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Tag: Detroit

  • Ken Settle, Detroit Photographer Spotlight

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    I can’t say enough great things about Ken Settle, Detroit photographer. He was brilliant, kind, and generous with his talent. Thanks to Ken Settle, WCSX has been able to share hundreds of concert photos and their stories with our audience.

    A celebration of life is being held for Ken Settle at the Token Lounge in Westland on March 29th, at 4:30 pm, 2026. The full details are available on the Token’s event page.

    Ken’s passing was a really tough blow. I loved talking with Ken and sharing his stories and photos. He was such a gracious, humble person with unbelievably detailed stories behind the moments he captured on film. A few years back, I interviewed Ken Settle. Here are some pieces from that conversation.

    The Interview: Ken Settle, Detroit Photographer

    Do you remember the first rock n’ roll picture you shot?

    KS: My very, very first rock’n’roll photo was in May of 1971. The Bob Seger System was playing a baseball game in Southfield against the staff of the brand new WRIF-FM. Somehow, my sisters and I talked my dad into taking us to see the ball game. I felt very bad that my mom couldn’t come too. She had to be home and make Mother’s Day dinner for my grandma. I took my mom’s Mother’s Day card with me in hopes of getting Bob Seger to sign it!

    My dad let me use his decent camera to try to get photos. I spotted Seger walking back out onto the field–a pack of Marlboros in one hand and a ball glove in the other. I went up to him and shyly asked, “Bob…would you sign my mom’s Mother’s Day card”? “Sure,” he said with a friendly chuckle. “Let’s get this guy to sign it too,” he offered, pointing to Seger System drummer Pep Perrine. Pep signed the card and handed it back to me. I turned to Bob and said, “Let me get a photo!” I snapped one shot…which thankfully was in focus and properly exposed!

    Ken Settle

    Photo courtesy of Ken Settle, Detroit Photographer: Bob Seger – 1971 Bob Seger and crew played a ballgame against the WRIF crew.

    What is one of your all-time favorite concerts in Detroit, and why?

    KS: There are so many magical moments. Some of my best memories of photographing live music are the times when I photographed Bob Seger around the Detroit area before his platinum success finally came to him in 1976.  Photographing Bob playing at clubs like Uncle Sam’s in Redford in 1973, and The Rock’n’Roll Farm in Wayne in 1974 hold an incredibly special place in my archives as well as in my heart. 

    Chronicling Bob Seger in the early days gave me such a great look at the development of an iconic artist.   I remember photographing one of the earliest Silver Bullet Band shows.  It was at Cobo Arena in early October of 1973.  Bob and the band were playing the annual ALSAC charity concert at Cobo and opening the show for Brownsville Station. Silver Bullet drummer Charlie Martin had to play on Brownsville Station drummer Henry Weck’s double bass drum kit. Complete with the Brownsville Station logo emblazoned across the bass drum heads! It was done in an effort to save time in striking the stage between bands!

    Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band 1974 Ken SettleKen Settle

    Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band – 1974 Photo credit: Ken Settle, Detroit Photographer

    What’s one of the strangest concerts you ever photographed?

    KS: Well…the king of strange concert experiences would have to be just about ANY Alice Cooper show!  “Expect the unexpected” would have to be the operative motto!  Alice’s management has always let me photograph Alice’s shows in their entirety from beginning to end, with no three-song limit, which has been the norm for many years now. 

    For Alice’s Halloween show at Joe Louis Arena in 1987, Alice had countless helium-filled balloons bouncing overhead in the stage area, and he was piercing them with his sword, sending a ton of confetti falling all over the stage, the photo pit, as well as the first several rows of the audience.  What no one knew, though, was that a few of those balloons contained gallons of fake blood! There I was photographing Alice one minute, and the next, me, my cameras, and the first few rows of the audience were covered in gallons of sticky faux blood. I mean, I got NAILED! Covered from head to toe in the stuff!  Since I had no other clothes to change into, I got a lot of strange looks driving home after the show.

    Alice Cooper Halloween 1987

    Alice Cooper–Halloween 1987–Joe Louis Arena

    More Ken Settle Stories

    Ken Settle was the Detroit photographer who drove to an abandoned diner in Highland Park in the middle of the night to take this photo of Bono. (see full story: U2 Filmed a Video in Highland Park)

    Bono of U2 sitting in a booth at a diner when U2 filmed a video in Highland Park, Michigan.Ken Settle

    Ken Settle, Detroit photographer. He captures a still of Bono at The Hi-Liter Diner when U2 filmed a video in Highland Park, Michigan.

    Jimmy Page during Page and Plant World Tour: Palace of Auburn Hills 1995Ken Settle

    Jimmy Page during Page and Plant World Tour: Palace of Auburn Hills 1995

    Ken Settle was behind the lens of so many moments in Detroit’s music history; it’s truly unfathomable. He leaves behind a legacy of photos and history spanning more than five decades.

    Ken Settle Background

    His drive to get photos at live shows began with sneaking into bars to get pictures of the live shows. One of Ken’s first rock and roll photos was a picture of Bob Seger playing baseball with WRIF. Ken caught a lot of Bob Seger’s early days playing high schools, colleges, and at The Rock and Roll Farm. Through the years, Ken’s photos have been published worldwide. Rolling Stone, the original Creem Magazine, People, Playboy, and England’s Kerrang! are just a few of the publications that have featured Ken’s photos.

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    Donielle Flynn

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  • Trump, Canada, and the Constitutional Problem Beneath the Bridge | RealClearPolitics

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    President Trump has declared that he’ll block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge – a major infrastructure project connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario – unless “the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given [Canada].”

    President Trump is right: In the long run, the bridge is a raw deal for the United States (and I say that as a Canadian). As part of a deal struck between the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Canadian Government, Canada has an exclusive and perpetual right to charge tolls on the bridge. That’s a serious compromise given that the bridge’s main competitor, the century-old Ambassador Bridge, accounted for 27%, or $720 billion of trade between Canada and the United States in 2019. 

    America shouldn’t even be in this position. The Gordie Howe International Bridge has been a long and arduous folly in spending abuses of the very type the Constitution is designed to protect us from. 

    The GHIB was initially planned in 2001, intended as a public competitor to the privately owned Ambassador Bridge. But in order to begin construction, Michigan needed land. Much of the land along the Detroit river, it turned out, rested in the hands of Manuel “Matty” Moroun – the billionaire owner of the Ambassador Bridge. Obviously not keen to sell his land to his competitor, Moroun played hardball – and the State had no option but to exercise its power of eminent domain. 

    But after a successful lobbying campaign, Moroun persuaded the Michigan State Legislature to ban the Michigan Department of Transportation from making any expenditures on the bridge – theoretically saving his land. That is, until the Michigan DOT struck a reimbursement deal with the Canadian government. Canada would foot the bill for the seizure of Moroun’s land, and in exchange, it would get ownership of the bridge and exclusive and perpetual tolling authority. 

    Not so fast, said Moroun. Each state, after all, is required by the federal Constitution’s Guarantee Clause (Article IV, Section 4) to provide a republican form of government. And, as with the federal system, republican governments are designed to place the control of the purse strings in the hands of the legislature. From James Madison’s writings in “Federalist 58,” to George Mason’s 1787 declaration, the founding fathers understood that placing the proverbial “purse” in the same hands as the “sword” was a recipe for a tyrannical executive. 

    So Moroun sued. Just as is the case with any federal agency, he argued, Michigan’s Department of Transportation can’t spend money when the legislature has expressly told it not to. Both the Michigan constitution (Art. IX, § 17) and Michigan legislation (§ 18.1366) make that clear. 

    Still, the Michigan Court of Appeals disagreed. In DOT v. Riverview-Trenton R.R. Co. (Mich. 2020), the court held that money was not really “expended” unless it was missing at the end of a fiscal year’s accounting. Accordingly, the DOT could spend however much money it wanted, so long as someone else provided reimbursement in the proper timespan. 

    This is a disgrace, and the consequences are clear: Unbound from democratic accountability through the legislature, the executive can wield state power on behalf of the highest bidder. Under this system, the executive devolves from a faithful servant of the public will into a gun-for-hire with a monopoly on violence. 

    In this instance, the consequences are only the perpetual GHIB toll. But under these lax principles, there’s no real limit as to what benefits rogue executives may deliver into the hands of foreign and private actors. 

    Indeed, SCOTUS has left similar vulnerabilities in the federal legal system. In the 2024 case Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of America, Ltd. (2024), the court held that so long as the executive is able to identify a legal source of funds, the Appropriations Clause (which safeguards the power of the purse) is satisfied. Justices Alito and Gorsuch provided a grave warning in their dissent: Such loose conditions “would give the Executive a most dangerous discretion,” that, as the solicitor general admitted at oral argument, would “permit an agency to be funded entirely by private sources.”

    It’s under this system that Trump accepted an anonymous $130 million dollar donation to fund the military during 2025’s government shutdown and accepted the new Air Force One from the Qataris.  It’s anyone’s guess what benefits might inure to that donor. 

    The president is right: Canada’s exclusive right to toll on the GHIB is rotten. But if we don’t want the executive handing out special privileges to foreign actors and private parties unchecked, we need to draw a hard line at allowing the executive to take their paychecks. 

    Tate Kaufman is a senior contributor at Young Voices, an editor at the National Security Law Journal, and a Mercatus Center Graduate Scholar. 

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    Tate Kaufman, RCP

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  • Mickey Lolich, Hero Of The 1968 World Series For The Detroit Tigers, Lincoln High Grad, Dies At 85 – KXL

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    Detroit Tigers catcher Bill Freehan sweeps pitcher Mickey Lolich off his feet as he screams with joy, after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 in the final game of the World Series on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 1968 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Joining the celebration is Norm Cash (25). Lolich became the twelfth pitcher to win three games in the World Series. (AP Photo)

    DETROIT (AP) — Mickey Lolich, who had three complete-game victories for the Detroit Tigers in the 1968 World Series, the last Major League Baseball pitcher to post the incredible feat, died Wednesday. He was 85.

    The Tigers said Lolich’s wife told them that he died after a short stay in hospice care. An exact cause of death was not provided.

    Denny McLain was the star of Detroit’s pitching staff in 1968, winning 31 regular-season games. But Lolich was the Most Valuable Player of the Series, with a ERA of 1.67 and a Game 7 road victory over Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals.

    Bill Freehan threw off his catcher’s mask and caught a foul pop-up by Tim McCarver for the final out. Lolich jumped into Freehan’s arms — an iconic image of Detroit’s championship season.

    “It was always somebody else,” Lolich told the Detroit Free Press in 2018, “but my day had finally come.”

    He is No. 23 in career strikeouts with 2,832, ahead of many others who, unlike Lolich, are in the Hall of Fame, and fifth among all lefties, according to baseball-reference.com.

    Lolich was an unlikely hero in 1968. During a reunion of the World Series team, he recalled how manager Mayo Smith had sent him to the bullpen for much of August. He returned to the Tigers’ starting rotation and was 6-1 in the final weeks.

    “I was having a few problems, but I had been a starting pitcher ever since 1964,” said Lolich, who was upset about the bullpen move. “I remember telling him, ‘If we win this thing this year it’s going to be because of me.’ But I was only talking about the season. I wasn’t talking about the World Series.

    “I got my revenge back in the World Series,” he said.

    Lolich pitched Game 7 after only two days of rest. He figured he would get a Corvette from General Motors for being the Series MVP but had to settle for a Dodge Charger GT because Chrysler was the sponsor in 1968.

    “Nothing against Chargers, nothing at all,” Lolich said in his book, “Joy in Tigertown.” “It’s just that I already had two of them in my driveway.”

    Since Lolich, only Arizona’s Randy Johnson in 2001 has won three games in a World Series, though Johnson pitched about 10 fewer innings and was a relief pitcher, not a starter, in Game 7.

    Lolich had a record of 220-192, including the postseason, over a 16-year career, all but three with Detroit. He left baseball after playing for the New York Mets in 1976 but returned with San Diego in 1978-79.

    The left-hander was 25-14 in 1971, striking out 308 batters over 376 innings and finishing second in AL Cy Young award voting. He followed that up with a 22-14 record and 250 strikeouts in 1972.

    In a statement, the Tigers expressed condolences to Lolich’s family and said his legacy “will forever be cherished.”

    After his baseball career, Lolich, a native of Portland, Oregon, was in the doughnut business in suburban Detroit, making and selling them for 18 years.

    “I doubt any other ballplayer has ever made that transition — from the diamond to doughnuts. But I did,” he wrote in his book.

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    Jordan Vawter

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  • 5 Tips To Stay Safe During Metro Detroit Winter Weather

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    The brutal cold has arrived in Metro Detroit–and it looks like it’s here to stay. The next couple of weeks are going to be dangerously cold in the Motor City.

    As Michiganders, we’re used to the cold. Winter comes every year and we put up with it. However, these next couple of weeks are going to be significantly colder than usual and it’s best to be prepared. As nice as it would be to hibernate like a bear for the next few weeks (or months?), that’s not really an option. You still have to go to work, take the kids to school, and live your life. So, let’s cover some ways you can best protect yourself and your loved ones during this nasty cold spell.

    5 Tips To Stay Safe During Metro Detroit Winter Weather

    Lows are going to drop into the negatives in most parts of Metro Detroit in the coming days and the wind chill is going to have it feeling even colder. There will be days that it’s sunny–but don’t be deceived! It’s still going to be incredibly cold. Let’s go over 5 ways to stay safe during this storm that won’t have you changing up your lifestyle in any major way. These tips should be useful, effective, and simple to do.

    1. Keep Emergency Kits In Your Car

    You’re going to want to stash a blanket in your car just in case! With this bad weather the roads might be icy or slippery and it can have an impact on your plans. If something you don’t plan for happens and you get stuck somewhere, you won’t have to worry about freezing and you’ll have some help with a blanket. In addition to a blanket, kitty litter can help you get out of jams and help your tires tread. So, you should have some of that in your car. You should also have food stashed in there just in case!

    2. Layer Up!

    Wear more than one layer when you’re going out. The weather can be unpredictable and change quickly. Just because it was warm when you left the house doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Make sure to layer up and keep warm.

    3. Limit Exposure

    If you don’t have to leave the house, don’t! As fun as it might be to meet your friends at the bar, if the roads are nasty it might be best to stay in. If you don’t have to go out and face the elements–then don’t! Plan ahead and run your errands when it’s nicer and use your weather app to check and monitor the weather and forecast.

    4. Heating Safety

    It’s natural to want to use a space heater during the cold–and you should! Just make sure to keep them away from flammable items and don’t use your oven to heat your home! That’s not a good idea. Don’t leave your space heater running over night either. Use it safely and follow all the rules.

    5. Mind Your Pets

    If you’re cold then your furry friends probably are too! Imagine how their feet feel walking on that ice! If you have a coat or shoes for them, put them on! Also make sure they aren’t left alone outside or are outside for too long. The weather is dangerous for us and for them too!

    Cort Freeman was born and raised in Metro Detroit. He was named Clarkston High School 2009 Class Clown 13 years after graduating. Totally normal thing to happen. That’s thanks to his time spent as an Intern at Comedy Central and Social Media Correspondent for The Colbert Report. Cort has done comedy across the country, both standing up and sitting down. When he’s not trying to make you laugh on-air and online, he’s probably at home enjoying his favorite shows like Seinfeld, South Park, and The Office. He’s also totally uncomfortable writing about himself in the third person. Cort enjoys writing about comedy, food, sports, and entertainment. So, basically anything and everything.

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    Cort Freeman

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  • Affordability takes center stage at Detroit Auto Show

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    Affordability takes center stage at Detroit Auto Show – CBS News









































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    The Detroit Auto Show is now open to the public, and “CBS Saturday Morning” gets a first-hand preview with Ford CEO Jim Farley.

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  • Study questions whether Detroit sales tax is worth it – Detroit Metro Times

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    Detroiters already pay one of the highest tax rates in the state. 

    Is the city ready for another tax hike?

    A new analysis from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan examined the potential impact of a 1% sales and use tax in Detroit and found that the revenue may be too limited to justify the steps needed to adopt it.

    The tax could generate between $42 and $72 million a year, but that is only 5% or less of the city’s budget, the report states.  

    The 59-page report, “Evaluating a Local-Option Sales Tax Policy for Detroit,” was produced at the request of the Detroit City Council’s Legislative Policy Division, which asked the nonpartisan research group to examine “innovative ways to increase city revenues” without “placing an undue burden on its residents.”

    The Citizens Research Council says the revenue from a local tax would be limited, and the barriers to adopt it would be significant. 

    “While the path to adopting a local sales tax option for Michigan’s local governments is daunting,” the report argues that broader access to local taxes could improve the fiscal health of large cities and counties.

    Detroit already has multiple local taxes, including a city income tax, casino wagering taxes, and utility surcharges, in addition to county and state levies.

    “Because of the layering of all these taxes, many of which are levied at the highest (or among the highest) rates in the state, Detroit residents are among the highest taxed in the state,” the report states. 

    Even estimating what Detroit could raise is complicated, the report says, because Michigan does not track sales tax collections by city and because visitor spending is hard to measure. 

    The Citizens Research Council used two main approaches. One relies on household retail spending estimates. Detroiters spend $16,727 per household on retail goods, which would translate to about $167 per household under a 1% tax. Multiplied across 253,207 households, that comes to $42.4 million annually. 

    The other approach attempts to capture a wider range of taxable activity beyond retail goods. Under that approach, the Citizens Research Council estimates that a local sales tax of 1% could raise nearly $72 million annually. 

    Even if Detroit’s leaders decided the money is worth it, the report says a local sales tax would require major state action first.

    “Authorizing a local sales tax in Michigan will require amending the state Constitution, adopting state statutes authorizing local sales and use taxes, the local governing body to enact an ordinance, and voter approval of a new tax,” the report states.

    Because so many purchases now happen online, the report says a local sales tax would probably need to be collected and managed at the state level.

    Madhu Anderson, the report’s author and a senior research associate for local affairs at the Citizens Research Council, said that the path of adopting a local sales tax “is daunting” and that the research suggests it “may be better suited to be levied at the county or regional levels to maximize potential revenue and minimize potential economic disruptions.”

    The report says the city is working to raise service levels in the years following bankruptcy, while also planning for major obligations ahead.

    “The City of Detroit is reviewing potential local option taxes to raise city revenues to improve city services and address needs it anticipates in the future,” the report states, citing efforts to put services “on par with surrounding communities,” make pension payments that are again “a city responsibility after a 10-year hiatus,” and “capture economic benefits from growth in visitor activity downtown.”

    The Citizens Research Council notes that the state’s municipal finance structure relies heavily on property taxes that are limited by state law. The report points out that local governments in Michigan have “few options to levy local taxes,” which can be especially punishing in communities with weaker tax bases.

    For now, the report does not urge Detroit to race toward a ballot proposal to raise the sales tax. It leaves city and state leaders to decide whether an additional $42 million to $72 million a year is worth pursuing a constitutional amendment, new statutes, a local ordinance, and a citywide vote, while also trying to avoid pushing residents and shoppers to lower tax areas.


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    Steve Neavling

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  • Detroit Hotels Required To Post Anti-Trafficking Signs

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    Hotels and motels across Detroit must now put up signs that offer help to human trafficking victims. The City Council passed this law back in May 2024. Monday marked the day the first sign appeared at the Crystal House motel, sitting at Eight Mile and Greenfield roads.

    Council member Angela Whitfield Calloway announced the placement at this location. The spot marks a major entry point into Detroit. “Shedding light on human trafficking is critically important,” said Calloway according to The Detroit News. “It is our mission to educate as many people as possible, because there is no single way a trafficked individual may appear.”

    The signs pose direct questions. Has someone forced you to do things against your will? Does anyone watch and control your every move? Victims can call the national hotline or send a six-digit text. Detroit Police have their own Human Trafficking hotline at 313-596-1630, printed right on each sign.

    Chief Todd Bettison spoke Monday about trained staff who will pick up these calls. He thinks hundreds of places will display the signs. The city provides them at no cost.

    The law sets clear rules. Signs must measure at least 7 inches by 9 inches. They go in lobbies and other busy spots. Three languages appear on each: English, Spanish, and Arabic. Any business that spots suspected trafficking must contact the department.

    The timing matters. Crowds will soon flood in for the North American International Auto Show. Detroit sits near highways and international borders, making it attractive to traffickers during big events, according to authorities.

    “We’re going to be out there and we’re educating the public and the community that if something feels off to notify us,” Bettison said per WXYZ. His officers work both in uniform and undercover to stop trafficking.

    “If there’s one person being trafficked in our city, that’s one too many,” Calloway said.

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  • Tony Dokoupil’s final thoughts from Detroit

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    Tony Dokoupil’s final thoughts from Detroit – CBS News









































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    “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil shares his final thoughts after interviewing President Trump and General Motors CEO Mary Barra in Detroit.

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  • Watch Live: Trump speaks on economy at Detroit Economic Club

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    President Trump is speaking Tuesday at the Detroit Economic Club after he toured a Ford truck plant nearby. It comes as the president tries to focus on economic issues amid myriad international and domestic events that have gripped his administration since the start of the year. 

    The Detroit Economic Club has a long history of hosting presidents, both Democratic and Republican. Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have all previously spoken to club members. 

    Mr. Trump also spoke to “CBS Evening News” anchor Tony Dokoupil during his visit to Michigan.

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that Mr. Trump would be “talking about all of the great economic news.” 

    But the December jobs report released last week continued to show a softening economy, with only 50,000 jobs added in December. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate stood at 4.4% in December, compared with 4.5% in November.

    Overall for 2025, job growth slowed throughout the year as some businesses grappled with economic uncertainty, prompting them to pull back on hiring.

    In a prime-time address last month, Mr. Trump defended some of his signature second-term economic policies, including his handling of inflation and tariffs. 

    How to watch President Trump’s Detroit Economic Club speech

    • What: President Trump speaks at Detroit Economic Club
    • Date: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026
    • Time: 2 p.m. ET
    • Online stream: Live in the video player above and on your mobile or streaming device

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  • Fact-checking Trump’s economic speech in Detroit

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    President Donald Trump traveled to Michigan on Jan. 13 to address the Detroit Economic Club.

    Earlier in the day, the federal government announced that inflation — a major preoccupation for voters, and one of Trump’s key 2024 campaign issues — held steady at a 2.7% year-over-year rate. That’s slightly lower than the 2.9% in December 2024, the last full month under President Joe Biden, or the 3% in January 2025, a month shared by both presidents.

    But consumer sentiment has fallen on Trump’s watch, showing people feel increasingly negative about their economic position. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment index has fallen from 71.7 in January 2025 to 51 in November 2025. That’s just slightly above its lowest level ever, in June 2022, when year-over-year inflation peaked at about 9%.

    The nation is still adding jobs, but at a slower pace than usual. Counting December’s preliminary numbers, the economy added 584,000 jobs in 2025, the lowest annual figure since 2003, not counting recession years.

    Trump’s long-running confrontation with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reached a new high, as Powell announced Jan. 11 that he was under Justice Department criminal investigation related to testimony about a Federal Reserve building renovation. Trump has been saying for the past year that he wants to see Powell gone because he has not lowered interest rates enough.

    This morning, before leaving Washington, D.C., for Michigan, Trump told reporters, “Well, he’s billions of dollars over budget. So, he either is incompetent, or he is crooked. I don’t know what he is, but he certainly doesn’t do a very good job.”

    Read PolitiFact’s fact-checks of his statements below.

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  • The Hazel Park Billboard That Took Over Metro Detroit

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    If you’ve driven anywhere near I-75 and 9 Mile, chances are you’ve seen it — or at least heard about it from someone who suddenly slammed the brakes on their group chat.

    A digital billboard in Hazel Park has gone viral for displaying one very specific, very personal message to one very specific guy:

    “take me back abey — i miss and love you. love, jaydn”

    No branding.
    No emojis.
    No explanation.

    Just heartbreak… in lowercase… doing 70 miles per hour.

    And like any good Michigan moment, the sign didn’t just catch eyes — it hijacked the internet.

    A Billboard That Accidentally Became Everyone’s Business

    This wasn’t an ad for a lawyer, a dispensary, or Joumana Kayrouz’s face staring into your soul. This was a straight-up romantic Hail Mary — paid for, scheduled, and aimed directly at a mystery man named Abey.

    Which immediately raised the only questions that matter:

    Who is Abey?
    What did Abey do?
    And at what point does a breakup escalate to freeway-level intervention?

    Drivers started snapping photos. TikToks followed. Screenshots spread. Suddenly, thousands of people who had no intention of emotionally investing in a stranger’s relationship were now fully invested.

    Morning commuters. Afternoon traffic. People just trying to get home with groceries — all involuntary witnesses to a love story gone sideways.

    The Internet, Predictably, Lost Its Mind

    Social media did what it does best: immediately split into camps.

    • “This is actually really sweet.”
    • “This is deeply unhinged behavior.”
    • “Abey is never coming back.”
    • “If my name was Abey, I’d move.”

    Some commenters applauded the vulnerability. Others questioned whether public pressure has ever successfully repaired a relationship. A few wondered how much billboard space costs — and whether that money might have been better spent on couples counseling, DoorDash, or a dramatic but private text message.

    And then came the theories.

    Theories, Speculation, and Full-Blown Detective Work

    Because there’s no official backstory, the internet filled in the blanks at Olympic speed.

    Some believe Jaydn is the heartbroken ex, pulling out every last emotional stop. Others speculate the message was posted by a friend, or that it’s part of a viral stunt designed to grab attention. There are even debates over spelling — Jaydn vs. Jadyn — because the internet will absolutely argue about anything except minding its own business.

    What we don’t know is almost more compelling than what we do.

    Did Abey see the sign?
    Did Abey respond?
    Did Abey immediately take Southfield Road to avoid feelings?

    No updates. No follow-up billboard. No “we’re back together” sequel.

    Which, frankly, only made people care more.

    Why This Hit So Hard in Metro Detroit

    This story works because it taps into something painfully universal.

    Everyone’s been there — the breakup you replay in your head. The text you almost send. The dramatic gesture you think might fix everything, but deep down know probably won’t.

    Most people stop at typing and deleting a message.

    Jaydn rented billboard space.

    There’s something about seeing raw emotion displayed in such a loud, public way that makes it impossible to ignore. It forces you to slow down — literally and emotionally — and think, “Wow… someone is going through it.”

    And Michigan loves that kind of shared moment. We love weird. We love heartfelt. We love a story that turns a regular commute into a group therapy session.

    Romance or Red Flag?

    That’s the question everyone keeps asking.

    Is this a grand romantic gesture straight out of a rom-com?
    Or is it the kind of move that guarantees Abey will never return your hoodie?

    The truth probably lives somewhere in the middle.

    It’s brave. It’s awkward. It’s sincere. It’s a little uncomfortable. And it’s extremely human.

    And that’s why it worked — not necessarily as a relationship strategy, but as a cultural moment.

    The Final Take

    Whether this was a genuine plea, a bold creative gamble, or a moment of emotional chaos that accidentally went viral, the Hazel Park billboard did one undeniable thing:

    It made thousands of strangers stop, look, and care.

    For a brief moment, traffic wasn’t about lanes or exits — it was about feelings. And in a world flooded with noise, that’s kind of remarkable.

    So if you’re driving past I-75 and 9 Mile and catch yourself glancing up at the sign…

    You’re not rubbernecking traffic.

    You’re rubbernecking a breakup.

    And Abey — wherever you are —
    Metro Detroit would really like an update.

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    Jim O’Brien

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  • Detroit Rock Songs Turning 50

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    The year 1976 was a defining one for Detroit music, and in 2026, several Motor City classics officially turn 50. These songs didn’t just chart nationally. They were forged, tested, and embraced right here in Detroit. The Detroit rock songs turning 50 in 2026 are among the most iconic songs, not just for Detroit but also nationally.

    Detroit Rock Songs Turning 50

    Alice Cooper – “Go to Hell”

    For Alice Cooper, “Go to Hell” arrived at a time when his theatrical rock persona was already well established locally. As a Detroit native, Cooper had plenty of ties to venues like Cobo Arena and the Michigan Palace. His elaborate stage shows drew massive crowds. Detroit radio quickly embraced his darker edge, helping to cement “Go to Hell” as a staple alongside his earlier shock-rock anthems. The rhythmic, anthemic feel of “Go to Hell” sets this song apart in Alice’s catalogue.

    Ted Nugent “Free for All”

    Ted Nugent released the title track to Free for All in 1976, fueled by the same raw energy he brought to stages across Michigan. The song describes how Nugent saw things from stages like the Pontiac Silverdome, Pine Knob, and the Fox Theatre. In an interview with Songfacts, Nugent said, I sang what I felt on stage, looking into those wonderful music lovers’ eyeballs. Just as spontaneous and raw as a song can be. Celebrating those people who share my music with me.”

    Bob Seger – “Turn the Page”

    For Bob Seger, 1976 was career-defining. Live Bullet was recorded at Cobo Arena, capturing Seger and the Silver Bullet Band at full power in front of a hometown crowd at Cobo. “Turn the Page” captured the grind of touring life with an honesty Detroit listeners instantly connected to. Aldo Reed’s saxophone lines plus the weary lyrics still feel authentic to a city built on long hours and hard work.

    Bob Seger – “Night Moves”

    The album, Night Moves, marked Bob Seger’s full arrival as a national songwriter while staying deeply rooted in Detroit emotion. Released later in 1976, the song blended nostalgia, regret, and youthful memory into a sound that resonated across generations. The Motor City immediately claimed the song as its own, hearing echoes of Midwest summers and growing up fast. “Night Moves” became a staple on Detroit rock radio. It remains one of the most played classic rock tracks of all time as one of our Detroit songs, turning 50 in 2026.

    Stevie Wonder – “Sir Duke”

    Detroit’s reach extended beyond rock guitars. Stevie Wonder released Sir Duke in 1976, a joyful celebration of musical heroes. Wonder, a Motown legend, maintained strong Detroit roots even as his career went global. Sir Duke crossed formats effortlessly, becoming a radio staple in Detroit and beyond. Stevie Wonder isn’t a rock artist, but he is definitely a Detroit rock star.

    The Detroit rock songs turning 50 in 2026 remain proof that Detroit didn’t just contribute to classic rock history; it helped define it.

    Donielle Flynn has two kids, two cats, two dogs, and a love of all things rock. She’s been in radio decades and held down top-rated day parts at Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington DC radio stations throughout her tenure. She enjoys writing about rock news, the Detroit community, and she has a series called “The Story Behind” where she researches the history of classic rock songs.

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    Donielle Flynn

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  • Family says mold exposure at Detroit’s Alden Towers left them sick, homeless, and ignored – Detroit Metro Times

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    Severe mold contamination inside an apartment at Alden Towers in Detroit left two adults and a baby seriously ill, forcing them to throw away nearly everything they owned and ultimately leaving them homeless with ongoing health problems, a family says.

    The family’s account adds to a growing record of health and safety complaints at the riverfront apartment complex on the city’s east side, where tenants have reported roach infestations, broken elevators, repeated heat and water shutoffs, and what some describe as retaliation after raising concerns.

    KaDeidra Copeland, 28, and her partner, DaQuan Grantham, say their ordeal began shortly after Grantham moved into Unit A210 at Alden Towers in October 2024. Copeland, who had just given birth, and the couple’s infant soon joined him in the apartment.

    “We would come in and there was a weird smell,” Copeland tells Metro Times. “You could smell mildew. It smelled stuffy.”

    Not long after, Grantham began suffering from frequent and severe nosebleeds.

    “The blood was pouring out,” Copeland says. “He ended up having to get surgery.”

    At the time, they did not know what was causing it.

    Grantham says the couple only discovered the mold months later, in early May 2025, when one of his children nearly put a paint chip in his mouth.

    “It had black dots on it,” Grantham says. “We caught it in time.”

    Grantham said he immediately notified building management. Maintenance workers came to the apartment and chipped away some paint, then sprayed the area.

    “They told us it wasn’t mold at first,” Copeland says.

    Grantham says he pushed management to hire a professional remediation company, arguing that maintenance employees were not qualified to handle the situation. A contractor later tested the apartment and found moisture inside the walls, Grantham says.

    According to lab results from PEL Laboratories shared with Metro Times, air and surface samples from the unit detected Ascomycetes species, basidiomycetes species, and cladosporium species, fungi commonly associated with moisture intrusion and indoor mold growth.

    Hospital records provided by the couple show Grantham also tested with elevated levels of Alternaria and Stemphylium herbarum, molds that can act as airborne allergens and are uncommon in high concentrations indoors. Copeland tested with elevated levels of Cladosporium herbarum and Penicillium notatum, fungi frequently found in water-damaged buildings and associated with indoor mold growth.

    Grantham says the mold was found beneath air vents throughout the apartment.

    “When the heat came on, it circulated through the whole place,” he says. “The mold was in the master bedroom, the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room. Everywhere.”

    As the situation worsened, Copeland says, her health rapidly declined. She developed chronic hives and swelling and was eventually prescribed an EpiPen, steroids, and other medications she had never needed before.

    “My throat felt like it was closing,” she says. “I was disoriented, but I still had to make sure my baby was OK.”

    Their infant began waking up screaming and developed rashes, hives, and pink eye, Copeland says. One of Grantham’s older children, who visited the apartment, also began experiencing nosebleeds.

    “One night he woke up with blood all over the bathroom,” Copeland says. “We thought it was DaQuan at first. Then we realized it was his son.”

    Grantham says he ultimately required emergency nasal surgery because he could not breathe out of one side of his nose.

    His symptoms linger, he says.

    “My nose still burns,” he says.

    KaDeidra Copeland says mold in her apartment at Alden Towers gave her hives that won’t go away. Credit: KaDeidra Copeland

    Copeland continues to struggle with hives and swelling near her eyes and says she went to the hospital Wednesday night because her condition worsened.  

    Copeland and Grantham say they repeatedly asked Alden Towers management for help, including temporary relocation while the mold issue was addressed. They say those requests were ignored, and audio recordings from the pair support those claims.

    After Grantham’s surgery, Copeland says, he was forced to return to the apartment.

    “They couldn’t even accommodate him knowing he had surgery coming up,” she says. “We didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

    Grantham says management initially told him he would not need to pay rent while the issue was being investigated, but later reversed course.

    “They said they would work with me,” he says, providing audio recordings that back up his claims. “Then they said I had to pay the balance before they would fix the apartment.”

    Ultimately, the family was evicted. 

    The family was removed from the apartment in August 2025, and Grantham’s security deposit was never returned, he says.

    “I ended up homeless,” Grantham says. “I was staying with family, taking the bus to work, sometimes walking. I missed Christmas.”

    Copeland says management also accused Grantham of breaching his lease because she was staying in the unit, even though staff knew she and the baby were living there full time.

    “They knew that unit was messed up,” she says . “I stayed there all day.”

    Before leaving, Copeland says the family threw away most of their belongings out of fear they were contaminated, including furniture, electronics, cookware, and clothing.

    “We literally couldn’t take anything with us except bags and sealed totes,” she said. “We had just bought all of it when we moved in.”

    As they were moving out, Grantham says he slipped and fell because of a leak in the ceiling. 

    “I slipped on the staircase and injured my ankle,” he recalls. “I still have back spasms, and my ankle still hurts sometimes.”

    Before they had trouble with mold, they say their apartment was infested with cockroaches. 

    “I had just had my baby. The roaches were crawling on the counter near my baby’s formula,” Copeland says.  

    Today, Copeland says she wakes up itching and remains fearful of mold exposure anywhere she goes.

    “If I see a spot on a wall, I’m scared,” she says. “I’m traumatized.”

    She says the experience, combined with postpartum depression, pushed her into isolation.

    “My son didn’t get a Christmas,” she says. “Do you know how many days I cried because of that?”

    The company that manages the building, Friedman Real Estate, said through a spokesperson on Wednesday that it would respond to Metro Times’s questions for comment. But since then, the company has gone silent. 

    Alden Towers, originally built in 1922 and once considered one of the most distinctive apartment complexes on the Detroit River, now faces a long list of complaints, including broken elevators, mold, flooding, overflowing trash, roach infestations, unsafe hallways, and a management company that tenants say is indifferent and punitive.

    Residents say the decline began after the building was purchased in 2019 by Alden Towers Holding Company LLC, a company tied to Belfor Holdings Inc., according to tax and state property records and a previous report from Crain’s Detroit Business that lists a Belfor executive as a member of the LLC. Metro Times could not reach the owner for comment. 

    The family’s allegations are similar to those raised by other Alden Towers tenants over the past several years.

    Last year, management didn’t turn on the heat until Nov. 1, weeks after temperatures dropped, and it went out three days later in one of the building’s four towers, forcing tenants in 98 units to warm their homes with space heaters. A temporary boiler has since been installed to provide heat. 

    On Dec. 9, one day after Metro Times contacted the city about the outage, Detroit began issuing a $2,000-a-day fine to the building’s owner until the heat resumed. 

    Others have described chronic elevator failures, roach infestations, water shutoffs, and mold following leaks and fires. Some tenants who raised complaints said they later faced eviction notices or lease terminations.

    Since August 2024, the city has cited the owner at least six times for violations ranging from failing to obtain a certificate of compliance and maintain clean, sanitary conditions to ignoring unsafe building conditions, broken fire-safety doors, and required safety equipment that wasn’t working.

    Tenants have picketed outside the building and sought help from city officials, arguing that management has failed to address longstanding habitability issues in the nearly century-old complex.

    Copeland says the experience has permanently changed how she views housing and safety.

    “Nobody should have to live like this,” she says. “Especially not with a baby.”

    Grantham says he and his family are still trying to rebuild their lives.

    “We had everything mapped out,” he says. “And then it all fell apart.”


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    Steve Neavling

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  • Things To Do in Detroit This Weekend: January 9-January 11

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    This week in Detroit blends winter spectacle, creative expression, and immersive live performance into a dynamic mix of experiences. From the fiery atmosphere of the Fire and Ice Festival to the approachable elegance of “The Magick of Opera” and the bold theatrical energy of “SATORI CIRCUS presents Lads Insane: A Celebration of David Bowie,” the lineup reflects the city’s flair for turning cold nights into unforgettable cultural moments.

    Fire and Ice Festival: A Winter at Valade Special Event

    • What: A fiery winter riverfront celebration
    • When: Saturday, Jan. 10, and Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, from noon to 8 p.m.
    • Where: Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit
    • Cost: Free admission; some activities may have an associated fee

    The Fire and Ice Festival on the Detroit Riverfront is a winter celebration blending medieval flair with cool seasonal fun. Part of the Winter at Valade series, it features oversized bonfires, live entertainment, ice sculpture contests, vendors, and hands-on activities designed to encourage families and visitors to spend time outside in the winter months, even when it’s cold. A signature moment is the lighting of a towering ice structure that becomes a bonfire, creating a dramatic highlight against the winter landscape along the riverfront.

    “The Magick of Opera”

    • What: Opera magic in a casual setting
    • When: Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Where: Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro St., Detroit
    • Cost: Free

    “The Magick of Opera” invites audiences into the enchanting world of opera with live performances by local vocal artists presented in a relaxed, social setting at Detroit Shipping Company. The event, presented by the Detroit chapter of Opera on Tap, features dramatic performances and powerful vocals in beautiful musical form. The free event will provide a welcoming environment where people can experience the beauty of the art form through the magic of music. Donations are welcome to support the performers.

    SATORI CIRCUS presents Lads Insane: A Celebration of David Bowie

    • What: An immersive tribute to David Bowie
    • When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Where: Tangent Gallery and Hastings Street Ballroom, 715 E. Milwaukee Ave., Detroit
    • Cost: General Admission $20

    “SATORI CIRCUS Presents: Lads Insane — A Celebration of David Bowie” is a theatrical tribute honoring the artistry, reinvention, and boundary-pushing spirit of the iconic musician. Combining live music, immersive visuals, and physical performance art, the performance encompasses all of David Bowie’s looks, acts, and images through a uniquely creative viewpoint on the artist and his works over the years. SATORI CIRCUS’ dramatic and psychedelic delivery of familiar songs engages multiple senses.

    Other Events

    High energy and big personalities define this stretch of Detroit’s entertainment scene. These events reflect the city’s bold character and its passion for performances that keep energy levels high and emotions fully engaged:

    • Detroit Roller Derby January 2026: All Home Teams: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit
    • Invasion: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Orchid Theatre, 141 West Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
    • Carl Thomas: Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Sound Board Theater, MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit

    More To Explore This Week

    Weeknights in Detroit offer an easygoing mix of excitement and unwind-worthy fun, perfect for breaking up the routine. Evenings such as these prove that Monday through Thursday can be just as engaging as the weekend:

    • Detroit Red Wings vs. Carolina Hurricanes: Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit
    • Winter Wonderland: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Painting With a Twist, 1420 Washington Blvd., Detroit
    • Don “DC” Curry Live in Detroit: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bridge Center Library, 9928 Grand River Ave., Detroit
    • Ginuwine: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 8 p.m. at Sound Board Theater, MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit

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    Jennifer Eggleston

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  • DDOT leaders shielded ‘romantic interaction’ that delayed buses, broke discipline rules, report finds – Detroit Metro Times

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    Senior Detroit Department of Transportation officials abused their authority by shielding employees who disrupted bus service by having “a romantic interaction,” abandoned a running city bus, and violated workplace rules, a Detroit Office of Inspector General investigation found.

    The findings are detailed in a final OIG report that describes “employee misconduct and lapses in disciplinary accountability” inside DDOT’s Operations Division, including failures by top supervisors to properly investigate or discipline serious violations.

    The investigation began after an anonymous complaint alleged that Senior Transportation Service Inspector Andre Reece and bus driver Dayna Ruff engaged in “inappropriate intimate behavior,” falsely reported mechanical problems, and left a bus running and unattended, causing major service delays.

    Investigators substantiated the allegations, saying the “romantic interaction” resulted in “a 115 minute disruption of services and a waste of City resources” on May 6. Two weeks later, the pair again met repeatedly along Ruff’s route and abandoned a running bus, prompting additional delays.

    Despite classifying the conduct as a Class IV offense, which is the most serious category under DDOT’s disciplinary system, Superintendent of Operations Howard Bragg III issued only five-day suspensions. Under the department’s 2008 employee handbook, the penalty for a Class IV offense “shall, in absence of substantial mitigating circumstances, be a thirty (30) day suspension, pending discharge,” the report states.

    The OIG found no evidence that either employee requested a hearing or that any mitigating circumstances were formally considered, as required by policy.

    The report further concluded that Bragg failed to conduct a proper investigation before issuing discipline, despite the availability of surveillance video that documented the misconduct.

    “Superintendent Bragg did not seek out or request the video evidence from DDOT Safety,” the report states. “Therefore, he failed to conduct a thorough and proper investigation of the complaint before issuing discipline.”

    Assistant Director of Operations Andre Mallett was also cited for abusing his authority by allowing the lenient discipline to stand even after learning that additional video evidence substantiated the complaint.

    The OIG also found that Reece and Ruff failed to disclose their romantic relationship, as required by a city executive order governing supervisor-subordinate relationships, and that DDOT and human resources officials failed to properly review or complete the required disclosure forms.

    Beyond that case, the report describes broader systemic problems inside DDOT, concluding that “disciplinary practices employed by DDOT’s Operations Management Team are not compliant or consistent with the disciplinary policies mandated by the 2008 DDOT Employee Handbook.”

    The findings are especially troubling in a city like Detroit, where roughly one-third of residents do not have access to a car and rely heavily on DDOT buses to get to work, school, medical appointments, and childcare. Service disruptions of more than an hour can have cascading consequences for riders who already face chronic delays.

    In response to the OIG’s draft report, Bragg and Mallett argued that human resources officials advised that discharge was not warranted and that re-issuing discipline would violate procedural fairness. The OIG rejected those claims, finding that required video evidence was available at the time and that the handbook’s mandatory penalties were ignored without justification.

    The OIG recommended additional discipline for Reece and Ruff, punishment for Bragg and Mallett, and significant reforms to ensure future investigations are thorough, transparent, and consistent with written policy.

    “DDOT should create a system of procedures to allow more oversight over the review and issuing of discipline to ensure the discipline is proportionate to the offense and that all policies are followed,” the report concludes.


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    Steve Neavling

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  • Mayor Mary Sheffield reflects on leading Detroit and the road ahead – Detroit Metro Times

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    Mary Sheffield, a political phenom whose rise began when she was elected to Detroit City Council at age 26, made history Thursday when she was sworn in as the city’s first woman mayor. 

    In her first one-on-one interview since taking office, Sheffield spoke with Metro Times about making history as Detroit’s first woman mayor, how she wants residents to judge her success, the balance between downtown development and neighborhood needs, and the priorities she plans to tackle in her first term. She also opened up about her recent marriage and her relationship with God. 

    Sheffield’s inauguration marks the start of a new era in city government, ending a 324-year stretch in which men led Detroit.

    Now 38, Sheffield has become a popular figure in city politics by promoting progressive values, advocating for racial equality, and championing policies aimed at narrowing the economic divide. 

    Sheffield won the general election with 77% of the vote in November, delivering a decisive mandate for a platform centered on equity, neighborhood investment, and structural reforms designed to improve residents’ quality of life. 

    She now faces daunting and serious challenges. Nearly half of Detroit’s children live in poverty, many neighborhoods continue to struggle with basic resources and disinvestment, and the city has seen a continued exodus of Black residents even as downtown has flourished.

    Sheffield’s rise has been rapid and historic. In November 2013, Sheffield was 26 years old when she became the youngest person ever elected to Detroit City Council. She later became the council’s youngest president. 

    During her tenure on the council, Sheffield has become a leading advocate for affordable housing, tenants’ rights, neighborhood development, property tax reform, and environmental justice, often pushing back against large tax incentives for wealthy developers and calling for investment strategies that more directly benefit longtime Detroiters.

    Sheffield succeeds Mike Duggan, who did not seek reelection after three terms and is now running for governor as an independent. 

    Metro Times: Yesterday, you became Detroit’s first woman mayor. What does that milestone mean to you personally, and what do you hope it means to women and girls growing up in the city?

    Mayor Mary Sheffield: I think it means leadership has no gender, no age limit, and no ceiling. And for women, especially Black women, it affirms that our voices, our experiences, and our ideas belong at the highest levels of decision-making. I’ve watched so many young girls follow me throughout this campaign who feel inspired and empowered, and that’s what I’ve always wanted my leadership to reflect. It’s an indication to dream big, to work hard, and to know that we can all achieve what we put our minds to.

    I also think it’s a powerful moment as it relates to attracting and retaining youth in Detroit. Hopefully this is an inspiration and motivation to want to be in Detroit. There are so many young professionals who I believe are encouraged and inspired to stay and come back to the city as well.

    Metro Times: You became the youngest person ever elected to City Council at 26 and later the youngest council president. What has driven you, at such a young age, to serve?

    Mayor Sheffield: It all goes back to my childhood. My life was really molded by service. It’s all I know. My father [Rev. Horace Sheffield III] was a civil rights activist and preacher, and my mother [Yvonne Lovett] was an educator at Wayne County Community College District and a professor of nursing. Both of them showed me that life is really all about serving.

    Detroit is a city that shaped me and molded me into who I am. When I got into office at 26, I didn’t know I would have the impact I had in terms of legislative accomplishments, but it motivated me to understand how important these positions are in directly changing quality of life. Detroit has made tremendous progress, but there are still needs. That inspired me to continue serving now as mayor, to elevate the issues that matter to Detroiters and ensure that Detroit’s resurgence goes deeper into our neighborhoods.

    Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield succeeds Mike Duggan, who led the city since 2014.

    Metro Times: When Mike Duggan was first elected in 2013, he said residents could judge his success by whether Detroit’s population increased. Is there a similar benchmark you want Detroiters to use to judge your administration?

    Mayor Sheffield: For me, it’s really about overall quality of life. Whether that’s directing more money into our neighborhoods, making Detroit the best place to grow and start a business, creating more jobs, increasing incomes. I don’t think it’s one singular thing.

    I want Detroiters to be able to say their quality of life is better because of this administration. That their neighborhood has investment. That their street lights are on. That they were able to access a home repair grant. If incomes are increased, mental health is better, and poverty is reduced, those are the things I want to be judged on.

    Metro Times: Are there one or two priorities you want residents to see tangible action on in your first year?

    Mayor Sheffield: First and foremost, we have to take bold steps around housing. I want to see more development of affordable housing, particularly access to homeownership. Increasing the number of residents who can become homeowners is very important to me.

    Neighborhood reforms are also critical — basic infrastructure like sidewalk repairs, dangerous trees, alley cleaning, and overall neighborhood investment. We want to activate additional commercial corridors to support small businesses and bring vibrancy back to neighborhoods. And property tax reform is extremely important. It may take time, but providing relief from Detroit’s high millage rate is a priority.

    Metro Times: Is there a neighborhood issue you think City Hall has underestimated or misunderstood for too long?

    Mayor Sheffield: For me, it’s about creating a government that directly works for people and is easily accessible. We want to bring government back into the neighborhoods, whether that’s activating rec centers where residents can access city services or creating more community hubs.

    There’s always room to improve customer service — how we respond when residents call about sidewalks or vacant buildings. Creating opportunity hubs throughout neighborhoods so people can easily access resources is something we’re committed to improving.

    Then-Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield at a charity basketball game in 2023. Credit: City of Detroit

    Metro Times: Former Mayor Duggan emphasized art and culture through murals and public projects. How important is it for your administration to continue elevating art and culture?

    Mayor Sheffield: It’s extremely important. Arts and culture came up significantly throughout the campaign. We had a committee focused on it and met with many stakeholders. It’s an untapped economic engine that we haven’t fully utilized.

    We’re looking at forming an office dedicated to the creative economy and taking mural arts and cultural investment to another level. Arts and culture are part of Detroit’s identity. They beautify neighborhoods, tell our story, and create opportunities for local artists. We want to make sure this work is valued and funded appropriately.

    Metro Times: What part of being mayor do you think will be the hardest for you personally?

    Mayor Sheffield: I really want to understand and listen to everyone’s perspective. I believe in leading with collaboration and making sure people feel seen, valued, and empowered. In a big city, there are many voices and ideas, and balancing that can be challenging.

    Politically, the climate has changed, and we have to do more with less. And as a woman leader, there are different expectations and standards I’ll be judged by. That can be difficult. But I believe I was put here for a reason, and that God will equip me with what I need to serve Detroiters.

    Metro Times: What keeps you optimistic about Detroit right now?

    Mary Sheffield: The people. I’ve been inspired by the support from corporate leaders, grassroots organizers, faith communities — every sector of the city. There’s a shared belief that Detroit’s best days are ahead.

    During the transition alone, we had 18 committees and more than 150 residents and business leaders give their time and expertise. That tells me people are deeply invested in Detroit’s future. No one wants to see this city go backward.

    Metro Times: You’re known for progressive leadership and taking positions that weren’t always popular. What do you think people don’t know about you?

    Mayor Sheffield: I’m very purpose-driven. I focus a lot on personal development and always trying to be better as a person and a leader. I’m very family-driven, and my relationship with God is central to who I am. I’m always working on improving myself.

    Metro Times: You recently got married. Has your relationship with your husband Ricky Jackson Jr. shaped or grounded you as you take on the role of mayor?

    Mayor Sheffield: Without a doubt. He brings a lot of stability and peace in the midst of what can be turbulent and chaotic times. He’s an anchor that keeps me grounded. I’m blessed to have someone by my side who shares a deep commitment to the betterment of Detroit. He’s from Detroit, went to Cass Tech, and has a passion for youth and sports. He’s been a true blessing throughout this process.

    Metro Times: When things get overwhelming, how do you reset or ground yourself?

    Mayor Sheffield: Stillness. Prayer. Being quiet and listening to my intuition. Finding ways to center myself and really listen.


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    Steve Neavling

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  • Oakland County Launches First Statewide Unit Dedicated to Human Trafficking Cases

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    Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard established the Task Force for Human Trafficking Investigations and Enforcement Unit during fall 2025. This unit stands as Michigan’s first to work full-time investigating sex and labor trafficking tips. The Southfield and Madison Heights police departments joined as initial participants.

    Between November 2024 and November 2025, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office secured 52 convictions in 53 cases. That’s a 98 percent conviction rate. Twenty-two cases remain pending. The office managed 31 trafficking cases in 2025 compared to an average of eight such cases per 10 months across the previous four years.

    “Before this ad hoc committee was formed in 2015, we had little knowledge of what human trafficking was,” Bouchard said, according to Downtown Publications. “And from an investigative standpoint, it was only into late 2025 that we finally had the necessary resources to create a focused, dedicated full-time unit working on sex and human trafficking.”

    The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 779 signals from Michigan in 2023, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Commission’s 2024 annual report. From those calls, 254 cases were confirmed. Authorities identified 506 victims. Since 2007, the state has received over 10,000 signals, confirmed almost 3,000 cases, and identified over 6,200 victims.

    Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote in the report that the numbers are incomplete because many incidents go unreported. “Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery that needs to be addressed with more work, policy change, and education,” Nessel wrote, as reported by Downtown Publications.

    Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald in September 2025 requested nearly $457,000 from the county. The money would fund two additional paralegals, an assistant prosecutor, and salary support for a chief. The prosecutor’s office in November 2024 held a two-day training seminar. Three hundred law enforcement, probation, parole, and medical professionals attended.

    “When I was assistant prosecutor 25 years ago, you would get to court, and there would be a file with maybe a 10-page police report sometimes accompanied by a few photos,” McDonald said, as shared by Downtown Publications. “Now, you may have to work through flash drive’s worth of digital evidence.”

    State Representatives Tom Kunse and Kelly Breen in September 2025 co-sponsored House Bill 5012 with over a dozen other policymakers. The legislation aims to punish minor traffickers more harshly. It also seeks to stop criminalizing minors swept into the industry.

    “It’s embarrassing that Michigan is towards the bottom of the list when it comes to the protection, prevention, and penalization of those who have been coerced into sex and human trafficking,” Kunse said to Downtown Publications. Michigan received an F grade from Shared Hope International in 2023.

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    Kristina Perez

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  • Michigan Governor Signs Law Allowing Liquor Sales at Three Metro Detroit Colleges

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    Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Tuesday that will let three Metro Detroit community colleges sell liquor in certain campus areas. Macomb Community College, Wayne County Community College, and Schoolcraft College gained new rights under the legislation.

    Macomb Community College and Wayne County Community College can now sell liquor in event spaces without getting daily permits. The law covers the Expo Center Complex and John Lewis Student Community Center at Macomb Community College. It also covers the Wayne County Community College District Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center.

    Macomb Community College had to get a daily pass for liquor sales at event venues under the old rules. “Macomb Community College is a gathering space for big events,” state Rep. Joseph Aragona said in a statement Tuesday according to The Detroit News. “Under the current rules, they can get a permit to serve alcohol for special functions, but it’s a hassle.”

    The new law authorizes the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to issue a license for liquor sales at a restaurant on land owned by Schoolcraft College. This applies inside or next to a grocery store. The measure will help culinary students studying brewing and distillation. It enables a planned partnership between the school and Nino Salvaggio’s to build a marketplace on campus, according to a House Fiscal Agency analysis.

    “Schoolcraft is the culinary capital of not just our community, but the entire region,” State Rep. Matt Koleszar said on social media Wednesday. “This legislation allows students more real world experience as they prepare for after school.”

    State Rep. Rylee Linting helped sponsor the Schoolcraft College bills. Koleszar, a Plymouth Democrat, also sponsored the measures.

    All of the bills passed by wide bipartisan margins through the Republican-led House and the Democratic-led Senate.

    Whitmer signed two other bills Tuesday that make changes to Michigan’s liquor laws. One allows college-branded alcohol packaging and advertising.

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    Kristina Perez

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  • Clippers aim for season-best 3-game win streak at Blazers’ expense

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    (Photo credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images)

    Kawhi Leonard’s hot streak is inserting much-needed life into the Los Angeles Clippers.

    Leonard looks for another superb outing and the Clippers seek a season-best third straight victory when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

    Leonard scored 32 points in Saturday’s 103-88 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and followed up with a season-best 41 in Tuesday’s 128-108 triumph over the Houston Rockets.

    It marked just the second time the eight-win Clippers have won back-to-back games all season. Despite Los Angeles sitting in 13th place in the Western Conference, Leonard is confident the Clippers can make a run up the standings.

    ‘We all know how many games we lost early,’ Leonard said after Tuesday’s victory. ‘I don’t know how many games are left, probably 50-plus so, it’s a long season. So, anytime we put on this jersey, you got to compete and try to win a basketball game, and that’s what I’m taking pride in. I think everybody else is, too — win, lose or draw.

    ‘We don’t have a give-up mentality even though the record looks like that,’ he added. ‘But like I said, we got to compete.’

    Leonard was 16-of-23 shooting against the Rockets and missed just one 3-point attempt while making four for the second straight game. He has scored 20 or more points in each of his last 11 appearances.

    James Harden scored 29 points against Houston and has topped 20 in four of his last five appearances.

    Harden also hopes the Clippers are ready to kick it into a higher gear with five consecutive home games following the visit to Portland.

    ‘I don’t know what it feels like to be in this position with this record,’ said Harden, 36, in his 17th NBA season. ‘So, I always feel like we’re better than obviously the record shows. We got an opportunity, these home games coming up, to take advantage of it and rack up some wins.’

    The Trail Blazers dug themselves out of big holes in each of their past two games but were on the losing side both times.

    Portland trailed by 21 in the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons before losing 110-102. The Trail Blazers rallied to take a 100-99 lead with 4:13 remaining before Detroit finished on an 11-2 burst.

    One night later against Orlando, Portland trailed by 17 early in the third quarter and had a chance to tie the contest, but Shaedon Sharpe split two free throws with 38 seconds to leave the Trail Blazers down one before the Magic closed it out.

    ‘We’re just going to continue to fight, we’re not going to back off,’ Portland standout Deni Avdija said of the setbacks. ‘We believe in each other. … Those losses are tough, but you really learn from them. I’d rather lose close games like that then get blown out.’

    Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter said the mood of the team remains strong despite difficult losses.

    ‘This effort is going to pay off sooner or later,’ Splitter said. ‘The most important thing is you have to compete and be in those moments to try and win basketball games.’

    Avdija scored 25 points against Orlando and he has scored 24 or more points in nine of the past 12 games.

    The Clippers have won 19 of the past 21 meetings with Portland, including a 114-107 home victory on Oct. 26. Leonard had 30 points and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles while Avdija scored 23 for the Trail Blazers.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Detroit Sandwich Week Returns for 12th Year With Six-Day Event Series

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    Detroit Sandwich Week kicks off Dec. 26 and runs through Dec. 31. This marks the 12th year. Carlos Parisi created the event and shared details on the Daily Detroit podcast.

    The series starts Friday, Dec. 26, at Mudgie’s. It runs from noon to 3 p.m. The Uncle Carlos sandwich makes a comeback for this opening day.

    Parisi took time during the podcast to honor Greg Mudge of Mudgie’s, who passed away before his restaurant received a new honorary street sign that appeared over the weekend. Parisi called Mudge a mentor who helped build Detroit’s modern restaurant and bar scene.

    Saturday brings guests to Vesper Books & Wine from noon to 3 p.m. Ayiti Spaghetti will make its first-ever Sandwich Week appearance there.

    Sunday packs in two events. Ladder 4 opens its doors from noon to 3 p.m. Later that evening, Dakota Inn Ratskeller throws a ticketed dinner at 6 p.m. in the basement German wine bar.

    The dinner showcases a 15-foot sandwich constructed on a table. Your ticket gets you sides, Aunt Nee’s chips and salsa, plus two drinks.

    Monday’s stop at Rocco’s goes from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday lunch happens at Tall Trees in Ferndale, same time window.

    The week wraps up at Batch Brewing at 6 p.m. This finale offers smoked meat sandwiches and a raffle packed with concert tickets and gift cards from businesses scattered throughout Metro Detroit.

    Other deals pop up at Gonella’s, Pietrzyk Pierogi, JP’s Makes and Bakes, Last Chance Saloon, and Bev’s Bagels. Parisi spent part of the podcast discussing sandwich preferences—everything from bread selection to how you should prepare lettuce.

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