The Detroit Evening Report

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the end of Temporary Protected Status for Yemen. The designation was first granted to Yemeni nationals in September 2015 due to war in the country. TPS designation was renewed several times between 2017 and 2024.

Noem says the conditions in the country have improved, no longer warranting TPS. She says the designation was meant to be temporary.   

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services about 1,400 Yemeni nationals had TPS status as of last year.  

Secretary Noem says TPS beneficiaries who have exhausted their lawful basis for staying in the U.S. have 60 days to self-deport—that’s April 14. People are encouraged to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure for self-deportation, which includes a complimentary plane ticket and a $2,600 dollar bonus, which Noem says leaves the possibility of legal opportunities for future immigration. Those who do not leave may be arrested and deported and cannot return to the U.S.  

TPS recipients can seek out legal residency through asylum or work visas. 

Additional headlines from Monday, Feb. 16, 2026

Detroit police officers suspended 

Two Detroit police officers have been suspended for coordinating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Detroit Free Press reports that led to two people being possibly deported.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison requested the officers' pay be suspended. Previously, Bettison told Detroit City Council members the police department does not do immigration enforcement.

On Feb. 9, a Detroit sergeant called Border Patrol when an officer requested translation services for a non-English speaker during a traffic stop, prompting an investigation by CBP who then took the person into custody. Another incident occurred in December, when an officer called Border Patrol while investigating a felony warrant.

The Board of Police Commissioners will decide this week whether to suspend the officers’ pay. Bettinson says officers have been discouraged from working with Customs and Border unless a detainer is issued and signed by a judge.  

US Immigration Customs Enforcement purchases Romulus facility

A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told CBS News Detroit on Sunday the federal agency has purchased a facility in Romulus.  

The facility is expected to bring nearly 1,500 jobs to the area, just under $150 million in economic activity and more than $33 million in tax revenue. 

Last week, Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight said in a Facebook post that the Department of Homeland Security secured a building about 6 miles northwest of Detroit Metro Airport. 

McCraight said that the detention center would be opposed by the city at all levels and he is working with legal counsel to determine what authority the city has to stop it. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley  

College Fair

The Williams Recreation Center is hosting a college fair next week. It will feature admissions and scholarship information, financial aid guidance and student and alumni engagement. Light refreshments will be provided, and it’s free and open to the public.

Call 313-628-2039 or email taylor.small@detroitmi.gov for more info. The college fair takes place on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. 

Copies of the panelists books will be available for purchase but admission is free. Seats will be first come first serve. This is all going down at the Detroit Public Library on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. For more information go to detroitpubliclibrary.org.

For more information visit blackleadersdetroit.org. Applications for the loans open on April 1.  

Additional headlines for Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

Henry Ford Museum celebrates Black History Month

The Henry Ford is celebrating Black History Month with the theme “A Century of Black History Commemoration.” The museum has a series of events including a guided tour called “Three Cheers for Black History” which shares the untold stories of Black innovators. Visitors can also see the Equality exhibit, which tells the story of the first African Americans to compete in the national spelling bee.

There will also be a Black entrepreneurs vendor market that is free to the public, as well as multiple author talks on books on Harriet Tubman and the Civil War. Visit thf.org for all special events and programming.  

The Hustle returns

The Detroit Historical Society is launching its second round of The Hustle, a community engagement and exhibition program. The program was designed to spotlight Black entrepreneurs through photography, oral interviews, exhibits and more.

The society is looking for nominations from the community on who to spotlight next. Visit detroithistorical.org/hustle to nominate a business or business owner. Nominations will close on April 26.  

The Sherwood Forest Library branch is hosting a series of Community Doula Workshops. Conversations will be centered around information and resources for new and expecting mothers, and include topics about mental health, labor and delivery advocacy and access to resources. 

The series is hosted by Penny Love Fitness. Join this week Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Forest Library at 7117 West Seven Mile Road. 

Free Fishing Weekend

Valentine’s Day is not the only thing to celebrate this weekend. Free Fishing Weekend is Saturday and Sunday. This is one of two weekends during the year when people can fish without a license and without needing a recreation passport to access state parks.

All fishing regulations still apply. The next free fishing weekend is in June. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/dnr.

Some candidates for governor discussed their education plans during a Michigan Education Association forum in Detroit. They generally agreed schools need more counselors and other support staff. 

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, says schools do need more money. She also says the state should stop relying on a per-student funding model. 

"Different needs meet different communities. And, as I've talked to educators around the state, the number one thing that keeps coming up is just that, that an x amount of money for a student in Muskegon is not going to be the same as x amount of money or the same amount of money for a student in Iron River. The needs are different. The cost model needs to be different."

Democrat Chris Swanson, Republican Mike Cox, and now-independent former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also participated in the forum. 

Dearborn Night of Innovation

The City of Dearborn is accepting applications for the Night of Innovation Pitch competition. The event is presented by the American Arab Chamber of Commerce. Five businesses will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges to compete for monetary awards. First prize is $25,000; second place is $10,000; and third place is $5,00 dollars for seed funding.  

The City of Dearborn’s Director of Economic Development Jordan Twardy says the pitch competition is a way to showcase entrepreneurial talent in the city. Dearborn residents and business owners can apply by Feb. 27 by visiting BetOnDearborn.com.

The Night of Innovation will take place at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center May 12 from 5-8 p.m. The event is free for people to attend. 

Hamtramck NEZ tax information session

The City of Hamtramck Community & Economic Development Department is hosting an information session about the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax. People will learn how to apply for NEZ tax abatements.

The Coffee, Tea and NEZ session is on Feb. 23 at Kitab Cafe in Hamtramck. The event is available for two sessions; one at 12 p.m. and the other at 5 p.m.     

More information, including locations and hours, is available at detroitmi.gov.

Big Sean and Usher youth facility opens at Michigan Central

A $1 million investment in an entertainment production facility for Detroit youth from Big Sean and music artist Usher is now official. Leaders held a ribbon cutting this week for the new space.

The facility is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and is located on the fifth floor of Michigan Central Station.

The new hub includes creative technology studios, special effects labs and a literary and storytelling lounge. It is designed for young people ages 14 to 24.

Programming is set to begin Sunday, Feb. 9.

Sports

The Pistons lost at home Thursday to the Washington Wizards, 126 to 117.

Detroit looks to bounce back tonight against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.

Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. Even if the Lions are not playing, keep an eye out for new commercials from Detroit based organizations Rocket Companies and Redfin. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Book event: Lachi discusses I Identify as Blind

Grammy-nominated artist Lachi will speak at an event Monday, Feb. 9, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. for her new book, I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity, and Power.

The event includes a conversation with disability advocate Tameka Citchen Spruce.

Lachi was born legally blind and identifies as neurodivergent. The book explores her experiences, with the goal of challenging stereotypes and empowering people with disabilities.

For more information, visit Eventbrite.

The Coalition of Property Tax Justice says Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s recent executive order is too vague and does not do enough to stop over assessments in the city.  

Sheffield signed an order last week aimed at improving transparency in the city’s assessment process and requiring the office to meet national standards.   

Professor Bernadette Athutahene says the order does not specify how to conduct an assessment ratio study, which is required by the property tax reform ordinance.  

"We thought that the executive order would say, you know, to do a mass appraisal report, and those two things are different. The mass appraisal report, you can't apply Iao standards to a mass appraisal report."

The coalition did praise Sheffield for requiring the office follow the ratio standards of the International Association of Assessing Officers.  The coalition published a revised version of the executive order with more parameter specifics for a property assessment.  

ICE detention facility proposed in Romulus

A 500 bed ICE detention facility has been proposed for Romulus, but officials say it’s not set in stone. Romulus was among 23 locations nationwide identified in a recent Bloomberg report detailing the Trump administration's plan to buy warehouses and convert them into ICE detention centers. 

The Washington Post reported in December that a warehouse in Highland Park was being looked at as a potential location. The Mayor of Highland Park has recently said the city was not interested at all and the city lacks the space for such a plan.  

The search continues to find a superintendent for Dearborn Public Schools. Former superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko, stepped down from his position to serve as the State Superintendent. Lamis Srour is serving as the interim super until the position is filled. 

The district is collecting public input about the search until Feb. 16. People can fill out an online survey available in English, Arabic and Spanish. The Michigan Leadership Institute will also host stakeholder meetings Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The district hopes to have a new leader ready to start on July 1, 2026.  

EPA removes hazardous materials

The Environmental Protection Agency is removing hazardous materials from a former industrial chemical plant in Detroit.

The EMCO facility on Lawton Street closed in 2023. Nine months later, someone vandalized the property and set a car on fire, which spread to a storage site containing more than 400 drums of chemicals. The Detroit Fire Department put the flames out before the drums could ignite.

The EPA says it should finish cleaning up the site this summer. 

Hollier announces state senate run

Adam Hollier announced he is no longer running for Secretary of State. Instead he will run for the state senate seat for District 3. District 3 includes Hamtramck, Highland Park and the east side of Detroit. Stephanie Chang currently represents the district. Hollier served in the state senate representing District 2 from 2018-2023. 

Detroit Red program honors Malcolm X, jazz, and Detroit

A new musical performance honoring the legacy of Malcolm X, the history of jazz, and Detroit is coming to Wayne State University. Detroit Red has a 10-piece multidisciplinary ensemble composed of artists LuFuki and Destiny Muhammad. The program will include panel discussions, workshops, and performances. 

Detroit Red will be held Feb. 8th at the Valade Jazz Center at Wayne State University.  Malcolm X gave his last speech at the university’s State Hall on February 14th in 1965. The program is hosted by DREAM of Detroit and is free to the public. To reserve your spot, visit detroitred.org. 

Konjo Me has a new location

Ethiopian food pop-up Konjo Me has found a home at the Detroit Shipping Company. The space is currently under construction, but owner Helina Melaku says it will open soon, offering fresh Ethiopian food, coffee and culture to diners in Midtown. 

Arab American activist and civil rights leader Ismael Ahmed has died. He was 78 years old.

Ahmed co-founded the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services in 1971. He was instrumental in the creation of the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn. Ahmed later worked in the Granholm administration as head of the Michigan Department of Human Services, leading one of the state’s largest agencies.

Throughout his life, Ahmed, known to many as Ish, believed strongly in the importance of fighting poverty. In a 2008 video message to DHS staff, he said:

“The question of poverty is the most important question of our time. I think we have lost the battle around that question. Many people have forgotten the importance and the powerful way poverty affects our lives.”

Ahmed founded the annual Concert of Colors series in 1993. For many years, he also hosted the programs Radio Free Earth and This Island Earth on WDET.

Reported by Jerome Vaughn.

Hamtramck lead in water

The City of Hamtramck has elevated lead levels in its drinking water. The city posted a public notice on Facebook on January 22.

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant people and children. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy evaluates lead levels in the city for compliance. Hamtramck’s lead levels exceed the action level of 12 parts per billion. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. The designation means that 10 percent of homes tested had high lead levels.

The notice says ongoing testing occurs every six months and that service lines may be replaced.

People with faucets installed before 2014 are at higher risk. Boiling water does not remove lead. The city recommends running cold water for up to five minutes before use and having children tested for lead in their blood.

Hamtramck participates in the state health department’s Faucet and Filter Safety Net Program. Residents may be eligible for a water filter if they have lead plumbing or faucets installed before 2014. Eligible households must include Medicaid recipients who are pregnant or children. For assistance, call 844-934-1315.

https://hamtramckcity.gov/elevated-lead-levels-in-some-homes-in-hamtramck/

Dearborn overdose decline

The City of Dearborn reports fewer overdose deaths for the second year in a row, with a 36 percent decrease in 2025.

The Dearborn Department of Public Health was created in April 2022. The department installed free Narcan vending machines throughout the city to help reduce overdose deaths. It also works to raise awareness about substance use disorder and reduce the stigma around seeking help.

Narcan is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Free Narcan is available at vending machines located at the John D. Dingell Transit Center, the East Parking Deck at West Village Drive, the Wagner Parking Deck, and the Islamic Center of Detroit.

More information is available at Dearborn.gov/PublicHealth.

The event will be led by Bob Brutell, Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies and History at the University of Detroit Mercy, and Dr. Kyle Roberts, Executive Director of the Congregational Library and Archives.
“Remembering the Unfinished American Revolution” takes place Monday, February 2, at 1 p.m. Registration details are available online.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Epic Film Scores
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents a concert featuring iconic film music, conducted by Steve Reineke. The program highlights legendary composers and scores from films including Psycho, The Godfather, Gladiator, Star Trek, and Star Wars.
Performances:

• Friday, January 30 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m.

• Sunday, February 1 at 3 p.m.
  More info: dso.org

The Saunderson Brothers at Big Pink
Big Pink hosts a House and Techno night featuring The Saunderson Brothers. Organizers promise a high-energy set packed with crowd favorites.
The event runs tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
More info: bigpinklovesyou.com

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines from Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

Limiting road salt use and snow removal

If you noticed that there is less salt on the ground following the wintery mix we received the past few weeks, you’re not wrong. The above average snowfall is causing a lot of local governments to use more salt than they have in years.

But because the temperatures are too low for the salt to work, they are rationing salt to the most critical routes. Salt becomes less effective in temperatures below 15 degrees according to University of Michigan Climate experts. And in extreme cold temperatures some trucks switch from salt to sand because it provides more traction without relying on melting.

Some areas are alerting that the snow may not be plowed right away because removing the snow can create icy conditions and decrease the traction provided by fresh snowfall. Cities like Lansing issued a notice to residents that they will only focus on critical areas.

Weather forecast

And for those tired of the cold, warmer days are ahead after this weekend. The extreme cold is expected to last through Jan. 30 but according to the National Weather Service warmer air will move in for the weekend.

What does the warmer air mean? The temperatures across the state will rise into the low 20s. It will be 28 in Detroit and 26 in Lansing on Tuesday. It may not seem like a lot but I promise Spring is coming…eventually.

Process + Perception exhibit

And starting today til Feb. 21, the Detroit Artists Market is hosting their new viewing of the Process + Perception Exhibition. It’s a group exhibition of 2D and 3D process-driven artworks that’s created through layered materials and imagery. Organizers say the viewing will range from quiet and contemplative to intense and overwhelming.

DWSD Director Gary Brown spoke with WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley about the impact of the freezing weather. 

He says the department is getting many calls from residents dealing with frozen pipes inside homes.  Brown advises them to keep the house heated and insulate pipes on outside walls to keep pipes from bursting and damaging homes. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

Wayne State locked down 

Wayne State University was locked down for a couple of hours last night after a shooting in one of its residence halls.  Police say a fight between people who knew one another took place at the Chatsworth Suites, near the Student Center.  Shots were fired.  

Police were dispatched, but the people involved had already left the building  Students were advised to shelter in place as officers searched for the suspects.  A firearm was recovered.  Police determined there was no further threat to the campus community and the all-clear was given to around midnight.

No arrests have been made yet. 

Perry Johnson joins governor’s race 

Michigan businessman Perry Johnson says he’s running to become Michigan’s next governor.  The Republican announced his bid in a video earlier this week. 

“I know people say it can’t be done.  Nonsense.  We can make Michigan great again.  I’m Perry Johnson and I’m running for governor of the state of Michigan.” 

Johnson ran for governor in 2022, but his campaign did not collect enough valid signatures and failed to make the ballot.  He also ran for president in 2024.  

Johnson joins the race for the Republican nomination with more than half a dozen other candidates.  The primary election takes place in August. 

Jared Goff going to Pro Bowl 

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is going to the NFL Pro Bowl.  He will take the place of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who will be busy preparing to lead that team in the Super Bowl.  Goff finished the season with more than 45-hundred passing yards – second best in the league. 

The Lions failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021. 

-Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 

ICE and Detroit

Following the killing of another American by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Mayor Sheffield says Detroit residents should feel safe and respected in the city. Sheffield says she is always looking for ways to improve safety, but that so far what they have been doing has been working. "We have done a great job of ensuring that we are not a target or on the radar in the city of Detroit, and we will continue down that path." 

Sheffield says she is planning to meet with City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who has been very vocal about ICE enforcement tactics in the city. Sheffield posted a statement on social media saying the city "stands with the people of Minnesota as they exercise their First Amendment rights..." She did not condemn the violent actions of ICE agents. 

-Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley

Warming shelters stay open

The City of Detroit and its nonprofit partners will keep overnight warming shelters open for the rest of the week. The National Weather Service is forecasting nighttime temperatures below zero Thursday and Friday. The mayor's office is working with the Neighborhood Service Organization, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, and the Pope Francis Center to help families and single adults escape the cold. 

Residents can also call the city's Housing Resource Helpline between 8am and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon on weekends. That number is 866-313-2520. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Newspaper buy out

The owners of the Detroit Free Press plan to buy the Detroit News. USA Today's announcement comes less than a month after the newspapers ended their 36-year-old joint operating agreement. The company formerly known as Gannett says it expects to close the deal this week, adding that both papers will continue to publish separately.

The Detroit News recently said it would print its own Sunday edition for the first time since the joint operating agreement began. It's not clear how the sale will affect that plan. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Applications close tonight.

Additional headlines for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026

Radon Action Month

January is Radon Action Month. Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that’s found in soil. It’s naturally created through the breakdown of uranium in soil around homes.

The gas can cause lung tissue damage through radiation, making it the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. 

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy recommends testing homes every two years for exposure. People can pick up a testing kit from their local health department.    

Al-Ikhlas Director Nadir Ahmad passes away 

Detroit’s Al-Ikhlas Training Academy’s Director and Founder, Imam Nadir Ahmad passed away on Jan. 22. His funeral was held on Saturday.

In 2020, the Dream Storytelling oral history project interviewed Ahmad. He told the archive he moved from Virginia to Detroit to study Islam at the Wayne County Community College as part of the Muslim World Studies Program in 1980.  Ahmad taught at the Clara Muhammad School in Detroit, later serving as assistant principal and then principal. Ahmad founded the Islamic school Al-Ikhlas Training Academy in Detroit in 1991.

Community members and current and former students posted several comments on Facebook, sharing memories and commemorating the educational leader as someone who defined an era in Detroit. Ahmad was also a U.S. military veteran.  

ProsperUs Detroit hosts training program

ProsperUs Detroit is hosting an Entrepreneur Training Program for the Spring of 2026. The 12-week program provides one-on-one support for businesses to learn how to register their business, create budgets and systems for bookkeeping. The group will also learn how to write a business plan.

Participants will also study business models, target markets, and finances. Applications are due by Feb. 1. 

Outlier and Detroit-ography trivia night

The Outlier Collective is hosting a trivia event next month. Test your knowledge of Detroit with Outlier Media’s Civic Life Reporter Briana Rice and Detroit-ography’s Alex B. Hill.

Tickets are $5 a person. The event is being hosted by Outlier Media and Detroit-ography at the Brewery Faisan on Feb. 4 from 6:30-9 p.m. Register at outliermedia.org/our-events/.   

Editor's note: Corrected Al-Ikhals Director Nadir Ahmad's title, from Dr. to Imam on 1/27/26. We apologize for the error.

The Neighborhood Service Organization will open from Friday Jan 23 at 6 p.m. to Tuesday, Jan. 27 at noon. This site can only accept single adults.

Pope Francis Center is sheltering people through Jan. 27 at noon as well. They are also only accepting single adults. And the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is operating through Jan. 27 at noon. They are accepting families and single adults.

Residents seeking relief from the bitter cold may also visit Detroit recreation centers and public library branches during regular operating hours.

Any individuals sleeping outside and needing help after hours can go to a police precinct to be connected with an outreach team for help with overnight services.

Additional headlines for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

Due to the deep freeze this weekend, the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Center are closed today and Saturday. Animal care staff worked to ensure the animals continued to receive the care they need. The parks hope to be open on Sunday, but they will monitor the weather forecast before making that decision.

The National Weather service issued a cold weather advisory for all of southeast Michigan that lasts until Saturday morning. The agency says exposed skin could be damaged in as little as half an hour, and they say pet owners should not leave their animals outdoors.

Wayne County Juvenile Detention hosts open interviews

The Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility is hosting open interviews for two critical roles from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center. They will host a hiring event for individuals interested in becoming one of their Juvenile Detention Specialists or a Crisis Response Team Specialist.

For more information go to waynecountymichigan.gov.

Sports

NBA

The Detroit Pistons are on a 4 game winning streak and hope to extend that today when they face the Houston Rockets. Tipoff for the game is at 7 p.m.

NFL

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper announced his retirement via Instagram on Thursday. Skipper was dealing with a lower back injury all season. He said he will pursue coaching in his future.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is performing at the Detroit Opera House Jan. 24-25. The program will feature works from contemporary choreographers and Tony Award–winning Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse.

For more information go to detroitopera.com.

Detroit Dog Rescue is looking for families to foster dogs for two weeks to protect them from the bitter cold. The shelter and many veterinary boarding facilities are full. As temperatures plummet for the next few days more dogs are expected to die from the cold than survive.

The rescue is looking specifically to house medium to large sized pitbull-type dogs. The dogs are temperament tested, and mostly potty trained. The shelter will provide everything needed, including food and medical care. To learn more or to apply to foster, visit DetroitDogRescue.com. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026

New grant for small businesses

The City of Detroit and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation announced a new grant fund to help small businesses improve tech systems. The Rocket Community Fund will provide backing for the program. 

The program will award $1,000 grants to 140 Detroit-based micro-businesses with 10 or fewer employees and under $500 thousand in annual revenue. Grants can be used to purchase hardware, software, AI, or other technology tools.  

School bus safety

Enforcement of Dearborn’s School Bus Stop-Arm Safety program with Bus Patrol will begin on Monday. Drivers who fail to stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended will be issued a $250 civil infraction for the first offense and a $500 civil infraction for any additional offenses within one year.

Under state law, motorists are required to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when lights are flashing and must remained stopped until the bus resumes motion or the lights are off. 

Leland resident fundraiser

The Detroit Tenants Union is hosting a fundraising event for Leland House residents. The event will take place Jan. 23 at PJ’s Lager House at 1254 Michigan Avenue. Doors open at 8 p.m.

The union is collecting monetary donations at the door and raffling off prizes. All proceeds will go directly to the Leland House residents who are still displaced from their homes.

More than two dozen residents were evacuated on Dec. 10 after a major electrical failure at the building.  

Value City bankruptcy

Value City Furniture is going out of business, and four metro Detroit stores are having sales. The store’s parent company American Signature Inc filed for bankruptcy and is closing all assets. All sales at the stores are final, with no refunds, exchanges, or gift cards accepted.

Locations include Sterling Heights, Taylor, Utica, and Westland.

Residents making less than $69,000 per year can get free tax preparation through the program.  Officials say the city helped Detroiters get $450 million in Earned Income Tax Credits last year.  Residents can call 2-1-1 or visit www.getthetaxfacts.org for more information. 

Heart attack numbers drop 

The American Heart Association says the number of fatalities from heart attacks and strokes is down in the United States. The organization says there were 915,000 deaths related to cardiovascular disease in 2023.  That’s down from 941,000 in the previous year.  

Despite the reduction in fatalities, heart attack remains the largest cause of death in the U.S., followed by cancer, accidents, and stroke.  

The Heart Association says African-American communities continue to have a disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. 

Lincoln moves HQ to Detroit 

Automotive News and the Detroit Free Press are reporting that Lincoln will move its headquarters into the Michigan Central Depot in Corktown.  

The division of Ford Motor Company is currently housed in the company’s Glass House on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, but that building is closing and will be torn down.  Ford’s world headquarters has moved to a new building in Dearborn near the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. 

Gas prices rise 

Gas prices in metro Detroit have jumped in the past month.  A gallon of self-serve unleaded now averages $2.89.  That’s up from $2.79 in late December.  Analysts say prices remain relatively inexpensive because of low demand and production of winter formulations of gasoline.  Even so, AAA says Michigan is still one of the 10 most expensive states in the country for gas. 

Winter car care

With the extreme cold weather we’re expecting this week, keep your gas tank at least half full.  Make sure your tires are properly inflated and you have windshield wiper fluid.  Get your battery checked.  Driving with an emergency kit, including first aid materials, a flashlight, snacks, a shovel and a blanket is a good idea in case you get stuck in the snow. 

AAA Michigan says if you get stranded, stay in the car for shelter unless it’s not safe to do so.  Call for help and put your hazard lights on.  

The Michigan Department of Education is pushing for a stricter mandate for districts to implement "the science of reading" across the state. The Detroit News reports the department asked legislators to support mandatory training for elementary school teachers and require districts to choose from a list of approved reading programs. 

Holocaust Remembrance Day

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is next week and the Zekelman Holocaust Center is hosting a performance of Remembrance of Things Present to commemorate. The theatre performance by the Braid centers true stories of the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors through dramatic storytelling and song.

The performance is Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the Holocaust Center. Holocaust Remembrance Day is Jan. 27. It marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and honors the six million Jews and millions of others who were killed, tortured and persecuted by Nazis.

Admission to the museum is free Tuesday, Jan. 27. The Zekelman Holocaust Center is located at 28123 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills. 

Community conversation

Urban Neighborhood Initiatives is hosting a community conversation and celebration Saturday. The Springwells Summit is a space where residents can bring ideas and concerns about safety, flooding, transit, housing or any other issues. The summit is from noon-2 p.m. The afterparty is from 2-4 p.m. 

Accounting Aid Society seeks volunteers for tax season

The Accounting Aid Society hopes to recruit between 350 and 400 volunteers to provide no cost tax preparation services to low and no income families this tax season. No prior tax experience is required. Volunteers receive free training and certification.

The Accounting Aid Society activated 387 volunteers to process more than 23,000 tax returns last year and was responsible for more than $32 million in refunds in 2025. To learn more and get involved visit accountingaidsociety.org. 

Starting Feb. 1, travelers will have to pay $45 for it on pay.gov. There isn’t an option to buy a ConfirmID with cash. You will still need photo identification along with the ID to fly.

Passengers with Confirm ID could experience delays of up to 30 minutes for an additional screening process.  

Slotkin calls for settlement in EPA Flint lawsuit

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin says Flint is still in pain and looking for justice 12 years after lead contaminated the city's drinking water. Slotkin urged the Trump administration to settle a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Henry Ford exhibit celebrates 250 years of the U.S.

The Henry Ford is honoring the nation’s 250^th birthday with a year-long celebration called “America: 250 Years in the Making.”

The celebration will be centered around two exhibitions and the opening of the Jackson Home, the house that served as the meeting place for Martin Luther King Jr and other leaders as they planned the Selma to Montgomery Marches of 1965.

The two exhibitions will focus on crafting in America and a collection of textiles and fashion that helped shape the county. For more information about all programming this year visit thehenryford.org. 

Hatch Detroit Contest returns

Tech Town’s Hatch Detroit Contest is returning. The contest is for entrepreneurs with a retail concept looking to open a brick-and-mortar location in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park.

The winner will receive $100,000 from Comerica Bank and business support from TechTown Detroit.

Applications are now open. Participants can submit their business plans on hatchdetroit.com through Feb. 27.  

A sales tax of one percent in Detroit could generate $72 million a year in revenue for the city. That’s according to a report released Wednesday by the Citizens Research Council (CRC). But the juice may not be worth the squeeze. 

CRC officials say that estimated $72 million revenue is only about 5% of Detroit’s general budget for 2026. Creating the tax requires changes to the state constitution, an ordinance from the city council and voter approval. 

Researcher Madhu Anderson says implementing the tax could create other challenges for the city. 

“It encourages what we call tax avoidance, which is looking for areas where taxes may be lower to buy the same product It also encourages more competition for businesses. They may choose to not locate in a city because of the higher taxes, meaning residents may not purchase things there.” 

Anderson says there are alternatives the city could look at for increasing revenue, such as an entertainment tax. 

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is looking for suggestions from residents about what issues in the city she should be focusing on. The mayor’s transition team, Rise Higher Detroit, has released a survey on their website asking for input on things like taxes, services, community programs and more. Volunteers will also be going door to door in neighborhoods.

For more information or to complete the survey visit risehigherdetroit.com/survey. 

 Additional headlines for Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026

Scholarship for construction, trades

The National Association of Women in Construction Detroit Chapter is offering a $2500 scholarship to Michigan students and apprentices pursuing careers in construction and skilled trades. 

The chapter is holding a free, in-person workshop on Jan. 24 at the Northwest Activities Center. Scholarships can be used for tuition, training, and tools.

Applications are due Feb. 28. For more information, visit the link in today’s DER post at wdet.org/der. (nawic.org/nfsf-scholarships) 

 Donation drive for Interim House

The Church of Christ Care Community is organizing a donation drive for Detroit residents. The church is collecting items to create welcome bags for women and children who arrive at Interim House, Michigan’s largest shelter for victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

People can donate clothing, pajamas, personal care items, formula, stuffed toys, blankets, diapers, wipes, non-perishable snacks and juice.

The drop off location is 23621 15 Mile road in Clinton Township. Donations are being collected through March.   

Black Velvet: A Rasquache Aesthetic is on view at the Michigan Historical Museum until late November. The museum plans to host several events related to black velvet painting in the coming months. This Saturday, Jan. 17 admission is free and visitors can make crafts inspired by the collection.

The museum is in Lansing at 702 W Kalamazoo Street. Admission is $8 for adults and less for seniors and children; $2 for adults and free for kids with EBT cards.

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026

Sheffield restructures city services

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced the creation of the Department of Human, Homeless, and Family Services Monday, led by its new director Benita Miller. Miller previously served as the executive director of the New York City Children's Cabinet, and has three decades of experience in family and child welfare. 

The restructuring of city services also creates the role of Chief of Health Human Services and Poverty Solutions. The University of Michigan's Luke Shaefer will fill that position and also oversee the Detroit Health Department, and the Office of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion. Shaefer was the founder and director of the University of Michigan's Poverty Solutions research initiative and co-founded the program Rx Kids. 

Sheffield says the reorganization of these services will make the process of reaching out to community services less fragmented and confusing for residents. 

Applications open for Queer Equity Impact Program

The Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the next cohort of its Queer Equity Impact Program. The 12-week business accelerator program starts in February and offers participants with business plan development, peer support, training and other guidance.

Applications are due Jan. 30. Learn more at detroitlgbtchamber.com.

Future Docs is for children between the age of 6-12 years old. Children will experience 18 hands-on science workshops, such as Brain Blast, Wind Your Way Through DNA, and Heart Rocks. Kids receive a t-shirt, a backpack, and souvenirs. The event takes place on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 540 Canfield in Detroit.  

Tickets are $20 for adults and $35 for children. Tickets for WSU Medical Alumni Association members are $15 for adults, $30 for children.