Keener Today – May 5
What’s Happening:
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Despite rain and immigration fears, southwest Detroit held its 60th annual Cinco de Mayo Parade Sunday, drawing around 8,000 attendees. While cities like Chicago and Philadelphia canceled their events amid immigration crackdowns, Detroit chose to celebrate — honoring Mexican heritage and resilience. Some saw it as defiance, others as tradition. Paradegoers braved the weather to pass the legacy on.
The Tigers crushed the Angels 13-1 Sunday to cap the series and a grueling 23-game stretch with a 15-8 run. Despite double-digit injuries, they lead the AL at 22-13. After a Monday off, they’ll wrap up their road trip with three in Colorado, completing a four-time-zone tour.
Why is it hard to find Real Sugar Coke in the U.S.
Most American Coca-Cola uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) instead of cane sugar because it’s cheaper, sweeter, and has a longer shelf life. This switch happened in 1984, driven by U.S. corn subsidies and sugar import tariffs passed during the Reagan era. HFCS is easier for manufacturers due to factory designs and trade laws, and it saves companies money. Health experts say HFCS is metabolized differently, potentially leading to health issues. Though Coke made with real sugar still exists—like Mexican Coke or special kosher-for-Passover bottles—it’s limited and often pricier. Most countries outside the U.S. still use cane sugar in their sodas.
Today in History:
- 1843 – Hong Kong was proclaimed by Queen Victoria to be a British crown colony.
- 1923 – Firestone Tire and Rubber Company began the first regular production of balloon tires.
- 1958 – The first ever hit compilation album, Johnny Mathis’ “Johnny’s Greatest Hits,” entered the Billboard chart and stayed there for almost 9½ years, a tenure record that remained unbroken until 1982 when it was surpassed by Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of The Moon.”
- 1964 – The Searchers made their U.S. debut by appearing on CBS-TV’s “The Ed Sullivan Show,” singing “Needles and Pins”.
- 1965 – Ahmet Ertegun signed 30-year-old Sonny Bono and 18-year-old partner Cher to Atco Records.
- 1967 – Paul McCartney flew to the U.S. to attend girlfriend Jane Asher’s 21st birthday party in Denver. He gave her a large diamond ring which she later lost.
- 1971 – Chicago became the first American rock group to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. They played six sold-out shows and recorded the concerts for the four-record album, “Chicago at Carnegie Hall,” which became their third album to make the Top 5 in the U.S.
- 1974 – The 110-story World Trade Center opened in New York City.
- 1987 – The Fox TV network premiered with an episode of the sitcom “Married With Children” and the first installment of “The Tracey Ullman Show.”
- 2006 – Katie Couric announced that she was leaving NBC-TV’s “Today” show to become the anchor of “The CBS Evening News.”
- 2008 – Apple’s iTunes overtook Walmart to become the largest music retailer in the U.S.
Today’s Birthdays:
- 1914 Tyrone Power, American actor (The Mark of Zorro; Nightmare Alley), born in Cincinnati, Ohio (d. 1958)
- 1926 Ann B Davis, American stage and screen actress (The Bob Cummings Show – “Schultzy”; The Brady Bunch – “Alice”), born in Schenectady, New York (d. 2014)
- 1927 Pat Carroll, American comedienne and Emmy Award-winning actress (The Little Mermaid – “Ursula”; Make Room for Daddy), born in Shreveport, Louisiana (d. 2022)
- 1938 Johnnie Taylor, American R&B and multi-genre singer (“Disco Lady”; “I Believe In You”), born in Crawfordsville, Arkansas (d. 2000)
- Actor Michael Murphy is 87.
- 1942 Tammy Wynette (d.1998)
- Michael Palin is 81.
- John Rhys-Davies is 81.
- Henry Cavill is 41.
- Adele is 36.
Happening today in Metro Detroit:
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at El Club, Detroit – Evening festivities featuring live DJs, cultural performances, and a vibrant community vibe. Free admission until 9 p.m. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinco-de-mayo-celebration-tickets-1350215042539 for more information.
Cinco de Mayo Party at Legends, Detroit – Two-floor celebration with DJ Aaron L and The Ladies of Legends. Free entry for women until 11 p.m. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/may-5th-cinco-de-mayo-tickets-1344648352419 for more information.
Cantina El Dorado’s 4-Day Fiesta, Auburn Hills – Final day of a festive series featuring DJs, giveaways, outdoor patio events, and more. No cover charge. Visit https://www.thepernateam.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-detroit-cinco-de-mayo-2025-parades-parties–authentic-eats for more information.
Alice Cooper appears at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw, Saturday, May 10. Ticket information at Ticketmaster.
Keener Number Ones on This Date:
(1965) Wooly Bully, Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs
(1966) The More I See You, Chris Montez
(1967) Release Me, Engelbert Humperdinck
(1968) Mrs Robinson, Simon & Garfunkle
(1969) Get Back/Dont Let Me Down, Beatles
(1970) Little Green Bag, George Baker Selection
(1971) Superstar, Murray Head
Keener Today – May 4
What’s Happening:
Sovereignty outdueled 3-1 favorite Journalism down the rain- soaked stretch to win the 151st Kentucky Derby yesterday.
Warren Buffett is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of 2025. He has named Greg Abel as his successor, and the transition is expected to be finalized by year’s end. Buffett will remain with the company in an advisory role. Continue reading “Keener Today – May 4”
Keener Today – May 3
Today is World Press Freedom Day, a celebration the United Nations established more than 30 years ago to remind us that a free press is essential to a functioning and ethical society and is a critical force for the public good. It’s also the 54th Birthday of National Public Radio, born on this date in 1971, Continue reading “Keener Today – May 3”
Keener Today – May 2
What’s Happening:
The Pistons storybook season came to an end last night with a game 6 playoff loss to the Knicks, 116-113 at Little Caesar’s Arena. What an amazing turnaround the year after our guys endured a record setting 28 game losing streak. Well done team! Continue reading “Keener Today – May 2”
Keener Today – May 1
What’s Happening:
The latest data on grocery shopping in Detroit shows Keener continuing to dominate Meijer and Walmart with more than twice the market share.
The Pistons host the Nicks after dispatching New York at Garden on April 29. Tip off here at home is 7:30PM.
The Tigers take on the Angels tonight on the left coast. Game time 9:38pm
And Alan Haller is out as athletic director at Michigan State. Iconic basketball coach, Tom Izzo will add interim AD to his resume. Continue reading “Keener Today – May 1”
Keener Today – April 30
What’s Happening:
The Pistons staved off elimination last night in New York, beating the Knicks, 106-103. Little Caesars Arena hosts Game 6 at 7:30pm tomorrow.
The Astros rallied with three runs in both the 6th and 7th innings to defeat the Tigers 6-4 last night. Game three of the series kicks off at 2:10 in Houston.
In a rare bi-partisan effort, Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive 21 F-15EX fighter jets. The replacement mission protects the base’s future, which had been in doubt with the phaseout of the A-10 aircraft. (Free Press)
Only 3 of Michigan’s 9 measles cases in 2025 had public alerts issued within 6 days—soon enough for exposed people to get protective treatment, per a Free Press review. Continue reading “Keener Today – April 30”
Keener Today – April 29
The Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, is projected to win Canada’s federal election, with Carney securing his first seat in Parliament. Both Liberals and Conservatives dominated, while the NDP and Bloc trailed—NDP leader Jagmeet Singh resigned earlier. Donald Trump loomed large in victory speeches, with Carney vowing Canada would never be broken by a trade war. It’s still unclear if the Liberals have enough seats for a majority. Continue reading “Keener Today – April 29”
Keener Today – April 21
From Keener Contact News. Pope Francis has died at the age of eighty eight, ending a historic and often transformative papacy.
The Vatican confirmed his passing early Monday, marking the close of a decade-long effort to reshape the Roman Catholic Church into a more inclusive, compassionate institution. Continue reading “Keener Today – April 21”
Keener Today – March 13
Greetings, Keenerfans!
Today, we celebrate the legendary Neil Sedaka, born March 13, 1939. Sedaka’s career spans over six decades as a singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. From teen pop sensation to international superstar, his hits—like Calendar Girl, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, and Laughter in the Rain—continue to inspire the Keener generation. His contributions to music, from the Brill Building era to classical compositions, cement his legacy as one of the greats. Happy 86th, Neil!
March 13 is “313” day in Detroit, in honor of the city’s first area code. Continue reading “Keener Today – March 13”
Keener Today – March 11
Happy 85th birthday to Dean Torrence, one-half of the legendary surf rock duo, Jan and Dean! Born on March 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, Dean played a pivotal role in shaping the California Sound, a genre that captured the carefree, sun-soaked lifestyle of the West Coast. Alongside his musical partner Jan Berry, Dean helped pioneer vocal surf music in the early 1960s, influencing countless artists and writing an indelible chapter in rock and roll history. Continue reading “Keener Today – March 11”
Keener Today – March 8
Greetings, Keenerfans!
Daylight Time Starts Tomorrow!
It’s that “time.” Most of America will “spring forward” this Sunday for daylight saving time. But experts warn it’s more than just one groggy morning. The time shift can throw off your body’s internal clock, affecting sleep, heart health, and even workplace safety.
Detroiters’ especially feel the change because “solar noon”—when the sun is highest—doesn’t match the clock.
• Under Standard Time (EST, UTC-5): Solar noon in Detroit is around 12:30 PM, not 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
• Under Daylight Saving Time (EDT, UTC-4): Solar noon shifts to 1:30 PM.
Continue reading “Keener Today – March 8”
Keener Today – March 7
Happy Friday, Keenerfans!
Today in 1970, Simon and Garfunkel’s album Bridge Over Troubled Water started a ten-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. chart. The duo had split up by the time of release. The album includes two of Simon and Garfunkel’s most critically acclaimed and commercially successful songs: “Bridge over Troubled Water” and “The Boxer”, and topped the charts in over ten countries and received two Grammys, plus four more for the title song. It sold around 25 million records was No. 51 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The making of the album is told in the 72-minute documentary The Harmony Game, featuring interviews with both artists and various collaborators. Continue reading “Keener Today – March 7”
