The Detroit Evening Report
The Detroit Evening Report is a three-minute daily round-up of the news that city residents need to know. Stories focus on the concerns, problems, passions and needs of Detroiters – specifically residents of color. On the weekends, we take a break from the news and spend some time with community members. Hosted by Sascha Raiyn, Jerome Vaughn, Tia Graham, Nargis Rahman, and Hernz Laguerre, Jr. Detroit Evening Report is a production of WDET, Detroit's NPR Station.
Most Recent Episode
Michigan receives federal approval for revised EV charging plan
State to use $52 million in frozen funds to expand network
Michigan is moving forward with its revised electric vehicle charging plan after receiving federal approval. The US Department of Transportation approved the state’s plan under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, allocating $52 million remaining from an original $110 million. The Trump administration froze the $52 million in February.
One of the biggest challenges for electric vehicles is the limited number of charging stations. Michigan plans to fund a total of 83 stations. Two are already operational and four more are under construction. The rest are still being planned.
Read more from the Detroit News
More details from MDOT
Additional headlines
Detroit’s economic outlook shows steady growth
The city of Detroit held its regular biannual revenue estimating conference this week to review its economic outlook. State law requires these independent revenue conferences to be held in September and February each fiscal year.
The Detroit Economic Outlook for 2024–2030 projects that the city will see an increase in jobs, wages, and resident employment in the next five years. The forecast also shows moderate growth for payroll jobs, while Detroit wages are expected to outpace the state average.
Read the city’s full economic outlook
Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit highlights innovation
The City of Detroit is participating in the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit this weekend. The event will feature competitions awarding $175,000 in funding for new tech ideas.
The three-day summit is hosted by the organization Black Tech Saturdays and will showcase innovation and economic mobility. It will also include pitch competitions and opportunities for Detroiters of all ages to explore the power of technology.
The city’s Office of Innovation and Technology will present Youth Tech Fest at the summit to introduce technology to the next generation.
Learn more at DetroitMI.gov
Follow the summit at Black Tech Saturdays
Detroit Lions and Tigers weekend matchups
The Detroit Lions had a commanding performance on Monday against the Baltimore Ravens, beating them 38–30. According to ESPN, the game was one of the most viewed Monday night matchups in the last 20 years. This Sunday, the Lions face the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field with kickoff at 1:00 p.m.
In Major League Baseball, the Detroit Tigers will face the Boston Red Sox this weekend. The Tigers are currently in second place in the American League Central and could move back to the top with a series win.
Detroit Fiber Festival returns Sunday
The Detroit Fiber Festival takes place this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event brings together fabric artists, makers, and vendors from across Metro Detroit. This year’s focus is sustainability in sourcing textiles and materials.
There will also be lectures and demonstrations on preservation, highlighting how period fabrics and textiles are used in costuming.
Learn more at Detroit Month of Design
More Episodes
Entrepreneur and lender match program announced
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation announced a new platform that will match entrepreneurs with the best fitting lender.
The website is designed to help small businesses navigate financial options through partnerships with local Community Development Financial Institutions.
Applicants visit the website, submit the criteria for the type of loan and amount they need, and the algorithm will match them with the best lenders.
DEGC Senior Vice President Derrick Headd calls the hub a central command center for the city’s small business ecosystem. “One place where you can find financing options, technical assistance, and service organizations. Everything you need to have a thriving company.”
Lenders participating in the hub include ProsperUS, Detroit Development Fund, Invest Detroit and more.
Eligible applicants must be located in the city, have documented cash flow, and cannot be affiliated with any business prohibited by federal law.
Additional headlines for Thursday, September 25, 2025
Pastors seek high voter turnout this mayoral election
- A coalition of pastors is working to educate and mobilize their flocks to decide between City Council President Mary Sheffield and Reverend Solomon Kinloch. Al Williams leads Lift Every Voice and Vote Detroit. He admits its hard motivating voters in the city. “I think that the history of our mayoral elections, past two or three mayoral elections, have shown us that the excitement has gone down every single mayoral election. Yes, it has made it a challenge.”
- A proposed Detroit ordinance would require police to release body camera footage within 30 days of police shootings and other incidents including the use of non-lethal weapons like tasers, pepper spray, tear gas, bean bags and rubber bullets. Exceptions apply to footage captured during federal or state task force operations, footage prohibited by court order and footage determined to be prejudicial to a civil matter.
- The City of Detroit and the Detroit Public Library will be hosting the James Baldwin Sidewalk Libraries across the city. Detroit ACE and the Charles H. Wright Museum also partnered to launch the reading campaign. Boxes designed to help residents find or donate books by and about author James Baldwin will be placed in Detroit neighborhoods. The initiative completes the work started by artist Sabrina Nelson, whose landmark exhibit on Baldwin debuted last fall. The initiative is being launched during Black Reading Month in Detroit.
- The College for Creative Studies in Detroit is now offering a fashion business management degree. The degree will take 90 credits and just over three years to complete. Students will learn merchandising, styling, marketing strategy, brand development, trend forecasting, and fashion communications. No portfolio is required for admission.
Teachers' unions lobby while waiting for state budget
Michigan’s teachers’ unions will gather in Lansing Wednesday in an effort to get lawmakers to pass a budget.
The American Federation of Teachers-Michigan and Michigan Education Association “lobby day” happens just a week before the state deadline to pass a budget. Public schools, community colleges and public universities have started the academic year without information about their funding.
If the Republican House and Democratic Senate don’t agree on a budget by October 1, the state government could shut down.
AFT President Randi Weingarten will discuss state and federal education issues at a public education town hall at Eastpointe High School Monday. For more information visit aftmichigan.org.
Additional headlines for Tuesday, September 23, 2025
- Pulaski Elementary-Middle School in Detroit has had the biggest decrease in chronic absenteeism in the state, according to Chalkbeat Detroit. In a report released last week, 14 of the top 15 schools with the most success in addressing the problem were Detroit schools.
- The Arab American Chamber of Commerce Tejara Innovation Hub has opened applications for its Trailhead program. The 6-week course provides support for new and aspiring entrepreneurs with up to a thousand dollars in funding and $2500 in support services. Applications close October 7.
- Entrance to Michigan’s National Parks is free Saturday in honor of National Public Lands Day. River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe is the closest national park to Detroit.
- The Friends of Rouge Park are hosting the third annual Mountain Bike Ramble on October 11 from noon-5 p.m. The free event provides the equipment and instruction for youth and inexperienced riders.
Proposal seeks to improve representation on Dearborn's city council
The group Dearborn Wants Wards has been pushing for districted elections in Dearborn. The measure is now officially on the ballot as Proposal 1 in the general election in November.
Mona Mawari is a community organizer for the . She says the group had to go to court after submitting more than 8,000 signatures for the petition.
“To ensure that the the proposal was going to be on the ballot in November, we had followed up with the city multiple times and weren't getting a clear answer and a clear response.”
Mawari says Dearborn Wants Wards volunteers are campaigning door-to-door and organizing town halls and phone banks to spread the word about the measure. The group says districted elections would provide better representation for the city’s east and south sides.
Additional headlines from Monday, August 22, 2025
- ProsperUs Detroit and the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services or ACCESS are hosting a Neighborhood Business Lab in October. The team will provide business insights to area residents. The neighborhood lab takes place in two time slots: on October 1st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. OR 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the ACCESS Hamtramck office, 9301 Joseph Campau Avenue in Hamtramck.
- Dearborn is creating a state-of-the-art children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics or STEAM Center. It will be located at the city’s Esper Library at 12929 Warren Avenue.
- Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms, has appointed Captain Jamal Mickles as the Chief of the Detroit Fire Department Training Division. Mickles has 20 years of experience and takes over after Chief Alfie Green retired after 34 years with the Detroit Fire Department.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
Detroit Evening Report: Michigan jobless rate dips to 5.2%
Michigan unemployment rate drops slightly in August
Michigan’s monthly unemployment rate fell to 5.2 percent in August, according to a report from the Michigan Department of Technology. The shift reflects about 14,000 fewer people holding or seeking jobs. It also marks the fifth consecutive month that the state’s workforce has shrunk.
Wayne Rourke, Michigan Labor Market Information Director, says the drop is not necessarily a sign of improvement.
“While the number of unemployed people are decreasing, the number of employed is not going up. So, these people are just leaving the labor market and not looking for a job.”
Reasons for leaving the workforce include aging out, discouragement, and the cost of childcare keeping people at home.
Detroit Auto Show unveils 2026 anthem
The Detroit Auto Show has announced its 2026 anthem: My Drive, My City, My Show. The song will be written and performed by Detroit hip hop artist Gmac Cash.
Organizers say the track captures the spirit of the Motor City, where cars and culture are deeply connected.
The 2026 Detroit Auto Show takes place January 14–25 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. Learn more at detroitautoshow.com.
Waste to Wonder 2025 highlights design and sustainability
September is Detroit’s Month of Design. As part of the festivities, Ecosphere Organics is hosting an event called Waste to Wonder 2025: Art and Design in Action.
The outdoor block party and creative showcase will feature interactive installations made from repurposed food waste materials. Organizers say the event will celebrate community, art, and imagination.
The showcase will be held at Sanctuary Farms on Lakeview Street. Details are available at DetroitMonthofDesign.org.
Work in Progress Coworking Tour at Spotlite
On Wednesday, September 24, Spotlite will host the Work in Progress Coworking Tour.
The event is led by Amber Lewis, Chief Energy Officer of Visit Detroit, and is geared toward creatives and professionals looking to network or find collaborative spaces. Attendees can take part in advising sessions, LinkedIn and resume reviews, a happy hour, and more.
RSVP information is available on Spotlite Detroit’s Instagram.
Anti-violence advocate Eric Ford has died
Detroit anti-violence organizer Eric Ford died Monday. Ford was the founder of Detroit 300.
Police Chief Todd Bettison says Ford was a “massive voice” for Community Violence Intervention. Bettison called him a “superhero to his community” and said he will be truly missed.
Ford’s family says he died of natural causes. He was 58.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, September 16, 2025
- Duggan reports city budget surplus: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the city is ending the fiscal year with a $60 million budget surplus. He is proposing City Council set aside a portion of that money for a Corporate Income Tax reserve. Federal spending cuts are expected to cause a shortage in the taxes collected from businesses in the city. And Duggan says tariffs have already caused a 50% drop in manufacturing income taxes.
- Michigan Central Drone Day is tomorrow. Organizers promise youth workshops,‘dronut launches from the roof and the longest commercial delivery flight in the city to date. The event will showcase a collaboration between Aerialoop, Newlab at Michigan Central, Airsapce Link and the state’s Office of Future of Mobility and Electrification and Department of Transportation.
- DCFC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: The Detroit City Football Club is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a special ticket package that adds a themed DCFC shirt to a game ticket purchase. The Pablo’s Tacos Pack option gets 2 ticket holders into the club’s City Supporters section and a voucher good for 2 tacos and a drink from the Pablo’s Tacos Food Truck at Saturday’s game against Lexington SC. For more information and to buy tickets go to detcityfc.com.
Correction for recent Detroit Evening Report
Lastly… we reported earlier this month on the Carr Center’s exhibit "In the Life: Black Queerness – Looking Back, Moving Forward" presented by Mighty Real Queer Detroit. The exhibit spans a variety of media and features work from more than a dozen artists.
It is open through October 11th at the Carr Center location at 15 E Kirby Street. Our previous report directed listeners to the wrong Carr Center location. We apologize for the error.
If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org
Ford is moving its world headquarters
Ford Motor Company announced Monday that its moving its headquarters for the first time in 70 years. The new headquarters will be located west of Greenfield Village in Dearborn.
The new Henry Ford II World Center is a 2.1 million square foot state-of-the-art building. It will serve as a global center to promote innovation, collaboration, and transformation. Among the changes are six Design Studios and a Design Showroom, which can hold 10 vehicle turntables with 64-ft micro LED screens for product review.
The building is a Net-Zero Energy Building, using a central energy plant for hot water and steam and DTE MI Green Power Program to have a net-zero carbon goal. There are also energy-efficient systems, including water saving measures and waste reduction strategies in place.
The headquarters has been built on a historic site—the 1953 Product Development Center, where the Mustang, F-Series and Ford GT were created. The former headquarters known as the "Glass House" will be torn down over the next 18 months, with plans to repurpose it for community use.
A public grand opening of the new building is scheduled for November with some employees shifting to the new location.
The project is slated to be completed in 2027.
Additional headlines from Monday, September 15, 2025
- Dearborn career fair: The Arab American Women’s Business Council and Dearborn Economic Development are hosting their annual career fair. The career fair takes place at the University of Michigan - Dearborn Fairlane Center South in the Michigan Room East on September 24 from 6-8 p.m. Registration is required as spots are limited.
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer recognizes September 15 through October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month in Michigan. The designation aims to celebrate the “rich history, vibrant culture and bright future of our Hispanic community,” Whitmer says in a release.
- La Jalisciense is hosting a patio party. The End of Summer Fiesta will host local vendors, a DJ, food and drinks. The party will take place on September 27th from 2-8:30 PM at the La Jalisciense 3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI.
- The City of Detroit District 1 is hosting a charter-mandated community meeting on Wednesday. There will be resource tables for Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental (BSEED), land bank, and public works, along with the water and sewage department. The meeting will be held on September 17 from 7-8:30 p.m. in person at the New Saint Mark Baptist Church, located at 24331 Eight Mile West in Detroit or virtually on Zoom.
- The Department of Transportation (DDOT) is hosting a virtual community meeting this week. The meeting is to gather feedback about DDOT services, fares and routes. The meeting takes place on Thursday, September 18, at 5 p.m. The Zoom call-in number is 1 (312) 626-6799.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
Department of Public Works announces bus stop recycling pilot
The Detroit Department of Public Works announced a new effort to keep the city clean with a recycling pilot program at bus stops.
The department also unveiled two electric garbage trucks that will be used to collect recycling.
The pilot program will place 800 new recycling cans at the bus stops.
Public Works Deputy Director Sam Krassenstein says bottles and cans are the number one thing people throw away when waiting for the bus. “And that's what we're trying to capitalize on by diverting that to keep that out of the landfill and keep that out of the streets.”
Krassenstein says the pilot aims to increase recycling rates from 45% to nearly 100%.
The $500,000 investment was funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, DTE, and City Council.
Additional headlines for Thursday, September 11, 2025
- Jackets for Jobs giving away homecoming dresses and accessories at the Samaritan Center this weekend
- Corewell Health terminates gender affirming care for minors, following Michigan Medicine's decision to do the same.
- Dearborn's community development block grant initiave finishes fixing up its first business exterior, Nadia's Pharmacy.
If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
Detroit Regional Chamber urges against Invest in MI Kids initiative
The Detroit Regional Chamber is urging voters not to sign a petition that would tax the wealthy to help pay for schools. The chamber argues some small businesses file their taxes using individual income tax.
But Jess Newman from the Invest in MI Kids initiative says the language of the petition and the individual income limits affects only about 12,000 to 18,000 high income individuals in the whole state.
“We’re talking about a very targeted tax to folks that make a ton of money. They do not as an effective rate pay their fair share. We’re also looking at folks that just got a huge tax break on the income taxes from the federal government.”
The Invest in MI Kids ballot initiative would add a 4% tax hike on individual income over $500,000 to fund public education.
Both petition organizers and the chamber urge voters to read the language of the petition.
Additional headlines for Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Wayne renames Dearborn street in honor of Osama Siblani
Wayne County is honoring longtime journalist and founder and publisher of Arab American News, Osama Siblani by naming a stretch of Dearborn’s commercial corridor after him.
Siblani established the publication back in the 1980’s, and 40 years later it has become the longest running bilingual Arab weekly publication in the nation.
According to officials, Warren Avenue is believed to be the first street in Dearborn to have a sign in honor of an Arab American advocate.
Ford issues rear view camera recall
Ford is recalling almost 1.5 million vehicles in U.S. because of a rear view camera issue. The recall involves vehicles from model years 2015 to 2019.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the image on the center of the display screen has been reported to go black or get a distorted image which may result in a potential crash.
The administration said they are aware of 18 accidents and no injuries related to the rear camera issue. The agency said that vehicle owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their cars to their respective dealers to solve the issue. There will be no charge for the service.
ModPods to help Lansing homeless
To combat homelessness in the state, Michigan plans to create mini housing pods.
The city of Lansing approved the purchase and storage of 50 modular housing units called ModPods. City officials in Lansing are considering various locations to plant the pods.
If successful, the approach would make Lansing the first city in Michigan to utilize the 8-by-8 housing units which have been used in other states across the country.
If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
988 day raises awareness of mental health hotline
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is joining the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to raise awareness for 988 day.
September 8 is dedicated to a national raising awareness for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It’s a 24/7 toll free hotline which connects people with local call centers to confidentially receive compassionate care and resources while people are going through emotional distress, including anxiety, depression or suicidal tendencies.
The hotline is open for people who may in distress with a call answer time of 13 seconds. People have made 261,000 calls to 9-8-8 from Michigan since the state opened its hotline in 2022.
Last year the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report found almost 23% of Michigan adults have a mental health illness. People can also call in for a loved one.
The crisis center has services available in English and Spanish, with an additional language line providing services in 250 languages.
Additional headlines for Monday September 8, 2025
Expungement clinic at the Mathis Community Center
An expungement clinic is coming to Detroit next week.
People can participate in Project Clean Slate, a program which works with people to provide free in person assistance to clear criminal records, removing barriers for housing, employment and educational opportunities. The program aims to help people who have completed their sentences and have stayed out of legal trouble.
Since its inception in Detroit in 2016, the program has expunged 15,000 convictions. The City of Detroit reports a 99.4 % success rate for the expungement of individuals who applied, with about 100 people denied.
This expungement clinic will be held at the Mathis Community Center, located at 19300 Greenfield Road, Detroit, MI on September 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Judge Greg Mathis and attorney Jade Mathis are hosting the clinic.
The outdoor event is limited to Detroit residents. Photo ID is required.
ProsperUs Detroit Family Block Party
ProsperUs Detroit is hosting a Family Block Party this week. The event will feature free meals from five food trucks, activities and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, partners and neighbors.
The nonprofit works with entrepreneurs for economic development in the Detroit area.
The block party takes place on Wednesday at the Eastern Market Shed 5, between 5-8 p.m. ProsperUs Detroit expects about 400 people to attend.
Detroit X Dearborn Annual Block Party Next Saturday 9/13
The Cities of Dearborn and Detroit are also hosting the fourth annual community block party next weekend.
The party takes place on Tireman and Miller Streets for neighbors from both cities. The event features bounce houses, vendor resource tables, and food trucks. There will also be activities and games.
The block party will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, between 12-3 p.m.
Ethiopian New Year
Konjo Me is hosting an event for Ethiopian New Year this weekend. The celebration will feature special guest Bryce Detroit joining Chef Helina Melaku... who will be hosting a ceremonial coffee service. The event will also feature dance and music.
The celebration will be held at Vesper Detroit on Saturday September 13 from 2-7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
Michigan's government may shutdown if budget isn't approved
The state government faces a possible shut-down soon unless lawmakers come to an agreement on a new budget. The House and Senate are billions of dollars apart in terms of their spending and policy priorities, says Speaker of the Michigan House, Matt Hall
Republican proposals align with much of Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer's agenda. But critics say the budget plan passed by House Republicans cuts too many programs.
It slashes funding for the Michigan State Police, hospitals and revenue shared with cities and counties among other cuts.
Without an agreement on a new budget, the state government will shut down in about a month.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, September 2, 2025
New restrictions on COVID vaccine access
It may be harder for many Michigan residents to get the new COVID vaccine this fall. The Food and Drug Administration has limited shots to people 65 and older, and those with certain medical conditions.
Others might be able to get the shot with a prescription. Michigan's health department encourages everyone over 6 months old to get the vaccine, including pregnant women and very young kids.
Syphilis on the rise for infants in Michigan
Syphilis cases in Michigan are decreasing – for adults. But Bridge Michigan reports diagnoses for infants are up 38% since 2021.
Health officials estimate between 50 and 60 newborns will test positive for syphilis this year.
Sphinx Organization releases album, holds applications for musicians of color
The Sphinx Organization released its latest album last week. “American Mirror” shares new works by Black, Indigenous and other composers of color.
The organization has also opened applications for the 2026 Orchestral Partners Auditions. The program offers classical musicians of color a chance to connect with a national professional network and to compete for up to 3500 in cash prizes.
Applications close on October 6th and are followed by a round of recorded submissions in November and live auditions in Detroit in January.
Wayne State hosts early childhood education conference
The Project Launch Early Childhood Conference is later this month. The one-day seminar will focus on social emotional learning in early childhood education.
The event is free to educators and can be used to meet required training hours. The Centers for Family Development will host the conference at Wayne State September 20th.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. You know how much we love hearing about Detroit.
DER Weekends: New brunch spot Haus of Brunch offers halal soul and Middle Eastern food
On this episode of Detroit Evening Report Weekends, we speak with Maher Obeid, owner of a new halal brunch spot in Detroit called Haus of Brunch at the Westin Book Cadillac.
In this story, we discuss how halal food is becoming a booming industry, expanding to different genres of cuisine — including halal soul food — in downtown Detroit.
Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
New boarding platforms for East Jefferson bus riders
Detroit’s Department of Transportation is installing new boarding platforms on East Jefferson for bus riders.
It’s part of a pilot program to enhance safety and efficiency for bus passengers. 21 new elevated platforms will extend from the curb across bike and parking lanes to provide faster boarding for passengers.
Buses will stay in the right lane to pick up riders instead of pulling to the curb and moving in and out of traffic.
The platforms will have ramps on each side to allow for bikers to seamlessly pass over the platforms without leaving the bike lane.
New shelters will be placed at each of the platform locations. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of next month.
Additional headlines from Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
Section of Southwest Detroit nominated for historic designation
The Detroit City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board is nominating a section of the Bagley and West Vernor highway commercial district for a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The designation would honor Southwest Detroit’s century old legacy of Latin American culture.
The Board will present the nomination at its public monthly board meeting on September 11th at 4 p.m. Attendees will be able to comment on the proposed historic district designation, ask questions about the process, and learn more about the benefits of a National Register historic district.
The meeting will be held at the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation offices at 2853 Bagley.
Labor Day events in metro Detroit
Labor Day Weekend is here and there are several events happening across the Metro Detroit Area.
- The Michigan State Fair at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi Starts today. The fair will feature a farmer’s market, carnival rides, livestock exhibits and competitions, a beer festival and more.
- The Detroit Jazz Festival kicks off tomorrow, Friday, August 29 with a special performance by the 2025 Artist-in Residence Jason Moran.
- Royal Oak’s Arts, Beats, and Eats returns. The four-day festival will feature over 200 performers, dozens of food vendors, and artists showcasing and selling their work.
- Eastern Market is hosting the Detroit Sandwich Party on Sunday. The one-day festival for sandwich enthusiasts will feature many small format sandwiches for purchase along with beer, wine and other non-alcoholic beverages from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Campgrounds almost fully booked for this weekend
Michigan’s state park campgrounds are almost fully reserved this Labor Day weekend. Last minute campers can check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources digital dashboard map which tracks the booking status of state parks.
State forest campgrounds offer camping on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning campsites can’t be reserved.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
Water bill assistance program surpasses enrollment goal
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department says it has surpassed its goal for enrolling residents in its new Easy Pay program. The program is designed to help residents who have fallen behind in their water bill payments.
Detroiters can sign-up by calling 313-267-8000 or use the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal.
Additional headlines from Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025
County leaders ask state government to fix roads
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel wrote a joint editorial to the Detroit Free Press saying the state needs to do more to improve roads.
Legislators have not reached a deal for long-term road funding. The trio of executives calls for bi-partisan efforts to find money for roads before the current funding runs out.
Dearborn Education Foundation adds member to board
The Dearborn Education Foundation has a new member. The non-profit organization announced the addition of Mary Hammoud to the board in a news release. The Dearborn Education Foundation’s mission is to fund programs and projects that benefit public school students in the city.
Tomorrow marks anniversary of the March on Washington
On August 28th, 1963, nearly 250,000 people from around the country marched to the Mall in Washington D.C. to hear remarks from civil rights activists. The climax of the event was Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior’s “I Have A Dream” speech.
Detroit was well-represented at the March – with hundreds of area residents attending the event. Among them was the Reverend Nicholas Hood, Senior – then pastor of Plymouth United Congregational Church. Back in 2013, he shared his memories of the day with me.
“We endured all of the speeches leading up to Doctor King…and ‘what could he say?’ Well, I’m telling you, he just mesmerized the audience. He electrified the audience," said Hood. "And when he got to the ‘I have a dream’ portion, there was a rhythm to it. And when he got into the rhythm, people all throughout the mall got into the rhythm with him. ‘I have a dream. I have a dream.’ And he was saying something.”
Reverend Hood worked with Doctor King and other civil rights leaders in the 1950’s when he lived in New Orleans. Hood died in 2016.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. You know how much we love hearing about Detroit.
CAIR Michigan says Wayne State campus silences free speech
The Michigan Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) declared Wayne State University as a hostile campus for free speech Monday, August 25.
The announcement comes in response to how the institution handled a series of protests against Israel’s attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.
CAIR Michigan Executive Director Dawud Walid accused Wayne State of systemically silencing the free speech rights of students.
“Students should be able to freely raise their voices without fear of not just simply being doxed, but administrative and even law enforcement measures taking place against them while they are attending a university that they paid tuition for and a place that's supposed to be a haven for liberal arts education.”
Wayne State said in a statement it’s committed to supporting free speech, as long as conduct on campus does not violate any laws or disrupt university operations.
Additional headlines for Tuesday August 26, 2025
- The United Nations General Assembly has dedicated August 27 to persevering, celebrating and sustaining lakes around the world. Suggested activities include learning about preservation, conservation, and restoration activities. Find resources on EGLE’s website or Facebook page to learn more.
- The Secretary of State’s office announced the “It’s Sooo Simple” campaign to highlight ways to access mobile services. Many of the department’s services can be accessed online, by mail or through self-service stations. Some of the stations are located in Michigan Secretary of State offices, Krogers and Meijers stores with nine language options. People can find an office by going to michigan.gov/sos online or calling 888-767-6424.
- Applications close tomorrow August 27 for the City of Detroit’s Department of Neighborhoods Youth Affairs Team. The program is for Detroit residents 18-25 years old to explore the city government agencies.
- Cisco is hosting a 2025 Community Innovation Challenge to help promote social impact. Students will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to earn a $10,000 prize. Participants will be invited to attend a virtual Program Launch call in September if they win.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
New MDHHS program offers free Medicare counseling
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services launches Medicare support program
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a program to assist residents with Medicare. MI Options is a statewide system that offers free counseling for people who need long-term care.
MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel says in a press release that the resource hub will provide information about Medicare enrollment and prescription costs, while empowering people to make choices for their health and wellbeing, including aging in place.
People can call 800-803-7174 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, to speak with an agent. More information is available at Michigan.gov/MDHHSMIOptions.
Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley
Additional headlines
MDOT warns of road closures without budget agreement
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is urging state leaders to pass a budget soon to prevent road closures.
Officials warn the I-96 and Southfield Freeway interchange in Detroit is in poor condition and at risk of becoming too dangerous to use. MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross says that without a funding plan, closures can be expected within the decade.
“Which sounds like a long time, but it is not really. When it comes to road projects, you have to design them, you have to do safety studies, you have to do traffic counts, you have to do updated environmental things. There is a lot you have to do when you plan and design and do any major rebuilding,” Cross said.
She adds that the department has already completed as much maintenance and made as many repairs as possible, and the only next step is a full rebuild. Many other bridges across the state are facing the same risk if funding is not approved soon.
Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley
Students return to school as budget uncertainty looms
Students across Metro Detroit are returning to class for the first day of school. That comes as school officials remain uncertain about how much money they will actually have to spend this year.
The Michigan House and Senate are still divided over how much funding to allocate for schools in the state budget.
Michigan's overall education system is under scrutiny amid high absenteeism in many classrooms and low student performance in state and national testing.
Some educators also remain concerned about the Trump administration's possible cuts in federal school funding. And some students say they worry that immigration enforcement could cause classmates to be forced to leave school.
Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter
Detroit Senior Task Force hosts free movie day
Detroit’s Senior Task Force is hosting a movie day for seniors this week. The free event will be held on Wednesday at the Bel Air Luxury Cinema starting at 10 a.m.
The first 500 people ages 55 and older will receive free entrance, popcorn, and a drink.
Film Detroit to host outreach and resource fair
The City of Detroit is hosting a Film Detroit Outreach and Resource Fair. The networking event will include food and conversations with Detroit’s film community.
Attendees can learn about film permits and local resources to access Detroit’s cable channels. The event will take place on September 10 at the community center at AB Ford Park, located at 100 Lenox in Detroit, from 4 to 7 p.m.