Merry Christmas! This week we are revisiting two of our Patreon BONUS episodes. We go deep into Detroit mob history with mafia expert Scott Burnstein. AND Neil Rubin shares some of his most memerable newspaper stories.
STRAIGHT DOPE: First up- Mafia historian Scott Burnstein tells us about the evolution and current status of organized crime in Detroit.
The Harvard of the Mafia: The Detroit mob, specifically the Toco-Zerilli crime family, has long been considered the “Ivy League” of the American Mafia
From the Purple Gang to Las Vegas: Burnstein, who has a personal bloodline connection to the infamous Burnstein brothers of the Purple Gang, discusses Detroit’s pivotal role in the birth of Las Vegas.
Modern Rackets: Legal Marijuana and Cyber Crime: The mob hasn’t just stuck to traditional loan sharking and extortion. They have adapted to the “gray areas” of modern law. Burnstein explains how they have muscled into the legal marijuana trade, often shaking down licensed growers and dispensaries for a “cut” of their product.
Deep Political Ties: Burnstein claims that past administrations, including those of Coleman Young and Kwame Kilpatrick, had documented connections to mob figures. In Kilpatrick’s case, a prominent mobster was even caught on an FBI wire speaking with the mayor, illustrating just how close these organizations remained to the city’s corridors of power.
NEXT UP: Detroit Free Press reporter Neil Rubin shared a collection of “tragic, comic” stories from his decades-long career covering the city. From local legends to the changing landscape of Detroit’s retail and media, Rubin’s insights provide a unique window into the heart of the Motor City.
The Tragic Legend of Reggie Harding: Rubin recounted the story of Reggie Harding, a 7-foot-tall Detroit basketball star whose talent was often overshadowed by trouble. In one infamous incident, Harding attempted to rob a neighborhood party store while wearing a mask.
A City in Transition: From the RenCen to Kmart: Rubin’s recent reporting has focused on the changing faces of iconic Detroit locations.
Detroit Media Secrets Uncovered: Rubin recently reconnected with former TV news fixtures John Kleekamp and Mike Huckman, who were a couple but had to remain closeted during their careers in the early 1990s and 2000s to protect their jobs .
Exposing Corruption in Detroit Schools: One of Rubin’s proudest stories involved Norman Shy, a contractor who defrauded Detroit Public Schools through a kickback scheme.
The Ultimate Opening Act Disaster: Rubin closed with an anecdote from comedian Albert Brooks. Brooks was once hired to open for Sly and the Family Stone, a mismatch that resulted in the audience throwing things at him within five minutes.
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