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.

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic Primary for the U.S. senate seat, even though he did not win the majority of votes in Wayne County. 

He says that stems from historic tensions between Arab and Black residents. Speaking on the WDET program The Metro, El-Sayed said the mistrust among Black voters is valid. But President Donald Trump poses a bigger threat to the state. 

“[Trump threatens] our ability to afford the basic things, and certainly the Arab and Muslim community, and certainly the well-being of the Black community. You think about the assault on the Voting Rights Act, led by the folks that he appointed to the courts. We have to come together beyond differences to recognize that we’re all in the same boat now, and we’ve got a responsibility to come together to build the future that we want.” 

El-Sayed argues his Republican opponent in the general election, Mike Rogers, will back any policy Trump wants to pass. Rogers says El Sayed’s progressive views are too extreme. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

Pet vaccinations

The state veterinarian is reminding pet owners to make sure their furry friends are up to date on vaccinations.

Dr. Nora Wineland says pets are exposed to contagious diseases through wildlife, other animals, ticks, mosquitoes and pathogens in the environment.  Wineland says summer activities increase pets’ risk of exposure to contagious diseases. 

DNR hosts Beginner Backpacking

Anyone interested in being guided through their first hiking and backpacking experience can sign up this week for a DNR training in September.

Beginner Backpacking at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park will teach the basics of backpacking as hikers set up their first camp along the shores of Lake Superior before hiking through the woods and along Mirror Lake to the highest peak in the park.

The training is Sept. 18- 20. Registration closes Friday, Aug. 14.

Planet Ant party

Planet Ant’s Colony Fest and Summer BBQ are happening this Saturday. From 2 p.m. until midnight, the community can celebrate the training and performance space in its Black Box building with food, yard games, Mario Kart and a beer tent. Admission is free.

The Colony Fest Improv Tournament happens at Ant Hall across the street from 8-10 p.m. The event is a comedy showdown with the four troupes who won improv battles in July competing in a head-to-head championship. Tickets are $12.51.  

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

Fantastico: Wild and Winsome Posters from Mexico’s Golden Age, 1936-1960 will open to the public for free on the evening of Thursday, August 6 at Galerie Camille in the Cass Corridor.

There will be posters and lobby cards that feature genres such as Mexican film noir and rumberas movies, or cabaret melodramas made famous from their dance numbers.

Dalia Reyes, an interdisciplinary artist and arts administrator from Southwest Detroit, co-curated the exhibition. “There’s something about being able to compare what we see here in the US and then what Mexico was doing during that time,” Reyes says.

Reyes joined The Metro to discuss the art, culture, and innovation behind the timeless items of Mexican cinema. “You can expect a variety of categories anywhere from crime, drama, musicals, noir, and then some of those major Hollywood movies,” Reyes says.

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 stream on-demand. Never miss an episode – subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

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.

This upcoming week is ripe with opportunities to unwind in the metro Detroit region, from swapping plants and gardening tips in the Arab American Museum’s heritage garden to letting loose with DanceAbility. There’s also yoga, a tour of the historic Elmwood Cemetery at dusk and more.

Upcoming events (July 30-Aug. 5)

What’s So Funny About Detroit

The Old Miami
July 30
$35 at the door

Join WDET for a night of laughter in the gorgeous backyard of The Old Miami. In The Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper hosts headliner Melanie Hearn, along with fellow comedians Zech, Heather Jowett, and Brett Mercer. The show starts at 7 p.m.

Al-Hadiqa Plant Swap

Arab American National Museum
July 31
Free

Swap plants and gardening tips with a group of green-thumbed community members at the Arab American National Museum’s Mymonie Elhage Jabara Heritage Garden. This plant swap, co-hosted with MetroSwaps, is open to all gardeners—no matter how green or experienced—and offers the chance to trade cuttings, seedlings, and stories. Join between 5-7 p.m.

Belle Isle Art Fair

Belle Isle
Aug. 1-2
Free with state parks pass

Returning for the eleventh year, it’s the Belle Isle Art Fair! This art fair set up by the famous Scott Fountain features dozens of artists and several craft stations for all to enjoy. Plus, a beer tent, an instrument garden, and an art dome made entirely of bottlecaps.

Elmwood Cemetery Twilight Tour

Elmwood Cemetery 
Aug. 1
Free

Detroit’s historic Elmwood Cemetery is open for a tour this Saturday, designed to show guests the sights at golden hour. The two hour walk will be mostly on pavement, but there are hills and uneven terrain. Guests may also want to take a closer peak at monuments by venturing into the grass as the fireflies emerge. The walk ends just after sunset, promising a breathtaking journey through the grounds. It’s free to attend, but register in advance to claim your spot.

DanceAbility

Robert C. Valade Park
Aug. 4
Free

DanceAbility creates supportive space to celebrate bodies and explore one’s relationship to disability. This workshop in the Shed at Valade Park starts at 11 a.m. with musician AnJelic, led by facilitator Cara Graninger. Dance freely in a creative space promoting connection and accessibility. DanceAbility offers online options over Zoom on Fridays, too.

Community Yoga with Citizen Yoga

Capitol Park
Aug. 5
Free

Take a deep breath and stretch with a certified instructor from Citizen Yoga in Downtown Detroit’s Capitol Park. All skill levels are welcome for this hour of community yoga starting at 6 p.m.

What’s So Funny About Detroit? will return to The Old Miami on Thursday, July 30. In the Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper will host comedians such as Zech, Brett Mercer and Heather Jowett.

Melanie Hearn, an actress and writer from Detroit, will perform as a second-time headliner.

“I’ve always loved this event because people are actually there ready for a show,” Hearn says.

She joins The Metro to share more about her career and her connection to Detroit.

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 stream on-demand. Never miss an episode – subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

The Belle Isle Art Fair will celebrate 11 years this weekend. The two day festival will feature over a hundred juried artists from more than a dozen states.

Those with a state park pass get free entry.

Mark Loeb is the director of Integrity Shows and the ongoing producer of Belle Isle Art Fair.

Mady Chen is a featured artist of the Belle Isle Art Fair. She serves as the owner of Apple and Thistle Press and the organizer of We The People – A Resistance Art Exhibit.

 Both joined The Metro to discuss what the public should expect from the event and how the revolution can be found through linocut printing.

“If you reach out to other people, everyone is happy to come together, and then there’s so much more to it at that point,” Chen says.

WDET is supported by The Belle Isle Art Fair.

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 stream on-demand. Never miss an episode – subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

Detroit turns 325 this Friday, and there’s loads of different ways to get out and live it up this weekend! Celebrate diversity in the D with different cultural festivals, like the Chinatown Block Party or the Greek Heritage Festival. LGBT Detroit is back with Hotter Than July to welcome Black LGBTQ+ folks to get together across the next four days. 

For those looking for a slower pace, there’s gardens to tour in Wyandotte, and a lantern festival in Rochester ready to give you a chance to craft and reflect. 

Upcoming events (July 23-30)

Hotter Than July

Various locations
July 23-26
Ticket price varies by event

It’s the 30th anniversary of Detroit’s longest running Black LGBTQ+ Pride event! Join a number of events running from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26. The event kicks off with a candlelight vigil at Palmer Park, followed by a candidate forum then a bar crawl. Check the schedule to see which events stand out to you. Offerings this weekend include a picnic, an art and film fest, worship service and plenty of opportunities to party.

Detroit Historical Museum Block Party

Detroit Historical Museum
July 24
Free

On the 325th birthday of Detroit, Detroit Historical Museum also celebrates 75 years. The block party includes food trucks, a classic car show, live music, face painting and more. Note that the museum parking lot will be closed. Street parking is available, along with university parking lots and the DIA lots. Join the party anytime between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Chinatown Block Party 

Cass Ave and Peterboro St.
July 18- July 19
Free

From noon to 8 p.m., celebrate Asian-American heritage in the heart of Detroit’s returning Chinatown. There will be a food court, a film screening, a Little Dumplings kids station with crafts, games, live performances and more. 

Wyandotte Garden Walk

Downriver Council for the Arts
July 17- July 19
$15

Explore gardens across Wyandotte, from bursts of bright flowers, vegetable gardens, pollinator-friendly landscapes and more. Tickets support the local garden club and city beautification efforts. Check-in is at the Downriver Council for the Arts building at 81 Chestnut street, and the tour goes from 9 a.m. to noon.

Greektown Heritage Fest

Monroe St. in Detroit
July 25
Free

Monroe Street comes alive with traditional Greek dancers, music, vendors and the famous street-side lamb roast. The all-day event starts at noon and goes until 9 p.m. Plenty of Greek restaurants and cafes will be open and ready for business too.

Water Lantern Festival

Stony Creek Baypoint Beach
July 25
$32+

The Water Lantern Festival in Rochester is an opportunity to bring friends, family and the greater community together to reflect. Everyone gets a lantern to decorate and send off, glowing and gently floating down the river, taking your wishes and words with them. The event opens at 6 p.m. with vendors, music and a scavenger hunt. It runs until 10 p.m., with lanterns collected further down the water way to prevent pollution. Buy tickets in advance! At-the-door tickets go up to $58.

Taco Showdown

Eastern Market Shed 5
July 26
$12+

Show up and chow down at this culinary event with 12 different taquerias and restaurants representing the best tacos Detroit has to offer. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy food, drinks, dance, games and more. You receive three complimentary tacos and five margarita samples with the cost of general admission.

The Detroit Department of Construction and Demolition gave city council an update on the removal of the contaminated dirt in the city on Monday. 

The Department has replaced tainted backfill in more than 100 properties. That’s out of the 450 lots that were identified. The average cost of the fill removal and replacement is about $36,000 per site. 

Department Director Tim Palazzo says they have tightened up process for approving construction fill materials over the last several months. “The first thing is that we collapsed the number of sites and sources from which we receive fill material down to seven public pits. These only excavate native sand, gravel, soil from longstanding operations.” 

Palazzo says they inspect those sites on a monthly basis and send their staff—as well as a third-party environmental consultant—to oversee operations at the sites. He says they have also started sampling the fill before it even leaves the source site.

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Community discussion about ICE

The Southfield Neighbors Action Committee is hosting a community discussion Wednesday about ICE enforcement in Southfield. “What Does It Mean To Be A Good Neighbor When ICE Moves In?” will be moderated by Kermit Williams, political director of Oakland Forward.

Panelists include Elida Reyes from Community Action for Empowerment, Lauren Fink from Southfield Neighbors Action Committee, Dr. Patricia Talley from Mexico Negro and U.S. House Representative Rashida Tlaib.

The event is Wednesday from 6:30- 9 p.m. in Room 115 at the Southfield Pavilion at 26000 Evergreen Road.

Good Food for Michigan

Dearborn Public Schools has received a state grant designed to bring more Michigan-grown food to its cafeterias. The Good Food for Michigan Project is giving the district more than $460,000. Dearborn schools serve more than 3 million meals to around 20,000 students at more than 30 sites. 

The Good Food for Michigan Project is a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, the Center for Good Food Purchasing, and the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.  

Detroit Riverfront hosts art exhibit

People visiting Detroit’s Riverfront and Southwest Greenway can now take in a little bit of the DIA’s art collection. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting the museum’s Inside Out project featuring large-scale reproductions of 7 works. The pieces will be in place until October.

Girls soccer clinic

The Hamtramck Parks Conservancy and the city’s recreation department are partnering to offer a girls soccer clinic on August 17. Women coaches and trainers will work with girls between the ages of 10 and 17 years old. Balls, nets and pennies are provided.

The clinic runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Park Soccer Arena at 8684 Joseph Campau. 

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

Brittany Epps, known in Detroit’s creative circles as Nerd, is the founder of House of Both Rows. The sustainable fashion house is built on a simple but radical idea: nothing is truly thrown away. Old items are simply waiting to become something new. 

Nerd takes thrifted clothing and transforms it into completely original pieces, giving forgotten garments a second life as wearable art.

House of Both Rows has quickly grown in presence in the city. Nerd and team have brought designs to the runway at fashion shows across the city, building a reputation as one of the names to watch in Detroit’s sustainable fashion movement. Nerd also hosts events at The Ether, the brand’s shared creative space. 

When Nerd isn’t in the studio crafting new pieces, they’re in the community, running workshops for young people that go beyond fashion basics. They’re offering real-world experience in what it actually takes to run a creative business.

The through-line for their idea is a simple goal—to create legacy pieces. Nerd wants to do away with disposable fashion, and rebuild healthy relationships with garments that hold meaning. They want to craft items to be passed down for generations.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

CONTAINER On The Metro is a WDET produced storytelling series that brings Detroit’s creative heartbeat to the airwaves. 

CONTAINER is a program created by The Love Building. Its goal is to showcase Detroit’s creative talent across music, fashion, fine arts and food. Done in collaboration with WDET Public Radio with major support from the Gilbert Family Foundation.

Subscribe to Container on The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Metro Detroit Youth Day is a tradition that arose from tragedy.

After a rash of deadly youth violence in the 1980s, then-Detroit Mayor Coleman Young gathered business leaders together and asked them to create an event for children that would keep them out of trouble.

Businessman Ed Deeb came up with the idea for whole day when kids could play and learn.

Metro Detroit Youth Day annually draws thousands of young people to Belle Isle in the middle of summer.

Deeb presided over the festivities every year, with the help of corporate and nonprofit sponsors.

When Deeb died in 2025, his family looked for someone else to stage and manage Youth Day and continue his legacy.

His son, George Deeb, says it wasn’t easy.

“He was convinced he was going to live forever, and he didn’t really leave clear instructions,” the younger Deeb says. “We had to figure out who were the logical partners that could have interest.”

After interviewing several of those partners, Deeb says the choice became clear: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit.

“They had the budgets, operating teams, marketing prowess, and knew how to run big events successfully,” Deeb says. “And they had a mission of serving the kids of Detroit.”

Bigger and better

One of the first things the clubs did was to expand the event from one day to five.

“They had long wanted to do events to serve kids in a much bigger way,” Deeb says. “And their vision was, ‘why limit it to one day?’.”

They also decided the event shouldn’t be limited to Belle Isle. The 2026 edition will begin on the island, with events throughout the week at Eastern Market, the Joe Louis Greenway, Michigan Central, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park.

George Deeb says while some things have changed, the mission is the same: to serve the youth of Detroit.

“We know there’s a lot of challenges that you’re dealing with as a young person, and you don’t have to go through those by yourself,” he says. “We’ve got your backs.”

And he says his father would be proud of what’s happening now.

“He invested his entire life into it,” Deeb says. “This is what he would have wanted.”

Metro Detroit Youth Day takes place Aug. 11-15.

Detroit City Council approved a change to an ordinance that prohibits alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana advertisements to be placed withing 1000 feet of sensitive locations.  Places of worship have been added to the list of protected locations.  

Council President Pro-Tem Coleman Young raised concerns about information on treatment centers and educational services being affected by this new rule.  

But Councilmember Scott Benson says that is not the case.  “This ordinance does not capture that. And this ordinance is already in place for alcohol and tobacco products, and there is no prohibition about advertising [Detroit Integrated Health Network] services or other services for substance use disorders.” 

The amended ordinance passed unanimously .

Additional headlines for Thursday, July 16, 2026

Highland Park launches scholarship program

The Highland Park School District announced a new scholarship program to help residents pursue post-secondary education.

Officials says Highland Park high schoolers are often not eligible for promise scholarships in the school districts they attended because of their address. The Highland Park Promise Scholarship is available to every graduating high school senior who lives in the city. Beginning fall 2027, eligible student can get an initial $1,000 to go toward any post-secondary education such as community colleges, universities, or trade schools.

Because the school district does not currently have its own high school, the scholarship will be available to any student attending high school in a neighboring district as long as they currently live in Highland Park. 

Congress candidate forum

The Eastside Community Network is hosting a forum with the 2026 U.S. House and Senate Candidates about issues shaping Detroit’s eastside. Candidates expected to participate include Donavan McKinney for the U.S. Houses 13th district,  Abraham Aiyash for the State Senate first district, as well as candidates for the 3rd Senate District and 9th and 11th State Representative Districts.

Forums will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday July 18 at the East Side Community Network on 4401 Conner Street.

WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 2026. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
• 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. — U.S. House, District 13 
• 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. — State Senate, District 1 
• 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. — State Senate, District 3 
• 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. — Lunch 
• 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.— State House, District 9 
• 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. — State House, District 11 
WHERE: Eastside Community Network (ECN), 4401 Conner St, Detroit, MI 48215

Move over law

Michigan State Police is planning a one-day initiative to enforce the state’s “move over” law.

When approaching a stationary vehicle with flashing lights such as police, ambulances, fire, rescue or road service vehicles, drivers must slow down to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and move over one lane. If you cannot move over due to traffic, weather or road conditions, still slow down and pass with caution.

Colonel James Grady said in a statement there have been 13 instances this year where patrol vehicles were struck while conducting traffic stops. The one day initiative will be on July 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. across Michigan and neighboring states. 

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

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has issued an air quality alert for the state of Michigan. That’s due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.  

The air quality can harm those who are unhealthy or sensitive groups… potentially reaching the unhealthy range. EGLE has published a page for resources on how to respond to wildfire smoke. 

The state’s health department advises people to limit outdoor activity by monitoring the air quality in their area. They also recommend sheltering indoors with air conditioning — and to find a shelter if it’s too hot at home. People can call 211 to find a local shelter.  

Visit michigan.gov/egle for more information.  

Invest in MI Taxes  

Some Michigan lawmakers are backing a joint resolution to have voters decide whether the state’s highest earners should pay more in taxes. The proposal seeks to change an extra 5% tax on annual income above half a million dollars for single filers or a million dollars for joint filers. The extra revenue would go toward health, housing and education.

Democratic State Senator Stephanie Chang says the money could come in handy as economists predict tough years ahead for the state budget.  “I think its important that as lawsmakers we keep talking about those priorities and also talk about how if we make the wealthy pay their fair share, we can create another revenue source that can help generate over a billion dollars.”  

Republicans and business groups claim the plan increases taxes for small businesses — organizers say that’s not true. It would take supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature to get the measure on the ballot.  

-Reporting by Colin Jackson

DTE outage response

Days after severe storms interrupted service for thousands of DTE Energy customers, the head of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) says the company’s response could have been better.  
Commission Chairman Dan Scripps says DTE’s own restoration estimates fed into people’s frustrations.  

“There were a number of problems with the restoration estimates. They were off… and sometimes significantly. And not just the level of communication that you’d expect from a utility to its customers.”  

Scripps spoke with WDET’s Robyn Vincent on The Metro. He says MPSC received higher-than-normal public complaints after the storms.  

DTE’s chief executive apologized to customers last week, saying the company will review its response and try to do better.  

DTE Energy is a financial supporter of WDET.  

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Chinatown Block Party 

The Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee is hosting its second annual block party in Detroit on Cass and Peterboro Streets. The event corresponds with the 2023 demolition of the former Chinese Merchants Association Building, which also housed several Chinese organizations. Community members opposed the demolition of Detroit’s Historic Chinatown.  

Lisa Yee-Litzenberg is a volunteer member of the committee. She says the block party and commemoration is an effort to create a safe space, a Pan-Asian district in Detroit. 

“This is an opportunity for people to celebrate and feel pride about their culture and their history, but also for people from all walks of life to come and learn about the culture, the history of different Asian groups in the Detroit metro area, so that’s a big.”  

Yee-Litzenberg says her father Henry Yee was the former unofficial mayor of Detroit’s Chinatown in the 1960s and 1970s.  

Last year, Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang announced one million dollars in funding to create a streetscape in the Chinatown district to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans. 

The free Detroit Chinatown Block Party takes place Saturday, July 25, from noon to 8 p.m. The event will feature historical exhibitions, performances and food from over 50 vendors. There will also be free film screenings at the Masonic Temple featuring the movies “Bad Axe” and “Warren King: King of Cardboard.”  

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

The Concert of Colors is celebrating its 35th anniversary and commemorating Ismael Ahmed, who co-founded the event and passed away earlier this year. Building on a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration, the festival organization is now led by Njia Kai.

“One thing Ismael was clear about is that we are all brothers and sisters, and that we should all take care of each other,” says Kai.

Dozens of musical performers and bands from around the world join Detroit-area artists on the festival lineup including Sheila E, The Don Was Detroit All Star Revue, Dengue Fever, Charity Ward, Kasan Belgrave, Steel Pulse and Martha Redbone.

Beyond music performances and a memorial for Ismael, there will be a community forum at the Majestic Theatre Complex presented by the Arab American National Museum.  The conversation will be led by NPR’s Neda Ulaby. There will also be a grant writing workshop, youth programming, and a story circle at N’Nambi Center for Contemporary Art.

“We get to bring in all these interesting cultural, contemporary traditions, folks who are following age-old patterns that are true to their ethnic history,” Kai says.

Njia Kai, Concert of Colors festival organizer, joined The Metro to discuss this year’s festival.

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Houses of worship may soon be added to the list of sensitive locations where certain advertisements are not allowed within a 1000-foot radius. 

Councilmember Scott Benson says posting ads for things like alcohol and cannabis near a house of worship is inconsiderate. “You have your church, and then 30 feet from your church is a probably a 40 by 20 sign advertising King of Bud, just a level of disrespect and a level of just insensitivity to what we have here.” 

The Public Health and Safety Committee approved the changes to the amendment today. City council will choose whether to enact the changes at the next formal session. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Gordie Howe toll deal

We’re learning more about the deal to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27. CBC News and other media report 50% of toll profits over the bridge’s first 15 years of operation will go into a U.S. development fund. President Trump had said he would not let the bridge open unless Canada agreed to share toll revenue.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told CBC’s Power and Politics while the deal may look like a win for Trump, the U.S. won’t get much out of it. He said it could take longer than 15 years for Canada to recoup the cost of building the bridge before it would share revenue with Michigan. 

Canada spent almost $6.5 billion to build the bridge. The U.S. paid nothing. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Freedom Tour Detroit

High school students are invited to apply for the Freedom Tour Detroit 2026. The four-day program explores advocacy, civil rights, justice and Detroit history.

The Michigan Coalition for Human Rights, the City of Detroit’s Office of Veterans Affairs, Wayne State University and the American Civil Liberties Union are working together to offer in-person seminars and guided field trips between July 30 and August 2.

Applications are due by Sunday, July 19.

Summer Games at the Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center’s After Dark series is back with “Summer Games” on July 24. This event offers those 21 and over a chance to explore science, sports and a little friendly competition.

The Penske Planetarium will offer a one-night only show featuring the “Olympians of the Night Sky,” Detroit City FC will be in the house with giveaways and photo ops, former Piston and President of the Motor City Cruise Durand “Speedy” Walker will speak, and adult games—including a 50-foot inflatable obstacle course, Warrior Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em and something called Hippo Chow Down.

National Coney Island is bringing classic and veggie coneys and there will be signature cocktails from the Byrdie Bar.

Michigan Science Center After Dark Summer Games is Friday July 24 from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $35 for members, $45 for non-members and $30 for designated drivers. Learn more at mi-sci.org. 

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The Detroit Kite Festival returns to Belle Isle for its eighth year. The event takes place near the James Scott Memorial Fountain, on Sunday, July 12.

Besides an entry fee to the island, the Detroit kite festival will be free. Some activities include book nooks, music, bubble therapy as well as tents for cooling off and making a kite.

The Mint Artists Guild will be celebrating a ten year anniversary by hosting a Joy and Faces booth for complimentary face painting and crafts. They spent the last decade training and paying young adults from Detroit in the arts.

Lex Draper Garcia Bey is a fourth generation Detroiter and director of the Kite Festival. She’s also a co-executive director of the Black Bottoms Archive.

She became director of the Kite Festival after the founder had to step back. “I couldn’t stand the thought of me going to my absolute favorite festival and it feeling boring to me,” Draper Garcia Bey said.

She joined The Metro to chat about her experience with whimsy as she supports the event alongside volunteers.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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The tuition at Wayne State University is rising by 4% for its undergraduate and graduate students. This comes after a unanimous decision from the university’s board of governors. 

How will this affect the university students? Well, undergraduate students can see a tuition increase of about $250 and graduate students will see an increase of $33 dollars per credit. 

The university increased their tuition last year by 4.5%. According to the school’s officials the 2026-2027 housing rates will not increase. 

This rate increase is following a trend occurring in 4-year public and private universities and colleges across the country––tuition increases due to inflation, a drop off in enrollment post pandemic or uncertainty around state funding. WDET is licensed to Wayne State University.  

Additional headlines for Friday, June 26, 2026

Community Health Assessment shows positive results

This week, the city of Detroit released a Community Health Assessment that revealed that community improvements positively affect the health of residents. 

The report was an assessment of about 6,000 residents, some commuity organizations, public health experts and local data. 

During a press conference about the assessment, Mayor Sheffield expanded the idea of what health means. “Health is much more than what happens inside of a doctor’s office. It is also about prevention. Health is about whether a mother has access to prenatal care. It is about whether a child has healthy food nearby and it is about clean air, safe housing, transportation and whether families can access the care that they need when they need it.”  

Sports 

FIFA

The U.S. had their first loss of the 2026 World Cup to the already eliminated country of Turkey. Turkey kicked a last minute goal to win the match. The U.S. also had mostly reserves playing in the second half of the game to ready the team for their next game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That game is Wednesday, July 1.  

NFL 
The Lions’ defensive back Terrion Arnold was arrested this week in Tampa, Fla. on alleged felony charges of robbery and kidnapping. 

Six other individuals were arrested, but according to police Arnold was the one coordinating and directing the codefendants. Arnold is from Tallahasse, Fla., which is about 4 hours away from Tampa.  

The Lions said in a statement that they are aware of the news but are not commenting “out of respect of the ongoing legal process.” 

MLB 
The Tigers loss to the Astros yesterday in the score of 4-1. Next game is today at Comerica Park. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m.  

Burger Battle

And this weekend get ready for what organizers are calling the biggest burger battle in the Midwest. This weekend the 10 year anniversary of Detroit Burger Battle is going down in the Motor City.

Fifteen of metro Detroit’s top restaurants will bang burgers and chef it up for the crown. Participants of the battle get a single voting card to pick their top 3 burgers. Whoever gets the most votes wins.

This is all going down on Sunday, June 28 from 1-4 p.m. at Shed 5 of the Eastern Market.

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The Detroit Youth Choir has had an inspiring rise from the city of Detroit to some of the largest stages in the entertainment industry. Yet that hasn’t taken away from the mission of the organization: youth development. 

The young performers have lit up stages from America’s Got Talent to Carnegie Hall.

The Color Purple, a novel by Alice Walker, has been adapted for the screen and live performances.

The tale spans 40 years of life for Celie, a Black woman living in the south, beginning in the early 1900’s. After her abusive father marries her off to Mister, Albert Johnson, life does not improve. Celie finds love and connection where she can, including with supporting character Shug Avery. Throughout the novel, it’s Celie’s goal to find her sister.

The Color Purple performed by Detroit Youth Choir has four shows with two casts. They’re performing at The Hawk Theatre in Farmington Hills. Performances are set for June 26- 28.

Jala Jackson is director of theater production for Detroit Youth Choir. DJ Whitfield is a recent graduate of Taylor Preparatory Academy. He’s playing the lead role of Mister. Sydney Thomas will be a Junior at Novi Highschool. She is playing the lead role of Shug Avery.

They joined The Metro to chat more about the upcoming performances and why The Color Purple was chosen.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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“Our great partner, Governor Whitmer isn’t the only one fixing the roads around here,” said Mayor Sheffield yesterday, where she and the Department of Public Works gave an update to their road improvement program.

This $58 million initiative includes 140 individual major road and residential paving and construction projects, as well as bridge removals and streetscape construction.

The mayor said the project will not only fix the infrastructure of Detroit but it will build up the community’s workforce. “We are also putting Detroiters to work while we invest in our neighborhoods… 90% of the individuals that are doing this work are Detroit residents and 100% are unionized. Let’s give that a round of applause.”

Funding for the road projects will come from federal and state transportation funds. This project will begin along West Grand Boulevard.

Additional headlines for Thursday, June 25, 2026

New affordable housing complex for seniors

Earlier this week city leaders joined together for the ribbon cutting of new senior housing in Grandmont Rosedale. The new development Minock Park Place is a mixed use development bringing commercial space as well as affordable housing for seniors.  The development includes 36 one bedroom apartments and six two bedroom apartments for low to moderate income seniors.

Mike Randall, executive director of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, says completion of this project brings value to the neighborhood and community.  “In the face of doubt, skepticism, a global pandemic, 3 presidential terms, skyrocketing inflation and costs, yet here we stand. Not for the recognition and not to boast but to demonstrate that value exists on our corridor not just on grand river not just on 6 mile…and not just on schoolcraft but throughout all the great city of Detroit.”

Residents are expected to begin moving in in July with commercial spots opening in the first quarter of next year.  

Sports

MLB

The Tigers lost to the NY Yankees with the score of 4-2. Their next 3 game series is against the Houston Astros starting tonight at Comerica Park. First pitch is a 6:40pm.

Club soccer

Detroit City FC face Birmingham Legion FC on July 2 at Protective Stadium in Alabama 

FIFA 
And the FIFA group stage continues as TEAM USA faces Türkiye. The U.S. has a 51% chance of winning according to sports analysts. Tonight’s game at the Los Angeles stadium in Inglewood California starts at 10 p.m. EST. 

Murder mystery walking tour

And if you are looking for something spooky to get into this weekend, look no further than The Rosary Requiem—Detroit Murder Mystery Walking Tour.

The tour starts at Most Holy Redeemer Church – the church where the film “The Rosary Murders” was filmed. Organizers say the walking tour is blends mystery and intrigue, with the vibrant spice of Detroit’s Mexicantown – that means food!

For more information go to distinctivelydetroit.com.

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