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.

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

In this episode

• What are the chances of us having a constitutional convention in 2026 and if so what will it change?
• Why are there so many groups opposing the constitutional convention?

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Is it time to rewrite the Michigan’s constitution? Voters will decide in about a month during the midterms. This week on WDET’s weekly series MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss the likelihood of that happening. They sit down with PR professionals John Sellek and Mark Fisk who oppose the constitutional revision. 

Fisk pointed out that the having a constitutional convention would be like opening Pandora’s box. “A con con, if it is called, opens up all the articles and everything in the constitution, to rewrite. And so that’s very risky in the current climate for businesses. We have heard time and time again, this is going to increase instability and uncertainty at the worst possible time.”

Sellek added that the seriousness of this topic can be seen by the unlikely groups pairing together in order to stop it. “I’ve never seen a coalition like this. Almost everybody is leaning no. The UAW and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce are doing something together. Planned Parenthood and the Michigan Catholic Conference are doing this together. Like people who wouldn’t be caught dead out at lunch on a Tuesday with each other are actively campaigning [against the constitutional convention]…they’re really concerned about the chaos.”

Michigan voters will be able to see the proposal on their ballot for this year’s midterm elections. The midterms are on Nov. 3.

More from WDET:

• MichMash: What is a ConCon and will it happen in Michigan?
• MI voters to decide if it’s time for a constitutional convention
• MichMash: Top 10 Michigan House seats that could flip in the 2026 midterms

Michigan is seeing record high prices for diesel fuel and one economist says those costs will eventually trickle down. 

Diesel powers industries like mining, agriculture and construction. And most goods are moved by diesel-powered trucks. 

Director of Market and Industry Analysis for the Anderson Economic Group Cristina Benton says some businesses can absorb those costs in the short-term. “But others might not have that wiggle room to keep prices down, and they may have to pass those higher costs to consumers.” 

AAA says the average price of diesel fuel statewide was $6. 68 per gallon Friday. Drivers paid an average of $4.89 cents a gallon for regular unleaded gasoline this morning. U.S. Senate candidates Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed are calling on the state and federal governments to suspend fuel taxes temporarily. 

-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. 

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

In this episode: 

• What are some of the key races to watch during the midterms?
• Which politicians might face a tough race?
• MichMash bids farewell to our most featured guest.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Control of the Michigan Legislature is on the line in this year’s midterm elections. As part of WDET’s weekly series, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss 10 races they believe could flip from one party to another. They are joined by Gongwer Assistant Editor Elena Durnbaugh, who covers the state House.

One of the topics heading into this election is whether the national political environment will affect local results. Durnbaugh says that if it does, local politicians will need to respond accordingly.

“…the national environment, where we have a situation where we have a Republican president who is deeply unpopular. It’s a midterm. People are looking for change that means that if you’re a Republican in a seat, you’re going to have to work harder to keep it.”

Durnbaugh said politicians’ voting records and what they have done while in control of the Legislature could also push voters one way or another.

The November general election is Nov. 3, 2026.

More from WDET:

• How voters view vaccines could influence midterm elections
• Detroit Evening Report: Trump wants federal oversight of midterm elections, continues to deny 2020 results
• MI GOP Chair: Democrats’ ‘woke’ policies are good for Republicans in 2026 election

This morning all international border crossings in Michigan were closed briefly to commemorate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It’s been a quarter of century since the nation faced this horrific moment. Nearly 3000 people were killed when al-Qaida terrorits hijacked four commerical airplanes and crashed them in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. 

According to Michigan Remembers 9-11 Fund, an East Lansing-based nonprofit at least 42 people with ties to Michigan died during the attacks. The organization was created to honor those lives.

Patrick L. Anderson, a World Trade Center survivor and founder of Michigan Remembers 9-11, put out a statement saying, “For the past quarter century, we have strived to keep alive the memory of each person with ties to Michigan who lost their life on September 11, 2001. We remain committed to sharing their names and stories.”

Additional headlines for Friday, Sept. 11, 2026

Lochmoor Club burns down

The historic Lochmoor Club burned to the ground in a fire this week and has been declared a total loss according to local officials. The Grosse Pointe Woods clubhouse was built in 1969 and included dining facilities, a pub, locker room and more.  

On Sept. 9, the Public Safety Department said that there was a reported kitchen fire. The fire was brought under control before midnight. The Grosse Pointe School district is warning residents that air quality nearby may be unhealthy for sensitive groups.  

Sports

NFL 

The NFL is back and on Sunday the Detroit Lions start the season off with a home game against the New Orlean Saints. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m.

MLB 

The Tigers have a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. The Tigers are still second to last in the American League Central with a 67-79 record.  

Soccer

Detroit City FC play against Sacremento Republic FC in Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California. Game starts at 10:00 p.m. EST. 

National Black Footwear Forum

The 2026 National Black Footwear Forum is this weekend at the Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC Detroit). 

According to organizers this event highlights the collective power of Black leaders in the footwear industry. To celebrate the moment, Detroit’s revered run club WeRun313 is special Sunday morning group run and walk in partnership with @BrooksRunning as part of The Black Footwear Forum!

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

In this episode 

• What makes this gubernatorial race different from previous ones?
• Which candidates are drawing the most attention to their campaigns, and what could they do to win?
• How do sports and politics reflect each other?

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

With only a couple of months left until the midterms, Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates are trying to build support in their bids to become the state’s next governor. This week on WDET’s MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss how this race for governor differs from previous ones.

They are joined by Andrea Bitely, founder of the public relations firm Bitely Communications.

The race drawing the most attention in Michigan so far is the U.S. Senate race between Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers. As for the gubernatorial race between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and U.S. Rep. John James, Bitely says it isn’t garnering the same level of attention.

“The gubernatorial race is potentially the most boring gubernatorial race in the history of gubernatorial races.”

Bitely continued by saying that after Mayor Mike Duggan dropped out, the race lost some of its interest for her.

“I think it got a lot more boring on May 21st [2026]. But maybe that’s just the the Duggan campaign staffer in me coming out.”

May 21 was the day Duggan dropped out of the race for governor.

Bitely concluded that to draw more attention to the gubernatorial race and their respective campaigns, the candidates need more rallies and events, along with a resounding message that sticks with voters.

The midterm elections are Nov. 3.

More from WDET:

• MichMash: Abdul El-Sayed makes his case for the Michigan US Senate seat
• MichMash: Live from Lansing
• MichMash: Why Mike Duggan dropped out, plus court ruling could affect funding

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.

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

More from WDET:

• Detroit Evening Report: Abdul El-Sayed urges unity between Black and Arab communities ahead of election
• MichMash: A review of the 2026 Michigan primary results
• MichMash: Michigan Progressives push past the primaries

September is National Preparedness Month and the city of Detroit is telling you how you can stay prepared in case of an emergency. This year’s theme is Americans Stand Ready.

In order to encourage preparedness in the city the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is telling residents to create and practice family emergency plans, develop a family emergency communications plan, and build an emergency supplies kit. The city is also encouraging residents to prepare for emergencies by signing up for the Detroit Alerts 365 notification system.

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026

Detroit parks receive funds for updates 

Eleven Detroit parks are getting an upgrade thanks to a $20 million investment in neighborhood and recreational spaces. This donation is made possible by the Gilbert Family Foundation, ARPA funds and city funds.

Councilmemeber Scott Benson—who is an avid bike rider—shares how this investment will enhance the quality of life in Detroit in an highlight reel YouTube video that dropped today from the City. “When we look at thriving cities around the city we see a common thread. Recreation is not a luxury, but is a vital urban asset and competitive edge for strong thriving cities and that is what you see today. Vibrant parks attract families, improve mental and physical well being and show the world that a city invests in its people, its recreation and neighborhoods” 

According to the city, they are seeing a record participation in their adopt a park program which is nearing 100 community partner organizations that help take care and invest in Detroit’s parks.  

Sports 

NFL  

We are a week away from the start of the NFL season and less than two weeks away to the Lions playing their first game. The team revealed their 53 man roster this week. RB Isiah Pacheco will miss at least the first four games of the regular season as he recovers from his MCL sprain.

Vice president and general manager Brad Holmes commented on Pacheo’s outlook. “We’re excited about him to get back. he’s again he’s doing everything that he can to to get back and we’re we’re excited to get him back when he’s health at some point this season.”

The Lions first game is on Sept. 13 at Ford Field. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. 

MLB 

The Tigers have suffered back to back losses to the Minnesota Twins. Next game is today at 7:40 p.m. at Target Field in Minneapolis. We’ll have the results of that game in tomorrow’s Detroit Evening Report. 

Art in the Elements Tour 

And this Labor Day weekend we get the chance to witness Meadow Brook Hall’s annual limited-run of the Art in the Elements tour. This tour features more than a dozen imaginative floral art sculptures created by renowned floral artists from around the country.

This is the tenth anniversary of their Art in the Elements Tour and organizers say this year’s art takes an imaginative excursion into the beyond.

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

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a report this week about the Flint water crisis.

The report, released Tuesday, explains that a Michigan Supreme Court ruling on “one-person grand jury proceedings” limited the actions that could result from the yearslong investigation.

The crisis raised concerns about lead contamination in the drinking water of Flint residents. However, there were no state criminal prosecutions arising from the crisis.

The attorney general said the 105-page report marks the conclusion of the case.

To hear more about the report and other headlines, listen to the MichMash podcast to hear Cheyna Roth and Alethia Kasben discuss the news with The Detroit News’ Beth LeBlanc.

Detroit Fire Department honors late Sgt. Sivad Johnson

The Detroit Fire Department unveiled a memorial plaque honoring the late Sgt. Sivad Johnson this week along the pedestrian walkway on Belle Isle.

The 26-year veteran died Aug. 21, 2020, after trying to rescue three girls who were struggling in the Detroit River. Although Johnson and a civilian were able to save the three girls, Johnson was believed to have become tangled in aquatic vegetation.

Mayor Mary Sheffield attended the presentation and spoke about Johnson’s sacrifice.

“Today we gather near the very place where that act of selflessness was made. As a city we have a responsibility to never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Lions, Tigers and Detroit City FC in action

NFL

The Lions’ final preseason game is Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. As the NFL season approaches, the Lions and the rest of the league will cut their rosters to 53 players by Sunday.

The Lions’ first game of the season is against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 13.

MLB

The Tigers are trying to string together more wins as they continue to slide away from the top of the American League Central division.

They hope to build momentum this weekend as they face the Los Angeles Dodgers at Comerica Park. First pitch Friday is at 6:40 p.m.

Soccer

Detroit City FC faces Louisville City FC on Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. The game starts at 8 p.m.

Blake’s Sunflower Festival returns

Fall is right around the corner, which means Blake’s Sunflower Festival is here.

The annual festival features what organizers call breathtaking sunflower fields, 100 talented artisans and plenty of photo opportunities with admission.

The festival begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill.

For more details on pricing, activities and more, visit LittleGuide Detroit.

In this episode: 

• Why did the flint water crisis report come out now?
• Citizenship voting proposal blocked from Michigan ballot.
• Controversial UP copper mine gets $50M in state grants after years of trying.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ballot proposal drama, the significance of a report on the Flint water crisis and mixed feelings about funding for a copper mine. There was a lot to cover this week.

On MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben break down the week’s major headlines with The Detroit News’ Beth LeBlanc.

One of the main headlines was Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urging lawmakers to send new versions of nine vetoed bills to her this fall. LeBlanc says she understands the move but doesn’t think it will succeed.

“Those nine bills passed through a Democratic trifecta. Right now, the makeup of the House and Senate is very different. Matt Hall held up these bills for a year, and many in his caucus don’t agree with these bills. I don’t really know if they have any chance of getting to the governor at this point,” LeBlanc said.

The governor received a lot of pushback when she vetoed the bills nearly six weeks ago.

More from WDET:

• MichMash: Whitmer clashes with state Democrats after vetoing bills; MEDC revives economic development incentive
• Detroit Evening Report: EPA lifts emergency order on Flint drinking water
• MichMash: Flint water criminal prosecutions ends with no charges, frustrated residents

In this episode 

• What comes with the federal education freedom tax credits?
• How many states have opted into the tax credits already?
• The future of education for private, public, and home school students.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Governor Whitmer as well as governors across the country have a decision to make regarding a federal program in connection with the Reconciliation Program. This week on MichMash…WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow unpack the details of this program. They are joined by Prof Josh Cowen of Michigan State University and Peter Spadafore who leads the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity.

Cowen is known for being the nation’s leading critics of school voucher programs, but says this program is much different and offers real opportunities for public and private school students. “Unlike any other state voucher program that I have opposed…public school students can use this and they don’t have to exit the public schools to use it, there is a real revenue stream that is definitely available to public schools. That is not true for regular voucher programs.”

Spadafore, is against public schools oppose opting in to the credits because, ” It starts with a long standing opposition to any type of voucher program and this is unequivocally a voucher program. It’s public dollars for private schools. We stand in opposition to that. We have done so along with the voters of Michigan who have twice rejected these types of schemes alongside Governor Whitmer, who vetoed an education savings program that was passed by the legislature a few years back.”
Governor Whitmer hasn’t indicated whether she would make a decision to opt in during the last months of her tenure. 

• More from WDET:

  Michigan Primary 2024 Voter Guide: State House candidates running in metro Detroit

  Slotkin talks Medicaid cuts in GOP’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ voting against California EV mandate

  MichMash: Whitmer clashes with state Democrats after vetoing bills; MEDC revives incentive

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.   

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

Detroit Police and the Detroit Fire Department are hosting Public Safety Fun Day at Palmer Park tomorrow, Aug. 15. The free community event is an effort to strengthen relationships between first responders and residents.

The event was originally set for July but was postponed because of unsafe air from Canadian wildfires.

Activities include hands-only CPR training, a meet-and-greet with Detroit police officers, safety education, voter registration and more.

For more information, go to DetroitMI.gov.

Detroit employees receive first checks under new livable wage

The City of Detroit celebrated city employees receiving their first “livable wage” checks in a video on its YouTube channel.

In the spring of 2026, Mayor Mary Sheffield signed an executive order mandating that city employees be paid no less than $21.45 per hour, or $44,616 annually.

All full-time, budgeted positions in departments under the executive branch of city government are included in the new livable wage, as well as employees of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. That includes more than 1,100 people.

In the YouTube video, Sheffield marked the achievement:

“Economic growth is not measured only in the buildings that we construct. We also must invest in the people who make this city work every single day.”

The increase amounts to an average annual salary increase of $6,400.

Lions fall to Bengals in preseason matchup

The NFL season is here. Well, the preseason, at least. The Lions had their first test yesterday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Lions lost 16-14, but standout Ahmed Hassanein showed up with a sack on starting quarterback Joe Burrow. He says he envisioned the moment before the game.

“I truly, truly prayed about it and I manifested it. And I said, ‘I’m going to sack him,’ before the game. And Coach Campbell said the same thing. I just kept telling my wife, ‘I’m going to sack Joe Burrow, I’m going to get him.’ I just kept talking to God about it, and it truly just happened.”

The Lions’ next preseason game is Aug. 22 against the Washington Commanders at Ford Field.

Tigers look to climb AL Central standings

The Tigers have managed to claw their way into second place in the American League Central and hope to continue their climb against the Chicago White Sox this weekend.

First pitch for tonight’s game is at 6:40 p.m. at Comerica Park.

Detroit City FC hosts Loudoun United

Detroit City FC faces Loudoun United FC tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Keyworth Stadium.

J. Cole brings Fall-Off Tour to Detroit

And this Sunday, the Ville comes to the Motor City as J. Cole is slated to perform at Little Caesars Arena.

The Detroit stop is part of J. Cole’s Fall-Off Tour, supporting what he has said will be his final album.

The show starts at 9:30 p.m.

In this episode

• Key to some of the progressive wins in the most recent Michigan primaries
• What does it mean to be a democratic socialist?
• What chances do some progressive democrats have in the November election?

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The progressive wing of the Democratic party made some noise in the recent primaries. What has been the key to their success so far? This week on MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow chat with Chris Gilmer-Hill, one of the progressives who won his race.

Gilmer-Hill shares why he feels like he was able to win.

Gilmer-Hill attributes his win against incumbent Democratic state Rep. Helena Scott greatly to the Democratic Socialist of America and the engine they put behind his campaign. Especially being that without them he lost by a large margin two years ago. 

“DSA is the biggest difference. Two years ago I filed because I disagreed with a lot of what our incumbent was doing and I didn’t think it was right for her to run unopposed but I didn’t have DSA or a whole movement of folks behind me. I wasn’t expecting to win. Actually at the time 27% was a lot more than what I was expecting so I saw an opening for the future. But that opening wouldn’t have been something we could’ve use to win without an army of DSA members”

Gilmer-Hill is running for the 8th state House District.

More from WDET:

• The Metro: What Abdul El-Sayed learned from being outspent 11-1
• The Metro: What Republican candidates need to do to win Michigan
• Jerome Vaughn retires from WDET

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. 

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

In this episode

• The results of the Michigan primary elections. What was surprising and what was expected?
• A forecast of the 2026 midterm elections
• What do the results mean for the democratic party. statewide and nationally?

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The 2026 Michigan primaries not only affected the state but may also have national implications. This week on MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben break down the results and what they may forecast for the midterm elections. They are joined by Associated Press reporter Joey Cappelletti.

The biggest story coming out of the primaries is Abdul El-Sayed defeating U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens for the Democratic nomination for an open U.S. Senate seat. After winning by less than 1 percentage point, El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers in the general election. El-Sayed represents the progressive, Democratic Socialists of America wing of the party. Cappelletti says the results in November could make or break the momentum the DSA has gained with El-Sayed’s victory.

“We’ve seen the progressive wing have victories in deep-blue cities before. But this is really the first time that we saw it on this level in a swing state like Michigan. Michigan does prefer, at least in the past, more moderate, pragmatic candidates. What happened [during the primaries] was big for the movement, but it will not matter if they don’t win in November.”

The midterm elections will be held Nov. 3, 2026.

• More from WDET:

  Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary in major victory for Democrats’ progressive wing

  Detroit Evening Report: Primary election results

  Metro: Progressives win up and down ballot

This year’s primaries feature some competitive races that will mark battle lines come November and may even point to national trends.

This week on MichMash, WDET’S Cheyna Roth, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss some of the key things to look out for in Tuesday’s elections. They are joined by Gongwer reporters Nick Smith and Lily Guiney.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode

• Things to look out for on Tuesday’s primaries.
• What do the polls say about who will win their party’s nominees.

Here are some key moments the MichMash team is watching for on the Aug. 4 Michigan primary elections:

• Tuesday may be a referendum of where Michigan Democratic voters are leaning towards. The results of races for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate will tell us if progressives or established Democrats are the voice of the Michigan Democratic party.
• What will the national implications be and how much interest will Michigan draw after the results? The fight for U.S. Senate and House is tight, making a purple state like Michigan a key factor in determining who has control of Congress.
• Which party is more motivated? Voter turnout varies based factors like who is on the ballot. Tuesday’s results will tell us more about the upcoming midterm elections.

The primaries are on Aug. 4, 2026

More from WDET:

• MichMash: Democrat victory in special election may show where 2026 midterms are headed
• Inflation and the U.S. economy following the 2022 midterms
• Michigan’s Democratic senate primary is a tight, expensive race

The City of Detroit has announced a three year, $9.2 million investment to help unhoused families move out of emergency shelter and into stabilized housing. The Homeless to Housed initiative will provide families with 6- 12 months of rental assistance, help them find a home, and provide additional support along the way.  

The program touts that it will assist up to 140 households each year with this program, which is approximately 500 Detroiters each year.  

In a press conference for the program, the city’s first ever Chief Executive of Health, Human Services and Poverty Solutions Dr. Luke Shaefer says this program is about more than providing shelter. “Its about creating pathways to stability. The mayor has challenged us to build a system where homelessness is rare, brief, and non recurring.”

Shaefer also describes how they were able to fund this program.   “This didn’t happen by accident…it happened because dedicated public servants were willing to rethink how we use available resources, they strategically aligned federal emergency solutions and grant funding to launch the Homeless to Housing initiative leaning into the mayor’s charge to us.” 
 
Priority for this program will be given to families with minor children. This program is also expected to free up space in existing shelter homes to provide assistance to other Detroiters facing homelessness.  

Additional headlines for Thursday, July 30, 2026

Small business summit 

The city of Detroit is hosting a micro and small business summit on July 31 at the Wayne County Community College District Northwest Campus. 

The summit is part of the Office of Contracting and Procurement, and it’s part of an effort to build Detroit based micro and small business industries.

The free event will provide attendees an opportunity to interact with funders, banks, and partner organizations including Goldman Sachs, First Merchant bank, the Detroit Development Fund, the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and the Small Business Association.

For more information and to register go to detroitmi.gov. 

Sports 

Detroit City FC faces Miami FC on Saturday, Aug. 1 at Pitbull Stadium in Westchester Florida. Also, the club soccer team’s development of their new home stadium broke ground earlier this month.

The AlumniFi Field will hold 15,000 seats, an increase from Keyworth stadium that only holds 7,000 seats. It will also be the city’s first soccer-specific stadium, and the state’s only privately owned major sports stadium. The project also includes a 421-space parking garage and a 104-unit residential building with 76 affordable housing units. 

Completion of the stadium was slated for spring of 2027 but its now slated for 2028 USL Champion season. 

Sports

MLB 

And the Tigers efforts to climb up the American League Central division stalled a bit with a high scoring loss to the Baltimore Orioles yesterday 10-9.

They now face the Athletics in a 3 game weekend affair at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California. First pitch for tomorrow’s game is at 9:40 p.m. EST. 

Talk it Out Walk it Out

And on Saturday August 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History is hosting Talk it Out Walk it Out. This free admission event is an annual community conversation and awareness walk to highlight health disparities impacting Black women.

The event serves as a start to Black Women’s Health Month in Detroit. The event is being held at the museum.  

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