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
Winfrey pushes back against Trump administration
Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey is pushing back against the Trump administration's decision to send Justice Department operatives to monitor the August primary election. The DOJ says it will be watching the voting in Detroit, Lansing, and East Lansing, which are Democratic strongholds. Trump has falsely claimed that fraud in Detroit cost him the 2020 election. Justice officials say they're worried about compliance with election law and long lines at polling places. Winfrey says no such delays happened in 2024 because the state had adopted early voting.
-Reporting by Pat Batcheller
Additional headlines for Thursday, July 9, 2026
Growing Cyclosporiasis cases
The state health department says an outbreak of a parasitic infection has grown to almost 1 thousand cases. Cyclosporiasis causes severe diarrhea and other symptoms. Investigators have not found the cause of the outbreak, but people usually get it by eating contaminated fresh produce.
Health experts advise washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist. They can last for weeks without treatment.
Money for new mothers
Republican House Speaker Matt Hall says he doesn’t want a state program that pays new mothers to get the 20 million dollars it is expecting from the new state budget. R-X Kids gives women 15 hundred dollars during pregnancy and 500 dollars a month for the first six months of a newborn’s life. Studies show it has reduced infant mortality in Flint, where it began. Republican Speaker Matt Hall says more traditional social safety net programs with tougher eligibility requirements should get the money.
"I'm hopeful that we'll have a WIC program, that our child protective services will be well funded, that the cash assistance program will be well funded."
R-X kids serves all eligible mothers in designated coverage areas regardless of individual family need.
Reporting by Michigan Public Radio Network's Colin Jackson
Rental housing gridlock
Efforts to reform Detroit's rental housing remain stalled... and advocates blame the city's largest court for some of the gridlock. A lawsuit by the Detroit Tenants Union accuses 36th District Court's Chief Judge of failing his legal duty by allowing landlords without a certificate of compliance to continue collecting rent.
Right now, only 14 percent of Detroit landlords are compliant with city safety inspections. Donovan McCarty represents the union.
"If landlords can keep going in to collect rent that's not lawfully collected, then they have no incentive to actually come into compliance, and that I4 percent number will not grow to where we need it to be."
The 36th District Court didn't reply to a request for comment.
You can hear the full conversation at WDET.org or on The Metro podcast.
Grow Detroit Young Talent
City officials kicked off the 12th annual Grow Detroit's Young Talent
Summer Employment Program Wednesday.
The program will provide over eight thousand summer jobs for kids in the city. It's Mary Sheffield's first year leading the effort as Mayor. Over 90 thousand positions have been extended to Detroit's young people since the program began in 2014.
More Episodes
Five year old shot in Detroit
Police say a 5-year-old boy was shot in the arm while riding his bicycle in front of his home in northwest Detroit. Investigators say a teenager fired several shots near Fargo-Oakfield Park when a stray bullet hit the boy.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield says the young victim will recover. She called the shooting senseless gun violence and said children deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. She says anyone with information about the shooter should call the police or CrimeStoppers.
-Reporting by Pat Batcheller
Additional headlines for Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Federal monitors in Detroit?
The Justice Department plans to send election monitors to Detroit, Lansing and East Lansing for Michigan’s August primaries. Those are mostly Democratic cities. President Trump has falsely claimed that fraud in Detroit cost him the 2020 election.
Phil Mayor is the deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. He says the DOJ can, and has, used election monitors before. But he says Trump’s plan is troubling.
“Given this administration’s election denialism and many of the other ways the administration has sought to discourage voting or spread false narratives, we’re certainly concerned. We’ll be watching the conduct of DOJ’s monitors carefully to ensure that they comply with the law, that they don’t interact with or harass voters.”
The chairman of the Michigan Republican Party—and a 2020 election denier—suggested this could be a trial run for placing federal agents at the polls in November.
Faith leaders in the state are calling on legislators to pass a Michigan Voting Rights Act to fight against discrimination and protect access at the polls.
-Reporting by Rick Pluta and Sascha Raiyn
Faith leader training
A new training is available for people who’d like to be Poll Chaplains or Peacekeepers at polling locations.
Poll Chaplains are faith leaders who wear clerical attire at election sites and peacekeepers are religious community leaders. The training teaches both how to maintain peace and de-escalate potential conflict at polling locations to encourage voter participation.
Faiths United to Save Democracy is a nonpartisan, multifaith and multiracial voter protection campaign.
The training will be held on Zoom on Monday July 13 from 7-8:30 p.m. Additional training will be offered on September 28 and October 15. People will receive official credentials upon completion of training.
People can register at turnoutsunday.com.
Fresh food truck
Wayne County has launched a food truck to increase access to affordable, healthy food options for residents. The Well Wayne Fresh Truck Mobile Market is a “farmers market on wheels.”
It’s an effort to feed people who are facing food insecurity. That’s 1 in 5 people in the county.
The food truck is also a way to reduce barriers to accessing food due to limited transportation and food prices. The food truck is sponsored by a multi-million-dollar investment to address social determinants of health through community work. The mobile food truck accepts SNAP, EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, cash, and credit or debit cards. It will operate across several cities including in Highland Park, Hamtramck and Inkster. Routes will be updated quarterly and based on community feedback.
Grow Talent program starts
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield kicks off the city’s summer jobs program for young people today. Grow Detroit’s Young Talent provides paid positions for about 8,000 teens and young adults. This year the city is adding two weeks of training for each participant in which they’ll learn about professionalism, conflict resolution and other skills.
-Reporting by Pat Batcheller
Faith communities ask legislators to pass Michigan Voting Rights Act
Leaders from multiple faith communities in metro Detroit are calling on state legislators to pass a Michigan Voting Rights Act after the justice department announced plans to send election monitors to three Michigan cities.
Clergy gathered at Central United Methodist in Detroit and at locations in Grand Rapids and Lansing to show opposition to Trump administration policies speakers say are designed to threaten communities across the country.
Hazel Gomez of Dream of Detroit says faith leaders will and must defend voting rights. "We will organize, we will train, and we're going to de-escalate. And in the primaries in August and in the general election in November, our goal as clergy of all faith traditions is to stand at the polls, to accompany, and to watch over our beloved communities."
Wendell Anthony of Fellowship Chapel in Detroit – and president of the Detroit NAACP is also calling on lawyers to join the front lines, saying “We’re not afraid to sue somebody.”
Additional headlines for Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Bill to guarantee children with legal representation passes state legislature
A bill that would guarantee children access to legal representation in delinquency cases is headed to Governor Whitmer’s desk. The legislation would require the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to create a system similar to the one used by adults facing criminal charges who may not be able to afford an attorney.
If passed, the indigent defense commission would be required to have at least one attorney experienced in juvenile justice to help set the standards. The bill cleared the legislature last week with bipartisan support.
-Reporting by MPRN's Rick Pluta
National Wheelchair Games
The National Wheelchair Games are coming to Detroit this week. It is the largest annual wheelchair sports event for veterans in the world. Athletes compete in more than 20 events including basketball, swimming, track and field and boccia.
The 45th National Wheelchair Games will be hosted by several venues and based at Hunting Place. The Opening Ceremony is July 9 with competition running through the 14.
Detroit Kite Festival
The 8th Annual Detroit Kite Festival is Sunday on the Belle Isle Cricket Field across from the James Scott Memorial Fountain. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. Plans include food, music and kites, of course. Kites are available for purchase. Learn more at detroitkitefestival.org.
Public reading of Declaration of Independence at Greenfield Village
Sites across the country will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence with a simultaneous reading of the document Wednesday. Greenfield Village is one of those sites and invites the community to join the event for free.
Visitors will also hear live music, see historic vignettes and learn about Centennial games on the Village Green. The event begins at 5 p.m. The reading – synchronized with other readings across the state begins at 6 p.m.
No tickets, reservations or parking passes are required.
MDHHS monitors disease outbreak
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, says there are now over 700 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services put out additional recommendations to prevent the spread of cyclospora over the weekend.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by parasites, which causes severe diarrhea.
Dr. Bagdasarian says much of the spread has been caused by handling and consuming produce.
“We know that it takes about one to two weeks after consuming something that's contaminated with cyclospora to develop symptoms, so there's a lag between being exposed and developing symptoms, said Bardgasarian. "And then, of course, there's a lag when people are looking for healthcare, when they are finding a healthcare provider, getting tested, and actually determining that this is cyclospora.”
Wayne County is among several counties with large numbers of people diagnosed. Recommendations include washing all fresh produce under clean running water, and cooking foods to kill cyclospora.
If people suspect being infected, they should see a health care provider, mentioning they may have cyclospora if symptoms of diarrhea don’t clear up in a few days. Treatment includes a dose of antibiotics.
Additional headlines for Monday, July 6, 2026
Dearborn FEMA funding
The City of Dearborn has received federal funding to improve its sewer system. FEMA awarded $8.1 million for the upgrades... as part of the second phase of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Work will be done in the city’s neighborhoods between Chase Road and Greenfield Avenue.
About 6,200 feet of storm sewers will be added to help with flood mitigation efforts. The city flooded in 2014, 2018 and in 2021when a “once-in-a-lifetime flood” backed up the sanitary sewer system, causing two-thirds of basements to flood in the city.
While FEMA will pay for 90% of the upgrades, Dearborn will pay for the remaining 10% of the work.
Power update
DTE Energy crews worked all weekend to restore power to customers who lost electricity due to Friday’s severe thunderstorms. At one point, more than 200,000 homes and businesses in Southeast Michigan lost power after strong winds knocked down tree limbs and power lines. That number is down to about 73,000. DTE says it expects to restore power to most of these customers by the end of the day.
-Reporting by Pat Batcheller
Older Americans turn to friends for care
A new University of Michigan study finds friends are replacing family members in caring for elderly Americans.
Researcher Crystal Ng says changing family relationships including divorce are leaving gaps in care that children once provided. She says older Americans are relying on friends for more than a drive to the doctor’s office.
“A lot of times friends will also participate in clinical settings. Such as not only picking them… to transportation… to the medical appointment… but also sit next to them.”
Ng says relying on friends also provides people over the age of 65 years with a social framework and helps them maintain their independence.
The study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Network Open portal.
-Reporting by Steve Carmody
If something is happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.
Extreme heat continues. Here's how to keep healthy
Most of Michigan’s lower peninsula, including all of Metro Detroit, remains under an extreme heat warning until tomorrow night. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the upper 90s Thursday, with high humidity. The heat index could rise dangerously high, between 105 and 110 degrees.
The weather could cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and has a hard time cooling down. Symptoms might include heavy sweating, dizziness and fatigue. Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature reaches 104 degrees. That can be fatal.
Additional headlines for Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Heat affects health
During this prolonged period of intense heat, there are things you can do to keep yourself and neighbors safe.
Director of Emergency Preparedness for the City of Detroit Dr. Kelvin Freeman says residents should work in pairs to stay healthy.
“Use a buddy system, check on your friend, check on your neighbor, especially those who live alone, and also have someone to check on you in that buddy system to close that loop.”
Freeman says residents should stay hydrated and limit exposure to high temperatures, adding that fans alone won’t cool you down when temperatures and humidity are this high.
He also recommends keeping your pets indoors during daylight hours.
-Reporting by Russ McNamara
And make sure to double check your vehicle and make sure not to leave children or pets unattended in the car. Temperatures inside a vehicle could rise quickly enough to become fatal within just a few minutes.
Ford recalls 741,000 vehicles
Ford Motor Company is recalling 741,000 vehicles because of a possible transmission problem. The company says a part of the parking system could engage while the vehicle is in motion, potentially damaging the system. Enough damage could mean the system fails to hold the vehicle in place without use of the parking brake.
The recall affects certain Ford F-150 pickup trucks, as well as Lincoln Aviator, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition sport utility vehicles. The vehicles are from the 2018 through 2021 model years.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says Ford is aware of 24 possible cases of property damage and nine possible injuries connected to the issue. Dealers will update certain software and inspect the transmission for damage. They’ll make any necessary repairs for free.
Shotspotter renewed
The Detroit City Council has narrowly approved a nine-month contract renewal for the ShotSpotter gun detection system. The Director of the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety Teferi Brent advocated for the contract. He says it allows police to respond quickly to de-escalate situations.
“People say Shotstopper doesn't save lives—that's patently false, because the quicker that we can identify which shootings occur, we can identify who's doing the shooting, and once we identify who's doing the shooting, we can then prevent what we call in the field retaliatory violence.”
Brent also listed several instances where ShotSpotter helped first responders aid victims. But some council members questioned both the effectiveness and the cost of the system. The Detroit Police say they are looking for a less expensive vendor to use after the contract ends.
-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley
Police arrest man accused of threatening Islamic Community Center
A man who allegedly threatened a Madison Heights Mosque was arrested today. On Sunday, someone left voicemail messages threatening the Islamic Community Center on Dequindre near 11 Mile Rd. Police say the man said he would kill people and suggested Muslims are terrorists.
The Council on American Islamic Relations Michigan chapter praised police for their swift action in identifying a suspect.
Additional headlines for Tuesday, June 30, 2026
SCOTUS rules in favor of ending TPS
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Trump Administration's efforts to end Temporary Protected Status. TPS allows people fleeing violence abroad to live and work in the US. The ruling may affect people from Lebanon, Haiti, Honduras and Burma, among several others.
Republican Steve Frisbie represents Michigan's 44th state House district, which includes the Battle Creek area, home to a Burmese community of thousands.
Frisbie says he supports the high court's ruling, but adds that people fleeing Burma should apply for asylum.
"I'm all in favor of letting them come to the country. Sort them out and look at them on an individual basis or a family basis to figure out what they're fleeing from and why and if it's legitimate and they're not from the military side of things in Burma."
The government has deported thousands of immigrants while they waited for courts to hear their asylum claims and some who showed up to their hearings were arrested.
Detroit meeting of immigration advocates
Immigration advocates met in Detroit to adopt a list of policy goals. Strangers No Longer is a Catholic-led organization active across Michigan. The group adopted policy objectives to bring to people running for state and federal offices.
Those include allowing people to secure driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status, more oversight of immigration detention centers and for local police to stop working with federal immigration enforcement. Advocates also want more due process protections for detainees.
Whitmer threatens to recall troops
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is threatening to bring home 170 Michigan National Guard troops from Washington D.C. if the Trump administration uses them for crime and immigration enforcement.
Whitmer says she deployed the troops to assist with security for celebrations surrounding the country's 250th anniversary.
Great Lakes Museum announces paint-by-number project
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum has announced the art for its community paint-by-number project. Brontae Williamson’s "Currents in Color" was chosen after the museum accepted submissions this spring.
The 32 by 8 foot mural will be painted by the community over the summer then hung on the museum building on Belle Isle. The Dossin says it will release information to the community soon about how people can come to paint.
Dan Robbins is the Detroit-born artist who developed paint by number.
High temperatures worsen air quality
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)’s meteorologists say the high temperatures this week will lead to high levels of ozone and poor air quality.
There’s an air quality alert for ozone in Southeast Michigan for today and tomorrow. Ozone is a pollutant in the atmosphere created by volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides found in things like industrial solvents, cleaning products and burning fuel. It is an air pollutant.
EGLE says people should avoid strenuous activities—especially for those who have asthma. People should also avoid refueling vehicles, using gasoline-powered lawn equipment or lighting charcoal with lighter fluid. People should also try to drive less and delay errands if possible.
ELGE says they will put out additional alerts as needed. For more information visit michigan.gov/MiAir.
Additional headlines for Monday, June 29, 2026
Tips for handling the heat
Detroit’s health department recommends drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated during this week’s heat wave. They also recommend limiting strenuous activity and staying inside.
Recreation centers, public library branches will serve as cooling centers during normal business hours.
Watch for signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, headache, and unusually heavy sweating. Check on family members and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.
AAA reminds drivers not to leave children or pets in their vehicles and to check the back seat each time they get out of their car.
-Reporting by Pat Batcheller
Dearborn hosts World Cup watch parties
The City of Dearborn is offering free watch parties for residents and World Cup fans. The city is partnering up with What’s up Media Network to host the watch party at Dearborn’s PEACE Park West. The matches are shown on the screen at the park’s performance stage. Vendors will also provide refreshments.
Anyone can join, but the park can hold only up to 1,000 people. People are encouraged to go early to find a spot.
Dearborn’s PEACE Park West is located at 22271 W Village Dr. in Dearborn.
Dearborn Tree City designation
Also in Dearborn, the city was given the Tree City USA designation for the 39th time.
Mayor Abdullah Hammoud says the city is planting a few thousand trees.. And also removing dead ones.
“When I first came in, we had a backlog of about 1,200-1,300 dead and diseased trees that needed to be taken down. That list is now, I would say, around the 100 mark, and we've also caught up. We had seven years of no trimming of trees throughout the city. We officially caught up, and we're back on our normal five year cycle.”
Hammoud says planting more trees helps with air quality and mitigating flooding.
Dearborn residents can also request a free tree to be planted in their easement by going to Dearborn.gov/trees.
Wayne State tuition rises
The tuition at Wayne State University is rising by 4% for its undergraduate and graduate students. This comes after a unanimous decision from the university’s board of governors.
How will this affect the university students? Well, undergraduate students can see a tuition increase of about $250 and graduate students will see an increase of $33 dollars per credit.
The university increased their tuition last year by 4.5%. According to the school’s officials the 2026-2027 housing rates will not increase.
This rate increase is following a trend occurring in 4-year public and private universities and colleges across the country––tuition increases due to inflation, a drop off in enrollment post pandemic or uncertainty around state funding. WDET is licensed to Wayne State University.
Additional headlines for Friday, June 26, 2026
Community Health Assessment shows positive results
This week, the city of Detroit released a Community Health Assessment that revealed that community improvements positively affect the health of residents.
The report was an assessment of about 6,000 residents, some commuity organizations, public health experts and local data.
During a press conference about the assessment, Mayor Sheffield expanded the idea of what health means. “Health is much more than what happens inside of a doctor’s office. It is also about prevention. Health is about whether a mother has access to prenatal care. It is about whether a child has healthy food nearby and it is about clean air, safe housing, transportation and whether families can access the care that they need when they need it.”
Sports
FIFA
The U.S. had their first loss of the 2026 World Cup to the already eliminated country of Turkey. Turkey kicked a last minute goal to win the match. The U.S. also had mostly reserves playing in the second half of the game to ready the team for their next game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That game is Wednesday, July 1.
NFL
The Lions’ defensive back Terrion Arnold was arrested this week in Tampa, Fla. on alleged felony charges of robbery and kidnapping.
Six other individuals were arrested, but according to police Arnold was the one coordinating and directing the codefendants. Arnold is from Tallahasse, Fla., which is about 4 hours away from Tampa.
The Lions said in a statement that they are aware of the news but are not commenting “out of respect of the ongoing legal process.”
MLB
The Tigers loss to the Astros yesterday in the score of 4-1. Next game is today at Comerica Park. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m.
Burger Battle
And this weekend get ready for what organizers are calling the biggest burger battle in the Midwest. This weekend the 10 year anniversary of Detroit Burger Battle is going down in the Motor City.
Fifteen of metro Detroit’s top restaurants will bang burgers and chef it up for the crown. Participants of the battle get a single voting card to pick their top 3 burgers. Whoever gets the most votes wins.
This is all going down on Sunday, June 28 from 1-4 p.m. at Shed 5 of the Eastern Market.
Mayor Sheffield gives update on road improvement plan
“Our great partner, Governor Whitmer isn’t the only one fixing the roads around here," said Mayor Sheffield yesterday, where she and the Department of Public Works gave an update to their road improvement program.
This $58 million initiative includes 140 individual major road and residential paving and construction projects, as well as bridge removals and streetscape construction.
The mayor said the project will not only fix the infrastructure of Detroit but it will build up the community’s workforce. “We are also putting Detroiters to work while we invest in our neighborhoods... 90% of the individuals that are doing this work are Detroit residents and 100% are unionized. Let’s give that a round of applause.”
Funding for the road projects will come from federal and state transportation funds. This project will begin along West Grand Boulevard.
Additional headlines for Thursday, June 25, 2026
New affordable housing complex for seniors
Earlier this week city leaders joined together for the ribbon cutting of new senior housing in Grandmont Rosedale. The new development Minock Park Place is a mixed use development bringing commercial space as well as affordable housing for seniors. The development includes 36 one bedroom apartments and six two bedroom apartments for low to moderate income seniors.
Mike Randall, executive director of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, says completion of this project brings value to the neighborhood and community. “In the face of doubt, skepticism, a global pandemic, 3 presidential terms, skyrocketing inflation and costs, yet here we stand. Not for the recognition and not to boast but to demonstrate that value exists on our corridor not just on grand river not just on 6 mile...and not just on schoolcraft but throughout all the great city of Detroit.”
Residents are expected to begin moving in in July with commercial spots opening in the first quarter of next year.
Sports
MLB
The Tigers lost to the NY Yankees with the score of 4-2. Their next 3 game series is against the Houston Astros starting tonight at Comerica Park. First pitch is a 6:40pm.
Club soccer
Detroit City FC face Birmingham Legion FC on July 2 at Protective Stadium in Alabama
FIFA
And the FIFA group stage continues as TEAM USA faces Türkiye. The U.S. has a 51% chance of winning according to sports analysts. Tonight’s game at the Los Angeles stadium in Inglewood California starts at 10 p.m. EST.
Murder mystery walking tour
And if you are looking for something spooky to get into this weekend, look no further than The Rosary Requiem—Detroit Murder Mystery Walking Tour.
The tour starts at Most Holy Redeemer Church – the church where the film "The Rosary Murders" was filmed. Organizers say the walking tour is blends mystery and intrigue, with the vibrant spice of Detroit's Mexicantown – that means food!
For more information go to distinctivelydetroit.com.
Detroit police shooting leaves teen in critical condition
Detroit Police shot a teenager who was running away from them after they arrested another teen near Campus Martius downtown.
Chief Todd Bettison says officers approached a group of young men and arrested one who was holding a suspicious-looking backpack. He says they searched the backpack and found a gun in it. An 18-year-old started walking away from the group and officers chased him.
Bettison says the officer who shot the fleeing teen feared for his safety. This happened a few hours before the annual fireworks over the Detroit River. Police said the teen was shot several times and is in serious condition.
Police also arrested minors who violated the city's 8 p.m. curfew and held them
until a parent or legal guardian came to get them. (Batcheller/Raiyn)
- Pat Batcheller contributed to this report
Additional headlines from Tuesday, June 24, 2026
SCOTUS rules against Michigan family
The Supreme Court ruled today against a Michigan family who said their rights were violated when their county sold their house for less than half its open-market value to cover a tax bill of just over $2,000.
Isabella County maintained that auction sale prices are always lower than open real estate transactions. It said requiring foreclosure prices to match the open market would essentially end those sales.
Project documenting Native boarding schools reaches close
A project that gathered testimonies from more than 360 survivors of Native American Boarding schools has finished its first phase. The Tulsa-based National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition collected video oral histories from Indigenous survivors across 19 states.
The stories will be preserved in the Library of Congress. The project aimed to document the systemic abuse endured in boarding schools and how survivors found healing.
It identified eight boarding schools that operated in Michigan. Three are still open.
Huron Valley warden on leave following inmate deaths
Jeremy Howard, the warden at Michigan’s only women’s prison has gone on personal leave after three deaths at the Huron Valley Correctional Facility.
The Michigan Department of Corrections told the Detroit Free Press today the leave is “personal and unrelated to current events." The deaths of Khaira Howard, Rebecca Fackler and Ashley Hoath are still under investigation.
A former corrections officer at the facility was sentenced last week for criminal sexual conduct involving an inmate. The warden at the Cooper Street Correctional Facility in Jackson has been temporarily assigned to lead the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility.
PWHL announces outside investors
The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced the Illitch Company is one of its first two outside investors. Toronto-based Kilmer Sports Ventures is the other.
Mark and Kimbra Walter founded and funded the league in 2023 with hundreds of millions of their own dollars. Mark Walter is the owner of the LA Lakers, the Dodgers, and the LA Spark.
The PWHL has not yet turned a profit but just two and a half years later has doubled its size to 12 teams – including Detroit’s scheduled to play at LCA in the fall.
National poll shows that aging populations need to learn how to maintain brain health
Most older adults do not know how to care for their brain health, according to a new survey by the National Poll on Healthy Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association. The survey of adults 50 and up found that people rated their brain health as excellent, very good, or good, but lacked knowledge about how to maintain it.
The survey found 70% of Michigan’s older adults believe diet, physical activity, and sleep are important factors. However fewer older adults were engaging in the behaviors that determine better brain health or reduce Alzheimer’s, such as getting seven or more hours of sleep, doing mentally stimulating activities, eating healthy, balanced diets or exercising.
The survey also found that they prefer to get information about brain health from a health care provider. Many also believe brain health is more important than physical health.
The National Poll on Healthy Aging online and phone survey was conducted in January 2026, surveying 1,300 Michigan residents and 2,800 non-Michigan adults between 50 and 98 years old.
Additional headlines for Monday, June 22, 2026
Sun Bucks program
Many children face food insecurity over the summer because they no longer have meals provided by school. The summer EBT “Sun Bucks” program from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services works to make sure that no kids will be hungry.
The department’s Erin Frisch says families with students who participate in school lunch and breakfast programs face extra pressure on their budgets during the summer.
“SUN Bucks, also known as summer EBT helps bridges that gap by providing eligible children with funding to purchase food during the summer months. We have this program because we understand Michigan children need consistent access to healthy food to grow and learn and thrive.”
Children ages 6 to 18 are eligible for the SUN Bucks program. Those who already receive SNAP benefits will automatically be enrolled. Families not already on SNAP can apply for the summer program on the MI Bridges website.
-Reporting by Helena Najar
Black Caucus calls for reparative measures
The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus is calling for the passage of new “reparative justice,” measures. The bills would create a state office to serve American descendants of enslaved people, launch a reparations commission and collect data.
Democratic Representative Jason Hoskins says Black people in Michigan continue to live with the legacy of slavery and segregation, including worse health outcomes and pollution in their communities.
"If we are serious about addressing these challenges, we must first understand the harms that were done, the policies that perpetuated these harms, who’s affected, and what remedies are appropriate," says Hoskins.
The new commission would recommend reparations, but the package itself would not include any payments for Black Michigan residents. Majority State House Republicans are not likely to pass the bills.
-Reporting by Colin Jackson
Michigan relieves medical debts
The State of Michigan has collaborated with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt program to erase $74 million of medical debt for 72,000 Michigan residents. People will begin getting letters in the mail this week informing them if their debt has been forgiven. Each dollar paid by Undue Medical Debt equals $100 of debt relief.
Unpaid medical debt is often a result of unexpected illnesses. Half of U.S. adults have a hard time paying off medical debt.
People receiving the relief at four times the poverty line or have medical debt that’s more than 5% of their annual income. This round of debt erasure is supported through a $4.5 million fund from the state’s in partnership with Wayne, Oakland and Kalamazoo Counties.
Last year, the State of Michigan and Undue Medical Debt provided $144 million in debt relief to over 210,000 Michigan residents.
Mary Waters campaigns for write-in votes
Detroit Council Member Mary Waters has launched a write-in campaign for Michigan’s 13th congressional district.
Waters said in a statement that the people of Michigan deserve a representative who understands that public service is about delivering results, not chasing headlines. Her campaign focuses on lowering the cost of living, protecting seniors, and bringing critical federal resources back.
She originally launched a campaign last month but was disqualified for a lack of signatures.
Additional headlines for Thursday, June 18, 2026
Overdose rates decline
Michigan overdose death rate has declined by 47% since 2021 according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. Preliminary data suggests overdose deaths have continued to decline for the fourth year in a row.
The department attributes the decline to strategic investments largely funded by opioid settlements prioritizing prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. The efforts include expanding harm reduction sites from 5 to 115 in 2025, and distributing over 1.8 million free naloxone kits, which resulted in nearly 34,000 reported overdose reversals.
Summer learning program enrollment closes soon
Enrollment for Summer Discovery, a no cost summer learning program, is closing soon. Put on by United Way of Southeastern Michigan and the Ballmer group, Summer Discovery connects students entering kindergarten through 10th grade with learning and enrichment opportunities. Spots are still available at Detroit Public Schools Community District sites, Detroit Police Athletic league, Brilliant Detroit and more.
The program is open to all students across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties. To apply visit summerdiscoverymi.org.
Recall on Orb Funkee squeeze toys
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging is families to check their children’s toy boxes for Orb Funkee Monkee squeeze toys. The toy has been recalled because they may be filled with sand contaminated by asbestos.
The recall is for toys purchased from Walmart or Ollie’s Bargain Outlet stores between February 2025 and April 2026. Asbestos comes from minerals that create thin fibers when they crystallize and pose a human health risk when they enter the air.
As of June 18, the state health department had not received any reports of illness or injuries tied to these toys.
Metroparks survey
Huron-Clinton Metroparks is asking community members to fill out a survey to provide feedback about some of their parks. That includes the Lake St. Clair, Stoney Creek and Wolcott Mill Metroparks. It’s part of an effort to update their Park Master Plans to guide future projects, investments and facilities improvements.
The surveys are open until Wednesday, July 15.
Detroit City Council approves downtown curfew for fireworks event
The Detroit City Council has approved an extended curfew for the Detroit fireworks display on Monday, June 22.
Under the measure, minors will not be allowed downtown without parental supervision from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Councilmember Denzel McCampbell voted against the curfew. He said he does not believe curfews are effective because incidents still occurred during last year’s fireworks curfew.
“That’s what I’m bringing forth here is not an aspect of, do you care about public safety, do you want folks to be safe or not. My question before this council is, is this effective to achieve that goal or not? And in my view, it is not, because the data shows us that.”
McCampbell said the extended curfew sends the message that Detroit’s youth are not welcome downtown.
The discussion comes as city officials continue to address concerns about large gatherings of young people at so-called “teen takeover” events, a trend that has spread through social media.
Dearborn Heights police said a group of teens attempted to stage a teen takeover during the city’s Spirit Festival on Saturday. The Detroit News reported that city officials said arrests were made and several people were detained. Officials said multiple law enforcement agencies participated in the response.
Additional headlines for June 16, 2026
Mary Sheffield endorses Jocelyn Benson for governor
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has endorsed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in Michigan’s race for governor.
Benson has lived in Detroit for more than a decade. Sheffield said that connection to the city was one factor in her decision to endorse the candidate.
“Every time I’ve called Jocelyn Benson, she has been accessible, she has been honest, she has been a hard worker, and she has always shown her commitment and her passion and her love for the city of Detroit.”
Sheffield said she and Benson share a goal of reforming Detroit’s property tax structure, which they believe is limiting opportunities for new housing development.
Benson has been leading Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in recent polling. Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ended his Democratic bid for governor and is now running as an independent candidate.
Detroit City FC stadium opening delayed until 2028
The opening of AlumniFi Field, Detroit City Football Club’s planned stadium in Corktown, has been pushed back to spring 2028.
The venue was originally expected to open in 2027, but DCFC CEO Sean Mann said that timeline proved too aggressive.
Despite the delay, Mann said work is continuing at the site.
“We’ve already taken down the old Southwest Detroit Hospital, and it just came to a point of making sure that we have a timeline where we can confidently deliver a stadium.”
Mann said a groundbreaking ceremony for AlumniFi Field will take place next month.
Detroit City FC will continue playing its home matches at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck until the new stadium is completed.
Wayne State to host Juneteenth celebration
Wayne State University’s Office of Inclusive Excellence will hold its Juneteenth Celebration on June 17.
This year’s theme highlights the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. The event will feature the premiere of the yearlong Campus Genealogy Project documentary.
Food vendors and community organizations will also be on site.
The celebration runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Industry Innovation Center, 461 Burroughs St. in Detroit.
Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jews of Color Initiative to bring national listening tour to Detroit
The Jews of Color Initiative is hosting a national listening tour across the U.S., with a stop in Detroit next week. The organization aims to increase awareness of regional experiences and foster conversations about racial equity within the Jewish community.
CEO Ilana Kaufman says the tour is an effort to center the voices and experiences of Jews of Color while also hearing from community members and understanding local needs.
"Detroit is one of those smaller communities for us where we know that the community has a sense of connection, an ability to transcend or at least set aside conflict in service of not only interracial and cross-racial relationships, but also relationships across faiths."
The Detroit session will take place from 6-8 p.m. June 25. More information is available through the Jews of Color Initiative.
More information: https://thejoci.org/event/joci-national-listening-tour-detroit/
MDHHS highlights violence data dashboard, free gun locks
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is promoting resources during Gun Violence Awareness Month, including its Injury and Violence Dashboard, which provides data on violence trends across the state.
According to MDHHS, gun violence injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States among people ages 1 to 44. They are also the leading cause of death among children and adolescents.
MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel says the dashboards help communities, leaders and policymakers identify where additional work is needed to improve public safety.
The state also offers free gun locks at more than 100 locations across Michigan through Project ChildSafe, a program supported by the Michigan State Police.
More information is available at Michigan.gov.
Detroit skilled trades task force meeting scheduled
The City of Detroit is hosting a Skilled Trades Task Force meeting this week to connect residents with employment opportunities and tuition-free apprenticeship programs.
The meeting will take place from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the Adam Butzel Complex in Detroit. Residents can also participate via Zoom.
More information: https://detroitmi.gov/events/skilled-trades-task-force-meeting-june-17-2026
City to host retirees task force meeting
The City of Detroit is hosting a meeting for retirees to share information and gather feedback from residents.
The City of Detroit Retirees Task Force hybrid meeting will take place from 1-3 p.m. June 18 at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center and on Zoom. The meeting is hosted by Councilmember-at-Large Mary Waters and Councilmember Denzel McCampbell.
https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/82953432101
State, federal agencies invest $10 million in Detroit River restoration
State and federal agencies have announced $10 million in funding to support restoration efforts in the Detroit River.
The funding comes from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through Michigan's Make It in Michigan Competitive Fund. It is also part of the Great Lakes Legacy Act, a bipartisan cost-share program focused on addressing contamination in the Great Lakes.
EGLE Director Phil Roos says the Detroit River is an important natural resource and restoring it remains a priority.
The Detroit River was designated an Area of Concern in 1987 because of industrial pollution, untreated wastewater and stormwater runoff. EGLE and the EPA have been working to address contamination in the river since 2012.
The Library Network funds Southgate Pride vendor after city backs out
Southgate’s Pride celebration is back on thanks to The Library Network, a library cooperative based in Novi. The celebration was canceled after Southgate city officials decided not to pay for a vendor at the event, stating the city should not be used to pay for social or political advocacy activities. So, the Library Network offered to pay the vendor instead.
The event is scheduled for 2-3 p.m. on Saturday at Southgate’ s Veterans Memorial Library, located at 14680 Dix Toledo Road.
Southgate’s event comes about a week after Madison Heights City Council reversed its decision to cancel its Drag Queen Storytime event during its Pride Week celebrations.
Additional headlines from Friday, June 12, 2026
Cooling centers open
Cooling Centers are opening across Detroit to give residents a break from the heat.
High temperatures are known to pose health risks. Chief Public Health Officer and Director Ali Abazeed says these centers are an effective solution to keep at-risk residents healthy.
"Folks in Detroit, especially our vulnerable populations.... if they don't have access to some of the critical infrastructure that we know is helpful in keeping and preventing extreme heat related health outcomes, then we want folks to know that these cooling centers are available. They're open and we want our residents to take advantage of them."
Detroit's cooling centers are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. on weekends. They are open to anyone.
Healthy Home Resource Day
Detroit’s Healthy Home Resource Day – HOPE event is coming earlier this year.
On Saturday, qualified residents can apply for Homeowners Property Exemption program to receive up to 100% property tax exemption. The exemption is given based on the homeowner’s income.
Those who make an appointment can get a free ride to and from any HOPE event. The next event is Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Samaritan Center on 5555 Connor Ave.
Infill development conference
The Detroit Land Bank is hosting the first-ever Developers Conference focused on infill development opportunities.
Infill development is the process of building on vacant lots in established neighborhoods. The Detroit Land Bank currently owns 56,000 parcels of vacant land and is working to return them to productive use.
Attendees will learn about development opportunities, financing resources, permitting processes and more. The event is June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Occupy the Summer program starts
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield launches a new summer recreation program for kids today. It's part of her response to recent teen takeovers downtown, and it's supposed to give them something creative to do.
More than 1,500 young people have registered for the Occupy The Summer activities, which include late night basketball games and longer hours at nine recreation centers. The city will give away 700 bicycles this afternoon.
Gordie Howe Bridge ribbon cutting cancelled
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority abruptly canceled festivities planned for the Gordie Howe Bridge ribbon cutting tomorrow.
Windsor Detroit Bridge officials said that the US and Canada have agreed to push back the opening of the span in order to take, “the necessary time to resolve outstanding issues”. The statement did not say what those issues are.
President Trump has planned to block the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge saying that he wants the bridge crossing to be a better deal for the US. Bridge officials haven’t clarified whether the construction of the span is complete.
Additional headlines for Thursday, June 11, 2026
Charity car show
Local nonprofit Healing Choices is hosting a charity event on Sunday June 14 to support domestic violence survivors. It’s the Healing Choices Charity Car Show at Metro Beach featuring classic cars, hotrods, muscle cars and more.
The Detroit Police Department will be at the event to showcase some of their vehicles. And The organization will also provide resources to survivors.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $10 per ticket and can be purchased at the park entrance.
Sports updates
FIFA
Detroit City FC AND the El Paso Locomotive FC tied yesterday 1-1. Before the game the rain was non stop at the Keyworth Stadium but they were still able to have their match. Their next game is Saturday June 13 at 7 p.m.
Also the Fifa World Cup starts today with co-host Mexico playing the opener in Mexico City against South Africa.
The United States plays their first game against Paraguay tomorrow at 9 p.m. EST at the Los Angeles stadium in Inglewood.
MLB
The Tigers lost against the Minnesota Twins yesterday 6-4. We’ll have the results of today’s tie breaker game of this three game series on tomorrow’s DER.
NBA
Last night, NBA history was made. The New Knicks had the largest finals comeback in history after erasing a 29 point deficit yesterday against the San Antonio Spurs.
Final score was 107-106.
Henry Ford exhibits to recognize 250 years of the US
And last but not least, to celebrate America’s 250th year the Henry Ford Museum is showcasing 250 acres of special programming, new exhibitions, exciting events and more to highlight the history of American innovation.
Some of the exhibits will be:
- Handmade: The Crafting of America -This exhibit explores how fabrics helped shape American history.
- Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation - This exhibit looks at the important key documents of this nation. The Henry Ford is one of eight institutions across the U.S. where nine original founding-era documents and it will be on display.
- Artemis Adventure with LEGO® Bricks - This exhibit looks at American space exploration to the wonder of legos.
Wayne State announces director for new Detroit Center for Black Studies
Wayne State University has announced the inaugural director of its Detroit Center for Black Studies. Dr. Richard D. Benson comes from the University of Pittsburgh where he was an associate professor. His work has focused on the Black radical tradition in education. The university cites Benson’s work as an examination of the intersections of Black intellectual traditions, education, activism, and social movements.
The Detroit Center for Black Studies, it says, is being established to “create an interdisciplinary… Detroit-rooted center for scholarship, teaching and public engagement that reflects both the richness of Black Studies and the unique intellectual context” of the city.
Additional headlines for Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Company contracted for Solar Neighborhoods goes under
One of the companies contracted to build arrays for Detroit's Solar Neighborhoods program has been sold. The city is looking to DTE Energy to take over.
The company Lightstar was contracted to build 63 acres of solar fields in the Gratiot/Findlay and State Fair Neighborhoods for phase one of the project and 19 acres in the Houston-Whittier/Hayes neighborhood for phase two.
Detroit Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Trish Stein told city council that tax credits for the project are scheduled to expire by July 4, so a decision needs to be made soon. "You heard it today, the residents came and they talked to you about some have got their energy efficiency upgrades, some have not. Ninety-seven of those 209 homeowners have not had their energy efficiency. They have been waiting for over a year."
Stein says DTE is ready now to take over the project. Lightstar was expected to start construction early this year.
Gordie Howe Bridge opening
Officials will cut the ribbon on the new Gordie Howe International Bridge in southwest Detroit on Friday. The Detroit News and the Free Press cited sources with knowledge of the plans who did not want to be identified.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority would not confirm the reports but said it expects to open the bridge for traffic soon.
Trump threatened to block the opening unless Canada agreed to share toll revenue with the United States. Canada paid for construction and co-owns the bridge with the state of Michigan.
Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told a Senate panel that Customs and Border Protection agents are ready to go.
-Reporting by Pat Batcheller
Michigan ranks worst for child wellness
A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranks Michigan worst in the Midwest for overall child wellbeing. The Kids Count Data Book bases its scores on education, health, economic wellbeing and other factors.
The data come mostly from 2024, meaning the impact of some recent steps the state has taken don’t show up.
-Reporting Colin Jackson/MPRN
Conversation about media bias and Palestine
Arab Americans for Progress, Pluto Press and Source Booksellers are bringing a conversation about media bias and Palestine to the Arab American National Museum Thursday. Adam Johnson, author of the book “How to Sell a Genocide” will speak with moderator Bilal Baydoun.
The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to register on Eventbrite.
Art installation depicting killed children of Gaza comes to Dearborn
A Dearborn park will be the home of a new visual art project depicting the children of Gaza. The City of Dearborn, Jewish Voice for Peace-Detroit, the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, and ACCESS present this “Wall of Tears” artwork to the community.
Artist Phil Buehler created the 100 foot long, 7.5 ft tall outdoor mural that includes the names, ages and stories of over 18,000 children who were killed in Gaza since October 2023. An opening night event will be held for the exhibition on Thursday, June 11 at the Dearborn PEACE Park East from 5-7 p.m.
The Wall of Tears has previously been displayed in cities around the world, including New York and San Francisco. New murals will also be built in Mexico City, Dallas and Portland.
Another installation called “Gaza City” will be displayed at the Henry Ford Centennial Library on Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m. That installation will also be presented by Jewish Voice for Peace-Detroit and the U.S. Palestinian Community Network.
The event will feature a screening of "The Voice of Hind Rajab " and speakers including Huwaida Arraf, a civil rights lawyer who recently joined the Freedom Flotilla. This installation is a collaboration between Phil Buehler and Palestinian photojournalist Shroug Alaiya.
Additional headlines for Monday, June 8, 2026
State lawmakers vote to reinstate reading requirement
The Michigan House voted last week to revive the requirement that kids learn to read within one grade level by third grade or risk repeating a year in school.
Republican supporters argue its necessary to address the state’s lagging reading scores. Many educators counter that holding kids back a grade does nothing to improve their reading.
Democratic Representative John Fitzgerald says teachers need more resources to improve literacy. “We want to give educators and those around kids the tools that they need to give students the best opportunity for success, and just telling kids you have to read at third grade reading is not going to do it. It’s the resources and we want the result of that policy.”
State lawmakers repealed Michigan’s third-grade reading law a couple of years ago when Democrats controlled the Legislature.
-Reporting by Colin Jackson
Huron Valley inmate dies
The state corrections department says an inmate at the Huron Valley women’s prison died Saturday morning. The Detroit Free Press reports that Ashley Hoath fell ill and was taken to an emergency room, where her condition worsened, and life-saving measures failed. Hoath was serving time for killing her boyfriend in 2017.
She’s the third Huron Valley inmate to die in less than a month. The state is investigating the other two deaths.
-Reporting Pat Batcheller
Hamtramck Town Hall
The City of Hamtramck is hosting a town hall meeting today. The meeting is to help residents understand their water bill structure. City representatives will discuss changes that are taking place. Arabic and Bangla translators will be available. The town hall is scheduled for June 8 at 7 p.m. People can also watch the meeting at the City of Hamtramck YouTube page.
Madison Heights cuts drag queen story time from Pride festival
The Madison Heights City Council voted to cut “Drag Queen Story Time” from their Pride festival days before the event. The story time event would have featured drag queen performer Jadein Black reading books to children during the city’s celebrations.
Council members voted 4-3 to cancel it, due to concerns about the “appropriateness” of a drag queen reading to children.
Black told Fox 2 she was surprised the city canceled the program. Black says instead she will be performing a drag queen story time this weekend at Sidetrack in Ypsilanti.
Additional headlines from Thursday, June 4, 2026
New hangar opens at Detroit airport
A new 20,000 square foot hangar opened at the Coleman A. Young International Airport on Detroit’s east side Wednesday.
It’s the first new facility to open at the airport in 60 years.
Mayor Mary Sheffield says it’s the start of many investments in store for the airport. “We are continuing major investments into our airport, including runway and taxi upgrades, safety enhancements, the upcoming My Flight helicopter tour facility in the new Benjamin Davis Aerospace Academy that will be opening this fall.”
The new hangar was planned, designed, and built by Avflight. The company has operated at the city airport since 2011.
Incentive increases attendance in DPSCD
The Detroit Public Schools Community District says nearly 84% of high schoolers were paid for attendance this year. That’s roughly 12,800 students who received at least one $100 visa gift card for showing up to class everyday between January and May this year.
District officials say absenteeism decreased by 10 percentage points this school year compared to 2023-24 before the incentive program began. The district launched the initiative last year as part of an effort to curb chronic absenteeism.
Free Dutch Girl Donuts
Friday is National Donut Day, and Detroit staple Dutch Girl Donuts is celebrating by offering free donuts at its new second location in New Center.
Customers can receive two free donuts while supplies last from 8-10 a.m. at its location on 2820 E. Grand Boulevard.
Lawsuit to block SMART bus millage dismissed
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit targeting a millage proposal on the August primary ballot that would prevent Wayne County communities from opting out of the SMART bus system.
The group Not SMART Wayne filed the suit, claiming the Wayne County Transit Authority did not follow disclosure and notice requirements before placing the millage on the ballot. The judge dismissed the case for insufficient evidence.
Matthew Wilk is an organizer of Not SMART Wayne. He says the battle is not over. “So we are going to fight this at the ballot box. We’re going to make sure everybody knows exactly what they’re doing. I think it is wholly inappropriate to have a tax, a special double tax on Detroiters. It’s 650,000 Detroiters and we’re going to let the world know about it.”
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans applauded the judge’s decision. Evans says expanding the SMART bus system will provide an affordable alternative, especially when Detroiters are dealing with high gas prices. Voters will see the millage proposal on the August 4 ballot.
-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley
Additional headlines for Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Dearborn starts aggressive driving unit
The city of Dearborn has launched a new unit to stop aggressive driving. The city says the unit will watch for driving behaviors that may cause accidents and threaten the public’s safety.
The Dearborn police department has acquired three Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles for the special unit. Those cars will be able to more easily blend in with normal traffic.
The city says police officers issued more than 33,000 traffic citations last year.
Gas prices fall
Metro Detroit gas prices are trending downward despite continued hostilities in the Middle East.
The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular in the area is now $4.28. That’s down 29 cents per gallon from last week at this time.
Analysts say talk of a possible peace deal has helped push prices lower. But the U.S. and Iran have both launched strikes in recent days – and there’s no clear word on when the situation might be resolved.
The vital Strait of Hormuz remains closed to commercial ship traffic. Twenty percent of the world’s crude oil typically passes through that waterway.
DPSCD to demolish Cooley High School
The Detroit Public Schools Community District will demolish Cooley High School this summer. That’s according to reporting by Bridge Detroit and Historic Detroit. The high school was originally built in 1928 and closed in 2010.
There were efforts to save the building. The non-profit Life Remodeled had offered in 2023 to purchase the site from the district, but that offer was rejected.
Teacher of the Year nominations open
And the Michigan Department of Education is looking to recognize teachers for their hard work.
The Teacher of the Year program was created to acknowledge the achievements of educators in the state. Anyone can nominate a teacher using the form on the state Department of Education website until September 23.
The winner of the award will be announced in the spring.