Survey seeks input on biking, walking

DETROIT (AP) — Residents across southeastern Michigan are being asked their perspectives on bicycling or walking.

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments says input from the Pulse of the Region survey will help with developing its regional bicycle and pedestrian plan and coordinate and develop strategies for local mobility issues.

It says gaps and areas where people can’t walk or bike will be reported to local communities for their planning efforts. The Metropolitan Affairs Coalition is working with SEMCOG on the survey.

SEMCOG Executive Director Kathleen Lomako says bicycle and pedestrian travel is an important part of the region’s transportation system.

SEMCOG supports coordinated local planning with technical, data and intergovernmental resources. It serves Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

Duggan, wife plan to seek divorce

DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and his wife are divorcing.

Duggan and his wife, Mary Loretto Maher, issued a joint statement Friday announcing the action, which they described as “painful” but the “best decision.” Maher filed for divorce the same day in Wayne County Circuit Court.

A divorce settlement conference has been scheduled for Aug. 2.

Duggan also is facing a possible recall. The recall petition whose language was approved this week cites an investigation into whether Duggan and others provided improper help to a nonprofit group that tries to prevent premature births. It also cites his ties to the woman who leads the nonprofit.

The city’s independent inspector general is investigating the matter.

His office has denied any wrongdoing.

‘Bubble’ tribute planned for promoter

DETROIT (AP) — The life of a former Detroit-area rock promoter, radio DJ and high school teacher will be celebrated outside the renowned venue he once ran.

A flash mob-style event is planned this afternoon outside the former Grande Ballroom. That was the Detroit venue leased by Russ Gibb that hosted the likes of Iggy Pop and the Stooges, MC5, Led Zeppelin, Cream, The Who and the Grateful Dead.

Organizers encourage people to “bring your own bubbles” for an environmentally friendly release.

Gibb died Tuesday of heart failure at 87.

In a statement sent to The Associated Press, Iggy Pop said Gibb was “the one true individual who opened the door to self-expression for me and so many other Detroit kids.” The Grande Ballroom gave the Stooges their first major show in 1968.