The Detroit Evening Report

A recent report from the state health department says big federal spending cuts threaten Medicaid benefits for 700,000 people in Michigan. 

Other headlines for Wednesday, May 7, 2025:

• The United Auto Workers union held rallies in Trenton and Warren this week to demand Stellantis move production work to the U.S., and Michigan in particular.
• Detroit City Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero says she is certified to appear on the August primary ballot. The city elections department disqualified her over a late fee it said she failed to pay.
  Santiago-Romero contested the penalty, saying she did pay it, and that her disqualification was due to a clerical error.
• Construction crews have begun building the Detroit Grand Prix racetrack around the Renaissance Center. Race organizers say it’ll take about a week less to set up for the race this year thanks to a new wall and fence design. The races runs May 30 through June 15.

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

• The Michigan Global Talent Initiative wants 60% of the state's workforce to get a post-secondary education or professional certificate by 2030.
• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is joining efforts to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day on May 5.
• The Division of Victim Services provides grant funding to federally recognized tribes for domestic violence through the StrongHearts Native Helpline, an anonymous confidential hotline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. To contact the helpline, call 1-844-7Native or visit strongheartshelpline.org to chat.
• The city of Detroit is launching a Summer Youth Arts Employment Training Initiative to train and hire teens for summer jobs.
• Dearborn’s Economic Development Department and the American Arab Chamber of Commerce is hosting a resource fair from 4-8 p.m Wednesday, May 14, at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.

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

On this episode of Detroit Evening Report Weekends, we listen to the first 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. 

Throughout the Shustho series, Nargis explores a number of challenges that make it hard for Bangladeshi immigrants to access health care, including cultural competency within the medical profession and access to adequate insurance. 

The first story is focused on language barriers. Nargis speaks with organizations advocating for Bangla-speaking patients, community members who serve as advocates, translators and educators and medical professionals working to increase awareness.

Stay tuned to DER Weekends to hear the entire four-part series in May.

• Cinco de Mayo is on Monday but Detroit will celebrate Sunday with the 60th annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in Southwest Detroit. The parade begins at noon at Patton Park and will end at Clark Park. 
• As the Cinco de Mayo Parade winds down Sunday, the Blessing of the Low Riders revs up at the Motor City Dance Academy. The annual event showcasing lowrider cars and bikes will take place from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, and feature live music and dance performances, food and art vendors, and the blessing of vehicles. 
• Jazz vocalist Penny Wells will perform at the Detroit Historical Society’s Jazz in the Streets of Old Detroit series next Thursday, May 8. Proceeds from the event help support the work of the Black Historic Sites Committee.  

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

To help prevent summer injuries and deaths, the nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide is sharing child safety tips.

Other headlines for Thursday, May 1, 2025:

• For the first time in the city’s history, Dearborn will not have a primary election in August, the Detroit Free Press reported. The city clerk says there are not enough candidates running to make a primary necessary.
• The city of Detroit is breaking ground on the $28 million Russell Woods Senior Living Community on Friday on Dexter Avenue. Developer Fabiola Fleuranvil promises the units will be “deeply affordable" for residents.
• Detroit has commissioned 43 artists to establish art installations in nine city-sponsored “art alleys” across Detroit. It’s part of the city's Arts Alleys initiative, an effort to create vibrant community spaces to celebrate local culture and showcase local talents. Installations have begun and muralists will begin painting this month.  

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

Those municipalities are defined as ones that are experiencing one or more conditions that qualify as “probable economic distress."

The funds will be split among 13 cities across the state to support projects, services or strategies aimed at improving their financial stability.

Other headlines for Wednesday, April 30, 2025: 

• A project to end extreme poverty is coming to Detroit this summer.  The organizers of “Global Citizen NOW” announced Wednesday that their international summit will be held in the Hudson's Detroit building downtown, July 8-11.
• The trial of a Grand Rapids police officer in connection with the death of a Black motorists continues.
• The only Black, all-female unit to serve in Europe during World War II — known as the "Six Triple Eight," was honored on Tuesday with the Congressional Gold Medal. 
• The Detroit Pistons are looking forward to Game 6 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the New York Knicks after the team's 106-103 win in Game 5 Tuesday night.

Congressman Shri Thanedar announced Monday that he has drafted articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, accusing him of violating the U.S. Constitution.

The Detroit Democrat cited Trump's defiance of a Supreme Court order to facilitate the return of a man who was mistakenly sent to a prison in El Salvador and trying to abolish government agencies without Congressional approval.

Other headlines for Wednesday, April 29, 2025:

• Michigan State Rep. Donavan McKinney is challenging incumbent Shri Thanedar for the 13th Congressional seat.
• The Arab American nonprofit organization ACCESS and the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC) are teaming up with several community groups to host the 19th Annual National Arab American Service Day at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, mobilizing over 400 volunteers for hands-on environmental projects across metro Detroit.
• The Detroit Pistons will take on the New York Knicks in Game 5 of Round 1 of the NBA playoffs on Tuesday. If the Knicks win, they'll face the winner of No. 2 seed Boston or No. 7 Orlando in the Eastern Conference semifinals. If the Pistons win, they will stay alive and force a Game 6 at Little Caesars Arena.

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

The Asian American nonprofit Rising Voices is hosting an educational event this weekend to kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event, Teaching Asian American History in Michigan: A Book Launch and Film Screening, will focus on the need for inclusive education in K-12.

Other headlines for Monday, April 28, 2025:

• The city of Hamtramck will host a series of Night Bazaars on the first Saturday of each month through the summer where local entrepreneurs, artists and small businesses can feature their work and products. The first event will be held from 4-9 p.m. this Saturday, May 3, at Pope Park. 
• Southwest Detroit will host the 60th annual Cinco De Mayo Parade this Sunday, May 4, featuring school marching bands, dignitaries, dancers, and more. This year's theme is past, present and future. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. from Shed 2 at Eastern Market.
• The Dearborn Public Library and We Shall Read are hosting a series of free workshops in English and Arabic to support parents in helping their children learn how to read. The first workshop begins at 10:30 a.m. June 11 for grades 1-2, in Arabic only. Parents should bring their children with them to the workshop.

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

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

Plus, Detroit Fashion Revolution Week is wrapping up this weekend with several events.

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

Detroit has some of the worst air quality in the nation, according to a report released Wednesday by the American Lung Association. The organization’s “State of the Air” report gives the region an "F" grade in ground level ozone pollution, a "D" in particle pollution, and a failing grade overall in pollution levels above federal standards. 

Plus, Detroit City Council member Gabriella-Santiago Romero has been disqualified from having her name on the city’s August primary election ballot.

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

The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills is offering free admission on Thursday in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, also known as Yom HaShoah.

Also, the Detroit Department of Transportation announced Monday that it is expanding services including increasing frequency of buses on 13 routes and expanding weekend hours on 17 routes.

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

Several Michigan leaders released statements today in response to the news of Pope Francis' death, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church died on Monday morning at the age of 88. Francis was the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit in the position.

Also, addiction researchers at the University of Michigan are starting a study this year that will pay smokers of menthol cigarettes to quit.

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

Community members gathered with local leaders this week to celebrate the grand opening of Campbell Street Apartments, a new $18 million affordable housing development in Southwest Detroit’s East Chadsey-Condon neighborhood.

Plus, the Detroit Land Bank Authority announced the completion of more than 12,000 vacant home restorations in the past decade. 

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

An independent study by the International Association of Assessing Officers has found that claims of systemic overassessments in Detroit are false, the city reported on Wednesday. 

Plus, the Michigan Department of Transportation is reminding drivers that the department does not operate toll roads after a recent text scam regarding unpaid tolls to MDOT.

Plus, Detroit Deputy Mayor Malia Howard joined other city officials and residents Wednesday morning to celebrate the success of the Detroit Land Bank Authority. The agency has helped to rehab more than 12,000 vacant houses in the city since 2014.

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

Plus, Detroit’s young entrepreneurs are invited to a kickoff party on Wednesday at the Love Building for NextUp313.

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

The National Poll on Healthy Aging has released new data regarding how climate change and extreme weather impact health for adults 50 and up.

Plus, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office has launched a new form for residents to report social security benefit disruptions.

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

Faith leaders, community organizers and civil rights advocates will rally outside of Southfield’s Target store tomorrow April 12, according to nonprofit organization Michigan United Action. The rally is in response to the Target Corporation reversing its commitment to diversity equity and inclusion measures.

Plus, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud is set to deliver his second State of the City address on April 15 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. 

Michigan-based helicopter tour company, MyFlight, celebrated a groundbreaking for its new headquarters in Detroit on Wednesday. The 12,000-square-foot building will be at the Coleman A Young Municipal Airport. It’s the first new commercial development at the site in 60 years. 

Plus, the city of Dearborn reported a 34% drop of overdoses and six fewer deaths from overdose for the years 2023-2024.

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

Detroit’s three casinos brought in more than $117 million in revenue last month. That’s down slightly from March 2024. MGM Grand retained the top spot in Detroit, controlling 46% of the market. MotorCity Casino was second with 31%, followed by Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 23% of the market. 

Plus, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans delivers his annual State of the County address Wednesday night.

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

Plus, local police, state lawmakers and Detroit officials endorsed legislation to create a new public safety and violence prevention fund.

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

Plus, the city of Detroit Construction and Demolition Department kicked off “Detroit Demo Week” on Monday, with events planned for throughout the week.

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

Plus, Detroit's 23rd annual Greek Independence Day Parade is taking place this Sunday, April 6, and has a new route due to construction.

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