The Detroit Evening Report
The Detroit Evening Report is a three-minute daily round-up of the news that city residents need to know. Stories focus on the concerns, problems, passions and needs of Detroiters – specifically residents of color. On the weekends, we take a break from the news and spend some time with community members. Hosted by Sascha Raiyn, Jerome Vaughn, Tia Graham, Nargis Rahman, and Hernz Laguerre, Jr. Detroit Evening Report is a production of WDET, Detroit's NPR Station.
Most Recent Episode
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.
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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.
New life for the Packard Plant?
Packard Plant
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield announced plans to redevelop the vacant Packard Plant today. The former auto factory near West Grand Boulevard and East Palmer has been empty for more than 60 years and became a symbol of the city's blight— sometimes attracting outsiders to take pictures of its crumbling walls.
The city demolished portions of it to make way for new development, including a new 400-thousand square foot manufacturing center.
Part of the changes include reactivating 28 acres of the former site for a public, private and philanthropic partnership. The changes include adding 42 affordable housing units, Detroit’s first indoor skate park and creative community programming areas. There will also be two acres of indoor and outdoor public spaces.
The project is estimated at $50 million. The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation is the nonprofit partner and fiduciary. The project is expected to be completed by 2029.
Additional headlines for December 1, 2025
December starts cold
December starts cold with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees below normal this week. The National Weather Service's winter outlook for southeast Michigan calls for temps close to normal and above-average precipitation. Meteorologist Trent Frey says La Niña, a cool patch of water in the eastern Pacific Ocean, could bring us more rain and snow.
"It is important to note that every La Niña is unique. So like I said. The odds are kind of tilted towards the wetter signal, and there isn't really a tilt for temperatures. But since it is unique each season, you know these outcomes aren't necessarily guaranteed."
On average, Metro Detroit gets 45 inches of snow each winter. 29 inches fell last winter. It's been eight years since we saw above-average snowfall.
Reporting by Russ McNamara
Detroit teens detained by ICE
Detroit teens recently hosted a press conference to call for the release of two classmates from Western International High School from ICE detention. The detained teens and two of their parents were picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials last Thursday morning and are now being held in a Texas detention center, reports Chalkbeat Detroit. Students say they are worried about going to school or being outside due to the recent surge of detentions. ICE arrested the four individuals while they were sleeping, despite them having pending asylum cases. Students at the press conference also called on officials to do more to protect students, including having an immigration attorney on retainer at the school to help students.
Rising Star Scholarship
An armored vehicle company is offering its “Rising Star” scholarship. The scholarship will support two students pursuing secondary education in engineering or business, finance, or law. It aims to recognize students who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership skills in engineering and business. Each scholarship is $2500. The scholarship is open to students enrolled full-time in an accredited university in the U.S. or Canada. Students must have a 75 percent average with valid citizenship, residency or study permit requirements and write an essay. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026. Winners will be announced in March 2026. For more information, visit https://inkasarmored.com/inkas-rising-star-scholarship-program/
DDOT expands bus fleet
The Detroit Department of Transportation will be adding 53 new buses to its fleet thanks to a $50 million federal grant. That’s in addition to the 76 busses DDOT purchased in the last two years.
Mayor Mike Duggan says the new purchase will replace more than 40% of Detroit's bus fleet. Many of the new buses will operate out of the $160 million rebuilt Coolidge Terminal on Detroit's west side.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, November 25, 2025
- Michigan's Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce is making its final recommendations, including giving out free gun locks and banning certain weapons, as well as suggesting standardized training for school resource officers and a school safety tip hotline. Pro-gun lawmakers disagree with some goals, like raising the age requirement to purchase a fire arm and banning high capacity magazines.
- Former Detroit Pistons star Chauncey Billups pleads not guily to charges that he conspired with the Mafia to rig poker games. Both the money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges agsint him carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
- With no Noel Night this year, Merry Midtown and A Noel Afternoon at the Detroit Public Library are going to bring some festive cheer.
Michigan surpasses doula certification goal
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there are now more than a thousand registered doulas in Michigan. That includes 700 doulas who take Medicaid.
Doulas are trained non-medical professionals who provide birth assistance, including emotional and physical support, and help families navigate the birthing experience.
Dawn Shanafelt is the Director of the Division of Maternal & Infant Health for MDHHS. She says the state has surpassed its goal of registering 500 doulas through the Doula Registry by 2028, doubling that number as of last week.
“What’s next for the program is to continue to support our existing doulas that are part of the registry. So the one thousand plus doulas. And then we are really focusing on enrollment and recruitment of doulas in areas where the number of doulas that are available for families is lower, and then also for special populations.”
Shanafelt says that includes populations that speak a language other than English, Indigenous populations, and teenage parents.
She says having doula-assisted births reduces birth complications and medical interventions, shortens the duration of labor, and increases breastfeeding support. Babies also tend to have healthier birth weights.
Additional headlines for Monday, November 24, 2025
MDHHS launches more On-the-Go food pantries
MDHHS has added a mobile food distribution site in Hamtramck, partnering with Forgotten Harvest.
The On-the-Go popup pantry will provide food pick-up for people who schedule appointments. There are options for fresh produce and grains and culturally appropriate foods such as halal or kosher options.
MDHHS says they will select and offer similar mobile food pantry options in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties every month. The next one in Hamtramck will be held tomorrow Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the MDHHS office located at 12140 Jos Campau St. in Hamtramck.
People can make an appointment by emailing MDHHS-FH-WC-Hamtramck@michigan.gov. Dial 211 or visit mi211.org online for free referrals to food pantries.
Entry Points artist residency program wins award
A Hamtramck-based artist residency program is receiving a $175,000 award.
Entry Points is a program which offers housing and studio space for returning citizens who were formerly incarcerated juveniles. The nonprofit is receiving the 2025 J.M.K Innovation Award. The award is given by the J.M. Kaplan Fund to 10 awardees for their work in tackling social justice, environmental conservation, and heritage preservation.
Entry Point was created by artist-activist Jonathan Rajewski and writer and former juvenile lifer Kyle Daniel-Bey through Hamtramk Free School, an alternative educational organization that facilitates creative writing and art workshops in Michigan prisons, working with juveniles who were sentenced to life without parole.
Entry Points helps returning citizens reintegrate into public life, including presenting their work publicly.
EGLE awards grants to limit runoff
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is awarding $2.9 million to several groups to reduce pollution in waterways.
The Nonpoint Source Program grants will fund eight projects aimed at eliminating runoff at nonpoint sources which come from farms, urban areas and construction sites.
This occurs when there is rain, snowmelt, or when the wind carries pollutants into waterways. The grants will help repair waterways to reduce sediment, nutrients, and bacteria.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
New incentives aim to boost homeownership in Pontiac
Pontiac launches new Down Payment Assistance Program
The City of Pontiac unveiled its Down Payment Assistance Program this week, an initiative aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for first-time buyers and encouraging wealth and investment in Pontiac neighborhoods. City leaders are inviting renters to apply for this first-of-its-kind program.
To qualify:
- Your prospective home must be in Pontiac.
- Applicants must be first-time homebuyers or individuals who have not acquired a home in the past three years.
- You must complete a homebuyer education session through the organization National Faith Homebuyers and receive a certificate.
- You must work with the homebuyer organization to meet HUD and program requirements.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 313-255-9500.
Additional headlines for Friday, November 21, 2025
Detroit breaks ground on new affordable housing near Brewster Wheeler
The City of Detroit broke ground this month on four new buildings that will bring 211 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing to long-vacant land next to the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center.
The units will have rents based on 30 to 80 percent of the area median household income.
Three of the buildings will include 53 units that received 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the State of Michigan. They will offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom units starting at less than $500 a month.
The fourth building will be a 52-unit permanent supportive housing development, with each unit supported by project-based vouchers that keep residents paying no more than 30 percent of their income for rent.
Completion of all projects is scheduled for 2027.
More information: https://detroitmi.gov/news/work-begins-80m-development-bringing-211-new-units-affordable-permanent-supportive-housing-brush
Sports
NFL
The Detroit Lions face the New York Giants on Sunday as they try to bounce back from a tough loss to the Eagles. The Lions are currently third in the NFC North. The game will be held at Ford Field, with kickoff at 1:00 p.m.
NBA
The Pistons have won 11 games in a row. They’ll look to keep the streak alive as they face the Bucs at the Fiserv Forum. Tipoff is Saturday at 8:00 p.m.
NHL
The Red Wings sit at the top of the Atlantic Division as they prepare to face the Columbus Blue Jackets tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.
The Rink at Campus Martius opens for the season
The holiday season brings the return of The Rink at Campus Martius Park, which opens to the public starting tomorrow. From November 22 through March 1, visitors can experience what USA Today named the No. 1 Best Ice Skating Rink in the country in its 2024 ranking.
For hours and additional details, visit: https://downtowndetroit.org/experience-downtown/things-to-do/the-rink/
Local shopping for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday
DER will be off for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, but local businesses will be out in force for the holiday shopping weekend. Online tourism site Visit Detroit has compiled a list of local shops to explore, including sneaker boutiques, floral shops, art galleries, and more.
To see the full list, visit: https://visitdetroit.com
Detroit ranks highest for premature births among top cities by birth rate
The March of Dimes says Detroit has the most premature births among the 100 U.S. cities with the highest birth rates. The study found 1 in 6 babies in Detroit are born before the 37th week of gestation.
The organization points to high rates of chronic illness as one of the reasons for that high rate, as well as disparities in healthcare for Black people.
This summer, the National Institutes of Health canceled a study of premature births in Detroit as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, November 18, 2025
- A new report released by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office details ways it can avoid wrongful convictions by studying the case of Eric Anderson—a Detroit man convicted of robbery in 2010 who was wrongfully imprisoned for nine years. The report lists 25 ways for police, prosecutors and judges to improve, including reducing reliance on a single eye-witness and improving funding for public defenders. So far, 43 people have been released from prison based on the efforts of the Wayne County Sentinel Event Review Team, most of whom were sentenced to mandatory life sentences.
- Part of the Riverwalk between Beaubien and Rivard will be closed Thursday through the spring for utility improvements on 1-375. The Michigan Department of Transportation says a new storm sewer along Schweizer Place down to the river is being installed. MDOT says the updates will support cleaner water being discharged into the Detroit River and relieve pressure on the city's sewer system.
- Midtown coffeeshop Simply Roasted and Mindful Bakery Yumaste are partnering with Gleaners to collect food ahead of Thanksgiving. They invite the community to drop off unexpired and non-perishable food items at 4240 Cass Avenue through Thanksgiving Day. For information on how to give, other organizations collecting food and food distributions visit gcfb.org.
- Carbon Athletic Club is hosting its annual Holiday Train Party Saturday. Tickets are $10 and available at carbonathleticclub.com or at the door.
Increased ICE presence reported in metro Detroit
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan chapter, reports an increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sightings in Metro Detroit.
CAIR-MI officials say community members have seen ICE vehicles in Wayne County. ICE also announced an increase in enforcement in the area.
CAIR-MI advises community members to be vigilant and aware of their rights, including asking to see a warrant and remaining silent except to request an attorney. The civil rights organization says people should have emergency contacts memorized and plans in place for their family members in case of an emergency.
Additional headlines from Monday, November 17, 2025
- The Wayne County Board of Canvassers decided Friday not to count 37 ballots from Hamtramck’s mayoral race found in the city clerk’s office the day after elections. The board still has to count 120 cured ballots in the race, which could swing the vote in either direction. Mayoral candidate Adam Alharbi sued opponent Hamtramck City Councilman Muhith Mahmood alleging residency fraud. The votes will be certified by tomorrow November 18.
- The Archdiocese of Detroit announced a two-year process to reconstruct parishes in Southeast Michigan. Parishioners will have opportunities to share their input through two listening sessions at each parish. The new changes will be announced in early 2027. Changes will take place by July 2027. Restructuring can be monitored at restructuring.aod.org.
- Wayne State University Law School’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights received a $350,000 grant to expand a disinformation tool. The VERDAD: Verifying and Exposing Disinformation and Discourse AI-powered tool monitors U.S.-based ethnic radio stations for disinformation for Latino media. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awarded the grant to develop and enhance the tool. The expansion includes adding more states and adding languages including Arabic, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese.The award-winning journalist Martina Guzmán founded the tool.
- HEAL Asthma MI is a free program to help Michigan residents with resources and tools. Participants must be medically diagnosed with asthma, be 18 and up and face challenges to getting fair or equal health care. To sign up, contact 248-406-4254 or email aafahealasthma@gmail.com.
- The Islamic Center of Detroit is hosting a Turkey distribution this weekend. The distribution takes place Saturday, Nov. 22, from 1-4 p.m. The mosque is providing halal turkeys. The Islamic Center of Detroit also has a food pantry open every Saturday from 2-5 p.m., located at 14350 Tireman Street in Detroit. The Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance, in collaboration with the Oak Pointe Church, is hosting a Turkey Giveaway on Monday, November 24 at 10 a.m. People can pick up a free turkey at the Brennan Pool Building at 21415 Plymouth Road in Detroit. First-come first-served.
Civil rights group responds to Dearborn march
Advocates push back on candidate’s Dearborn march
A Muslim civil rights organization is advising Dearborn residents to ignore what it calls an “Islamophobic publicity stunt” by a Republican gubernatorial candidate. Anthony Hudson says he plans to march through Dearborn Tuesday “to protect Americans from Sharia law.” At an October debate for Republicans running for Governor, the Genesee County man said he would deploy the National Guard to Dearborn if elected.
The Michigan chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations says it has responded to a number of threats against Michigan Muslims and mosques lately. This week, an Illinois man who allegedly made threats against a Dearborn Heights mosque was arrested. A Virginia man faces terrorism charges for allegations he threatened to kill Muslims at a Michigan mosque and law enforcement officials identified a Texas man they say made threatening calls to the Islamic Institute of America in Dearborn Heights.
The national CAIR office says it distributed a formal memo to every member of Congress last month, warning of the “anti-Sharia hoax” as a part of anti-Islamic propaganda.
Additional headlines for November 14, 2025
DTE seeks gas rate increase
DTE is asking to raise residential gas rates by almost 8 percent. Planet Detroit reports the request comes a year after the utility raised prices more than 2 percent and as federal money to help utility customers is in doubt. The Michigan Public Service Commission has 10 months to decide on the rate hike.
https://planetdetroit.org/2025/11/dte-gas-rate-hike-proposal/
Michigan launches MIVeteran app
The state has launched a tool aimed at supporting veterans and service members transitioning back to civilian life. MIVeteran is an app designed to help veterans navigate benefits and resources available to them. Resources and information on the app include: DD-214 requests, state benefits, employment, education, housing, and healthcare resources, and a guide to benefits for transitioning service members. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency says it created the app as a part of its work to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families. The MIVeteran app is free and can be downloaded from the Apple and Google app stores.
State seeks input on services for older adults
The state is wrapping up its series of community conversations around gaps in services for older adults next week. None of the remaining events are in Southeast Michigan, but a survey will be live until December 15th. The Bureau of Aging Community Living and Supports is collecting input for a new state plan on aging. The survey can be completed online or downloaded and mailed in.
Download and mail the survey about older adults in Michigan
Threads of Time market returns to the Fisher Building
More than 20 vendors will offer their wares at the Threads of Time: Vintage Market Saturday. The free event is set against the backdrop of the Fisher Building’s timeless beauty. Visitors can shop for apparel, accessories and housewares. Food and drink will also be for sale. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is hosted by the Peacock Room.
Sheffield announces transition team
Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield announced the 18 policy committees that make up her transition team Thursday.
The transition team will determine the priorities for the first 100 days of the new administration.
Sheffield says the decision to place the team’s headquarters at the Marygrove Conservancy was deliberate. “We wanted to ensure that this process remained rooted in my values of neighborhoods and community. And I am proud to say that this is the first time a transition has been set up in one of Detroit's neighborhoods. First time ever.”
Sheffield says everyone appointed to the committees were chosen for their expertise, track records, and connections to everyday Detroiters.
The committees will focus on various issues such as affordable housing, public transit, economic opportunities, and youth support and development.
Additional headlines from Thursday, November 13, 2025
DPSCD endorses Invest in MI Kids
The Detroit Public Schools Community District School Board is endorsing the Invest in MI Kids ballot proposal.
The proposal would add a 5% surcharge on income over $1 million. Advocates say the charge would raise over $1 billion in funding for schools.
The Invest in MI Kids coalition says the new funds would be constitutionally protected and explicitly directed toward reducing classroom sizes, retaining and recruiting educators, and career and technical education.
Nurture Benefits for child care professionals
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP, is partnering with the Small Business Association of Michigan to provide affordable health and retirement benefits to child care providers. The program is called Nurture Benefits and enrollment opens on November 15.
Child Care providers will have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and retirement benefits, and wellness and behavioral health resources. Childcare providers who work 30 hours or more a week are eligible to apply.
For more information, visit nurturebenefits.com.
Marion Orr discusses new book
Author Marion Orr will be discussing his new book at Source Booksellers. The book is titled “House of Diggs: The Rise and Fall of America’s Most Consequential Black Congressman, Charles C. Diggs Jr.”
Diggs was elected to represent Michigan’s 13th congressional district in 1954.
The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.