From fine arts to a neighborhood-jam sesh, Detroit’s cultural offerings are out full force this weekend. 

On a more solemn note, there is an observance of 9/11’s 25th anniversary with songs, speeches and a coffee social. 

Upcoming events (Sept. 10-17)

Season Fair

The Shepherd
Sept. 10-13
Opening Season Talks free; general admission $40

This second edition of the exhibition fair is titled “Detroit Presents: Other Routes,” exploring how the six featured artists came into their craft and how their personal journeys shape their art, down to the non-traditional materials they use. There is an opening series of talks at the College of Creative Studies on Sept. 10.

9/11 Remembrance

War Memorial
Sept. 11
$10

The Michigan State Fair brings classic fair foods, Michigan agriculture, and all the entertainment you can imagine under one roof. There will be magic shows, performances by the Rock-N-Roll K-9’s, pig races, carnival games and more—plus, we can’t forget the Butter Cow on display! Some events, like the Full Throttle Monster Truck Show and carnival rides require additional costs.

Buffalo Soldiers and Blues Fest

 Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Association Barn
Sept. 12
Free

The Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Association (BSHA) invites the community to celebrate the legacy of the historic all-Black army unit with a family-friendly blues festival. The event offers horse rides, barn tours games, food and live music by Detroit’s Big Pete and Friends from noon to 4 p.m.. Western wear is encouraged.

Dally in the Alley

 Cass Corridor
Sept. 12
Free 

Dally in the Alley is back for 12 hours of art, music, food and fun in the Cass Corridor. Wander through the free volunteer run fair and visit six music stages, a fair zone just for kids, and many food and beer options.

“For the Love of” fashion show

 Detroit Public Library
Sept. 12
Free

Experience a runway presentation of emerging Detroit designers. This third edition features select designers from last year’s fashion show, ready to showcase their honed skills and bring Detroit fashion further into the spotlight.

Sensory Friendly Concert: Dance Party

 Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Sept. 13
Free

This interactive concert with Cancel Monday Band is designed with neurodiverse teens and adults in mind, along with their families and caregivers. There’s flexible seating, low lights, a limited audience size, noise-cancelling headphones, quiet spaces for a break and more at the venue. Following the 45 minute performance, DanceAbility leads an hour long dance workshop to connect people through the joy of movement in a positive, welcoming environment.

Did anyone notice that one of the city’s most valued cultural treasures got a paint job earlier this summer?

It’s like failing to notice that your sweetheart did something new with their hair.

The chimney of Pewabic Pottery’s Jefferson Avenue headquarters is one of those low-key icons of Detroit. For years, it was adorned with oversized Pewabic tiles with their signature iridescent glaze. It was part billboard for their well-known product. It was part beacon and attraction on the city’s humble eastside skyline.

Those tiles, however, were doomed. They were falling off and shattering on the ground below. It’s a costly and tiring thing to keep outfitting a building that dates back to 1907 with fresh tiles.

That’s where painters Sadie Heisler and Kelly Golden stepped in with a crafty solution.

Why not paint the chimney to imitate and recreate Pewabic tiles? No more cracked tiles. No more replacing them as they fell and shattered. Considering you can’t actually climb up and get up close to the tiles themselves, it’s a brilliant plan.

Soaring about Pewabic on a lift, Heisler and Golden used a trompe l’oeil approach. It’s an ancient decorative painting technique seen throughout the world where paint is used to create a visual illusion of depth.

“This job was the perfect opportunity to implement this technique, to create a subtle illusion of those iconic ceramic tiles,” Heisler told Midbrow.

So subtle, in fact, that no one really noticed. That’s how convincing the paint job is.

It’s a massive feather in the cap, however, for two painters who get to be part of Pewabic’s legacy. It’s also a clever approach to historic preservation that keeps the essence of their headquarters intact.

“My favorite thing about working on historic buildings is how each structure is imbued with a singular personality and history,” says Heisler. “Throughout the process of working on a project, you become familiar with its past and form a connection with all the craftspeople who came before you. It was a true joy to honor Pewabic’s legacy!”

Here’s to bringing a little more notoriety to a crafty execution on the city’s east side.

This article was originally published on Midbrow. 

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.  

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

Detroit voters created a board of civilian commissioners in 1974 with the power to investigate their own police department. Eleven members. Its own staff of investigators.

Since May, those investigators can no longer pull body camera video themselves. The cops can edit the footage and decide what’s relevant. 

Victoria Camille represents District Seven on the oversight board. She’s circulating a petition to get that access back. And Thursday afternoon, she was prepared to vote on whether Detroiters can still speak to her board from home.

Commissioner Camille spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent about what the police oversight board can actually do to hold cops accountable and whether some of its power has weakened.

Editor’s Note: After this segment aired, the motion to limit public comment options to solely in-person attendees was rescinded. 

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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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.

Animation fans have long awaited the release of “Coyote vs Acme.”

The Looney Tunes film blends live-acting and animation into a movie that sees the character, Wile E Coyote, in a legal battle with Acme after the Acme products the Coyote uses to catch Roadrunner keep failing.

The project was finished, but it was shelved by Warner Brothers in 2023 for a tax write off. After fans pushed for the release, “Coyote vs. Acme” is now in theaters.

And the film has some local ties.

Detroiter Bennie Taylor plays a character role in “Coyote Vs Acme.” Since 2020, he’s played various character roles and continues to see his screentime grow.

In 2026, Taylor was featured in the film “Buddy,” starring Keegan-Michael Key, a Michigan native, Patton Oswalt and Delaney Quinn.

Taylor spoke with The Metro’s Tia Graham about his career, Detroit and the future.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners is considering eliminating virtual public comment and the option to provide comment via phone during meetings. If the motion is approved, public comment will be restricted to in person only.

District 1 Commissioner Henriette Ivey proposed the idea at last week’s meeting. She told BridgeDetroit in an interview that the goal is not to stifle anyone’s voice, but to build relationships with residents face-to-face.

Organizations Detroit Disability Power, Riverwise Magazine and Warriors on Wheels are speaking out against the motion. They say it would silence the voices of people with disabilities, seniors, and working families. The  board will vote on the motion at the the board’s next meeting on Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026

Sensory-Friendly Concert: Dance Party

Detroit Disability Power is teaming up with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to present the Sensory-Friendly Concert: Dance Party. The free concert welcomes teens and adults with neurodivergent, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.

Cancel Monday Band will play for the 45-minute concert. The concert will feature a limited audience size for reduced crowds, low lighting throughout the concert, flexible seating, noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and a quiet break room.

The concert will be held at The CUBE on 3711 Woodward on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2:00 p.m. For tickets visit DSO.org and look on under the events page. 

Afterschool arts

The national nonprofit ProjectArt is offering free afterschool arts programs in Detroit for K-12 students. The program partners with professional artists and libraries. Registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year. ProjectArt has served hundreds of children in Detroit since 2016 in partnership with Detroit Public Library.  

In Detroit, students will work with Stephanie Mae Howells, Chloe River, Irene Perez, Amber Abboud, and Olivia Eshe Holt.  

Registration is open for September. Classes begin at the end of the month. Visit projectart.org/detroit to enroll. 

Birth Detroit celebration

Birth Detroit, Detroit’s first freestanding birth center, is hosting a celebration to share the impact of five years of service. People will learn about Birth Detroit’s impact report and future plans.  

The event will take place on Sept.18 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Whiskey Factory—1000 Maple St. in Detroit. 

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

More than one hundred people gathered Saturday for an unveiling of the Imam A. El-Amin Way, honoring the late Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin of the Muslim Center on Woodrow Wilson Street.

At the ceremony, Imam Tauheed A. Rashad of Masjid Wali Muhammad shared that El-Amin’s legacy was building community. 

“This is a special day not only because we are placing the name of Imam Abdullah Beyelahmin on the street, but because we are placing his name permanently, brothers and sisters, into the public memory of the city of Detroit,” he says. 

The late imam was known for his interfaith work helping Muslims bury their loved ones with dignity.

His daughter Zarinah El-Amin says she’s blown away by the reception. 

“I would have never even imagined that my father would have a street named after him in a big city like Detroit, but for his community members, right, that came together and saw fit that he had this honor, they did this,” she shares.

She says the intersection is significant due to its historical space in Detroit’s Muslim community.

“This intersection right here has a lot of history, a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, tears that went into creating something that families could come to enjoy, practice their faith, but also do good work in the community,” she says.

Zarinah shares that her father served in many capacities but, “he was a lot of things to a lot of people. But to me, he was just my father,” she says, one who attended her recitals, advocated for her education, and got things done.

“I’m thankful as the daughter that that was the example I had. Somebody who lived really for do for yourself, not whining, but you see something, get up and make it happen,” she explains.

Work for the city

Abdullah El-Amin served as the Neighborhood City Hall Manager between 1994-2001 under Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer. 

Detroit City Councilman Coleman Young Junior says El-Amin’s work outlasted him. 

“If you were homeless, he would help you get a house. If you were drug addicted, he’d help you get treatment. If you were jobless, he’d help you get a job. And let me say this too: when the government couldn’t provide, the Muslim community did,” he told the crowd.

The honorary street name is at the corner of Woodrow Wilson and Davison Street.  

The event was put together by the neighborhood revitalization group Dream of Detroit and other community members.

More than one hundred people came out to unveil an honorary street sign for the late Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin on Woodrow Wilson Street this Saturday. On that street sits the Muslim Center, which El-Amin cofounded and where he served as an imam. 

 El-Amin was the first executive director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan working alongside interfaith leaders. 

His daughter Zarinah El-Amin says she’s blown away by the reception. 

“I would have never even imagined that my father would have a street named after him in a big city like Detroit, but for his community members, right, that came together and saw fit that he had this honor, they did this.” 

El-Amin served as the Neighborhood City Hall Manager between 1994-2001 under then Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer. 

Detroit City Councilman Coleman Young Junior says El-Amin’s work outlasted him. “If you were homeless, he would help you get a house. If you were drug addicted, he’d help you get treatment.” 

The honorary street name is at the corner of Woodrow Wilson and Davison Street.

Additional headlines for Monday, Aug. 31

Detroit Month of Design      

This week kicks off the 16th annual Detroit Month of Design.

Kiana Wenzell is the co-executive director of Design Core Detroit and the director of Detroit Month of Design. This year’s theme is “Design Moves the Future.”

“Whether you’re moving forward, moving backwards, or just dancing and moving your body and getting the energy moving, let’s put our ideas into motion if we want to move this city in this region forward,” says Wenzell.

The month of design will feature 100 events in 30 days throughout the city featuring Detroit artists and creatives throughout September.

ISNA Detroit

The Islamic Society of North America is hosting its 63rd convention in Detroit during Labor Day weekend. It’s one of the largest annual gatherings of American Muslims in the U.S.

Topics include patience, perseverance, and God consciousness, civic duty and preserving stories of American Muslims as part of the 250th birthday of America.

Azhar Azeez is the CEO of ISNA.“We have invited more than 150 speakers who will not only address spiritual and theological topics, but they will also address contemporary challenges that the American Muslim community is facing, whether it is Islamophobia, whether it is anti-Muslim hate rhetoric, whether it is issues related to religious freedom, we will be addressing all these important topics.”

The program includes a knowledge retreat, a Detroit Food Truck Fest and a bazaar. There will also be a mini auto show, a family walk and a showcase of 20 Michigan nonprofits.

The Convention will take place Sept. 4-7 at the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit. Visit isna.net to learn more.  

Interfaith Buddhism Odyssey 

The InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting an opportunity for people to learn more about Buddhism. People can learn about mindfulness and have conversations about Buddhism. They can also take a tour of a temple, learn about traditions and share a meal.

The next Interfaith Odysseys will be hosted in Sept. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Midwest Buddhist Meditation Center in Warren, Michigan. 

Tickets are $35 for individuals and $50 for a family of two or more.  

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The FBI put out its 2025 crime numbers this month, and they show the largest year-to-year decline in violent crime rates since estimations began in 1936. Robbery fell 18.5%. Murder dropped by 18 percent — that rate is now tied with 1955 for the lowest ever recorded in this country.

Detroit is part of that trend. The city ended last year with the lowest number of homicides since 1965. Carjackings dropped 46 percent.

What nobody fully agrees on is why. Detroit police credit a mix of strategies: More officers, a different approach to mental health calls, and community violence intervention — those are programs staffed by people from the neighborhoods where the shooting happens.

Andy Arena spent 24 years in the FBI and ran its Detroit division. He now leads the Detroit Crime Commission. He spoke about why violent crime is declining with host Robyn Vincent.

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The 39th District Court is hosting an amnesty program next month as part of Project Clean Slate. The program will be held throughout the month of September.

It’s designed for people who want to contact the court to discuss balances and payment options. During this period, late fees are waived and warrants issued for failure to pay will be canceled. That’s after payments are made in full. 

People will also have an opportunity to create payment plans to pay off dues. 

People can call 586-773-2010 for more information. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Michigan Reconnect program expands to 21-24 year olds

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expanding the Michigan Reconnect program. The program now includes Michigan residents between 21 and 24 to get a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate. Previously, people who applied to the program had to be 25 years old or older. More than 250,000 people have applied with 20,000 graduates. 

The program launched in 2021, helping adults without a college degree to go back to school. The funding comes from a $25 million investment in the Fiscal Year 2027 education budget. 

Detroit x Dearborn Block Party

The cities of Detroit and Dearborn are hosting a block party next month. The community event will have free food,  family-friendly activities and resource tables. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud will be in attendance. 

The event takes place Sept. 19 on the corner of Tireman Ave and Miller Road from 12-3 p.m. 

Check out dearborn.gov/dearbornxdetriot to learn more. 

CAIR safety toolkit

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Michigan chapter released a new safety toolkit for mosques and Islamic schools through its Safe Spaces department. The toolkit was created in response to the deadly May 2026 shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

The toolkit includes guidance to institutions on emergency preparedness, accessing safety practices for emergencies and building relations with local law enforcement. 

Mosques and Islamic centers can get a copy by emailing cairmichigan@gmail.com or calling 248-559-2247. 

Michigan economy

Mortgage rates are running between 6 and 7% for the 30-year fixed loans. At the same time, Michigan faces a shortage of affordable housing.

Shreya Valampatti is a senior analyst at the Anderson Economic Group. She says policymakers need to create more housing opportunities for people with lower incomes. “If we make sure that we have enough housing stock for those income groups and demographics, we can make sure that some of the pressure is removed and we can see some easing in mortgage rates.”

State lawmakers are considering bills to loosen local zoning laws so that developers can build more multi-family homes. Many local governments oppose such changes. 

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

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed ran the health departments of both Detroit and Wayne County. Three weeks ago he won a U.S. Senate primary by roughly 15,000 votes statewide, and lost Detroit by nearly 2-1.

Seven miles away in Dearborn and Hamtramck, he took 78 and 82%, respectively.

In Detroit, fewer people voted in this primary than in 2016: About 98,000, which is down from 126,000.

So the question in front of him now isn’t only whether Detroit residents will vote for him — it’s whether Detroit residents will turn out to vote.

Bishop James Williams is founder and senior pastor of Spirit and Truth Christian Ministries, and second vice president of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity— a group that supported Dr. El-Sayed during the primary. He joined host Robyn Vincent to speak about what his congregants make of the U.S. Senate race, and how their political preferences have been shifting.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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This week on The Shake Out: hear the Four Tops live at the Roostertail with help from audience members Marvin Gaye, the Supremes and the Everly Brothers, plus more Detroit music from Edwin Starr, Rodriguez, and Larry Knight and the Upsetters. 

You’ll also hear New Orleans funk from Eldridge Holmes and the Meters, the Beatles play ska, Beck remixes Dr. Dog, and much more.

One hour of soul and rock’n’roll on vinyl, every Tuesday at 8 p.m. with host Dave Lawson, The Shake Out on 101.9, WDET.

The Shake Out Playlist for Aug. 11, 2026

• “Shake” – Shadows of Knight

• “Can It Be Me” – Mel Williams

• “I’m Gonna Cut You Loose” – George Wydell

• “I Want My Baby Back” – Edwin Starr

• “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You” – Earl Van Dyke and the Soul Brothers

• “I Can’t Help Myself (live at the Rooster Tail 1966)” – Four Tops

• “Hitch Hike (live)” – Marvin Gaye

• “Which Way” – The Presidents

• “How Can You Mistreat the One You Love” – Jean and the Darlings

• “Pop, Popcorn Children” – Eldridge Holmes

• “Pig Snoots Part 2” – Natural Bridge Bunch

• “Hurt Me” – Larry Night and the Upsetters

• “Fantasy Island” – Tages

• “Buzzsaw” – The Turtles

• “I Call Your Name” – The Beatles

• “Soon You’ll Be Gone” – The Blues Busters with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires

• “Pound for Pound #1” – Carlos Malcolm

• “Street Boy” – Rodriguez

• “Country Pie” – Bob Dylan

• “The Hedye Rock” – The Incomparable Ralph Jones

• “You Belong to Me” – Elvis Costello and the Attractions

• “The Girl (Beck Remix)” – Dr. Dog

• “Daylight” – Bobby Womack

• “Groove Junction” – Hank Crawford

The Paint the Park Mural and Art Festival returns to Allen Park, in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority and The Mural People. It’s free and open to the public Aug. 22-23.

This year’s event has grown with more activities for the entire family. Guests can grab an Allen Park watercolor kit, or watch live demonstrations of glass art, woodworking ceramics and more.

Eight muralists will create large-scale public artworks throughout the city, showcasing the vibrancy of the community. There will also be more than 50 artist and maker booths. 

Bike lovers are also encouraged to come out and ready to roll. This year Slow Roll Detroit will complete its first Downriver ride and mural tour led by founder Jason Hall on Saturday.

Jason Hall and Dan Armand, co-founder and co-owner of The Mural People, joined me to talk more about the festival and the Downriver communities.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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The Gordie Howe International Bridge includes a mile and a half of cable and steel stretching across the Detroit River. The architect calls it a work of public art. It can be seen from around the city.

On the American side sits Delray and parts of Southwest Detroit — neighborhoods that have long sat in the shadow of heavy industry.

The bridge was constructed in Delray for a reason: The area had a lot of vacant, publicly owned land available at low prices. Many residents didn’t want it there. Once it was clear the bridge was coming, they organized, and negotiated a $45 million community benefits agreement, including home repairs, new windows and air systems, and a buyout for those who wanted to leave.

The Metro is asking: When a billion dollar project lands on a neighborhood that spent decades being overlooked — can it actually leave the people who live there better off? 

Paul Draus is a sociologist at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He’s been tracking how folks near the Gordie Howe International Bridge have been affected by its construction. He spoke with host Robyn Vincent.

One note: Professor Draus worked with a community park that received a donation from the bridge authority for a public sculpture a few years back.

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In 2001, Detroit opened its polls with a big question on the ballot. Twenty-one people were running for mayor. Dennis Archer was stepping aside after two terms, and Detroit was about to pick somebody new.

But that wasn’t the focus for long. Because the day was Tuesday, Sept. 11, and the twin towers came down that morning. So, WDET had to turn east and stay home at the same time: cover the deadliest attack in the country’s history, and cover a city that was still, that same afternoon, quietly choosing who would lead it.

Jerome Vaughn helped run that coverage. It won an award, though the award isn’t the part he remembers. He remembers that the voting didn’t stop — that was the story underneath the story. “Democracy goes on,” Vaughn said.

He joined WDET in January 1992, when he walked into this building as an intern and — apart from one year away at Michigan Radio — never left. He’s run the WDET newsroom since 2007, through stories that defined Detroit: Rosa Parks; Aretha Franklin; Kwame Kilpatrick; a bankruptcy, and a city working to rebuild. Through it all, he was in the room, or he led someone who was.

He also spent those years mentoring generations of Detroit journalists who credit him with their entry into media, and created the Detroit Evening Report so that Detroiters of color would hear about their own city in their own voices

On his last day at WDET, he joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to look at how the city changed over his three decades in journalism, and what he learned along the way.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts. Have thoughts? Email the show at metro@wdet.org.

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The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, or ACCESS, is hosting its 11th annual Back to School Health Fair from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Community Health and Research Center in Dearborn.

Mona Makki, director of the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center, says the organization has hosted the event for the past decade. This year, organizers are putting an increased focus on providing essential hygiene products after hearing from families, community members and school administrators about the need.

Makki says about 2,000 people are expected to attend.

The fair will also include vision and health screenings, free haircuts for hundreds of children and other community resources.

People can RSVP by calling 313-216-2200.

Michigan Immigrant Rights Center loses federal contract for legal services

The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center says its federal contract to provide legal services to unaccompanied immigrant children has ended, leaving hundreds of children without legal representation.

Last year, MIRC represented about 1,100 children. This year, the organization says it can take on only 420 cases. MIRC also expects to lose about 70 staff members in October because of the funding loss.

The organization says it will maintain offices in Detroit, Ypsilanti, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Lansing, and its other programs will continue.

Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act in 2008, establishing protections for unaccompanied children, including access to legal services. MIRC says the Trump administration sought to end federal funding that provided legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children. Its contract with the federal government ended Aug. 1.

People can learn more about MIRC and ways to donate or volunteer.

Detroit to honor Imam Abdullah El-Amin with street designation

The city of Detroit will unveil a new street sign honoring the late Imam Abdullah El-Amin, co-founder of the Muslim Center.

Abdullah El-Amin Way will be designated at Woodrow Wilson and Davison streets near the Muslim Center. Dream of Detroit, Carey Strategy Group and Legacy Story Keepers are among the organizations hosting the street-naming ceremony.

El-Amin was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and moved to Detroit when he was 7. He spent decades serving the community through interfaith efforts and other civic work.

El-Amin co-founded the Muslim Center with his wife, Dr. Cheryl El-Amin, in 1983. He served as the first executive director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan and as a Neighborhood City Hall manager under Mayor Dennis Archer from 1994 to 2001. He was also a columnist for the Muslim Observer, an author and a provider of funeral services for Muslim families.

The unveiling will take place from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at 13148 Woodrow Wilson St.

Register for the Abdullah El-Amin Way unveiling through Dream of Detroit.

Taste of Hamtramck fundraiser supports local food pantry

Detroit Friendship House is hosting a curated walking food festival featuring several Hamtramck restaurants, including New Palace Bakery, Polish Village Cafe, Srodek’s and Amicci’s Pizza.

Taste of Hamtramck: Take a Bite Out of Hunger will showcase the city’s culinary heritage while raising money for Detroit Friendship House programs that provide nutritious food and other resources to local families.

Tickets are $85, with proceeds benefiting Detroit Friendship House.

Taste of Hamtramck takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30.

Reserve a spot for Taste of Hamtramck through Detroit Friendship House.

Happy retirement, Jerome Vaughn

And finally, WDET wishes a happy retirement to News Director Jerome Vaughn, creator of the Detroit Evening Report podcast.

You will be missed, Jerome, but certainly not forgotten.

The American Human Rights Council and the Dearborn Police Department are urging the public not to engage with outside groups expected to attend Dearborn’s city council meeting on Aug.18. Far-right influencer and activist Jake Lang may attend the meeting.

Chief of Police Issa Shahin says outside groups have come to the city to seek attention and provoke confrontations in the past. Shahin says the most powerful thing the community can do is refuse to give them an audience.

Tuesday’s council meeting is the first since Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic nomination for Senate. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Attorney General Nessel warns about scammers

Michigan’s attorney general says scammers posing as banks or credit unions are targeting customers.

Dana Nessel says they use spoofing technology to make their caller ID look legitimate. When the target answers the phone, the scammer claims there’s an issue with the consumer’s account and offers to resolve it in exchange for personal information they can use to steal their money.

Nessel says people who get a call they’re not expecting should hang up and call their financial institution directly.  

Healthy Homes Resource event

The Wayne County Treasurer’s Office and the City of Detroit are holding a Healthy Homes Resource and Foreclosure Prevention Event this Saturday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can receive assistance with their homeowner’s property exemption application, meet with representatives from the assessor’s office, water department, and more.

Attendees will also have a chance to win a flat screen TV, gift cards and more.

Those who need a ride can call 866-313-2520 to schedule a ride with the Lyft rideshare service. The event will be held at Joesph Walker Williams Center at 8431 Rosa Parks Boulevard.  

Veterans meeting

Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity Department (CRIO) is hosting a Veteran’s Task Force meeting next Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 2:30-4 p.m. over Zoom.

The meeting is an opportunity for veterans to have their voices heard, share input, and tell city officials about their needs. The event is in partnership with Council member Mary Waters and the Office of Veteran Affairs.

Grant for experimental artists

The non-profit arts organization Culture Source is announcing the Flourish Fund in partnership with the Andy Worhol Foundation.

The grant supports experimental artist-organized projects in Southeast Michigan. The Fund offers six $10,000 grants toward innovative, public-facing projects across the seven counties of Southeast Michigan. 

Applications close Sept. 11.

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