Michigan's shrinking local news industry

1 big thing: Michigan's shrinking local news industry

Lions grind out road win in New Orleans

2. Lions grind out road win

Lions head coach Dan Campbell points to someone off camera after the Lions win over the Saints.

3. The Grapevine: You heard it here

Illustration of music note-shaped pepperoni on a Detroit-style pizza.

4. How much we're using EVs

📷 1 historical photo to go

☁️ Today's weather: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

Situational awareness: MGM Grand Detroit union workers approved a new contract and ended their 47-day strike after turning down a deal back in November, WXYZ reports.

Today's newsletter is 893 words — a 3.5-minute read. Edited by Everett Cook and copy edited by Cindy Orosco-Wright.

🎄 Joe is getting into the Christmas spirit.

📖 Annalise is vowing to use her library card in person more. As of now she only uses it through Libby.

🦁 Sam finally watched the Barry Sanders documentary over the weekend and thought it was really fun!

🤩 Everett is wondering how to act after Michigan became No. 1 for first time in 26 seasons.

Detroit

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Where to dance in Detroit

1 big thing: Where to dance in Detroit

Boiler Room Detroit from Russell Industrial Center on Oct. 17. Photo: Samuel Robinson/Axios

Michigan Democratic leader goes on hunger strike for Gaza

2. Democratic leader goes on hunger strike for Gaza

Abraham Aiyash talks to reporters on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at Eastern Market after a bill signing event with the governor. Photo: Samuel Robinson/Axios

Illustration of a retro microphone. Some of the slits have been replaced with "The Grapevine."

4. Most-streamed Spotify artists

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Eras tour at Ford Field on June 9 in Detroit

5. Michigan is back in Indy

Michigan takes the field before last year's Big Ten Championship against Purdue at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

There's a 100% chance it's Friday and the first day of December.

🌧️ Today's weather: It's also 100% going to rain. High near 42.

Today's newsletter is 892 words — a 3.5-minute read. Edited by Everett Cook and copy edited by Cindy Orosco-Wright.

🎧 Joe is listening to Fat Pat's "Greatest Hits."

🥾 Annalise is trying to embrace the benefits of winter.

🪑 Sam would lose Squid Games in the first round.

Everett loved this story from Axios Columbus about how former Buckeye coach Woody Hayes publicly campaigned for former Michigan center Gerald Ford during his run for president.

More Metro Detroit homeowners are selling at a loss

1 big thing: Selling at a loss

Help curate Detroit's public art music playlist

2. Help curate a public art music playlist

Rendering of the Sounds of Detroit art installation at the Cass Avenue bridge over I-94.

Illustration of a vinyl record that says "The Grapevine."

4. Displaying "Intimacy" 

🚢 1 formerly stuck freighter to go 

The freighter is shown in the middle of the frame near the Riverwalk, with a couple tug boats pulled up next to it.

Happy Wednesday. It's … *checks notes* ... still November somehow?

⛅ Today's weather: Partly sunny and a high of 35.

🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Detroit member Marianne Udow-Phillips!

Situational awareness: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced last night a tentative contract agreement has been reached with the UAW that would bring an end to a strike that began Sept. 13 involving more than 1,000 Blue Cross workers, the Free Press reports.

Today's newsletter is 816 words — a 3-minute read. Edited by Everett Cook and copy edited by Cindy Orosco-Wright.

🥶 Joe is welcoming winter's cold, dark embrace (because he can wear his new puffy down coat).

🙏 Annalise is apologizing to the pheasants her dog terrified today on the Riverwalk. But no, she will not be apologizing to any geese.

🦜 Everett's song of the day is "Wish You Were Here" by The World of Birds.

DTE rate increase approved as Whitmer promises lower energy costs

1 big thing: DTE rate increase approved as Whitmer promises lower energy costs

DTE Energy headquarters building in downtown Detroit

2. Big Ten hoops in Michigan start tonight

U of M's Dug McDaniel dribbles against the St. John's Red Storm at Madison Square Garden in November. 

3. The Grapevine: Jim's in

Jim Leyland smokes a cig in the Tigers dugout against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park on August 24, 2006

4. Community groups help with absenteeism

Illustration of a cursive alphabet poster with "H is for Help" written on it.

Take your career to the next level

5. Where in Detroit?

🌮 It's Taco Tuesday — here are the best local places to get them today, according to Eater Detroit.

🌧️ Today's weather: A chance of rain or freezing rain before noon, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 10am and 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 38.

🚀 Want to elevate your support of our newsroom? Follow the lead of fellow readers who have joined our membership program.

Today's newsletter is 883 words — a 3.5-minute read. Edited by Everett Cook and copy edited by Cindy Orosco-Wright.

🔥 Joe is setting his TV to one of YouTube's fireplace channels for the crackling sounds.

😯 Sam is realizing Super Crisp is good because it's run by the same people who own Ima.

😞 Annalise likes Super Crisp but misses the old Ima fried tofu sandwich.

🪵 Everett is scheming up (somewhat safe) ways to get a fireplace into his house. 

Detroit City Council weighs in on Brewster Wheeler affordable housing debate

1 big thing: Council weighs in on Brewster Wheeler housing debate

2. New road can charge EVs

Illustration of a map of Detroit, Michigan and the title "The Grapevine".

4. Why Hanukkah's dates change every year

New jobs to check out

Michigan & Trumbull's delicious Detroit-style pizza

1 $3 slice of Detroit-style to go

One slice of cheese pizza from Michigan & Trumbull

🌬️ Today's weather: Partly sunny, with a high near 48. It's going to be windy, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

🎧 Sounds like: Those holiday Jitterbug commercials from the early 2010s.

🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Detroit member Gretchen Miotto!

Today's newsletter is 901 words — a 3.5-minute read. Edited by Everett Cook and copy edited by Cindy Orosco-Wright.

🤔 Joe is reading the Mark Cuban news and thinking about other NBA owners who should sell their teams.

🕺 Annalise's top artists for the year per her Spotify Wrapped were Ghost, Janelle Monáe, Beyoncé, David Arnold and the National. None of this should be surprising in the least.

🎵 Sam's Spotify Wrapped includes Navy Blue, Noname, PinkPantheress, Skilla Baby and NewJeans.

😭 Everett is getting the greenhouse ready for winter this weekend.

FetchError

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a $368.1 million annual rate increase last week that will add $6.51 to DTE customers' monthly bills starting Dec. 15. 

The hike comes just days after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation she claims will lower energy costs.

The intrigue: The MPSC is a three-member body appointed by the governor. Current commissioners are Dan Scripps, Katherine Peretick and Alessandra Carreon. They voted unanimously Friday to approve the DTE-requested increase that some lawmakers are calling the single-largest hike ever.

Discussions among commissioners over the increase, who have close relationships with the companies they're tasked with regulating, happen in closed-door meetings under an exemption to the Open Meetings Act, the Free Press reports.

Why it matters: There's pressure on lawmakers to increase accountability for utility companies after power outages and to stop taking their money despite poor performance — one of the worst in the country.

Details: The $368.1 million per year will fund infrastructure spending to improve reliability and speed up its shift to renewable energy generation, DTE says.

The Detroit-based provider asked for a $622 million increase in February as it and Consumers Energy faced an avalanche of scrutiny over its response to storms that left thousands without power for days.

A spokesperson for DTE tells Axios that the increase does not yet factor in the company's $300 million decrease in fuel costs announced in November — the ensuing customer impact would be an increase of "a little under $3 dollars a month," the spokesperson tells Axios.

What they're saying: The justification for the increase "is tired and clearly not made in good faith," State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) said in a statement. "This is the same excuse we hear for every rate increase, yet we continue to see more frequent and longer-duration power outages because of their decadeslong lack of investment in the failing grid infrastructure."

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) also criticized the energy company, posting Monday to social media that DTE's "already unaffordable service will be funded by my residents instead of the shareholders and executives enjoying record profits."

Meanwhile, Whitmer signed clean energy legislation last week that she says will eventually save households $145 a year on energy costs and create 160,000 well-paying jobs.

Some Republicans and business groups, upset over the loss of local control for projects like solar farms, are arguing the opposite — changes to the law will actually increase energy costs.

Between the lines: The legislation requires the state to abide by a 100% clean energy standard by 2040, but what "clean energy" means depends on who you ask.

The Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition argues the inclusion of incinerators and natural gas using carbon capture technology is problematic, especially for low-income residents nearby power plants.

The $368.1 million annual rate increase will add $6.51 to DTE customers' monthly bills.

DTE Energy headquarters building in downtown Detroit. Photo: Samuel Robinson/Axios

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a $368.1 million annual rate increase last week that will add $6.51 to DTE customers&#x27; monthly bills starting Dec. 15. <ul><li>The hike comes just days after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="she claims will lower energy costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/whitmer-signs-energy-bills-make-michigan-use-clean-energy-2040" data-vars-content-id="4d7d40b5-3096-490c-b64b-91f830348cc7" data-vars-headline="DTE rate increase approved as Whitmer promises lower energy costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/whitmer-signs-energy-bills-make-michigan-use-clean-energy-2040" target="_blank">she claims will lower energy costs</a>.</li></ul>

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✌🏼Sam here. The holidays are coming and I wanted to do a big favor for those buying gifts.

Why it matters: Gift giving is hard, and intergenerational gift giving is even harder.

Here are some of my favorite items from local shops and brands worth putting money toward this holiday season for Detroit-lovers of all ages:

Chocolate-covered Better Made chips: The Detroit Historical Society's gift shop sells Better Made chocolate-covered potato chips in a decorative tin.

313 street sign lighters and socks: These custom street sign lighters and socks with the city's famous streets are available in Joy Road, Plymouth, 6 Mile, 8 Mile, Van Dyke, Mack, Dexter, Linwood and more.

Lions embroidered jacket: The old-school NFC logo patch gives this wool Lions jacket some futuristic nostalgia with the new logo on the front and modern "Lions" font on the shoulder, plus a cool "Detroit" embroidered on the back.

Pistons teal swingman shorts: These teal Pistons shorts are among the coolest items the Detroit Historical Society sells — its gift shop is extremely underrated for classic sports clothing.

Power line prints: Local artist Marcus Merritt sells drawings of Detroit and Hamtramck power lines, among other original artwork.

"Kung Food": Detroiter Jon Kung's "Kung Food" book is a collection of 100 recipes reexamining Chinese American food.

Pingree Detroit billfold wallet: All of Pingree's products are upcycled from old car products and handmade by veterans and Detroiters.

Manhole cover tote bag: The historical society partnered with Well Done Goods to make these one-of-a-kind tote bags by applying printing ink directly to the metal.

Landmark ornaments: You could really do all the shopping for your Detroit-loving friend inside the historical society's gift shop: Buildings like the J.L. Hudson Department Store, Cadillac Tower and Michigan Central Station are available as Christmas tree ornaments.

Baobab Fare gift box: The box includes two bags of Burundi coffee, two bottles of Ji passionfruit drink and a bottle of the restaurant's homemade Pili hot sauce.

Konjo Me Jebena pot: Konjo Me sells a traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean coffee boiling pot made for the Jebena ceremony that many East African people enjoy while drinking coffee.

You can also try a taste of Ethiopian culture with a traditional spice blend ($14) or coffee blend ($18).

Corner Store Goods logo hoodie: Support local designer Jonathan Brooks' Corner Store Goods by purchasing this clean hoodie in white, black or brown.

Cta apparel Hello Kitty trucker hat: You can be as cool as Sexyy Redd or Aliyah's Interlude by purchasing yourself, or your girl, some cta apparel (made by a local Black woman designer).

Psychedelic Maize and Blue crewneck: Detroit-based Dos Jefes Garments cuts and sews each garment using recycled clothes, like this piece that'll make even the biggest Michigan hater say, "Hey, that's pretty cool."

Carhartt coveralls: Carhartt's most Carhartt product has to be its coveralls, essentially flame-resistant worker onesies made from canvas that contain extra pockets and zippers.

Carhartt Work In Progress "313" long sleeve: Carhartt WIP isn't based in Detroit, but it still uses the city's name and history for its products, like this long-sleeve T-shirt honoring a fictional Carhartt tailoring service.

Detroit Denim Co. Franklin jacket: The raw-denim shop located on Cass Avenue offers custom pieces and has a repair program that puts new life into old clothes. This jacket is a good place to start.

Local businesses offering gift cards and experiences

Good Cakes and Bakes: The Black woman-owned bakery offers gift cards in store or online at either of its locations on Columbia Street or Livernois Avenue.

Periodicals: The carefully curated magazine shop and "concept store" also sells candles, skincare and beauty products, tinctures and "writing tools."

The Lip Bar: The Black-owned, made-for-your-complexion makeup line offers gift cards in store or online.

Next Chapter Books: Support Jay and Sarah Williams, co-owners of the east-side bookstore that offers gift cards and has a used-book trade-in program.

The store also sells neighborhood-specific merchandise.

Faness: Whether it's a birthday, photo shoot or just because, this west-side salon is where the coolest girls in the city get their nails done.

DYNO Detroit rock climbing: The Eastern Market rock-climbing gym sells gift cards for one-day passes to newbies looking to learn the ropes, all the way to yearlong memberships.

Rebel Nell custom jewelry: Make a custom piece out of fallen graffiti as part of the store's design-your-own jewelry experience.

$20; jewelry sold separately from $40-$120

Local gift guide: Detroit brands, stores and experiences to shop

Why it matters: Gift giving is hard — intergenerational gift giving is even harder.

Photo illustration of a vintage-style postcard reading Greetings from lovely Detroit, with a photo of Detroit within the text.

Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch, Lindsey Bailey/Axios

✌🏼Sam here. The holidays are coming and I wanted to do a big favor for those buying gifts.Why it matters: Gift giving is hard, and intergenerational gift giving is even harder.<ul><li>Here are some of my favorite items from local shops and brands worth putting money toward this holiday season for Detroit-lovers of all ages:</li></ul>

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

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A local Democratic leader says he's participating in a five-day hunger strike to urge the Biden administration to seek a "lasting ceasefire" in Gaza after a wave of local demonstrations took place last weekend.

The intrigue: The majority floor leader in the state House, Rep. Abraham Aiyash, (D-Hamtramck), joined the demonstration Monday. He told reporters at Eastern Market he'll only drink water and Gatorade until Friday.

The national hunger strike also includes actor and activist Cynthia Nixon, Delaware State Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton, New York Rep. Zohran Mamdani, Oklahoma Rep. Mauree Turner and Virginia Rep. Sam Rasoul, according to Time.

What's happening: Aiyash traveled to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday with other participants "to show that this issue is incredibly important," and to urge President Biden to support a permanent stop in violence and the safe return of all hostages and prisoners.

Catch up quick: Hundreds of people across the area participated in demonstrations supporting Palestinian civilians over the holiday weekend:

Hundreds marched outside Somerset Mall on Black Friday in Troy.

The next day, a rally took place outside the Capitol in Lansing.

Demonstrators also rallied outside the governor's mansion Saturday night and interrupted Ypsilanti's tree lighting celebration on Sunday.

And activists left a letter on U.S. Sen. Gary Peters' home after protesting outside.

Meanwhile, rifts among progressive Democrats over the issue have existed since before the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack that left roughly 1,200 Israelis dead —  but a debate over protest methods outside politicians' homes and on roadways played out over social media following the protests last weekend.

What's next: When asked whether the issue could prevent him from supporting Biden in 2024, Aiyash told Axios, "I'm disappointed, but I think that '24 is a long time from now."

Abraham Aiyash's five-day hunger strike ends Friday amid wave of local protests.

Abraham Aiyash talks to reporters on Tuesday at Eastern Market after a bill-signing event with the governor. Photo: Samuel Robinson/Axios

A local Democratic leader says he&#x27;s participating in a five-day hunger strike to urge the Biden administration to seek a &quot;lasting ceasefire&quot; in Gaza after a wave of local demonstrations took place last weekend.The intrigue: The majority floor leader in the state House, Rep. Abraham Aiyash, (D-Hamtramck), joined the demonstration Monday. He told reporters at Eastern Market he&#x27;ll only drink water and Gatorade until Friday.

Detroit's top-streamed artist on Spotify this year was Taylor Swift, followed by Drake, Morgan Wallen, 21 Savage and Future.

Drake notably sampled a Detroit gospel singer on his new album.

Driving the news: The annual music/personality talking vehicle Spotify Wrapped dropped on Wednesday, using data from 574 million listeners' patterns to name Taylor Swift the most-streamed artist globally.

Spotify users can post their years in review, share personalized playlists and — most importantly — judge their friends' taste.

Detroit's top five songs on Spotify this year were:

And finally, our top five genres were rap, pop, hip-hop, rock and trap.

💭 Sam's thought bubble: SZA and Gunna were the only artists out of this bunch I ever heard being played outside, other than the two days Morgan Wallen fans took over downtown.

Maybe Swifites can explain it to me, but I'm confused why a 4-year-old Taylor Swift song made this!

Detroit's most-streamed Spotify artists

Our top five genres were rap, pop, hip-hop, rock and trap.

Taylor Swift performs during the Eras tour at Ford Field on June 9 in Detroit. Photo: Scott Legato/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Detroit&#x27;s top-streamed artist on Spotify this year was Taylor Swift, followed by Drake, Morgan Wallen, 21 Savage and Future.<ul><li>Drake notably sampled a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit gospel singer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/10/25/drake-samples-gospel-singer-new-album-rudolph-stanfield-jr" data-vars-content-id="82a0d191-f649-4d54-b4ef-6e6d0a5aa088" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s most-streamed Spotify artists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/10/25/drake-samples-gospel-singer-new-album-rudolph-stanfield-jr" target="_self">Detroit gospel singer</a> on his new album.</li></ul>

Culture

In a city known for its music, there's no shortage of venues for dancing your life away.

The intrigue: From concert halls to outdoor parks to clubs, the most prolific venues host up-and-coming DJs from across the country alongside local industry legends like Carl Craig and Moodymann.

And while out and about, you might even get a chance to hang out with touring artists after their shows, like when rapper Earl Sweatshirt caught some local DJs this week at Paramita Sound.

Be smart: One of the best ways to find new spots is by following your favorite DJ on social media.

Here are some of the best places in Detroit to dance to good music this weekend:

Marble Bar: This staple of the city's nightlife scene for years for its consistency usually books DJs playing house and techno, but there's a ton of variety.

The huge disco ball is perfect for a 2am Instagram story, and there's an upstairs mezzanine section, plus a nice outside patio.

Hart Plaza: The downtown park is a hub for techno fans once a year for Movement Festival, where you'll find some of the most energetic concertgoers from across the world.

The main stage at Movement Festival at Hart Plaza during Skrillex's set. Photo: Samuel Robinson/Axios

Spot Lite: This east-side spot is a pandemic-era favorite for both new and longtime Detroiters.

It's a cafe and record store during the day that gives way to a bar and lively dance floor at night. There's an art gallery within the building's upstairs section and the outside is adorned with Sheefy McFly murals. The grassy lawn also hosts events during the summer.

Paramita Sound: The downtown bar and record store hosts community events and open-deck nights for new DJs while maintaining a loyal community of music-loving regulars. It's always free, but get there early to guarantee a seat at the bar or a space on the dance floor.

Paramita Sound founder Andrey Douthard speaks to artists Sterling Toles (left) and Ziggy Waters (middle) about their process during an event inside the bar and record store in May. Photo: Samuel Robinson/Axios

TV Lounge: Near Cass Tech, this spot has some of the best Movement after parties every year, with several dance floors and a spacious outdoor section that usually has food trucks.

Big Pink: This place opened last year and immediately captured the attention of the city's under-30 population.

It's usually $15 to get in at the door, but tickets online are $10.

Inside Big Pink. Photo: Samuel Robinson/Axios

Inside Big Pink at 6440 Wight St. Photo: Samuel Robinson/Axios

Temple Bar: What can you even say about this Cass Corridor gem? There's free pool plus a cheap jukebox that lets you take over the dance floor when there's nobody else there.

If a DJ is spinning there's sometimes a $5 cover, but it's typically free.

Deluxx Fluxx: The floors are sticky here, but the neon aura created by a ceiling filled exclusively with black lights makes up for it.

Willis Show Bar: The small dance floor is tucked away in the back of the venue but the whole space, including the velvety booths, can be turned into a dance floor inside the cabaret-style cocktail bar.

In a city known for its music, there's no shortage of great venues.

In a city <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="known for its music" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/10/03/best-detroit-music-2023-veeze-babyfaceray-cashkidd" data-vars-content-id="d0160d25-77f3-41b1-a1f8-e26b56a197d8" data-vars-headline="Where to dance in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/10/03/best-detroit-music-2023-veeze-babyfaceray-cashkidd" target="_self">known for its music</a>, there&#x27;s no shortage of venues for dancing your life away.The intrigue: From concert halls to outdoor parks to clubs, the most prolific venues host up-and-coming DJs from across the country alongside local industry legends like Carl Craig and Moodymann.

Samuel Robinson

Stories

DTE rate increase approved as Whitmer promises lower energy costs

Where to dance in Detroit

Michigan Democratic leader goes on hunger strike for Gaza

Detroit's most-streamed Spotify artists

Local gift guide: Detroit brands, stores and experiences to shop

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🕺🏽 Dancing in Detroit

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