Cover Story
How James ‘Hollywood’ Craig hoodwinked Detroit
In March 1991, the nation watched in horror as TV stations looped footage of mostly white Los Angeles police officers savagely beating Rodney King, a Black man. For many minority Angelenos, the incident came as less of a surprise: Frustrated community leaders detailed how the beating represented the culmination of the vicious and terrifying 13-year…
Best Robotic Pool Cleaners: Pros, Cons & Reviews (2024)
Do you enjoy cleaning your pool manually? Chances are – you answered no to this question. This has many people turning to technology and investing in robotic pool cleaners to help make their maintenance routines a whole lot faster and easier. It allows you to be proactive about pool cleaning, without having to work any…
The untouchable Mavis Staples to perform in Lake Orion as part of Audiotree summer concert series
If you caught Questlove’s directorial debut Summer of Soul, then you might recall a nervous and totally transcendent Mavis Staples singing alongside Mahalia Jackson. The documentary, composed of unearthed stunning footage and performances from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, later dubbed “Black Woodstock,” features performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone,…
Punk Rock BBQ will spice up Core City with music, ice cream, and badassery
What’s red, fed, and punk all over? The fourth annual Punk Rock BBQ, baby, which will paint Core City red with BBQ, attitude, and tunes from metro Detroit’s finest raucous rocker and angst-wielding weirdos. Hosted by Stacey McLeod of Dear Darkness, the annual Punk Rock BBQ, which was previously held at Hamtramck dive bar Kelly’s…
Annual Runner’s High 5k walk/run on Belle Isle looks to destigmatize cannabis in athletics
When U.S. sprint runner and rising star Sha’Carri Richardson was banned from participating in the Tokyo Olympics after a drug test revealed she had THC in her system, which she used during a moment of emotional despair, it appeared as if everyone had something to say. If you’re like us, the news left you scratching…
Ribs and R&B Music Festival will take over Hart Plaza with headliner Tony! Toni! Toné!
What do you get when you combine salty, grilled meat, the Detroit riverfront in the summertime, and the group that brought us hits “Little Walter,” “If I Had No Loot,” and “Feels Good”? Aside from a little heartburn, you would get the three-day celebration of barbecue and R&B, jazz, and gospel music via the Ribs…
Relive the magic — and the Jar Jar — of ‘Star Wars’ when the DSO performs iconic score at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
OK, guess this song: Dun dun dundun dun dunnnnnn dun, dun dun dunnnnn dundun duuuuuuun. If you guessed something by Canada’s own Crash Test Dummies, good guess, but no and also eff you for getting their 1993 hit stuck in our heads. To quote one beloved — and vocal — Wookiee: “RRRAARRWHHGWWR.” Also a wrong…
Charivari music festival returns to Detroit for eighth year with more than 60 DJs, yoga, and an all-women stage
The future is now, folks. And the future couldn’t come at a better time because, as we all know, the past can be, well, pretty shitty. The folks behind Charivari, the insanely stuffed four-day electronic music festival that celebrates wellness, culture, and, of course, Detroit’s contributions to house, techno, and electronica. The multi-faceted festival, which…
Ex-Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh set for December prison release
Disgraced ex-Detroit City Council President, Charles Pugh is set to be paroled at the end of this year as reported by Deadline Detroit. The former Fox 2 Detroit news anchor was arrested in 2016 following allegations that he had sexually inappropriate behavior with a 14-year-old boy between September 2004 and May 2004. Pugh,50, took a…
Detroit area bars now require proof of vaccination
Local nightclub Marble Bar made headlines in July when it announced on social media that it would require patrons to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. The club cited it was to address concern over the rise in the Delta variant of COVID-19. Now, two additional bars have followed suit and now…
Investigation into drugging allegations at Birmingham’s Rose Room is ‘inactive’ after 7 complaints filed
Birmingham police investigated seven complaints from people who suspect they were drugged at the Birmingham cocktail bar Rose Room or the adjacent restaurant 220 Merrill, according to case reports obtained by Metro Times. Despite the striking similarities in the allegations, police said the investigation is no longer active due to a lack of tangible evidence.…
Detroit farm will host pop-up dinner series ‘Outstanding in the Field’
Typically dining reservations are made with an idea of the type of food a restaurant or venue serves. But what if everything was a surprise and you didn’t know what you were eating until you were eating until you were seated? That’s the M.O. for Outstanding in the Field (OITF), a pop-up dinner series, which…
Fox News suddenly gives a shit about CDC guidelines when it’s Rashida Tlaib
Oh, good. Fox News has entered the chat, and, as usual, it’s as if the pot called the kettle black — when in fact the pot is actually a dangerous cesspool of misinformation, misogyny, and Tucker Carlson. Fox News, as well as a slew of hypocritical Republicans, have taken aim at U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib…
Skinphorea opens second facial spa location in Corktown
A bellini or martini is usually a good way to de-stress after work, but what if it was served on your face instead of in a glass? Skinphorea Facial Bar & Acne Clinic, the spa known for naming popular skin treatments after some favorite bar cocktails, has opened its second location in the heart of…
A former Sears store has been transformed into a massive cannabis dispensary in Michigan
When god closes a door — or in the case of the once-popular chain of Sears department stores, nearly 3,900 doors — a Michigan cannabis retailer opens a window, you know, for the smoke. Dabs on aisle five, anyone? Cannabis purveyor Skymint opened its 15th dispensary in Coldwater, Michigan, last week, in a 4,000 square-foot…
NY-based Barcade to open in Detroit — finally
It’s only taken four years but Barcade Detroit has an official grand opening date. The new arcade plans to open on Monday, Aug. 23 according to the venue’s social media pages. The New York-based bar and arcade (hence the name) first broke ground in Midtown in 2017 as a part of a $20 million renovation…
Four Best Literature Essay Writing Services By English Majors
Writing a good English literature essay isn’t an easy task. A student will have to read the source material thoroughly, make notes, as well as write an insightful essay, which requires both time and writing skills. Today, students who find themselves lacking time, motivation, or writing talent to write an English literature essay could use…
Ex-Detroit cop sentenced to 18 months in prison for accepting bribe from drug trafficker
A former Detroit cop who took a $15,000 cash bribe from a drug trafficker has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. The bribery scheme stems from an April 2019 raid in which Detroit police seized two kilograms of heroin and one kilogram of cocaine from a drug dealer’s house. Michael Mosley, 49, accepted a…
Short’s Brewing Company drops new Soft Parade vapes
Short’s Brewing Company’s popular Soft Parade beer can now be vaped — or at least its fruity flavors can. Short’s teamed up with Skymint’s Jolly Edibles to debut a new Soft Parade flavored vape cartridge. The 1-gram vape cart has 84.70% THC and retails for $52 before taxes, and like the beer, has flavors derived…
A viral hyena hoax, the truth about ‘Hollywood’ James Craig, Aaliyah is back: The top Detroit headlines this week
Everyone is talking about a Detroit woman who was allegedly duped into buying a pet puppy that turned out to be a baby hyena. Turns out the story is likely not true at all. After Metro Times published an article debunking the hoax, WXYZ-TV retracted its story, and MT had its top hit of the…
Something’s fishy about the story of the Detroit woman with a pet hyena in viral Facebook post
According to a widely shared Facebook post, a Detroit woman recently took her puppy to the vet only to make a startling discovery — it was not actually a dog but rather “mostly hyena.” “Took my dog to the vet, she’s only 5 weeks old just for them all run test and tell me how…
Former Flint mayor accuses Whitmer, Nessel of helping Snyder ‘get away with murder’
Former Flint Mayor Karen Weaver responded to Metro Times’ recent cover story about the city’s water crisis, and commended reporters Jordan Chariton and Jenn Dize of independent news outlet Status Coup for helping to continue to draw awareness to the issue. Status Coup, which reported the story co-published by Metro Times and The Intercept last…
Dave Chappelle adds three more shows at the Fillmore, will tape Netflix special in Detroit
Dave Chappelle has come a long way from his “I’m Rick James, bitch!” days, which is to say the 47-year-old global comedy superstar, and notorious button-pusher, line-crosser, and the guy who jokingly praised COVID-19 for forcing “murderous whites” to stay indoors is unstoppable. Detroit is going to have a hard time stopping Chappelle next week…
Michigan’s ethnic intimidation law protects transgender people, court rules
A Michigan law that makes it a crime to intimidate people based on their gender protects transgender residents, the state Court of Appeals ruled Thursday. The ruling involves a case in which a transgender woman was shot at a gas station in July 2018. The gunman, Deonton Rogers, was charged with ethnic intimidation after police…
Plant-centric Paradise Deli and Marketplace is coming to Allied Media Project’s Love Building in Detroit
While work continues on social justice group Allied Media Projects’ Love Building campus at 4641 Grand River Ave., new details have emerged about its forthcoming food program. That will be led by chef Nezaa Bandele, aka “Mama Nezaa,” a Jamaican chef who has made a name for herself feeding social justice movements since the 1980s.…
Detroit cop suspended after punching man in viral video; other officers also under investigation
A Detroit cop caught on video punching a man in Greektown over the weekend has been suspended with pay while Internal Affairs investigates. The viral video, first posted on Reddit, attracted national media attention and has set off a firestorm of criticism. The officer punched the man in the face, causing him to collapse. Metro…
Insane Clown Posse’s Shaggy 2 Dope featured in an animated music video by Politicize
Hip Hop artist Politicize just released his new album “Riot” on all digital platforms. It features the single “We Do It” with Insane Clown Posse’s very own Shaggy 2 Dope. The song also has an animated music. Riot also features guest appearances from Blind Fury, Mastamind of NATAS, Scum, and Kung Fu Vampire. You can purchase…
For the first time in many years, Aaliyah’s music is back in print
Well folks, it finally happened. Despite an ongoing conflict between the estate of the late R&B star Aaliyah and record label Blackground Records, the singer’s music is back in print for the first time in many years. The website for “Blackground Records 2.0” launched Thursday, and includes pre-orders for Aaliyah’s out-of-print records including One In…
Union Assembly, a two-story comfort food restaurant, to open in Detroit at Little Caesars HQ
Everyday could be game day at a new comfort food spot slated to open across from Comerica Park next month. Union Assembly is the latest outpost from Union Joints, the restaurant group behind popular eateries such as Vinsetta Garage (Royal Oak), Union Woodshop (Clarkston), and Gran Castor (Troy), and it’s expected to open next month…
Damning report about racial profiling among Border Patrol agents in Michigan prompts calls for accountability
U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Jamie Raskin are demanding answers from federal law enforcement authorities after an alarming Michigan ACLU report accused the U.S. Border Patrol of instilling fear in the state’s immigrant communities through “blatant racial profiling.” The ACLU report relied on thousands of pages of documents through a Freedom of Information Act request…
Detroit polling signs had wrong hours, city clerk challenger McCampbell calls it ‘tactic to suppress the vote’
On Tuesday, Detroit held a primary election ahead of its November general election, where residents will vote from a narrower field of candidates for mayor, city council, and city clerk — the office that runs Detroit’s elections. But incumbent city clerk Janice Winfrey has some explaining to do after photos surfaced showing signs at Detroit…
Rep. Tlaib saves Detroit families from being evicted under new moratorium, judge says
Landlords are forbidden from evicting tenants in Wayne County because the area is experiencing high levels of COVID-19 spread, a judge announced Wednesday, citing a decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chief Judge William McConico of the 36th District Court said the CDC informed him that the county, which includes Detroit, is…
Energy Secretary Granholm’s visit highlights importance of clean energy to Michigan
As U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm visits the Great Lakes State today, community advocates are highlighting the importance of investments in the clean-energy and transportation sectors. Roshaun Harris, Michigan economic justice organizer for the Detroit Action and Main Street Alliance, said a clean-energy economy would directly benefit communities on the front…
Aaliyah estate denounces upcoming ‘unauthorized projects’ as ‘Blackground 2.0’ emerges
The good news is that the mysterious Aaliyah website that recently surfaced does appear to indicate some sort of music project is on the way. The bad news? It doesn’t have the blessing of the estate of the late R&B star from Detroit. Related “Although we will continue to defend ourselves and her legacy lawfully…
Mysterious website promises ‘Aaliyah is coming,’ teases Blackground Records 2.0
Could the music of the late Detroit R&B star Aaliyah finally be coming to streaming services? A new website aaliyahiscoming.com seems to suggest so. Related The stark website features the singer’s logo with a signup button and the hashtag “#AaliyahIsComing.” After you click on the button and enter your contact information, links to social media…
Lucky Daye to perform free concert at Detroit’s Beacon Park
The soothing sound of soul will fill Beacon Park this Friday as Grammy-nominated R&B soul singer Lucky Daye will take the stage with a free show. Sponsored by DTE Beacon Park Foundation, the event will also offer food and beverages for purchase from Lumen Detroit and local food trucks. After the release of his debut…
Son of former Michigan lawmaker sentenced to time served for participating in Jan. 6 insurrection
An Upper Peninsula man who threatened “war everywhere if we let this election get stolen” was sentenced Wednesday to time served after spending six months in prison for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection. Karl Dresch, 41, of Calumet, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of willfully and knowingly demonstrating in a Capitol building.…
Stone Temple Pilots, Bobby Brown, Neon Trees among Arts, Beats & Eats headliners
It wouldn’t be Royal Oak’s Arts, Beats & Eats without a music lineup rooted in ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s nostalgia, which is exactly what the festival is dishing out for its 2021 iteration. Arts, Beats & Eats returns at full capacity Sep. 3-6 for its 23rd year. And on Wednesday, organizers announced the majority of…
Just 11% of Detroiters voted in the primary election, rejecting an ambitious charter revision proposal
Only about 11% of registered voters in Detroit turned out for the primary election on Tuesday, choosing candidates for mayor, city council, and clerk, and weighing in on a controversial initiative to revise the charter. By a two-to-one margin, Detroiters rejected Proposal P, a charter amendment aimed at promoting equity and accountability, cracking down on…
Electronic music pioneer and ‘First Lady of Detroit techno’ Kelli Hand has died at 56
Hailed as the “First Lady of Detroit techno” and, later, officially named by Detroit City council as the First Lady of Detroit, DJ and producer Kelli Hand, aka K-Hand, has died. She was 56. Detroit-born, Hand has been credited with paving the way for Black women in the male-dominated dance and techno music industry and…
ICYMI: Delta-plus COVID-19 variant emerges, handsy Cuomo should resign, and more headlines you might have missed
J ust when we thought it was safe to take off our masks, a new coronavirus variant has been discovered. The so-called delta-plus variant is believed to possibly be even more contagious than the delta variant, the mutation that was first detected in India now driving a surge in the U.S. — which was already…
Belle Isle Art Fair, Guns N’ Roses, Motor City Car Crawl, 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. Motor City Car Crawl Thurs. 8/5-Sun. 8/8: The Motor City is thirsty for cars. Not only is it impossible to get your hands on a new — or used — set of wheels, thanks to an international chip shortage, but we’ve also been…
Set your sushi free at Detroit’s Pokē Pokē
The staff at Pokē Pokē (“Sushi Unrolled”) are determined that you not pronounce their restaurant “pokey pokey,” or worse, one syllable, “poke poke.” They emphasize the last syllable, slowly: Po-kay Po-kay, almost rhymes with okay. It’s a Hawaiian word meaning “chunk,” as in the chunks of seafood that are the protein component of a poke…
Hamtramck Music Festival returns with more than 150 artists — here are 10 you should absolutely fit into your schedule
We’re not going to say that nature is healing because that’s pretty overstated these days, especially when talking about life after love or, like, life after 2020. However, the return of one of the most outrageously jam-packed music festivals in the city is a big deal. The Hamtramck Music Festival is back. Like, actually back…
‘The Green Knight’ will get medieval on your ass
Less translating than revising a medieval story as it moves a warrior’s tale from page to screen, The Green Knight presents its antagonist and title character (played by Ralph Ineson) as a wry, paternal, plant-based monument. Like all monuments, his existence — like the film’s — makes a claim to being worthy of consideration and…
Savage Love: My boyfriend had a threesome with my parents
I’m a 24-year-old gay man with a 31-year-old bi boyfriend. I’ve known since we got together that he’s a lot more sexually experienced than I am, but it’s never been a big deal before now. This weekend, he met my parents for what we thought would be the first time. But it turns out that…
Free Will Astrology (Aug. 4-10)
ARIES: March 21 – April 19: Filmmaker Federico Fellini had an unexpected definition of happiness. He said it was “being able to speak the truth without hurting anyone.” I suspect you will have abundant access to that kind of happiness in the coming weeks, Aries. I’ll go even further: You will have extra power to…
Understanding the CDC’s new masking guidelines
The sound you hear? It’s the collective groan of 163 million vaccinated Americans now being told to put their masks back on. For many of us, this moment feels like coming to the end of that 5K our friends dragged us into, only to be told that it’s actually a 10K (and could be a…
Biden paid a lot for those Republican infrastructure votes
We have a deal! Unless something goes pear-shaped. Unless House Democrats remember that they, too, were elected to play a role in the lawmaking process instead of rubber-stamping the dictates of a handful of senators. Unless Senate progressives think Joe Manchin or Kyrsten Sinema is going to stab them in the back on the forthcoming…
