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Axios Detroit
The makeup of Michigan's public schools vs. its top schools
Adapted from Kurt Metzger; Chart: Axios VisualsThe demographics of Michigan's top-performing high schools in U.S. News and World Report differ significantly from the state's overall student makeup, per local demographer Kurt Metzger β especially when it comes to Black and Asian students.Just a fourth or less of the students at seven of the 10 schools are considered "economically disadvantaged," the Free Press reported. Meanwhile, across Michigan, 54% of students are seen as economically disadvantaged.The rankings are often criticized for giving badges to wealthy districts with stronger tax bases.What they're saying: Analyzing schools by their socioeconomic composition and educational outcomes is important to show state leaders what's needed to close achievement gaps, Metzger, founder of Data Driven Detroit, tells Axios. Michigan is failing its students, he adds, especially students of color."And we know Michigan's education β¦ is one of the biggest problems for Michigan to attract people or grow."Go deeper: Inequities remain in Michigan schools long after Brown v. Board
Push for NBA All-Star Game in Detroit heats up
Bringing the NBA's All-Star Weekend to Detroit is a priority for the organization that helped the city host the most attended NFL Draft in history.Why it matters: For the NBA, a league that β like the city of Detroit β is more than 70% Black, hosting an All-Star Weekend here makes sense. But it hasn't happened in 45 years.Chris Moyer, communications director for Visit Detroit, the economic development group that promotes the city as a destination for events and conferences, tells Axios that the NBA All-Star Game in Detroit would be special.State of play: Cities hosting the NBA's All-Star weekend...
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.
Things to do this weekend in Detroit: May 17-19
Memorial Day is more than a week away, but the summer vibes are starting to sink in.Here's what's happening this weekend:π» Experience an orchestral rendition of Dr. Dre's "2001" album by No Strings Attached, a European collective of orchestras and musicians.Friday, 7pm, at Harpos Concert Theatre.Tickets start at $45.π» Celebrate the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard's return with karaoke, food and drinks at the all-ages beer garden near Eastern Market.Friday, 6-9pm.π°οΈ Go antiquing at Cadieux Cafe's pop-up market with vendors selling a variety of vintage, retro and antique items.Saturday, 11am-4pm, at 4300 Cadieux Road.Free!π¨ Watch a giant woodblock printing demonstration known...
Wayne County executive eyes regional transit ballot question
Wayne County's top executive wants voters to decide whether to create a countywide public transit system.Why it matters: Leaders in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties all say they want more transit options to better connect the region to retain and attract new residents.What they're saying: "What I would like to do is have a countywide ballot proposal to see whether or not we as a county want to support SMART," Wayne County executive Warren Evans said at a Detroit Regional Chamber event in Lathrup Village last week, the Detroit News reports.Reality check: The county commission would need to introduce such...
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:πΆ 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.π² 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.π€ 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.π The giant slide that became infamous on social media is coming back after improvements, per the Detroit News.
Detroit wants decision in population case against Census Bureau
City attorneys are pushing for an end to Detroit's ongoing fight against the U.S. Census Bureau for alleged population undercounts.Catch up fast: The city filed a motion last week for a judge to rule on at least part of its complaint in its lawsuit filed against the bureau in March.City attorneys argue the Census Bureau treating the demolition of vacant residential structures as evidence of population loss for the purpose of estimating Detroit's population violates the Administrative Procedure Act.The big picture: Census figures are used to determine federal funding, and increasing the city's tax base has been part of Mayor...
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...
Slum Village talks new album
Slum Village sat down with Axios Detroit last week following the release of the group's new album, "F.U.N."The big picture: The group's current members β T3, 49, and Young RJ β talked about their recent European tour, favorite local breakfast spots and regrets after founding member J Dilla's death.Why it matters: Now in its third decade of making music, Slum Village is among Detroit's most successful and enduring rap acts.J Dilla, who died in 2006, is considered one of hip-hop's greatest producers. His innovative techniques were chronicled in the award-winning 2022 biography, "Dilla Time."Flashback: Original members Dilla, T3 and Baatin...
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....
Road rage shootings down across Michigan, up nationwide
Data:Β The TraceΒ viaΒ Gun Violence Archive;Β Map: Axios VisualsRoad rage shootings have decreased in Michigan, but they've skyrocketed over the past decade nationwide, a new analysis finds.The big picture: The findings, from an analysis of Gun Violence Archive (GVA) data by gun violence newsroom The Trace, mirror a broader increase in gun-related violence.The organization found the incidents increased by 83 nationally in 2014 to 456 in 2023 β a nearly 450% jump and an average of 23% each year over the past decade, The Trace reports.By the numbers: Road rage incidents in Michigan have dropped since 2020, when the state averaged almost two...
Detroit City Council member requests action on NFL Draft sign uptick
A City Council member is requesting enforcement action over any giant advertising signs erected illegally as a result of the NFL Draft's presence.Why it matters: Any super signs β large-scale ads on the sides of downtown buildings β that businesses put up illegally are depriving the city of signage permit fee revenues, including contributions to the city's public art fund, council member Scott Benson tells Axios.What they're saying: "If you're not paying into the art fund, what you're doing is taking money out of the pockets of Detroit artists who utilize that fund to erect sculptures and other kinds of...
StockX president Greg Schwartz's best day ever
When StockX president and COO Greg Schwartz isn't overseeing daily operations at one of the world's largest sneaker websites, he's carving out time for his family and hobbies.The intrigue: Axios caught up with Schwartz, a Metro Detroit native and U of M grad who lives in Birmingham, inside StockX's downtown pop-up during the NFL Draft.Sneakerheads from across the country stopped inside the Detroit-based company's storefront on Woodward β 49ers defensive end Chase Young even made an appearance.Zoom in: The sneaker executive wore Travis Scott Jordan 1 lows, which he says are his favorite shoes right now."I also love Air Force...
Detroit shelter ramps up dog adoption efforts ahead of big move
The Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) shelter is ramping up a dog adoption campaign as it starts its move to a bigger facility.The big picture: The new building is expected to help alleviate challenges, like lack of space, at the current facility.Intakes at shelters nationwide reached new heights last year, including at DACC, which was over capacity and seeing higher euthanasia rates, Axios Detroit reported in August.As of last July, DACC had 171 dogs, over its approximately 84-dog capacity. As of last week, it had 104 and a goal of adopting out 80.State of play: DACC is always looking...
Lawsuit challenges Flint water prosecution
Rich Baird, who was prosecuted for his role in the Flint water crisis, is trying to clear his name through a new lawsuit against his former prosecutors.The big picture: Baird's counterattack highlights the state's failures to hold public officials accountable for the contamination of Flint's drinking water.The 10th anniversary of the city's ill-fated switch to the Flint River as its drinking water source was last month.Flashback: Prosecutors had accused Baird β who helped lead the state's Flint response β in 2021 of perjury, threatening or intimidating scientists who studied lead pipe corrosion, and other charges.But charges against former Gov. Rick...
Things to do this Mother's Day weekend in Metro Detroit
Make sure to celebrate the mother figures in your life this weekend.π· Volunteer with nonprofit Cadillac Urban Gardens for its 13th annual planting day.Saturday, 10am-2pm.π² Snag a reservation for a Mother's Day meal through OpenTable or Resy.As of Thursday morning, there were still spots at Cadieux Cafe on the east side and Bar Pigalle in Brush Park on Resy.πͺ» Check out Royal Oak in Bloom in the city's downtown for a colorful annual flower, plant and landscaping sale.Sunday, 7am-2pm.π₯ Take someone special out for a Mother's Day brunch and movie at Emagine's Royal Oak theater.The buffet brunch is 11am-1pm, with...
How the NAR settlement impacts Detroit real estate
The National Association of Realtors recently agreed to settle a big lawsuit that questions how real estate agents are paid β and who foots the bill.Between the lines: The proposed settlement could shake up the traditional 6% commission structure, which is usually split 50-50 between buyer and seller agents, Crain's reports.The big picture: If approved, come summer, agents won't be able to make offers of compensation in the Multiple Listing Service, the database where real estate agents post homes for sale.Why it matters: The seemingly small change, which a court preliminarily approved last week, is causing major confusion.How it works:...
WeWork staying put in Detroit amid restructuring
WeWork's leases at two Detroit offices will remain intact as the company struck a deal last month to exit bankruptcy.Why it matters: The coworking space operator filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November, leaving its leases in Detroit and elsewhere in limbo.Driving the news: WeWork will remain open at 19 Clifford St. and 1001 Woodward Ave., the company announced.Existing lease agreements with Bedrock will be maintained. WeWork's footprint in other markets could be shrinking as part of its restructuring.Flashback: WeWork closed a third Detroit location in the TechTown area at 6001 Cass Ave. in 2022.Between the lines: WeWork reached a $450 million restructuring deal to exit bankruptcy by the end of May.Company co-founder and former CEO Adam Neumann is not involved, despite having wanted to buy back his former company.Yardi Systems, a property management software provider and WeWork service partner, would become the company's new majority owner with around a 60% stake.
"No Mow May" isn't about just one month
The No Mow May trend has branched out into a conversation much larger than whether to pause mowing your lawn for a month.Why it matters: The environmental movement cropped up because constant grass cutting diminishes pollen available to bees and other pollinating insects. The start of growing season is a critical time for hungry bees.Some have turned instead to Less Mow May or Low Mow May β or doing away with grass lawns all together.Zoom in: Ann Arbor, for example, has encouraged keeping grass 6-12 inches high, MLive reported. The city of Madison, Wisconsin, suggests mowing no more than twice...
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