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Axios Detroit
Inequities remain across Michigan long after Brown v. Board
Students of color in Michigan are more likely than white students to have access to fewer opportunities because many are growing up in districts with fewer resources, a new report found.Why it matters: As the U.S. marks the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling Friday, American public schools remain separate and unequal, despite the country being more racially and ethnically diverse.The latest: The Education Trust-Midwest report released Wednesday, alongside a new statewide education campaign, calls for more equity in Michigan school funding, Chalkbeat Detroit reports.Looking at the intersection of history, class and race, the campaign...
Dutch Girl Donuts returns with old customers and big line
The reopening of Dutch Girl Donuts after closing nearly three years ago has customers waiting in line for an hour or more.Why it matters: The enthusiasm around Dutch Girl's rebirth at Woodward and 7 Mile is a testament to the importance of history and preservation, the shop's new owner says.What they're saying: "Even when a Detroit institution like Dutch Girl is seemingly lost forever, there's always hope to bring it back," Paddy Lynch told Axios in a text.Catch up quick: Lynch, who also owns The Schvitz bathhouse, announced his purchase of the business from the Timmer family last year.After some renovation work, Dutch Girl reopened this month. The previous owner's son, Jon Timmer, remains on board to help make the traditional-style doughnuts, the Free Press reported.State of play: Wednesday morning's line down the block has been common since it reopened.Those in line cheered every time a customer walked out the door with doughnuts in hand. Casandra Hicks waited an hour for doughnuts and the Dutch Girl atmosphere.Zoom in: Casandra Hicks, 62, said she waited for about an hour "just because they've been closed and I remember them from years ago."If you go: 19000 Woodward Ave.Open 6am-6pm Tuesday-Friday and 8am-4pm Saturday-Sunday.
Here's what's happening at Belle Isle
The state Department of Natural Resources, which manages Belle Isle, gave City Council an annual update Tuesday on the island park's operations.Our top takeaways:🚶 The island saw a 7% increase in attendance last year, up to 5.6 million visitors from 5.2 million in 2022, the DNR said.It reached full capacity only twice, which the DNR attributes to increasing entrance booth staffing, improved parking and bike lanes, and the new connection to the riverwalk.💲 Since Michigan took control of the island in 2014, the state and other partners have spent more than $140 million on infrastructure and maintenance improvements. That includes $22 million in fiscal 2023.This year, upgrades to 20 restrooms and shelters are expected, plus disability access improvements.🤔 Council member Fred Durhal III told DNR representatives it's "concerning" that despite Belle Isle's popularity, it's not promoted through the state's Pure Michigan campaign.Belle Isle is the second-most visited state park in the U.S. behind Niagara Falls State Park, per the DNR.🛝 The giant slide that became infamous on social media is coming back after improvements, per the Detroit News.
Petition fraud scandal could shape Detroit congressional race
U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar doesn't believe former state Sen. Adam Hollier, who's challenging his seat in Congress, has the 1,000 valid signatures required to make the ballot in November.Driving the news: He's challenging more than 700 signatures submitted by Hollier, whose fate is expected to be decided by the Wayne County Election Commission in the coming weeks.Why it matters: The path was cleared for Hollier to challenge Thanedar head-to-head after local Democrats couldn't consolidate support around one Black primary candidate in 2022.Catch up quick: Thanedar beat Hollier and eight other Black candidates in Detroit's 13th Congressional District Democratic primary in...
All-cash home sales in Detroit top national average
Data: Redfin; Note: Includes home purchases with no mortgage loan information on the deed. National data calculated from 40 of the most populous U.S. metro areas; Chart: Axios VisualsMore than 40% of Metro Detroit homes bought in February were all-cash purchases, according to Redfin.That's up 3 percentage points from last year.Why it matters: Rich people can adapt to this pricey market more easily than typical buyers needing a loan.What they're saying: Those winning in this economy treat homes like savings accounts, Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather says. It's a relatively safe place to store your cash, and you can always borrow against the home if you need to tap into it.Lack of affordability has pushed would-be first-time buyers to the sidelines.
Accident on Ferndale's new bike lanes raises safety concerns
The first reported collision with a car in Ferndale's new bike lanes was two weeks ago, just months after the lanes opened.Why it matters: Despite its zigzag path and other perceived flaws, Ferndale's bike lanes are considered a model for other communities along the Woodward corridor, one of the region's busiest roadways.The bike lanes are part of Metro Detroit's evolving transit infrastructure to reduce the region's dependence on cars, promote healthier lifestyles and attract younger residents.Yes, but: Design flaws and car-bike accidents like last month's collision could hinder progress, Jon Thebo, the cyclist who was hit on Woodward, tells Axios....
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