Thieves in backhoe continue tearing apart Packard minutes after building erupts in flames
As I write this, thieves in a backhoe are stealing large metal beams even as a fire burns in the plant, a few buildings away.
Controversial Detroit Minister calls Mayor Dave Bing a “House N—–” during testy debate
Minister Malik Shabazz is a divisive voice in Detroit, but his popularity is gaining among Detroiters who fear the state will seize the city’s crippled finances and take over gems like Belle Isle.
Will serial arsonist strike Detroit’s east side for the fourth night in a row?
In the past three days, someone set fire to five houses in a two-block area of East Canfield and Garland. The blazes spread and consumed nine abandoned houses and damaged four occupied homes.
Investigation: Scrapyard near abandoned Packard Plant dishes out cash for stolen metal
The money is quick and easy – and the metal market is booming, producing record profits for shady scrapyards and a modest living for scrappers.
Video: Detroiters at risk because of chronically malfunctioning fire hydrants
“Oh, God,” Janet Howard said, fearing the spreading flames would devour the entire block of Garland and Canfield, where an arsonist also set a blaze the day before. “Please. Please, God.”
Investigation: Thieves tear apart Packard Plant for scrap metal in broad daylight; neighbors at risk
Scrapping thieves have become alarmingly more daring and audacious as police have virtually ignored an organized scrapping operation that has sprung up at the abandoned Packard Plant in Detroit.
Detroit plans takeover of Packard Plant; defiant owner responds, “Kiss my ass”
The city is preparing to seize the Packard Plant because of unpaid taxes that the owner refuses to pay. He maintains he owes no taxes because the city won’t provide basic services to protect his property from arsonists, vandals and thieves.
Mayor Bing calls for emergency session with council today to avert cash crisis
Bing is expected to call a 1 p.m. meeting in council chambers in what almost certainly will be a bitter, combative session. Crowds have grown more hostile, and the mayor and council’s relationship is dysfunctional.
State lawmaker to join growing list of Detroit mayoral candidates
Today, state Rep. Fred Durhal is expected to announce he’ll throw his hat in the ring, and Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon likely will follow within the next two weeks.
Pugh brazenly defies public demands to open up vital council meetings
These aren’t just any public meetings; they will drive the direction of the city’s future – and ultimately our lives.