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Detroit, MI

The Detroit police's longest-serving member isn't slowing down after more than 50 years

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The Detroit police's longest-serving member isn't slowing down after more than 50 years


In 1967, Officer Tilman Blair joined the Detroit Police Department.

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It’s now 2024 – and Corporal Blair is still serving.

FOX 2: “Who’s this handsome young guy?”

“I don’t recognize him,” he quipped.

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Blair’s quick wit and sense of humor along with his commitment, have served him well.

“You’ve got to be willing to serve the public and treat them the way that you want to be treated,” he said.

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But he hadn’t expected to stay with DPD – he wanted to be an X-ray technician or real estate agent.

He had sung some backup for friend Nathaniel Mayer and wrote poetry when he was drafted in 1965 and sent to Japan – which he can still recite.

“For the world is full of you and I / Who cheat, steal and even lie / To keep what we have and to part for nothing / And remember always the worst but never the best / You and I.

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When he returned home from the service, he thought he’d try being a police officer for one year.

“I hadn’t looked at the police department as being a career  – it was going to be a step on the job to something else later,” he said.

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Now 80 years old, this great-grandfather works in traffic safety and coordinated crossing guards for the schools.

But he’s ridden everything from the early scooters to the Harley-Davidsons. He has worked special events, escorting presidents – even spending time in ‘Ident’ – that’s identifying fingerprints.

Long before there were computers, there were cards in file cabinets they had to examine one by one.

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“At that time we did city prints – Detroit – state and FBI –  three prints – we did prints for each one,” Blair said. “It was a job at the time and that’s what you had to do.”

“He told me he would never retire,” said Sgt. Curtis Perry.

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Perry is the longest serving active sergeant – he started at DPD in 1975 – and he’s Cpl Blair’s boss.

“He starts at 6:30 (but) he’s there every morning at 6:15, and he has an impeccable memory and he’s very resourceful – very resourceful,” Perry said.

You would think at the age of 80, having served since 1967 that the corporal might be considering retirement – think again.

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e told me he wasn’t going to retire – that’s what he told me – but he’s an excellent worker and very resourceful we’re glad to have him.

And we thank him for his service.

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The DPD’s Tilman Blair – then and now.

 



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Detroit, MI

Hudson’s Detroit site to feature new restaurant from Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer

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Hudson’s Detroit site to feature new restaurant from Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer


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A new restaurant is headed for the Hudson’s Detroit site, and acclaimed restaurateur and author Danny Meyer is behind it.  

The restaurant marks the first Detroit project for Meyer, who established Union Square Hospitality Group in 1985 and later founded Shake Shack in the early 2000s.

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A St. Louis native, Meyer is looking forward to bringing a new concept to the Midwest. “As a proud native Midwesterner, I couldn’t be more excited to plant our flag in Detroit,” he said in a news release. “Detroit is brimming with culture, creativity, and pride. Expanding here — and joining such a dynamic neighborhood — gives us the opportunity to grow and innovate alongside a city that’s constantly in motion.”

Union Square Hospitality Group shared few details about the restaurant project in the release, beyond the news that it will open in 2026. The eatery will join the group’s portfolio of highly esteemed bars and restaurants, including The View, the revolving restaurant that overlooks Manhattan; the one Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern, where contemporary American dishes are centered on farm-fresh ingredients, and two Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant The Modern, helmed by chef Thomas Allan. The group has earned 28 James Beard Awards over the years.

“Detroit has the best restaurants and chefs in the country, and the arrival of Union Square Hospitality Group signals that the world has taken notice,” Andrew Leber, senior vice president of hospitality at Bedrock said in the release. “Hudson’s Detroit is creating new and unforgettable experiences for everyone, further solidifying the city as a must-see destination.”

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Hudson’s will welcome Un Deux Trois, the site’s first food and beverage establishment Nov. 6. The French café truck from the team behind swanky Midtown coffee shop and bar Café Sous Terre, will park along Nick Gilbert Way, offering coffee beverages and pastries from local purveyors.

This story is developing. Visit hudsons-detroit.com or ushg.com for more information.



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Detroit, MI

Ann Arbor-Detroit bus to offer late-night service for Michigan vs. Purdue football game

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Ann Arbor-Detroit bus to offer late-night service for Michigan vs. Purdue football game


ANN ARBOR, MI — Leaving Ann Arbor after the Michigan vs. Purdue football game just got a lot easier.

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan announced it will extend its nightly D2A2 bus service hours for trips between Ann Arbor and Detroit on Saturday, Nov. 1.

To accommodate fans attending the 7 p.m. game at Michigan Stadium, D2A2 will run trips all day until its last ride departing Ann Arbor for Detroit at 11:15 p.m.

Bus service from downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor will start at 7:30 a.m.

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The bus will drop passengers off in Ann Arbor at the Blake Transit Center, where they can either walk or take TheRide to reach the stadium.

“These extended hours demonstrate our dedication to meeting the community’s needs,” Ben Stupka, Regional Transit Authority executive director, said in a statement. “By temporarily expanding D2A2’s service hours for this game under the lights, we’re making it simpler for attendees to cheer on the Wolverines without the hassle of driving or having to leave early.”

D2A2 buses have complimentary Wi-Fi and charging ports for passengers.

One-way fares are $8 at the door or $6 with an advance booking at the D2A2 website.

Seniors, people with disabilities and those purchasing a book of 10 or more tickets are eligible for reduced rates.

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The Regional Transit Authority also offered late-night D2A2 game service after the Detroit Lions playoff game against the Washington Commanders in January.

For more information on schedules, fares and additional services, customers can visit the D2A2 website or contact customer service at 517-333-0400.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.

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Detroit, MI

Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch talks suspension, spiritual milestone, team leadership ahead of playoff push

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Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch talks suspension, spiritual milestone, team leadership ahead of playoff push


ALLEN PARK, Mich.Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch described the difficulty of missing the Monday Night Football game due to suspension, but expressed relief and motivation upon returning to the field.

“It was very difficult just being out there with my guys, my brothers. I wasn’t able to help contribute to a win, but I’m glad we got the W,” said Branch.

Branch admitted he couldn’t bring himself to watch the game while sidelined, saying, “Watching them would make me miss being out there. That’s something that’s hard. I would be eager to get out there.”

He praised his teammates for wearing his jersey during his absence.

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“I love them. They notice where I stand with them. I die out there for those boys. I play as hard as I can to help us. I scratch and claw. I’ll go to war with them pretty much,” Branch said.

Reflecting on his suspension, Branch took responsibility and expressed regret.

“I want to apologize for that. That’s something I don’t condone, and it’ll never happen again. It definitely added another chip to my shoulder,” Branch said.

When asked about balancing his fiery nature on the field, Branch said, “I get caught playing with too much emotion, and that brought me to that. I still play with fire, but just between the whistle. Now we’re going on the playoff run, so none of that.”

Branch shared how he’s learning to control his emotions, with guidance from coaches.

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“They try to pick at me during plays to get me out of my shell, but they tell me to still play with fire and just not retaliate. Play between the whistle,” Branch said.

Branch also revealed he talks to a counselor, humorously mentioning, “I talked to where I take my dog for boarding. His name is Mr. Preacher, and he’s helped me a long way.”

He announced a personal milestone: “I actually get baptized this Wednesday.”

Branch appreciated the coaching staff’s public support during his suspension.

“It means a lot. I feel like I shot our team in the foot with what I did, and for them to have my back, I love them for that. I go to war for them any day of the week,” Branch said.

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Looking ahead to his return, Branch promised fans “relentless effort and aggression.”

Branch also praised teammates who stepped up in his absence, saying, “The whole secondary played better than we played all year. I was too eager to get back out.”

On his baptism, Branch shared, “I feel like I got a new relief. I feel like I need to be saved by God. I’ve been going through a time like that. It’s a new relief.”

Branch clarified that the baptism was not prompted by the suspension but was perfect timing.

He said the baptism will be performed by “Mr. Preacher,” the preacher at the place where he boards his dog, and it is scheduled for Wednesday.

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