The Detroit Evening Report

The Coleman A Young Foundation’s years long efforts to get a statue of the former Detroit mayor in the U.S. Capitol is coming to fruition.

Funders such as the DTE Foundation, Bedrock, The Ilitch family and business people John A. James and Suzanne Shank have donated to the cause.

The statue will be in the Capitol building’s National Statutory Hall Collection, replacing a marble sculpture of Lewis Cass, a former governor of Michigan who supported slavery.

Young was Detroit’s longest serving and first Black mayor. The Charles H. Wright Museum will host an event Tuesday, Oct. 20 to celebrate the announcement.  

Additional Headlines for Oct. 16, 2026

Detroit School board candidates and voter awareness

Citizen Detroit is asking its audience to help spread the word about the 25 candidates running for Detroit School Board this election by watching and sharing the candidate interviews on their website.

Candidate interviews have been available for several weeks on Citizen Detroit's site.

The candidates answered questions about their priorities for students, what they hope to accomplish on the board and what they wish they had experienced as students themselves.

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.  

Extreme weather has taken a toll on sewer systems

Heavy rains have overwhelmed Metro Detroit sewer systems in recent years flooding rivers, streams, and basements. Local leaders and water experts met in Southfield today to talk about better ways to manage stormwater.

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash says regional cooperation is critical. 

“Stormwater does not follow political borders. It follows river systems. 

It follows drainage districts. So, where the water flows really matters. All the communities in Oakland County and regionally are working together on a whole broad array of work." 

Nash says green infrastructure absorbs rainwater and keeps it out of sewers. Oakland County recently planted 30,000 square feet of trees and shrubs in two Pontiac parks that were prone to flooding. 

Davis Aerospace Technical High School returns to Coleman A. Young International Airport

The Davis Aerospace Technical High School is returning to Coleman A. Young International Airport after 13 years at a different location.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District has converted the airport’s former main terminal building into a school for aviation training for Detroit. This marks one of several investments into the city airport over the last year, including the addition of companies MyFlight Tours and AvFlight.  

Detroit Evening Report will be back in the new year

The Detroit Evening Report is taking a hiatus until Jan. 2027! We’re planning to come back bigger and better in the new year. Stay tuned.

Despite the results, Alharbi will continue to challenge Mahmood’s residency in a separate lawsuit. CBS News reports the recount could lead to three different possible outcomes: Alharbi retains the seat, Muhith wins the seat but is not able to get certified without the court’s approval or the seat becomes vacant.

A court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22 to review the developments.  

Additional Headlines for Oct. 15, 2026

Anti-surveillance legislation put forward by Rashida Tlaib

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib introduced a bill to ban federal funding for surveillance products such as Flock Safety cameras as well as facial recognition technology.

Flock Safety says its automated license plate readers and other products have helped police catch criminals and lower crime. Inkster resident Charles Stephens says he originally thought the cameras could stop reckless driving on his street. Now he’s not so sure about that.  

“They (drivers) run stop signs. There’s a playground right across the street. Some kids live two doors down. They run across the street to the playground...the camera doesn’t detect speed.”  

Tlaib and other critics say authorities could use surveillance data to stalk people to stifle free speech. 

Nuclear power plant plan approved

Federal regulators are approving a new plan to remove a fuel assembly at the Palisades nuclear plant in Southwest Michigan. 

Holtec International owns the plant. It’s been working to bring Palisades back online after it went into decommissioning in 2022. As workers began to load fuel in the reactor in August, one fuel assembly tipped. 

The company said it’ll need to retrieve the assembly from the reactor in order to load any more fuel. Some critics argued the plan creates new risks without understanding the root cause. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff say they found no significant hazards. 

Get Out to Vote event

The City of Detroit Department of Elections is hosting their Get Out to Vote event.

The Scarefest and voter event will take place at the Northwest Activities Center. That’s at 18100 Meyers Road, Detroit, MI.

People can vote that day, engage in family activities and receive resources & giveaways. It takes place on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The NBA regular season is right around the corner and the Detroit Pistons are getting ready to play their first game.

They face the Boston Celtics on Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.

Detroit Midterm Election coverage on NBC Nightly News

If you are watching the evening news, NBC Nightly News will air at 6:30pm on Channel 4 as a part of their broadcasts from key battleground states ahead of the midterm elections on Nov. 3.

The news program will feature interviews with candidates and Michigan voters about Midterm Election issues. Detroit will also be featured on "Top Story with Tom Llamas" streaming at 7 p.m. tonight on NBC News Now.

Halloween in the D 2026

Detroit is hosting their 9th annual Halloween in the D.

Organizers say that the activities will feature fun family-friendly and some occasionally spooky activities during the dates surrounding Halloween: Oct. 24, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7.

During Halloween in the D in 2025, 1 million pieces of candy were distributed along with total donations reaching $104,000. More than 700 volunteers worked the event that found 30,000 attendees across all dates.

The American Pharmacies Group says independent drugstores are closing at an alarming rate across Michigan.

Advocates say the way these stores are reimbursed for the medications they provide is unsustainable.

The stores rely on what's called Pharmacy Benefits Managers when billing insurance companies the cost of prescriptions they fill.

However, Detroit Pharmacist Mike Nabolsi says that payment often does not cover the full price of the drug.

"We're getting under reimbursed for something that we bought...something that cost $1,000, we're giving it to a patient, and we're getting reimbursed $900. We can't survive."

The benefit managers also can determine which drugs would be covered by an insurance program, which often pushes patients to big box pharmacies instead.

The advocacy group American Pharmacies is calling for reform and ensuring savings reach independent stores.

-Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley, WDET

Additional Headlines for Oct. 13, 2026

John James wants more governmental say in Michigan's education system

The Republican nominee for governor is calling for more accountability in Michigan's education system.

During a campaign stop in metro Detroit, Congressman John James said he wants parents to have a greater voice in kids' education.

James says—as governor—he'd also want more say in overseeing education.

"l would love to stand here and say hold me accountable for our kids being able to read, when the kindergartners who started this year go into the 4th grade when I'm running for re-election. I can't say that because right now our state board of education and our superintendents are not accountable to the governor."

The Michigan constitution puts the state board of education independently in charge of public learning and hiring a state superintendent. Both James and his Democratic opponent - Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson-say they want more resources going toward supporting teachers and students.

-Reporting by Colin Jackson, MPRN

Volunteers needed for Halloween in the D

The city of Detroit is recruiting volunteers for its annual "Halloween in the D" celebration. It started in 2018, offering events and activities for children and families such as trunk-or-treating at police and fire stations and free candy distributed across the city.

Día de los Muertos celebration at Wayne State

Wayne State’s Elaine L. Jacob Gallery is hosting a celebration for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) next Saturday, Oct. 24. 

The event will include a performance by students of Ballet de Folklorico de Wayne State University, an Ofrenda (offering for Día de los Muertos) workshop, flower making, a scavenger hunt and more.

The holiday is celebrated in Mexico and parts of Latin America to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on. Ofrendas on altars are one way to honor the deceased with decorations such as photos, flowers, candles, the favorite food(s) of the deceased and more.

The event is free and open to the public at 480 W. Hancock Detroit, Michigan 48201

Mayor Mary Sheffield and Hope Detroit to host coat giveaway

Mayor Mary Sheffield and Hope Detroit are having a coat giveaway this Saturday at Williams Recreation Center, offering free winter coats for toddlers, youth and teens as colder weather approaches. 

The coat giveaway starts at noon on Oct. 17 and is on a first come, first served basis.

Youth must be present to receive a winter coat. Williams Recreation Center is located at 8431 Rosa Parks Dr. Detroit, Michigan 48206. 

She also managed the Secondary Street Sign program, which honors well known Detroiters by adding their names to selected roads. Some of the honorees of the Secondary Street Sign program in Detroit include Aretha Franklin, J Dilla, JoAnn Watson, and Viola Liuzzo.

Janese Chapman was 70 years old.

Additional Headlines for Monday Oct. 12, 2026

Michigan Supreme Court weighs case involving an employee at Calvin University 

The Michigan Supreme Court is hearing arguments over the limits of state civil rights laws. One question before the court is whether or not the law applies to discrimination by association.

Lower courts ruled against a man whose Calvin University contract wasn’t renewed after he officiated a same sex wedding.

The courts found his own sex wasn’t an issue in the matter. 

Lawyer Charissa Huang represents the plaintiff. She argues the law was meant to apply beyond just the direct members of a protected class.  

“Allowing this court of appeals holding to stand would have a chilling effect upon people of different races and cultures and sexes and sexual orientations. They could be fired for association with one another with no resources.”

Calvin University’s lawyers argue that since the colleague whose wedding he officiated didn’t face discrimination, the man can’t argue sex-based discrimination on his own.  

Free breast exams offered by the city's health department

The Detroit Health Department is offering free breast exams tomorrow and next Tuesday. Offerings are from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Oct 13 and Oct. 20.

Both free exam dates include educational offerings and light refreshments. The Detroit Health Department is located at 100 Mack Avenue. To register, call 313-876-4319. 

2026 Neighborhood Vitality Survey now available

The 2026 Neighborhood Vitality Survey is now live. Detroit residents aged 18 and up can share their thoughts and experiences around health, safety, housing and other topics.

The first 6,100 respondents will get a $25 gift card for completing the survey. Responses help shape policy and guide funding for community projects.  To participate in the survey, click here.

$50,000 in field trip funds available through Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Huron-Clinton Metroparks is giving out $50,000 in funds for field trips.

Teachers can apply for the funds through the Huron-Clinton Metroparks’ "Get Out and Learn" Scholarship program.

The funds pay for field trips for hands-on experiences at the Metroparks or in classrooms.

It also hopes to remove financial barriers for students to participate in more STEM learning. The money can be used to pay for transportation costs for field trips up to $500.

Eligible schools must show they are 50% economically disadvantaged based on the Center for Educational Performance and Information score. In 2025, 54,000 participated in Metroparks field trips or classroom-based learning. To apply for the funding, click here.

The City of Detroit and Motor City Match held a ribbon cutting for Kidz Kingdom in District 7 in Franklin Park.

Kidz Kingdom childcare center during the week & play & party space on the weekends.

This business received $85,000 from Motor City Match in Round 23. This allowed the founder, Danielle North to be able to own the building instead of rent.

She says this opportunity allows more families to be served.

“I did have a passion and dream and fire inside of me to make my city a better place. To show people...that actually that there is more that we can do that there is greatness that already exists. My friends bring their kids here, my family brings their kids here. This is the block. This is what Kids Kingdom is about.”  

Additional Headlines for Friday, Oct. 9, 2026

Spirit Christmas stores to open across Michigan

With the holiday season approaching fast, Spirit Christmas is coming to Michigan.

Shoppers will be able to visit the seasonal retailer stores beginning in November in metro Detroit’s Macomb and Taylor, along with Flint and Grand Rapids.

Spirit Halloween has nearly four dozen stores open statewide for Halloween. To find the nearest one near you,  check here.  

.500 Detroit Lions to take on the Arizona Cardinals Sunday afternoon

The Lions have two wins and two losses, currently sitting at third in their division. 

A lot of critics are pointing to their lack of Defensive production.

Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard went viral in a press conference addressing the issue. “I can care less about perception. It’s all poison. Especially the praises"

The Lions hope to build some momentum as they face the Arizona Cardinals in State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona. 

Upcoming Detroit City FC home game

Detroit City FC face Rhose Island tomorrow at Keyworth Stadium. Game starts at 7pm  

One win Red Wings to host the Kraken Friday night

The Red Wings face the Seattle Kraken today at 7pm at Little Ceasars Arena.

Harvest Fest across The Villages

This Saturday, The Villages Community Development Corporation, the East Village Associaiton and more are hosting Harvest Fest at the Shepherd near Waterworks Park from 12-4 p.m.

Organizers say this is an event where attendees can celebrate the season with an afternoon of pumpkins, s’mores, skate demonstration, live music and more. For more information, visit here. 

Detroit-based Bayview Electric Company will provide the service for public walkways in Chandler Park, Eliza-Howell Park, Maheras Gentry Park and Rouge Park. 

According to council members, this is part of the answer to community public safety concerns in these areas. The contract comes after residents have voiced concerns over privacy and surveillance from third party companies, most recently Flock cameras and ShotSpotter.  

Council Member Denzel McCampbell said he was particularly concerned about whether data would be stored on a private, third-party server.

According a city report, the cameras will collect data on locations, vehicles, and individuals at the parks.

Though a third-party vendor will install the cameras, all data will be stored and monitored by the city’s video management system. Video will be kept for up to 30 days unless it contains criminal evidence.

Cameras will be connected to the Detroit Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center. Requests to access surveillance data will be reviewed and approved by the city’s Law Department.  

Additional Headlines for Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

Michigan Arts and Culture Council grapples with staff cuts

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) is reacting to a roughly 40% cut made to its staff. Officials say they were blindsided when three of its seven staff members were dismissed without warning.  

Nafeesa Symonette is vice chair of the council’s board. She says she worries the cuts may deal a blow to Michigan’s $15 billion arts and culture economy.  

“Artists won't get to do the kind of work they do for a living. One of the goals in the sector is to keep artists here...to produce art here. If they don't have the resources to do that, they go elsewhere."

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which oversees the Arts and Culture Council, confirmed to WDET that it approved the cuts.

The MEDC says it part of a larger 15% reduction to its workforce.  

Romulus warehouse being sold by the Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security is selling a Romulus warehouse it had planned to use as a detention center for immigrants. Michigan Advance and Project Salt Box (an investigative newsletter) report DHS is also selling six other buildings nationwide. The government bought the Romulus facility for almost $35 million dollars in February.

It scrapped plans for a detention center after residents who live near the warehouse protested that it was too close to their neighborhoods. 

The citywide coalition MoveDetroit is announcing the first 13 winners of a grant aimed at increasing and stabilizing the city's population. 

The initial Make Detroit Home awards are worth $15,000 each.

One of the recipients is local entrepreneur Karissma Yve. She says she will use the money to invest in scaling her business. 

"We hire from the city right in our community. We are excited to grow both our factory and the work that we're doing here...I'm really excited and honored to be able to...invest (it) back into the company, but ultimately (it's) the investment into the people in the community that we're hiring from." 

The coalition will offer another 300 grants of $1,000 each to assist current and future Detroiters with business projects, down payments, home renovations, rent and relocation assistance. 

Additional Headlines for Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

Free speech survey says Michigan universities don't make the mark

Multiple Michigan universities got failing grades in a college free speech survey. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) conducted the study for the seventh year.

It found students felt like they can't speak on controversial topics openly on campus. 
Data analyst Chapin Lundthal Cleary says university policies, behaviors and student responses were evaluated. 

"Our goal is to protect free speech rights, both on and off campus, for all Americans...for instance, (with) the college free speech rankings...students can have a more informed idea of what the speech climate is at schools they’re considering attending."

The University of Michigan and Central Michigan University got "F" grades for free speech and Wayne State University got a "D." 

Detroit city council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero asks for data center moratorium

A Detroit city councilmember wants an 18-month moratorium on Al data centers while the city figures out how to regulate the facilities. 

Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero has asked council attorneys to draft an interim zoning measure that would pause permitting through March 2028.

Detroit city planners are separately developing zoning rules addressing data center infrastructure and environmental impacts. 

Mayor Mary Sheffield's administration says it has effectively paused permits for new principal-use data centers while those regulations are being considered but her office has not formally adopted the moratorium previously requested by council. 

20,000 mail-in ballots received by the city less than a month before election

Detroit election officials say about 20,000 absentee ballots have been returned with less than a month remaining before the November election.

The city mailed roughly 100,000 absentee ballots between Sept. 19 and Sept. 24. 

Detroit has 38 absentee ballot drop boxes across the city. Election officials say the early return rate is encouraging as they prepare for the Nov. 3 election. 

Mary Sheffield is touting her Occupy the Summer Initiative as a major contributor to the drop in crime among young people.

In April, the mayor announced a six-point community safety plan that included the 10-week long initiative, neighborhood action teams and promoting safe gun storage.

Sheffield says she plans to bring the event back next year. "...the numbers really showed us that our strategy is working...that gives us more of a reason to advocate before the city council to make larger investments in our young people...we will have at least what we had this year and (will) continue to find ways to expand this project year-round."

The city reports juvenile homicides dropped from nine last summer to one this summer. Nonfatal shootings among young people were down 22%.

Additional Headlines for Oct. 6, 2026

DTE to host energy assistance, customer-centric events throughout October

DTE Energy is hosting four resource events this month to help DTE customers apply for energy assistance, receive help with payment options, get shutoff protection and more.

Funding for state energy assistance programs became available Oct. 1.

The next resource event –the second of four - will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Southfield Pavilion at 26000 Evergreen Road.

Obama in Detroit to support El-Sayed and Benson campaigns

Former President Barack Obama will be in Detroit later this month to campaign with state Democrats on the November ballot.

The Oct. 24 event will include Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Jocelyn Benson, who is running for governor.

President Trump told reporters outside the White House on Monday, Oct. 5 that he plans to return to Michigan in about a week and a half. He previously rallied with Republican candidates before the August primary election.

Michigan health department launches app to assist with quitting tobacco

The state health department has launched an app to help Michiganders quit tobacco in collaboration with National Jewish Health. The QuitLogix app is an extension of the Michigan Tobacco Quitlink online program.

It offers encouraging messages, check-ins and goal reminders. It also lets users order Nicotine Replacement Therapy products.

Residents can call the Quitlink hotline 24/7 for help quitting at 800-784-8669 or 800-Quit-Now or go to Michigan.gov/quitlink. 

BLK GRL Conglomerate fundraises for Detroit People's Food Co-op

The BLK GRL Conglomerate is hosting a Black Girl Cash Mob this weekend to support the Detroit People’s Food Co-op.

The goal is to get 100 Black women to spend at least $20 at the Black-led community grocery Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. and to have them join as member-owners of the co-op.

The Detroit People’s Food Co-op has launched a membership drive as it faces financial challenges two years after opening. It is located at 8324 Woodward Avenue. 

Editors note: To become a member of Detroit People's Food Co-op, patrons must pay a one-time $200 fee in lump-sum or spread out over 10 months.

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers originally decided not to count the 37 ballots, which were turned in days after the election.

Alharbi’s attorney says they are ready to challenge the ballots, even if they end up being counted, according to WXYZ.

They also plan to continue challenging Mahmood’s residency, despite a Wayne County judge dismissing a lawsuit over his residency last December.

Additional Headlines for Monday, Oct. 5, 2026

Forgotten Harvest hopes for 1 million pounds of food before year's end

Forgotten Harvest is hoping to harvest 1 million lbs of food by the end of the year to feed people in need.

Lori Setera is the assistant farm manager at the Forgotten Harvest Farms in Fenton, Michigan. She says a pound of food is equal to a meal.  

“Our food here goes farmers market style, just how you see it here in these crates. A lot of our brick-and-mortar pantry partners don't have the equipment or the space to store these giant crates. Because of that, a lot of it ends up in mobile pantries.”  

The farm supplements nutritious foods the organization distributes. They grow about 20 different crops such as cabbage, corn, broccoli, and peppers.

Around 3,000 volunteers are needed annually to help plant, weed and harvest food. Forgotten Harvest Farms still needs more volunteers to meet their goal this year. 

Virtual summit addresses race-based medicine

The Collaborative to End Race-Based Medicine-Detroit and Wayne State University’s Office of Inclusive Excellence are hosting a virtual summit about race-based medicine.  

The National Institutes of Health defines race-based medicine as "treating race as a biological or genetic trait rather than a social construct." This leads to misdiagnoses and poor health care outcomes for minority patients—especially for those in the Black community.  

The collaborative is made up of international clinicians, legislators,  industry leaders and community members working toward ending race-based medicine through education, research and advocacy. 

Panelists at the virtual summit will discuss how bias shapes health care and public health in an age of artificial intelligence.

They will talk about how technology can help identify bias and potentially prevent harm.  

The “Held to the Light: Race, Code & Consequence in the Age of AI” event takes place Oct. 29 from 3 - 5 p.m. Register for the event here.

State and local leaders announced a new waterway cleanup project in Detroit. The "Reclaim the Rivers" initiative will put close to $90 million toward removing toxic sediment, restoring fish habitat and public works projects along the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers.

The money comes from settlements with polluters. It could attract federal and private funding. Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson says some of the cleanup has already started. He says the extra funding will help make more of the river usable.

"Now that we have our federal and state partners coming in with the resources to be able to help, you can see what the results are and how families are flocking. As we clean up and expose more spaces to recreational uses, it allows more families to come down and enjoy our riverfront."

Both the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers are listed as federal areas of concern for the Great Lakes region.

Additional Headlines for Friday, Oct. 2, 2026

Wayne County commissioners unanimously support Google data center initiatives 

Wayne County commissioners are unanimously supporting a package of community benefits and tax incentive for a proposed Google data center in Van Buren Township.

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans had vetoed the incentives arguing Google proposing the massive date center gave officials too little time to analyze impact on the environment. Equal Opportunity Housing Commissioner Allen Wilson voted for the tax breaks in part, he says, to show "solidarity among his fellow members."

"No disrespect to Chief Executive Evans. I think he does a great job for the county. At the end of the day, we have got to make a determination. We have to stand strong as a commission. If we don't stand strong as a commission, folks (will) keep stepping on you."

For his part, County Executive Evans says he will work with the commission on the data center plan going forward. Van Buren Township officials are scheduled to consider the final site plan for the center in about two weeks.

The Detroit Lions Sunday night football

The Detroit Lions have a nationally broadcast Sunday night game on NBC. They match up against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The 2-1 Lions are trying to build against the 1-2 Panthers. Kickoff of is at 8:20 p.m.

Hijinks at the UniverSoul Circus happening at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre

If you have the chance this weekend, check out the UniverSoul Circus at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre.

You’ll be able to see Detroit's own Fresh the Clownsss who brings a blend of Detroit Jit dancing and high-energy clowning. The show starts tonight at 7 p.m.

Additional performances taking place in October can be found here.

The Detroit People’s Food Co-op is seeking more residents to buy into the neighborhood grocery store.

The co-op is running out of money. They launched a campaign looking for 500 new owners and are asking customers to spend $10 when they come in.

The co-op opened in 2024 to fill a gap. The city had almost no Black owned grocery stores. The goal was for Detroiters to own their food system, not just to shop within it.

However, the people who this store was built for may not be able to afford it. The U.S. Census Bureau reports 34% of Detroiters liven in poverty. The co-op says it is bringing in close to $3 million a year. Before it opened, It projected about $80,000 a week— which is more than $4 million.  

Additional Headlines for Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026

Mayor Mary Sheffield makes effort to ensure a full Count Day

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is partnering with school districts to make sure students are in their seats for Count Day. The city has launched a series of radio, newspaper, and social media ads. 

Fall count day is used to measure the in-school attendance of students—that number dictates how much money the school district receives from the state.  

Sheffield says she wants families, parents and students in the city to understand the importance of showing up for Count Day.  

"We oftentimes talk about schools being underfunded or Detroit kids not getting the quality education that they deserve. One way that we can control that is by making sure our kids are in school, that they're accounted for, and that we get the funding that is allocated to us for books, for teachers, for facility improvements."

This year’s Count Day is on Wednesday, Oct. 7.  

First of its kind Jim Crow museum to open at Ferris State University

Ferris State University will now feature more than 30,000 artifacts from the Jim Crow era in its new museum space.  

David Pilgrim founded the museum. He says the new building expands what can be taught about that period in American history.  

“In our old space, we did have room to show how African Americans pushed back against oppression with activism, with achievements and quite frankly, with just living everyday lives of dignity.”

The new building also includes a reading room, seminar space, and recording studio for visitors who want to share their own Jim Crow stories and how it affects them.  

Intergenerational Wisdom Exchange Program (WiSE) bridges generational divide at Wayne State Univeristy

A new 10-week program is pairing older Black adults from Detroit with Wayne State University students to improve social connection and digital literacy. 

Dr. Rodlescia Sneed, WiSE’s program director and an assistant professor in Wayne State’s Institute of Gerontology and Department of Psychology, says social connections are important for health and well-being. Many need technology to maintain a social connection. 

“It was our goal to increase social connection and reduce loneliness among older adults, while also improving their technology skills, so that we could make improvements that impact their health and well-being.”

Sneed says the program focuses on developing one-on-one connections to reduce barriers for older adults to learn digital literacy. 

The first half of the program is focusing on sharing life stories of Detroiters. The second half of the program is learning digital literacy. 

For more information on the program, you can contact Sneed at sneedrod@wayne.edu.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

This week the city announced two initiatives to support new homes, increase neighborhood investment and expand pathways to homeownership as well as housing affordability.

The first initiative involves the city’s Housing and Revitalization Department. They are looking for development proposals for 16 city-owned parcels in the neighborhood of North Corktown. The goal is to create 20 new homes for rent or purchase.

The second initiative revolves around the city launching the 2026 Small Buildings Program
with a notice of Funding Availability. This effort would expand the opportunities for
developers to rehabilitate and build housing across the city with $2.5 million supporting the rehab.

City leaders say these programs will continue citywide efforts to increase housing throughout Detroit. There is also a desire for mixed income, high-quality housing and low income housing.

To learn more about these two efforts, visit https://detroitmi.gov.

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

Arab American Women's Business Council to host a Nov. networking and pitch event

The Arab American Women's Business Council (AAWBC) is hosting a pitch competition on Nov. 19, 2026 from 5:30-8 p.m. Organizers say this competition is to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among local business owners. Participants are competing for seed funding.

The event is also meant to be a moment to share fresh ideas and network. For more information, please see the event's information page.

Red Wings to open regular season play Friday

The Detroit Red Wings season opener is going down Oct. 2 against the New York Rangers. Puck drop is 6:30p.m. this Friday at Little Caesars Arena.

Detroit PWHL team news

Detroit's PWHL organization announced that Hockey Hall of Famer Danielle Goyette and Stanley Cup champion Jimmy Howard have joined the team in the roles of assistant coach and goaltending coach, respectively. Their home opener happens Dec. 12 against the New York Sirens.

The Get Down returns to A2 and Detroit

The Get Down is back for a two-day music festival from Oct. 3-4 in Ann Arbor and Detroit.

The festival will be led by master drummer and composer Ali Jackson and will bring international guest musicians and world class artistry to showcase their talent.

Tickets for the musical event can be found here.

Applications close Oct. 5. For more information, email DetroitLegacyBusiness@degc.org. 

Ives Field restoration celebrated in Highland Park

Highland Park leaders celebrated the revival of Ives Field today. The city used almost $1 million in state and county funds to install new playground equipment, a pickleball court, a covered picnic shelter, and improvements to the baseball field and walking path.

Mayor Glenda McDonald and others cut the ribbon at the park on Pitkin Street this afternoon. 

Volunteers wanted on Halloween in Chandler Park

The Chandler Park Conservancy is looking for a few good hands to help with its Halloween Night festivities.

The annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Party will be held at the Chandler Park Fieldhouse and include games, candy, food and Halloween activities.

Volunteers, candy donations and people willing to pass out candy from their own decorated vehicles are needed. Donations are being accepted at the Fieldhouse at 12300 Chandler Park and at the Samaritan Center at 555 Conner Street until Oct. 28. 

Those interested in volunteering can email aallen@chandlerparkconservancy.org or fill out this form.

Ethiopian cooking classes continue in Midtown

Konjo Me is offering another round of Ethiopian cooking classes. Participants will learn to cook an authentic vegetarian dish, an authentic meat dish and will learn about Ethiopian spices and cooking techniques.

The class is Thursday, Oct. 15 at Konjo Me’s Detroit Shipping Company location at 474 Peterboro. Registration for the event can be found here.

Five organizations are receiving $1.5 million in awards from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for community violence intervention efforts.

MDHHS acting director Ashley Epkey says the money goes toward reducing firearm violence and adverse outcomes in communities. 

MDHHS says community violence includes homicides and nonfatal shootings, which cause substantial harm and trauma to communities, especially in “racially segregated and historically disinvested neighborhoods.” Community violence is a public health problem, which can lead to people developing chronic diseases and avoiding resources such as recreational spaces and access to healthy food outlets. 

The funding hopes to strengthen community violence intervention services for groups with a high likelihood of firearm violence. Proposals were accepted based on measurable efforts that integrate public health and safety. Each organization was awarded $300,000 for a 2 year project that spans Sep. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2028.  

Two organizations in Detroit were awarded funds. The first is Detroit Life is Valuable Everyday, or DLIVE. DLIVE will use a hospital-based violence intervention program model to help with post-injury recovery, retaliation, mortality risk and victim services.

The second one is Detroit Peoples Community. Detroit Peoples Community will implement five evidence-based community violence intervention strategies to serve people in the Detroit ZIP codes 48219 and 48235. 

Additional headlines for Monday, Sept. 28, 2026

Local leaders agree: data center regulations are needed

Local government leaders across Michigan say they support state regulations for data centers. The University of Michigan’s Center for Local, State and Urban Policy interviewed village, township and county officials. Center director Stephanie Leiser says almost 60% of those who responded think setting rules should be a high priority for lawmakers. 55% expect strong opposition to data centers.  

Speaking on those survey percentage points regarding data centers, Leiser notes, “It’s coming through loud and clear that they (local government officials) really think the state needs to step up and help with things like decommissioning plans, health and environmental impacts, water use and discharge.” 

Leiser says the survey shows more opposition in rural communities, where 53% of local politicians say data centers' costs outweigh their benefits. 

Gun safety a necessary step in suicide prevention      

Suicide deaths are the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years old as of 2024. That’s according to a new report by the Michigan Suicide Prevention Council.  

Lindsay DeCamp is the State Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She says increased access to firearms contributes to suicide. “Research shows that states with higher rates of household gun ownership have significantly higher rates of suicide. Storing firearms securely and limiting access for those that are in heightened risk can help reduce suicide.”  

DeCamp says societal, community and individual-level factors such as unemployment, feelings of despair and social isolation remove protective factors against suicide.  

The council recommended two priorities: sustaining state funding for suicide prevention infrastructure and aligning policy and licensure to educate professionals across sectors in risk assessment and prevention. 

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harm, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 for confidential emotional support 24/7. 

Spirit of Detroit given to immigrant business leader 

Mohammed Abdul Muhit received a Spirit of Detroit award from the Detroit City Council last week, recognizing his service, leadership, and commitment to Detroit’s small business community. Muhit is the District 3 Business Liaison and the associate director at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.  

Muhit, who immigrated to the Detroit area in 2016, says he’s grateful for the opportunity to give back. “It’s really a wholesome experience from day one that I started living here. From day one, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work in the city administration with a lot of great people every day.”  

Muhit previously worked at Global Detroit as a community organizer and engagement specialist focusing on the Banglatown neighborhood before joining the DEGC. 

Skilled Trades Task Force meets for apprenticeship info 

The City of Detroit is hosting a Skilled Trades Task Force Meeting. At this meeting, people can find out about tuition-free apprenticeship programs.  

The meeting will take place at the Union Carpenters and Millwrights Skilled Training Center on Sept. 23rd from 4-6 p.m. That’s located at 11687 American Street, Detroit, MI 48204. 

Since Detroit has launched ShotStoppers three years ago, the city has seen a 45% decrease in homicides and nonfatal shootings, according to a University of Michigan analysis.  

ShotStoppers is a community violence intervention program that empowers the community to stop violence in their neighborhoods separate from law enforcement responses. 

The program funds selected community-based organizations known as community violence intervention teams to create intervention plans to address violence in their respective zones. 

Each team gets about $175,000 per quarter to support their efforts. The focus is on areas in Detroit that have historically experienced high levels of gun violence.

Teams can get an additional $175,000 in performance-based bonuses if they successfully reduce gun violence at a higher rate than the city.  

In the rest of the city homicide victimizations have dropped by 12% and nonfatal shooting victimizations have dropped by 26% in within the last year according to the city.  

Additional headlines for Friday, Sept. 25, 2026

Preston Townhomes 

The City of Detroit joined nonprofit development company GenesisHOPE and real estate firm Cinnaire Solutions to celebrate the grand opening of new apartments called Preston Townhomes. This is a $14 million affordable housing development bringing 31 new, high-quality homes to Detroit families.

Jeanine Hatcher is the Executive Director of GenesisHOPE who spearheaded the project. Josh Bails, Development Director of Housing and Revitalization Department shared that Hatcher was adamant about getting as many affordable units as possible.  

“When we do a large apartment building that's affordable housing, almost all the units end up being studios and one bedrooms, and we claw and we fight for as many two-bedroom units as we can get in a project, and it usually ends up being just a handful. Janine [Hatcher] and her team came into this with a mission and a vision of 'if we're going to have affordable housing, we want to have affordable housing for families.' And that is something that is incredibly difficult to do, but they would not compromise... And to see that many 100% units sized for families in a project is almost unheard of."

The building is built on the former site of Detroit Eastern High School and transform a once vacant building to necessary housing for the city.  

Sports 

NFL  

The Lions are trying to bounce back from last week’s tough loss to the Buffalo Bills. They face off the New York Jets on Sunday at Ford Field. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

MLB 
The Tigers face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend as they try to climb out the American League Central. They are currently second to last in their division. 

Soccer
Detroit City FC face off against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Keyworth Stadium. Game starts at 7 p.m. 

Coffee Week

For all of our Caffeine junkies, today marks the start of Dearborn’s third annual Coffee Week. Going down from Friday, Sept. 25 to Friday, Oct. 2, these seven days celebrate way more than coffee—art, culture, and community as well.

According to organizers, coffee shops will host activations and there will be fun activities scattered throughout the week.

The group’s Chris Sutton says the new facility provides a safe space for the LGBT community to receive care. “You don't have to worry about not feeling seen. You can really just come into a space where you can be focused on your health in a full and holistic way. That's kind of one of our biggest goals with this space.”

LGBT Detroit Health is also partnering with Oakland County Health, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and others to provide testing clinics and vaccinations.  

The facility is funded through state grants and membership fees. 

Additional Headlines for Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

Wayne County judge Cusick dismisses Detroit Tenants Union lawsuit

A Wayne County judge has sided with Detroit’s 36th District court and dismissed a case with the Detroit Tenants Union. The group sued the district court claiming that its judges allow landlords to illegally collect rent or evict tenants when their properties lacked city-issued certificates of compliance.

The lawsuit was centered around the issue that only 14% of rental properties have a certificate of compliance. The Tenant’s Union says the district judges should bear the burden of proof on whether these properties were up to code. The District Court said that’s not their job and Wayne County Judge Paul J. Cusick agreed.

The dismissal comes after Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced a plan to bring thousands of rental properties up to code within a year.

The Detroit Tenants Union plans to appeal Judge Cusick’s decision. 

Arab American group ACCESS aims for a 2027 Dearborn mental health facility opening

A new facility is opening in Dearborn that aims to help people with substance abuse and mental health challenges. The $25 million recovery center is being built by the Arab American-focused group Arab American Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS). The building will open in phases starting in 2027.

Funding to build the center came from a combination of state, federal and county grants and private donors. The center will offer outpatient behavioral health treatment, urgent care, withdrawal management, beds for residential treatment and more. The center will also have an on-site food pantry. 

Coffee celebration starts Friday in Dearborn

Dearborn’s third Annual Coffee Week kicks off tomorrow. The celebration highlights local coffee culture, art, and community in the city. The kickoff will take place at PEACE Park West on 22271 W Village Dr.

The event will feature local coffee shop tastings, mug painting, caricatures, henna tattoos, music and more.

Events will follow the rest of the week through Oct. 2, with a drip coffee party, an appearance from Jalasat (a pop-up performance series from the Arab American National Museum) and coffee pop-ups throughout the week.

Reparation Generation's September virtual house meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 29. Lottie Lee Abdullah from Reparations for Slavery will guide a discussion around housing and the racial wealth gap.

The Belle Isle Casino is the venue for the 2026 Taste of Black Spirits Friday night. The daylong event includes the ‘Amplify’ Liquid Forum for education, networking and business development and ends with the ‘Grand Tasting Exhibition.’  

The Taste of Black Spirits is a companion event to the Black Film Festival.

Detroit Month of Design touts thrifted fashion  

The Detroit Month of Design is still in full swing with daily events to celebrate design in the city. An event I have my eye on is the Slow Fashion Slow Roll at the coworking space Chroma on Thursday.

The event invites the community to wear handmade, thrifted, vintage and upcycled fashion. Participants are also encouraged to join in a community bike ride, a pre-party and an after-party. Plus, there's the chance to visit a marketplace populated with Detroit slow fashion designers.  

The first party is on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. at Chroma, located at 2937 E Grand Blvd.  

For more information about everything on the Detroit Month of Design schedule, go to detroitmonthofdesign.org.  

The center is located off of Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit. Visit allsaintsliteracy.org to volunteer or sign up. 

MDHHS warns residents about harmful nitrous oxide health risks 

Inhaling recreational laughing gas is no laughing matter. Michigan’s health department is warning residents about serious health risks of using recreational nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, whippets, galaxy gas or N.O.S. Nitrous oxide is usually used in medical settings at the dentist or doctor’s office.  

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says health risks from improper use can lead to anxiety, depression and mood changes. It can also lead to memory problems, anemia, paranoia or loss of consciousness. 

Products that have nitrous oxide can be found in grocery stores, smoke shops and vape stores. 

The Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center says there’s been an increase in health emergencies from 2019 to 2023, with 144 poison center cases, 132 emergency room visits and nearly 200 emergency medical response services related to nitrous oxide. 

In 2024, 34% of cases required hospital admission and about 7% required intensive care. People experienced numbness, tingling of limbs, trouble walking or passing out.

People who are experiencing symptoms should call 911. Visit michigan.gov/sud for resources. 

-Reporting by Russ McNamara

Additional headlines for Friday, Sept. 18, 2026

Michigan reports fewer jobs

Michigan's jobless rate inched up a tenth of a point to 5% last month. The state labor office says a decline in manufacturing jobs led to fewer jobs. 

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget says the state had 2,000 fewer non-farm payroll jobs in August. 

The national jobless rate held steady last month at 4.1%.

Sports 

NFL 

The Detroit Lions suffered a loss to the Buffalo Bills with the score of 41-31.  

Lions head coach Dan Campbell says the loss shows the Lions where they stand. “I feel really good being able to improve from here. Continue to grow offensively...Defensively, we give up too many explosives... And now we got a minute to look at it and figure out what where we can go here.” 

The Lions next game is against the New York Jets on Sept. 27 at Ford Field. 

Dearborn + Detroit block party rescheduled

The annual Dearborn + Detroit Community Block Party has been rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27. It’ll be from 2–5 p.m. at Tireman & Miller St.

The celebration will still feature free food, music, games, giveaways, local vendors, community resources, family activities and more. For more information go to dearborn.gov. 

The event will take place at IBEW Local 58 on 1358 Abbot Street in Detroit from 5-8:30 p.m. To RSVP, search “Citizen Detroit DPSCD Meet Your Candidates” on Eventbrite. Admission is free, but registration is required. RSVP by Sept. 28.

Citizen Detroit is also posting candidate interviews on their YouTube Channel and on citizendetroit.org. Videos will go live on Friday. 

Harris visits Michigan, supporting El-Sayed

Former Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit Michigan next week to campaign with Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Harris endorsed El-Sayed after his primary win in August, but this will be her first public appearance with him.

During her visit Tuesday, they'll attend a roundtable on Black maternal health.

During the primary campaign, El-Sayed faced criticism for urging Democrats to vote uncommitted in Michigan's presidential primary in 2024. He eventually endorsed Harris for president. 

Whistle kit crafting

The nonprofits Rising Voices and Detroit Asian Collective are hosting the Warning Whistle Kit Making Night. Participants will assemble multilingual warning whistle kits while learning how to protect residents rights and how to document interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The event will be held tonight from 6 – 7 p.m. Address will be given upon registration. 

Gas prices

Gasoline prices have risen more than 70 cents a gallon in the last 10 days. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $4.75 cents a gallon for regular unleaded this morning. It was $4.02 on Sept. 7.and $4.54 a gallon yesterday.

The average price of diesel fuel statewide is 20 cents higher than it was yesterday, rising to a record of $6.54 cents a gallon. 

-Reporting by Russ McNamara

Americans for Citizen Voting proposal won't make ballot

The Michiganders for Money out of Politics initiative will appear on the statewide ballot in November. But a measure to require all voters to prove they are U.S. citizens will not.

The Board of State Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 on the Americans for Citizen Voting proposal, denying it from the ballot. They could not agree on a way to resolve problems with petition signatures. Now, a State House Select Committee is trying to find out why.

Both campaigns turned in hundreds of thousands more signatures than were required. Harris says the committee plans to hear testimony from people affiliated with the campaigns, as well as state and local election officials.

- Reporting by Russ McNamara

Health officials warn about recreational nitrous-oxide use

Michigan health officials say the state has a growing problem with people using whippets or laughing gas. Nitrous oxide-commonly catted laughing gas has a variety of medical and culinary uses. But the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says recreational use of nitrous oxide has been linked to a growing number of hospitalizations.

Health officials say recreational use has been linked to neurological injury, blood clots and injuries related to impaired judgement. 

They say since 2024, a third of emergency nitrous oxide cases in Michigan required hospitalization.

-Reporting by Steve Carmody

Gas prices rise

Fuel prices are rising daily. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $4.54 for a gallon of regular unleaded this morning. That's 11 cents higher than yesterday, and 32 cents more than it was a week ago. Diesel fuel is averaging a record $6.34 cents a gallon statewide.

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller 

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said that Detroit would end the year with a $1.5 billion surplus. This has been corrected to say that the city is expecting a $1.5 billion general fund. We apologize for the error. 

For more information, visit the EGrAMS website. Anyone interested in learning more can attend an informational webinar on Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m.

The City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department invites student artists to create artwork around civil rights. Artwork could be featured through the Civil Rights Summit: Civil Rights in the 21st Century. The summit takes place on Oct. 9th. Three awards will be presented by the Atellier School of Art. Submit artwork by Oct. 2.

Neighborhood Roads Fund invests in transit infrastructure

Governor Whitmer announces the first payments from the Neighborhood Roads Fund. It’s part of a $2 billion annual investment for Michigan infrastructure.

Whitmer says the funding will go toward bridge projects for counties, cities and villages. That includes $100 million to repair and replace bridges, $100 million for public transit and $40 million for rail grade separation projects to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.  

Goal Line program expands after school programming

The city of Detroit investing more than $2 million in after school programs. The funding supports expanding the nonprofit Get On and Learn or Goal Line program. It had served 34 location and 1,000 students.

Now it will be expanded to include locations in four recreational centers and three libraries. Goal Line Executive Director Ricky Fountain says the investment will support an additional 1,000 students across the city.  

Any Detroit Public Schools Community District, Detroit chapter school, or homeschooled students is eligible to join for free.  

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley 

Detroit Cultural Center hosts Educators Night

Detroit’s Cultural Center will welcome teachers to explore five venues Tuesday night.  

The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detorit Historical Museum, the Michigan Science Center and the main brain of the Detroit Public Library will be open for Educators Night.  

Annamarie Boruki from the Detroit Cultural Center Association says the event offers resources and special programs.  “Teachers will be able to connect with more than 80 nonprofit and educational organizations, enjoy workshops, performances, exhibits, and heads-on resources that they can bring back to their classrooms.”

The event is open to classroom teachers, homeschooling parents and school administrators. This is the fourth time the Cultural Center has hosted Educators Night.  

-Reporting by Sascha Raiyn