Michigan candidate for governor, John James, says Canadian wildfire smoke needs to be better controlled, as part of a deal to open the Gordie Howe Bridge.  James made the comments on a video on Facebook earlier this month.  

“You look at wildfire smoke every summer.  They’re throwing off 500 million vehicles’ worth of carbon emissions into our air each and every year and doing very little to nothing about it.  That’s got to change right now,” said James.  “As a part of any deal we do with Gordie Howe Bridge, we have to work in close cooperation with Ottawa to make sure they’re also managing their business, so we can keep our people healthy and we can keep our relationship strong.”   

Last summer, James wrote a letter to Canadian officials asking them for action to keep wildfire smoke from drifting into Michigan.  

President Donald Trump endorsed James on Monday to become Michigan’s next governor.  Other elected officials around the country quickly followed suit.  James will face businessman Perry Johnson, and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox in the Aug. 4 Republican primary.   

Additional headlines for Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Detroit police pick up 180 curfew violators during fireworks 

The Detroit Police Department is reporting that it detained 180 juveniles on Monday night for curfew violations before the annual Ford fireworks show over the Detroit River.  A news release says 171 of those detained were city residents.  Nine live elsewhere.  

A special curfew was approved for fireworks night.  It required everyone under 18 to be accompanied by an adult from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.  The police department says 19 adults were arrested for a variety of infractions, including carrying concealed weapons, aggravated assault, and disorderly conduct.  

One 18-year-old was shot by a police officer after a short chase, several hours before the fireworks began.  

Dearborn schools seek new bond approval 

Dearborn residents will see a new millage proposal on their November general election ballot.  The city’s Board of Education will ask voters to approve a $1.5 billion bond measure.  If passed, the money will fund the construction of six new schools.  

The district says the bond would also be used to remodel every remaining school building over the next 20 years.  The board approved ballot language for the proposal at Monday’s meeting. 

New apartment complex opens on west side   

A west-side Detroit neighborhood is getting a new apartment building.  The city opened the OSI Art Apartments Tuesday afternoon.  The newly constructed four-story complex provides 30 residential units.  About half qualify as “affordable housing”.  

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield says the project will make a difference along the Grand River corridor. “It is an honor as mayor to welcome this project to our city.  A project that combines housing, culture, arts – and to breathe this vibrancy back into our community, which is so needed in our city.  So I thank you all so much for investing in Detroit.”  

The development, which also includes 5,000 square feet of retail space, will be the gateway to the West End Gallery District.  The building located on Grand River near Selden is named for Nigerian-American artist Osi Audu. 

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

Michigan has restarted its Sun Bucks program.

The goal of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program is to help ensure school-age children continue to receive healthy meals during the months when they are not in school.

The state says families who enroll will receive $120 for each eligible child during the summer. Some families are automatically eligible, while others will need to apply.

Sun Bucks benefits can be used at any retailer that accepts EBT. For more information, visit Michigan.gov and search for “Sun Bucks.”

Additional headlines for June 17, 2026

Flood watch in effect for Metro Detroit

Much of Metro Detroit is under a flood watch this afternoon through late tonight.

The advisory includes Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Storms are expected tonight, bringing the threat of gusty winds and heavy rainfall.

The National Weather Service says 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible within a three-hour period. That could cause flash flooding in rivers and streams and affect residents living in low-lying areas.

Heavy rains increase risk of beach closures

This week’s heavy rains are making temporary beach closures more likely in some areas.

Stormy weather can lead to high levels of E. coli bacteria in Michigan lakes, creating unsafe swimming conditions. Tom Barnes, environmental health division director at the Macomb County Health Department, says heavy rainfall can wash contaminants into the water.

“If you have a big rainy event and you have lots of goose feces on the beach, that’ll wash it into the water. That will definitely result in a higher E. coli count.”

Barnes says swimming in water with high E. coli levels can cause health problems.

Spot Lite and UFO Bar to close

Detroit’s nightlife scene is about to lose two well-known establishments.

The owners of Spot Lite and UFO Bar announced on Instagram Tuesday that the venues will close later this month.

Spot Lite’s last night of operation will be Saturday, June 28. UFO Bar will open its doors for the final time on Monday, June 30.

Detroit to host PWHL draft

Detroit will host another historic hockey event tonight.

The Fox Theatre will be the site of the Professional Women’s Hockey League draft. The league chose Detroit for the event after strong fan support helped break attendance records in back-to-back seasons.

Jayna Hefford, the league’s executive vice president of hockey operations, says the PWHL has helped grow women’s hockey by giving athletes a professional stage on which to compete.

“My generation would have loved this. We didn’t get a chance to have it, but I’m so happy that they get to have it. And then when we look at the next generation of young girls that are going to watch this and not know a world where there isn’t professional women’s hockey.”

Detroit’s PWHL team is one of four expansion teams signing players before league play begins this fall.

CBC ends ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ era

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, known as CBC, has announced it will no longer broadcast “Hockey Night in Canada.”

The network has aired the Saturday night NHL games since 1952. The change comes after the public broadcaster could not reach a deal with Rogers Sportsnet, which has held the broadcast rights since 2013.

The move may make it more difficult for some Detroit-area viewers to tune in to Saturday night hockey. Generations of Detroiters have watched NHL games on CBC Windsor 9.

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

A recent Gallup poll shows 86% of Americans surveyed think Congress is not doing a good job on behalf of the country. That’s not necessarily surprising in a fractious election year. But lawmakers say they can work in a bipartisan fashion.

Kristen McDonald Rivet is the U.S. representative for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District. She spoke with WDET’s Jerome Vaughn at last month’s Mackinac Policy Conference. McDonald Rivet says there’s a formula to get lawmakers from different sides of the aisle working together.

She says Ohio Congresswoman Nancy Kaptur gave her some invaluable advice along that line.

“Find the people that are close to your district in terms of median income. Seeking out other members whose districts look like mine, who are worried about the same things that I am worried about.”

McDonald Rivet says there’s a gap between many voters’ perception of Congress and how things really are.

“The reality that you don’t hear on the 24-hour news channels is that most people in Congress are there because they are serious about making things better. Not all of them. Definitely not all of them, but most people are.”

McDonald Rivet is in her first term as a congresswoman. The 8th District includes Flint, Saginaw and Midland. The Democrat is running for a second term in office.

Detroiters should get ready for a few days of hot weather.  The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and several other counties until 8 p.m. tonight.  

High temperatures today are expected to rise into the lower 90s, with heat index values hitting 101 degrees.  The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels.  Temperatures in the area are expected to rise into the lower 90s again Thursday. 

In response, the city of Detroit has opened several cooling centers.  All of the city’s recreation centers will remain open for their normal hours, providing air conditioning to residents.  Some community centers are open until 7 p.m. during the week.  Others are open until 8 p.m.  Detroit Public Library branches will also be open during their normal hours so residents can cool down as needed. 

Detroiters are advised to drink lots of fluids, limit strenuous outdoor activity, and stay in air-conditioned areas when possible.  It’s also a good idea to check on neighbors, friends and relatives, especially those who are senior citizens.   

Additional headlines for Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Jeep recalls one million vehicles 

Stellantis is recalling more than one million Jeeps due to a possible fire risk. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 2021 through 2025 model year Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles might have an electrical connection problem in the hydraulic power steering system.  The issue could cause some materials to overheat and start a fire.  

NHTSA is warning owners to not park the vehicles inside a building or near a structure due to the fire danger.  The agency says it’s aware of 51 fires and one injury connected to the issue.  

The automaker says it will inspect the vehicles and repair or replace the wiring harness and power steering pump if necessary. 

Casino earnings fall 

Detroit’s three casinos are reporting lower revenues for the month of May.  The three gaming houses brought in just over $114 million last month.  That’s down 4% from April.  

MGM retained the greatest share of the market at 46%, followed by Motor City at 32%, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 22% of the market.  The three casinos paid $13.5 million in taxes and development agreement fees to the city of Detroit last month.  They paid another $9.1 million dollars in taxes to the state of Michigan. 

Rocket Mortgage Classic to end 

This summer’s Rocket Mortgage Classic will be the last one.  Event organizers say the annual tournament held at the Detroit Golf Club will not take place in 2027.  

The event has failed to draw top golfers recently.  That problem was made worse by inconsistent scheduling for the tournament over the past several years.  The departure of the Rocket Mortgage Classic means Michigan will no longer have a stop on the PGA tour.  

The final tournament begins on July 30 at the Detroit Golf Club. 

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

Michiganders have been taking their pop bottles and cans back to grocery stores for nearly half a century to collect a deposit.  But that’s changing.

A recent study shows fewer people are returning those bottles and cans—even though the containers are still being recycled.

Bill Wild is the president of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA). He spoke with WDET’s Jerome Vaughn last week at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

Wild says his organization is working to take retailers out of the recycling chain.   He says stores don’t want the hassle of having to process bottles and cans.  And he says they have concerns about contaminants that used containers can bring into their retail space.

Wild says there are several models that Michigan could use to more efficiently recycle cans and bottles. That includes using curbside recycling, or transitioning to central drop-off centers.

Focus: Hope was founded in 1968 as a way to bring Black and white Detroiters together in the aftermath of the 1967 rebellion.  The organization has grown and changed in the last six decades, but still faces challenges.

Portia Roberson is the President and CEO of Focus: Hope.  She spoke with WDET’s Jerome Vaughn at the Mackinac Policy Conference last week.

Roberson says changes in federal funding priorities have made it harder for the non-profit to achieve its goals.  The organization had its federal funding slashed for Head Start.  She says those funding cuts endangered early learning opportunities for more than 200 families.

At the same time, Roberson says the Focus: Hope food program is growing because more people across the state are dealing with food insecurity.  The non-profit is feeding between 45,000 and 50,000 Michigan seniors every month.

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit targeting a millage proposal on the August primary ballot that would prevent Wayne County communities from opting out of the SMART bus system.  

The group Not SMART Wayne filed the suit, claiming the Wayne County Transit Authority did not follow disclosure and notice requirements before placing the millage on the ballot.  The judge dismissed the case for insufficient evidence.  

Matthew Wilk is an organizer of Not SMART Wayne.  He says the battle is not over. “So we are going to fight this at the ballot box.  We’re going to make sure everybody knows exactly what they’re doing.  I think it is wholly inappropriate to have a tax, a special double tax on Detroiters.  It’s 650,000 Detroiters and we’re going to let the world know about it.”   

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans applauded the judge’s decision.  Evans says expanding the SMART bus system will provide an affordable alternative, especially when Detroiters are dealing with high gas prices.  Voters will see the millage proposal on the August 4 ballot. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Dearborn starts aggressive driving unit 

The city of Dearborn has launched a new unit to stop aggressive driving.  The city says the unit will watch for driving behaviors that may cause accidents and threaten the public’s safety.  

The Dearborn police department has acquired three Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles for the special unit.  Those cars will be able to more easily blend in with normal traffic.  

The city says police officers issued more than 33,000 traffic citations last year.   

Gas prices fall

Metro Detroit gas prices are trending downward despite continued hostilities in the Middle East.  

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular in the area is now $4.28.  That’s down 29 cents per gallon from last week at this time.  

Analysts say talk of a possible peace deal has helped push prices lower.  But the U.S. and Iran have both launched strikes in recent days – and there’s no clear word on when the situation might be resolved.  

The vital Strait of Hormuz remains closed to commercial ship traffic.  Twenty percent of the world’s crude oil typically passes through that waterway. 

DPSCD to demolish Cooley High School 

The Detroit Public Schools Community District will demolish Cooley High School this summer.  That’s according to reporting by Bridge Detroit and Historic Detroit.  The high school was originally built in 1928 and closed in 2010.  

There were efforts to save the building.  The non-profit Life Remodeled had offered in 2023 to purchase the site from the district, but that offer was rejected. 

Teacher of the Year nominations open 

And the Michigan Department of Education is looking to recognize teachers for their hard work.  

The Teacher of the Year program was created to acknowledge the achievements of educators in the state.  Anyone can nominate a teacher using the form on the state Department of Education website until September 23.  

The winner of the award will be announced in the spring.  

-Reporting by Helena Najar 

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

James Tate is the latest in a long line of Detroit city council presidents as of January.  He attended the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island last week and sat down to speak with WDET’s Jerome Vaughn.  

Tate has been on the city council for years, but now he’s learning how to perform in his new role as president. He’s had conversations with current Mayor Mary Sheffield about her transition from council member to council president.

The city council president says he looks forward to working closely with Sheffield on an issue that he sees as Detroit’s biggest challenge: poverty.  Tate hopes potential opportunities posed by transit could help ease some of the effects of Detroit’s income gap.

The Mackinac Policy Conference is officially underway. The annual event brings together politicians, policymakers and journalists to discuss issues affecting the state and Metro Detroit.

The theme of this year’s conference is “A Quest for Common Ground.” Key speakers include Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Dozens of other speakers are also on the agenda.

A debate between the three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate takes place Thursday afternoon. The conference can be streamed live at detroitpbs.org.

Detroit receives rating upgrades

The city of Detroit has received two upgrades to its financial rating.

Moody’s raised Detroit from Baa1 to A3, while S&P moved the city’s credit rating from BBB to BBB+.

Detroit officials say it is the first time the city has been in the A range since 1999. Mayor Mary Sheffield says the upgrades reflect the city’s strong financial practices. Detroit has now had 11 consecutive years of balanced budgets.

Small businesses asked to leave Millender Center

Big changes are planned for the Millender Center in downtown Detroit this summer.

The Detroit Free Press reports that small businesses in the building are being told they need to move out by August. Bedrock owns the building.

The Free Press reports that the IHOP restaurant will remain, along with the building’s 338 apartments. The Millender Center opened in 1985.

Gas prices fall

Gas prices in Metro Detroit have fallen in the days since the Memorial Day weekend.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is now $4.57. That’s down 17 cents per gallon from this time last week.

AAA says it expects gas prices across the country to remain elevated as consumer demand stays high. Gas prices are also being affected by continuing tensions in the Middle East.

The U.S. launched strikes against Iran over the weekend, placing prospects for a peace agreement in jeopardy.

Sheffield appoints director of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has appointed a new director of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity.

Jade E. Mathis will lead the department. Sheffield says the department plays an important role in making sure all Detroiters have access to city services and opportunities.

Sheffield also named Megan Moslimani deputy director of the department.

Roads closed for Grand Prix prep

Several downtown Detroit roads are closed as the city prepares for this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix.

Woodward Avenue is closed between Larned and State streets. Randolph Street is closed between Larned and Jefferson Avenue, along with several other road closures in the downtown core.

Drivers should expect detours and extra travel time in the area. Race events begin Friday and continue through Sunday.

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

Severe storms raced through metro Detroit Tuesday, bringing strong winds, heavy rains and even hail.  Streets throughout Detroit were left with large puddles, causing drivers to avoid them. Wind gusts knocked down trees and broke limbs in some places.  

The canopy of a gas station on Detroit’s west side was knocked over by the winds, forcing its closure.  The Mobil station at Plymouth and Hubbell remains out of operation today. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Mary Waters disqualified 

Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters announced last month that she was running for Congress in Michigan’s 13^th District.  She made the announcement just before the filing deadline.  But Waters has now been disqualified from running for failing to gather sufficient petition signatures.   

Waters tried to run for the job in 2024, but came in second to incumbent Shri Thanedar in that year’s Democratic primary.  She was re-elected to Detroit City Council last year.  

Congressman Thanedar is running against State Representative Donovan McKinney in this year’s August primary election. 

Mackinac Policy Conference preview 

Politicians, industry leaders and philanthropists are making last-minute preparations for the Mackinac Policy Conference.  They’ll travel to Mackinac Island next week to network, discuss policy and learn from one another.  

The annual event is held by the Detroit Regional Chamber.  Speakers will include Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Professor Cornel West.  There will also be a debate between the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate.  

You can hear coverage of the Mackinac Policy Conference on WDET beginning Tuesday, May 26. 

Gas prices drop slightly, but still hurt 

Metro Detroit gas prices have fallen slightly in the past few days, but are still nearly two dollars per gallon higher than they were at the beginning of this year.  The average price for a gallon of self-serve unleaded in the area is now $4.74.  That’s down eight cents from a week ago.  

Motorists planning to head out on the road for the Memorial Day holiday weekend should still plan for prices that remain near $5 per gallon.  AAA says Michigan is one of the 10 most expensive states when it comes to gas right now. 

NAACP calls for sports boycott 

The NAACP is calling on college athletes to boycott southern schools in response to a Supreme Court decision impacting the Voting Rights Act.  NBC News reports the civil rights organization launched the “Out of Bounds” campaign this week. 

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled recently that using race to create two majority Black Congressional districts in Louisiana was unconstitutional.  

The NAACP is asking Black recruits to withhold their commitments to attend certain colleges, most of which are in the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference.  The boycott could have a financial effect via national sports television deals, ticket sales and alumni gifts. 

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

May is Mental Health Month and a special symposium on the subject will be held at Wayne State University on Friday.  The event is called Breaking the Stigma and the underlying idea is to make people less reluctant to talk about mental health issues. 

Shantalea Johns is an assistant professor and director of continuing education at Wayne State’s School of Social Work. She says she hopes the symposium will provide Detroiters with a safe space to discuss mental health issues.  Jones would like attendees to take some action after the event ends and ask their loved ones how they’re doing.

The Breaking the Stigma symposium takes place at Wayne State University’s MacGregor Conference Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Detroit officials gathered at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center yesterday to unveil their summer crime prevention program.  Called “Occupy the Summer,” the initiative looks for ways to keep teens actively and productively engaged once the weather warms up.  

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison says the overall idea is to find more ways to keep the community safe. “We know that as the temperatures rise,  our children, our seniors, our community – everyone is waiting to come outside.  We see year after year, violence and gun violence start to rise.” 

The Occupy the Summer initiative will keep several Detroit recreation centers open until 11 p.m., expand youth programming, hold cultural activities and bring back midnight basketball.  The program kicks off June 12 and runs until August 14. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Casino revenues are up 

Detroit’s three casinos are showing improved financial numbers for April.  Revenues hit $118.9 million for the month.  That’s up nearly 8% compared to April 2025.  

The Michigan Gaming Control Board says MGM Grand showed the greatest year-over-year increase at 14.3%  MGM also retained the largest share of the market in Detroit at 49%.  Motor City controlled 29%, while Hollywood Casino at Greektown pulled in 22%.  

The three casinos paid $14 million in wagering taxes and development agreement fees to the City of Detroit last month.  They paid another $9.6 million in taxes to the state of Michigan. 

Gas prices continue rising 

Gas prices in metro Detroit continue to rise.  The average price for a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded was $4.82 this morning.  AAA Michigan says that’s up a nickel from yesterday.  Crude oil prices remain high, with very little traffic passing through the critical Strait of Hormuz.  Refinery problems in the U.S. are also impacting gas prices in Michigan. 

Pistons prepare for game five 

The Detroit Pistons play game five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tonight.  They take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena.  Detroit had a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series last week, but the Pistons have lost two straight games to Cleveland.  

Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff says the team didn’t play up to its potential in game four on Sunday afternoon, losing 112 – 103.  Game five starts tonight at 8 p.m.  It will be televised on ESPN.    

Lions play Patriots in Germany 

The NFL announced this morning that the Detroit Lions will play the New England Patriots in Germany this season.  The teams are scheduled to meet on November 15 in Munich.  The Patriots won the AFC East last season and advanced into the playoffs.  

The Lions failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2022.  The full NFL schedule will be released Thursday night. 

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

Detroiters are celebrating another Pistons playoff victory. The team defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-97 Thursday night in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals. Detroit All-Star Cade Cunningham scored 25 points in the victory. The Pistons have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 3 is tomorrow afternoon at 3 in Cleveland.

Additional headlines for May 8, 2026

Students deal with Canvas hack

A hack of the Canvas academic system has affected students across the country, including many in Michigan. Students at Wayne State tried to access the system Thursday as they prepared for tests and worked to finish papers. But they were denied access. The system was hacked by ransomware, which demanded payment to keep from publishing students’ sensitive information. Canvas says the system is up and running again today.

Senior Olympics return to Detroit

Detroit’s Senior Olympics are returning June 8. The program was started in 1984 to empower seniors ages 50 and older and support healthy living. Seniors will compete in various activities such as swimming, track, golf, and even baking and arts and crafts. Registration as a participant is open through May 15. Athlete registration is $25. For more information or to register, visit the city’s website at detroitmi.gov and search for Detroit Senior Olympics.

Detroit District 1 to hold job fair

Detroit’s Department of Neighborhood Resource Managers is putting on a job fair in District 1 next month. City employers and others will be on-site actively hiring new employees. Project Clean Slate will also be there to help with expungement opportunities. The job fair will be held June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crowell Recreation Center. That’s 16630 Lahser at Verne.

Juneteenth art contest seeks entries

The City of Hamtramck’s Park Conservancy is now accepting applications for the TSF Juneteenth Multidisciplinary Art Contest for high school seniors. Any senior attending school or residing in Wayne or Oakland counties can apply. The contest is looking for an original activity that honors the legacy of National Baseball Hall of Famer and Negro League Detroit Stars legend Norman “Turkey” Stearnes. The submission must also portray the Juneteenth holiday. For more information about the contest and how to apply, visit hamtramck-stadium.org/juneteenth-contest. The application window closes May 29.

Metro Detroit gas prices remain steady in past week

Gas prices headed into the weekend haven’t changed much in the past few days. AAA Michigan says the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular in metro Detroit is $4.78 today. That’s the same price as Thursday, and just a couple of cents cheaper than last week at this time. Crude oil prices remain near $100 per barrel as the U.S. and Iran reportedly traded fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. Oil tanker traffic in that waterway has not returned to normal, impacting supplies in many parts of the world.

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

Hockeytown is getting a new team.  Officials from Ilitch Sports and Entertainment announced today that Detroit is getting a Professional Women’s Hockey League expansion team.  

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and others attended a news conference Wednesday just outside of Little Caesars Arena.  Sheffield says the new team means something special to her as Detroit’s first woman mayor.  “This moment is especially meaningful to me.  It represents the progress we are making as a city to ensure that women and girls are seen, supported, and given the opportunity to shine at the highest level.”   

Detroit’s new team, which doesn’t have a name yet, will start play in the fall.  The league will hold its national draft in Detroit in mid-June. 

Additional headlines from Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Dearborn chooses superintendent 

Dearborn has selected a new school superintendent.  The district has offered the top job to Mike Esseily.  He currently serves as the district’s Director of Special Populations.  That means he oversees special education, English language learner programs and mental health initiatives.  He’s worked in different positions in the Dearborn school system since 2007. 

The school board and Esseily are in the midst of contract negotiations.  The district says he’s expected to start in July. 

WXYZ TV-7 returns to Xfinity 

Metro Detroiters who have Xfinity for their cable service will be able to watch a local television channel once again.  A contract dispute between the cable provider and E.W. Scripps kept subscribers from watching WXYZ-TV 7 for several weeks.  That meant no access to the Southfield station’s national or local news or entertainment programming, including one of the Pistons’ nationally-televised playoff games.  

Customers were told at the beginning of the contract dispute that they could get an over-the-air TV antenna to watch Channel 7 at an additional cost, or watch on certain streaming services. 

Gas prices update 

Metro Detroit gas prices average $4.80 per gallon today.  That’s up 55 cents from just a week ago.  Crude oil prices remain at more than $100 per barrel, keeping fuel costs high.  

Negotiations reportedly are underway to end hostilities with Iran, but the Strait of Hormuz remains closed at this point, meaning oil tankers are not traveling the waterway as normal yet. 

Pistons win opening game of round two 

Pistons fans in Detroit are celebrating today.  The team won its first game in the second round of the NBA playoffs Tuesday night, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 111 – 101 at Little Caesars Arena.  

Cade Cunningham scored 23 points in the victory.  The Pistons built up a double-digit lead early, but let it slip away during the course of the game. 

The score at one point in the fourth quarter was tied at 93, but Detroit pulled away to secure the victory.  Game two in the best-of-seven series takes place Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. 

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

DTE Energy is requesting another large rate increase, just weeks after its last increase was approved.  The Detroit utility is asking for another $474 million to pay for infrastructure improvements.  The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a DTE rate increase of $242 million dollars in February.  

If granted, the new proposed hike would add roughly 10% to the average resident’s utility bills.   DTE filed the new request on Tuesday. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says she will intervene in the case. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Detroit Regional Chamber releases poll 

The Detroit Regional Chamber has released a new poll showing the current state of primary races in the state.  

The survey, conducted by the Glengariff Group, shows Congressman John James leading all other Republican candidates running for governor in Michigan.  Perry Johnson and Mike Cox are second and third, respectively.  In the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, Congresswoman Haley Stevens leads the race, with Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow following.  

And just a reminder: a poll shows a snapshot in time.  It does not indicate future events.  Michigan’s primary elections take place on August 4.  

Highland Park CSO charges examined  

The city of Highland Park says it’s calling for a closer examination of its combined sewage overflow costs.  The city says it’s joining with other suburbs and the Great Lakes Water Authority to form a task force.  The purpose will be to find out why overflow rates are 10 times more than expected.  Highland Park is requesting an adjustment of $1.5 million for this year’s combined sewage overflow charges.  The task force is scheduled to meet in Dearborn on May 8th. 

No word on Gordie opening  

Metro Detroiters are still waiting for the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open – and there’s no word on when that might happen.  

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra tells the Detroit News that there are still issues that need to be worked out in the agreement between the two countries before the new span can begin operations.  

President Trump threatened months ago to stall the opening of the bridge.  Canada paid the full cost of construction.  Michigan is set to get a share of revenue generated by the bridge, once Canada’s costs are covered.   

Gas prices jump (again) 

Gas prices in metro Detroit continue to rise quickly.  The average for a gallon of regular gas is now $4.25.  That’s up 6 cents from Tuesday.  

The price is 45 cents per gallon more than just a week ago.  Analysts say crude oil prices remain high because of the war in Iran, but refinery problems here in the Midwest are adding to the steep price increases.   

Pistons try to stave off playoff elimination 

The Detroit Pistons face playoff elimination if they don’t win tonight.  The team plays the Orlando Magic in game five of a best of seven series tonight.  Orlando leads the series three games to one.  

The Pistons finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, but they’ve failed to carry that dominance into the playoffs.  

Game five takes place tonight at 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.  The game will not be televised.  You can watch it on Prime Video or listen to it on WWJ radio. 

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Candidates planning to run in Michigan’s August primary election had until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to file their paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office.  That includes a few new candidates who filed at the last minute.  

Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters filed to run in the Democratic primary for the 13^th Congressional District.  She faces incumbent Shri Thanedar, state Representative Donovan McKinney and realtor John Goci.  

The State Board of Canvassers still has to approve the candidates’ petition signatures before they can appear on the August primary ballot. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Leland House up for auction 

Downtown Detroit’s Leland House apartment building is up for auction.  The Detroit News reports that bidding for the building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will start next week.  

The Leland House was built in 1927 and served as a luxury hotel for many years, before being turned into an apartment complex.  Tenants were forced out of the building late last year, after the owner declared bankruptcy, and the city declared the building uninhabitable. 

Clean air hearing tonight 

Michigan regulators are holding a public hearing tonight to discuss metro Detroit’s air quality status.  Planet Detroit is reporting that state regulators want to declare that southeast Michigan is meeting federal ozone standards.  If approved, the action could weaken clean air standards in the area.  

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will hold the virtual meeting at 6 p.m. tonight.  You can call call 855-758-1310 to attend and use code 847 4896 8640  or you can join the meeting on Zoom.  

Pistons Game 2 preview 

The Detroit Pistons will try to rebound from a loss in their first game of the NBA playoffs.  The Orlando Magic beat them Sunday at Little Caesars Arena.  The Pistons brought the best regular season record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference to the playoffs, but that didn’t stop the Magic from taking the first game.  

Cade Cunningham had 39 points in the loss.  Game 2 in the nationally-televised best-of-seven series takes place at Little Caesars Arena tonight at 7 p.m. 

NFL Draft starts Thursday 

The Detroit Lions are making their final preparations for this week’s NFL Draft.  The team has the 17^th pick in the first round of the draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh.  

Football analysts suggest the Lions could use that pick to get an offensive lineman, edge rusher or cornerback.  The first round of the NFL draft starts at 8 p.m. Thursday.  The event will be televised live on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network. 

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WDET is starting a new series of Crossing the Lines reports Monday centering Highland Park.  The small city of about 8,500 residents has made a good deal of U.S. history through the decades.  It’s also seen hard financial times in recent years.  

WDET journalists have been out in the community for weeks—and will be out there for several more—talking to residents about what they want the rest of metro Detroit to know about their city.

WDET news director Jerome Vaughn is leading Crossing The Lines – Highland Park.  He says he decided to examine the city more deeply because of its central location.

“It’s a place a lot of people in metro Detroit travel through each and every day, but the majority don’t stop in Highland Park to shop or to get a bite to eat.”

Vaughn started researching the city, looking at census records, Highland Park history, and businesses, before heading out to tour the city over a number of weeks.

WDET will air stories on Highland Park through mid-May.  If there’s something about the city you think we should know, drop us a line at news@wdet.org.

Many Metro Detroiters were awakened by severe thunderstorms overnight, with heavy rain, lightning and thunder moving through the region in the early morning hours. Tornado warnings were issued for Washtenaw, Wayne and Monroe counties.

Damage was reported to buildings, trees and power lines in Lincoln Park and Ann Arbor. The National Weather Service is expected to survey the area to determine whether a tornado touched down.

The storms made for a difficult morning commute. Flooding on I-75 just north of downtown Detroit forced a freeway closure, with some traffic backups lasting up to two hours.
Downed power lines also led to traffic signal outages across Metro Detroit. DTE Energy reported roughly 20,000 homes and businesses without power by mid-morning.

Additional headlines for April 15, 2026

University of Michigan president-elect steps aside after cancer diagnosis

The University of Michigan’s president-elect will not take the job after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

Kent Syverud said he received the diagnosis after not feeling well last week and is now undergoing treatment in Michigan. Syverud, currently chancellor at Syracuse University, was hired in January and was set to become Michigan’s president on May 11.

Instead, he will join the university as a professor at the law school and serve as an adviser to the Board of Regents. Interim President Domenico Grasso will remain in the role while the board searches for a new leader. (AP)

DTE to host community resource fair in Highland Park

DTE Energy will host its first open house and community resource fair in Highland Park on Thursday.

The utility says the event will help residents better understand their energy bills and connect them with resources, including the United Way of Southeast Michigan, for assistance.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at New Grace Missionary Baptist Church on Ford Street.

Michigan updates air quality alert system after wildfire smoke

Michigan is changing how it communicates air quality issues to residents.

According to Planet Detroit, the state is streamlining its system after smoke from Canadian wildfires affected air quality in Metro Detroit last year and in 2023.

The state will now issue an air quality alert when fine particulate matter or ozone levels reach the “orange” range on the federal Air Quality Index, indicating air that is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Previously, alerts were issued at the “red” level, when air quality was considered unhealthy.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends using an air purifier, running air conditioning and installing a MERV-13 air filter to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

Tax Day is here

April 15 is Tax Day, meaning the deadline to file income taxes is just hours away for those who have not yet submitted their returns.

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A group of anti-war protesters gathered at the McNamara Federal Building in downtown Detroit on Tuesday, as a deadline approached for a new wave of bombing in Iran.  The Free Press reports about 50 demonstrators showed up at the event.  

President Trump had threatened to bomb bridges and power plants in Iran, if an agreement to re-open the Strait of Hormuz wasn’t reached by 8 p.m. ET Tuesday night.  

The Pakistani government helped broker a tentative ceasefire for the next two weeks, but it’s unclear what might happen next.  The Strait has not yet been re-opened. 

Additional headlines from Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Gas prices rise again 

Gas prices in metro Detroit rose again overnight, even though there’s a ceasefire in the Iran war. 

 A gallon of regular self-serve averages $3.99 today.  That’s up three cents from Tuesday.  That price is 50 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.  

The average price statewide today is $4.07. 

NAACP calls for Trump to be removed from office 

The NAACP has called for President Trump to be removed from office under the 25^th Amendment to the Constitution.  It’s the first time the civil rights organization has ever made such a declaration.  

The 25^th Amendment allows a president to be removed from office if he or she can no longer carry out the duties of the office, in this case presumably because of physical or mental incapacity. But that’s only if the vice-president and several cabinet members agree to take that action.  

The NAACP says Trump’s erratic statements and actions call his well-being into question.  The President said on Tuesday that a “whole civilization will die” unless his demands were met.  

Detroit Congressional members Rashida Tlaib and Shri Thanedar have also independently called for Trump to be removed from office under the provisions of the 25^th Amendment. 

Black law enforcement officials meet in Detroit 

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE) is holding a gathering in Detroit this week.  

The 2026 William R. Bracey CEO Symposium will provide training, networking and collaborative opportunities.  The event runs Thursday through Saturday at the MGM Grand in Detroit  

NOBLE has about 4,800 members in 60 chapters across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa. 

Go Blue celebrations continue 

The celebrations continue in Ann Arbor in the aftermath of the University of Michigan’s victory in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. 

The Wolverines beat the University of Connecticut 69 – 63 Monday night to win the national championship – the school’s first since 1989.  

Cheers and jubilation erupted throughout Ann Arbor Monday night.  The team celebrated with fans at an event on campus Tuesday.  A team parade through Ann Arbor has been scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. 

Pistons play in home finale tonight 

The Detroit Pistons play their final home game of the regular season tonight.  The team leads the NBA’s Eastern Conference with a record of 57 wins and 22 losses.  

The Pistons hope to have All-Star Cade Cunningham back in the line up tonight.  He’s listed as questionable for tonight’s game.  Cunningham has missed the last 11 games with a collapsed lung.  

The Pistons play the Milwaukee Bucks tonight at 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. 

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