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.
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Detroit City Council votes in new leaders
The Detroit City Council voted in new leaders Monday.
WDET'S Bre'Anna Tinsley was there.
James Tate was voted President 5-4. He served as President Pro Tem under now mayor Mary Sheffield. He says he wants to strengthen how the council operates.
"For years, I have pushed for a legislative agenda, and while we have not fully realized that goal, I did help usher into our rules, a process that can move us there. That matters because it increases transparency, accountability, and it also provides the public a way to see our priorities and measure our progress."
Coleman Young II was voted Pro Tem, defeating Mary Waters.
Additional headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025
Duggan's independent campaign stresses unity
Independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan says he's bringing a message of unity to the state—the kind he says helped him bridge divides as mayor of Detroit.
As an independent Duggan won't get any visibility from the party primary process. He says instead he’s visiting with small groups of voters across Michigan and finding many of them concerned about the same issues like affordable housing and job training opportunities.
Duggan says Republicans and Democrats are more interested in beating each other than working together to solve problems. "I have never seen a state more evenly divided than Michigan today. And people more fed up. I don't think the climate's ever been more fertile...to have a third option."
Duggan claims rural voters in particular find they have more in common than they thought with the urban electorate that placed him at the top of Detroit's city government. (Quinn Klinefelter)
Retail Food Business Cohort
The Brightmoor Artisan Collective is getting ready to launch a program for folks who want to start a food business.
Applications for the Retail Food Business Cohort are set to go live in a few weeks. Participants will be able to access free food safety certification, business plan development, networking events and a one year membership in the collective.
For more information visit brightmoorartisans.org.
New sports programs for kids
The Detroit Parks and Rec Department is launching a slew of sports programs for kids this and next month. Offerings include tennis, baseball, volleyball, basketball, flag football, soccer and “sports movement.”
Programs will be offered at recreation and community centers throughout the city.
Sheffield takes office
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield took office on New Year's Day. But she's celebrating her achievement with a public swearing-in ceremony this week.
Detroit City Council members, police commissioners and the City Clerk will also take part. The ceremony at the Detroit Opera House features poetry and music performances as well.
Sheffield is the first woman ever elected mayor of Detroit. She says her team is developing an action plan for her first 100 days with input from the community. But she's also retaining several key officials from the past mayoral administration including the corporation counsel—the city's top lawyer—and Detroit's fire commissioner.
Sheffield also announced today that the city will join a program that gives financial support to pregnant women and infants. The city has already raised 9 million dollars to participate in RX Kids. It's looking for $2 million to fund the program for 3 years.
Sheffield says she hopes to secure the funding to launch the program within her first 100 days.
Additional headlines for Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
State utility regulators demand more transparency
DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and other regulated utilities in Michigan must do more to inform customers about potential rate hikes. This is because of a new order by state utility regulators.
The Michigan Public Service Commission wants to increase customer participation in utility issues, including cases that set new rates. After March, regulated electric utilities must inform customers when they asked for higher rates, and how much their bills would go up if that amount is approved.
There’s concern that this could confuse people, since rarely do utilities get their full requested amount. But supporters of the change say advance notice will let more people find out about and comment on potential rate hikes before the cases are resolved.
Gas prices
Michigan gas prices have dropped 11 cents since last week. According to the auto group AAA, you can get regular unleaded for $2.70. This new price is 18 cents less than a month ago and 44 cents less than this time last year, making this new price the lowest since February of 2021.
The US strikes in Venezuela this weekend don’t seem to have impacted oil prices just yet, according to AAA. The organization also says Venezuela crude oil exports have been limited due to the sanctions in the last couple of years.
Sports updates
NFL
The Lions beat the Chicago Bears 19-16 yesterday with a walk off field goal kick from Jake Bates, ending the season with a winning record. Now all eyes are on the off season, the NFL draft and seeing how they will bounce back for the 2026 season.
NBA
The Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday 114-110 and remain on top of the Eastern Conference. Their next game is today at Little Caesars against the New York Knicks and again at Little Caesars on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.
Tip off for both is at 7:00 p.m.
NHL
The Red Wings play against the Ottawa Senators tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Red Wings are currently third in the Atlantic Division.
Carl Thomas performs
And R&B singer Carl Thomas known for his smash 2000 hit “I Wish” will be performing at Sound Board on Sunday Jan. 11, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
The artist from Illinois hit the Billboard Top Hot 100 and peaked at 20. And this year marks the 26th anniversary of his debut studio album "Emotional."
To hear Thomas live, go to soundboarddetroit.com for tickets and more information.
VERDAD disinformation monitoring tool, plus events this weekend
Over the holidays, we’re sharing some of the stories Detroit Evening Report hosts produced for the radio this year. Today we hear a story from Nargis Rahman.
Journalist Martina Guzman has created an AI-powered tool to monitor disinformation aimed at Spanish speakers via radio.
The project is a part of Guzman’s work for the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University’s Law School. They recently received a $350,000 grant to expand VERDAD which stands for Verifying and Exposing Disinformation and Discourse.
Guzmán told Nargis Rahman the tool will now expand to all 50 states, into multiple languages and also globally.
Additional headlines for Friday, Jan. 2, 2026
Women's Hockey League returns
The ladies come to hockey town tomorrow as the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) returns to Little Caesars Arena for their Takeover Tour. The Vancouver Goldeneyes play the Boston Fleet Saturday at 7 p.m.
Detroit audiences have broken PWHL attendance records at previous games.
The league will play in Detroit again March 28 when the New York Sirens and Montreal Victoire play.
The league expanded last year from 6 teams to 8 – adding Vancouver and Seattle. No Detroit team has been announced yet.
Fullmoon Party
The Euphoria Flow Sisters will host a Fullmoon Party Saturday evening at the Congregation. The event offers a chance to de-stress, release negative energy and shove in some self-care after the holidays.
It is free and will include an “ecstatic dance.”
Windsor tarot reading
Start the new year with appreciation for our international border and a psychic reading. GQ Tarot and Celestial Spirit Tarot are hosting Beyond Resolutions! New Year Psychic Readings at Celeste’s Café in Windsor starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
The event is scheduled to fall on the Full Wolf Supermoon – a time for emotional release and profound clarity.
Celeste’s Café is at 1295 Ottawa Street in Windsor. Pre-booking is strongly encouraged. Call 519-256-9859.
Veterans find mental health support in gaming, plus New Year events
Over the holidays…the Detroit Evening Report team is sharing some of the stories we produced for the radio this year. Today, we hear a story from WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley.
A survey by the Entertainment Software Association found that 86% of veterans turn to gaming to reduce stress and anxiety. Bre’Anna Tinsley spoke to Stephen Machuga, who founded a nonprofit that supports mental health for veterans through gaming. Before creating Stack Up, Machuga spent eight years in the army.
That’s just part of Bre’Anna Tinsley’s interview with Stephen Machuga who founded the veteran support nonprofit Stack Up. You can hear the full story at wdet.org.
Additional headlines for December 31, 2025
First Day Hike
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is encouraging Michiganders to spend the first day of 2026 outdoors. The “First Day Hike” is an option for state and national parks. The Friends of Maybury State Park host a New Year’s Day hike every year. Recreation passes are required for vehicles entering state parks. You can find Michigan trails close by or across the state at michigan.gov/dnrtrails.
New year wishes
Decked Out Detroit’s “Create” program is offering a holiday crafting workshop tomorrow (Thurs). The Shadow Boxing New Year's Wishes Workshop is a chance to make a shadow box and fill it with wishes for 2026. The workshop is from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1413 Woodward Avenue. Search for “create by decked out Detroit” on Eventbrite to register.
Markets open until January 4
Shopping at the Downtown Detroit Markets and warm drinks at the Cadillac Lodge at Cadillac Square are also available New Year’s Day and through January. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.
Pistons at home
The Pistons host the Miami Heat at Little Caesars Arena New Year’s Day. The game starts at 7 p.m.
Stay safe
And of course, there will be plenty of New Year’s Eve celebrations tonight. Make sure to select a designated driver if you plan to drink.
Diana Ross
If you’re staying home tonight, Motown legend Diana Ross will headline Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve. The live New York based show featuring several artists starts at 8 p.m. on ABC television.
Happy New Year!
The Detroit Evening Report will take a break for the holiday, but we’ll be back on Friday – ready to bring you all things Detroit in 2026.
From all of us here at WDET, Happy New Year!
Detroit Evening Report: Remembering Rosa Parks, plus local events
Over the holidays, we’re sharing some of the stories Detroit Evening Report hosts produced for the radio this year. Today…we hear a story from Jerome Vaughn.
October 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ death. She was 92 when she died in her Detroit home in 2005. WDET’s Jerome Vaughn covered the story at the time and WDET aired that story this fall to commemorate Parks’ life and passing.
This is just part of Jerome Vaughn’s story commemorating the life and passing of Rosa Parks. You can hear the full story at wdet.org.
Adults have a lot of options for ringing in the New Year. But we have some events to help little ones get in on the fun.
The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Legoland in Auburn Hills and United Skates in Lincoln Park are just some places with Noon Year’s Eve festivities for the whole family offered mid-day on Wednesday.
Find a link to Little Guide Detroit’s roundup of kid-friendly parties at littleguidedetroit.com. (https://littleguidedetroit.com/kid-friendly-new-years-eve-events-in-metro-detroit-2025/)
The Detroit Film Theatre will screen three documentary shorts about Anishinaabe Food Sovereignty on Saturday, Jan. 3. The films will explore modern and historic gardening practices, an effort to restore the whitefish population and one woman’s journey to reconnect with her own heritage through the experience of harvesting wild rice.
The screening is at 2 p.m. on Jan. 3 and is scheduled as the DIA’s exhibit, Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation, is on display until April 5th. The film and exhibit are free to residents of Wayne… Oakland and Macomb Counties – or free with museum admission. For more information, visit dia.org/events.
Revisiting scent docent Terees Western, events and more
Over the holidays, we’re sharing some of the stories Detroit Evening Report hosts produced for the radio this year. Today we hear a story from Sascha Raiyn.
Terees Western is an artisan perfumer and owner of the business FragranTed. Sascha Raiyn spoke to her about her work and about one title she uses, "scent docent."
Western says she explains the experience of scent the way a docent at the DIA might explain a work of art.
Additional headlines for Monday, Dec. 29
Holiday events at Detroit Public Library
Detroit Public Library branches are hosting holiday break events throughout this week.
Offerings include card-making and Kwanzaa craft sessions, video and board gaming and storytimes. The Sherwood Forest Branch will host a family New Year’s Party Tuesday from 4-5pm at 7117 West Seven Mile Road.
Find Detroit Public Library events at detroitpubliclibrary.org/events.
Broomball in Detroit
Come Play Detroit is bringing Broomball to Downtown Detroit in early January and tomorrow is the last day to register to play.
The co-ed league hits the ice at Campus Martius Tuesday, Jan. 6.
Teams can register for $1100 dollars with a $100 deposit. Individuals can play for $120. The Broomball leagues runs through January and February. For more information visit comeplaydetroit.com.
Dearborn receives firearm safety grant
Dearborn’s Department of Public Health has been awarded a $101,000 grant to advance firearm safety. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services funding supports collaborative efforts to educate gun owners on safe handling and storage.
Dearborn Mayor Abdulllah Hammoud says firearm injury prevention is a public health and safety priority.
The city’s health department will distribute firearm safety kits, including gun locks, lockboxes, and educational materials. Dearborn Chief Public Health Officer Ali Abazeed says the grant supports evidence-based education and access to safety tools.
Additional headlines for Monday, December 22, 2025
Michigan Chief Medical Executive makes Standing Recommendation regarding children’s vaccines
Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, made a Standing Recommendation to continue issuing vaccinations on schedule based on recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Bagdasarian shared that public health experts are not in agreement with new federal vaccine recommendations, prompting the announcement. One of the recent changes was dropping the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth and removing the COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for healthy children and pregnant women.
Bagdasarian’s Standing Recommendation was made with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Immunization.
She says the recommendation does not supersede clinical judgment. She also asks health care providers to make vaccines accessible by removing barriers for patients.
EGLE renews license for hazardous waste facility
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has renewed the license for a hazardous waste treatment and storage facility in Detroit for the next 10 years.
Hazardous Waste Management Facility Operating License to EQ Detroit Inc., which does business as US Ecology Detroit South, was issued the license after regulatory review and a public comment process. Several people strongly opposed the facility because it emits strong odors leading to health concerns like asthma. The facility also has a history of clean air violations.
EGLE renewed the license, adding new requirements, such as expanding air and groundwater monitoring. The facility must replace six tanks beginning in January 2026 and install odor control equipment by the end of Dec 2027.
Tunnel in southwest Detroit
The Great Lakes Water Authority has started building a sewage relief system near the Rouge River in Southwest Detroit. Crews will spend at least two years digging a tunnel to carry excess stormwater to an underused retention and treatment center. Chief Operating Officer Navid Mehram says the $87 million project should reduce the risk of flooding and sewage backups during heavy rain.
"So this is an example where we’re making an investment in our existing system by rerouting some flows, so that we can leverage an existing facility that wasn’t receiving all the flow it can treat.”
Mehram says the project will not increase customers' sewage bills. He says state and federal funding will help pay for the tunnel.
New tech firm in town
Detroit is getting a new high-tech security and AI solution firm Eccalon. The defense tech company will create 800 new jobs ranging from $25-100 per hour.
The facility will have manufacturing operations, training programs and an innovation center.
The company’s headquarters is moving from Maryland to become a part of the tech innovation in Detroit. Eccalon will be located at the Bedrock-owned Icon building at 200 Walker Street.
Eccalon Chairman and CEO André Gudger says the new headquarters will develop cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing and automation.
The company hopes to open early next year.
Detroit Evening Report: DCFC field is moving forward
Progress on DCFC field
Demolition has started at the site of the new AlumniFi Field, which will be home to the Detroit City Football Club soccer field. The former Southwest Detroit Hospital, which has been vacant for years, will be demolished to make way for the 15 thousand seat soccer stadium and mixed-use project. The project will also include a 421-space parking garage and a 76-unit residential building.
Additional headlines for Thursday, December 18, 2025
Gorgon confirmed
The U-S Senate last week confirmed Detroit Native Jerome Gorgon as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Gorgon will be the chief federal law enforcement official for federal cases in Detroit and throughout the state’s eastern Lower Peninsula. He follows former US Attorney Dawn Ison. Gorgon was born in Southwest Detroit, graduated from Southwestern High School, and taught in Detroit Public Schools.
Waitlist open
The Taylor Housing Commission is opening up the waitlist for its housing choice voucher program for 12 days this month. The last time the list was open was in 2023. Starting December 20, the commission will accept pre-applications for a potential spot on its waiting list for the program meant to help low-income families, the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities afford housing. The commission will randomly select up to 400 names to create its new wait list. Applicants do not need to be residents of Taylor to apply. To apply, visit taylorhousing.org
Applications being accepted
PropserUs Detroit is hiring. The organization supports entrepreneurs with opportunities and capital needed to build businesses, generational wealth, and vibrant neighborhoods. ProsperUs is seeking applications for trainers to deliver a variety of programming, including entrepreneur training, subject-matter workshops, group technical assistance, and one-on-one coaching. Ideal candidates will have experience in entrepreneurship, knowledge of adult learning, and a commitment to equity and community impact. Visit ProsperUs Detroit’s Instagram page for a link to apply. Application window closes on January 11.
Drop in temps tonight
Watch out for a flash freeze tonight. Scattered showers throughout the day today are expected to create wind gusts picking up to about 40 mph by Friday morning. Temperatures are expected to quickly drop to below freezing overnight, increasing the potential of a flash freeze on the roads by Friday morning. Snow is also predicted through Friday morning.
Brian White selected as Sheffield’s deputy mayor
Detroit mayor-elect Mary Sheffield has chosen her deputy mayor.
Brian White has been her chief of staff during her time as city council president. White says he'll help Sheffield deliver on her promises to spread Detroit's growth into the neighborhoods.
Sheffield has also announced she will keep Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison in his position. In a press statemen the Sheffield transition team credited Bettison with a record drop in violent crime across the city. Sheffield said the chief has the “respect of his peers…the loyalty of the rank and file… and the hearts and trust of the people.”
Additional headlines from Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- New federal bills would replicate a Michigan program to help with childcare in every state. The “tri-share” childcare program splits the cost of childcare between income-eligible families, employers and the state. Republican Representatives Hillary Scholten and John James co-sponsored the bill.
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer says improving Michigan's student reading skills will be her number one priority next year. She says she will share more details about her plans during her final State of the State address early next year. Kids Count ranked Michigan among the ten worst states in 4th and 8th grade reading scores.
- Detroit attorney Maurice Morton joins the race for District 13 Representative. Morton will challenge Democratic Representative Shri Thanedar as an independent.
- The state’s last virtual FAFSA webinar of 2025 is this week. The FAFSA is used by colleges and funding organizations to determine financial aid for students. The MiLEAP webinars also offer information on federal financial aid programs, state financial aid programs and resources for finding scholarships. The last FAFSA webinar of the year is Thursday, Dec.18 at 6:30 p.m. To register or to find a recording of a previous webinar, go here.
Abbas Alawieh runs for District 2 state senator
Arab American candidate Abbas Alawieh has announced that he’s running to become the next state senator in District 2. The newly drawn district includes Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and parts of Allen Park and Detroit.
Alawieh says he is running to uplift people’s voices.
“I want to become a state senator that wields the power of a movement of people that will come together around this campaign to say, hey, District 2 is here to play. We're going to show up with our values, with our leverage, with our people power.”
Alawieh previously worked on Capitol Hill for U.S. Representatives Andy Levin and Rashida Tlaib. He also served as chief of staff to Congresswoman Cori Bush.
Alawieh also co-founded the Uncommitted National Movement, which aimed to pressure then Presidential candidate Kamala Harris to address U.S. policy on the war in Gaza.
Additional headlines from Monday, December 15, 2025
Inaugural Rising Voices Artist & Creatives Cohort
The Asian American civic engagement nonprofit “Rising Voices” has launched a new project.
The Rising Voices Artist & Creatives Cohort will sponsor four emerging creatives next year. Each artist will receive $2500 and a mentorship to create pieces for a gallery exhibition in July. The theme will be “Revolution, Resistance & Joy.”
The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 1. Winning artists will be announced in March, with work time between April and June.
Bus safety in Dearborn
The City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Public Schools unveiled a new bus safety program today. The program detects and penalizes drivers who illegally pass school buses. About 40 million drivers in the U.S. illegally pass bus stops annually, leading to 2,200 violations.
School buses in the city will be equipped with “BusPatrol” technology which uses stop-arm enforcement cameras to record violations and report them to the Dearborn Police Department.
The new features are part of an effort to increase traffic patrols and educate the public about how to keep children safe as they’re getting on and off school buses.
Hospitals make a call on vaccines
Several Michigan hospital systems reportedly plan to disregard federal recommendations and continue giving infants the hepatitis B vaccine.
A federal advisory panel said earlier this month that doctors should wait to vaccinate babies against hepatitis B unless their mother tested positive for the disease.
Health experts warn that will lead to an increase in childhood liver disease. Evidence shows giving newborns the vaccine early is safe and has drastically reduced hepatitis B in kids.
The Detroit Free Press reports that Corewell, Henry Ford, McLaren, Munson and the University of Michigan health systems will continue to give the vaccine to children within the first day after they are born.
Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter and Pat Batcheller
Warming centers
The city of Detroit has opened warming centers to help residents escape the bitter cold. City officials say residents can escape the frigid conditions during the day at Detroit's recreation centers and public library branches. Overnight shelter is also available.
Those in need should call the Detroit Housing Resource Help Line for assistance at 866-313-2520 or online at detroitmi.gov.
People can also go to a Detroit police precinct.
Weather forecasters say the potentially life-threatening sub-zero wind chills are expected to abate later this week.
Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter
Warming centers open in extreme cold
The City of Detroit is activating warming centers in response to the extreme cold weather forecasted this weekend. The City has also declared a cold weather health emergency and is advising residents to remain safe.
One of the warming centers is the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries on 13130 Woodard Ave. They are opening Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. through Tuesday Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. Residents in need can access the temporary overnight stand by shelter anytime by walking in without any referrals.
You could also call the Detroit Housing Resource Help Line at 866-313-2520 which is operating 24/7 during this health emergency.
For more information on helpline resources, respite locations and other warming centers go to detroitmi.gov.
Additional headlines from Friday, December 12, 2025
Former Michigan coach faces criminal charges
Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore will be arraigned in court Friday on stalking and home invasion charges.
This happened just days after the shocking news of his firing from the Wolverines program over allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
According to prosecutors, he faces charges of home invasion in the third degree, stalking and breaking and entering or entering without breaking.
The judge has agreed to a $25,000 cash surety bond, continuation of mental health treatment and a GPS tether for Moore, making it clear that any contact with the alleged victim would be a violation of the terms of his bail.
Sports
NFL
The Detroit Lions have a reunion with former QB Matthew Stafford as they face the Los Angels Rams. If the Lions win on Sunday they will have a 72% chance of making it to the playoffs. If they lose, their chances drop to 42% according to NFL research. Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. EST as SoFi Stadium.
NBA
The Pistons face the Atlanta Hawks today at Little Caesars Arena. The hometown heroes are currently number one in the Eastern Conference.
Tip off for Friday’s game is at 7:00 p.m.
NHL
The Red Wings face the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday Dec. 13 at the United Center. The game starts at 8 p.m.
Chris Webber hosts basketball showcase
And this Saturday, NBA Hall of famer, Detroit native and former Pistons during the 2007 Chris Webber, is hosting his Michigan basketball showcase this weekend.
Basketball fans across the state will gather at the University of Detroit Mercy's historic Calihan Hall arena to witness the top girls and boys high school teams in Michigan.
The boys event will be on Saturday Dec. 13 at noon and Sunday Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m. The girls event will be Sunday at noon. For more information go to udmercy.edu.
Detroit Public Schools asks ICE to release students
Detroit Public Schools officials want Immigration and Customs Enforcement to release four high school students the government is holding, including a star baseball player at Western International High School.
Agents arrested Santiago Jesus Zamora Perez and his mother last weekend. Their lawyer says ICE is holding them in Texas.
At a school board meeting Tuesday, students and teachers described a climate of fear at the school in Detroit's Mexicantown neighborhood.
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti says he and the school board will write a letter to ICE asking them to release the students it detained.
Additional headlines from Thursday, December 11, 2025
Kronk Gym reopens
Detroit’s Kronk Gym officially reopened this month in the old rec center where Joe Luis trained. It’s now in the recently renovated Brewster-Wheeler recreation center.
Kronk Gym was Founded by Emanuel Steward and trained dozens of world boxing champions including Thomas Hearns and Lennox Lewis.
Kronk Gym memberships range from $90 to $129 a month, with training and HIIT classes, or $35 a month for youth.
Human Rights Day march
The social justice group CodePink Detroit will join a coalition of grassroots organizations for a Human Rights Day march this Saturday starting at Hart Plaza.
The groups are calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza and Military aid to Israel, abolishing ICE and ending National Guard presence in some U.S. Cities. The march begins at 2:00pm.
For more information visit codepink.org/detroit1213.
Dearborn Heights tree lighting saved by local businessman
Dearborn Heights came close to canceling it’s annual tree lighting ceremony this year but a local business man saved the day.
City officials had ordered an artificial tree from China but the shipment ran into serious delays. The city decided to try to find a replacement tree, and businessman Sam Hussein helped pay for it. Hussein told Channel 7 he felt it was the right thing to do and was a great way to give back to his community.
The tree lighting ceremony will take place Friday at 6:30 p.m. outside of the Dearborn Heights City Hall.
Season of Soul
The Charles H Wright Museum’s Season of Soul is back! The daylong event is Sunday Dec. 14 starting at 10 a.m. The event falls on Second Sunday.
The museum offers free admission on the second Sunday of every month. Activities include morning yoga, photos with Black Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a holiday silent disco.
For more information, check out the events page on the museum’s website at thewright.org.
Slush creates dangerous driving conditions
Detroiters had to deal with a messy commute this morning – as snow overnight turned to rain, making a slushy mess on area roads and sidewalks. While northern suburbs received as much as five inches of snow, the city got about two inches before rain moved in.
The National Weather Service says the rain is expected to turn back into snow this evening. Temperatures will drop through the day as a cold front moves into town. Make sure to shovel your sidewalks or driveways today, because any slush will freeze tonight, with lows dropping to around 19 degrees. Highs for the rest of the week will only be in the 20s.
The Detroit Public Schools Community District closed today because of the weather. Students, teachers and staff got to stay home and all district buildings remained closed. Hundreds of other schools in metro Detroit were also closed today.
With temperatures expected to fall into the 20s over the next few days, the City of Detroit has put out a list of places where residents can warm up. The city’s 13 recreation centers will be available. Some will be open until 7 p.m.; others until 9 p.m. Detroit Public Library branches are also places where you can go to warm up.
Additional headlines from Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Detroit casino earnings rise slightly
Detroit casinos brought in just over $108 million in revenue last month. That’s up one-tenth of a percentage point from November 2024.
MGM Grand retained the top spot in Detroit with 47% of the market share. Motor City had 30%. Hollywood Casino at Greektown controlled 23% of the market.
The three casinos paid $13.2 million in taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit last month. They paid another $8.6 million in taxes to the State of Michigan.
Kilpatrick wants restitution cut
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick wants to have a federal judge reduce his restitution payments.
Kilpatrick appeared on WJR saying assets previously seized and restitution already paid should cover the remainder of what he owes the city.
The Detroit News reports Kilpatrick owed the city hundreds of thousands of dollars last year at this time. He was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison on racketeering conspiracy and other charges, but President Trump commuted his sentence in 2021.
Court refuses to block marijuana tax
A Michigan Court of Claims judge has declined to block a 24% wholesale tax on marijuana in the state less than a month before it’s scheduled to go into effect.
However, Judge Sima Patel allowed the challenge to the tax to proceed.
The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association claims the new tax is unconstitutional because it improperly alters a 2018 ballot measure that legalized the drug. Patel disagreed, writing that the new law was “another tax,” not an amendment to the ballot measure.
Detroit celebrates free “Rides to Care”
The City of Detroit is celebrating its “Rides to Care” program. Over the past year, the service has provided more than 20,000 free roundtrip rides for pregnant women and caregivers of babies up to a year old to get to medical appointments.
The goal of the program is to make it easier for those women to get to important prenatal and early childhood medical care.
Duggan gives exit interview, discusses campaign for governor
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan gave his exit interview at the Detroit Economic Club Monday.
He says he doesn’t plan to align himself with either party’s congressional races during his campaign for governor in 2026. Duggan was a lifelong Democrat until he decided to run for Whitmer’s seat. He says he’s not worried about how Michiganders vote in the U.S. House races.
"I am going to work with the people in both parties to get results that won't get reversed every two years as the state flips back and forth. I'm going to try to do what I did in Detroit, convince people that actually solving problems is better politics than tearing each other down."
Duggan says he plans to run his campaign for governor just like he ran his campaign for mayor—by meeting with voters directly.
His term as mayor ends in January.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, December 9, 2025
- Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield got married over the weekend. Her transition team confirmed social media chatter, saying she and Ricke Jackson, Jr. tied the knot in a private ceremony at The Godfrey Hotel on Sunday.
- Hanukkah starts Sunday and that means Menorah in the D! This will be the 15th annual lighting of the 26 foot menorah. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. with the menorah lighting at 5:30 p.m.
- The City of Pontiac will celebrate several new additions to its downtown business community tomorrow with a “mass ribbon cutting.” Eight new businesses will be welcomed to North Saginaw Street with ceremonies starting between noon and 4:00 p.m. At 4:30 p.m. there will be a celebration of the one year anniversary of interior design firm Designed Mindfully.
- Admission to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the Detroit Historical Museum is free Sunday, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 this month. You can find information about exhibits at both museums at detroithistorical.org.
Michigan uses opioid settlement to fund addiction recovery
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services plans to invest $38 million in housing support for Michigan residents recovering from substance abuse disorder. The funding is a part of the allocated Substance Abuse Disorder prevention measures for harm reduction, treatment and recovery services.
The state recently found about 7,500 people left treatment without stable housing. The funding will support about 3,400 recovery housing beds by 2028—a 40% increase.
Michigan will receive $1.8 billion from opioid settlements by the year 2040. Half of the funding will be distributed to the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund while the other half will be distributed to county, city and township governments.
The Michigan Association of Recovery Residencies survey found that providing recovery housing assistance helped people get and keep a job as part of their road to recovery.
Additional headlines from Monday, December 8, 2025
HEALTH INSURANCE
There’s about a month left to apply for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michigan residents to purchase health insurance by Dec. 15 to have coverage by January 1. People who apply after that by January 15 will not get coverage until Feb. 1.
DIFS Director Anita Fox says people should shop around for the most cost-effective plan with the best coverage. People can visit healthcare.gov or call 800-318-2596 for assistance.
LONELINESS IS ON THE RISE FOR ADULTS
A recent study by the American Association of Retired Persons or AARP found loneliness among adults 45 years and older increased to about 40%. That’s a 5% increase since 2018.
Heather Nawrocki is the Vice President of Fun and Fulfillment for AARP. She says people have fewer friends and their social networks are smaller than they used to be. She says men have higher rates of loneliness compared to women.
“They're just not getting out of the house as much. They don't have as many close friends and they're not joining community organizations, clubs or pursuing interests with others the same way as perhaps they did before.”
Nawrocki says the study also found people are volunteering less frequently, leading to less social interaction.
She says it's important to check on friends and loved ones to rekindle relationships for social health which also impacts health, happiness, and longevity.
Film Detroit
Film Detroit is hosting a free film experience this month.
Attendees will learn how to build video production skills, including how to create trailers and teasers. People will also be able to sing karaoke with the Karaoke Kingz.
They will have access to onsite film resources and permit support. The event takes place Dec. 22 from 5-8 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center located at 18100 Meyers Rd.
Visit detroitmi.gov/filmdetroit for more information.
Big Sean and Usher invest in Detroit youth talent
Detroit rapper Big Sean and music legend Usher are partnering to invest in a new $1 million entertainment production facility for Detroit youth. It will be called the Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator and will be located inside the new Boys and Girls Club at Michigan Central.
The program will give young people from the ages of 14 to 24 access to a virtual production studio, special effects lab, creators lounge and more.
Both artists grew up going to Boys and Girls Clubs and are looking to give back with this effort. The new Boys and Girls Club location is slated to officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony in February according to a statement from representatives.
Additional headlines from Friday, December 5, 2025
Respite centers
As the weather drops, the city is reminding Detroiters in need that there are respite centers available. Recreation centers and public libraries serve as respite centers during their regular operating hours.
Some of the locations open this weekend include the Coleman A young Recreation Center at 2751 Robert Bradby, the Kemeny Recreation Center at 2260 S. Fort and the Bowen Branch of the Detroit Public Library at 3648 Vernor Hwy.
For more locations and more information go to detroitmi.gov.
City seeks sculptor
The city of Detroit is looking for someone to sculpt a second statue of Joe Louis that honors his achievements outside the boxing ring.
Officials already unveiled the first statue celebrating the Brown Bomber's contributions to golf. He was the first amateur Black golfer to play in a PGA-sanctioned event.
The new statue will pay tribute to his impact on equestrian sports. Louis bought a horse farm in Shelby Township in 1939 and created the nation's first horse show featuring Black riders and trainers.
Mahmood sues to count disqualified Hamtramck ballots
In Hamtramck mayoral candidate Adam Alharbi was deemed the winner by 11 votes after a recount this week. But the race may not be over yet. Alharbi's opponent Muith Mahmood filed a lawsuit arguing that the city should count all 37 votes that were disqualified.
The ballots were found improperly stored in the City Clerk's office and were excluded from the final count after the Wayne County Board of Canvassers deadlocked on the issue.
Former Michigan state elections director Chris Thomas says although there is a security concern about how the ballots were handled Hamtramck residents should not be penalized. "Apparently these envelopes were received, their date, time and date stamped. The signatures were compared and found to be valid. So these voters have been disenfranchised, so there's no question about that. And the question before the court is, what are you going to do for these voters?"
Another hearing is scheduled to settle the issue.
Sports
NFL
The Lions bounce back from their Thanksgiving loss with a win against the Dallas Cowboys last night with the score of 44-30. The Lions haven’t had back-to-back losses since the 2022 season and now tie the all-time NFL record with 15 Straight wins after a loss.
They look to continue their playoff hopes as they face the Rams on Sunday December 14th.
NBA
The Pistons have back to back matchups as they face the Portland Trail Blazers today at 7:30pm and the Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be at Little Caesars Arena.
NHL
And the Red Wings fell to The Columbus Blue Jackets last night with a 6-5 loss. They hope to bounce back against the Seattle Krakens tomorrow at Climate Pledge Arena. Game starts at 10:00 p.m. EST.
Merry Midtown
Tomorrow the city will be merry with the first ever Merry Midtown event. There will be dining and shopping experiences, Santa sightings, Christmas music, a roaming photo booth and more.
For more information go to citybirddetroit.com.
DTE faces protest over push for AI data center
State energy regulators heard from people last night who oppose a large data center project near Saline. The Michigan Public Service Commission held a virtual hearing on DTE Energy’s request to fast-track contracts with the project’s developers.
The data center would require DTE Energy to substantially increase its peak electrical load. The company says that won’t raise customer’s rate.
Opponents say the facility would draw almost as much power as the city of Detroit.
Protestors rallied Wednesday in Beacon Park near DTE Headquarters.
DTE said the data center’s operators would pay for the energy they use, almost 1.5 gigawatts.
Additional headlines from Thursday, December 4, 2025
VERDAD tool
Wayne State’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights received a $350 thousand grant for its AI powered tool “VERDAD", which stands for Verifying and Exposing Disinformation and Discourse.”
VERDAD founder and journalist Martina Guzman says the tool started monitoring ethnic radio stations for disinformation in Latino communities.
Since VERDAD launched last year, more than 320 academics and journalists have registered to use the free tool. It will expand to all 50 states in multiple languages, including Arabic, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese.
Robocop statue
A long awaited 11-foot-tall bronze sculpture of Robocop has finally taken its permanent place in Eastern Market. The statue is located at 3434 Russell St.
Alharbi wins Hamtramck mayoral recount
A recount in the Hamtramck race for mayor shows that Adam Alharbi has won the election. Alharbi beat City Councilman Muhith Mahmood by just 11 votes. Muhith requested a recount because the initial margin of victory was so small. The Wayne County Board of Canvassers recounted just over 4,000 ballots by hand Tuesday.
Legal action continues in the case, though. Mahmood has sued, claiming that 37 ballots found in the City Clerk’s office after the election should be counted.
Additional headlines from Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Master Plan Meetings
The City of Detroit is holding a series of meetings this week to give residents more information on its 20-year master plan.
The meetings, held by the Planning and Development Department, will also give Detroiters a chance to provide their input on proposals for land use in parts of the city.
There’s a meeting for east siders tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Farwell Recreation Center on East Outer Drive. Another takes place at 6 p.m. Thursday in Southwest Detroit at the Patton Recreation Center on Woodmere. A virtual Zoom meeting will be held on Monday, December 9th. Passcode: 900187
Detroit voter suppression sentence
Two conservative political operatives have been sentenced to probation in a scheme to discourage Black Detroiters from voting by mail in the 2020 presidential election.
This week’s sentencing was the last court hearing for Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman in a multistate effort to generate and distribute thousands of robocalls. The pair were accused of creating robocalls that warned people they could be questioned by police, debt collectors and vaccine advocates if they voted by mail.
Wohl and Burkman pleaded no contest to several crimes after unsuccessfully challenging the charges on free speech grounds.
Ambassador Bridge fee rises
The price for crossing the Ambassador Bridge will rise next year.
Tolls for passenger vehicles traveling across the international bridge between Detroit and Windsor will rise to $10 each way starting January first. That’s up from $9 right now.
For motorists paying in Canadian funds, the toll jumps from $12 CDN to $14.
State of Macomb address
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel will deliver his State of the County address tonight. He’ll speak to an invitation-only crowd at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township.
He’s expected to review events of the past year and preview the year to come. Macomb County’s Black population is now at 12.4%. That’s up from just around 1% in 1970. Tonight’s speech is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. You can watch it live at WDET.org.
Cold spell coming
Detroiters should brace for a deep cold spell over the next few days.
The National Weather Service says the worst of it in the short run will be now through Friday night. Lows tonight are forecasted to be around 15 degrees. Highs tomorrow and Friday will only rise into the mid-20s. Lows Thursday night will drop to around 6 degrees with wind chills of -2.
If you’re headed outside, dress in layers. Make sure you have a hat and gloves to keep you warm and avoid frostbite.
Holiday spirit lives on in Merry Midtown
Merchants and organizations in the midtown area have organized a holiday event to keep the spirit of Noel Night going. The annual event’s 51st run has been canceled. But almost 60 shops, restaurants, and community organizations have come together to launch “Merry Midtown” in the spirit of Noel Night.
City Bird’s Andy Linn says there will be concerts at the Detroit School of the Arts, exhibits at Wayne State, DJs at several sites and more.
“And there’s going to be pop up markets at about a dozen of the larger businesses including a really cool vintage and flea market at the majestic. And then there’s going to be live music at a number of locations including Red Hook and Motor City Brewing Works. There’s going to be so many little surprises.”
Business owners say Noel Night is often one of the most lucrative of the whole year – and also when many people discover small businesses in the area. They hope it returns next year, but Merry Midtown may also be here to stay.
For more information about Merry Midtown events visit citybirddetroit.com/events.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, December 2, 2025
- Detroit has welcomed three new lions at the Detroit Zoo.
- Pontiac is hosting its 44th Holiday Extravaganza Saturday. There will be a 5K Elf Run, a “Run, Little Elf” Run, a holiday parade, pony rides, winter festival, a visit from the Clauses and more. The event is a holiday celebration for Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford and White Lake. It starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. around Saginaw Street in downtown Pontiac.
- This fall was metro Detroit's driest autumn since 1998. The National Weather Service's preliminary data show we got just over four inches of rain, the least amount of precipitation for any fall this century.