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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New bill expands who can officiate Michigan weddings
Bill would allow friends, family to officiate weddings
A new bill would allow friends and family members to officiate wedding ceremonies without getting ordained.
Currently, Michigan law only permits certain city officials, judges, or ordained individuals—such as ministers—to perform weddings.
State Senator Veronica Klinefelt sponsored the bill. She says some religious leaders have denied couples based on personal beliefs. She shared her own experience:
“The priest I was seeing made the determination that I shouldn’t be getting married and wouldn’t conduct the ceremony. This year, I will be married 40 years. So I don’t know that he was any more equipped to make that call than my family members who were at that wedding.”
The bill would also expand officiating privileges to township clerks and state lawmakers. It has passed in the Senate and is now headed to the House.
Detroit bike trail guide to include Gordie Howe Bridge path
The Detroit Greenways Coalition is expanding its bike trail guide to include a route across the Gordie Howe International Bridge into Canada.
The group is working with Bike Windsor Essex to compile a list of trails and attractions for cyclists on both sides of the border.
Coalition Executive Director Todd Scott said the potential for tourism is significant:
“I was at the Ontario Bike Summit recently, and they said that bike tourism in Ontario contributes $900 million to that province’s economy. That really opened my eyes to how much potential there is for expanding that bike tourism into the Detroit area.”
The guide will answer questions about cross-border documentation and differing cycling laws. It’s expected to be ready before the bridge opens later this year.
Dearborn updates food truck regulations
The City of Dearborn has revised its food truck regulations, allowing permanent operations in areas zoned for commercial and light industrial use.
The update includes requirements for proper electrical hookups, propane storage, and sanitation. Trucks will not be permitted in business districts near restaurants to protect brick-and-mortar establishments, but they may operate in public parks if they meet city standards for power and waste disposal.
The new rules take effect September 1st.
Juneteenth Black-Owned Business Market in Royal Oak
Bamboo Royal Oak is hosting its first Juneteenth Black-Owned Business Market on June 18th, celebrating Black excellence and economic empowerment.
The event features local entrepreneurs offering handcrafted jewelry, fashion, cuisine, wellness products, and more. It’s free for attendees and vendors.
The market runs from 3–8 PM. For more information, email ally@bamboocowork.com.
Dearborn Summer Market returns this Friday
The Dearborn Summer Market returns this Friday at 4:00 PM in West Downtown Dearborn.
The market highlights downtown businesses, local vendors, and free kids’ activities including face painting, balloon twisting, and caricature art.
More information is available at dearbornsummermarket.com.
GM to invest $4B, shift SUV and EV production
GM to invest $4B in U.S. manufacturing, reshuffle SUV and EV production
General Motors has announced plans to invest four billion dollars in U.S. manufacturing facilities over the next two years. The Detroit automaker says the investment at several factories around the country will allow it to build more than two million vehicles per year in the U.S. Such a move would help GM avoid certain tariff penalties.
The company’s Orion Township assembly plant will begin making gas-powered, full-sized SUVs and light pickup trucks. That change will shift the manufacturing of several electric SUV and pickup models to Factory Zero on the Detroit-Hamtramck border.
GM CEO Mary Barra says the moves demonstrate the company’s commitment to building vehicles and creating jobs in the U.S.
Detroit casinos see slight revenue boost in May
Detroit’s casinos are reporting slightly improved revenues for the month of May. The three casinos say revenues rose to $114 million last month—up 1.2% from May 2024.
MGM Grand held the largest share of the market at 47%, followed by MotorCity Casino at 30%, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 23%.
The three casinos provided $13.4 million in taxes and wagering agreement payments to the City of Detroit last month. They also paid an additional $9.1 million in taxes to the State of Michigan.
Downtown Detroit Partnership rolls out summer fun at Campus Martius
The Downtown Detroit Partnership is working to spread the word about several of its summer events. The organization will once again bring 20,000 tons of sand to downtown Detroit to create “The Beach at Campus Martius,” giving kids a chance to play—and adults a chance to relax.
Other DDP events planned for the summer include trivia nights, a beach party, Thursday markets in Cadillac Square, and live music. Campus Martius Park will also host Movie Night in the D, where attendees can enjoy films under the stars.
Heidelberg Project launches summer series with ‘Second Saturdays’
The Heidelberg Project is kicking off a series of events beginning this weekend. The organization, known for its internationally acclaimed art installation, will once again host Second Saturdays throughout the summer.
Organizers say the goal is to activate the space where the Heidelberg Project is located and bring the community together.
This weekend’s event will feature Puppet Karaoke Detroit, scheduled to run from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Tigers hold MLB’s best record after win over Orioles
The Detroit Tigers continue to set the pace for the rest of Major League Baseball. They currently hold the best record in the league, with 44 wins and 24 losses.
Detroit beat the Orioles in Baltimore last night, 5–3. The two teams face off again tonight (Wednesday), with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Carnival of the Spirit celebrates 25 years in Detroit
In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, Sascha Raiyn covers a celebration of African ancestors, a Detroit student facing deportation, an update to U-M security and a celebration of Detroit neighborhoods.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Detroit Evening Report: Travel ban rollout
New travel ban takes effect
President Trump’s latest travel ban targeting 12 countries—many of them Muslim-majority or located in South America and Africa—went into effect today. The proclamation blocks travel to the U.S. for individuals without a valid visa from: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Seven additional countries also face restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Last week, the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Michigan) issued a community alert urging individuals from the affected countries to return to the U.S. by today if possible.
CAIR Michigan staff attorney Amy Doukoure says the new restrictions could have immediate consequences.
“We might also see people who have a valid visa who don’t quite make it into the United States by June 9, unable to actually enter on the visa that they’re issued. And we will definitely see people who are here on a current valid visa, being unable to travel outside of the United States and then reenter once the travel ban takes effect.”
Doukoure says the policy mirrors previous bans issued during Trump’s first term. She warns it will likely separate families and increase anxiety among communities from the affected countries.
Local ICE protests
About 50 protesters gathered near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Detroit on Sunday, voicing opposition to the Trump administration’s mass deportation raids.
Russ McNamara reports from the protest.
Leah Checchini of Hazel Park attended the rally. She says her father immigrated from Argentina and believes everyone deserves the same opportunity.
“Just seeing everything that’s going on around me—I have a lot of friends who are in the process of getting their papers taken care of—so watching what’s happening to people like them is enraging, to say the least.”
More protests are planned in cities across the country.
Free clinic offers help with license restoration
The Michigan Department of State is hosting a free clinic to help residents restore their driver’s licenses. The Road to Restoration clinic will take place Tuesday, June 24 at the La SED Senior and Youth Center, located at 7150 Vernor Highway in Detroit. Department staff and pro bono attorneys will be on-site to assist with the process. The clinic runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-ins welcome between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Register at michigan.gov/r2r.
New guidelines added to Michigan’s Eat Safe Fish Guide
About 300 new recommendations have been added to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Eat Safe Fish Guide, with a renewed focus on reducing exposure to PFAS—commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
Officials say the chemicals are more harmful than previously thought. The updated guidelines outline which waterways are safe for fishing and how much of each species is safe to consume. For example, it’s considered safe to eat up to four servings of Bluegill per month from the Detroit River, but Bluegill from Belleville Lake should be completely avoided due to elevated PFAS levels.
Because PFAS are found in the fish fillet, simply trimming fat won’t reduce exposure. However, poking holes in the skin and grilling or broiling the fish can help lower the risk.
You can find the full Eat Safe Fish Guide at michigan.gov.
Reporting by Emma George-Griffin
Fall prevention resources available for Michigan seniors
Several groups are coming together to offer fall prevention resources for seniors. Each year, about 30 percent of Michiganders 65 and older report falling in their homes.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Aging, Community Living and Supports Health Services, the Michigan Falls Prevention Coalition, and Oakland University have partnered to connect people with health care providers, community organizations, and fall prevention resources.
People can explore safety planning tools, physical wellness services, and daily life support online at mi211.org. You can also call 211 for help finding resources.
The website was made possible by a $408,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund Healthy Aging initiative.
Learn more at mifallsprevention.org.
InsideOut Literary Arts celebrates 30 years with new mural
Detroit’s “largest and oldest literary nonprofit,” InsideOut Literary Arts, celebrated its 30-year anniversary last week by unveiling a new Detroit City Walls mural along the Avenue of Fashion.
Other headlines for Friday, June 6, 2025:
- Money Matters for Youth is looking for help to keep their student trip to Washington D.C. alive.
- Motor City Pride is taking over downtown this weekend, June 7-8 at Hart Plaza, with the parade beginning at noon on Sunday.
- The city celebrated the opening of the Orchard Village Apartments with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, bringing 48 affordable units across four buildings to the Old Redford neighborhood.
- Michigan’s First Native American Music and Cultural Festival, Vibes With the Tribes, is coming to the Russell Industrial Center this Saturday, June 7, with doors opening at 2 p.m.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Dearborn receives 'Tree City USA' status for 38th year
The Arbor Day Foundation has renewed Dearborn's "Tree City USA" status for its efforts to maintain a healthy tree canopy.
Timothy Hawkins, Dearborn's public works director, says the city has kept the title for 38 years.
"We continually make the investment to be a Tree City, and we continually plant more than we remove to maintain our tree city status," Hawkins said.
He says the city planted 1,200 trees in 2024 and removed about a 1,000 due to disease or construction.
Other headlines for Thursday, June 5, 2025:
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says there’s an increase in recreational nitrous oxide use, or laughing gas, leading to more emergency room visits.
- Detroit's Kronk Gym is making its return to the city under new management and at a new location — the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center.
- Smoke from Canadian wildfires will linger over metro Detroit through the first half of the day on Friday. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued air quality alerts for the entire Lower Peninsula and the eastern Upper Peninsula.
- Outlier Media is hosting an audio recording training with Detroit Documenter and assistant producer for WDET’s The Metro, Jack Filbrandt. The training will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Tech Town.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Dems want to expand Michigan civil rights act to cover antisemitism
A group of Democratic state lawmakers is calling for an expansion of Michigan’s civil rights law to specifically include protections against antisemitism.
Plus, former University of Michigan president Santa Ono left Ann Arbor expecting to become the president of the University of Florida. However, that's not going to happen, as the board that oversees the sunshine state's public universities rejected Ono's appointment.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Michigan families, caregivers prepare for possible Medicaid cuts
Experts say Medicaid cuts passed by the U.S. House could result in millions of people losing health care — including more than 700,000 people in Michigan.
Michigan resident Janae Wouldfolk says the cuts would change her life. A union liaison for AFSCME Local 140 who has worked at the Detroit Medical Center for 27 years, Wouldfolk cares for her 74-year-old mother and 19-year-old disabled son, Shemar.
On today’s episode of the Detroit Evening Report, she spoke with WDET’s Sascha Raiyn about her concerns.
Other headlines for Tuesday, June 3, 2025:
- The Department of Homeland Security has agreed to restore the visas of four international college students — two at Wayne State and two at the University of Michigan. The American Civil Liberties Union sued the government, which has stripped visas from thousands of students across the country this spring and threatened to deport them. A federal judge dismissed the case after the Trump administration agreed not to terminate their status based solely on cursory background checks.
- Tiff Massey’s “Baby Bling” will be added to the Detroit Institute of Arts’ permanent collection. DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons broke the news on WDET’s The Metro on Monday. Baby Bling is one of the pieces featured in Massey’s year-long “7 Mile + Livernois” exhibit that closed at the museum in May. After the success of the exhibit, the museum says it plans to re-install its contemporary African American galleries in a more prominent location near Diego Rivera Court in October.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Detroit Fire to launch nurse triage program in 2026
In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we highlight the Detroit Fire Department’s new Nurse Navigation program, a luxury hotel coming to Michigan Central Station, and the latest closure in the Bobcat Bonnie’s restaurant chain.
Detroit Fire plans nurse triage program to ease ambulance demand
The Detroit Fire Department hopes its new “Nurse Navigation” program will help reduce response times.
Instead of dispatching an ambulance for minor calls, a third-party service would connect those calls to certified nurses via telehealth.
The department handled 158,000 medical runs last year, with 40% classified as Code Threes — less serious calls.
Fire Commissioner Charles Simms says the program would help free up ambulances to respond to higher-priority emergencies.
“If we have, you know, 40 ambulances out there per day, but a large majority are responding to Code Threes, they may not be readily available for Code Ones and Code Twos. This program will allow them to be ready to respond to just Code Ones and Twos.”
Simms explains that Code One and Two calls are more severe, life-threatening emergencies like chest pain or cardiac arrest. A Code Three call might be something like a sprained ankle or knee pain.
A dispatcher would connect Code Three calls to a nurse, who would guide the patient through their options.
“That dedicated nurse will talk to the patient to determine whether they need telehealth care, can manage with self-care, or should go to urgent care — and guide them through that process.”
Nurses would also help arrange appointments with primary care physicians and could even order free transportation.
City Council approved $650,000 to launch the Nurse Navigation program. Simms says they’re still looking for a third-party provider, and the program is expected to launch in early 2026.
Luxury hotel coming to Michigan Central Station in 2027
Luxury hospitality brand NoMad will open a hotel inside Michigan Central Station in 2027. The hotel will have 180 rooms and occupy the top five floors of the building. It will include 30 suites, a wellness facility, a restaurant, and a bar.
Brand officials say they plan to showcase local artists and makers throughout the hotel and guest rooms.
Ford Motor Co. led the restoration of the train station after it sat empty for 30 years. Company officials say the hotel is the next vital step in the redevelopment.
Bobcat Bonnie’s closes Ferndale location
Ferndale restaurant Bobcat Bonnie’s closed its doors today. It’s the latest shutdown for the small chain.
In March, Bobcat Bonnie’s closed its Corktown location after 10 years in business. Other locations in Wyandotte, Ypsilanti, Clinton Township, and Grand Rapids have also closed over the past year. Plans to open a Kalamazoo location have been scrapped.
The Ferndale location will sell all its furniture, dishware, art, and other items on Tuesday, June 3. Lansing is now the chain’s only remaining location.
DER Weekends: WDET’s Shustho series explores how mental health barriers affect Bangladeshi women
On this episode of Detroit Evening Report Weekends, we listen to the last story in WDET reporter Nargis Rahman’s series Shustho.
The four-part series explores the barriers Bangladeshi women face in accessing high-quality health care, and efforts to bridge those gaps.
Michigan is home to the third largest population of Bangladeshis in the U.S., most living in the metro Detroit area.
In this story, we discuss how Bangladeshi mental health care workers are working toward breaking the stigma and filling the gap for more counselors in the Bangladeshi community.
Whitmer focuses on Michigan’s future at Mackinac conference
Whitmer outlines top goals before leaving office
The 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference is coming to an end, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer is outlining her top priorities before leaving office.
Securing a semiconductor plant by the end of 2026, she says, would help Michigan stay competitive in the age of artificial intelligence. Whitmer added that it would also make Michigan an economic magnet — one she imagines could help grow the state’s population. She said she’ll be seeking federal support to make it happen.
Tackling childhood literacy is another priority. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only a quarter of Michigan’s 4th graders can read at a proficient level.
And of course, the “fix the damn roads” governor emphasized the need for a sustainable, long-term plan to fund road repairs. Whitmer stressed that while challenges remain, bipartisanship is still possible.
Ferndale kicks off Pride Month celebrations
June is right around the corner, which means Pride Month is almost here — and Ferndale Pride is kicking things off on May 31. According to organizers, the event strives to support and uplift all LGBTQ+ communities. Expect live musical performances, drag shows, food, a variety of vendors, and a kids’ area. For more information, visit ferndalepride.com.
Free sound bowl meditation on the riverfront
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the month is wrapping up, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting a Sound Bowl Meditation Workshop on June 5. It’ll take place at Gabriel Richard Park and introduce attendees to basic techniques and the science behind sound healing. Best of all — it’s free, which is the perfect price for peace of mind. Just bring a yoga mat or blanket. For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org.
Vacant buildings linger in downtown Detroit
In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover lingering building vacancies downtown, brewery closures, sports updates and more.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
DER Weekends: Hoarding is common. A local woman wants help to be just as common
On this episode of Detroit Evening Report Weekends, we hear a local woman's story of discovering and trying to address her mother's hoarding.
Brenda McGadney says her work as a social worker focused on gerontology did not prepare her to identify her mother as a hoarder or to address it.
Hoarding disorder affects about 3% of the population. Older adults and people who experience depression and anxiety are more susceptible to the condition than others.
McGadney told WDET's Sascha Raiyn that she turned to family, clergy and community professionals for help. They weren't prepared to help either. Now, McGadney is working to increase awareness about the disorder and to advocate for a Hoarders Task Force in Wayne County.
Listen to the episode using the media player above.
Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
Ice storm damage could affect holiday travel up north, DNR says
Holiday travelers planning to venture up north for some time outdoors this weekend may be met with potential hazards and changes to the landscape following a recent ice storm, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Plus, it's going to be a busy weekend in the Motor City. We have the Movement Electronic Movement Festival May 24-26, Detroit Tigers games against the Cleveland Guardians; The Weeknd is performing at Ford Field May 24-25, and much more. For that reason, the city is encouraging folks to plan parking in advance and to use public transportation when possible.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
New survey spotlights higher eviction rates of Black women in metro Detroit
A new survey from a Detroit researcher has revealed that Black women disproportionately experience evictions in the city.
Dr. Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson, a social epidemiologist at Ohio State University — and native Detroiter — surveyed nearly 1,500 Black women in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties for the Social Epidemiology to Combat Unjust Residential Evictions (SECURE) Study. She found that more than half of the women who said they experienced eviction were forced out of their homes illegally.
Other headlines for Thursday, May 22, 2025:
- Entrepreneurs looking to open a small business in Detroit may soon see less red tape. Two ordinances will be presented to city council this week aimed at streamlining business licensing in Detroit. The reforms will include eliminating the business licenses for restaurants and extending the permits to two years for other businesses.
- Many families are struggling to meet their basic needs in Wayne County, according to the latest ALICE Report from the Michigan Association of United Ways. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. The organization found that just over half of households in Wayne County experienced financial instability in 2023. The rates were 38% in Macomb County and 31% in Oakland County.
- The Department of Insurance and Financial Services is warning residents to be wary of people offering services for repairs after a storm. Scammers often appear after disasters, promising quick repairs and asking for cash up front or refusing to give ID.
- The Belle Isle Conservancy shared plans for a public square at the park with the City Council this week. The conservancy and the state are wrapping up a preliminary design this month for the Belle Isle Commons.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Duggan pushes for small business regulation reform in Detroit
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has announced an effort to reduce the regulatory process for opening small businesses in the city.
Plus, Organizations supporting underrepresented small businesses and entrepreneurs in Michigan have received nearly $9 million in grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
EPA lifts emergency order on Flint drinking water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has lifted the emergency order on the city of Flint's drinking water. The EPA announced Monday that Flint's water system is now in compliance with lead standards and has replaced over 97% of lead pipes carrying water to homes.
Also, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Detroit coalition says city misinterpreted recent study on overassessed homes
The Coalition for Property Tax Justice held a press conference last week to encourage Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree to place a moratorium on tax foreclosures for home valued at $50,000 or lower.
Plus, Detroit City Council has confirmed Tanya Stoudemire as the city's first female Chief Financial Officer.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
DER Weekends: 'Shustho' series explores how health insurance access, community care impacts Bangladeshi women
On this episode of Detroit Evening Report Weekends, we listen to the third story in WDET reporter Nargis Rahman's series Shustho.
The four-part series explores the barriers Bangladeshi women face in accessing high quality health care, and efforts to bridge those gaps.
In this story, we visit the Health Unit on Davison Avenue (HUDA) — the largest free health clinic in Wayne County — to learn about the services it provides to members of the community without health insurance.
Stay tuned to DER Weekends throughout the month of May to hear the entire four-part series.
Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
Scattered storms expected to linger through the weekend in southeast Michigan
Tornadoes may be possible for a second consecutive night across much of lower Michigan on Friday, with parts of metro Detroit likely to experience thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
Plus, the Detroit Fire Department is continuing its Summer Safety Series every second Wednesday of the month through August, covering seasonal fire safety tips, prevention strategies and more.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Michigan man arrested for alleged plot to attack US army base in Warren
A former Michigan National Guardsman was arrested by the FBI on Wednesday for his role in an alleged plot to attack a U.S. Army Base in Warren.
Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, 19, is accused of planning a mass shooting at Detroit Arsenal and the United States Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) headquarters, on behalf of the terrorist organization ISIS.
Other headlines for Thursday, May 15, 2025:
- Two Hamtramck City Council members have been accused of fraud and perjury, after an internal investigation found that they do not live in Hamtramck.
- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the city has gained almost 7,000 new residents since last year, citing the Census Bureau's latest population estimate.
- Inflation rose in metro Detroit, but not by much. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says consumer prices in March and April were up 1.4% from the same period last year, and .8% higher than the previous two months. The index covers the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area.
- Detroit Disability Power is inviting voters throughout metro Detroit to join the National Polling Access Audit Coalition for its Voting Access Summit. The virtual event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday next week.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.