The Detroit Evening Report
The Detroit Evening Report is a three-minute daily round-up of the news that city residents need to know. Stories focus on the concerns, problems, passions and needs of Detroiters – specifically residents of color. On the weekends, we take a break from the news and spend some time with community members. Hosted by Sascha Raiyn, Jerome Vaughn, Tia Graham, Nargis Rahman, and Hernz Laguerre, Jr. Detroit Evening Report is a production of WDET, Detroit's NPR Station.
Most Recent Episode
Book launch, film screening to encourage inclusion of Asian American history in schools
The Asian American nonprofit Rising Voices is hosting an educational event this weekend to kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event, Teaching Asian American History in Michigan: A Book Launch and Film Screening, will focus on the need for inclusive education in K-12.
Other headlines for Monday, April 28, 2025:
- The city of Hamtramck will host a series of Night Bazaars on the first Saturday of each month through the summer where local entrepreneurs, artists and small businesses can feature their work and products. The first event will be held from 4-9 p.m. this Saturday, May 3, at Pope Park.
- Southwest Detroit will host the 60th annual Cinco De Mayo Parade this Sunday, May 4, featuring school marching bands, dignitaries, dancers, and more. This year's theme is past, present and future. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. from Shed 2 at Eastern Market.
- The Dearborn Public Library and We Shall Read are hosting a series of free workshops in English and Arabic to support parents in helping their children learn how to read. The first workshop begins at 10:30 a.m. June 11 for grades 1-2, in Arabic only. Parents should bring their children with them to the workshop.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
More Episodes
Water affordability bills, measles misinformation + more
Tonight on the Detroit Evening Report, a water affordability bill package is making a comeback in the state legislature. Plus, updates on the Pistons and Knicks.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO sentenced for embezzling over $40M
Ex-Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William Smith was sentenced to 19 years in prison on Thursday for embezzling more than $40 million from the nonprofit over an 11-year period.
Plus, Detroit Fashion Revolution Week is wrapping up this weekend with several events.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Detroit ranks among worst in nation for particle pollution, report finds
Detroit has some of the worst air quality in the nation, according to a report released Wednesday by the American Lung Association. The organization’s “State of the Air” report gives the region an "F" grade in ground level ozone pollution, a "D" in particle pollution, and a failing grade overall in pollution levels above federal standards.
Plus, Detroit City Council member Gabriella-Santiago Romero has been disqualified from having her name on the city’s August primary election ballot.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Zekelman Holocaust Center offering free admission for Holocaust Remembrance Day
The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills is offering free admission on Thursday in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, also known as Yom HaShoah.
Also, the Detroit Department of Transportation announced Monday that it is expanding services including increasing frequency of buses on 13 routes and expanding weekend hours on 17 routes.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Michigan leaders reflect on the loss of Pope Francis, a 'powerful, prophetic and loving voice'
Several Michigan leaders released statements today in response to the news of Pope Francis' death, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church died on Monday morning at the age of 88. Francis was the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit in the position.
Also, addiction researchers at the University of Michigan are starting a study this year that will pay smokers of menthol cigarettes to quit.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
City leaders celebrate grand opening of Campbell Street Apartments
Community members gathered with local leaders this week to celebrate the grand opening of Campbell Street Apartments, a new $18 million affordable housing development in Southwest Detroit’s East Chadsey-Condon neighborhood.
Plus, the Detroit Land Bank Authority announced the completion of more than 12,000 vacant home restorations in the past decade.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
City Council says new study disproves claims of systemic overassessments in Detroit
An independent study by the International Association of Assessing Officers has found that claims of systemic overassessments in Detroit are false, the city reported on Wednesday.
Plus, the Michigan Department of Transportation is reminding drivers that the department does not operate toll roads after a recent text scam regarding unpaid tolls to MDOT.
Former Michigan AG Mike Cox announces bid for governor
Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has announced that he’s running to become governor next year. He delivered the news Tuesday in a campaign video, saying the state should eliminate the income tax and promote right to work measures.
Plus, Detroit Deputy Mayor Malia Howard joined other city officials and residents Wednesday morning to celebrate the success of the Detroit Land Bank Authority. The agency has helped to rehab more than 12,000 vacant houses in the city since 2014.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Adam Hollier launches third Congressional bid to unseat Thanedar in Detroit
Former State lawmaker Adam Hollier is running for Congress again, challenging incumbent Shri Thanedar in next year's Democratic primary election.
Plus, Detroit’s young entrepreneurs are invited to a kickoff party on Wednesday at the Love Building for NextUp313.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
U-M report finds most older adults concerned about climate and health
The National Poll on Healthy Aging has released new data regarding how climate change and extreme weather impact health for adults 50 and up.
Plus, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office has launched a new form for residents to report social security benefit disruptions.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Target protest planned in Southfield amid retailer's DEI rollback
Faith leaders, community organizers and civil rights advocates will rally outside of Southfield’s Target store tomorrow April 12, according to nonprofit organization Michigan United Action. The rally is in response to the Target Corporation reversing its commitment to diversity equity and inclusion measures.
Plus, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud is set to deliver his second State of the City address on April 15 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
MyFlight breaks ground on new aviation headquarters in Detroit
Michigan-based helicopter tour company, MyFlight, celebrated a groundbreaking for its new headquarters in Detroit on Wednesday. The 12,000-square-foot building will be at the Coleman A Young Municipal Airport. It’s the first new commercial development at the site in 60 years.
Plus, the city of Dearborn reported a 34% drop of overdoses and six fewer deaths from overdose for the years 2023-2024.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Detroit casinos report $117M in revenue last month
Detroit’s three casinos brought in more than $117 million in revenue last month. That’s down slightly from March 2024. MGM Grand retained the top spot in Detroit, controlling 46% of the market. MotorCity Casino was second with 31%, followed by Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 23% of the market.
Plus, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans delivers his annual State of the County address Wednesday night.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Federal government revokes visas for international students at WSU, universities nationwide
The federal government has terminated the visitor status of four international students at Wayne State University and several other universities throughout the state. WSU President, Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, says the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not notify the university or the students before terminating their status.
Plus, local police, state lawmakers and Detroit officials endorsed legislation to create a new public safety and violence prevention fund.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Thousands join 'Hands Off!' demonstrations in Detroit and beyond
Several thousand protesters — unhappy with the Trump administration’s cuts to federal employees, mass deportations, and tariffs — marched down Woodward Avenue from the Detroit Institute of Arts to Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.
Plus, the city of Detroit Construction and Demolition Department kicked off “Detroit Demo Week” on Monday, with events planned for throughout the week.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Wayne State receives $50M gift, largest in university's history
Wayne State University announced Friday that a WSU alumnus has made a historic $50 million donation to its College of Engineering — the largest single gift made to the university in its 157-year history. The donation from alumnus James Anderson and his wife, Patricia, will be used to improve faculty support in the College of Engineering, including doctoral fellowships, undergraduate student experiences and a dean’s fund to improve recruiting efforts for top faculty and Ph.D. students.
Plus, Detroit's 23rd annual Greek Independence Day Parade is taking place this Sunday, April 6, and has a new route due to construction.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Attorney Todd Perkins enters Detroit mayoral race
Detroit attorney Todd Perkins announced his bid for mayor this week, making him the eighth candidate to enter the race to succeed Mike Duggan. The North End resident vowed to cut the city's property and income taxes. Perkins says lower taxes will send a positive message about Detroit's future.
Plus, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has recognized April as Arab American Heritage Month to celebrate the contributions of Arab Americans in various sectors.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Metro Detroiters brace for more heavy rain, flooding
The National Weather Service has placed most of metro Detroit under a Flood Watch from 8 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday morning, with risk of high winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of hail or an isolated tornado.
Plus, Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed is stepping down to “consider a future opportunity in Michigan,” after serving in the position for two years, County Executive Warren Evans announced in a news release Wednesday.
Detroit starts second phase of Master Plan with 'policy workshops'
The city of Detroit is inviting residents to take part in a series of "policy workshops" this month as part of its master plan for the future. Plus, American Forests says its urban tree planting partnership in Detroit has helped add more than 25,000 trees to the city since 2021.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
MDOT announces plans for I-94 overhaul
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is preparing metro Detroiters for the upcoming reconstruction of I-94. The "Restore 94" project, which will begin early next year, is a $353 million overhaul of 12.7 miles on freeway in the communities of Allen Park, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Romulus and Taylor and Melvindale — from east of I-275 to west of Michigan Avenue.
Plus, the nonprofit Focus: HOPE is partnering with Skilltrade and Detroit at Work to offer a medical assistant training program beginning Saturday, March 29. Eligible candidates must have a high school diploma/GED, be 18 years old or older, and have reliable transportation. Space is limited.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Final hearing pushed in pandemic-era class action against UIA
A judge has delayed for a month the approval of a $55 million settlement in a Michigan class action lawsuit involving unemployment payments. Plus, The Detroit News reports the old Uniroyal tire production site on the Detroit riverfront has been named as a possible site for a WNBA practice facility.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.