WJBK - Charlie LeDuff

LeDuff: What about this neighborhood, Minister Farrakhan?

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:25:00 EDT

Following Minister Louis Farrakhan's message on Friday, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff hit the streets to scrounge around for some available investment properties, and guess what he found?

Detroit City Council tracking unpaid loans

myFOXDetroit.com Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:45:00 EDT

On Thursday, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff attended a Detroit City Council meeting. On the meeting agenda, some questions about a developer with connections to city hall who received a letter that told him he was allowed to take his time paying back a $19-million dollar loan.

LeDuff: Hey Dave, if you have to live in Wayne County to run, let me help

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:16:00 EDT

Dave Bing might run for Wayne County executive, but a condition is the officer holder must be a county resident. Charlie LeDuff decides to help his old buddy out with a few options on where he can live.

LeDuff: Questions over Detroit EMS' handling of police shooting

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:06:00 EDT

It has been six weeks since two Detroit police officers were wounded and a suspect killed during a shootout. Now some questions have arisen and they involve Detroit EMS. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff reports.

LeDuff exclusive interview with Drew and Mike

Dennis Kraniak — Wed, 8 May 2013 18:25:00 EDT

The last WRIF 'Drew and Mike' show will be May 17 after the duo's contract was not renewed. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff gets an exclusive interview in the parking lot of WRIF studios.

LeDuff: 2 artists from the Detroit area cut from the same cloth

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 7 May 2013 23:36:00 EDT

What makes an artist tick? What inspires them? For two local artists, it's what others toss away whether it's trash or their own beliefs.

LeDuff: Bing pal Emmett Moten $4M behind on loan from Detroit

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 2 May 2013 22:11:00 EDT

With Detroit in a financial crisis, Mayor Bing has been saying that he is trying to run down every dollar owed. So Charlie LeDuff is asking why the mayor is letting a political friend skate on a multimillion dollar loan, a loan that you the public have been paying.

Study: 4 of America's most violent neighborhoods are in Detroit

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:03:00 EDT

According to a new study by NeighborhoodScout.com, a person living in these neighborhoods has worse than a one in ten chance of being robbed at gunpoint, beaten senseless, raped or murdered. LeDuff reports from the worst neighborhood.

Sources: Napoleon appointee discharged gun inside police horse stable

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:07:00 EDT

According to people in the know, an appointee of Sheriff Benny Napoleon didn't realize there was still a bullet in her handgun's chamber and she discharged it inside the county's police horse stable.

Text messages admissible in McCree case, judge rules

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:34:00 EDT

At a hearing Thursday, a judge ruled that text messages are admissible in the dismissal case against Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Wade McCree.

No-bid fail: Wayne County committee rejects Napoleon request

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:48:00 EDT

This story used to be solely about Bob Ficano, his Cadillac and his pit crew of wheelmen paid for out of the county's Homeland Security budget. This time it's about Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon and his turn at the trough.

LeDuff talks with 'Smokey the Bear' about arson in Detroit

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:13:00 EDT

Arson has plagued Detroit for decades, and while the fires continue to burn, staffing to put them out continues to decrease and so do their supplies. Can Smokey the Bear do anything to help?

LeDuff to Romulus mayor: Take my picture off your website

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:17:00 EDT

Many city officials in Romulus have tried to distance themselves from Mayor Alan Lambert following a police raid of his home last month. They're not the only ones. You can add Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff to that list, too.

LeDuff: 'Fi-nocchio' and the new Wayne County jail

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:06:00 EDT

The new Wayne County jail was supposed to be the crowing achievement of Bob Ficano's term, but instead it's turned into a financial boondoggle complete with an FBI investigation. Charlie LeDuff has an unhappy update.

Protesters wreak havoc, city council passes Jones Day law firm contract

myFOXDetroit.com Staff — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:12:00 EDT

Protesters cause a scene at today's city council meeting, while the council passed the contract giving millions of dollars to Kevyn Orr's former law firm.

LeDuff: Detroit budget merry-go-round worse than trip to the dentist

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:21:00 EDT

I went to the dentist Friday morning and got my tooth drilled. My head was numb from the Novocain. I needed a place to hide where nobody would notice. I found it: Detroit city hall!

LeDuff: Logan quietly conferred full chieftain status at DPD

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 5 Apr 2013 20:43:00 EDT

Unknown to the citizens, the police officers and even the emergency manager himself, Interim Detroit Police Chief Chester Logan -- as he has been called for the past five months since Chief Ralph Godbee was bounced from office -- was quietly conferred full chieftain status.

Charlie LeDuff's Deadbeat of the Week: Mayor Dave Bing

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 4 Apr 2013 19:55:00 EDT

Dave Bing's city is under state control. Crime is high and pay cuts are deep, but that is not what is getting Charlie LeDuff's attention this time.

LeDuff: Sources open up about raid on Romulus mayor's home

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 2 Apr 2013 22:45:00 EDT

Mayor Alan Lambert of Romulus was no where to be found on Tuesday to answer our questions after we learned what sources say happened last Monday when the state police raided his home.

Charlie LeDuff's Deadbeat of the Week: Emmett Moten

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 09:07:00 EDT

Emmett Moten owns the Hotel Fort Shelby in Detroit. He owes $170,000 in back property taxes. He has until Monday at 5 p.m. to pay a portion of the back taxes or face foreclosure.

DFD Engine 48 remains without power

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 1 Apr 2013 08:58:00 EDT

Here's a message for Detroit's new emergency manager Kevyn Orr: On the city's southwest side, there's an emergency.

LeDuff: Judge McCree answers Judicial Tenure Commission complaint

Charlie Langton — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:29:00 EDT

Circuit court Judge Wade McCree is in jeopardy of losing his job. He was suspended after Fox 2 exposed his affair with a young woman who had a case before him. Thursday, he answered the charges.

Coleman, the Cadillacs and the cold hard truth

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 23:22:00 EDT

On the day Kevyn Orr takes over the management of the city, effectively removing Mayor Dave Bing and the Detroit City Council from power, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff goes back 40 years for a unique look back at the time Detroit elected its first African-American mayor.

Prosecutors opposing bond for Ferguson say he once got fake ID

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:46:00 EDT

Prosecutors trying to stop Bobby Ferguson from being released from prison on bond told a federal judge that one reason he is a flight risk is because he once got a phony driver's license.

Bing's latest police plan: Operation blah, blah, blah

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:52:00 EDT

Imagine Captain Edward Smith of the Titanic summoning his pursers to the wheelhouse after his ill-fated ship struck the iceberg. "Quickly gentlemen!" he shouts. "Rearrange the deck chairs. Perhaps no one will notice!"

LeDuff: Ficano pal could get no bid contract

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:47:00 EDT

Bob Ficano is trying to get his old pal Fred Berry paid from the Department of Children and Family Services. The full board of county commissioners is expected to vote on the contract Thursday.

LeDuff: Detroit doesn't really have a budget for Belle Isle

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:12:00 EDT

Now that Detroit has an emergency financial manager, a lot of people are concerned about the future of Belle Isle. Kevyn Orr is promising not to make any hasty decisions and to look over the numbers first, but that could be a problem. There is no Belle Isle budget.

LeDuff: Andy Arena calls Kilpatrick trial verdict a victory for Detroit

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:26:00 EDT

Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff caught up with Andy Arena following Monday's verdict in the Kilpatrick incorporated trial. The former head of the Detroit FBI called it a "victory for the City of Detroit."

Ficano to be deposed in lawsuit brought by former photographer

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 6 Mar 2013 21:58:00 EST

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano is being sued by a former employee, who claims he was forced to do Ficano's political work on taxpayers' time. Ficano will give his version of things this Friday under oath, but whatever he says, follow the money.

Justice delayed: Detroit district court judge often shows up late

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:20:00 EST

With so many people out of work these days, you would expect people who have jobs to show up on time and work their full shift, especially when that person is a judge making $140,000 a year.

Charlie LeDuff talks new book on 'Fox & Friends'

Fox 2 News Staff — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:26:00 EST

FOX 2 investigative reporter Charlie LeDuff was a guest on "Fox & Friends" Friday morning to discuss the decline of the Motor City in his new book, "Detroit: An American Autopsy."

Crime is down in the 'D' and I am the Easter Bunny

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:02:00 EST

LeDuff: Everybody got their five minutes with Dave. Everybody got to pet the bunny. Everybody but poor ol' me.

Judge McCree has lawsuit filed against him in federal court

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:14:00 EST

In less than a year Third Circuit Court Judge Wade McCree has gone from hot dog to hot water to a hot mess. McCree will now have his own date before a judge.

Charlie LeDuff: I'm too sexy for my jeans

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 8 Feb 2013 13:50:00 EST

Sam Riddle's words cut me to the bone. It wasn't the con man or hypocrite or plagiarism allegations. I've heard those before. It was his criticism of my dressing habits. They were – well – below the belt.

Feds to launch investigation into Detroit's failing EMS system

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 7 Feb 2013 15:32:00 EST

It's a problem that Fox 2 has been exposing for several years. Detroit's broken down ambulances are putting lives in jeopardy. City leaders tell us they're working to improve the system. But residents say it's getting worse. Now the feds are now launching an investigation.

Detroit Fire Department memo: Aerial ladders are unsafe for use

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 07:20:00 EST

Two weeks ago Charlie LeDuff reported that the Detroit Fire Department had no big-bucket aerial platforms to rescue people in high rises. Today we find out the ladders needed for common second story buildings are out of order too.

How can the Wayne County jail be overcrowded if beds are empty?

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:14:00 EST

Releases from the Wayne County jail because of overcrowding is a trend we've covered over the last few years. But there's plenty of space at the jail, including an entire floor that's not being used.

How would Bill Bratton fight crime in Detroit?

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:13:00 EST

What to do about Detroit's crime epidemic. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff asked Bill Bratton, the top cop that turned around Los Angeles and New York. Plus, would Bratton lead DPD for a million bucks?

Ralph Godbee retired, so why is he still getting paid?

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:33:00 EST

With Detroit struggling to pay its bills, the Fox 2 Problem Solvers uncover some payments that will have you shaking your head. This is a story of more money being wasted.

LeDuff: Detroit firefighters spread dangerously thin

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 23:03:00 EST

There was a time not that long ago when there was a fire in Detroit, you knew firefighters would be there in a hurry. But that was before the budget cuts. Since those cutbacks, firefighters are spread dangerously thin and it's you who may get burned.

Hathaway will be back in court on the other side of the bench

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:08:00 EST

Justice Diane Hathaway packed her bags and retired from the Michigan Supreme Court on Monday just half way through her term. But that won't be her last appearance in court as she's been charged by the U.S. Attorney with bank fraud.

LeDuff: D is for dumb, as in check out this dumb criminal

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:06:00 EST

Surveillance video shows a chain of events during a crime scene that includes a thief getting hit by a car, getting back up, firing some shots, driving the car away and getting caught in the end with cash in his underwear.

LeDuff's new book 'Detroit: An American Autopsy'

Kary Feick — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:11:00 EST

Charlie LeDuff's new book 'Detroit: An American Autopsy' is about the city, family, and personal reflection.

Detroit's future is bright if you live long enough to see it

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:08:00 EST

According to the "strategic framework" of the Detroit Future City project unveiled to the public this week, the city is going to have plenty of jobs, good schools and safe parks. But let's keep the cork in the champagne for a moment because we have to get through today first.

With Detroit drowning in debt, is an emergency manager the answer?

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST

As Detroit gets deeper in debt, some say an emergency manager is just around the corner. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff takes a closer look at how a bad situation keeps getting worse and what it's going to take to fix it.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Hathaway to retire January 21

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 22:00:00 EST

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway has unexpectedly announced her retirement as her reputation smothers under the glass of legal suspicion.

LeDuff: Answers, accountability lacking as more bodies fall in Detroit

Sat, 5 Jan 2013 04:42:00 EST

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and interim Police Chief Chester Logan sat at the table like a pair of grumpy old men, scowling and chewing on their lips. They could offer no explanation for the spiraling murder rate. No plan to combat it. Nor could they accept the bulk of the blame.

LeDuff: To stop being America's deadliest city, Detroit needs a plan

Thu, 3 Jan 2013 22:38:00 EST

In 2012, Detroit suffered its second deadliest year in its history when taking the size of its population into account. We're going to need a plan. We're going to need police, and we need a change.

Detroit 2012: The Movie (A Charlie LeDuff Special)

Wed, 2 Jan 2013 08:11:00 EST

The year 2012, the Mayans said the world was going to end. It didn't. We're still here. But if you live in southeast Michigan, sometimes it felt like it was.

LeDuff: Detroit's most overused words in 2012

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 18:45:00 EST

The boss said I needed a New Year's story, here's a list from a college of the most overused words of 2012. Forget it. I came up with my own list of Detroit's most overused words in 2012.

LeDuff looks back at Bob Ficano's rough year

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:50:00 EST

2012 hasn't been easy for Bob Ficano. He exchanged words several times with Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff. Charlie recently sat down with the Wayne County executive on the steps of the Guardian Building, but this time they exchanged gifts as they looked back on Bob's rough year.

Turkia Mullin's doctor brother facing federal charges

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:54:00 EST

The feds are coming down hard on a local doctor accused of writing illegal prescriptions. The physician now under the microscope is the brother of former Metro Airport CEO Turkia Mullin.

LeDuff: There's a dignity in laboring

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:40:00 EST

Tuesday was a history-making day in Michigan. Right-to-work is now the law. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff talked to protesters in Lansing and gives you his unique take on labor.

Trouble follows after Detroit's Annie helped

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:53:00 EST

Annie has overcome some big hurdles. She now has heat and her house is boarded up. She should be happy and well, but sadly she's not because recently her safety was threatened.

LeDuff: Judge Wade McCree strike two

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 19:16:00 EST

Months ago, a local judge said there was no shame to his game after he was caught in a sexting scandal. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff now has an explosive new investigation that could mean the end of Judge Wade McCree's career.

Judge McCree is placed on administrative leave

myFOXDetroit.com Staff — Fri, 7 Dec 2012 17:18:00 EST

Fox 2 has learned that Third Circuit Court Judge Wade McCree has been placed on administrative leave following a report filed by Charle LeDuff reported demonstrating that McCree allegedly had an affair

Firefighters say Detroit burned on new boot purchase

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 22:26:00 EST

Detroit firefighters say they have a new worry -- their new boots. The rank and file are complaining they're not up to snuff. So why did the city pay top dollar?

Annie has heat after donated furnace installed

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:42:00 EST

When we first brought you Annie's story, she was living with no heat in her Detroit home. Thanks to some very generous people, she now has a new furnace.

Harold & Annie: A Detroit story of truly loving

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:15:00 EST

As the holidays approach, we're all reminded to think about those who are less fortunate. That's exactly what's taking place in one Detroit neighborhood. Two people once couldn't stand the sight of each other. Now one is relying on the other for survival.

Detroit should take a cue from D.C. on handling a sex scandal

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 07:12:00 EST

If Detroit wants a lesson in how to handle a sex scandal among its top cops it should look to Washington D.C.

Metro Detroit soldiers back home after a year in Afghanistan

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:45:00 EST

There was a special homecoming Friday at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Some local heroes who spent the last year in Afghanistan reunited with their families just in time for holidays.

LeDuff uncovers newly elected judge's property problems

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:12:00 EST

She hasn't been sworn in yet, but a newly elected circuit court judge may need her own lawyer. She's got property problems and it seems like those problems run in the family.

Matty Moroun speaks exclusively to FOX 2's Charlie LeDuff

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 07:01:00 EST

Matty Moroun is one of the richest, and yet reclusive men, in Michigan. He rarely grants interviews, but when he spoke exclusively with Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff, the billionaire bridge owner did not hold back -- not about his bridge, not about all the property he owns and not about his intentions.

New DPD leaders appointed, Detroit's mayor announces

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 18:56:00 EST

Mayor Dave Bing announced two major promotions within the ranks of the Detroit Police Department Thursday, but will the Board of Police Commissioners back the plan?

Woman says she saw 'people of status' at Detroit sex club

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 18:50:00 EDT

We have new details about the latest sex scandal allegations swirling around the Detroit Police Department. Earlier this week, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff told you about the so-called sex club that cops may have been protecting. Friday he spoke to two women, one who says she saw it all.

Possible link between DPD officials, sex club being investigated

Thu, 1 Nov 2012 18:46:00 EDT

A possible new sex scandal inside the Detroit Police Department. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff has uncovered new, disturbing allegations involving key members of this already troubled department.

Grand jury investigating Justice Hathaway's property dealings

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:21:00 EDT

She's a real estate agent, who's also one of the state's top judges, and now she's the target of a federal grand jury. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway is house rich, but did her property dealings put her on the wrong side of the law?

LeDuff: Wayne Co. airport board recording raises questions

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:24:00 EDT

It was a year ago that the Wayne County Airport Authority Board dumped their new director, Turkia Mullin. Now, a recording of that meeting is raising new questions.

Detroit Cop Beat Goes on as Inspector's Johnson Exposed

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:58:00 EDT

Another day, another sex scandal within the Detroit Police Department. This time, a high-ranking officer has been suspended with pay after he apparently texted a female subordinate a racy snapshot.

DFD gets influx of donated blankets after FOX 2 story

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 20:22:00 EDT

Last week we reported a Detroit paramedic had been charged by fire brass for giving a donated blanket away to a man. The internet burned with international outrage. Friday, blankets from around the globe arrived at fire headquarters.

LeDuff responds to Bing's charge of reporting a 'blatantly false' story

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:39:00 EDT

Last week, FOX 2's Charlie LeDuff reported a Detroit medic was written up for giving a blanket to an elderly man as he watched his home burn. Now the city is calling the story "blatantly false", but LeDuff says it's the city that's blurring the facts.

Detroit paramedic: I'm being punished for giving a cold man a blanket

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:50:00 EDT

A Detroit paramedic says he is in trouble for breaking the rules. His offense? Giving a cold man a blanket. Top brass tell us employees must have permission to hand out "department property", but that blanket was one of many donated to the department to help people in need.

Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee retires amid scandal

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 11:29:00 EDT

Detroit's top cop has announced his retirement. Ralph Godbee is leaving his post in the midst of a sex scandal involving a subordinate.

Godbee's alleged mistress gets gun back, returning to work

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 4 Oct 2012 18:35:00 EDT

The alleged mistress of Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee got her department issued gun back after a psychological evaluation. So she is getting back to work, but we still haven't heard much from Godbee or Mayor Dave Bing.

Ralph Godbee returns home, says little to the media

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 3 Oct 2012 22:53:00 EDT

Suspended Police Chief Ralph Godbee is back home in Detroit. As expected, he landed at metro Detroit Wednesday evening and was greeted with questions from a crowd of reporters.

Are these Ralph Godbee's last hours as Detroit police chief?

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 3 Oct 2012 18:25:00 EDT

Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee is suspended after an officer exposed their alleged affair. Even his inner circle is not being informed of his intentions, but he's scheduled to arrive home tonight.

Chief Ralph Godbee sex scandal: Mystery woman reveals herself to Charlie LeDuff

myFOXDetroit.com Staff — Wed, 3 Oct 2012 10:06:00 EDT

There's another sex scandal in the city of Detroit. This time it involves Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee. Detroit Police Officer Angelica Robinson tells Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff that she had an affair with the chief.

Dillon ready to bring in financial review team for Wayne County?

myFOXDetroit.com Staff — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 23:14:00 EDT

In an exclusive one-on-one interview, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff talked with state Treasurer Andy Dillon about Wayne County's finances and asked if a financial review team will be brought in.

LeDuff: Detroit sicker than ever after 3 months of consent deal

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 23:13:00 EDT

They said it was strong medicine for a sick city. Detroit's consent agreement was supposed to be the prescription, but it's proven to be a hard pill to swallow. After three months, the city is sicker than ever.

LeDuff: Happy one year birthday 'Bob Ficanogate'

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:53:00 EDT

It has been one year since the severance scandal broke involving one of Bob Ficano's appointees -- Turkia Mullin. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff takes a look back.

LeDuff: Partnership offers to sell back Wayne County Building

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 01:06:00 EDT

The private partnership that owns the old Wayne County Building has approached Bob Ficano's people with an offer to sell the building back for $15 million to end lawsuits and counter lawsuits.

Eleven years after 9/11, LeDuff says 'I love New York'

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:26:00 EDT

Eleven years ago, America was under attack. Terrorists used airplanes to kill thousands in New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff was at Ground Zero that day covering the tragic event for The New York Times. He shares his unique perspective on this national tragedy.

Sources: Detroit cop's car stolen outside Manoogian Mansion

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 20:37:00 EDT

According to Charlie LeDuff's sources and the physical evidence, an SUV was stolen outside the Manoogian Mansion early Sunday morning. And guess what? It was a cop's private car who was working there.

Tourists paying to help fight Detroit's fires: Is this idea for real?

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 7 Sep 2012 00:10:00 EDT

Underfunded and understaffed, the Detroit Fire Department is looking to raise some cash on its own. The idea -- charge firefighters from around the globe to come here and fight fire Detroit style. Is this for real or is the department blowing smoke?

Paramedic and vocal critic Wisam Zeineh quitting Detroit EMS

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 5 Sep 2012 22:44:00 EDT

Wisam Zeineh is one of the most committed paramedics and vocal critics of the Detroit ambulance system. He joins at least two dozen other medics who have quit in recent weeks on a city government that seems to have quit on you, Detroit.

LeDuff: How's that scaled back Detroit police force working?

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 4 Sep 2012 18:18:00 EDT

When you call the police, you expect the police to come, but ever since the drastic cutbacks to Detroit Police two months ago, citizens are seeing that the police never come at all.

LeDuff: Ficano wants to borrow millions more for his 'Bob Mahal'

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EDT

We've come to find out Bob Ficano wants to borrow another $65 million for the "Bob Mahal" or new Wayne County jail. Why? Because as we told Bob and he repeatedly denied, it's not big enough and they forgot to budget for the computers and the chairs.

LeDuff: If Nojay were a true conservative, he would return our money

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 23:03:00 EDT

Imagine my surprise when I looked at the Detroit News this week and saw a story about Bill Nojay, the man hired to turn around the Detroit bus system. Turns out Nojay may have been a virtual no show.

Wayne County's Guardian deal: Right price at the right time?

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 23:17:00 EDT

The Guardian Building is a huge skyscraper in downtown Detroit. Wayne County bought it back in 2008, but was it for the right price at the right time?

LeDuff: Election nears, but will Patterson be fit for office?

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 21:34:00 EDT

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is still in and out of sedation after a violent car accident last week. With the election just weeks away, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff asks the question on everybody's mind -- will Patterson be fit for office?

'God particle' physicist Gordy Kane chats with Charlie LeDuff

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:07:00 EDT

It's been called a "milestone" in the search for how the universe began. One of the scientists who has spent his life in pursuit of the so-called "god particle" works right here in Michigan, and he spoke to Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff.

LeDuff: Solve Detroit's crime problem now because Johnny's killing us

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:11:00 EDT

In a perfect world, Johnny don't do crime. But we don't live in a perfect world. Nobody knows that better than the citizens of Detroit City, Wayne County, State of Michigan, U.S.A.

Charges in Detroit case originally ruled justifiable homicide

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 8 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EDT

We first told you last spring about a high number of killings listed as justifiable homicides in Detroit, but were they all truly justifiable? The Wayne County prosecutor took a second look and now homicide charges have been filed.

Detroit council votes not to put public safety millage on ballot

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 7 Aug 2012 19:29:00 EDT

In Detroit, crime is on the rise and dramatic cuts to the police budget don't help. Tuesday, Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee went to City Council to pitch a new public safety tax and left with a slice of humble pie.

LeDuff: Life below the dying of the light

myFOXDetroit.com Staff — Fri, 3 Aug 2012 17:18:00 EDT

Beyond his on-air reporting, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff writes a weekly "Off the Chain" column where he uses his words to write it as he sees it. Sometimes words aren't enough. Play the video to get yet another

Aren't there other little drops where Detroit can save?

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 21:28:00 EDT

The question is aren't there other little drops where Detroit can save before taking uniformed personnel off the streets of America's most dangerous city?

LeDuff gets fast food, bathes amid hours wait for Detroit Police

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:28:00 EDT

If you live in Detroit you already know it. If you're a victim of a crime, chances are you're waiting for the police to show up. So how long do you wait in these days of cutbacks? Charlie LeDuff decided to do an experiment.

Left for dead in front of a Detroit Police Department dispatch center

Charlie LeDuff — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:22:00 EDT

A young man's body was found just a few feet from the Detroit Police dispatch center. Charlie LeDuff takes a closer look at what happened and how long it took for the body to be picked up.

Who is Kriss Andrews?

myFOXDetroit.com Staff — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EDT

There is a lot of emotion, a lot of uncertainty and a lot of questions in Detroit right now. One of those questions is - who exactly is the program manager hired by Mayor Bing to carry out his restructuring

Fire continues to burn at old Sanders factory

myFOXDetroit.com Staff — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:35:00 EDT

It's been five days since a fire tore through the historic Sanders Factory in Highland Park. The fire is still burning five days later because the city doesn't have the money or the gear to keep up the

LeDuff: How did Ficano get his name?

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 19:15:00 EDT

Bob Ficano's former right-hand man insists he did not name a rundown racehorse in honor of the embattled Wayne County executive.

LeDuff: 50 percent fewer fire engines on streets in 1 month

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:11:00 EDT

Detroit city leaders continue to cut the fire department's budget, and now there are half the fire engines on the streets compared to this time last month.

Charlie LeDuff golfs the length of Detroit

Dennis Kraniak — Thu, 5 Jul 2012 14:21:00 EDT

FOX 2's Charlie LeDuff takes on an epic challenge of golfing his way from 8 Mile Road to Belle Isle... literally. It's a par 3,168, 18-mile, single hole course. Charlie carries only four clubs in his bag while facing extraordinary hazards that took years to form.

LeDuff: Detroit public safety still facing extreme cuts despite grant

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 20:36:00 EDT

The good news: The federal government comes through with a $22-million grant restoring 108 of the 164 Detroit firefighters laid off earlier this week. The bad news: Public safety in the city is still facing extreme cuts with no plan to make things better.

Several injured in accident involving DDOT bus, SUV

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:28:00 EDT

Emergency crews rush to Detroit's east side after a DDOT bus crashes into an SUV. More than a dozen people were taken to the hospital.

Mr. Speaker, speech shouldn't be stifled for expressing one’s mind

Charlie LeDuff — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:18:00 EDT

However you feel about the abortion issue, I don't know anybody who backs the speaker's decision to take away Rep. Brown's right to speak. This isn't about abortion. It's about the right to express one's mind.

LeDuff: Mr. Program Manager, there's a lot of work to be done

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:46:00 EDT

So the question is, what will the city's new program manager director focus on first? Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff says he has plenty of options.

Poll results say Ficano scandals are hurting President Obama's bid for re-election

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:53:00 EDT

A Foster McCollum White poll says the scandals involving Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and his administration is having an impact on President Obama and the perception of Democratic candidates seeking election in November.

Old-school players must show they're up to Detroit's new reality

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 8 Jun 2012 23:18:00 EDT

Detroit's upcoming mayoral election shouldn't come down to skin color or beauty marks or how many ministers you can oil. It should be about ideas that can work and the ability to carry them out. Three old-school players will have to show they're up to the new reality.

LeDuff to Ficano: Have you lost the confidence of the people?

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 7 Jun 2012 18:34:00 EDT

Have you lost the confidence of the people, Fox 2's Charlie LeDuff asked Bob Ficano. "I've had a tremendous amount of people come up to me and tell me to make sure I stay in there," he replied. Find out what else the county executive had to say on the same day the Board of Commissioners voted to censure him in a 14-1 vote.

This is a story about the public's welfare

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 17:57:00 EDT

The conditions are so bad for Detroit firefighters and paramedics, they gladly allowed our camera into their workplaces to show you the awful truth. And what is that awful truth? Decades of neglect and mismanagement have put the public and their servants in great danger.

Deputy Detroit Fire Commissioner Fred Wheeler removed from office after confrontation

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 11:54:00 EDT

Deputy Fire Commissioner Fred Wheeler, who erupted in anger in front of FOX 2 cameras, has been unappointed from his position.

LeDuff: Some Detroit Fire Stations Need to be Condemned

Charlie LeDuff — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:56:00 EDT

Deputy Fire Commissioner Fred Wheeler erupts in anger in front of FOX 2 cameras.

Contractor Keith Griffin pleads guilty in Wayne County probe

Wed, 30 May 2012 10:59:00 EDT

A contractor has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit fraud with a high-ranking Wayne County official. Keith Griffin of Carmel, Ind., was accused of plotting with Michael Grundy to get money from a public health program and return some to Grundy as kickbacks.

Vet needing wheelchair ramp says Wayne Co. gave him the run-around

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:59:00 EDT

Ray is a disabled veteran that has no wheelchair ramp, so he called Wayne County, which supposedly has millions in federal dollars to help guys like him. He claims he got the run-around.

Paramedics say Detroiters not safe at downtown rally

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:25:00 EDT

Several paramedics rallied Wednesday at the Spirit of Detroit. They say the people in the city are not safe.

Appeals court to hear arguments on EM law petition font size

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:51:00 EDT

It's a court case that could decide who really controls several of the state's biggest cities. The future of the emergency manager law is now in the hands of the court of appeals, and it all comes down to the fine print.

Crime's Getting Better? Time to Get Real

Charlie LeDuff — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:39:00 EDT

Forgive me if I missed the clown carts and the lemonade tanks and the confetti. Because surely there must have been a parade somewhere in Detroit on Thursday after Police Chief Ralph Godbee announced

Protesters to Detroit: Give Highland Park donated fire truck collecting dust

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:36:00 EDT

It's the gift to Detroit that's been left to collect dust since last fall -- the big working fire truck. If Detroit won't use it, tiny Highland Park will. Problem is nobody would call the Highland Park's mayor back. Friday in Detroit, a group of protesters took it to the street.

Highland Park could use fire truck donated to Detroit sitting idle

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:33:00 EDT

It's the fire truck that was donated to the City of Detroit last year, but Detroit has no plants to use it. Now, the man who let the city have the rig wants it back so he can give it to someone who will use it.

EM's report finds no silver lining to Detroit's dark cloud

Mon, 13 May 2013 06:51:00 EDT

Why an emergency manager for Detroit? Because it's an emergency. LeDuff 'Off the Chain' report.

Attention Detroit! We have a new mayor!

Charlie LeDuff — Fri, 3 May 2013 18:10:00 EDT

LeDuff: Let me offer a short list of things acting Bob Mayor Warfield can accomplish in his few remaining days in office. Things that could cement his legacy as one of Detroit's greats.

LeDuff 'Off the Chain': Some perspective on the Boston Marathon bombings

Charlie LeDuff — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 09:33:00 EDT

Coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings has been equally breathless and embarrassing. Spot reports from media outlets who once prided themselves on accuracy and reliability have been little better than Twitter feeds.

An Emergency Manager for Detroit might be better than what we have right now

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:19:00 EDT

LeDuff: I don't know if an emergency manager can work in the city of Detroit. If anyone says different, they are lying. But I have to agree with one Detroiter's view, "Anything's better than what we've got right now."