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Lead poisoning endangers generations of Detroit children, with no end in sight
This article is part of a series of stories exploring environmental racism in Michigan. Struggling to breathe in 48217, Michigan’s most toxic ZIP code Communities of color are dumping grounds for toxic waste in Michigan Lead poisoning endangers generations of Detroit children, with no end in sight By the time Tamika Phillips found out what…
Student COVID art exhibit takes over Roosevelt Park
When Romain Blanquart and Khary Mason teamed up to form Capturing Belief in 2016, their mission was to mentor young Detroiters in the art of photography. Blanquart, a former Freep photographer and a native of France, and Mason, a Detroit native and a DPD homicide detective, saw photography through vastly different lenses. But they both…
Mustachioed John James concedes Michigan Senate race, says he’s donating $1 million to charities
With Michigan finally certifying its election results on Monday, two-time Republican Senate hopeful John James has finally conceded to Democrat Gary Peters, ending the most expensive race in the state’s history. “Well, Thanksgiving is in two days and one thing we can all be thankful for is that the election is behind us and we…
Detroit rappers Royce Da 5’9” and Big Sean both get Grammy nods
Royce Da 5’9”’s most recent album, The Allegory, prompted this newspaper to create a masterful cover story complete with resplendent art. It was one of the last issues that Metro Times would publish before the coronavirus pandemic upended the entire world. At that time, I — that very same writer — declared, “Royce is hoping…
Henry Ford Health System creates two Thanksgiving initiatives
Stay home: Two simple words that could save tens of thousands of lives in the state of Michigan. Henry Ford Health System, which has been an active part of treating coronavirus cases in Michigan, has created two Thanksgiving initiatives to encourage metro Detroiters to do just that. Volunteers from Game On Cancer and the Henry…
Detroit OKs recreational pot ordinance that allows for consumption lounges
Adult-use cannabis dispensaries are finally coming to Michigan’s biggest city. Detroit City Council unanimously approved an adult-use recreational marijuana ordinance on Tuesday. Not only does the new ordinance catch Detroit up with other communities in the state that have opted-in for recreational cannabis sales, but it surpasses them by allowing for designated consumption lounges —…
These Michigan butcher shops are among the top 100 in America according to ‘Food & Wine Magazine’
Food & Wine Magazine writes that from the earliest days of the coronavirus pandemic, it was apparent that “2020 was going to change the way we consume, the way we eat, and the way we shop.” “Everything was going to look different,” they wrote. Truer words have never been spoken. While so many retail businesses…
Ferris State investigates conspiracy-driven professor for ‘racist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic slurs’ on social media
A physics and astronomy professor at Ferris State University has been placed on leave while administrators investigate allegations that he posted “racist, anti-Semitic, and homophobic slurs,” as well as wacky right-wing conspiracy theories, on social media. Thomas E. Brennan responded in a letter Monday in which he elaborated on conspiracy theories about COVID-19, Jews, mind…
Michigan restaurant association launches ‘Thanksgiving To-Go’ to help spots weather the pandemic
With a surge in the coronavirus in Michigan forcing a temporary prohibition on dine-in restaurants and preventing families from gathering for Thanksgiving, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is launching a “Thanksgiving To-Go” promotion. Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the MRLA, said that ordering take-out could be a great option for the holiday,…
Ilitch organization hopes to renovate six historic apartment buildings near Little Caesars Arena
The Ilitch organization’s long-delayed project to revamp large swaths of vacant and blighted areas surrounding Little Caesars Arena may soon rev back up with plans to renovate six historic apartment buildings in the Cass Corridor. The buildings, four of them vacant, are at Cass and Henry just southwest of the arena and would be a…
Michigan Attorney General is investigating threats against Republican canvassers
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel confirmed on Tuesday that her office is actively investigating threats made against Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. A typically obscure body, the Wayne County Board of Canvassers found itself thrust into the national spotlight when its Republican members, Monica Palmer of Grosse Pointe Woods and William…
Michigan Big Boy restaurant launches GoFundMe to pay for fees from defying pandemic orders to close
We’ve always believed the curious smirk plastered on the lacquered faces of checkered pants-wearing hamburger-obsessed Big Boy statues throughout Michigan (and parts of California, Ohio, and North Dakota) is proof that Big Boy is up to no good. He’s a Big bad Boy. And, apparently, so is Troy Tank, a part-owner of Sanilac County Big…
Detroit expands outdoor dining program
The City of Detroit has moved to expand outdoor dining in an effort to support local restaurants and keep diners safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. The new program will run from Dec. 1 to April 1, 2021, and will feature more domes and tent-like seating options for restaurants. “Our local restaurants continue to face challenges…
Michigan Board of State Canvassers certifies election results, delivering another blow to Trump
The Michigan Board of State Canvassers on Monday certified statewide election results, setting President-elect Joe Biden on the path to receiving the state’s 16 Electoral College votes. The certification is a significant blow to President Donald Trump’s attempts to reverse his election loss by making spurious claims of widespread fraud. The canvassers voted 3-0 in…
Eastern Market Brewing Co. pulls Detroit Lions-themed beer after Barry Sanders threatens legal action
Eastern Market Brewing Co., just launched a new beer dedicated to the Detroit Lions — a move that was swiftly blocked by former Lions running back Barry Sanders. The beer, called Same Old Lager, is a painful reminder for Lions fans — the more things change, the more they stay the same. The 4.5% alcohol-by-volume…
President Trump being sued by Black Detroit voters for Voting Rights Act violations
Lawsuits on lawsuits on lawsuits. The tables have turned against President Donald Trump and his campaign’s many failed legal attempts to toss out legal Detroit votes. The Trump team has filed lawsuits based on claims that Michigan’s statewide election was riddled with fraudulent ballots and has attempted to delay Michigan’s certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s…
Michigan gun sales reach record highs amid pandemic, social unrest
Michigan residents have loaded up on a record number of guns in 2020, a year marred by the coronavirus pandemic and social unrest. From January through October, the FBI conducted nearly 870,000 background checks for gun sales, more than any other single full year on record. The number of FBI background requests, which provide the…
Warren to consider settlement that would allow for marijuana dispensaries
Marijuana dispensaries could finally be coming to Michigan’s third-largest city. Warren City Council is set to consider a settlement on Tuesday evening that would settle more than a dozen lawsuits and allow for 28 marijuana dispensaries to move forward. At issue was a licensing process in 2019 that a Macomb County judge ruled violated the…
Republicans are running out of time, even if canvassers refuse to certify Michigan’s election
The national spotlight will shine on the Michigan Board of State Canvassers on Monday afternoon as its four members — two Republicans and two Democrats — decide whether to certify statewide election results. The board’s two Republicans are coming under intense pressure from GOP operatives and President Donald Trump to delay certification — and possibly…
COVID-19 and holidays create perfect storm for fraudsters in Michigan
With the spike in COVID-19 cases and the upcoming holiday season, consumer groups are warning Michiganders that a proliferation of scam artists is emerging. Mark Hornbeck, associate state director for communications at AARP Michigan, said folks should be on the lookout for the typical cons related to shopping, including bogus websites impersonating major brands, gift…
What happened after Detroit rapper Sam Be Yourself made it on Netflix’s hip-hop reality TV series, ‘Rhythm + Flow’
Like the rest of the world, Detroit’s hip-hop community has been rocked by the pandemic caused by COVID-19. Live performances, pop-up shops, in-person interviews, and album-release parties have all been rare. Detroit emcee Sam Be Yourself, who received national attention from his appearances on Netflix’s hip-hop reality show Rhythm + Flow, has felt the hurt…
Common Citizen marijuana dispensary is now open in Hazel Park for rec and medical sales
Hazel Park now has (another!) marijuana dispensary. Common Citizen opened for recreational and medical sales on Friday. Beyond retail sales, the site is also home to a cannabis processing center, and an indoor cannabis grow operation is under development. “Hazel Park is a welcoming, vibrant community and we’re proud to be part of it,” Common…
DJ Godfather on his first(ish) solo record, Detroit’s ghettotech scene, and that ‘Godzilla’ sample
In the Christian tradition, the sacred duty of being a godfather is one of the markers of adulthood and recognition among the community. To take on the title means that one is taking on responsibility, both literally and figuratively. In the case of Detroit’s DJ Godfather, the name suits him. DJ Godfather (aka Brian Jeffries)…
Trump admits Michigan Republicans met to discuss coup
On Friday, Michigan state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield agreed to meet at the White House at President Donald Trump’s behest, a move that was met with intense backlash. Since losing the election, Trump has for weeks alleged widespread voter fraud in Michigan, a state he lost to Joe Biden…
Republican Senate candidate John James urges state canvassers to delay certification
John James, the Republican U.S. Senate candidate who lost his bid to unseat Sen. Gary Peters but has since refused to concede, is now urging the Board of State Canvassers to delay certification of the statewide election results. In a letter to the board’s two Republicans and two Democrats, James requested a two-week delay “to…
Lock the motherfucker up
For all the nefarious crap Florida Republicans pulled in 2000 — there was plenty, beginning with a racist purge of the state’s voter rolls — at least that was a legitimately close election. A 537-vote difference, capping a 500,000-vote national margin, is a rounding error. That wasn’t the case this year. Joe Biden won enough…
Duggan’s chief of staff Alexis Wiley stepping down to launch PR firm
Alexis Wiley is stepping down as Mayor Mike Duggan’s chief of staff on Friday and plans to launch a public relations firm. One of her first jobs outside of city government will be serving as Duggan’s campaign manager as he vies for a third term, she tells Metro Times. In the meantime, Wiley says she…
Fox News mistakes Michigan’s U.P. for Canada, because apparently maps are hard
This is becoming … a thing. And by this, we mean Upper Peninsula erasure. We’re not one to give conspiracy theories much thought — though Rudy Giuliani’s recent public melting, Mitch McConnell’s zombie hands, and Vice President Mike Pence’s blood eye have us considering the validity behind the existence of “lizard people” — but there…
Danny Brown’s (virtual) Bruiser Thanksgiving will feature Tiny Jag, Shigeto, and more
Much like Detroit’s traditional Thanksgiving Day Parade, rapper Danny Brown’s annual “Bruiser Thanksgiving” show is going virtual this year due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, Bruiser Thanksgiving 7 features a stacked lineup, including Brown, Zelooperz, Tiny Jag, and Bruiser Wolf, with DJ sets by Shigeto and Skywlkr. The stream will take place at 9 p.m. on…
Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day parade plans gobbled up by COVID-19, scrambles as virtual event
Detroit doesn’t need rain to spoil its annual Thanksgiving Day parade, which, as of Thursday, has been officially gobbled up by the state’s amended restrictions on outdoor gathering sizes to curb the rising coronavirus cases statewide. In September, parade organizers announced a new televised-only, gawker-less format for the 94th annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Organizers said…
Michigan Republican leader is meeting with Trump at White House to discuss coup
By now, what President Donald Trump is doing is so clear that pretty much every credible newspaper is calling it for what it is: an attempted coup. “Trump uses power of presidency to try to overturn the election and stay in office,” reads a plainly titled headline from The Washington Post. Trump is doing this…
Wayne and Macomb county sheriffs both infected with COVID-19 as cases soar statewide
Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon has tested positive for COVID-19, he announced Thursday, two days after Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said he was infected with the coronavirus. Napoleon said he tested negative last Friday, but after his temperature rose, he received another test Wednesday, and it came back positive. He said he’s experiencing a…
Techno DJ Derrick May faces sexual assault allegations
DJ, producer, and Detroit techno pioneer Derrick May is suing a former friend for defamation amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The allegations span from about 20 years and come from women from around the world, many of whom requested anonymity. Some of the allegations have been recently reported in Resident Advisor and DJ Mag,…
Darci McConnell breaks racial barriers with appointment to Grosse Pointe Park City Council
Darci McConnell, a public relations expert and former newspaper reporter, will become the first African American to serve on the Grosse Pointe Park City Council. McConnell was sworn in Wednesday afternoon after she was appointed to an open seat on Nov. 12 following the resignation of Dan Grano. “I am still a little bit in…
Research reveals ‘troubling’ practices at Michigan for-profit colleges
New research reveals some policies and behaviors referred to as “predatory” by for-profit colleges in Michigan. Peter Ruark, senior policy analyst at the Michigan League for Public Policy, said according to his group’s findings, many for-profit schools have already been penalized for consumer protection violations. “Things such as deceiving students about their accreditation and internship…
89X says goodbye to alt-rock after 30 years, shifts to ‘pure country’
Alexa, play “(Good Riddance) Time of Your Life” by Green Day. It’s the end of an era for fans of Windsor-Detroit radio station 89X, who have been pushed one step closer to the edge as the station breaks from its three-decade run as the area’s leading alternative rock hub. A cryptic statement posted on the…
Grosse Pointe Antifa is real
On Thursday, the words “Grosse Pointe Antifa” started trending on Twitter, because — oh shit, where do we even start with this one. Grosse Pointe, the well-do-do neighboring communities of hardscrabble Detroit, came under the national spotlight during Tuesday’s contentious Wayne County Board of Canvassers meeting. In an unprecedented move, the board’s two Republicans —…
Work begins on 204-unit Woodward West on long-vacant land in Midtown
A large, long-vacant lot on prime real estate along Woodward in Midtown is about to be transformed into a five-story apartment building with ground-level retail. The Detroit-based developers, Queen Lillian and The Platform, announced Thursday that work has begun on the $60 million project called Woodward West, which is slated to include 204 apartments and…
Michigan is close to having a constitutional crisis over Trump
For a few hours on Tuesday evening, it looked like Michigan could be heading toward no less than a constitutional crisis. The Wayne County Board of Canvassers, in what was supposed to be a routine vote to certify the results of the 2020 election, failed to do so — locked in a partisan deadlock. At…
You can catch virtual sets by Kevin Saunderson, Stacey Pullen, DJ Godfather, and more this weekend
We’re still missing the thumping four on the floor beats of Detroit’s canceled Movement electronic music festival — or hell, any dance night, really — but thankfully Movement producers Paxahau are keeping the music going, pandemic be damned. The party promoters have been featuring monthly “virtual festivals” as part of a partnership with streaming platforming…
Zendaya channels Detroit supermodel Donyale Luna for ‘Essence’ cover
Singer and Euphoria actress Zendaya gives a nod to Donyale Luna, the Detroit native known as “the first Black supermodel,” on the cover of the new issue of Essence. The stunning black and white photos were taken by photographers Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice, who confirmed on Twitter that Luna was the source of inspiration…
Wingstop is now offering chicken thighs in the Detroit market — here’s how you can try them for free
National wings chain Wingstop has a new menu offering, and the Motor City is among the first to try it. The company is now testing crispy chicken thighs in the Detroit market. Customers can try them for free on Thursday, Nov. 19, while supplies last by adding a two-piece thighs to their order and using…
Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency is now taking social equity program applications online
As Michigan’s new recreational marijuana industry continues to flourish, making sure that people who have been harmed by the War on Drugs can participate in it is imperative. Across the country, Black people and Latinos have been disproportionately ensnared by drug laws, despite the fact that white people use marijuana at about the same rate.…
PJ’s Lager House ‘closed for foreseeable future’ following new COVID-19 shutdown
It could be the end of an era for a Corktown bar and rock venue. According to a Facebook post on Wednesday, PJ’s Lager House is “closed for the foreseeable future.” “Our business and staff have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” owner Paul “PJ” Ryder wrote. “Our business model is based on bringing people…
This man (and his Zoom background) emerge as viral star of contentious Wayne County canvassers vote
All eyes were on Wayne County on Tuesday evening as the county’s election board, deadlocked in an unprecedented partisan vote, initially declined to certify Detroit’s election results — only to quickly reverse course after concerned citizens called them out during the meeting’s public comment. As predicted, Republicans are now pointing to any election errors as…
Mapping Michigan’s most climate-resilient landscapes
Because animals in Michigan need safe places to go when temperatures surge or flood waters rise, experts have mapped out these climate-resilient landscapes throughout the United States. A team of 150 scientists spent the past decade analyzing geology and topography, and compiling the findings into a mapping tool. The Nature Conservancy led the effort, and…
Republican canvassers thoroughly shamed for ‘racist,’ ‘historically shameful’ assault on democracy in Wayne County
Republicans sank to a new low Tuesday evening when two members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, without a shred of evidence of election fraud, voted against certifying November’s election results. The 2-2 deadlock, along partisan lines, was an unprecedented assault on democracy that threatened to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters, drawing strong…
New Major Magic’s shutters and sells off everything — including the Rock n’ Roll Rebellion animatronic band
We will never forget where we were or how we felt on Tuesday, Nov. 17 — the day the music died. Major Magic and the Rock n’ Roll Rebellion are no more. Of course, we’re referring to the choppy animatronic band and namesake of Major Magic’s, the beloved family-focused midwest pizza and entertainment chain. In…
Free Will Astrology (Nov. 18-24)
ARIES: March 21 – April 19: Back in 1974, poet Allen Ginsberg and his “spirit wife,” Aries poet Anne Waldman, were roommates at the newly established Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. The school’s founder asked these two luminaries to create a poetics program, and thus was born the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. Waldman…
