that it’s already bringing back the limited-time offering. “Detroit-Style was a hit from the moment it launched,” Pizza Hut general manager David Graves said in a statement. “Once it sold out, our customers have been…
Duggan selects James White as the next Detroit police chief
Mayor Mike Duggan announced Monday that he’s appointing James White, a longtime Detroit cop who became director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights last year, to serve as the city’s next permanent police chief. The Detroit City Council has 30 days to approve the appointment. White was among three finalists for the job. The…
Insane Clown Posse’s Violent J reveals heart condition, announces farewell tour
If there ever was a time to let out a somber “Whoop! Whoop!” now would be it. During last weekend’s Gathering of the Juggalos, the annual Psychopathic Records-hosted event in Ohio dubbed “the biggest family reunion on the planet,” Insane Clown Posse’s Violent J revealed that he is suffering from a serious heart condition which…
Will Detroit fashion designer make the cut as a contestant on HBO’s ‘The Hype’?
HBO Max’s new streetwear competition show, The Hype, has brought a taste of Detroit with Inskter native and fashion designer Paije Speights. The Hype consists of 10 contestants who display their culture in streetwear with the winner taking home a grand prize of $150,000. Speights’ passion for fashion can be traced back to her days…
Phoebe Bridgers moves sold-out metro Detroit concerts to outdoor venue as delta variant spreads, more tickets available
You might want to trade in your cumbersome skeleton onesie for something that shows some real flesh because Phoebe fucking Bridgers is taking her tour outside. Singer-songwriter and unofficial indie angel of doom, gloom, and drinking shower beers, Bridgers announced Monday that she would no longer play indoor shows for the remainder of her upcoming…
Clarkston man to Whitmer: ‘We have been watching and know your every step’
Kevin Dawe, 31, of Clarkston is facing jail time for allegedly sending threatening messages directed at Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Monday. Dawe has been charged with two counts of malicious use of telecommunications services, misdemeanors each punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. “There…
Cannabis business conference heads to Detroit this fall with more than 75 speakers
The Midwest Cannabis Business Conference will host an in-person conference in Detroit this September. The two day event is hosted by the National Cannabis Industry Association and will be Sep. 22 – 23 at the TCF Center in Downtown Detroit. The conference will feature over 75 speakers on a variety of cann-business related topics including…
Tennis instructor accused of flashing Nazi salute at Birmingham schools meeting loses his job
Paul Marcum, who witnesses say flashed a Nazi salute and chanted “Heil Hitler” at a raucous Birmingham Board of Education meeting last week, has lost his job as a tennis instructor at the Sports Club of West Bloomfield. Marcum worked at the health and fitness club every fall but he won’t be allowed to return…
Whitmer: State ‘embraces the opportunity’ to take in Afghan refugees
As the Taliban continues to gain control of Afghanistan after the U.S.-supported Afghanistan government and military crumbled, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Friday that the state is prepared to welcome Afghan citizens fleeing their home. Whitmer said in a press release that state departments and agencies are “gearing up to ensure Afghans who may come…
Magic mushrooms and a Nazi salute over mask mandates in schools: the top Detroit Metro Times headlines this week
It looks like plenty of people are still interested in the creepy and movie-worthy laundry room that went viral on TikTok. Our readers were most interested in what happened at a Birmingham Board of Education meeting as parents and residents were outraged that the board decided to mandate face masks for the upcoming school year.…
Macomb County parents urge local leaders to enact a mask mandate in schools
More than 1,000 parents joined forces to call on Macomb County officials to enact a mask mandate for schools to help curb the spread of COVID-19. The group, Macomb County Parents for Safe in Person School, sent a letter Thursday to school, government and health leaders in hopes of convincing them to require masks before…
Charlotte man to stand trial on terrorism charges for bogus bomb call, threats to Michigan lawmaker
A 49-year-old Charlotte man charged with two terrorism-related felonies for allegedly phoning in a bogus bomb threat at the state Capitol and threatening a Michigan lawmaker and her family is headed to trial. Michael Varrone was ordered to stand trial Thursday following a preliminary examination in district court. “My office will not tolerate threats to…
El Club becomes latest Detroit venue to require proof of vaccination
The list of bars and venues that will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination seems to be ever-growing. El Club just celebrated its grand post-pandemic restriction re-opening at the beginning of this month with a jam packed concert line up. Now, the all ages venue has joined Marble Bar, Magic Bag, Small’s Bar, and The Film…
Detroit Flower Company continues to bloom after pandemic start
Maybe you’ve seen a bouquet of roses and sunflowers decorated with eucalyptus and wrapped in burlap come across your Instagram feed with the simple caption: “If you love them, Detroit Flower Co. them.” What was once a side hustle has turned into a six-figure, pandemic born company for 22-year-old Ja’Nye Hampton. The spunky florist founded…
Nazi salute, insults hurled at chaotic Birmingham schools meeting over mask mandate
Police are investigating a man who flashed a Nazi salute and chanted “Heil Hitler” during a raucous Birmingham Board of Education meeting over a mask mandate for students. Unruly anti-maskers booed and hurled insults at board members and speakers, including a high school student, who spoke in favor of face coverings during the meeting Wednesday…
Ann Arbor declares September Psychedelics Awareness Month — and we’re tripping
Don’t trip — or do. Ann Arbor just took its progressive stance on entheogenic plants and psychedelics a step further. September is officially Entheogenic Plants and Fungi Awareness Month, thanks to a resolution introduced by Ann Arbor city councilmember Jeff Hayner (D) with support from Decriminalize Nature Ann Arbor (DNA2). The resolution passed in a…
Gold Over America tour delivers Olympians Simone Biles, Morgan Hurd, and others to Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena
If you’re already jonesing for a taste of Olympic mastery, there’s another helping just around the corner – and G.O.A.T. is on the menu. Serving up Olympic gold realness via the Gold Over America Tour, are decorated gymnasts Jordan Chiles, MyKayla Skinner, Grace McCallum, Jade Carey, Laurie Hernandez, Katelyn Ohashi, Morgan Hurd, Peng-Peng Lee, Simone…
State says Michigan is ready for COVID-19 booster shots rolling out next month
Top U.S. health officials announced a plan Wednesday to begin offering COVID-19 booster shots to Americans starting Sept. 20, with the scheduling of the additional shot to be based on when a person was fully vaccinated. The new round of jabs will be extended to those who received the two-dose vaccine from either Pfizer or Moderna, and…
Republican bill would ban schools in Michigan from mandating masks as COVID-19 cases increase among children
As an alarming number of children are getting infected with COVID-19, a Republican lawmaker on Tuesday introduced a bill that would bar local school districts in Michigan from requiring students to wear masks. Rep. John Damoose, of Harbor Springs, said parents should decide whether their children should wear a mask. The bill would prohibit school…
To unfuck the planet’s future, fix our failing democracy
The 3,949-page report the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released on Aug. 9 leaves little room for optimism: Things are bad. They’re going to get worse. They might get catastrophic. (And in case there’s still a question, the report says, the problem is “unequivocally caused by human activities.”) “Each of the last four decades has…
Five takeaways from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
I’m a sucker for the Olympics. A few weeks back, I wrote about how the Olympics would hold up a mirror, revealing the best and worst of ourselves. These 2020 Olympics certainly delivered. What we saw was a stunning portrait of our humanity, cast upon the canvas of those whose talents border on the superhuman…
Hall & Oates, Modest Mouse, Ani DiFranco, and more things to do in metro Detroit this week
Select events happening in metro Detroit this week. Submit your events to metrotimes.com/calendar Modest Mouse Friday, 8/20: If you’re going to resurrect yourself, might as well emerge from a golden casket or, in the case of indie-rock darlings Modest Mouse, their first album in six years, The Golden Casket. The Isaac Brock-led outfit, which may…
Cloud Cannabis opens Macomb County’s first marijuana dispensary for in-person service
No, your head is not in the clouds. Macomb County, home of Jobbie Nooner, the Golden Butthole, Kid Rock’s childhood mansion, and now, its first adult-use recreational marijuana dispensary, thanks to Michigan-based provisioning center Cloud Cannabis. Cloud Cannabis, which operates provisioning centers in Ann Arbor, Muskegon, Traverse City, and, soon, Detroit, opened its Utica location…
The Goblin brings sushi to Detroit’s Mexicantown
Readers, how do you solve the perennial sushi problem? The chunk of roll they serve you is too big for one mouthful, but there’s no way you can cut it in two with chopsticks. I feel sure the number of people who’ve ever asked for a knife in a sushi bar is zero. We just…
James Gunn takes minor D.C. characters on gleefully deranged ‘Suicide’ mission
Netting acclaim for “voice” or “character” in Hollywood today is more something one buys than grows now: a transactional process that proves far easier than cultivating a more deeply rooted style over time. With character being measurable for viewers and producers as a line item in the number of old hit songs licensed for needle…
ICYMI: We lost the war in Afghanistan, Detroit population drops, Tesla tech investigated, and more
The war in Afghanistan is over, and we lost. America’s longest war ended Sunday when the Taliban reclaimed the capital of Kabul, a defeat that comes after nearly two decades of war at a cost of more than $2 trillion and tens of thousands of lives lost, including 2,448 U.S. service members. How did the…






