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
MDHHS seeks to issue full SNAP benefits following court decision
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has directed its SNAP EBT vendor to start issuing full benefits to recipients pending delivery from the federal government. This all comes after a district judge ordered the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to issue full SNAP benefits by today, Friday Nov. 7.
According to the MDHHS, SNAP recipients who usually receive benefits on the 3rd, 5th , or 7th of each month should get their full SNAP allotment within 48 hours of the state receiving their funds. This news comes as the Trump administration is asking a federal appeals court to block a judge’s order to distribute November’s full SNAP food benefits during the government shutdown.
This is all going down as some states are moving to take care of low-income residents. The court back and forth has created uncertainty in the food program services that serves 1 in 8 Americans. Approximately 1.4 million people in Michigan are on SNAP.
Additional headlines from Friday, November 7, 2025
DDOT drivers get raise
The City of Detroit and the Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26 agreed on a new contract to give DDOT bus operators a $6 per hour wage increase.
Pending approval from the City Council, more than 500 operators will now have start and maximum base wages in line with what SMART bus service currently offers their drivers. There are even incentives for good attendance and safety.
In addition to those improvements, drivers will also receive an annual cost of living increase each July 1st during their contract. This new contract will be submitted to Detroit City Council for approval before the Council meetings end for the year.
Sports update
The Detroit Lions try to bounce back from their loss against the Vikings last week as they look to face the Commanders Sunday afternoon. The Commanders will be without starting Quarterback Jayden Daniels who suffered an elbow injury. The Lions are hoping to build and get their offense going after struggling as of late. Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. at Northwest Stadium.
The Red Wings face off against the team from my home state, The New York Rangers. Game starts at 7:00pm at Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings then play against the Chicago Blackhawks also at Little Caesars Arena NBA The Pistons go agains the Brooklyn Nets Tonight at the Barclays. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. and then they stay on the road to face the 76ers on Sunday Nov. 9 at the Wells Fargo Center.
All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping
And this Sunday November 9th you get the chance to experience the event titled All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping. This unique marketplace is taking place at Eastern Market Sheds 3,4, and 5.
Small businesses from all across Detroit will come through with interesting items to purchase right on time for the holiday season. For more information go to allthingsmarketplace.com.
More Episodes
Detroit launches food pantry network
The City of Detroit launched a network of food pantries yesterday to help residents who normally rely on benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.
The program, also sometimes called food stamps, has not been fully funded since Nov. 1 because of the federal government shutdown. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration has created a map of 85 certified food pantries.
“This is now live at DetroitMI.gov. You can see the 85 sites. Some are open one day a week. Some are open five or six days a week. And so you can go on the website, click on the one in your area that’s closest to you…and for example you can see this one gives you the address.”
Duggan is also asking for volunteers to help hand out food to residents in need. He says the plan should be feasible for the next two weeks. The city has authorized $1.75 million for the project.
There’s no word on when the government shutdown might end.
Additional headlines from Thursday, November 6, 2025
- Chrysler is recalling 320,000 Jeep plug-in hybrid vehicles because of a battery problem that could cause them to catch fire.
- Employees at the Detroit Institute of Arts have formed the DIA Workers United union. The DIA Union campaign says it’s seeking “a fair, transparent, and respectful workplace that aligns with the values the museum shares with the community.” DIA representatives said in a statement they are supportive of the union, and respect the workers legal right to unionize.
- Friday is the deadline for homeowners to apply for the Homeowners Property Exemption – or HOPE – program. Those who qualify can received up 100% exemption on their property taxes for the current year. Applications will also be taken for the 2024 tax year as well. Last year, over 10,000 homeowners received reductions on their taxes ranging from 10% to 100%. To see if you qualify or to apply visit detroit.mi.gov/hope. You can also visit city hall Friday, November 7th between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Election Day across metro-Detroit
It’s Election Day, and voters in Detroit will have a new mayor and city council members.
Dearborn voters decide whether to keep Mayor Abdullah Hammoud or elect Nagi Almudhegi, and whether to change how city council members are elected.
Hamtramck will have a new mayor. The city’s former Mayor Amer Ghalib was nominated by President Trump to be Ambassador to Kuwait. Pontiac voters choose between Kermit Williams, Mike McGuinness and a couple of write-in candidates to lead their city.
Some cities also vote to fund schools, parks and public safety.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Full SNAP funding stalled in federal government shutdown
People lined up in the rain at a food pantry in Pontiac Monday as SNAP benefits were set to run out.
Forced by a court order, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released some money for the federal food assistance program. Full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is unavailable due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Speaking at Lighthouse, a non-profit food pantry in Pontiac, Michigan U.S. Senator Gary Peters says he doesn't understand why Republicans are willing to have people starve as a part a negotiation tactic. "Why there's suddenly this turn to now cut these funds off and make people hungry? I think is outrageous, and the American public needs to speak out about that."
In the new budget to fund the federal government, Republican leadership—and President Trump—want to make more cuts to social safety net programs and governmental agencies. Democrats have refused to sign off on a compromise bill that doesn't include a continuation of tax breaks for people on Medicaid.
Health care advocates raise alarm on rising insurance rates
Health care advocates worry that rising Affordable Care Act insurance rates may put the health of tens of thousands of Michigan residents at risk. More than a half million people in the state get their coverage through the ACA marketplace. But rates for next year are jumping by double digit percentages.
Doctor Aisha Harris practices family medicine in Flint. She fears many of her patients will drop their coverage because they can't afford it. "I know what America's health status is and it's not as healthy as people think. And so this is going to be detrimental to like how we're thriving as a country because now people can't take care of themselves."
Democrats want Congress to restore the tax credit that reduced prices in the ACA system as part of a deal to reopen the federal government. Republicans say they are willing to negotiate, but only after Democrats vote to end the shutdown.
MDHSS encourages COVID vaccinations
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging people to get their COVID shots this fall.
COVID-19 shots are recommended for all infants 6–23 months, and kids ages 2–18 years old, all pregnant women, and adults between 18 and 50—especially for those with any risk factors, including those who have never been vaccinated before.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at local health departments for free of charge to Michigan residents.
Local organization makes soup weekly
Together We Eat will offer soups made from local ingredients to the community on Fridays throughout November.
The event is presented by the East Warren Development Corp in response to SNAP benefit cuts. Soup, bread and water will be provided from 4-6 p.m. at the East Warren Kitchen at16835 E Warren Ave.
FBI charges two men in alleged terrorism plot
Two men have been charged with alleged terrorism-related crimes after federal authorities made arrests and seized weapons last week from a storage unit in Inkster and a home in Dearborn.
According to a 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court, the men had allegedly scouted areas in Ferndale. The individuals were charged with allegedly receiving and transferring guns and ammunition for terrorism.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced arrests on Friday but no further details were provided then. Over the weekend, Michigan defense lawyer Amir Makled, representing one of the detainees, disputed the FBI allegations.
Additional headlines from Monday, November 3, 2025
Detroit voters
Detroit's mayoral candidates are in the final hours of their campaign before voters choose the city's first new mayor in a dozen years. The election features the Reverend Solomon Kinloch against long-time City Council President Mary Sheffield.
Kinloch argues Detroit officials like Sheffield have not done enough to fight poverty or extend development from the city's core business districts to its outer neighborhoods. "And the question becomes: do you to move forward with a manager and an administrator that wants to maintain the status quo and look out for downtown, and forget about the rest of the town?"
Sheffield counters that programs she initiated helped Detroit move past bankruptcy and lure new investment across the city.
Sheffield says she will push for more affordable housing, better schools and safer streets in Detroit's neighborhoods.
- Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter
The Department of Elections and the Department of Transportation will provide free bus rides in Detroit tomorrow to encourage people to vote. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dearborn wards
Dearborn voters will vote on Proposal 1, deciding whether they want wards in the city.
Dr. Ronald Stockton, a professor emeritus of Political Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, says creating wards is challenging, as many people may run for office within each district. “So it's not as if a ward can just have a bunch of leaders get together and say, 'Okay, this is our nominee.' That's not the way it's going to work.”
Each ward would represent about 15,700 people. If passed, the changes would create seven-districted city council and two at-large seats. Opponents say it would create division in the city of 110,000 people.
Organizers of the group Dearborn Wants Wards say districted elections will reduce barriers for people to run for office and allow for better representation. If passed, the changes will not go into effect until 2029.
Dearborn WORKS
Officials joined the city’s first business opening under the Dearborn WORKS program on Friday. Sewing Your Life is a new sewing school on Dearborn’s Southend opened by a graduate of the program “Dearborn Women’s Opportunity to Realize their Knowledge and Skills” or Dearborn WORKS. The initiative is a joint effort by the City of Dearborn and the Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC), aiming to empower and train local women entrepreneurs.
Owner Nasim Alghuzzy will be teaching free sewing classes for up to 50 women at a brick-and-mortar training school as part of the grant program. After completing the free training, she can operate as a for-profit business. Applicants for the free courses can sign up at Dearborn.gov/BusinessResources. Classes begin Nov. 17th.
ICE – Center Line
Rising Voices organizers are asking the city of Center Line not to train local law enforcement to act as immigration officers for ICE. The city stopped using the program in 2012, which led to racial profiling and lawsuits.
The Asian American-focused nonprofit community advocacy organization is asking the city and police to rescind any potential agreement.
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.
Mass layoffs at General Motors EV plants
General Motors says it's laying off more than a thousand workers at its Detroit-Hamtramck electric vehicle plant due to weak demand.
The Detroit News reports GM is cutting production at Factory Zero to a single shift. It's also cutting hundreds of jobs at EV battery plants in Ohio and Tennessee.
The layoffs follow the expiration of federal tax credits for EV buyers and pressure from the Trump administration to build more gasoline-powered cars and trucks.
Additional headlines from Thursday, October 30, 2025
- The city of Detroit has agreed to pay nearly $6 million to settle a lawsuit over the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a bus. It was the second fatality involving the same driver since 2015. - Reporting by AP
- DTE Energy is reporting net profits of $419 million in the third quarter of this year. The earnings, not including non-recurring costs, hit $2.25 per share. That beat Wall Street analysts’ expectations. The company says it has invested $3 billion this year to improve electric and natural gas infrastructure.
- A state House bill would let local governments ask voters to approve taxes on short-term rentals. The Michigan Association of Realtors says it wants lawmakers to include limits on local regulations meant to shut out short term rentals.
- Detroit City Council approved several honorary street signs for local leaders and influencers, including Imam Abdullah El-Amin. El-Amin was a prominent faith leader in Detroit and co-founder of the Muslim Center of Detroit. Among other recipients are Reverend JoAnn Watson, Mudgie’s Deli founder Gregory Mudge, and Viola Liuzzo.
Detroit Economic Club hosts mayoral forum
There are just a few days left until Detroit’s municipal elections take place. Early voting began last Saturday.
The two candidates for mayor, City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch, are scheduled to take part in a forum Thursday at the Detroit Economic Club. That’s expected to be their last meeting before next week’s election. Each candidate will take the stage alone to answer a series of questions about their vision for the city.
This event is not a debate.
Additional headlines from Wednesday, October 29, 2025
- Food banks and pantries are preparing for a surge in demand if federal food aid is paused this weekend from the government shutdown. The outlets were already struggling after federal program cuts this year. Now, SNAP benefits are set to pause Nov. 1. It’s the latest in a string of hardships placed on charitable food services. Food banks and pantries across the country are concerned about meeting the growing need left in the wake of that pause.
- President Trump nominated Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib as ambassador to Kuwait earlier this year, but the discovery of social media posts criticizing Israel have pushed some Republican Senators to say they will not back his nomination in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Ghalib says he will not withdraw his name from consideration for the position.
- City officials gathered on Detroit’s east side Wednesday to break ground on a new housing development. The project, called “The Arthur Murray”, will renovate a historic building in the East Warren-Cadieux area. The long vacant building will be turned into affordable housing and commercial space, including 32 apartments.
- Detroiters are continuing to get a break at the gas pump. Analysts say the annual switch to winter blends of gasoline is helping to lower prices, as is reduced demand for gas as we approach the colder weather months.
- ESPN is reporting that the Detroit Lions have agreed to a huge contract extension with defensive end Aiden Hutchinson. He’s considered one of the best pass rushers in the league.
U.S. Temporary Protected Status may soon expire for Syrians
Syrians in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status may no longer be able to live and work in the U.S. as soon as next month.
The Department of Homeland Security says since the civil war in Syria ended last year, people who sought TPS status here no longer face life-threatening danger if they return.
Jad Salamey, civil rights and immigration attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan chapter, says "Current administration and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem determined that the conditions for TPS no longer exist in Syria, and that essentially, it's safe enough and there's no serious threat for Syrians to be kept away from returning to Syria." Salamey says the change in status will affect about 6,000 Syrians.
Michigan is home to about 15,000 Syrian Americans.
He says Syrian TPS holders must apply for a different immigration status or prepare to self-deport by November 21. "The Trump administration has offered Syrians, who leave voluntarily, a free airline ticket and $1,000 departure bonus, if that is what they want to do. But if not they want to stay here, maybe they have family connections. I strongly recommend getting legal assistance as soon as possible."
Salamey says CAIR Michigan is getting calls from people about TPS and other immigration assistance.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, October 28, 2025
- Construction on the first of five solar neighborhoods has officially begun. It started on approximately 42 acres of blighted land in the Van Dyke/ Lynch area on Monday. Two years ago, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced the plan to convert 165 acres of vacant and blighted land into solar farms to offset the electricity used at 127 municipal buildings. Duggan says demand for energy continues to rise and the solar project will help mitigate those demands.
- A film screening on Wayne State’s campus next week supports ski programs for students at Detroit’s University Prep and Hamtramck High School. Sno-City is a film by Warren Miller and will be screened at Wayne’s Community Arts Auditorium Saturday November 7. The event is sponsored by SOS Outreach and Crystal Community Ski Club. Money raised will go toward a 3-day ski trip for students at Crystal Mountain in March. For more information and for tickets, go here.
- The Henry Ford will host journalist and Cherokee Nation citizen Rebecca Nagle for a discussion on representation and erasure of indigenous people in the news and other media. “We’re Still Here: Fighting Indigenous Erasure in the Media” is Saturday November 8 at 1 p.m. in the Anderson Theater. For more information and tickets go to thehenryford.org/current-events.
Air quality report shows impact of pollution in Dearborn
Dearborn's Department of Public Health published a report on its Air Quality Project. Health Director Ali Abazeed says over a million air quality measurements were recorded in 2024.
“And that data confirms what residents have long known, that pollution burdens are evenly distributed across the city, and we're using that data. We're using that insight as we have to help hold polluters accountable, to guide smarter and fair policies for our residents.”
Abazeed says there were about 22-23 days in 2024 that air quality reached levels of unhealthy for sensitive groups, with spikes near traffic corridors or industrial zones.
The report also found 200 people subscribed and received over 41 thousand text alerts about air quality.
Abazeed says the department is expanding to have 11 monitors and adding sensors for ozone. Signs for the monitors are listed in English and Arabic for residents.
Read the report at Dearborn.gov/EnvironmentalHealth.
Additional headlines from Monday, October 27, 2025
- A Bangladesh Consulate office is set to open in Detroit. The Advisory Council in Bangladesh approved the proposal last week.
- TechTown Detroit is hosting the Detroit Elevate Showcase Nov. 14*. It’s a business showcase being held at the Eastern Market for second stage businesses who are beyond the startup phase. The program supports businesses from Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Learn more at detroitelevate.org.
- The Global Detroit Celebration of 15 Years takes place on November 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Jam Handy in Detroit. Tickets are $135 and up. The event will highlight Changemakers.
- La Jalisciense Supermercado y Taqueria is hosting a 2-day vendor market to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexicantown this weekend.The third annual celebration will include a community altar or ofrenda. Community members are invited to bring photos flowers and family keepsakes to add to the ofrenda. The market features local vendors selling handcrafted jewelry art and food. The La Jalisciense restaurant will be serving traditional Mexican dishes and drinks throughout the weekend for the occasion. The market will be open Saturday, November 1 from 2-9 p.m., and Sunday, November 2, from 2-6 p.m. Admission is free.
*Editor's Note: This description was updated 10/27/2025 at 8:55 p.m. to reflect the postponement of the Detroit Elevate Showcase. It is not being held this Wednesday, but November 14.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
SNAP benefits on pause this November
Food stamps will not be available in Michigan next month.
The state Department of Health and Humans Services says it’s been instructed by federal officials to pause the Snap benefits program in November as a result of funding gaps caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Around 13% of Michigan households rely on Snap benefits—that's roughly 1.4 million residents.
In a statement, the State of Michigan said the program will remained be paused until further notice.
Additional headlines from Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Hamtramck's former Chief Altaheri allowed to resign, collect severance pay after lawsuit
- Community organization Dream of Detroit is asking for resident support name to get an honorary street sign for Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin, a prominent faith leader who died in March of 2023. Dream of Detroit is asking residents to give messages of support to city council at their next formal session, Tuesday October 28.
- Michigan Starters Coalition seeks to remove barriers for new entrepreneurs. To learn more visit righttostart.org/michiganstarters
Polls show Sheffield in the lead for Detroit’s next mayor
Detroit’s candidates for mayor are in their final weeks of campaigning. And a new poll shows voters are making up their minds.
A Detroit News/WDIV-TV poll shows City Council President Mary Sheffield with a commanding lead in the race over Pastor Solomon Kinloch. The survey…conducted from October 16-18 shows Sheffield supported by about 65% of those surveyed, Kinloch with 14%, and about 20% undecided.
The Glengariff Group conducted the poll of 500 respondents. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.
Just a reminder: a poll is a snapshot in time of the people surveyed. Polls don’t vote – people do. Early voting starts on Saturday. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.
Additional headlines for Wednesday, October 22, 2025 include:
- General Motors earnings surpass Wall Street analysts' predictions
- Diwali in the D offers free events through this Saturday
- Chapter 9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America will hold a BBQ to show its appreciation for the city’s first responders. Police officers and firefighters are invited to come to the barbecue from noon-5 p.m. on Friday.
- Detroit City Council has approved an ordinance banning the use of smokeless tobacco in the city’s sports stadiums.
- The Detroit Pistons open their new season on the road tonight against the Chicago Bulls. Tip off at the United Center tonight is at 8 p.m. ET.
On-the-Go pantries supplement food access
The state health department is working with Forgotten Harvest to make sure people in Southeast Michigan have access to healthy food.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services launched On-the-Go pantries last month. MDHHS offices across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties host pantry days and accept individuals and families by appointment to pick up fresh produce, grains and proteins.
Pantries may also have halal and kosher items available at some sites.
The Madison Heights office hosted an On-the-Go pantry today. The agency is reminding residents about the pantries and other food resources after the U.S. Department of Agriculture told states that the government shutdown may keep families from accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – or SNAP – support in November.
Forgotten Harvest has many more resources for families looking for food assistance. For information about food distribution locations or to donate visit forgottenharvest.org/find-food. Appointments to shop at the Forgotten Harvest Community Choice Market can be made by calling 248-268-7756.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Funding cuts impact educational TV service
The new state budget cuts funding to the Michigan Learning Channel.
The project was a statewide collaboration between Michigan public television stations and one station in Indiana. It was founded in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic to provided educational content to students and families at a time when most children were learning at home.
The 3 million dollars the Michigan Learning Channel requested from the legislature was a part of both state senate and house plans going into final budget talks. The network says it has the funding to continue broadcasting through fiscal year 2026. It’s not clear whether the cuts will result in layoffs for the channel’s 5 staffers located at several stations throughout the network or how individual stations will be impacted.
Congress voted to cancel funding to public television and radio stations in August.
'Hocus Pocus' movie night
The Pontiac Youth Recreation and Enrichment office is hosting a drive-in movie night at City Hall Saturday. Attendees will be treated with a double feature: Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2. Popcorn and beverages will be available.
Festivities start at 7 p.m. Saturday night at 47450 Woodward in the City Hall parking lot. More information at pontiacrecreation.recdesk.com.
Halloween ice skate event Saturday
The Dearborn Ice Skating Center is inviting the community to a Halloween Skate Saturday.
Younguns can come in costume to win prizes. Old ones are welcome too. There will be interactive on-ice games and Halloween-themed music and decorations. Tickets are $13 and include skate rental.
Costumes with loose items that obstruct vision or that may otherwise be unsafe for skaters will not be allowed on the ice. Get tickets at disc.activityreg.com.
Dogs in costume for Palmer Park parade
You can let the dogs out this Sunday. Palmer Park’s Doggie Fashion Parade and Howl-O-Ween Party is from 2-4 p.m. at the Palmer Park Dog Park at 1655 W 7 Mile Road.
Participants get doggie bags full of goodies and humans get refreshments, too. To register in advance go to palmerparkunleashed.com.
If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
Detroit No Kings protest
Over ten thousand people rallied in Detroit on Saturday for the No Kings Protest.
The event started in Roosevelt Park in front of the Michigan Central Depot. Kassandra Rodriguez spoke at the rally. Rodriguez is with the Detroit Community Action Committee. She says many Latinx people stayed home.
“A lot of them are very sacred, you know, they are view these big movements, big protests, as a place where they might get targeted. So its important, even more important that so many of us come out there and are able to like elevate their voices and share their stories.”
Following the rally, protesters marched to the Customs and Border Protection field office in Downtown Detroit. The event was peaceful, although Detroit Police arrested one pro-Trump counterprotester.
- Reporting by Russ McNamara
Additional headlines from Monday, October 20, 2025
Microplastics awareness
Oct. 19 through Oct. 26 is Microplastics Awareness Week. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is inviting people to learn about the impact of microplastics, cleanups and prevention to reduce plastic use at home.
On Oct. 22 a free virtual Great Lakes Microplastics Summit will bring together scientists, policymakers and community members who will discuss microplastics and drinking water.
For more details visit michigan.gov/egle
MDHHS focuses on vaping during Fire Prevention Month
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recognizing Fire Prevention Month. Part of that is raising awareness about vaping play that creates fire risk along with health concerns.
MDHHS is sharing resources to educate Michiganders about a variety of topics including reducing fire risks from smoking materials and e-cigarettes, protecting residents from secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure and lowering cleaning and maintenance costs for home owners and renters.
More tips can be found at michigan.gov/smokefreehousing.
Business workshop
ProsperUs Detroit is hosting a Business 101 Workshop in Highland Park next week.
The in-person event will take place at Avalon Village at 24 Avalon Street, Highland Park, MI on Wednesday, Oct. 29th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dearborn public health director awarded
The Dearborn Department of Health’s public health director Ali Abazeed, has been recognized as part of 40 under 40 in Public Health.
The award is given by de Beaumont Foundation and it is the first of its kind to recognize and elevate leaders in public health. It honors people who work in leadership and community impact across institution through health departments, universities, nonprofits or in the private sector.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
New emergency vehicles for Detroit Fire Department
The Detroit Fire Department received new fire and emergency medical services vehicles thanks to a nearly $11 million dollar investment from the city. This is part of the city’s efforts to upgrade their fleet and keep response times well below the national average.
The department received 10 new fire engines, 13 new ambulances, 3 battalion chief vehicles, and 3 new EMS Supervisor vehicles. Each vehicle is equipped with HAAS Alert Safety Cloud that sends real-time digital alerts to nearby drivers when emergency vehicles are approaching or stopped at an incident.
According to the city, these investments help improve a fleet in comparison to the decades old vehicles that were prone to break down.
Additional headlines from Thursday, October 16, 2025
- A proposal for transport at the recently restored Michigan Central Station
- Detroit sports update
- Convening for Dance and Culture is this weekend, hosted by TéMaTé Institute for Black Dance and Culture
- Listen to The Metro: Annual African dance conference uses dance as a tool for justice and equity
IndigiPitch connects Indigenous entrepreneurs and investors
A startup competition is soliciting business proposals from Indigenous entrepreneurs in Michigan. It's called IndigiPitch, and it's organized by 20 Fathoms, a tech startup incubator in northern Michigan.
Chief Financial Officer and Tribal Liaison Shiloh Slomsky says Native communities face more barriers to getting a business off the ground than other groups. "Number one is capital or access to representation at pitch events, or in front of venture capitals and even banking."
IndigiPitch will place entrepreneurs in front of investors. A panel of Indigenous judges will choose the winners in December and award cash prizes.
-MPRN
Additional headlines from Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Urban Consulate’s Daring Ideas for the Future series will bring 3 MacArthur “geniuses” to Detroit this fall. Admission is free but registration is required. For more information visit urbanconsulate.com/daringfuture.
- The Detroit Free Press Marathon is this Sunday and organizers are inviting the community to come out to cheer the runners on. Runners in the International Marathon, the International Half-Marathon and the Motor City Half-Marathon versions of the race will wind through parts of Midtown, the Cass Corridor, Eastern Market and downtown. Police will start towing cars along the marathon route at around 2 a.m. Sunday morning and keep streets blocked until 2 p.m. Check marathon routes and get more information at freepmarathon.com/marathon/
- Michigan Central is hosting Halloween at the Station. The free family event includes an Outdoor Festival on the Michigan Central Lawn and LaCombe Street with an interactive science station arts and crafts, a selfie station, airbrush tattoos, cider, doughnuts and more. Inside, DJ sets and live painting. Costumes are encouraged but masks are not allowed. No registration is required for the outdoor festival. Register for Fridays at the Station at michigancentral.com/events/
- People in more than a hundred Michigan communities plan to join nationwide protests against the Trump administration this Saturday. That includes a "No Kings" rally at Roosevelt Park in Corktown, at Parkwood Plaza in Oak Park, and at Lathrup Village City Hall. Millions attended similar demonstrations across the country in June.
If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org
IndigiPitch connects Indigenous entrepreneurs and investors
A startup competition is soliciting business proposals from Indigenous entrepreneurs in Michigan. It's called IndigiPitch, and it's organized by 20 Fathoms, a tech startup incubator in northern Michigan.
Chief Financial Officer and Tribal Liaison Shiloh Slomsky says Native communities face more barriers to getting a business off the ground than other groups. "Number one is capital or access to representation at pitch events, or in front of venture capitals and even banking."
IndigiPitch will place entrepreneurs in front of investors. A panel of Indigenous judges will choose the winners in December and award cash prizes.
-MPRN
Additional headlines from Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Urban Consulate’s Daring Ideas for the Future series will bring 3 MacArthur “geniuses” to Detroit this fall. Admission is free but registration is required. For more information visit urbanconsulate.com/daringfuture.
- The Detroit Free Press Marathon is this Sunday and organizers are inviting the community to come out to cheer the runners on. Runners in the International Marathon, the International Half-Marathon and the Motor City Half-Marathon versions of the race will wind through parts of Midtown, the Cass Corridor, Eastern Market and downtown. Police will start towing cars along the marathon route at around 2 a.m. Sunday morning and keep streets blocked until 2 p.m. Check marathon routes and get more information at freepmarathon.com/marathon/
- Michigan Central is hosting Halloween at the Station. The free family event includes an Outdoor Festival on the Michigan Central Lawn and LaCombe Street with an interactive science station arts and crafts, a selfie station, airbrush tattoos, cider, doughnuts and more. Inside, DJ sets and live painting. Costumes are encouraged but masks are not allowed. No registration is required for the outdoor festival. Register for Fridays at the Station at michigancentral.com/events/
- People in more than a hundred Michigan communities plan to join nationwide protests against the Trump administration this Saturday. That includes a "No Kings" rally at Roosevelt Park in Corktown, at Parkwood Plaza in Oak Park, and at Lathrup Village City Hall. Millions attended similar demonstrations across the country in June.
If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org
Mayoral debate on Wednesday
Detroit’s mayoral candidates have their only scheduled debate this week.
The Reverand Solomon Kinloch faces City Council President Mary Sheffield in the general election. Kinloch, a political newcomer, says city leaders haven’t done enough to increase affordable housing in Detroit. He votes to do that and continue pastoring his church if voters elect him.
“All of us got a responsibility, not to just do something from a spiritual perspective, but to do something social and political. That’s my rearing and my raising. I believe that this is a great opportunity to inspire an entire city that ordinary people can do some extraordinary things.”
Sheffield argues dealing with Detroit’s housing and financial issues demands someone with the kind of experience she’s gained over a dozen years on Council.
The debate will be on Channel 7 starting at 7 p.m this Wednesday, October 15.
Additional headlines for Monday, October 13, 2025
- Dearborn Heights City Council Chairman Mo Baydoun is now the Acting Mayor due to Mayor Bill Bazzi’s resignation. The U.S. Senate confirmed Bazzi’s nomination to serve as the Ambassador to Tunisia.
- The Detroit Repair Cafe is hosting a popup at the Moondog Cafe in Detroit Sunday, October 19. People can bring their clothes, electronics, bikes, toys and other things to fix for free. There is also free parking available.
- The Asian American-led group Rising Voices is hosting another artist salon in their series “We Belong Here - Asian American Ancestry, Authenticity and Healing." The program will be held at the Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit next Friday, Oct. 24. It will begin with a walking tour of Asian Americans and allies buried in the cemetery and be followed by a panel discussion about AAPI history in America and healing. It is free and open to the public.
- The international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse is looking for gifts and donations for Operation Christmas Child. Several drop boxes will be open next month for donations. Volunteers are collecting and delivering gifts for kids who have faced war, poverty or disaster. People can also donate $10 for a box of goodies to fill a shoebox full of gifts for a child. Collection week is November 17-24. Find the closest drop-box by entering your zip code on this Samaritan’s Purse page.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
Clean energy event centers equity and opportunity
Stacey Abrams to headline Detroit’s clean energy summit
If you’re interested in how you can be a part of a clean energy future, this event might be for you. The Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit is happening next week, October 13 through 15, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. Organizers say this is the largest clean energy gathering with Black and Brown folks in mind — not as the footnote but the headline.
The summit will offer hands-on workshops, tech showcases, career pathways, funding opportunities, and more. Plus, the featured speaker is national political activist Stacey Abrams.
For more information, visit therecessconference.com.
Pontiac celebrates 100 home repairs through city program
The City of Pontiac is announcing 100 completed home improvement projects at a press conference on October 14. This is all part of its Houses Through Home Repair Program, which aims to fix homes that need key repairs and upgrades.
City leaders will highlight improvements to plumbing, HVAC, roofing, porches, and more at the press conference at 1159 Eckman Ave. in Pontiac.
For details, go to pontiac.mi.us.
Detroit sports: Tigers battle Mariners, Lions face Chiefs
Before we get to the weekend activities, let’s check out sports.
MLB
The Tigers face the Seattle Mariners tonight in a winner-take-all matchup. The American League Division Series is tied 2-2, and the winner of tonight’s game moves on to the American League Championship Series to face the Toronto Blue Jays.
First pitch is at 8:08 p.m.
NFL
On October 12, the Detroit Lions face the Kansas City Chiefs in a Sunday night matchup you don’t want to miss. The Lions are 4-1 and leading the NFC North, while the Chiefs are digging their way out of the AFC West.
Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium.
Wayne State hosts Mexican film festival with Detroit Consulate
Wayne State University is partnering with the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit to host a film festival of Mexican-based films on Wednesday, October 15, at noon. The event is free and will be held at La Plaza del Norte Building, 2835 Bagley Street.
It will feature conversations about political and social implications, history, and more. For more information, go to las.wayne.edu.
Beacon Park’s Cider in the City returns for two weekends
Beacon Park is hosting Cider in the City this weekend, October 11 and 12, and next weekend, October 18 and 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. both days.
There will be cider and donuts, cocktails, football on LED screens, and more.
For details, visit ciderinthecity.com.
Wayne State's plan to increase local enrollment
Wayne State University launched the Warriors on the Rise program last month that will offer guaranteed enrollment to qualified high school juniors in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
The goal is to increase enrollment of students that come from the school district. Juniors with a 3.0 GPA will be automatically enrolled by DPSCD school officials. Families will then be invited to a meeting with the district to discuss the next steps.
Additional headlines from Thursday, October 9, 2025
- Residents in Corktown presented the developers of the new Detroit City Football Club stadium with a detailed proposal for community benefits.
- A marijuana industry group is suing the state of Michigan after Governor Gretchen Whitmer passed a plan that would add a 24% tax on cannabis. Michigan currently has a 10% excise tax on weed along with the 6% Michigan sales tax.
- The Detroit Land Bank Authority is investing $15 million to launch its Affordable Housing Pipeline. The project aims to restore underutilized multi-family buildings in the city. The first project in the Wade neighborhood will transform two historic 1920s buildings into 30 affordable housing units.
- Detroit will offer free bus rides to voters on Election Day. DDOT will waive fares for people who need a ride to the polls on November 4.
If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.
Crime rate in Detroit continues to drop
"Had you deployed the National Guard again in this city? You're talking about 144 square miles, I doubt anybody would have had the National Guard at 7:30 on a Monday morning at Littlefield in West Chicago. That's not a practical way to do it. But I can assure you that right now, our CVI groups are figuring out who might be looking to retaliate against somebody and intervening."
Duggan praised efforts from community violence intervention programs as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Additional headlines from Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Count Day attendance increases
Chalkbeat Detroit reports almost 500 more students showed up on October first than on Count Day last fall. Those numbers may still get a bit higher since the district can count students who show up for school up to 10 days after the designated day.
The final count will be used to determine how much money the district will get from the state.
Interfaith educational tour showcases Detroit's Muslim community
The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metro Detroit is inviting Metro Detroiters to An Educational Tour of Metro Detroit’s Muslim Faith Communities later this month. Attendees will visit the Muslim Center Mosque and the Islamic Center of America. Lunch and transportation are provided.
The tour is October 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Neighborhood Vitality Index survey
Congress of Communities is encouraging residents to take the Neighborhood Vitality Index survey.
The survey takes about 20 minutes and collects information about the experiences and concerns of Detroit residents – from safety to healthcare to community resources. Survey takers will receive a $25 gift card.
For more information, and to see data from the 2024 survey, go to nvidetroit.org/survey.
Legacy Tour celebrates Detroit's Black professionals, HBCU alum
The Legacy Tour will spotlight Black professional excellence and historically Black college and university (HBCU) culture at events in Detroit this weekend.
Attendees will dress to impress at Suits and Stilettos at Fixins Soul Kitchen Friday night. On Saturday, HBCU alum are invited to ‘rock’ their school colors and Greek gear for the Rep Your Legacy Day Party at the Locker Room Lounge.
For tickets and information go to thelegacytour.myle.com.