Drugstores closing en masse across Michigan
Published on Oct 13, 2026, 2:36:10 PM
Total time: 00:04:12
Published on Oct 13, 2026, 2:36:10 PM
Total time: 00:04:12
The American Pharmacies Group says independent drugstores are closing at an alarming rate across Michigan.
Advocates say the way these stores are reimbursed for the medications they provide is unsustainable.
The stores rely on what's called Pharmacy Benefits Managers when billing insurance companies the cost of prescriptions they fill.
However, Detroit Pharmacist Mike Nabolsi says that payment often does not cover the full price of the drug.
"We're getting under reimbursed for something that we bought...something that cost $1,000, we're giving it to a patient, and we're getting reimbursed $900. We can't survive."
The benefit managers also can determine which drugs would be covered by an insurance program, which often pushes patients to big box pharmacies instead.
The advocacy group American Pharmacies is calling for reform and ensuring savings reach independent stores.
-Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley, WDET
The Republican nominee for governor is calling for more accountability in Michigan's education system.
During a campaign stop in metro Detroit, Congressman John James said he wants parents to have a greater voice in kids' education.
James says—as governor—he'd also want more say in overseeing education.
"l would love to stand here and say hold me accountable for our kids being able to read, when the kindergartners who started this year go into the 4th grade when I'm running for re-election. I can't say that because right now our state board of education and our superintendents are not accountable to the governor."
The Michigan constitution puts the state board of education independently in charge of public learning and hiring a state superintendent. Both James and his Democratic opponent - Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson-say they want more resources going toward supporting teachers and students.
-Reporting by Colin Jackson, MPRN
The city of Detroit is recruiting volunteers for its annual "Halloween in the D" celebration. It started in 2018, offering events and activities for children and families such as trunk-or-treating at police and fire stations and free candy distributed across the city.
Wayne State’s Elaine L. Jacob Gallery is hosting a celebration for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) next Saturday, Oct. 24.
The event will include a performance by students of Ballet de Folklorico de Wayne State University, an Ofrenda (offering for Día de los Muertos) workshop, flower making, a scavenger hunt and more.
The holiday is celebrated in Mexico and parts of Latin America to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on. Ofrendas on altars are one way to honor the deceased with decorations such as photos, flowers, candles, the favorite food(s) of the deceased and more.
The event is free and open to the public at 480 W. Hancock Detroit, Michigan 48201
Mayor Mary Sheffield and Hope Detroit are having a coat giveaway this Saturday at Williams Recreation Center, offering free winter coats for toddlers, youth and teens as colder weather approaches.
The coat giveaway starts at noon on Oct. 17 and is on a first come, first served basis.
Youth must be present to receive a winter coat. Williams Recreation Center is located at 8431 Rosa Parks Dr. Detroit, Michigan 48206.
WDET’s Detroit Evening Report is taking a hiatus as we work to reimagine the program and develop a new, expanded offering that better serves our community. Our commitment to amplifying diverse voices, reflecting the experiences of communities of color, and delivering trusted, relevant local journalism remains as strong as ever. We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to sharing more about this next chapter in the coming months. Stay tuned!
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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.