Erika Erickson finds an amped up ML in the basement with Marc, while Shawn waits til the coast is clear to zoom in … or maybe he’s just too busy moonlighting with The Rube?

STRAIGHT DOPE: A sleep-deprived ML startles Erika with his unbounded energy and enthusiastic endorsement of D-Skilz, aka Devin Scillian, who will perform at the Cadieux Café on Friday night with his band the Arizona Sun and opening act The Kufflinks. Get your tickets here.

Marc’s intro comes from “Deadline, U.S.A.,” a Humphrey Bogart movie about a dedicated editor’s fight to save his legendary newspaper. Erika asks ML what’s next for the Free Press and News after the bombshell announcements that their 36-year-old Joint Operating Agreement will end later this year. Neal Rubin provides some historical perspective here.

WDIV hosted a Detroit mayoral debate Monday night, and ML was up late writing his analysis, which you can read right here.

There were some memorable moments during the debate, such as when former Detroit Police Chief James Craig referred to himself as Detroit’s “Daddy.” Marc, Erika and ML offer their take on a comment that probably sounded better in Craig’s head than when it came out of his mouth.

The mayoral candidates have been taking swipes at each other for a couple weeks now, but it wasn’t until Monday night that one of them started throwing haymakers. Listen and learn who’s in it to win it.

Marc asks Erika and ML why they still take notes with pen and paper. The veteran reporters respond, prompting Marc to cop to poor penmanship.

ML delves into the history of the Joint Operating Agreement, and what could happen next with Detroit’s two daily newspapers. He is hoping for the best, but shares the concerns of many of his colleagues.

Do reporters like to compete? Is competition good? Erika, ML and Marc have a lively discussion.

Five of the six mayoral candidates promised to bring reporters back to the mayor’s floor in Detroit city hall. ML reveals who isn’t ready to commit to welcoming watchdogs back to her doorstep. https://www.freep.com/story/news/columnists/ml-elrick/2025/06/15/detroit-mayoral-candidates-reporters-watchdogs-city-hall/84156769007/

Marc lauds Shawn’s Father’s Day column, which you and ML can finally read by hitting this link: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/shawn-windsor/2025/06/15/on-fathers-day-a-5-decade-old-jar-of-pennies-is-so-much-more/84212672007/

ML is hung up on The Rube. Just who the hell is this guy, anyhow?

Looking for a great gift for a friend, relative or even someone you don’t particularly like? A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal.

Please support the show by becoming a Soulmate. For as little as $5 a month, you can enjoy benefits like early access to new episodes, the video version of the show, no insertion ads and access to our monthly bonus episode. Sign up here.

GEEK OF THE WEEK:  ML says his mom will say this week’s topic is too serious for GOW, but ML – with an assist from Marc and Erika – call out Elon Musk, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah for blaming the left for the assassinations of LIBERAL politicians in Minnesota.

ROOM 7609:  New Soulmate Paul sends Marc down memory lane when he books Bran Van 3000 into the New Wave suite to perform “Drinking in L.A.” Send us your favorite tune or deep cut or track from an obscure band – along with a story about the ditty – by writing to [email protected].

LATEST SOULMATE:  We are hurting for dough! Sign up for our Patreon supporters club and find out how you can get perks by supporting the show! Use this link: Get more from ML Soul of Detroit on Patreon

FEEDBACK

Kat wants to know more about the future of Detroit’s newspapers, Willow wants ML to stop whining about the press room, Soulmate Jason makes a modest request that ML turns into a brazen appeal for donations. We welcome all your questions, comments – and constructive criticism – at [email protected]

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