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Detroit Metro and "The Thumb"
- Michigan
- Western Michigan
- Southern Michigan
- Central Michigan
- Northern Michigan
- Upper Peninsula - Michigan
Area Info
Detroit is one of the biggest and most important of American cities, as well as one of the oldest in the Midwest. It was founded in 1701 by the French (its name, short for "la Ville d'Etroit," means "City at the Straits") at the strategic waterway connecting Lakes Huron and Erie. By 1910, it had moved onto the list of top ten largest cities; by 1920, it was 4th, propelled to prominence by its port, its steel mills, and the new automobile industry. Detroit reached its greatest population—1,849,568—in 1960; but since then has shrunk to half its former size, the only American city to reach over a million in population and then drop below a million.
Still, it continues to dominate its region, and remains an important economic and cultural center. Detroit is renowned for its incredibly diverse ethnic makeup. Most famously, it's the home of the Motown Sound, created by the influx of black Americans who moved to the region in its days of industrial dominance. That economy also attracted large numbers of Poles, who populated the Hamtramck area. Detroit also has one of the largest Middle Eastern populations in the U.S.
To the north, on the other hand, "The Thumb" is another world entirely. Much of it is rural and agricultural, characterized by rolling hills and small towns, by 90 miles of Lake Huron shoreline with fine beaches and picturesque lighthouses, and acre upon acre of crops and pastures. The largest urban areas—Care, Bad Axe, and Sandusky—muster barely 10,000 people among them.
Articles
Metro and State News for Michigan from detnews.com
Judge considers easing Sandusky bail terms, sets tentative trial date
Feb 10, 2012 6:42 pm
Bellefonte, Pa.— Former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky's request for greater freedom of movement — and visits from his young grandchildren — while he awaits tr...
Bing: Tentative deal with Detroit's police unions
Feb 10, 2012 6:42 pm
The mayor announced today a tentative agreement, which includes concessions, has been reached with police unions in the effort to stave off a state takeover. The administration now will turn its atten...
Judge says Wayne County Airport Authority violated Open Meetings Act
Feb 10, 2012 6:37 pm
Both sides claimed victory following a judge's ruling today on a lawsuit that challenged how the Wayne County Airport Authority handled its public meetings.
Arguments expected as Oakland Co. treasurer takes on Fannie, Freddie
Feb 10, 2012 5:32 pm
Detroit— Oral arguments are expected Friday afternoon in Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner's lawsuit to recover millions in unpaid real estate transfer taxes from Fannie Mae and Freddie ...
Proposed bill targets Wayne County land speculators
Feb 10, 2012 4:57 pm
Detroit — A Metro Detroit lawmaker says he's targeting land speculators by introducing legislation requiring buyers of county-foreclosed properties stay current on their taxes for three year...
Big chill forecast for Motown Winter Blast
Feb 10, 2012 4:42 pm
A blast of winter is heading to Metro Detroit just in time for the annual Motown Winter Blast.
Michigan's recovery school district needs $24M from donors by fall
Feb 10, 2012 2:52 pm
The state's Education Achievement Authority will need $24.7 million for start-up costs that include administrative salaries, technology for students and classrooms, and paying for a summer academy for...
Beatty's monthly restitution triples Kilpatrick's
Feb 10, 2012 2:52 pm
Someone has stepped up payments toward restitution in the Detroit text-message scandal — and it's not Kwame Kilpatrick.
Judges hear church confession case
Feb 10, 2012 2:37 pm
Three Michigan Court of Appeals judges heard arguments Thursday in a case that could affect if and when church confessions can be used in court.
Group forms PAC to recall Troy mayor
Feb 10, 2012 1:37 pm
Troy — A grass-roots group has formed a political action committee to raise funds for a planned recall effort against Mayor Janice Daniels.
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