More than 250,000 residents across Southeast Michigan remained without power on Friday after widespread storms. The storms brought heavy rain, winds and at least one tornado to the region.  

National Weather Service data showed that more than 3/4' of rain fell on Detroit on Thursday with an additional 2 inches of rain from overnight storms.  

DTE Energy issued a report saying that they expect 65% of customers to have power by the end of the day on Friday and 90% of customers to have power by Saturday and the remainder by Sunday.  

Additional headlines for Friday, Sept. 4, 2026

Five Detroit businesses gain funds from Motor City Match

The city and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation awards $330,000 dollars to five Detroit businesses in round 32 of Motor City Match. This program connects new businesses with services and space to grow by providing them with funding and resources.

Kevin Johnson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation says efforts like this help build Detroit.  “People who saw a gap in their neighborhoods decided to fill it... that's what's going to bring our city back to the place where we want it to be, which is the most vibrant and most outstanding place to start and grow a business in this city through the mayor's Rise Higher initiative.” 

Sports 

The Tigers had their payback against the Minnesota Twins with a dominant win of 11- 6 on Wednesday.

They are going to try to build off of that win this weekend against the Cleveland Guardians during their trip to Progressive Field in Cleveland Ohio.

The Tigers are currently second to last in the American League Central Division. 

Arts, Beats & Eats 

And this Labor Day weekend we have Michigan Lottery Arts, Beats & Eats. This annual downtown Royal Oak event is filled musical guests, such as rock band Third Eye Blind, country singer Chris Young, singer songwriter Brett Young, and R&B singer Ginuwine.  

Organizers say there will also be local talent, fun for kids, and a lot of interactive activities. 

At the festival there will be the Fine Art Fair  that was recently named #7 in the nation for fine art and design on Sunshine Artist magazine’s annual 200 Best list.

The Michigan State Fair begins Thursday in Novi, showcasing the work of young people who live on farms. Riley Stechschulte manages the fair's volunteers and sponsor relations. She says city kids get involved, too. 

"We have a great urban youth gardening program. We have an urban scholarship program as well as a livestock and agriculture. Those kids together, from rural areas and urban areas, and [we] have them teach each other about things that they do." 

The event is smaller than the original Michigan State Fair, which ran out of money almost 20 years ago. Agriculture groups and corporate sponsors revived it in 2012 and moved it from Detroit to Novi. It runs through Labor Day at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026

Labor Day weekend events

There are plenty of activities planned for Labor Day weekend this year.

The Detroit Jazz Festival returns with four days of free music. Gates open Friday at 5:30 p.m. and at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at Hart Plaza. Hamtramck’s Labor Day Festival starts on Saturday at noon on the Main Street of Joseph Campau. And Detroit’s Labor Day March kicks off at 9 a.m. in Corktown on Monday.  

MDARD stresses food safety

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding residents to keep food safety in mind this Labor Day weekend. Officials advise those tailgating or hosting cookouts to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot with insulated containers.

Avoid cross contamination by keeping raw meat and poultry separate from other foods and beverages. Think twice about leftovers; throw out any cold food that is not 40 degrees or below, and any hot food that has been sitting out for 2 hours or more with an internal temperature below 140 degrees. Store and eat leftovers within four days.  

Olga Stella named chief of Economic Development and Workforce

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is naming Olga Stella as the city’s new chief of Economic Development and Workforce.

Stella brings 25 years of experience to the job. She previously served several roles with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, including Chief Operating Officer. She helped launch the Motor City Match and Green Grocer programs. 

Free showers

The group Detroit Heals Detroit is offering free showers to anyone in need. According to an Instagram post, walk-ins are welcome.

Towels, body wash, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes are provided. Showers have steamers, fresh eucalyptus, body scrubs, luxury shower heads and a shower speaker. And participants will also receive a free mini-toiletries kit to take with them.

Showers are open every Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 19510 Alcoy Street in Detroit, MI.  

Wayne County has reported its first human case of West Nile virus this year.

The Wayne County Public Health Division says the person who contracted the mosquito-borne illness does not live in the county.

Chief Medical Health Officer Avani Sheth reminds residents that mosquito season is not over. She recommends limiting time outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, and removing standing water from properties, where mosquitoes can breed.

Hip-Hop Theater Festival comes to Detroit this weekend

Detroit-based music artist collective Beat Rhymes Everything Detroit, or BRED, is hosting the Hip-Hop Theater Festival this weekend.

The event is the culmination of a 16-day period in which playwrights came together to create four new plays inspired by narrative hip-hop songs.

The festival will feature a hip-hop improv showcase, a hip-hop family hour and an all-ages play.

The festival runs Aug. 28-30 at the Hilberry Gateway, 4715 Cass Ave. in Detroit. Events begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 28.

For more information, visit hip-hop-theater-fest.com.

Art on the Avenue celebrates Detroit art, design and culture

A celebration of art, design, culture and community is coming to Detroit's historic Livernois Avenue of Fashion on Sept. 5.

Art on the Avenue 2026 will bring galleries, artists, creative businesses and retailers together along the corridor for exhibitions, art showcases, live entertainment and more.

Participating galleries include Jo's Gallery, Sherwood Forest Art and Art in Motion.

More information is available on the events page at Detroit Month of Design.

Kroger plans two new metro Detroit stores

Kroger is investing $73.5 million to build two new metro Detroit stores in Dearborn and Commerce Township.

Both stores are set to open in 2027 and will replace existing nearby Kroger locations. Together, the new stores are expected to employ roughly 350 people.

The Dearborn store will be located at Ford Road and Mercury Drive and will replace the Kroger at 15255 Michigan Ave. It is expected to open in June 2027.

A third Kroger proposed as part of a mixed-use development in Royal Oak is awaiting full municipal approval.

I-696 access to I-75 to be restored

Access from westbound I-696 to I-75 is expected to be restored Aug. 31.

Motorists traveling westbound on I-696 will regain access to both the northbound and southbound I-75 ramps.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, both directions of I-696 and associated ramps are expected to reopen by the end of the year.

Additional work is planned along both sides of I-696 between I-75 and Dequindre Road in 2027.

A new cell phone policy in schools takes affect this year.

Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti in a recent letter sent to parents this week announced cell phone use is not allowed from the entry bell to the dismissal bell. Individual schools will communicate their policy for phones, whether it is to collect and return devices daily or instruct students to turn them off and put them away. The letter says parents who want to reach out to their children during the day should call the school directly.  

Governor Gretchen Whitmer earlier this year signed a law banning the use of cell phones during instructional time. The law addresses research that shows phones are the biggest sources of distraction in classrooms and when student put their phones down, their grades improve. 

There are also concerns about the effects of constant phone use on students’ attention spans, mental health, and social relationships. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

Survey finds kids eat unhealthy breakfasts 

A survey by the University of Michigan’s C.S Mott Children’s Hospital finds most kids eat breakfast before school. But as it may not be a nutritious meal. The hospital says a healthy breakfast consists of a lean protein, high fiber content and a healthy source of fat.  

Mott’s Poll Co-Director and pediatrician Susan Woolford says parents report three top barriers to healthy eating they face daily.  

“First of all, 44% said that their child is a picky eater, and then just over a third mentioned that their child is a little bit grumpy or slow in the morning, and then about a third said that time was a barrier.” 

Woolford suggests preparing breakfast ahead of time to ensure the meal is nutritious and there is time to eat it.  

She also suggests parents with picky eaters let the children help choose healthy options for their meal.  

Mayor Sheffield announces plan to bring rentable housing into compliance

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield wants to bring thousands more rental units up to code. The goal is to increase the compliance rate for single- and double-family units from 14% to 25% within a year.

Most of Detroit's rental properties are 1 or 2 family units. Sheffield says the city will help small-scale landlords get their compliance certificates.

Six months ago, the mayor launched an effort to bring 65 senior apartment buildings up to code by now. The city has surpassed that goal, issuing 88 compliance certificates.

The city of Detroit and local leaders celebrated the opening of Rohns Apartments that will add 17 new affordable units to city’s housing stock.   

The long vacant historic apartment building was revitalized by the development company WIZE Detroit.

During the grand opening press conference Sophia Zembra, owner and managing director of WIZE, shared her thoughts around the project.   “Rohns Apartments is our first project. We are very grateful. The city of Detroit guided us all the way up.”

The project was made possible due to the Detroit Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) ordinance that was issued in October of 2024. The program aims to accelerate affordable housing development by simplifying and expediting the approval process for qualifying projects.  

Director of the Housing and Revitalization Department Julie Synder says this development is a product of public and private partnership.   “Rohns apartment shows that good housing policy can help make good housing development possible. Creating more affordable housing requires more than developers who are willing to invest...it also requires the tools to make that development possible to support their vision and come together to make projects like this a reality."

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at $900 per month, while rent for a two-bedroom apartment starts at $1,100 per month.    

WIZE is also using the PILOT program to redevelop the Dexter Linwood neighborhood. This will feature 34 residential units with a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and one studio unit. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.   

Additional headlines for Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026

Pay As You Stay returns

The city’s Pay As you Stay (PAYS) program returns. The program helps Detroit residents by reducing delinquent past property taxes and has helped prevent foreclosure for thousands of Detroit property owners. 

The program expired on June 30 of 2025. But after efforts from city leaders, the legislature continues.

Wayne County Treasurer Eric R. Sabree shares why the program is so important. “It keeps owner-occupied residents in their homes and keeps homes affordable. PAYS has been successful throughout the county. We needed to continue to be their for families...people who legitimately fall on difficult times due to changing economies or other circumstances beyond their control.” 

Since 2020 the PAYS program has helped approximately 18,000 Detroit property owners keep their homes.   

Sports  

Lions  

The Detroit Lions are set to have their second preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Detroit Lions edge rusher Derrick Moore shares how a preseason game can help reset players. “I’ve been out for two weeks. Getting back into the rhythm of being able to go against different competition and different looks and showing everyone what I’m capable of doing”.

Kickoff is at noon at Ford Field.  
  
Tigers  

The Detroit Tigers have slid back down the American League Central division and their back-to-back losses against the Pittsburgh Pirates didn’t help. They hope to bounce back this weekend against the Kansas City Royals.

First pitch for tomorrow’s game is at 8:10 p.m. at Ford Field. First pitch is at 8:10 p.m. EST at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City Missouri.   
  
DCFC

Detroit City Football Club will go against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday at Keyworth Stadium. Game starts at 7:00 p.m .

Detroit Bourbon and Blues

Detroit Bourbon and Blues is back for the fourth annual immersive tasting and live music event. Organizers say this unique experience invites guests to sample a variety of bourbons and whiskeys as well as enjoy good music.

This is all going down at Eastern Market Shed 5 on Sunday, Aug. 23 from noon to 7 p.m.   

The Michigan Public Service Commission is recommending lawmakers ban yearly rate hike requests from utility companies.  The recommendation is one of many on a list requested by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on ways to tackle energy affordability. 

Commission Chair Dan Scripps says under Michigan law, utilities can submit a rate hike request every 12 months, and often do, even right after another request was approved.  He says the commission could see hundreds of cases, but only a few get approved. 

“As we go through rate cases, we literally go line by line and say, ’Is this particular investment supported? Does it have enough evidence on the record? Does it have the appropriate level of signoff?’  And so we think of them as one case, but they’re literally hundreds of individual decisions.  And as a result, the utility typically gets less, and sometimes far less than they initially requested.”

Scripps says the list of recommendations includes tying utility earnings to a power company’s performance and ensuring the company uses current equipment to its full potential before requesting another rate increase to pay for more infrastructure. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

Casino revenues rise 

Detroit’s casinos are reporting improved revenues for the month of July.  The Michigan Gaming Control Board says the three gambling houses brought in more than $112.5 million dollars last month.  Revenues were up more than nine percent from June 2026.  

MGM Grand led the market, bringing in 47% of the total revenue.  Motor City had 31% with Hollywood Casino at Greektown controlling 22% of the market. 

Together the three casinos paid $13.3 million in wagering and development agreements to the City of Detroit.  They paid another $9 million in state taxes. 

Powerball jackpot hits $1 billion 

For those of you hoping to get rich quick, the Powerball jackpot has risen to more than a billion dollars.  That’s the eighth largest prize in the game’s history.  But remember, the odds of winning the grand prize are more than one in $292 million. 

The drawing takes place tonight at 10:59 p.m. ET. 

Edge of eclipse 

If you were outside around 1:30 this afternoon and something looked a little “off”—you’re not imagining it.  There was a slight eclipse of the sun, meaning about 3% coverage.  That’s because we were on the edge of the path of the eclipse. 

Folks in Iceland and Spain witnessed a full eclipse of the sun. 

The next solar eclipse will take place in February. 

Lions prep for first preseason game 

The Detroit Lions are wrapping up their preparations for their first preseason game of the year.  The Lions will be in Cincinnati Thursday night to play the Bengals. 

The NFL schedule was changed a few years ago, adding one more game to the regular season, and subtracting one pre-season game.  That means Detroit only has three pre-season games to work out the kinks.  Lions’ star Jahmyr Gibbs signed a contract extension this month, making him the highest paid running back in the NFL. 

The Lions play the Bengals Thursday night at 7p.m.  The game will be televised on Fox 2. 

The city of Detroit and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation celebrated the third Green Grocer ribbon cutting in the Motor City. This is part of the effort to have more fresh and healthy food available at retail food locations in the city. 

The Counter Detroit is a 400-square-foot grocery store anchoring community marketplace, Shops on Six, in the Bagley neighborhood. 

Owner Karlyta Williams says that her store is meant to bring people together and to represent the diversity of the neighborhood. “That is what the Counter stands for. It is for every neighbor. Every piece that goes onto their shelves, every neighbor is thought of. There is something magical that happens when the business that shows up in your neighborhood feed you.” 

Mayor Sheffield says that the goal is to have six Green Grocer stores by the end of the year. 

Additional headlines for Friday, Aug. 7, 2026

Gas prices on the rise 

As the summer comes to close...are you trying to go on a last-minute summer trip? 
Well if you plan on going on one this week, you might need to budget some more for gas. According to AAA gas prices in Michigan have risen to 13 cents from a week ago. Michigan drivers are now paying an average $4.36 per gallon for regular unleaded gas.  

Fuel prices have increased in large part due to the continuing war in Iran that has caused the blocking of about 20% of the world’s supply of oil and gas from the Stait of Hormuz. Another reason is that gas prices typically peak during the late spring/early summer when refineries switch to a more expensive summer blend of gasoline. 

AAA says while the market conditions remain unpredictable, drivers may continue to see the prices go up and down.  

Sports

MLB

The Tigers laid a beat down against the Seattle Mariners yesterday with the score of 11-0. They now face the San Francisco Giants this weekend as they continue to claw and climb from the bottom of the American League Central division. 

First pitch for today’s game is at 10:15 p.m. EST. 

Soccer 

Detroit City FC faces off against FC Tulsa tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Drillers Baseball Team Stadium in Tulsa Oklahoma.  

Football 

And with the Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs agree to 3-year, $67.5 million extension. The three-time Pro Bowler is now the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The record deal surpasses the extension Bijan Robinson signed with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week—which is a reminder that anything can happen in football.  

Cyclosporiasis cases slow

The state health department says the number of new cyclosporiasis infections is slowing down, and fewer people are showing up at the hospital with diarrhea-related emergencies.

The agency is lifting its recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes, one of the possible sources of the outbreak. It says people may also resume their usual food handling practices, but should still avoid recalled lettuce.

Michigan has had more than 12,000 confirmed and suspected cases of cyclosporiasis since late June. So far, 279 people reported going to the hospital. Two people with significant health problems died after getting the disease. 

Michigan voters went to the polls Tuesday to select candidates who will meet in the general election in November. 

Congressman John James won the Republican primary for governor.  He had a tough competitor in businessman Perry Johnson.  Johnson ran a steady flight of television commercials, at times portraying James as a "DEI candidate."  During the course of the Republican primary, James made few appearances in the city of Detroit.  

During his victory speech Tuesday night, James laid out his plans if he’s elected Senator. “We’re going to cut taxes.  We’re going to lower your energy bills.  We’re going to protect Medicaid for those who need it, while stopping fraud and abuse from those who would steal from it.”   

James will face Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the November general election.  Benson easily beat Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary.  

During a speech to supporters in Detroit Tuesday night, she said she’ll work for Michigan voters if she’s elected governor in November. “Who do you want Michigan’s leaders to work for?  The people or the powerful?  Well, you all know who I work for.  I will work for all of you and every Michigander in this state.  Not the highest bidder.  Not corporate interests.  Not Donald Trump. You.”   

Benson is a Detroit resident. 

El-Sayed beats out Stevens for U.S. Senate race

In the most watched contest of the night, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat.  

In a speech to supporters in Detroit Wednesday morning,  El-Sayed took aim at Republican Mike Rogers – who El-Sayed will face in the general election: “And so, Mike, and I know you're listening, Mike.  We are coming for you.”  

With more than 60-million dollars in outside spending, the race is the most expensive U.S. Senate primary in history. El-Sayed beat Stevens by less than a percentage point. 

-Reporting by Russ McNamara

Congressional primaries

Detroiters watched two Democratic primaries for Congress yesterday.  Representative Rashida Tlaib easily defeated former state representative Shanelle Jackson and Inkster Mayor Byron Nolan in the 12^th Congressional District. 

State Representative Donavan McKinney defeated incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13^th District primary.  Results show Mckinney won just over half the vote.  

McKinney says its time for a new style of politics, because it’s impossible for representatives to serve two masters. “You can’t serve the working people and the corporations at the same time.  You have to pick one, and so I think the people are calling for petter and I thing they’re calling our legislators and our Congress to do things for them and not on behalf of the few, but on behalf of the many.”   

McKinney also supported ending federal aid to Israel.  He says Congress should focus more on domestic needs.  Thanedar was seeking his third term in the U.S. House. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Other results

Incumbent Wayne County Executive Warren Evans easily won his primary race to win the right to run for another term as the Democratic candidate in November. 

Proposal S, which provides additional revenue for the Detroit Public Schools Community District passed overwhelmingly, as did the Wayne County Public Transportation Millage.  That measure will keep communities from being able to opt OUT of the SMART bus system. 

The Secretary of State has rejected a Republican Party request for a list of people who volunteer to be poll workers that would include personal identifying information. 

The state says the GOP wanted home addresses, phone numbers, birthdates and medical or disability status—and that that information is exempt from disclosure as a "clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy."

Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says sharing unredacted information could be used to target prospective poll workers based on party affiliation. She says sharing information that could be used to dox, threaten or harass would discourage citizens from volunteering to be election workers.

The Republican Party can appeal the state's refusal. The state has also declined to share identifying information in voter rolls with the Trump administration. That position was upheld in court. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

Gordie Howe crossing open to bikers, pedestrians Wednesday

On Wednesday, people will finally be able to walk and bike between Detroit and Windsor using the Gordie Howe International Bridge. 

The Detroit Greenways Coalition has created the Detroit/Windsor International Bike and Trail map. The map highlights biking and walking routes between the two cities. 

Coalition Executive Director Todd Scott says the view crossing the bridge is beautiful. "I know they already have high expectations, bicyclists and walkers, but I think it's going to exceed those. It's a smooth, beautiful, clear modern piece of infrastructure that I think is going to blow people away." 

The bridge is toll-free for anyone who is walking or biking across the span; however, visitors still must go through customs.  

Michigan Supreme Court overthrows permit for Line 5

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled against Enbridge's oil and gas pipeline tunnel project that would run through the Straits of Mackinac. The "Michigan Public Service Commission" okayed the project to build the tunnel around the Line 5 pipeline after considering its possible environmental impact to the surrounding area. But the state’s highest court found Michigan environmental law requires a broader look at the impact continued operation of the entire pipeline would have. 

The issue now returns to the Public Service Commission for a new review. Enbridge is a financial supporter of WDET but has no input on its editorial decisions. 

Flint finishes inspecting water lines

More than a decade after the Flint water crisis began, city crews have inspected the last pipe connecting a home or business to the city water system for lead. The city has inspected more than 31,000 service lines since 2016 and replaced those made of lead or galvanized steel. 

Mayor Sheldon Neely estimates the inspections, replacements, and other improvements cost more than a billion dollars. 

Primary election today

Last but not least, it is Primary Election Day in Michigan. We will soon know who will move forward to compete for governor and congressional seats in November.

Wayne County voters also considered whether to expand SMART bus service, Highland Park narrowed its field of mayoral candidates and Detroit schools asked to tax businesses.

Check in with WDET and the Detroit Evening Report tomorrow for election updates.