Detroit’s Historic Bankruptcy Moves Forward

A federal bankruptcy judge ruled Tuesday that Detroit’s historic bankruptcy will be able to continue and that the city is eligible to shed billions of dollars in debt.

“This once proud and prosperous city can’t pay its debts. It’s insolvent. It’s eligible for bankruptcy,” Federal Judge Steven Rhodes said during this ruling. “At the same time, it also has an opportunity for a fresh start.”

While the bankruptcy plan has not been submitted to the judge, today’s hearing cleared the way for the city to make the submission. The ruling today addressed issues regarding whether or not Detroit was eligible to stay in bankruptcy court.

The decision could have impact nationwide as Judge Rhodes ruled that municipal pensions are like any other contract and can be cut in a federal bankruptcy filing.

Opponents of the bankruptcy plan filed an appeal only minutes after the ruling.

Detroit Church Leaders Combine To Quell Violence

Christian leaders in the city of Detroit are banding together in hopes of stemming the tide of violence that has broken out the last few weeks including a gun battle at a barbershop that left three people dead.

The leaders are plastering the city with “Thou shalt not kill” posters and billboards along with crafting messages for their congregations about combating violence with love.

“We all have to do what we can do, and right now we don’t have a respect in our communities for life; we don’t have a respect for many things,” Ovella Andreas, a Detroit area minister, told WWJ-TV. “But we still have to create a standard to hopefully have a consciousness about God …. because even our people have become apathetic.”

The group has worked with the city to have the 22nd day of each month declared “Stop the Violence Day” in Detroit.

“This is an emergency; this is a crisis, and we have to come together now to do what we can,” Andreas said. “I truly know if we do what we can, God will do what we cannot; but we’re not doing all that we can.”

Third Person Dies From Detroit Barbershop Shooting

A third person has died from their wounds in a shooting at an east Detroit barbershop.

Detroit police Sgt. Mike Woody told the Associated Press about the third death at a local hospital but did not reveal the name of the victim.

Woody said that initial reports of 10 shot in the incident at Al’s Barber Shop was incorrect and that only 9 were killed or wounded. Two people died at the shop during the assault Wednesday night.

Police have been looking for two men who reportedly pulled up in matching cars and opened fire. Al’s was believed to be a front for illegal gambling and it’s believed the shootout was due to a bad debt.

Michigan Governor May Declare Detroit In “Fiscal Emergency”

Detroit, the 18th largest city in the United States, is on the verge of being declared in a “fiscal emergency” by Michigan governor Rick Snyder.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said it seemed likely after talks with Snyder that the governor would declare the emergency and appoint an emergency manager for the city. The city is facing a $327 million budget deficit. Continue reading