Cover Stories
Danny Fenster, a U.S. journalist detained in Myanmar, offers a glimpse at what happens when an authoritarian coup is successful
On a recent weekday at their Huntington Woods home, the Fenster family is trying to keep their spirits up. “Take this potion,” Rose Fenster says, holding a jar filled with a spinach smoothie. “Whatever it takes to get him home,” Buddy says. Both are wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the likeness of their son, Danny, 37,…
Danny Fenster’s editor on life and journalism in Myanmar after the coup
This week’s cover story is an update on the case of Danny Fenster, a U.S. journalist who is detained in Myanmar after the country’s coup and crackdown on the media. We reached out to Fenster’s editor Thomas Kean at the magazine Frontier Myanmar for comment, who didn’t respond by press time, but offered this lengthy…
5 Cheapest LLC Services: Get Your Business Established & Protect Your Assets (2024)
Limited liability protection is a valuable thing to obtain as a business owner and will play a key role in asset protection strategy. But the process to form an LLC can be an involved undertaking that requires state-specific paperwork or the assistance of a registered agent for LLC formation, if filing in another state. You…
Chicago duo Drama will perform music you can dance and cry to at Detroit’s Marble Bar
Drama — not to be confused with the British rock band, or, for that matter, the 1980s Norwegian boy band, or the ’90s rapper, or the DJ, all of the same name — is sort of blowing up and has been selling out tour dates left and right. (Talk about drama, eh?) Since 2014, Chicago-based…
Comedian and elder millennial Iliza Shlesinger might tell jokes about party goblins and lying boyfrieds at the Crofoot
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned … or a woman in comedy with the power to drag a lying piece of shit ex-boyfriend with a Netflix movie that spills all the tea. Comedian Iliza Shlesinger has been making the transition from stand-up to big screen to streaming and her latest, Good On Paper,…
Fleatroit Junk City hosts annual vintage and collectors market because you need more stuff
Listen, we all love buying new shit, right? But how many clearly imperfect discounted frocks and misspelled “Live. Lauf. Love.” wall art destined to be donated to our donation center of choice shortly after purchasing can we possibly impulse buy during our moment of zen at TJ Maxx? While the global textile and fashion industries continue…
Renowned Detroit DJ Moodymann to perform at the Aretha
Feeling moody? The elusive Detroit DJ Kenny Dixon, aka Moodymann, has been behind the decks a lot lately. In May the house and techno icon kicked off Movement weekend (sans the actual Movement festival) at the Corner Ballpark and, now, he’ll be performing along the waterfront at the Aretha. Described as the life of the…
The 42nd Concours d’Elegance celebrates classic cars, auto design, and speed in Plymouth
Have you ever seen the Black Ghost? As in the rare and totally famous triple-black Detroit-made 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE muscle car that would have Fast and Furious’ Dom Toretto fully torqued if you catch our Tokyo drift. Well, you may have your chance at the 42nd annual Concours d’Elegance, which returns to the…
Hotter Than July goes virtual for annual celebration of Detroit’s Black LGBTQ+ community
June might be the official Pride month, but in Detroit, July is considered Black gay pride month. Touted as the second-oldest event of its kind, Hotter Than July has celebrated Detroit’s Black LGBTQ+ community for more than 20 years. Hotter Than July festivities look a little different this year, but the spirit is on fire…
Week-long BLKOUT Walls mural festival will beautify New Center and celebrate POC artists
This is not your typical blackout we metro Detroiters are used to in the summer. The inaugural Black-produced BLKOUT Walls Festival is turning the spotlight on Black muralists, as well as the limited racial diversity and lack of sustainable compensation in the art world. The weeklong festival was conceived by artists Thomas “Detour” Evans, Max…
Under 70% of Michigan kids have all their recommended vaccinations, as rates dipped during pandemic
Following a decline in Michigan’s childhood vaccination rates during the pandemic and with less than half of eligible students vaccinated against COVID-19, physicians and educators are urging parents to protect their children before the school year begins against highly contagious diseases from COVID-19 to measles and whooping cough. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan saw an…
‘White Boy Rick’ to sue FBI, Detroit police for alleged child abuse
Richard “White Boy Rick” Wershe Jr., who spent more than three decades in prison for a drug conviction, plans to sue the FBI and Detroit Police Department for alleged child abuse, his attorney announced Monday. Attorney Nabih Ayad said the FBI and Detroit police recruited Wershe to snitch at the age of 14, “putting him…
Egyptian illustrator Deena Mohamed discusses translating her graphic novels
For many writers and artists from marginalized groups, the pressure to always represent their community is exhausting. The categorization of their work as “African American Literature” when written by a Black writer or “Arab American Stories” when written by an Arab writer can be limiting for someone who just wants to write fantasy. That’s how…
Flooding and expansion efforts close Motown Museum until 2022
There ain’t no mountain high enough to keep the Motown Museum from closing its doors for an entire year — and nearly two months early. According to The Detroit News, those looking to visit hitmaker Berry Gordy’s legendary Motown headquarters-turned-time capsule, which is home to Motown artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia, will not be able…
Levin introduces bill to prevent air pollution from incinerated PFAS
U.S. Rep. Andy Levin on Monday introduced a bill that would temporarily ban the incineration of a toxic class of chemicals known as PFAS until more stringent standards are in place. The PFAS Safe Disposal Act would require the Environmental Protection Agency to create standards to prevent the chemicals from being emitted into the air…
Canada to reopen border for nonessential travel next month — but you must be fully vaccinated
Sixteen months after banning nonessential travel along the 5,500-mile border, Canada will soon ease travel restrictions for U.S. citizens — but there’s a catch. Following months of prohibition, speculation, and frustration, Canada announced that it would reopen the U.S.-Canada border starting Aug. 9, The Washington Post reports. But only those who are fully vaccinated at…
How to Pass A Hair Follicle Drug Test: Know The Facts – 2021 Success Guide
Hair follicle drug testing is an extremely accurate way to screen people for any drug use within the last 90 days. This type of drug testing has increased in popularity among employers and government agencies within the United States because of its high accuracy and long detection time. These tests can be difficult to beat…
Detroit City Council debates ballot initiative for reparations for Black residents
Detroit City Council is weighing a proposal that would bring Black residents closer to receiving long-awaited reparations for systemic racial discrimination. If approved, the proposal, sponsored by Council President Pro Tem Mary Sheffield, would ask voters in November, “Should the City of Detroit establish a Reparations Committee to make recommendations for housing and economic development…
Released after 48 years in prison, former Golden Gloves boxing champ Ray Gray to be honored at Bert’s Warehouse
Four-time Detroit Golden Gloves boxing champion Ray Gray, the man who spent nearly 50 years behind bars for a murder he and his longtime supporters insist he did not commit, was released from a Michigan state prison May 25 and will be honored by the Detroit Golden Gloves boxing association this weekend at Bert’s Warehouse…
John James delves into Britney Spears’ conservatorship with bumbling comparison to liberal policies
Two-time U.S. Senate loser John James made a gravity-defying leap of logic in a bumbling attempt to compare Britney Spears’ conservatorship to progressive policies and COVID-19 restrictions. Appearing on Fox News over the weekend, James delved into the controversy over the pop star’s conservatorship with a response that would mystify any critical thinker. “Imagine the…
The Killers — now out of their cage, doing just fine — will perform at Detroit’s LCA in 2022
Somebody told us (and by somebody, we mean an email sent to thousands of people) that the Las Vegas rock band whose song “Mr. Brightside” has remained on the U.K. charts for more than five years (but will live in our hearts forever) is hitting the road next year with a new record due out…
Here’s what could happen in Michigan if Roe v. Wade is overturned
In 1973, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade granted Americans the constitutional right to access a safe and legal abortion. But in May, the Supreme Court, which is considered to have the most right-wing tilt in decades, agreed to hear arguments on a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks, Dobbs v.…
A cannabis lounge is coming to DTE Energy music theatre — and other Detroit venues
Smoking weed and chilling with some music is a mainstay combination of stoner culture. And some performers have pointedly groomed a stoner fan base — think acts like the Grateful Dead, Snoop Dogg, and Baroness. As marijuana legalization spreads and people incorporate its use more openly, pairing marijuana and live music seems a natural phenomenon.…
Mayer Hawthorne will bring Rare Changes tour to Detroit this fall
Well, it looks like things are in fact gonna work out. Mayer Hawthorne is bringing his Rare Changes tour to El Club this fall. The announcement comes only two weeks after El Club dropped an insanely packed reopening week lineup. The Grammy-nominated Ann Arbor native released the Rare Changes LP, a compilation of his 2020…
Michigan residents could see big savings if prescription importation bill passes
A bipartisan bill before the Legislature would allow Michigan residents to purchase pharmaceuticals from Canada, where prices are far lower. If passed, patients could save anywhere from 50% to 80% on treatments ranging from diabetes to blood clots or allergies. Melissa Seifert, associate state director for government affairs at AARP Michigan, said before the U.S.-Canada border…
Pro-Trump attorney Lin Wood could be disciplined for violating court rules in Michigan
A federal judge on Thursday ordered pro-Trump attorney and conspiracy theorist Lin Wood to explain “why he should not be disciplined” for sharing a video of a previous court hearing on social media in violation of court rules. U.S. District Judge Linda V. Parker’s order came three days after she admonished Republican Party lawyers for…
New legislation would require more protections for Michigan workers facing mass layoffs
Last year, Midwest retailer Art Van Furniture was abruptly dissolved by private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners, leaving 3,100 workers jobless and without health care coverage amid the COVID-19 pandemic. New legislation introduced last month by Michigan state Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) would prevent that from happening again. Bill HB 5251, the Greater Severance…
You can now walk around with alcohol throughout Royal Oak’s designated Social District
Drinking in the streets is becoming the norm for many metro Detroit downtowns… and we’re not mad about it. Royal Oak is the latest city to launch a “Social District,” allowing visitors to purchase — and consume — alcoholic drinks from participating bars and restaurants, and mosey around to other participating establishments to, well, drink…
Popular drinking card game tests just how Detroit you are
“If you ever dated someone from the East side, take 2 shots (you’re strong).” That’s an example card featured in “It’s Up There!,” a new card game created by Detroiter DaShuane Hawkins that bills itself as “The Ultimate Detroit Drinking Game.” The 72-deck card game, released earlier this year and currently sold-out, makes references to…
Songwriter Matt Milia reminisces about Detroit suburbia on solo record ‘Keego Harbor’
Frontier Ruckus frontman Matthew Milia’s songwriting subjects are Pure Michigan. Yet they’re also the last place the Pure Michigan ad campaign would visit. Shrinking towns and dying malls don’t make for tourist-tempting sweeping camera shots. They are the stuff of great stories, though. Case in point: Keego Harbor. It’s the title of his second solo…
Conspiracy-peddling lawyer is running for Michigan attorney general
A Michigan attorney who continues to push baseless conspiracy theories about election fraud says he’s running for state attorney general. Matthew DePerno made the announcement in a press release Thursday, but did not indicate whether he’s running as a Republican. “DePerno will engage in impartial criminal investigations and will follow and enforce the law,” the…
Schumer says federal marijuana legalization, expungement is Senate priority
The U.S. Congress is closer than ever to legalizing weed — and the leader of the Democratic-majority Senate says he’ll use all of his political power to make it happen. A day after unveiling proposed legislation to end federal cannabis prohibition, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said that doing so was…
Likely Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate James Craig filed for bankruptcy twice
Former Detroit Police Chief and likely Republican gubernatorial candidate James Craig twice filed for bankruptcy while likely serving as a lieutenant in the Los Angeles Police Department, federal court documents obtained by Metro Times and Deadline Detroit show. The Chapter 13 filings from 1997 and 1998 stem from credit card debt, IRS arrearages, and delinquent…
Hoping to win over Trump-loving white voters, James Craig blasts U.N. probe of systemic racism
Retired Detroit Police Chief James Craig, pivoting to his new role as an aspiring Republican politician, said on Fox News on Wednesday that it’s “absolutely wrong” for the United Nations to investigate systemic racism in the U.S. Craig also said on Tucker Carlson Tonight that he plans to make an “important announcement for Michigan’s future”…
Hyperbolic Stretching Review: Can It Increase Your Strength?
Who doesn’t want to have a strong and healthy body? We all love to have it. However, it takes some effort to achieve that, and we are not the fan of doing it conventionally. We are talking about lifting heavy weights that leave you frustrated and tired (in fact, it kills the primary purpose –…
Detroit Tigers’ Negro Leagues Weekend is a ‘major’ celebration
For baseball fans, the events taking place during the month of July could be considered holidays. The 2021 MLB All-Star Game and the MLB Home Run Derby are clear frontrunners, but from July 30–Aug. 1, the Detroit Tigers organization will celebrate and acknowledge a team that belongs to their baseball family tree: the Detroit Stars.…
Michigan joins 47 states seeing COVID-19 cases rise in last 2 weeks
Michigan is now one of many states experiencing a rise in COVID-19 rates, according to the New York Times tracker. Over the past 14 days, all but two states (South Dakota and Iowa) have experienced some percentage increase in new cases. Forty-one of those — including Michigan, with a 33% increase — are seeing an…
Flowers for Dreams florist to open second Michigan location in Detroit’s Eastern Market
Midwest-based florist Flowers for Dreams will open a floral design studio and flower shop in Eastern Market. The new space, the company’s second, is located at 1490 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, and opens to the public on Friday, July 16. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. and later, a “free flowers” grand opening…
FBI severely bungled Larry Nassar sex abuse investigation, new Justice Department review finds
A 119-page report conducted by the Justice Department’s Inspector General released Wednesday revealed that FBI officials severely mishandled its investigation of convicted criminal and former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor, Larry Nassar, The Washington Post reports. Nassar is in his third year of a life sentence for federal child pornography crimes, as well…
Michigan GOP executive director steps down after Trump loyalists call for his resignation
Michigan Republican Party Executive Director Jason Roe, who has come under fire from conservatives for blaming former President Donald Trump – not voter fraud – on his election loss, has resigned. Trump loyalists have called for Roe’s resignation for months after he refused to indulge baseless conspiracy theories about election fraud. His departure is the…
Whitmer signs bill restricting sale of Delta-8 THC to licensed dispensaries
Delta-8 THC, a popular and intoxicating compound synthesized from hemp, can only be sold by licensed marijuana dispensaries in Michigan beginning on Oct. 11. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill Tuesday that regulates Delta-8, which has been sold at smoke shops and convenience stores that aren’t licensed to sell marijuana. “This package of bills continues…
Detroit’s Vault of Midnight eyes more space, announces move to Milwaukee Junction
Holy square footage, Batman! Popular Detroit comic and game shop Vault of Midnight is moving from its downtown location to some much larger digs in the Milwaukee Junction area later this year. In addition to being more spacious as to better accommodate new experiences for comic and game lovers, the new spot, located at 2857…
Property values increased in states that legalized weed, study finds
Last year, Royal Oak’s City Commission got an earful from angry residents over proposals to allow adult-use marijuana dispensaries, with many objecting because they believed pot shops would lower property values in the community. But according to a new study, property values actually increased in communities that legalized cannabis for adult use. The new report…
Ex-Detroit cop sentenced to 80 months in prison for collision shop bribery scheme
A former Detroit cop was sentenced Tuesday to 80 months in federal prison for taking cash bribes from auto collision shops in exchange for referring stolen and abandoned vehicles recovered in the city to them. The sentencing of Deonne Dotson, 49, comes after a jury found him guilty of six counts of extortion in November…
We’re going to kill ourselves — and the planet — through willful ignorance
When the Earth crosses the 4-degrees-over-baseline warming threshold and “once in a century” hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts become routine — killing millions, creating billions of climate refugees, and disrupting geopolitics and global economics in ways we can barely begin to comprehend — it will be in no small part because the wealthiest and most…
What sleep training my toddler taught me about anti-vaxxers and the Big Lie
My toddler, Emmalee, is full-court press personified. She oozes joy when she’s happy and weeps when she’s sad. She knows what she wants, and the arsenal she wields to get it includes everything from flattery to negotiation to fits of rage. Emmalee is afraid of the dark. Though we were fastidious about making sure she…
ICYMI: Michiganders may have to pay back pandemic benefits, how Dan Gilbert avoids paying taxes, and the best of the rest of the news
Some of the 648,000 Michigan residents who collected Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits during the pandemic might have to pay them back, according to letters mailed out by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency last month — or a whopping 19% of the 3.35 million claimants who received the funds since March 15, 2020. Apparently the SNAFU…
Ann Arbor Art Fair, Detroit Festival of Books, and more things to do in Detroit this week
Select events happening in metro Detroit this week. Submit your events to metrotimes.com/calendar. Thu 7/15-Sat 7/17 Ann Arbor Art Fair Give us art or give us death, dammit! OK, so when we said that thing about giving us death, like, we didn’t mean it like that. We were just trying to express that we’re in desperate…
‘Lillith’ is a diamond in the gory rough, and a smattering of other flicks to stream now
These under-the-radar movies are available to watch now. Son Runtime: 98 minutes Shudder If you’re not familiar with Irish director Ivan Kavanagh, it’s time to fix that. I can still vividly recall watching his 2014 supernatural haunting The Canal in a hotel room on my laptop and literally being afraid to turn around if I…
Savage Love: Emotional arsonists
I’m a 19-year-old girl who was dumped a few months ago. My partner found out he didn’t like my body when we were having sex for the first time, and he told me right after. We were actually still in bed naked when he told me. He kept cuddling me to make me feel a…
Free Will Astrology (July 14-20)
ARIES: March 21 – April 19: In his poem “Litany,” Aries poet Billy Collins testifies that he is “the sound of rain on the roof.” He also claims to be “the moon in the trees, the paper blowing down an alley, the basket of chestnuts on the kitchen table, and the shooting star.” He does…
