Hey friends, Jer here.
This is the dead of summer, so why is so much stuff happening? 😂
If this is your first time here, my analysis is in italics.
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📰 What to know
🇺🇸 Metro Detroiter Paul Whelan was freed in a major U.S.-Russia prisoner swap. Both Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan were released as part of the deal, involving 16 prisoners from the U.S. and European nations. Whelan lives in Novi and holds U.S., British, Irish and Canadian citizenship. He was accused of espionage and served five years of a sixteen year sentence by a Russian court. [NPR] [Washington Post]
🍽️ Tipped wages are ending (eventually) in Michigan. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that the Legislature's "adopt-and-amend" tactics on minimum wage and paid sick leave laws were unconstitutional. [Bridge Michigan] [Crain's Detroit]
This means in February, the minimum wage will rise from $10.33 to over $12 per hour, with future increases tied to inflation. Key for restaurants and bars, the tipped wage will be phased out by 2029, and mandatory paid leave at larger employers will increase from 40 to 72 hours.
- The lead lobbying group for restaurants, The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, says that 40% of restaurants in Michigan are currently unprofitable.
There are a couple of things to unpack here.
One, increasing wages for servers and other tipped employees from just under $4 to $12 is going to have a pretty material impact. Yes, on workers; but also, I'm pretty sure this is going to drive up some prices and change how some restaurants operate.
My guess is in response that yes, we will see higher wages — but we'll also see even more automation in coming years.
Two, the court stepping in on this sends a clear signal that if something is decided by the voters in a ballot initiative, the state legislature can't then step in and mangle the new thing beyond recognition.
The trick the legislature at the time tried to pull was to "adopt" the law as required, but then change it so much that it basically didn't reflect the original intent.
p.s. - Norris Howard joined me to discuss this topic on our Daily Detroit podcast.
🐲 Asian American leaders in Detroit are celebrating a $1 million state appropriation to revitalize the historic Chinatown neighborhood at Cass Avenue and Peterboro Street. The money will bring streetscape improvements and Chinese American-inspired elements to the area. That might include a gateway, new pavement, outdoor dining, and specialty lighting. [Axios Detroit]
🏗️ In that Chinatown neighborhood, there's visible progress at the spot of the former Chung's restaurant. Thanks to Luciano Marcon for sending in this picture on our supporter-only Discord. It's been about a couple decades since the building has seen investment.
🏢 Staying on that same block, Olympia Development has launched its Co-Developer Program. They'll start with the Woodstock Apartments across from the popular Detroit Shipping Company food hall.
Urbanize Detroit reports that the historic building, dating back to 1914, received 35 applications from developers, now narrowed to 10 Detroit-based prospects. This program is part of a broader initiative under the District Detroit’s Community Benefits Agreement. [Urbanize]
Based on the previous track record, I’m not optimistic — but I stared at that building with frustration for years when we used to sometimes record our podcast at a studio that was at DSC. I’d like to be proved wrong.
🐮 Looking for sustainable meat options in Metro Detroit? Planet Detroit has you covered with a comprehensive guide on where to find grass-fed, pasture-raised, and environmentally friendly meat options across the region. From local farms to specialized butcher shops, learn how you can enjoy your meat more responsibly. [Planet Detroit]
As someone who's needed to make some lifestyle changes in the last year, it's amazing how much better you feel when you eat real food. We recently featured Marrow on the podcast (mentioned in the Planet Detroit piece) talking about this.
🎸 Jack White's new album will become widely available this week. Having heard clips, fans of his older stuff may really like the stripped down sound. Copies of "No Name" will be made available digitally and sold at select local indie shops on Friday, August 2. [TMR]
🚲 The Joe Louis Greenway has gotten a lot of buzz locally and nationally. But what's the bigger vision? What's ahead? How will this integrate with the communities it serves?
Joe Louis Greenway Partnership Executive Director Leona Medley joined on our Daily Detroit podcast us to discuss the formation and goals of the newly formed nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Joe Louis Greenway project in Detroit. [Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts]
◻️ A historic marker can be part of healing a community, or at least that's the hope with the new placard on Woodward Avenue at the site of the Algiers Motel. [Daily Detroit]
If you didn't know, one of the many tragic events of the 1967 Uprising happened at this spot. Three young Black men were murdered by police, and the ensuing reporting exposed a cover-up and abuse of power. We're still wrestling with these issues today. This story, and this marker, has made national news.
On a recent podcast episode we talked with author and Civil Rights historian Dr. Danielle McGuire about what unfolded that night, why this new marker is important and how it came together.
🏗️ Detroit's North Corktown neighborhood saw the start of Preserve on Ash, a new development featuring 69 affordable apartments. Supported by a $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant, the project will eventually expand to 169 units. Construction on future phases is expected to begin next year. [Urbanize Detroit]
Until next time, remember that you are somebody — and I'll see you around Detroit.
-Jer