Cover Story
A teenager’s unnecessary death stokes controversy over race and policing in Detroit
The Mohican Regent neighborhood, located just south of Eight Mile in Detroit’s far northeast, is a model of the city’s middle class: small single-story brick houses with small neatly trimmed lawns. SUVs parked on narrow streets. Families, mostly black, who take their kids to the park and worry when cars drive through too fast. “Typical…
Bite by bite through Detroit’s McNichols soul food strip
If we were to name an unofficial cuisine of Detroit, should it be anything other than soul food? After all, is there a town that better understands the process of properly spicing and frying a pork chop — not cooking it to death, but delivering a juicy, flavorful cut? Where else do chefs mix mac…
Presentation tonight will showcase Muslim contributions to science
A very special event this evening will showcase Muslim contributions to science. Of course, if you know your history, it’s no surprise that Muslim contributions to science are important and far-reaching. After all, while Europe was locked in its superstitious dark ages, science flowered in the new Muslim world, with researchers making great strides in…
Jeff Lynne’s ELO returns to Detroit after 37 years
Chalk it up to strange magic but ELO has been MIA for nearly 35 years. The masters of prog-pop (now Jeff Lynne’s ELO) will return for a limited run of U.S dates and will bring their arsenal of futuristic classics to Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena on Aug. 18 of next year. This will be their…
Detroit artist Danny Sobor absolutely nails ‘painterly angst’
If not for awkward pubescent phases, Danny Sobor may have never become an artist. The 25-year-old Detroit resident and Chicago native began making art as a way to survive the most humiliating chapter of human development — middle school. “I loved comic books. I was a chubby kid and I liked to make art because…
Detroit council delays vote to affect Gilbert’s jail-swap plan, cites insufficient information
After hearing concerns from residents who live near the proposed site of a new county jail to be built by Dan Gilbert’s Rock Ventures, Detroit City Council has voted to delay decision on a land swap that would allow the plan to move forward. Saying they’d received limited information on the proposed criminal justice complex at…
‘Rehab Addict’ star Nicole Curtis is being shamed for breastfeeding her son
It seems there is no correct way for anyone to be a mother these days, and Rehab Addict star Nicole Curtis might know this better than most. Curtis, who is probably used to unsavory media coverage by now, is embroiled in a custody battle over her youngest son. She’s now facing allegations that she only…
Gov. Snyder says he is ‘no longer satisfied’ with Enbridge Mackinac pipeline
Even our typically pro-business Gov. Rick Snyder is starting to get worried about Line 5. On Monday, Canadian oil giant Enbridge Energy issued a new report on the status of its controversial 64-year-old Straits of Mackinac oil and gas pipeline. The report noted even more gaps were found in the pipeline’s aging coating during its last inspection,…
Detroit strip club owner’s memoir optioned for film
The story of the notorious Detroit strip club owner Alan Markovitz could come to the silver screen. According to Deadline Hollywood, the film rights to Markovitz’s memoir Topless Prophet: The True Story of America’s Most Successful Gentleman’s Club Entrepreneur were purchased by Symply Entertainment, the production company of fellow metro Detroit native Ron Senkowski. Previously, Markovitz…
What’s really behind all those empty seats at Little Caesars Arena
Perhaps you saw the news item that appeared in The New York Times last week concerning basketball crowds at Little Caesars Arena — particularly the amount of empty seats. We had a friend who was given tickets for great seats for a recent Friday game — and noted that there was plenty of room around…
Detroit Pizza Co. reopens in Midtown under new ownership
The Detroit Pizza Co. will celebrate a grand reopening under new ownership on Friday, Deadline Detroit reports. The restaurant, on Woodward Avenue in a Park Shelton storefront, abruptly closed in August, and it appeared that it was gone for good. But the new ownership already held a soft opening. The most notable changes will be…
Detroit council to vote on fail-jail land swap amid mounting concerns over new site
Detroit City Council will vote today on whether to approve a proposed land swap with Wayne County that would put Dan Gilbert one step closer to getting a 15-acre downtown parcel where a half-built jail sits. The complicated trade was set into motion when Gilbert announced early this year that he wanted to build a…
Ypsilanti official: Chinese development proposal is in a ‘death spiral’
Several weeks ago, Ypsilanti officials announced that there was no developer for the proposed $300 million mixed-use International Village development. This week, officials announced that the architect and builder are no longer involved in the project. A city official also said she doesn’t known if it has any investors, and there are questions about whether the…
Auburn Hills venue is now offering axe throwing
The lumberjack sport of axe throwing seems to be enjoying some renewed interest lately. A spot is currently in the works for downtown Ferndale, and today an Auburn Hills business announced the bucolic sport will be featured inside their entertainment and dining complex. The HUB Stadium already features Bombowling (which sounds a lot like Fowling)…
Detroit will plant 10,000 new saplings to replace trees wiped out by disease
After more than a half-century in which disease and invasive species robbed Detroit of much of its tree population, officials are investing millions in making the city greener. Over the next three years, crews will plant 10,000 saplings in neighborhoods that express an interest. All residents have to do is water the trees, which will…
New show highlights LGBTQ+ rights at Arab American National Museum
A new art show planned for the Arab American National Museum has a surprising issue at the center of it: LGBTQ+ rights here in the United States. You don’t often hear about that civil rights fight in the contest of Arab peoples (although we’ve covered those issues together once before) so it’s especially interesting to see…
Undercover Detroit cops brawled during a sting gone wrong
Guns were drawn and punches were thrown during a recent Detroit neighborhood drug sting that went seriously wrong. According to a report by WJBK, on Thursday, Nov. 9 a pair of undercover officers from the Detroit Police Department’s 12th Precinct were working a “push off,” during which they act as drug dealers, hoping to lure…
California Burgerz is now flipping patties in Hamtramck
California Burgerz, a new spot modeled after California’s In-N-Out Burgers, is up and running in Hamtramck. Owner Hani Omasan, who runs the nearby Top Gearz used car lot, says that means a short menu with beef that’s ground in-house, fries cut from potatoes in-house, and fixings that are fresh every day. The menu is short…
Fewer Detroiters are experiencing homelessness, but activists charge more should be done
On a mild evening in early November, the mood at Detroit’s only known homeless encampment seemed almost blithe. It was the second of the month, and the few tent-dwellers who weren’t out with their monthly government allowance were milling about the community of camouflage tents they call home at Mt. Elliot Street near Mack Avenue, awaiting…
Taylor Swift announces Detroit date for ‘Reputation’ tour
Look what we made her do, you guys. Pop music’s No. 1 heartbreaker (and heartbroken) Taylor Swift announced the dates to her first leg of North American stadium dates supporting her much anticipated (and non-streaming) Reputation, including a Detroit date. Tickets for her tour, which kicks off in May of next year, go on sale to…
Collision sparks debate about the efficiency of Detroit’s QLine
On Monday, Nov. 6, Megan Owens took Detroit’s QLine streetcar to get to a meeting downtown. The trip downtown went without a hitch, and after the meeting ended, Owens tried to take the QLine back to the New Center area. But as soon as she boarded the streetcar she was told by the operator that…
Update: Detroit Dough owners deny sexual assault allegation, threaten legal action
The owners of Detroit Dough are now threatening legal action against the woman who alleged one of the company’s founding members sexually assaulted her and has a history of sexual harassment. In a Facebook post, owners Autumn Kyles and Victoria Washington say they are “dedicated to empowering women to take a stand, to speak up and speak out”…
Sam Austins’ ‘ANGST’ EP is your Monday salvation
“Sam Austins is an anxious fuck.” This is the opening statement to the biography of Sam Austins, Assemble Sound’s latest superstar. Last week he dropped ANGST, a six-track EP steeped in his brand of deep-dive neurosis, and it’s totally saving us right now. A brooding roller coaster that could give hip-hop golden boys The Weeknd and…
Dan Gilbert requested $250M more in public money and Detroit City Council is hesitating to hand it over
Something unusual happened on Thursday. A Michigan billionaire told the government he wants taxpayer money, and he didn’t immediately get it. Dan Gilbert — who at an estimated net worth of $5.6 billion is Michigan’s wealthiest resident — is requesting $250 million in public money to help fund four of his projects planned for downtown…
Detroit Dough founder steps down amid sexual assault allegations
The owners of Detroit Dough, a forthcoming shipping container “cookie dough cafe” planned for the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood, say one of its founders will step down. In a statement posted Saturday on Detroit Dough’s Facebook page, co-founders Autumn Kyles and Victoria Washington alluded to a “recent allegation” and said Daniel A. Washington “will step down effective immediately…
A laundry list of hazing and misconduct allegations led officials to suspend all U-M fraternity social activities
During a meeting of University of Michigan’s Interfraternity Council on Thursday night, officials decided to suspend all social activities organized by the university’s fraternities. In addition, the council also voted to end new member pledge terms. And, it doesn’t look like either decision will be reversed in the foreseeable future. According to a report by The…
Eminem and Beyoncé make a splash with new track ‘Walk on Water’
After a month-long breadcrumb trail teasing a comeback, Eminem has finally put to rest the guessing game as to whether or not a Revival is in the works. And it is nothing like the antics we’ve come to expect. In fact, it’s deep as fuck. Enlisting the world’s biggest pop star Beyoncé might seem like…
Detroit photographer Nick Jaskey reveals city’s subtle beauty in new book
Since the advent of Instagram in 2010, Detroit artist and photographer Nick Jaskey has been generously sharing his images with the world, free of charge. Drawn to the subtle imprints of humanity in a large city with a dwindling population, Jaskey, 35, has long described his photos as a collection of evidence, or “signs of life.” But…
Detroit rapper Danny Brown teamed up with Dabrye on a deliciously dark new track
It’s a local affair for rapper Danny Brown and longtime producer Dabrye. Brown recently revealed that the follow-up to his Atrocity Exhibition LP is in the works. And, Danny’s toiling away on other projects too. Most recently, he’s featured on Dabrye’s latest track, “The Appetite.” Alongside Brown, rappers Rock Marciano and Quelle Chris lend themselves to…
Detroit socialists want to fix your brake lights for free
The Detroit chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America has promised to replace brake lights for free tomorrow. Qualified volunteers will be on hand to install them, and no appointment is necessary. Why is the party offering a free brake light clinic? Well, it probably dovetails with that whole socialist thing to help the average…
Madonna’s sleepy cover of Elliott Smith’s ‘Between The Bars’ is beyond endearing
What does the Material Girl have in common with the late Elliott Smith? Well, nothing, really. Which makes the Bay City native’s recent Twitter video so oddly endearing. A black-and-white video surfaced of a casual, late-night Madge armed with black-rimmed glasses and an acoustic guitar as she performed a tender tribute to the late indie idol.…
‘Puff, Puff, Paint’ is like ‘Painting With a Twist,’ but with pot
You know how there’s that trend of “paint ‘n’ sip” franchises like Painting with Twist, where you can express yourself artistically while drinking wine? Detroit has that, but with pot. “Puff, Puff, Paint” offers art therapy, infused with the magic properties of marijuana. The group is hosting an event at the Russell Industrial Center on Saturday, Nov. 11. The…
Here’s where you can sign petitions to end gerrymandering in Michigan (Nov. 10 – Nov. 16)
The group Voters Not Politicians is still working to gather the 400,000 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…
3 things we think Jack White’s ‘bizarre’ new record could sound like
Jack White, Detroit’s electrifying Willy Wonka of rock and ambassador of vinyl, threw us a bone teasing a new solo record during a galvanizing Q&A for the Making Vinyl conference this past Monday, saying that it’s “practically done.” The record would be his third solo venture. “It’s a bizarre one,” he said. “I’ve just got to…
Ferndale official: Multiple offers on the table for Como’s
Como’s Restaurant owner George Grego is considering multiple offers for his shuttered pizzeria as he determines what step to take next. The Oakland County Department of Health shut down the Nine Mile and Woodward Avenue pizzeria twice in the last two years over health code violations, and there have been rumors of a possible sale since…
Detroit’s the worst place for veterans, but a local organization is helping them get on their feet
Veteran’s of the United States Armed Forces earned their stripes — literally — by putting their safety and well-being on the line in service of their country. These men and women embody discipline, respect, skill, teamwork, and patriotism and every year America celebrates Veteran’s Day in their honor. But, despite their service, life after military…
Dan Gilbert says poor Detroiters need jobs, but Dan Gilbert, who do you employ?
Oh, we got a good one out of Dan Gilbert today. The billionaire who helped precipitate the housing crisis (but denies it), bought buildings for cheap in a city decimated by the catastrophe, and proceeded to create a downtown oasis dubbed “Gilbertville” says he has an “inclusive” vision for Detroit. Yes, all 140 square miles…
More ranch is sold in the Great Lakes region than any other, and now we can buy kegs of it
It’s common knowledge: Ranch is the most popular dressing in the country and it’s used for far more than disguising the flavor of salad. Last March, the company that originated the creamy sauce, Hidden Valley, launched an online store hawking ranch paraphernalia, including a $50 bedazzled ranch bottle and the now-famed ranch fountain. The ranch…
Andy Malone’s ‘Play Room’ exhibit opens this weekend
When art critics call art “playful” or “engaging,” they usually mean the work has a cleverness that compels the viewer to feel an internal reaction. But in the case of artist Andy Malone, the play and engagement are more hands-on than usual. Often featuring cranks and gears that work in the fashion of a Rube…
Detroit activists seek changes to ‘toothless’ community benefits law
One year after Detroit activists were narrowly defeated in their fight to hold developers receiving public money to certain standards, they say they’re regrouping with a push to create a “real and meaningful” community benefits ordinance for the city. “The resurgence in the city only applies to maybe 20 percent of our residents,” said Detroit…
Here’s a photo of Bill Schuette cozying up to Steve Bannon
On Wednesday, Steve Bannon — former chief strategist to President Donald Trump, current executive of the alt-right website Breitbart, and well-documented neo-Nazi sympathizer — visited Macomb County to speak at a GOP fundraiser. Here’s a photo of Michigan attorney general and GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Schuette sitting right next to Bannon. Horrible lighting. But AG…
A quarter of Detroit renters are spending half their income on rent
According to a new study, more than a quarter of renters living in Detroit are so cost burdened they’re spending half their monthly income on rent. This comes as no surprise — Detroit is a city where 1 in 3 residents live at or below the federal poverty line of $12,060 a year. The report, conducted…
Detroit rolls out the red carpet for ‘8 Mile’ anniversary
Dr. Eminem is in the house — just not in the theatre. Marshall “man of mystery and master of transparency” Mathers released a cryptic image on his social media accounts just hours before a 15th Anniversary celebration and screening of 8 Mile last night, teasing a new song “Walk on Water” scrawled on a fake…
Detroit sci-fi thrashers Euphoria go from warp speed to shred
Space is the place for stupidly fast riffing, triumphant guitar harmonies, inhuman shrieks, and shirtless headbanging as far as Detroit sci-fi themed thrash-metal band Euphoria is concerned. Formed in early 2016, the band has already self-released its first full-length album and toured the Midwest and East Coast. This week they’ll debut a new EP on…
A new ‘dive tiki’ bar is in the works in Southwest Detroit
Dave Kwiatkowski, whose Detroit Optimist Society is behind Wright & Co., Sugar House, The Peterboro, Buhl Bar, and more, is adding a “dive tiki” bar to his ever-growing roster. The new spot, called the Mutiny, is under renovation in the former VL Bar, a shot-and-beer establishment along Vernor Highway, Eater reports. Some updates are planned…
Bill Schuette can’t stop sucking up to Trump and Trump voters
Michigan Attorney General and 2018 GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bill Schuette really, really, really wants everyone to know that he and President Donald Trump are best buds. Whereas other major GOP players have kept Trump at arm’s length amid the president’s plummeting approval ratings, Schuette seemingly wants to shout it from the mountaintops: “I, Michigan gubernatorial…
South American eatery Bolero to open Nov. 30 in Midtown
For all the new diversity in Detroit’s dining scene, the flavors of South America aren’t very well represented. The bright, acidic bass ceviche of Chile; the Japanese prints on the Peruvians’ approach to fish; and the beguiling steak like those charred in Buenos Aries’s smokey parrillas are notably absent. That changes on Nov. 30 when…
Refugee talk hits home in an Oakland County church
As close newsreaders may recall, the area around Pontiac has been a hotbed of high anxiety when it comes to helping the dazed and displaced victims of the Syrian civil war find their way to safety in the United States. You’d think residents of the same country that charged into the Middle East 15 years…
Detroit’s Cobo Center to host cannabis business expo in December
Experts in Michigan’s ever-changing cannabis industry will host a business seminar at Detroit’s Cobo Center next month. The event is set for Friday, Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Legal experts, including attorneys Barton W. Morris, Jr. and Craig Aronoff of the Cannabis Legal Group, will be on hand to answer questions regarding Michigan’s changing medicinal marijuana…
Peacock Room and Yama will open in Fisher Building this month
Rachel Lutz laughs when we call her Detroit-based retail footprint her “empire,” but the self-proclaimed “shopkeep” has quickly become the city’s women’s wear mogul. She got started when she opened the Peacock Room inside the Park Shelton, and it wasn’t long before the shop’s vintage-inspired fashions were the talk of the town. Shortly after the…
Why Detroit hosted the first-ever vinyl industry conference this week
In a world where you can get virtually any song at your fingertips within seconds, vinyl records have somehow managed to survive, and even thrive. In the past 10 years or so, the format made a big comeback. To celebrate, the industry converged in Motown earlier this week. Colonial Purchasing Co-Op put on its first ever vinyl…
Mozzy makes his Michigan debut
Timothy Patterson, the prolific Sacramento-based rapper more widely known as Mozzy, released his first album when he was 14 years old. Growing up in Oak Park, Calif. — an area dominated by the Bloods — the young artist didn’t see many other career routes other than becoming a professional athlete, rapper, or gangbanger. He chose…
Cultivating peace with jazz duo Balance
For as steeped in jazz the musical history of Detroit is, it turns out the city’s musical future might well form in that very same mold, carved out by a crop of young musicians who have deservedly inherited the mantle. Two of these musicians are saxophonist Marcus Elliot and pianist Michael Malis. They have been…
Strong performances and visual style elevate a so-so story in ‘Wonderstruck’
You can be forgiven for thinking that Todd Haynes, a director known for decidedly adult fare like Safe, Carol, and Far From Heaven, is an odd choice to helm an adaptation of an acclaimed YA novel; you’re kind of right. Wonderstruck, directed by Haynes from a script by original author Brian Selznick, has plenty of…
Pot slowly goes legit
Coming in from the cold isn’t as easy as it may seem. One of the trickiest parts of this new medical marijuana (and potential recreational) system is bringing people out of the underground and into an openly functioning market. While the caregiver system has been the backbone of the medical marijuana supply system these past…
Remembering America
Late last month, Freedom House, the wonderful institution that helps battered refugees win asylum in this country and Canada, held its annual fundraising banquet. Few paid much attention to the small quiet woman in a blue blazer who happened to be sitting at my table, until she got up to accept an award, and people…
Review: Exploring the serious and mighty fine cuisine of Lady of the House
Lady of the House takes itself seriously. Our server started out by telling us that the enterprise is all about building relationships. In this case, it’s partnerships with farmers. Every bit of the plant or animal is to be used — if not on the table, then returned to the farmer as compost, or turned…
Horoscopes (Nov. 8-14)
ARIES (March 21- April 20): You just blew a lot of things out of the water. One simple move was all it took to totally alter the scenery. Others are either shaking in their boots or grateful to you for having the guts to deal with what nobody dared to face. As the truth continues…
