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Business leaders pen open letter: ‘We are proud of Detroit’

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Business leaders pen open letter: ‘We are proud of Detroit’


Eleven major Detroit business leaders signed an open letter that was set to run as a paid newspaper advertisement this weekend discussing the city’s “new narrative,” and reviewing the successful comeback that’s occurred since it emerged from bankruptcy a decade ago.

The letter, titled “We Are Proud of Detroit” and slated to run in Sunday’s Detroit Free Press, comes just over a week before the election, and not long after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s recent Detroit Economic Club comments to Detroit business leaders criticizing the city. Those comments included stating that “our whole country will end up being like Detroit if she’s your president,” referring to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. The letter does not mention Trump, however.

“It’s been 10 years since Detroit emerged from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history — an event from which many thought we would never recover,” the letter states. “Instead of letting adversity divide us, our community is more united than ever before. Our tenacity and what we’ve accomplished together is more than admirable — it’s a model for America.”

It touts rising home values, more employment opportunities, a growing population, and crime reduction, and notes that the recent flourishing has been a collective effort. But it also acknowledges that “there is still much to be done to ensure that opportunities are accessible to everyone in every corner of our city.” The letter concludes that, “Detroit is on the move.”

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It is signed by Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber; Dave Blaszkiewicz, president and CEO of Invest Detroit; Charity Dean, president and CEO of Michigan Black Business Alliance; Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders For Michigan; Steve Grigorian, president and CEO of Detroit Economic Club, and Kevin D. Johnson, president and CEO of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Additional signers are Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of Detroit Regional Partnership; Eric B. Larson, CEO of Downtown Detroit Partnership; Dave Meador, executive director of Detroit Regional CEO Group; Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit, and Glenn Stevens, Jr., executive director of MichAuto.



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Detroit, MI

Why Ben Johnson Coaching Chicago Bears Could Be Disaster

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Why Ben Johnson Coaching Chicago Bears Could Be Disaster


Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s name is being floated around as a top candidate for a head coaching vacancy within the NFC North.

Johnson is reportedly intrigued by the Chicago Bears’ head coaching job, which opened after the Bears fired Matt Eberflus on the day after Thanksgiving. Some analysts viewed the Lions’ 34-17 win over the Bears on Sunday, which featured one of the most unique trick plays of the season, as an audition from Johnson for the vacancy.

It’s worth noting that Johnson turned down interest from teams across the league to remain with the Lions after last season, and could be in position to do so again depending on how the team’s season finishes.

The Bears job is one of several expected to be open, but it’s the one that Johnson has been associated closest to at this point. With the success that Johnson’s offenses have had over his three years as coordinator, and the proximity that the Bears have to Detroit as members of the NFC North, it is a natural pairing.

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However, there’s more elements to a potential pairing that could be cause for concern. For starters, the Bears have struggled mightily as of late. They haven’t finished with a winning record since their 12-4 season in 2018, and have made just one other playoff appearance (2020) in that time span.

There has been disfunction throughout the organization this season, as they’ve lost nine games in a row dating back to a Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 8.

Additionally, there’s concern about the longevity of general manager Ryan Poles, and the team’s ownership, the McCaskey family, has drawn criticism from the fan base for its decision-making.

Because the Bears have struggled, and looked hapless at points, Johnson likely wouldn’t be easily enticed to inherit this situation.

MORE: Ben Johnson Expected to Interview With Bears, ‘Intrigued’ by Job

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However, the Bears also do have some elements working for them. Most notably, Johnson would get the opportunity to work with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. The USC product has shown some promise throughout a rookie season that has lacked significant wins, but one filled with promise.

Johnson had high praise for Williams when asked about him by Lions OnSI leading up to the Week 16 game. He has thrown for 3,271 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions over the course of his first NFL campaign.

It’s easy to see why the Bears would be interested in Johnson. He’s the creative architect of one of the league’s best offenses and has played a vital role in Jared Goff’s career revival over the last several seasons.

What the 38-year-old coach has done with Goff has been well-documented. If he were to strike up a relationship of this nature with Williams, he could make the young passer into one of the league’s best talents at the position.

Williams has good weapons around him that could allow him to succeed in the right scheme. Chicago could also have another high draft pick depending on where they finish, which will allow whomever takes over as coach to add another highly touted piece to the roster.

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Additionally, it’s expected that the Bears will break ground on a new stadium next year with hopes of finishing construction in 2028.

Ultimately, it’s been reported that Johnson won’t interview for jobs simply to say he did it. Rather, he is expected to be selective and interview for positions that he would want to take. If he does take a meeting with Chicago, which he is reportedly expected to do, it would be a sign that he would want the job.

Johnson’s focus in the current future remains on bringing a Super Bowl to Detroit this season. If he were to do that, it would make the potential pill of him taking over in Chicago much easier to swallow. However, the Bears’ interest will make the offseason very intriguing as Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn both navigate their futures.



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Metro Detroit weather forecast Dec. 24, 2024 — 11 p.m. Update

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Metro Detroit weather forecast Dec. 24, 2024 — 11 p.m. Update


WEATHER


The Local 4Casters track the latest weather alerts in Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Get the most updated information here: https://www.clickondetroit.com/weather/



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Detroit, MI

Auto shop hosting free oil change giveaway in Detroit on Christmas for those in need

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Auto shop hosting free oil change giveaway in Detroit on Christmas for those in need


DETROIT (WXYZ) — FastLane Oil Change in Detroit is giving back this holiday. 

The shop on W. 8 Mile Road near the Soutfield Freeway is gifting 25 free oil changes and wiper blades for people in need Wednesday on Christmas Day.

And it doesn’t end there. Customers in line behind the first 15 cars will get half off a regularly priced oil change.

To add to the holiday giving, the business is helping a mother of nine get her car back on the road with new brakes, rotors, pads and filters for free. It’s something that she says significantly help her this holiday.

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“A stress that was lifted off of my shoulders because this was something that was gonna need to be done sooner than later, but I was putting it off because it wasn’t in the budget, especially right now,” Rashanda Martin said.

In addition, the Blazin’ Grill right next door to the car shop is giving away 100 free meals on Wednesday. The free and half-off promotions will run from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The offers are good for Christmas Day only for families and individuals in need.





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