Grapevine: American Coney-eating contest returns

American Coney Island coney dog challenge returns

For the sixth year in a row, the Detroit Police Department and Detroit Fire Department will square off to see which team can eat the most coney dogs in 10 minutes. The challenge takes place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at American Coney Island, 114 W. Lafayette in Detroit. Following that heat, members of the public can try to be the one who eats the most Detroit dogs at 5:45 p.m. The last two years the champion has been Matt Holowicki of Plymouth. His record is 19 and a half coney dogs. Holowicki also has been crowned the champ of local pierogi- and paczki-eating contests over the years. Those who wish to compete Thursday can call (586) 219-0995 to register (the fee is $10 in advance, $15 day of). Celebrity judges for the public contest include Les Gold and Seth Gold from American Jewelry & Loan and Jim O’Brien from WCSX-FM.

2016 Hatch Detroit winner announced

Meta Physica Massage & Sauna beat out more than 150 businesses competing for this year’s Comerica Hatch Detroit contest. The prize is $50,000, which will help them build a wellness center in Detroit offering therapeutic bodywork, full spectrum infrared saunas, a raw juice bar, plus retail services and classes. Meta Physica Massage & Sauna also will receive $200,000 in services from local marketing, business and legal experts to help them thrive.

Homeless shelter for LGBTQ youth named after Bea Arthur

After her death in 2009, “Golden Girls” actress Bea Arthur bequeathed $300,000 to the nonprofit Ali Forney Center in New York City. This week, the center revealed some details of the new Bea Arthur Residence, an 18-bed shelter for homeless gay and transgendered young adults in New York City. It’s expected to open next year. According to reports, there are an estimated 4,000 homeless teens in New York, and up to 40 percent are LGBTQ.

Alicia Keys hits VMAs red carpet sans makeup

Singer and songwriter Alicia Keys is sticking to her vow to no longer cover her face with makeup. She arrived at the MTV Video Music Awards fresh-faced. People on both sides of the issue spoke out on Twitter, and Jezebel writer Kara Brown even piped up to tweet that Keys was wearing makeup. New York Magazine is going along with it, though, and reported that “it wasn’t no-makeup makeup or just a little makeup or just a little contouring or concealer — but a true bare face.”

Compiled by Melody Baetens

mbaetens@detroitnews.com

Tuesday’s birthdays

Lewis Black, 68

Michael Michele, 50

Cameron Diaz, 44

Angel Coulby, 36