The Detroit Evening Report

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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The Detroit Evening Report
Sailing center seeks support

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, Hernz Laguerre Jr. highlights a community sailing center that’s looking for help. Plus, a preview of this weekend’s sports and more.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:04:05
Jul 25, 2025 4:32 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Judge blocks Real Token rent

Judge blocks Real Token from collecting rent on blighted Detroit properties

A Wayne County Circuit Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order against real estate investment firm Real Token, blocking them from collecting rent on hundreds of Detroit homes until the properties meet city codes.

The order is tied to the city’s largest public nuisance lawsuit in history. Detroit filed the suit earlier this month, citing blight violations at more than 400 residential properties owned by Real Token.

Detroit Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett says tenants will soon be instructed to pay rent into an escrow account starting in August.

“We will be doing direct door-to-door outreach, and will have specific direction for the tenants as to where their rent money should go in the next seven days,” Mallett said.

Paying into the escrow, he says, will protect tenants from eviction due to nonpayment.

The restraining order also blocks Real Token from pursuing evictions at any property without a certificate of compliance. The company was ordered to secure 58 vacant blighted homes and correct all code violations within 90 days.

Company owners Remy and Jean-Marc Jacobson released a statement blaming property managers for the conditions of the homes. Mallett dismissed that claim.

“These properties are in such a degraded state that there is no way that interested owners, no matter whom they farmed out the responsibility to, would not know that their tenants are living in substandard housing.”

Since filing the suit, the city has identified an additional 130 Real Token properties that also lack certificates of compliance.

00:03:43
Jul 24, 2025 4:8 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Detroit grassroots coalition working to reduce truck traffic on residential streets

The Trucks Off Our Streets coalition urged the Detroit City Council on Tuesday to enforce existing truck regulation laws while waiting for a route ordinance to pass.   

Detroit was named one of the worst cities to live with asthma in 2024, and activists says a leading cause of that is the trucks driving through residential areas.   

Activist Simone Zagovac says a truck census in 2024 on Livernois counted 1,000 semi-trucks passing in one day on a road without any industry on it.   

“So every day, yesterday, today and tomorrow, 1,000 semi trucks are driving down those streets. In the last two years since we toured city administration staff, that means one million semi trucks have driven down Livernois," she said.  

Zagovac told city council simple enforcement of existing laws against speeding, parking, and route restrictions of semi-trucks can greatly improve the health of residents.   

She advocated for the council to also consider zoning amendments to better separate industry and residential areas.  

Other headlines for Wednesday, July 23, 2025:

  • A Detroit man is suing the city of Detroit and its police and fire departments for $100 million in damages over his wrongful conviction in 2013.
  • Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey will be kicking off early voting with a block party celebration this weekend. The Block Party for Democracy will be held on Saturday, July 26, on Grand Boulevard between Second and Third streets to mark the opening of Detroit’s Early Vote Centers.  The party will feature DJs, local vendors, food trucks, and dog adoptions from the Michigan Humane Society.  Primary election day is Aug. 5.  
  • Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s on Thursday, July 24. Detroit is reopening their cooling centers. Residents can visit any Detroit recreation center or Detroit library during normal hours to beat the heat. The Northwest Activities, Patton, and Heilmann recreation centers will have extended hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:17
Jul 23, 2025 5:8 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Interviews underway to fill vacant Detroit school board seat

Detroit’s public schools board is interviewing candidates for its vacant seat this week.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Angelique Peterson Mayberry resigned earlier this month to complete Irma Clark-Coleman’s term on the Wayne County Commission. Clark-Coleman died in June.

Chalkbeat Detroit reports 16 people will be interviewed during special board meetings held July 21-24. The candidates include: Pageant Atterberry, Kenya Avant, Sonja Beasley-Hall, The Rev. Dr. Steven Bland Jr., Whitney Clarke, Jonathan Demers, Debra Duren, Dr. Bonnie Ferrell, Bessie Harris, Dr. Shinese Johnson, Brandy Mitchell, Aliya Moore, Ashley Pearson, Traci Ricks, Jeremiah Steen and The Rev. Curtis Williams.

Applications for the position were open to the public and closed on July 9. The board plans to score each candidate during interviews then vote to fill the seat on July 28. The candidate selected will serve on the board through 2026. 

Other headlines for Tuesday, July 22, 2025:

  • Low income Consumers Energy customers can apply for up to $500 to pay past due energy bills through September 30. The State Emergency Relief funds are available to households with income within 150% of the federal poverty rate. Last year 540,000 customers shared more than 38 million dollars in energy assistance.
  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a Faucet and Filter Safety Net Program. Eligible households may be able to replace a faucet or get a lead-reducing filter. Some residents may qualify for a home visit for a visual assessment of their plumbing or get assistance applying for the Medicaid Lead Abatement program. 
  • The Lexus Velodrome was re-dubbed the Mad Track Arena on Monday. The indoor multi-sport complex first opened in January 2018 and partnered with the Detroit Lexus Dealers Association to offer bike programs. Detroit Fitness Foundation CEO Dale Hughes says thousands of youth in the city have learned to ride a bike, taken a spin on the Olympic-caliber indoor racetrack or become racers themselves. The arena features the only indoor velodrome of its kind in the U.S.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:15
Jul 22, 2025 5:13 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
8,000 homes demolished in Detroit cleanup effort

Detroit Evening Report: 8,000 homes demolished in Detroit cleanup effort

Detroit has reached a major milestone in its blight removal efforts, marking the 8,000th demolition under Proposal N. The voter-approved bond and federal funding have helped transform some of the city’s most populated neighborhoods.

Detroit marks 8,000th demolition under Proposal N

The City of Detroit recently celebrated its 8,000th demolition under Proposal N. The proposal was a voter-approved $250 million bond to remove blight across the city. About a decade ago, there were 45,000 vacant land bank homes. The city used $265 million in federal funding to complete the first phase of the demolitions in the most populated neighborhoods.  

47 artists bring life to Detroit’s alleys

Detroit’s Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship office is opening nine art alleys. The Art Alleys feature mosaics… sculptures… and murals created by 47 local artists. The Detroit Arts Alleys Initiative is a project that hopes to renovate alleys into community spaces through public art. It’s also a part of Mayor Duggan’s Blight to Beauty campaign.  

EGLE seeks input on Line 5 pipeline permit

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy or EGLE, has opened public comment for a permit related to work on the Line 5 project in the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel would replace a 70-year-old Line 5 oil and gas pipeline on the lakebed. Indigenous communities… say the Line 5 project trespasses through protected tribal land… which is used for livelihood… cultural and spiritual practices. Native communities and environmental activists also say the pipeline will have catastrophic consequences in the Great Lakes region if it ruptures… citing multiple leaks from the previous pipes. People can make a public comment from July 16 to August 29 about Enbridge Energy’s bid to work on the Line 5 tunnel project.  

Two virtual meetings will be held regarding the project… one as an informational session… and the other is a public hearing to collect comments on the record. People can also leave a comment online on EGLE’s public notice page.

West Nile detected in Michigan, no human cases yet

Health agencies report new cases of West Nile and similar viruses in mosquito samples around Michigan. Wasthenaw County health officials confirmed a positive sample of Jamestown Canyon virus, and Kent County reported three samples of West Nile virus from routine mosquito surveillance.  

No HUMAN cases have been found in Michigan so far this year. The uptick in mosquitoes is typical for this time for year but health officials are asking people to take precautions like using repellent and removing standing water around homes.  

00:02:47
Jul 21, 2025 4:12 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
New Michigan pilot program aims to address turnover in early education

A new state pilot program kicking off this fall aims to reduce turnover and attract talent in early childhood education by offering affordable benefits packages for educators.

The two-year pilot program, facilitated through the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), will include health insurance, life and disability benefits, and 401(k) options for early education teachers and child care workers.

Other headlines for Friday, July 18, 2025:

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:32
Jul 18, 2025 5:30 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Mayoral candidates vow to find new revenue streams for Detroit

Most candidates vying to become Detroit's next mayor agree the city's high property tax rates remain a barrier to home ownership and attracting more residents.

They say Detroit needs to find new revenue streams, especially now that the city has allocated all of its pandemic relief funding. 

On WDET's The Metro, Detroit mayoral candidate and City Council President Mary Sheffield said Detroit must increase partnerships with the private sector. 

"I do not believe that we can tax our way out of anything. That's one tool to have in the tool box. But overall we want to continue to increase our population, we want to continue to provide good-paying jobs because when that happens we get revenue back to Detroit through property tax and income tax," she said. 

Sheffield and rival candidate Saunteel Jenkins say the city should explore creating a local sales tax. 

Other contenders — like council member Fred Durhal III — say Detroit should target new investment from green energy and tech firms. 

But mayoral candidate Solomon Kinloch argues the city cannot grow its way to prosperity without help from state lawmakers.

– Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter, WDET.

Other headlines for Thursday, July 17, 2025:

  • Dearborn City Council voted Tuesday to restrict Airbnb and other short term rental units to the downtown area. The decision was in response to some residents who have complained about parties and parking in their neighborhoods.  The zoning amendments will take effect on Jan. 1. 
  • Local prisoners will be receiving a new opportunity from Wayne State University. The university's Prison Education Program allows inmates to receive a bachelor's in sociology with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation, starting fall 2025. Staff say the major was chosen because of its broad reach and the transferrable skills that come from a strong background in liberal arts.
  • Wayne State University is launching a women’s varsity soccer team beginning the 2026-27 academic year. It’s the first new varsity sport brought to the university in more than a decade. The new team will play in NCAA Division II as part of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, with home matches on the lit turf stadium next to Tom Adams Field. The search for a head coach will begin this summer.  

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:09
Jul 17, 2025 4:54 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Detroit seeking residents affected by June 2021 floods for sewer repair program

The city of Detroit is notifying people about a free sewer repair program for residents who experienced basement flooding in June 2021.

The Private Sewer Repair Program (PSRP) reaches 97 neighborhoods across the city and is available to residents who were hardest hit by the severe flooding. 

To apply, households must be a single-family residence, they must be located in one of the eligible neighborhoods, and must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). They also need to be able to demonstrate damage from 2021 flood.

In a statement, Mayor Mike Duggan said the program uses federal funds to improve the lives of Detroiters and give them peace of mind. 

"Major storms that can cause flooding is something we expect to see more of in the future and this program will help 1,500 Detroit families in the 97 neighborhoods that already have experienced basement flooding to protect their homes," he said. "Repairing hundreds of damaged private sewer lines is just one of the many ways we are investing to make Detroit more resilient to flooding and the effects of climate change."  

Residents who previously received benefits are not eligible. To apply, email PSRP@detroitmi.gov, visit detroitmi.gov/psrp, or call 866-313-2520.

Other headlines for Wednesday, July 16, 2025:

  • The InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting its 13th annual Urban-Suburban Interfaith Picnic from 1 to 5 p.m. this Sunday, July 20, at Palmer Park. The picnic will feature food from different religious traditions, a health fair, musical performances, games and more.
  • The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced eight awardees who received $7.9 million in solar grants for clean energy projects though the MI Healthy Climate Challenge. In Wayne County, Hope Village Revitalization plans to retrofit homes in Detroit and Highland Park, and the North End Woodward Community Coalition will expand its Solar Neighbors initiative.
  • Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County and the Elam Family are hosting a neighborhood revitalization event in Pontiac this week. Over 80 volunteers will work on cleaning up yards, and removing trash at 14 worksites during “Rock the Block,” taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 17. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:02:50
Jul 16, 2025 5:33 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Detroit nonprofit launches website to inform voters ahead of city elections

Local nonprofit CitizenDetroit is working with Politics on the Go and Activate Detroit to get Detroiters informed ahead of upcoming city elections.

The collaboration has launched a website with videos from candidates to help voters prepare to elect the city's next mayor, clerk, city council members and board of police commissioners.

CitizenDetroit will also host a Detroit Primary Election Candidate Forum from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at the IBEW Local Union 58, 1358 Abbott St., Detroit/

Visit citizendetroit.org for more information.

Other headlines for Tuesday, July 15, 2025:

  • Two of Detroit's iconic summer festivals will be taking over Midtown this weekend. The Concert of Colors, taking place July 16-20, is one of the longest-running free global music festivals, attracting tens of thousands of attendees. Also, the Charles H. Wright Museum's 60th annual African World Festival celebrating the African Diaspora returns to Hart Plaza this weekend, featuring music and dance performances, food and arts vendors, a Children’s Village and more.
  • The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is screening the documentary short I am Potawatomi," at 6 p.m. on Thursday, along with a language workshop. The film covers the near death and current revitalization of the Potawatomi language.
  • The Clark Park Coalition is reaching out to its community for support as it plans another year of youth programs. Summer youth activities include its soccer program and street hockey. The Park has also maintained a hockey program for years — making the sport accessible to Latino and Black youth in the city. It has taken special pride in its girls programs. The coalition says it’s not only looking for donations. Anyone interested in volunteering can also visit clarkparkdetroit.org. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:53
Jul 15, 2025 6:9 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Older adults outnumber children in nearly half of US counties, data shows

The U.S. Census Bureau released new data showing the population of adults 65 and older is increasing, while the population of people 18 and younger is decreasing.  

The population of adults age 65 and older rose by 3.1% (to 61.2 million) while the population of those under 18 decreased 0.2% (to 73.1 million) from 2023 to 2024, the data shows.

Lauren Bowers, chief of the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Branch, says those changes affect communities of color most among the 4.4 million people who live in cities like Detroit, Warren and Dearborn.  

“The data in 2024 is showing that the non-Hispanic white population is the only population in the Detroit metro area where younger adults are outnumbered by older adults," she said.

Bowers says nationally, the number of older adults and children 18 and younger now are similar. 

Other headlines for Monday, July 14, 2025:

  • Seventeen nonprofits, businesses and community groups working to reduce food waste will receive support through the state-funded NextCycle Michigan initiative.
  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says federal funding cuts could strip 300,000 Medicaid recipients of their health insurance. Medicaid is the largest insurer in the state, covering one in four residents. Health department director Elizabeth Hertel says the cuts will also affect her agency's efforts to protect public health.
  • A city building in Dearborn was renamed last week in honor of Dearborn's first Arab American councilmember, Suzanne Sareini. Sareini served as a council member six terms, from 1989 to 2013. The city’s senior housing building — formerly called the Hubbard Manor East — will now be called the Suzanne Sareini Manor.
  • The Detroit Documenters, a program which trains and pays people to attend city meetings, is hosting a photo documenting workshop this week. Cydni Elledge, senior photographer and editor at Outlier Media, will lead the workshop, set for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:18
Jul 14, 2025 4:52 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Detroit nonprofit newsrooms collaborate on new project exploring student safety

A new reporting project from Chalkbeat Detroit, Planet Detroit and BridgeDetroit is exploring Detroit students’ perspectives on safety and violence.

Other headlines for Friday, July 11, 2025:

  • Arab American community nonprofit ACCESS is hosting a community Narcan training on Tuesday, July 15 at the Henry Ford Centennial Library. Attendees will learn about overdose prevention strategies, how to identify an overdose and how to administer Narcan. Those who finish the train will also receive a Naloxone kit. Register at bit.ly/ASAPNarcanCommunity.
  • The Pontiac City Clerk is inviting the community to a “visioning” session on cannabis equity at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at the Robert Bowens Senior Center, 47450 Woodward Ave., Pontiac. Attendees will learn about the city’s plans to launch adult-use marijuana in the city, and residents will have a chance to share their thoughts about social equity initiatives related to ownership and licensing as well as business and workforce development. They will also learn about the Pontiac Social Equity Fund. RSVP at clerk@pontiac.mi.us. 
  • State Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) is hosting a community conversation town hall on Monday, July 14, to collect ideas and concerns around five priorities in the Democratic Vision Project: Affordability, public education, health, labor and neighborhood development, and environmental issues. The event includes a free dinner and will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the James E. Tate Community Center, 21511 W McNichols Rd., Detroit. 
  • The 7th annual Detroit Kite Festival is taking place this Sunday, July 13 on the Belle Isle Cricket Field from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:04:11
Jul 11, 2025 3:19 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Detroit moms invited to share birth stories; Hamtramck seeking youth council members + more

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a storytelling event at a Detroit birthing center, summer food preservation classes from MSU Extension and more.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:02:42
Jul 10, 2025 5:3 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
A MichMash lookahead; Detroit eases business licensing + more

This week on WDET’s Michigan politics podcast MichMash, Craig Mauger and Beth LeBlanc of The Detroit News join the show to discuss the criminal investigation into Fay Beydoun.

Beydoun, who served on the executive committee for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is accused of misusing $15 million in funds the state awarded to her nonprofit for the purpose of bringing international businesses to Michigan.

Listen and subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Other headlines for Wednesday, July 9, 2025:

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:10
Jul 9, 2025 5:35 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Detroit's efforts to attract immigrants contributed to population growth, report finds

Efforts to attract and settle immigrants in Detroit may have been a contributing factor in the city's recent population growth, according to recent reporting from The Conversation.

Research shows that Immigration has a positive impact on the economy through a larger employee talent pool, increased social and civic engagement, and offsetting the decrease of Detroit native born children.

Despite a national shift in tone towards immigrants, cities like Detroit are prepping for a globalized future by investing in programs that encourage and support immigrants looking to start a life here.

Other headlines for Tuesday, July 8, 2025:

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:02:56
Jul 8, 2025 6:16 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Duggan, DPD announce 'major crackdown' on juvenile violence

Detroit officials announced the launch of a new teen violence prevention plan in response to recent shooting incidents involving children in the city.

Other headlines for Monday, July 7, 2025:

  • The city of Dearborn has unveiled another ability inclusive playscape. This third installment can be found at Lapeer Park, joining Ford Woods and Crowley parks in providing activities for children with special mobility needs. Dearborn Parks & Recreation worked with disability groups and families to design the park.
  • Michigan residents now have the option to take the written portion of the driver’s education course online. The “KnowTo Drive” test can be taken at Michigan Secretary of State branches and offices, and is available in different languages. Eligible Michigan residents over 18 must verify proof of identity and pay a $6.50 convenience fee. They will also have to use a webcam to prove their identity.
  • Detroit Documenters is a program that trains and pays people to take notes at public meetings in Detroit. Documenters is hosting a network-wide Virtual Note-taking Practice Session from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9. Participants must complete an orientation training before participating in the note-taking training. The Documenters are also hosting a photo documenting workshop in Tech Town on July 15.  

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:02:51
Jul 7, 2025 5:10 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Detroit suing blockchain-based real estate company for neglecting hundreds of properties

Detroit officials say they've filed the "largest blight lawsuit in its history" against a blockchain-based real estate platform after it failed to maintain hundreds of residential properties in the city.

Other headlines for Thursday, July 3, 2025:

  • More than 6,000 signatures have been collected by the group Dearborn Wants Wards to change the city council from an at-large body to district-based seats.
  • The Michigan House has passed two bills that give police the ability to test for controlled substances during traffic stops.
  • AAA says it expects almost 2.5 million people in Michigan to travel this Fourth of July weekend. State officials say they are suspending roadwork at more than 100 project sites over the holiday weekend to help ease traffic congestion.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:23
Jul 3, 2025 3:55 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Protesters arrested during ICE raid on Detroit's west side

Two protesters were arrested on Detroit's west side Monday after police say they attempted to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers from detaining a resident in the neighborhood.

Other headlines for Wednesday, July 2, 2025:

  • The Department of Natural Resources’ explorer guide program is offering more than 100 free activities over the July Fourth holiday weekend. DNR guides will lead programs at 30 state parks Friday through Sunday, with activities ranging from poetry writing to fossil-hunting. 
  • The Brightmoor Artisan Collective will host a Nigerian cooking class at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, offered in partnership with the Detroit Partnership for Food Learning and Innovation program through Michigan State University Extension. The registration fee is $15 per person. Register by emailing edwar649@msu.edu.
  • The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is hosting a drop-in summer studio, with the next session taking place on Thursday, July 3. Visitors of all ages will have the chance to make art with some creative prompts and materials provided. Next week, MOCAD will welcome families for its Family Day with free exhibitions for kids, teens and parents.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:35
Jul 2, 2025 4:31 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Detroit receives 11th consecutive credit rating boost from Moody's

The city of Detroit announced on Monday that it has received a credit upgrade from the credit rating agency Moody’s for the 11th year in a row.

Detroit’s rating went up one notch from Baa2 to Baa1 with a positive outlook, the city reported. The city’s financial resiliency and its operating performance over time were key reasons behind this year’s upgrade, Moody's said in a statement.

Other headlines for Tuesday, July 1, 2025:

  • Residents on Detroit’s east side are speaking out about gun violence after two young people were killed at a city playground near Denby High School on Friday. Police are still investigation the shooting, which claimed the lives of 4-year-old Samir Grubbs and 18-year-old Daviyon Shelmonson-Bey and left another teenager wounded. No suspects are in custody.
  • The Motown Museum has reopened its “Motown Mile” art installation along the Detroit riverfront with a new exhibition honoring the legacy of Motown Museum founder Esther Gordy Edwards, titled “Keeper of the Dream.”
  • Detroit’s neighbors across the river are celebrating Canada Day on Tuesday, commemorating the country’s “confederation.” Windsor residents celebrated with a parade down Ouelette Avenue late Tuesday morning.
  • Detroit is getting a new WNBA team. The league announced the new team on Monday. Tom and Holly Gores will be the controlling owners of the new franchise, set to play in 2029. Other expansion teams will also be launched in Cleveland and Philadelphia that year. Detroit’s previous WNBA team — the Detroit Shock — played from 1998 until 2009, winning three championships during that time.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:25
Jul 1, 2025 3:9 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Petition seeking ward system for Dearborn City Council submitted for review

More than 6,000 signatures have been collected by a group seeking to change Dearborn's city council format from an at-large body to holding district-based council elections.

Dearborn Wants Wards filed the petition with the Dearborn City Clerk's Office on June 18. If the language is approved, the city would have council members per district and only two at-large seats, for a total of nine council members. Campaign spokesperson Mona Mawari says the changes are overdue and necessary for equal representation of the city's east and south sides. 

Other headlines for Monday, June 30, 2025:

  • A series of bills were introduced in the state Senate that aim to make renting more accessible. The bills would cap rental application fees at $25, eliminate junk fees that occur after a lease is signed, and seal eviction records.
  • The city of Dearborn will be increasing its police presence this Fourth of July weekend to combat a rise in illegal fireworks usage. Parents of children caught mishandling and using illegal fireworks will also receive citations as well. Police are reminding residents that fireworks are only allowed on private property from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. between June 29 and July 5.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:04
Jun 30, 2025 4:50 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
City to bring back annual Detroit Bike Summit this weekend

The city of Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation has announced the return of its annual Detroit Bike Summit at Chandler Park this weekend. The ride will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, and is free and open to all ages.

Also, Detroit's Rouge Park is turning 100 years old this year. To celebrate the milestone, the nonprofit Friends of Rouge Park is hosting a free, three-day festival at the park this weekend, June 27-29.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:04:37
Jun 27, 2025 4:51 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Michigan food assistance programs aim to combat hunger this summer

Children experiencing food insecurity this summer will have multiple services available to them to get free, nutritional meals.

The Michigan Department of Education's Summer Food Service Program — known nationally as  known as the SUN Meals To-Go program and known in Michigan as Meet Up and Eat Up,  — provides children in need with nutritious meals at on-site locations all across the state.

Other headlines for Thursday, June 26, 2025:

  • The Wayne Mobile Health Unit (WMHU) is hosting a free vision clinic today through Saturday, June 28, at Grace Community Church. 21001 Moross Rd., Detroit. The event, held in partnership with Detroit OneSight Vision Clinic and Hap CareSource, will offer free comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses, as well as free blood pressure checks, oral screenings, dental exams, hearing tests and more.
  • The city of Detroit is hosting a Veterans Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Friday at the Northwest Activities Center. The free event will have career opportunities, veteran support services, community resources, and more.
  • It's national Homeownership Month and Detroit Project REACh is teaming up with Detroit Future City and other community organizations to host the 2025 Homebuyers Fair at Huntington Place this Saturday. There will be two sessions, with the first from 10 a.m. to noon and the second from 1 to 3 p.m.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:11
Jun 26, 2025 4:30 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
9 Michigan communities receive state funding to enhance downtowns

Detroit’s North End will soon be getting some special funds for summer events in the area. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced more than $130,000 in grants on Wednesday for nine Michigan communities, including Grand Haven, Saline, and Blissfield. 

The grants of up to $15,000 are part of the Michigan Main Street Vibrancy program, with money going toward community enhancement efforts and improvement projects. 

Other headlines for Wednesday, June 25, 2025:

  • Former Judge and state legislator Virgil C. Smith has died at 77 years old. Smith served for more than a decade as a Wayne County Circuit Court judge. He was working as Chief of Staff in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office when he was appointed as a judge in 2004. Before that, Smith served in the state House for 11 years, and another dozen years in the state Senate. He was Michigan’s first Black Senate minority floor leader.
  • The city of Detroit will hold a mayoral candidates forum Wednesday evening to give residents a chance to interact with candidates running in the August mayoral primary.  The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 3Fifty Rooftop terrace above Music Hall, 350 Madison St., Detroit.
  • The Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee is hosting a meeting Thursday to get feedback from the public about potential redesign plans on the island. Belle Isle Conservancy CEO Meagan Elliot says the organization has been attending block club meetings and encouraging residents to make their thoughts heard. The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. at the Flynn Pavilion on Belle Isle. It will also be livestreamed.
  • The Detroit Golf Club is getting ready to host another national event.  The Rocket Classic kicks off Wednesday, with more than 150 athletes taking part in the tournament — including a dozen of the world’s top ranked golfers. The tournament will be televised on CBS Saturday and Sunday afternoons. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:18
Jun 25, 2025 4:53 PM
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The Detroit Evening Report
Michigan's first and only HBCU joins online consortium of Historically Black Colleges

Michigan’s only HBCU is a part of a consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities launching “eHBCU” on Tuesday.

Pensole Lewis College joins Alabama State University, Delaware State University and the Southern University A&M College System in the effort.

eHBCU offers students across the country the chance to earn degrees and certification online from accredited universities. eHBCU becomes the nation's 108th HBCU. 

Other headlines for Tuesday, June 24, 2025:

  • BridgeDetroit and the Detroit Parks Coalition have invited mayoral candidates to a forum focused on parks and public spaces — and they want your questions! The forum will take place from 6-8 p.m. July 24, at Palmer Park. Questions must be submitted by June 30. 
  • Detroit vendors are invited to a community outreach event with District 2 Councilwoman Angela Whitfield Calloway on Wednesday to learn how to secure contracts with the city. Businesses that offer security, janitorial, vehicle supply and other services are encouraged to attend the event, taking place from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd.
  • There is still time to join the Detroit Public Library's summer reading challenge, with a variety of online and in-person events and programming. Many branches are also offering a summer lunch program in partnership with Forgotten Harvest. Call your local library branch for lunch dates and times. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

00:03:32
Jun 24, 2025 6:8 PM
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