Axios Detroit

June 07, 2022
Good morning, folks. It's National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, a made-up holiday that at least one of us intends to heartily celebrate.
🌧️ Today's weather: If you're outside this morning, you'll likely get rained on. A flood watch from the National Weather Service is set to expire at 8am. High around 75.
Today's newsletter is 938 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: What could be next for James Craig
Illustration: Rebecca Zisser/Axios
James Craig's future is suddenly in doubt after his latest effort to get on the August primary ballot failed last week.
Why it matters: Craig's prospects are plentiful thanks to a unique career in law enforcement, leadership and even entertainment.
Yes, but: He hasn't given up on his gubernatorial campaign yet. A spokesperson tells Axios it is "a little premature to discuss the next steps as we are still sorting through what's currently in front of us."
The intrigue: Despite a calamitous run for governor, Craig remains a fascinating candidate as a Black Republican with an extensive law enforcement background and strong local name recognition.
- Axios talked to political insiders about Craig's potential options:
Lower office: Jonathan Kinloch, chair of the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party, says Craig was in line to be Detroit's next mayor before running as a Republican for governor. Many in the city previously thought he was a Democrat.
- "I don't see any pathways for him to garner an elected position in Detroit or Wayne County," says Kinloch, who is also a Wayne County commissioner.
- "Even if Mayor [Mike] Duggan eventually steps aside, Craig's once-possible political career in Detroit is over, but he could likely win a Republican legislative seat should he decide to move," says John Sellek, CEO of Lansing-based PR firm Harbor Strategic.
Media personality: "He's got a pension. He can do whatever he wants," says political strategist Andrea Bitely. "I'm betting Craig writes a book about his journey in law enforcement and moves to Florida. A book, even if it's bad, will keep him on Fox News."
Consultant: While working in Los Angeles, Craig was mentored by William Bratton, the former LAPD chief who parlayed his law enforcement experience into a career as a private consultant.
- Consultancy could be a natural home for Craig — his public safety resume isn't spotless and his run for governor could complicate any immediate interest in being a big city police chief again.
Acting coach: If politics or policing don't work out, Craig could get back into entertainment. His nickname is "Hollywood Craig" for a reason.
- Actor Denzel Washington credited a 1990s ridealong with Craig for preparing him for police roles in "Ricochet" and "The Little Things."
- "When he is playing the LAPD cop, there are things he says he got directly from me," Craig told Fox 2 Detroit last year. "It's almost like he was playing me."
2. ⛽ Gas prices top $5 a gallon
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Gas prices have officially passed $5.
- Michigan's average price per gallon was $5.06 as of yesterday, according to AAA — 19 cents higher than the national average. Prices jumped again this morning to an average of $5.17 a gallon statewide.
By the numbers: Average gas prices shot up 74 cents per gallon in the month ending June 6 and are $1.74 higher than this time last year.
- Drivers are paying more in Wayne County than anywhere else in Michigan at $5.17, followed by Washtenaw and Oakland counties at $5.10 and $5.14, respectively.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers have been working since March on a deal to bring relief at the pump.
- Senate Republicans recently approved a bill with Democratic support to suspend the state's 6% sales tax and the 27-cents-per-gallon tax on gas until September.
Zoom in: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to tie the proposed suspension to one of her proposals to dole out $500 rebate checks for working families, the Detroit News reports.
- During interviews at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Whitmer told reporters she's aiming for the end of the month to reach a deal with the Republican-led legislature.
- Senate Democrats effectively killed a Republican proposal to cut the state's 27-cents-per-gallon gas tax in April after the bill passed both chambers.
- Whitmer opposed that proposal over concerns that it could delay ongoing construction projects.
Bottom line: Whitmer has said she supports suspending the state’s 6% sales tax on gas as long as the proposal doesn't jeopardize road repairs, construction jobs, or funding for local schools.
3. Grapevine: You heard it here
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
😷 So far at least 15 people who attended last week's Mackinac Policy Conference have tested positive for COVID-19, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. (Detroit Metro Times)
💸 CEO pay is rising dramatically despite a federal rule forcing companies to disclose the pay gap in comparison with an average employee. (Crain's Detroit Business)
☕ Workers at 11 Starbucks in Michigan are set to vote on whether to unionize. (Detroit News)
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4. Sweat-inducing ghost pepper pizza
Ghost pizza. Photo: Joe Guillen/Axios
👋 Hello, Joe here. I was in the mood for something spicy yesterday, so I dove into a ghost pepper pizza for the first time.
Amar Pizza in Hamtramck is known for its ghost pizza (small, $16). Topped with chicken, red onions, cilantro and ghost sauce, it comes with a disclaimer — "Extreme heat. Eat at own risk."
The first thing I noticed was the colorful combination of toppings — the chicken has an orange tint that pops against the green cilantro and purple-colored onions.
- While I couldn't see the ghost sauce, the sweat gathering on my brow mid-second slice told me it was there.
The bottom line: The heat was persistent but not overwhelming. Cilantro fans will love how it compliments the other flavors. I'd definitely order this again.
5. Cabrera still somehow leading the Tigers

The 39-year-old Miguel Cabrera shouldn't be the rebuilding Tigers' best player.
Yes, but: With a .301 batting average and 11 more hits than anyone else on the team, Cabrera still leads Detroit in offensive production.
- In his 14th season in Detroit, Cabrera is hitting above .300 on a lineup that features six players batting below .200.
Big picture: Tigers fans entered the season with high hopes but have been treated to a disappointing 21-33 start — the fifth worst record in baseball.
Our picks:
⚾ Joe remembers memorizing baseball's statistical leaders as a kid but now, can barely name three current Tigers.
🌯 Annalise is craving the "Corktown" breakfast burrito from Honey Bee Market.
🏀 Sam loved this essay about John Saward finding glory on the pickup basketball court.
💿 Everett is still blown away by "Harry's House."
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