5 charged in murders of two Hamtramck women

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy has charged five men with the abduction, torture, and murder of Hamtramck residents Ashley Conaway, 22, and Abreeya Brown, 18. On February 28, 2012 at approximately 10:00 p.m.

As Hamtramck Police Officers responded to a home located in the 2000 block of Andrus Street,  

Family, friends of Abreeya Brown and Ashley Conaway say goodbye at homegoing

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Abreeya Brown, 18, and Ashley Conaway, 22, together were remembered at a joint funeral Monday on Detroit's eastside. The funeral was held at Solomon's Temple, following a family hour. Both were buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.  

National, State and Local voices weigh in on financial proposals

DETROIT - The Detroit City Council, its attorneys and fiscal analysts will take the weekend to digest more than 45 pages of a proposal that — in part — could nullify hard-fought concessions reached with city workers while determining the troubled city's financial future for years to come.

Detroit to State: "Trust us, we'll fix the problem"

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Watching the last-minute maneuvering to try to avoid fiscal accountability, which has eluded city leaders going back decades, would be humorous if not such a damaging farce.

What city leaders have offered up to "fix" Detroit is classic-too little, too late. Plans and promises have been made and broken going back decades.

The time for false fixes is over. Real change requires real change.

Just because you tell a big enough lie long and loud enough-then blog it, tweet it and shout it on local news and partisan talk radio shows, does not make it true.

Karen Dinkins: Dyson & Common Report: March 12, 2012

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - A Prolific Scholar and Author and an award-winning Rapper and Movie Star join forces to encourage young people to use their history to realize their dreams. Tellusdetroit.com’s Entertainment Reporter Karen Dinkins talks with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Rapper-Actor Common 

Hundreds rally at DTE Energy in Detroit to protest utility’s profits and residents power shutoffs

DETROIT - Hundreds of people from Good Jobs Now as well as other Detroit residents staged protests at three DTE Energy sites Friday, pointing up the utility’s record profits and demanding that the company show compassion with its shutoff policies.

Chanting, “NO MORE SHUTOFFS!” protesters assembled in front of DTE Energy’s headquarters and also at payment centers on 7 Mile Road and 8 Mile and Van Dyke. 

Raphael Johnson: “Our message to the gang-bangers. Let it be known from this day forward, you are our enemy, period"

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – Detroit 300, the well-known crime fighting community organization, announced its plans to hunt down the killers of children in the city of Detroit. In the wake of the recent murder of 9-month-old Delric ‘Miller IV, the group intends to target local hot spots where area gangs hang out as well.

"We don’t care what gang, crew or clique you claim. When you kill babies in this city, you are our enemy.  

Federal, state, local law enforcement combat street gangs with violent crime initiatives

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – Barbara L. McQuade, United States Attorney, along with other federal, state and local law enforcement officials, held a press conference Wednesday to discuss what law enforcement is doing to stem the tide of violent crime in the City of Detroit.

The U.S. Attorney was joined by Andrew G. Arena, FBI Special Agent in Charge, William Temple,  

China Relationships Produce Jobs

DETROIT Tell Us USA) - A $4.3 billion deal has a way of getting our governor’s attention. Because it’s sure buying a lot of Iowa soybeans.

During this month’s trip to the U.S., China’s next leader, Xi Jinping (pronounced shee jeen ping), currently China’s vice president, inked the mega deal in Iowa.

You can bet Gov. Rick Snyder paid close attention to that sale. Since taking office a little more than a year ago, he has taken steps to start building the kind of relationship with China that his Iowa counterparts started building in the 1980s and continue to nurture to this day.

Grace Lee Boggs author of “The Next American Revolution” Speaks Out

DETROIT (Tell Us USA) - At 96 years of age, the legendary social activist, philosopher and author Grace Lee Boggs still commands an audience, as she did Wednesday evening during a lecture at the Detroit Historical Museum for Black History Month.

The audience was captivated as Boggs, began to speak, “People from all over the world and the country are coming to Detroit these days to get a sense of the next American Revolution.” With the eyes of the world watching, she said Detroit is the “place and space” to begin anew, to confront the realities of globalization’s impact on the economy and the environment.    

Chrysler rewrites standard for Super Bowl commercials, #1 for second year in a row

DETROIT (Tell Us USA) - Again, like last year, Chrysler Group LLC aired a commercial titled “It’s Halftime in America” during Super Bowl XLVI. It’s a two-minute tribute to America, that featured actor, director and producer Clint Eastwood as our gristled cheerleader. It’s a great speech with even better delivery, and the closing lines at the end are inspiring as the year before.  

Where were you, when you heard the sad news about Whitney?

Op-Ed  By Frequita Slade - aka Anelsa/Special to Tell Us USA News Network

WASHINGTON DC - On Saturday, February 11, 2012, a friend and I were returning to my hotel after the last of my presentations for Black History month. I was feeling exhilarated as my Reflections of a Colored Girl” events had gone very well and I felt that I had impact the lives of children and parents that attended my event. As I opened the door to get out of my girlfriends car, I heard the announcer on Howard University’s radio station WHUR (96.3) say “We have some sad news”. My girlfriend and I looked at each other and as I felt my heart rate lower, my ears waited to hear what thing he would say. He said “The Associated Press reports that Whitney Houston is dead at the age of 48”.    

'Soul Train' Reaches End of the Line for Creator Don Cornelius

By Frequita Slade - aka Anelsa/Special to Tell Us USA News Network

WASHINGTON DC - It was the summer of 1971; I had just graduated from high school in Apopka, Florida and was visiting my mother in Newark, New Jersey. Surfing the channels on the Curtis Mathis television in my mom's living room, I saw an image that changed my life forever. It was a group of young African American men and women dancing on television. Prior to that moment I had only seen a black boy or girl here and there on "Dick Clark's American Bandstand." Watching young blacks dance on the white show was good for the mind but to see a room full of them was great for the soul. Seeing the images of black folk on television that were not stepping and fetching but dancing to music that I loved make me feel good.   

Motown Winter Blast set for a weekend of festivities and entertainment

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Family fun and exciting entertainment return when the Motown Winter Blast presented by the Ambassador Bridge kicks off at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit, Friday, Feb. 10 – Sunday, Feb. 12. Festivalgoers will enjoy a lineup of favorite returning attractions and can expect a number of new activities as well. Making a welcome reappearance will be free snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowmaking.  

WSU expects incoming students to know how to read and write before admission

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Wayne State University officials have unveil a proposed tougher new admissions policy that is expected to reduce the student population by about 5 percent.

Under the proposal to be presented to the Board of Governors, incoming freshmen in 2013 would be evaluated on their entire academic record, along with an essay, instead of the current policy of using a student's grade point average and ACT score for determining admissions. 

The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority announces businessman Louis James as new chairman

DETROIT -  The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority has a new chairman and is looking to become a key source of job growth in the next decade.

Detroit businessman Louis James was elected chairman recently by the Board of Directors, replacing Art Blackwell who has had a long history with the Port.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve as the chairman of an entity that is positioned to play a pivotal part in the resurgence of Detroit,” said James. 

President Obama has it right: America needs education

Op-Ed by Tom Watkins

ANN ARBOR - Regardless of one's politics, it is always good to have a smart POTUS (President of the United States) visiting your state.

Sure there are the inevitable traffic jams, police overtime costs and logistical headaches. But there is nothing better than commanding our president’s attention, as well as that of the nation and the world, on your hometown. To have his focus on education is icing on the cake. 

Obama speaks firmly to students and supporters at the U of M in Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR (Tell Us USA) - President Barack Obama called Friday for an overhaul of the higher education financial aid system, warning that colleges and universities that fail to control spiraling tuition costs could lose federal funds.

The election year proposal was also a political appeal to young people and working families, two important voting blocs for Obama. But the initiative faces long odds in Congress, which must approve nearly all aspects of the president's plan.

NAIAS 2012 closes with smiles, high-fives, and best crowds in six years

DETROIT - After a spectacular nine day run, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2012 is in the books. Today's attendance of 101,141 topped last year's final day numbers of 98,106, bringing total attendance of the 2012 show to 770,932, the highest since 2005.

Bill Perkins, chairman, NAIAS, said the show lived up to its reputation of being one of the top in the world.

Over 200 DPS students attend the 2012 PNC Grow Up Great/NAIAS Education Day

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - The North American International Auto Show Education Day provided an educational experience for school groups of all ages to learn about the automotive industry. The PNC Foundation, which serves as the "Official Preschool Partner of NAIAS Education Day" hosted its “Grow Up Great” students, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012

The young visitors enjoyed story time, pizza lunch and then lead onto the auto show floor at Cobo Center where they were overwhelmed by all the shiny new cars and trucks on display.

DMC Launches “A New Era” In Cardiac Care With Groundbreaking For New Heart Hospital

DETROIT–The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) broke ground today on construction of the long-anticipated DMC Heart Hospital, during ceremonies for what officials said would mark the beginning of “a new era” in cardiac care in Michigan.

The groundbreaking event took place at the hospital construction site near the intersection of Mack and Brush Avenues in midtown Detroit, and included DMC and Vanguard officials, and community leaders and elected officials from all across Michigan.  

Shelby Township Man Charged in Fatal Car Crash Killing Two Children

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Today Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy has charged David Leslie Lamberson, 62 of Shelby Township in connection with a fatal car crash that killed a 2-year old child and an 8-year-old child who were passengers in a car driven by their mother, Arlita Lee, 28 of Detroit.

On January 8, 2012 at 6:15 p.m. at Hoover and near Sturgis it is alleged that Lamberson was driving under the influence of alcohol, veering left of center, and travelling at a high rate of speed on a residential street when he crashed head on into the car of Ms. Lee killing her 2-year-old child.

Need to prepare for winter driving? There's an app for that

FARGO, N.D. - When a powerful blizzard ripped through North Dakota last winter, hundreds of drivers were stranded as white-out conditions shuttered interstates spanning the state. Snow whipped up by wind marred the lines between pavement and grassy drop-offs, leaving some scared motorists unsure what to do.

Two local software developers had a thought: There should be an app for that.

Chevrolet Detroit Belle isle Grand Prix seeking 2012 event volunteers

DETROIT, MI - After a four-year hiatus, one of the most popular events in Detroit is back and looking for Motor City ambassadors to strengthen its volunteer corps.

The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will take place June 1-3, 2012 at the stunning 2.1-mile Belle Isle Park road circuit. The return of world-class auto racing to the Motor City will feature four premiere series battling on Belle Isle – the IZOD IndyCar Series, the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series the Pirelli World Challenge Championship Series and the Firestone Indy Lights Series..

Detroit: The Year in Review

DETROIT - Like “A Tale of Two Cities” Detroit experienced the best of times and the worst of times in 2011.

The Detroit Lions amazed fans and critics alike, ending the year with a winning season, their first since 1997. Quicken Loans moved thousands of workers to downtown offices, CEO Dan Gilbert bought up buildings in the Campus Martius area. The iconic St. Regis hotel reopened for business, and new eateries started popping along Woodward, including the Hudson Café. . 

Purdue holds off Western Mich for 37-32 win in Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

DETROIT - Purdue quarterback Caleb TerBush took the final snap, sprinted to the sideline and handed the football to coach Danny Hope.

Perhaps empowered by getting a contract extension recently, Hope made the gutsy decision to go for two onside kicks in the first half and both gambles paid off for the Boilermakers in a 37-32 win over Western Michigan on Tuesday night in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

Motown Winter Blast organizers announce dates and new initiatives and sponsors

DETROIT – December 20, 2011 – The warmth of family fun and winter joy will be back in Detroit when the Motown Winter Blast returns to Campus Martius Park for the eighth consecutive year, from Friday, February 10 – Sunday, February 12. The Ambassador Bridge will join festivities in 2012 as presenting sponsor of Detroit’s perennial outdoor event.

Forgotten Harvest, Detroit Marriott and Renaissance Center feed over 1,100 guest at the '3rd Annual Holiday Dinner'

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - More than one thousand people, including nearly 700 children, served by emergency food providers across the City of Detroit were guest at a meal to remember as Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center and Forgotten Harvest presented The 3rd Annual Forgotten Harvest Holiday Dinner, exclusively Presented by the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.

COBO Convention Center takes on new look as it prepares for the 2012 NAIAS

DETROIT, MI (Tell Us Det) - New cars won't be the only thing you will see at the up-coming North American Auto Show at Cobo Center in January. The visitor friendly exhibit center will have more room to view more vehicles. Contractors, engineers, designers and crews are working feverishly to finish upgrades to parking, concessions, restrooms and a 25,000-square-foot expansion, all in time for the biggest show of the year.   

Detroiter gets keys to new Habitat Home on the city's eastside

DETROIT, MI – Another Habitat for Humanity home at 3649 Lakepointe was dedicated Saturday, December 10, 2011 it now becomes more than the eighth home completed since September for the agency’s 25th Anniversary Blitz Build.

For 28-year-old Tanesha Burch, it will represent peace of mind for her 2-year-old daughter, Jayla---by way of a backyard to play in---and a step toward the lifelong Detroiter’s own independence.  

Tax cut survives: Congress votes holiday approval

WASHINGTON - Barely beating Santa's sleigh, Congress delivered a last-minute holiday tax-cut extension to 160 million American wage-earners on Friday, just when it looked like they and millions of unemployed workers were going to be left with coal in their stockings.

It was a major yearend political victory for President Barack Obama, a big slice of humble pie for House Republicans and a blow to House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, who'll have an angry band of tea party lawmakers to deal with when Congress returns to Washington next month. 

National Kidney Foundation of Michigan Supporters Raise More Than $500,000 at 7th Annual Kidney Ball

DETROIT - On Saturday, December 3rd, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM), the largest affiliate of the National Kidney Foundation in the United States, gathered friends and supporters for the 7th Annual Kidney Ball at the MGM Grand Detroit. The charity event, themed “Motown Magic,” attracted nearly 700 attendees and raised more than $500,000. All proceeds will go toward the many programs and services offered by the NKFM to the more than 900,000 Michigan residents living with chronic kidney disease and the many more at risk.    

$25,000 Reward: Weeks later no sign of missing two-year-old Bianca Jones

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Two year-old Bianca Lily Jones was last seen a week ago Friday, December 2nd, while in the care of her father, D'Andre Lane. He claims he was car-jacked at gunpoint by two men. Lane also says when they stole his vehicle, they took off with his little girl in tow.

Detroit Police discovered the 2004 Silver Mercury Grand Marquis moments later just east of the New Center area, just blocks north of DPD Central Division, but inside the car.. no Bianca.  

Mayor, Council, Unions and supporters unite to prevent State EFM takeover of Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Thursday night in a hurried press conference Detroit Mayor Bing called for a show of unity and togetherness against what he says is the beginning steps by Governor Rick Snyder to send in an Emergency Finance Manager to run the the largest city in Michigan.

The Mayor made it clear to all, especially those who questioned his resolve in this matter, saying, "I did receive that call (from Governor Snyder) and I am here today with City Council, Labor, our Community and Businesses to say that we are opposed to the Governor beginning this process.  

Stay active, engaged during cold winter season

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - When frustrated at the economy, as so many are, it is often difficult despite knowing better, to discern right from wrong. Meaning, we know that we shouldn’t eat as much, monitor our spending better and stay active. The holidays, with all of their good intentions, can be the source of loneliness, tension and despair. Money problems are often at the core, however, anniversaries of family members who have passed on along with not being around friends or family can be an even bigger challenge!

Welfare Office delays "rocket docket" cases for cash assistance review

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - A Michigan Department of Human Services office in Detroit was the scene of protests, confusion, and anger this morning. This was the day people losing welfare cash assistance had a chance to challenge that decision, but the hearings were delayed.

People losing cash-assistance were told to be at the Department of Humans Services office at 8 o’clock this morning and to be prepared to spend the day waiting for their teleconferenced hearing to be conducted. Three hours later, the hearings had not started. 

More than 700 shut down rush hour traffic, occupy 2nd Avenue bridge in Detroit

Ministers among those to cite “Economic Emergency for the 99 Percent”

DETROIT - More than 700 people took over and shut down the city’s 2ndAvenue Bridge for more than an hour Thursday, in the strongest showing yet by Good Jobs Now to call attention to the region’s continued economic crisis and high unemployment rate.

Citing an “Economic Emergency for the 99 percent,” ministers joined residents from all walks of life in blocking traffic to and from the 2nd Avenue Bridge near I-94.   

Michael Jackson's doctor sentenced to 4 years

LOS ANGELES - The doctor convicted in the overdose death of Michael Jackson was sentenced to the maximum four years behind bars Tuesday by a judge who denounced him as a reckless physician whose actions were a "disgrace to the medical profession."

Dr. Conrad Murray sat stoically with his hands crossed as Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor repeatedly chastised him for what he called a "horrific violation of trust" while caring for Jackson. 

From “Not” to “Hot”: Using Place-Based Economic Development to Transform Communities

DETROIT - The Jefferson East Business Association‘s annual luncheon in November will focus on place-based economic development which is the process of creating a unique and special sense of place tied to a high quality of life. The luncheon will feature a keynote address from Sue Mosey, President of Midtown Detroit Inc., who will share how Midtown was revitalized through the focused efforts of the community and its supporters. Josh Elling, Executive Director of the Jefferson East Business Association (JEBA) and the East Jefferson Corridor Collaborative (EJCC), believes there is value in taking a very close look at the Midtown transformation.   

Hundreds march as Labor joins Occupy Detroit for rally downtown

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Over 400 Union members and Occupy Detroit supporters joined in a show of solidarity to fight for social justice for working people in Detroit and everywhere. This was an opportunity for labor and the community to come together as one. The rally cry was loud and clear. We are the 99%!

Beginning at 2:00 pm Sunday afternoon demonstrators gathered at Hart Plaza for a march up Woodward Ave. to the Occupy Detroit camp in Grand Circus Park.

Movement organizers received a big boost from local UAW members on this sun filled, fall day with donations of all kinds (cash, food, clothing and camping supplies).   

Mayor, Union come to agreement,  Detroit bus service resumes

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Mayor Dave Bing, was joined by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), and Detroit Police Department officials announce an agreement that will end today's bus driver work stoppage. Early this morning DOT bus drivers refused to go on their routes the day after a driver was beaten by two teen-aged passengers.

Henry Gaffney, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26 that represents drivers, told a local radio station that the drivers' action wasn't organized by the union. Rather by the bus drivers who feared for their safety following Thursday's altercation. 

Detroit Honors Sculptor of Historic Memorials at 10th Anniversary

DETROIT (Tell Us Det)  - Ed Dwight, renowned sculptor of two internationally recognized monuments dedicated to the history of the Underground Railroad, was in Detroit recently to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his memorials: “Gateway to Freedom” at the foot of Hart Plaza and “Freedom Tower” on the shores of Windsor, Canada.

“Public art is a distinctive way to tell a story” said Dwight who spoke at a commemoration of the statures attended by, a Washington D.C. representative from the Interior Department, the curator of the African American Civil War Museum, local officials who brought resolutions and descendents of African Americans who traveled from Windsor to Detroit. 

DPS adds teachers as enrollment grows

DETROIT - Detroit Public Schools has updated data regarding class size issues that have arisen in recent weeks as additional students enroll. Overall enrollment has risen to exceed budgeted projections by almost 300 students, and the district responds to unexpected needs caused by teacher retirements and resignations.

“The good news is that children are still enrolling,” said Steven Wasko, Assistant Superintendent for Community Relations and Chief Communications Officer. “We also know that there are many classes that have as few as 15 or 17 students. For the remaining cases exceeding our limits, affecting 22 out of more than 4,000 classrooms, we are resolving the issues at this time.”

Specifically, the district's academic leadership had been made aware of 89 requests for additional teachers from principals at 34 schools as of October 19. Forty-four of those teachers were deployed as of Wednesday.

The additional 45 teachers have been recalled, a process that allows the teacher up to 10 days to report based on the current union contract. Of those 45, 23 have already reported and the remaining 22 will return within that 10-day window. In those 22 classrooms spread across eight schools, the district has deployed substitutes in all cases.

Harper Woods High School Student Coordinator Charged With Sex Crimes

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy has charged Maurice Lamont Bulls, 40 of Southfield with Child Sexually Abusive Activity, a felony that carries a 15 year maximum penalty and assault and battery, a 93 day misdemeanor.

On October 17, 2011, at Harper Woods High School, Bulls was supervising a 17-year-old female night school student in his capacity as the Safe and Supportive School Coordinator. The allegations are that Bulls took the student to a room and photographed her with her clothing on and pulled her shirt and touched her. He attempted to convince the student to allow him to take nude photos indicating that the photos could be sold for profit. The student refused to cooperate. She came forward to the police and reported the incident.

The City's Neighborhoods a part of Detroit's resurgence

Op-Ed by Luther Keith/Executive Director-ARISE Detroit!

DETROIT - A recent news report in one of our local papers did a compelling and uplifting story on Detroit, tying the city's resurgence and improved national image to the success of the Detroit Lions and Tigers, improvements in the auto industry, downtown businesses development and other initiatives.

However, it dismissed the city's neighborhoods as problem plagued, saddled with thousands of abandoned buildings, poor services and residents who have little hope for making things better. While some of this is painfully true, there is more - much more -- to the story. 

Detroit police searching for suspect in criminal sexual assault case

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - The above composite is of a male suspect wanted for the criminal sexual conduct of a 10-year-old-female.

On Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at approximately 8:30 a.m., the victim and 6-year-old female witness were walking to school in the 2300 block of VanDyke. The suspect grabbed the victim from behind and began to inappropriately touch her. The victim yelled, telling the witness to run. As the witness ran, the suspect then fled on foot. The victim ran and caught up to the witness, both going to the local school to report the incident.

52 Chefs, 52 Weeks, 52 Meals to help Feed The Need

DETROIT, MI - On Wednesday, October 19, the first of 52 nutritious luncheon meals will be served at Detroit's Cass Community Center by Buffalo Wild Wings as part of the 52-week Detroit Area Chefs Feed the Need program. Every Wednesday for 52 weeks a different metro Detroit restaurant or catering company will serve up lunch on a rotation schedule at five soup kitchens in Detroit and Pontiac. Through the course of the program more than 12,000 meals will be served.   

Wayne Law celebrates grand opening of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Emcee Robert Ackerman, the Dean at the Wayne State University Law School was eloquent and precise when speaking the praises of Judge Damon J. Keith.

In fact, everybody on the dais had extraordinary praise for the guest of honor. From Wayne State President, Alan Gilmour to Mayor of Detroit, Dave Bing every next anecdote spoken about Judge Keith seemed more pleasing to the standing-room-only audience.  

Detroit's Angelic Chorale Choir invited to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall

DETROIT - The Angelic Chorale Choir of John R. King Academy has been chosen as the only middle school from Detroit MI, by the prestigious National Middle School Choir Festival, to perform on Carnegie Hall’s historic stage, March 2-5, 2012.

They’re currently accepting donations for transportation and hotel accommodations to complete funding for this once in a lifetime event.

If you would like to make donations please call (313) 770-3213. For more information visit: http://angelicchorale.us/