Cover Story
A Detroit detective terrorized young men into making false confessions. Some are still behind bars.
Part I of a series about wrongful convictions in Detroit. Part II: “Activists call for a review of all cases tied to a Detroit detective who terrorized young men to get false confessions.” The day Mark Craighead lost his freedom for a murder he couldn’t have committed, he just wanted to come home and get…
Michigan’s undocumented immigrants contribute $290 million in taxes a year, according to study
As the whirlwind of an upcoming presidential election approaches, immigration is once again a pivotal issue on the minds of many voters. Often, those against immigration argue that undocumented immigrants are “stealing jobs” and not contributing to the U.S. economy. However, a recent study shows that is untrue. New in-depth data from the Institute on…
Detroit’s Belle Isle Aquarium is now open on Thursdays
Detroit’s historic Belle Isle Aquarium is now open on Thursdays through the end of August. The Belle Isle Conservancy announced the expanded hours, which it credits to a $10,000 contribution from Comerica Bank. The funds will also support ongoing restoration of the building, as well as preservation and restoration efforts at Belle Isle park. “We’re…
Desperate Detroit mother fights for contact with arrested gender-nonconforming child
Nicole Walker says she hasn’t slept or eaten since Detroit police swooped in and arrested her 16-year-old child outside her home on Friday afternoon. Since then, Walker hasn’t been able to talk to her child, who is lodged in a juvenile center. Walker is also worried because she says her child is gender nonconforming. Her…
Michigan EDM scene cuts ties with Chad Smith and Ignyte Events following domestic violence allegations
Members of the Michigan electronic dance music scene have severed ties with a DJ and event company president following allegations that he brutally beat his girlfriend. The Oakland County Jail confirmed that Chad Smith, who is also known as “DJ Attak” and served as president of music company Ignyte Events, was detained Sunday and released…
Free Native American powwow happening this weekend in Detroit
A traditional Native American powwow will be held in Detroit this weekend. American Indian Health & Family Services (AIHFS) is hosting the free celebration on August 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wayne State Soccer Field, 5101 John C. Lodge. AIHFS, which blends Western medicine with Native American healing to serve underserved populations…
Arab American National Museum receives $100,000 grant for powerful theater production
Dearborn’s Arab American National Museum, the world’s largest institution dedicated to Arab American history and culture, has received a $100,000 grant from the Joyce Foundation’s 2024 Joyce Awards. The funding, awarded in collaboration with writer, director, and performer Andrea Assaf, will support the development of DRONE, a live theater production exploring the ethical and human…
Detroit rapper Valid celebrates new album ‘Peach Brandy’ with block party
It’s an hour before Detroit’s Old Miami opens its door, and the manager Dena is setting up chairs and wiping down the bar while sharing a few laughs with emcee Valid, who’s enjoying an early morning sip of Yebiga plum brandy. With nearby Temple Bar being temporarily shut down and the closing of Cass Cafe…
A massive military readiness exercise will unfold in Michigan starting this week
One of the Department of Defense’s largest reserve component readiness exercises is coming to Michigan for two weeks beginning Saturday. Northern Strike (NS) 24-2 will run from Aug. 3-17 and include more than 6,300 participants from 32 states and territories and five international partners. The participants will gather for extensive training at Michigan’s National All-Domain…
Grammy-winning jazz singer Samara Joy to perform in Detroit for holiday tour
Since releasing her debut self-titled project in 2021, Bronx-born 24-year-old jazz singer Samara Joy has won three Grammys and been compared to greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan. This winter, Detrioiters have an opportunity to catch the talented Gen Z star perform at the Fisher Theatre. The show, set for December 19…
Michigan tribe celebrates funding to combat climate change
It has been less than four months since Michigan’s Gun Lake Tribe received grants totaling $4 million for its plans to fight climate change. Its electric infrastructure implementation project ramped up this spring. Phyllis Davis, a tribal council member, said they are looking at ways to could increase efficiency and reduce negative environmental impacts on…
Jelly Roll adds Detroit date to his ‘Beautifully Broken Tour’
Jelly Roll is coming back to Detroit. The Nashville country-rap crossover act is set to bring his “Beautifully Broken Tour” to Little Caesars Arena this fall. The show is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 2 at 313Presents.com, LiveNation.com, JellyRoll615.com, and Ticketmaster.com. He’ll…
Lapointe: For mass transit in Detroit, it’s a case of building the bus while riding it
The ride from downtown Detroit to Metro Airport was perfect. The big bus left on time. It arrived on time. The price was right. The vehicle was clean. The driver was courteous to passengers and careful behind the wheel. The drop-off point was ideal, too, mere steps from the door of the departure level of…
2 Chainz to headline Pure Options block party in Lansing
Michigan cannabis chain Pure Options just announced that rapper 2 Chainz will be the headlining performer at its Back 2 School Block Party on September 7. The event will take place in the parking lot of Pure Options at 203 N. Clippert St. in Lansing, celebrating cannabis, culture, and community through music, food, games, and…
The Morrie in Royal Oak closes after eight years, new fusion restaurant to open in its place
The Morrie has been a beloved neighborhood gathering place in downtown Royal Oak since opening in 2016, known for its American fare and regular live music events. Following this Sunday’s service, however, the restaurant will shut its doors. Fortunately, the building won’t be unused for long, as it is set to become the new home…
Free Will Astrology (July 24-30)
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries singer-songwriter Lady Gaga has written many songs, both for herself and other artists. She has famously declared that some of her most successful songs took her just 10 minutes to compose. They include “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” and “Born This Way.” According to my interpretation of the astrological omens, you…
