detroit – Page 56 – Motor City Muckraker

Racial tensions flare at meeting over Belle Isle lease: “White whores can’t save us.”

By Steve Neavling on January 28, 2013 City Council, City Government, Government, posts, State of Michigan

A public hearing over leasing Belle Isle to the state turned ugly today when opponents heckled supporters and suggested the deal was a racist takeover.

Once considered a long shot, mayoral candidate Lisa Howze proves she’s a serious contender

By Steve Neavling on January 28, 2013 2013 Mayoral Election, Headline, posts

Her campaign announced Sunday that the first-term legislator has bought space to run a Super Bowl ad on CBS on Feb. 3, six months before the primary election.

Investor website ranks Detroit among the worst-managed cities in country. Any surprise?

By Steve Neavling on January 27, 2013 Government, posts

Detroit is called out for its ineffective government and crumbling economy.

Burned-down houses become tombs for countless squatters in Detroit; city can’t afford excavation

By Steve Neavling on January 27, 2013 Abandoned Buildings, Buildings, Crime & Fire, Fire, posts

Even when neighbors tell investigators that squatters are living in vacant buildings ravaged by fire, the city rarely does more than a cursory search.

Fire hydrants malfunction, baby girl dies in east-side blaze this morning

By Steve Neavling on January 26, 2013 City Government, Crime & Fire, Fire, Mayor's Office, posts

Unable to find working hydrants, firefighters dashed through heavy smoke and extreme heat to rescue a lifeless 10-month-girl from her upstairs bedroom early this morning.