Cover Story
The story of Harpos, Detroit’s most notorious metal club
If you’re a metalhead in Detroit looking for a hall to see your favorite band, Harpos is, and has long been, the spot. Sure, it’s notoriously grimy, and the bathrooms have been better known for keeping water on the floor than in the toilets, but fans go there anyway. When it comes to intimate gatherings…
Jewish hip-hop artist and beatboxer Matisyahu comes to St. Andrew’s
What do you get when you cross Judaism with reggae and outspoken veganism? Well, in all cases you would get the one-of-a-kind Jewish hip-hop maven, Matisyahu. For well over 17 years, Matisyahu has broken new ground and shattered boundaries between religion and music, fusing the two with a totally unorthodox flair. The 38-year old beatboxer,…
Art-rock pioneer Todd Rundgren to perform in Ann Arbor
Hello, it’s me… well, no, not me, but singer, songwriter, and long-time wizard of art-rock Todd Rundgren. Over the course of 26 studio records and a career spanning half a century, Rundgren has never taken a break. His latest release, 2017’s White Knight, includes collaborations with artists as diverse as Trent Reznor, Daryl Hall, Bettye…
AverySunshine to brighten up Soundboard with Christmas classics
Not getting your daily dose of Vitamin D? Fear not, AverySunshine is here. Denise White, better known as R&B goddess AverySunshine, has a unique sound that is as warm as her moniker. A pianist and songwriter, White started out in a church choir and since has developed a smooth, contemporary take on traditional soul. This…
‘The Disaster Artist’ offers an oddly reverent look at a cult classic
When telling the tale of how the “best worst movie ever made” came to be, one could assume the bar for such a task would be set low enough to trip over. But for the case of the perplexing origins of cinematic anomaly and cult classic The Room, it’s actually rather complicated. For the novice,…
Award-winning violinist Damien Escobar will perform at Royal Oak Music Theatre
A violinist turned children’s book author with an Emmy Award? Yeah, musician Damien Escobar is a rare bird. Escobar was the youngest student ever accepted into the Juilliard School of Music at the age of 10. Fast-forward to 2009 and Escobar’s trio Nuttin’ but Stringz came in third place on America’s Got Talent and performed…
GWAR brings their demonic doom metal to St. Andrew’s Hall this weekend
When you go to heavy metal legend GWAR’s website you are reminded that you are actually entering the “Cyber-fortress of your Lords and Masters.” If you peruse the site further, you will be addressed as “human filth” with the friendly reminder that “death cannot kill GWAR. Nothing can. GWAR lives motherfuckers.” Known for their elaborate…
Comedian, woodsman, and ‘Parks & Rec’ star to bring laughs to Fillmore
Known best for his portrayal of delightfully deadpan, staunch breakfast meat-lover, and overall “Tammy” enthusiast Ron Swanson on the beloved NBC comedy Parks and Recreation, the actor, comedian, and woodsman Nick Offerman is the Everyman’s man’s man, man. He literally builds boats, like, by hand. His humor may be as dry as toast, but his…
Las Vegas disco-house singer Shamir will get you moving at El Club
After a psychotic episode and a break-up from his label, 23-year-old Las Vegas singer-songwriter Shamir had considered quitting music altogether. Instead, he recorded 2017’s Hope over a weekend and released it via Soundcloud. And after his bipolar diagnosis, he spent the next two weeks recording Revelations — an appropriately named new start for the androgynous…
Multi-media artist and writer Juliana Huxtable to talk at MOCAD
Artist, writer, performer, and DJ Juliana Huxtable is all about shock value — just not how you might think. Huxtable is co-founder of Shock Value, a weekly New York City-based nightlife collective run by women creatives. From Afrofuturism to science fiction and the American paranoia epidemic, Huxtable’s work is a fearless, observational deep dive into…
Corktown to shine at second annual Corktown-a-Glow event
It’s no secret that Corktown is one of Detroit’s most historically rich hubs — a destination for shoppers, foodies, and libation lovers alike. Add a little bit of holiday cheer to the mix and you’ve got the second annual Corktown-a-Glow event. Get some shopping out of the way at Eldorado General Store or Ponyride Makers…
Independent theater delivers ‘Woman vs. Internet’
Being a woman is hard. No, seriously — especially when it comes to the World Wide Weird. Women vs. Internet explores what it means to be female in the digital realm. Written and directed by Paige Vanzo, the Women vs. Internet cast includes Mitchell Haba, Alexis Barrera, Ann Macheson, Jeff Priskorn, and Josh Noori. Inspired…
Cannabis Business expo to light up at Cobo Center
There’s no business like cannabusiness? Since 2008, Michigan has been among the ranks of states with medical marijuana programs. But running a weed business is a lot more complicated than bong-rips and spreadsheets. Enter “Strategies for a Successful Cannabuisness and Winning Facilities License Application,” which is hosted by two of the most powerful, full-service cannabis…
Flowers of Vietnam shares New Year’s Eve party details, menu
The recently renovated Flowers of Vietnam will officially reopen on Dec. 31 for a New Year’s Eve party, hosted in conjunction with its Southwest Detroit neighbors El Club, which released new details Tuesday. The party has two tiers of tickets. One includes dinner at Flowers of Vietnam and entry El Club, featuring live music by Sky Ferreira and Iceage. Those tickets are $150…
Eminem reveals ‘Revival’ track listing and we have no idea what is going on
Eminem revealed the track listing for his much anticipated and cleverly promoted album Revival via Instagram on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and it’s sort of totally weird. The 19-song album opens with “Walk on Water”, Em’s collaboration with Beyonce which dropped last month and confused the hell out of most everyone. But Detroit’s own “Rap God” invites…
MOCAD curator Jens Hoffmann suspended from projects amid sexual harassment claims
Updated 4:48 p.m.: MOCAD’s Elysia Borowy-Reeder says, “Jens is on unpaid leave of absence until this is settled to our satisfaction. We learned of this only yesterday and the board needed time to process and discuss. It’s effective as of today.” Originally posted 12:29 p.m.: MOCAD employee Jens Hoffmann has been suspended from a number…
Erin Brockovich to head to Michigan for waste dumping lawsuit
Environmental and consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is heading to Michigan as part of a class action lawsuit against three corporations for toxic dumping. The suit, filed in federal court last week, alleges that Wolverine Worldwide, 3M Corporation, and Waste Management, Inc. dumped toxic waste at various sites in Kent County and seeks “immediate blood testing, monitoring, and…
Family feud brews in a likely crowded race to succeed Conyers
Detroit Congressman John Conyers has announced his retirement, and once he notifies the appropriate parties, a special election will be set for the seat he held for almost 27 full terms. With the news just hours old, few have formally said they plan to vie for Michigan’s 13th U.S. House seat, but here’s what we…
Steakhouse Black Rock opens a new location this week near Ann Arbor
Seared steak chain Black Rock Bar and Grill is opening a new location Thursday just outside Ann Arbor. Though Black Rock’s menu covers a lot of turf, it’s a meaty chain with eight locations in Michigan and Florida best known for cooking its steaks table-side on a 755-degree lava stone. Steaks cooked rare typically take…
Despite six collisions, the QLine is still twice as safe as a city bus
When the QLine gets in an accident, people tend to hear about it. Last month there was ample media attention and chatter devoted to a collision that involved a trolley car, a DDoT bus, and a sedan; the QLine’s first wreck made headlines; and in between, there was at least one run-of-the mill “Vehicle cuts…
Another Detroit restaurant is being investigated for a possible Hepatitis A case
Paul’s Pizza, a carry out and delivery restaurant in Southwest Detroit, is being investigated after it was discovered that one of their employees could have Hepatitis A. According to a press release from the Detroit Health Department, the restaurant is complying with the investigation and has “throughly cleaned and sanitized the establishment,” but anyone who…
Here’s the rather confusing way a hospitalized John Conyers announced his retirement
Facing a series of allegations of sexual impropriety and having used taxpayer money in an effort to silence one accuser, Congressman John Conyers has taken a stand and told the public that he will… retire today. He has also endorsed his son, John Conyers III, in the race for the seat he leaves vacant. The…
Detroit Denim will be featured on CNBC’s ‘The Profit’ tonight
Eric Yelsma started making raw denim jeans in Detroit in 2010. Inside Detroit Denim’s manufacturing facility in Rivertown, his team stitches together 15 pairs of stiff jeans a day — as well as the denim aprons that are nothing short of ubiquitous in Detroit’s hip restaurant scene. Tonight he and his business partner will be…
Iggy Pop teams up with Billabong for board shorts collab
Iggy Pop’s latest collaboration has one mission in mind: Surf and Destroy. The punk icon unveiled the collaboration on Monday, Dec. 4 and it’s not at all what you might expect. The ‘Iggy Pop x Billabong’ collection marries Iggy’s raw power with the functionality of sportswear. The limited edition collection features graphic T-shirts, pullovers, board shorts,…
Proposed Wes Anderson-inspired burger joint Loverboy changes name
Soon-to-open downtown Detroit burger spot Loverboy is now Lovers Only. The restaurant – a product of Voyager owner Eli Boyer and its chefs Jennifer Jackson and Justin Tootla – made a splash in July with its concept, which was described as a Wes Anderson-inspired burger joint. On Monday, the team announced the name change in…
Second Silverdome demolition attempt proves successful
After an unsuccessful attempt to implode the Pontiac Silverdome on Sunday morning, a second blast has brought the first phase of demolition to completion. Related The Freep reports that a second blast was successful and the upper ring of the Silverdome has come down. #BREAKING: They tried to demolish the Pontiac Silverdome a second time.…
Billionaire Dan Gilbert buys Buhl Building in downtown Detroit
While reportedly waiting for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to fork over $618 million in taxpayer money that will pay for 30 percent of four upcoming projects, Michigan’s wealthiest resident completed the purchase of the Buhl Building in downtown Detroit. Related Dan Gilbert purchased the building through his property management company Bedrock, WXYZ reports. The Wirt…
Detroit police arrest teen in Noel Night shooting, mull curfew for event
[image-1] A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with the shooting of four teenagers during the annual Noel Night celebration in Midtown, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said in a Monday news conference. Thousands of people were gathered in the city’s cultural center for the Saturday night event when shots rang out from the area…
After failed demolition, hilarious spoof Silverdome demolition parties are cropping up all over Facebook
A much-hyped partial implosion of the Pontiac Silverdome ended rather anti-climactically on Sunday morning. According to reports, several explosives failed to detonate, which rendered parts of the building structurally compromised, but ultimately still standing. In light of the razing blunder, some snarky locals have devised more potent plans for bringing down the former home of…
Please, Detroiters, don’t fire your guns in the air this New Year’s Eve
In Detroit, with limited exceptions for self-defense and shooting ranges, it’s against the law to discharge a firearm within city limits. But that doesn’t stop people from doing so, often in anger, but notably in celebration, especially on New Year’s Eve at midnight. Tomorrow morning, Detroit residents will gather to kick off a program to…
The first trailer for the upcoming ‘Nain Rouge’ movie was just released
Fears, jeers, or cheers can’t stop Detroit’s most divisive devil from getting his 15-minutes of fame on the big screen. The trailer for Devil’s Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge was unveiled in India on Monday, Dec. 4 by the film’s actor and Bollywood elite, Napoleon Duraisamy. The Michigan-made thriller directed by Sam Logan Khaleghi follows a military…
‘8 Mile’ is now on Netflix
Not sure if this changes your evening plans, but Eminem’s Oscar-winning 2002 drama 8 Mile is now streaming on Netflix. Kudos to the millennial running Netflix’s Twitter account for the brilliant plot summary: 8 Mile, the heartwarming tale of a nauseous young man who cures his sweaty palms through the power of mom's spaghetti, is…
Founders Brewing Co. opens its Detroit location today
At long last, the day that beloved Grand Rapids-based Founders will open a Detroit outpost has arrived. Founders Brewing Co. Detroit will welcome guests to its Midtown location on Charlotte Street today with a grand opening party that starts at 3 p.m. and goes ’til midnight. The brew pub’s hours moving forward are Sunday through Wednesday from…
The Corner and Detroit Axe open Dec. 11 in downtown Ferndale
The Corner Grill, Bar & Game Room and Detroit Axe hosts its grand opening on Wednesday in the space that previously housed Local Kitchen and Bar. That restaurant’s owners – Brian Siegel and Geoff Kretchmer – are behind the new concept. It includes The Game Room at the Corner, which holds a 27-seat bar and offers…
Detroit artist Lucy Cahill melds mid-century and punk rock aesthetics to explore femininity, sex, and power
Lucy Cahill is often frustrated by gender inequality. But, she uses that disgruntled feeling to push boundaries with her already unconventional artwork. The 27-year-old multimedia artist, a self-described “perpetually angry woman,” borrows imagery from mid-century print art to create perception-bending images of the female form. She uses her art to address the relationship between femininity,…
Dan Gilbert now wants $618M in state taxpayer money for his Detroit projects
On Nov. 21, Metro Times and other outlets reported that Dan Gilbert requested $250 million in Michigan taxpayer funds to help pay for four projects he’s planning in downtown Detroit. It turns out that’s only part of the story — Gilbert really wants $618 million. That means Michigan taxpayers will cover nearly 30 percent of…
Pontiac Silverdome implosion off to a Lions-like start with failed detonation
On Sunday morning the Detroit Lions’ old stomping grounds, the rotting Pontiac Silverdome, was scheduled to be imploded. But appropriate for the former home the Lions, the implosion did not exactly go well — with the structure still standing after a series of implosions went off and the dust cleared. According to a press release,…
Four shot in Detroit during Noel Night celebration
Noel Night festivities in Midtown Detroit were punctuated by gunfire Saturday as police say four teenagers were shot outside the Detroit Institute of Arts. Detroit Police Sergeant Nicole Kirkwood says a 14-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy, and a 17-year-old girl were wounded and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A fourth victim, a 19-year-old…
What the hell did Michigan’s Hillsdale College have to do with the GOP tax bill?
You’ve likely heard by now that, overnight, the U.S. Senate passed the most sweeping proposed changes to the tax code in decades via a bill many Republicans rallied behind before its language was even ready. And you’ve likely heard how the changes would disproportionately benefit the rich. What you may not know, however, is that…
Downriver residents are urged to get vaccinated after a confirmed case of Hepatitis A in Southgate
The Wayne County Health Department is urging anyone who ate at Andy’s Pizza and Subs on Northline in Southgate from Nov. 3 through 17 to get a Hepatitis A vaccine. WXYZ reports the department has confirmed a food service employee at the restaurant was diagnosed with the viral liver disease sometime during the last month.…
Here’s where you can sign petitions to end gerrymandering in Michigan (Dec. 2 – Dec. 8)
The group Voters Not Politicians is still working to gather the signatures needed to get a proposal on the November 2018 ballot to end gerrymandering of electoral districts. The non-partisan, nonprofit group is proposing amending Michigan’s state constitution to establish a 13-member citizens’ commission made up of five independent voters, plus four each from the two major parties. It…
Detroit muralist WC Bevan turns political angst into artistic ecstasy
It seems fitting that William Bevan keeps his studio in a rather unassuming space. The artist, who is responsible for dressing up Detroit with his vibrant murals, houses his art inside a once-abandoned, recently renovated theater in Southwest. Bevan is one of many New York-based artists who made the great migration to Detroit in search…
Local moms vie for title of ‘Cast Iron Queen of Detroit’ in new soul food cooking competition
In August, Detroit’s first-ever Black Restaurant Week took place, featuring 13 restaurants owned by black residents of the metro area. Related Now, the successful event has spawned a new concept: A soul food cooking competition that has moms teaming up with their adult children in order to be crowned the “Cast Iron Queen of Detroit.”…
Stanley Cup returns to Detroit this weekend (no thanks to the Red Wings)
No stranger to Detroit, the Stanley Cup will once again return to the Motor City this weekend — but that’s no thanks to the Red Wings. (Let’s face it, the team isn’t what it used to be. We still love them, though.) The trophy is visiting as part of a traveling exhibition in honor of…
Detroit restaurant openings and closings: November 2017
November was a busy month for metro Detroit restauranteurs, with a bevy of new spots opening around town. Last month we got a new steakhouse, a couple of coffee houses, a burger joint, and a pizza place — among others. Closure announcements were few, and the demise of downtown Detroit’s Park Bar probably stung the…
Michigan’s minimum wage will go up in 2018 — but the money won’t go very far
If you make very little money in Michigan right now, come January, you’ll be able to add a few dimes to your very low hourly earnings! Yes, minimum wage is going up Jan. 1 — to $9.25 an hour. That’s an increase from $8.90 an hour. If you work 40 hours a week at minimum wage…
Asian Corned Beef is planning its eighth location
A new Asian Corned Beef is in the works in a Highland Park strip mall. Though the company’s owners didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment and no grand opening date is known, signage is up and crews are working in the space. Asian Corned Beef is the restaurant that invented the increasingly loved…
Is Congressman John Conyers the victim of racial bias?
It’s 2017, and we’ve finally arrived at the conclusion that there are sexual predators among us — quite a few of them, at that. This realization has led to the discovery of several other sad truths: For instance, it appears that, when profits are on the line, heavyweight pervs tend to lose their jobs (think…
Controversial ‘Detroit: Become Human’ game announces 2018 release
Androids, Detroit, and domestic abuse? Not the most enticing formula for a video game, but the long-awaited neo-noir thriller, Detroit: Become Human finally has a release date. Though the game was announced in 2015 and teased in 2016, Detroit: Become Human is slated for a Spring 2018 release for Playstation 4. The third-person game is story-driven…
Can you see the influence of African art on this old Packard sedan?
Over the past 25 years, award-winning ethnographer and photographer Camilo José Vergara has traveled annually to Detroit to document not only the decaying ruins but the urban art and folkways of the city’s residents. For the last year, he’s been talking up his “Shinola of the ghetto” concept, which is based on the idea that,…
Democrats join Nancy Pelosi in call for John Conyers to resign
Following Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s call for Michigan Congressman John Conyers to step down amid sexual assault allegations, more of the nation’s democratic leaders have begun to echo Pelosi’s clarion call. Related Despite a current hospital stay reportedly caused by stress, Conyers has not yet announced his resignation from the post he’s held for…
A ‘foot pool’ venue is coming to Detroit
The latest in a string of newfangled gaming venues coming to metro Detroit, the Gamer’s Gallery will open above Fowling Warehouse next week. Related The crown jewel of the venue will be a “foot pool” court. Never heard of foot pool? You’re not alone. The new sport is a hybrid of soccer and pool, and…
James Beard-winning chef pops up with a French bistro concept this weekend
Earlier this week, we wrote about Chef Alex Young’s plans to open a new Julia Child-inspired French restaurant called Standard Larder & Bistro just outside Ann Arbor. This weekend you’ll have a chance to preview what’s in store as he pops up with a seven course meal at Hazel Park’s Frame. Southeast Michigan isn’t known…
John Conyers lands in hospital, Monica asks media to quit ‘stalking’ their family
As calls for Congressman John Conyers’ resignation grow louder following newly released details of his alleged sexual transgressions, the media is levying its own assault on the 88-year-old — one that has landed him the hospital. At least, that’s what local political consultant Sam Riddle would say. “The congressman’s health is not what it should…
Herb Boyd’s book ‘Black Detroit’ shortlisted for NAACP Image Awards
Herb Boyd is many things: a longtime Detroiter, a veteran activist, a journalist, a onetime MT contributing editor, a scholar, an educator, and an author. His new book, Black Detroit, is a three-century tour of the African Americans whose stories are interwoven with our city’s history. With the holiday season drawing near, we even mentioned…
UberEats meal delivery app launches in Detroit today
UberEats, a standalone meal delivery app, launched in Detroit this morning, Eater reports. We’re the 100th city to received the service, which was first rolled out in 2015. The app allows Detroiters to order meals and drinks from over 100 restaurants in Detroit including Grand Truck Pub, New Center Eatery, Great Lakes Coffee Company, Dilla’s…
Michigan Attorney General candidate: I will not show you my penis, because I don’t have one
Dana Nessel, a Democrat running to be Michigan’s Attorney General, has a simple pitch: She does not have a penis. And in the wake of myriad recent high-profile sexual harassment allegations involving men in politics and the media — including Michigan Democratic Congressman John Conyers, Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, and President Donald Trump — Nessel…
QLine keeps Woodward Ave. open for Noel Night
Detroit’s beloved holiday tradition is getting rerouted, thanks to the QLine. In years prior, the city of Detroit has closed the stretch of Woodward Avenue between Palmer and Warren in Midtown to host the Salvation Army community singalong, keeping the event accessible and walkable. But due to the introduction of the QLine earlier this year Woodward will remain…
Divisive chicken fryer Chick-fil-A is opening a Midtown location
Homophobic chicken lovers rejoice. Chick-fil-A — perhaps the nation’s most divisive fast food chain — is opening its first location in Detroit on Friday. Its new post is launching in the lobby of the Detroit Medical Center’s Harper-Hutzel Women’s Hospital and is part of an effort to open 20 locations over five years in Michigan,…
MDEQ proposal calls for lead pipes to be removed in 20 years — except in Detroit
In the aftermath of the Flint water crisis, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is proposing changes to state rules that would replace all lead pipes within 20 years. Everywhere in Michigan, that is, but Detroit. Eric Oswald, director of the DEQ’s Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance Division, tells MLive that an exception would likely be…
Urgin’ for Sturgeon event swims through Belle Isle Aquarium tomorrow
Dive into your pockets and help welcome some new friends to the Belle Isle Aquarium. Rarely do the words “conservation effort” necessarily allude to a “fun” evening. Leave it to the historic Belle Isle Aquarium to prove differently. Enter the “Urgin’ for Sturgeon” event. America’s oldest aquarium will pair the unveiling of its Great Lakes…
Detroit named finalist for MLS expansion team, but its bid lacks one key component
Detroit’s billionaire professional sports team owners are dribbling toward the goal of creating a Major League Soccer team. MLS has named Detroit one of four finalist cities for an expansion team. The bid is being put forward by Dan Gilbert, Tom Gores, and the Ford family, who own the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, and Detroit…
Miracle, a Christmas-themed cocktail bar, is popping up in Detroit
Detroit’s alleyway bar, The Skip, has undergone a Christmas transformation. From now until Dec. 24, it’ll be known as Miracle, and it’s offering all things Yule. The pop-up concept is one that was born in New York City in 2014, but it has since expanded to 50 cities across the U.S. This is the first…
Passion Pit announces Royal Oak date in 2018
It’s hard to believe that the meticulously crafted sonic musings of indietronica darlings, Passion Pit, comes down to, well, a single darling. Michael Angelakos is Passion Pit and Passion Pit is hitting the road with a stop in Royal Oak scheduled for Jan. 16, 2018. The “Sleepyhead” singer announced the tour on Tuesday, Nov. 29.…
Why Sabrina Nelson is no longer mad that someone stole her sketchbook of James Baldwin drawings
Detroit artist Sabrina Nelson says, by this point, she can draw James Baldwin from memory. She didn’t seek out to become so intimately acquainted with the famed author’s face. Initially, she was invited to create drawings of him as part of one of the multidisciplinary plenaries at last year’s International James Baldwin Conference in Paris.…
Review: Is Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit restaurant worth its salt?
Are you a deer? Do you suffer from low blood pressure? Then I’ve got a restaurant to show you. It trades in the cuisine of northern Macomb County, which appears to rely heavily on Detroit’s mining industry. There is, in short, a lot of salt. But that’s forgivable. After all, how much American cuisine rides…
What it’s like to get your aura photographed at Detroit’s Aura Aura
For as long as I can remember, I have carried stones in my pocket, stored crystals on my dashboard, and burned candles that promise the impossible. And, yeah, I am currently in a serious relationship with a self-proclaimed wizard. Apparently I, like many, am not immune to the mystic wiles peddled by Gwenyth Paltrow’s Goop.…
Horoscopes (Nov. 29-Dec.5)
ARIES (March 21- April 20): No matter how you choose to see it, you have it made. Those of you who find that hard to accept need to snap out of it and stop making excuses. The impact of the last five years has shifted things around just enough for you to get over yourself…
Sunlight’s Bane unleashes sheer ‘audio terror’
Mixing the best parts of grindcore, black metal, and even some metalcore, Detroit’s Sunlight’s Bane is less interested in subgenre parameters than running listeners over with what they call “audio terror.” Founded in 2010 as Traitor, the band spent a couple of years figuring out its sound, playing locally and booking a few mini-tours before…
Visiting view: The unknown consequences of putting a criminal justice complex near the trash incinerator
A few weeks ago, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans agreed to a complicated deal where the county would acquire city land to build a criminal justice complex. In order to go into effect, the deal must be approved by the members of the Detroit City Council, the Wayne County Board…
How the GOP tax bill would ruin Michigan
What would the Republican tax bill now working its way through Congress mean for Detroit? What would it mean for our state, and especially, for rising young adults just starting out in life? Literally, nothing good. “I think this is just bad policy,” Charles Ballard tells me right as the bill is approaching passage in…
‘Titanic’ was one of Hollywood’s biggest hits. So where are the knockoffs?
December 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the release of what would become one of the most lucrative and most deliriously popular movies ever made: James Cameron’s Titanic. It should also mark the 20th anniversary of the beginning of a wave of Titanic clones — and it says something about the movie industry that it…
Stir it up: Mulenga and the mountain
“Welcome to Detroit 2018,” Mulenga Harenga greeted me with open arms. I was at the same place that recently had a sign out front calling it a political theater. That sign was gone and it was replaced with one that read “Happiness Village.” “You know it’s still 2017,” I reminded him. “Oh, such backward thinking,”…
Savage Love: Devastation
I’m a straight man in a live-in relationship with a beautiful woman. There are no sparks in bed, and it’s been more than a year since we’ve had sex. She says, “I’m sorry, but I’m just not interested.” Sometimes she asks me if I’m disappointed, and I say something like, “I miss sex.” And she…
