Democratic control of the Michigan Legislature crashed to a halt on Thursday, Dec. 19, after GOP lawmakers and Democrat Karen Whitsett of Detroit refused to show up to session. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow uncover why things went so poorly during these legislative sessions with Gongwer staff writer Elena Durnbaugh.

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

In this episode:

• The Michigan House adjourns without voting on major items.
• What caused the dysfunction in the Michigan House.
• How things are looking for the Democrats come the new legislature in January.

Many state legislators expressed disappointment and shock after lone Democrat Whitsett and 54 Republicans walked out of session on Thursday, leaving everything on the agenda dead on the floor. 

House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit) attempted to force the House members back to session by issuing a “call of the House,” but failed to rally the quorum needed to conduct business, resulting in the body adjourning until next year.

Durnbaugh said many lawmakers — including Whitsett — were frustrated by House Democrats’ lack of action on their own legislative priorities.

“Whitsett was told that the [water affordability bill] was something that was going to be voted on,” Durnbaugh said. “She was apparently under the impression that it was going to proceed, but those negotiations fell a part and so [did] Whitsett’s cooperation with the House.”

Gorchow noted how the lack of cooperation in the house also affected bipartisan legislation, including a bill that would have provided greater public funding and assistance for juvenile justice.

“[The bill] was sponsored by a House Republican and it went to Senate, where it passed with bipartisan support,” Gorchow said. “The Senate made one tiny change, they took out an effective date that was outdated — which meant it had to be approved again by the House — but the House couldn’t do it because they didn’t have a quorum and now that bill is dead.”  

Democrats will lose their majority in the House in January when the new legislative session begins.

More from WDET:

• Democrats, Republicans kill lame duck in Michigan House
• Michigan House Republicans stage walk out
• MichMash: Democrat Karen Whitsett facing backlash over abortion stance

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Thursday’s fizzled session in the Michigan House after GOP lawmakers walked out; Detroit’s new executive director of transit and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Michigan House adjourns early

Democratic leaders in the Michigan House failed to muster a quorum during Thursday’s session, effectively killing legislation left on the agenda before Republicans take over the House in the New Year.

Democratic Floor Leader Abraham Aiyash said he was “disappointed” and “shocked” that 54 Republicans and one rogue Democrat — Karen Whitsett, of Detroit — “refused to show up,” bringing the House to a standstill.

“Goal posts kept moving and the conversations fell apart,” Aiyash told WDET’s Russ McNamara.

Among the dead legislation was a gun control measure to ban bump stocks, as well as a measure to expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to include the governor’s office and Legislature.

Duggan names new executive director of transit

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan named Detroit People Mover General Manager Robert Cramer as Detroit’s new executive director of transit this week.

Cramer will take over for G. Michael Staley, who announced last week that he is leaving the role. Cramer has served as the general manager of the People Mover for two years, where he oversaw the service and infrastructure improvements. Staley will remain in charge until Cramer takes over on Jan. 6.

Duggan says he aims to bring the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) back to pre-pandemic service levels by expanding the service in 2025. Over the next two years, there will be at least 84 new buses, which represents nearly 30% of the DDOT fleet.

Southfield Christmas Bar Crawl

The 2024 Southfield Christmas Bar Crawl is set for 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday. Dec. 23.

Experience Southfield’s holiday spirit with what organizers are saying will be a festive bar crawl featuring exclusive holiday-themed cocktails, live entertainment and more. Participating venues include BLVD, Starter’s Bar & Grille, North Bar & Grille, and Salt + Ko. You can also participate in the ugly sweater contest by posting a photo on social media using the hashtag #southfieldbarcrawl2024. Visit eventbrite for more information.

Motor City Kwanzaa celebration

Witness the largest Kinara lighting in the world right in the heart of the city at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26. Activist, author, professor of Africana studies and the creator Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, will be in attendance via satellite. The event will take place in Cadillac Square between Bates and Woodard in Downtown Detroit.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

The nonprofit Rising Voices is urging the public to advocate for the “Teach MI History” bill package introduced this month in the Michigan Senate.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The proposed legislation would require all Michigan school districts to incorporate curriculum on the histories and contributions of communities of color. The bills — introduced by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), and Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) — would also require cultural competency training for teachers and create a “cultural advisory board” within the Michigan Department of Education.

Rising Voices is urging voters to contact their representatives to make a case for the bill package. For more information on that and the bill itself, visit the organization’s website at risingvoicesaaf.org.

More headlines for Monday, Dec. 16, 2024:

• A historic industrial building in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood has been renovated into 161 loft-style apartments, called Piquette Flats.
• This Saturday, Dec. 21, is the Kwanzaa Kinara “Make and Take” Workshop at Alkebulan Village.
• Detroit Music Hall is getting ready to host A Magical Motown Christmas on Friday, Dec. 20.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

The Michigan Senate has passed a bill that bans the sales and possession of “ghost guns.” Ghost guns are guns that are put together by an individual, not a manufacturer, using parts from a kit or using separate pieces. Because of how these guns are assembled, they don’t have serial numbers and are, therefore, very difficult to identify and track.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

3D-printed guns are also banned in similar bills that were passed the same day. There were more than 45,000 suspected ghost guns reported to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms from 2016 to 2021, according to the agency.

One of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), stated that the weapon used to kill the United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson in New York was likely a ghost gun, according to law enforcement.

These bills are part of a multitude of bills the Michigan Legislature is working on in overtime as their lame duck session comes to a close soon.

Other headlines for Friday, Dec. 13, 2024:

• Another set of bills being considered in Lansing would establish a “duty to intervene” law, restrict no-knock warrants, make it a felony to tamper with body cameras and require law enforcement agencies to create policies about the use of force. The duty to intervene law would require police departments to check if prospective hires had been previously fired for poor conduct, which has happened numerous times, according to a 7 Action News investigation.
• The City of Detroit is reminding residents that there are warming centers and respite locations to provide relief from these frigid temperatures. For more information, contact the Detroit Housing Services Helpline at (866) 313-2520.
• The Detroit Opera Youth Chorus is having their Winter Fantasy performance on Sunday, Dec. 15. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for the 2 p.m. concert. The concert will showcase various musical styles including folk tunes, holiday classics, highlights from ‘The Sound of Music’ and more. For tickets, go to detroitopera.org

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

The final days of the current iteration of the Michigan Legislature are upon us as the Republican majority in the House begins in January. Education and the environment are two of the many topics circulating these legislative sessions. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow sit down with Jane McCurry from Clean Fuels Michigan to discuss biofuels, carbon capture and electric vehicles. Then, they switch gears and chat with Chalkbeat’s Hannah Dellinger about charter schools. Finally, Zach reports live from the Michigan State Capitol where all of these topics come together in this exciting, jam-packed episode.

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

In this episode:

• The legislative sessions before the end of lame duck session.
• Electric vehicles and their future in Michigan.
• Democrats want transparency from charter schools

McCurry shared that the among all the bills going through legislative sessions, there are some that are top of mind and show the most potential to pass.

“We know there are various priorities and opportunities in lame duck. The bill that we see the most opportunity for is that sustainability fuel bill,” McCurry said.

Electric vehicles are another topic that has occupied the headlines. McCurry hopes that EVs are included in future vehicle options for Michiganders.  

“I think it’s unfortunate that EVs became a political football, because I really do believe that automotive innovation transcends political boundaries, especially in Michigan,” she said. “There is no EV mandate. Plainfield, Mich. is a strong proponent of vehicle choice, and we want to make sure that consumers have access to all of the fuels, including electrification.”

Charter schools are another topic being discussed during these legislative sessions. Dellinger said that Democrats are not dismissing charter schools, but just want more transparency with how they operate.

“The hearing that they had, they were not arguing about the efficacy of the charter schools or the performance of students at the schools,” she said.

Dellinger added that although the data questions if charter schools are performing at the same level as public schools, those discussions on performance aren’t happening legislatively.  

More from WDET:

• Legislative FOIA bills reach new ground
• MichMash: The environmental dilemma of Michigan’s ‘low carbon fuel standard’ bill
• Electric vehicles, mobility trends shape the future of revamped Detroit Auto Show

Detroit officials announced this week that all six Community Violence Intervention (CVI) zones in the city reported significant reductions in violent crime — all exceeding the average citywide reduction rates and some, by significant margins.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Detroit saw a citywide average drop in shootings and homicides of 35% from August through October compared to the prior two years, according to the city. During that same time frame, violent crime inside the city’s six CVI zones plummeted to rates ranging from 37% to 83%.

This is the first time this happened since the launch of the ShotStoppers CVI initiative in July 2023.

The $10 million program, financed through the American Rescue Plan Act, provides quarterly funding to each CVI group to implement violence prevention strategies in their respective communities. The six CVI groups include New Era, Detroit 300, Force Detroit, Wayne Metro/Denby Alliance, Detroit People’s Community and Detroit Friends and Family.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said that he expects the city’s 2024 crime data to “shatter” last year’s results — which showed a 57-year low in the number of homicides. The city has expanded the program through the summer of 2025 due to the program’s success.

Other headlines for Friday, Dec. 6, 2024:

• The city of Detroit is reminding residents that there are warming centers and other resources available to help protect people from the cold and help with housing security and other needs.
• The artist known as Supercoolwicked is performing her new show, “Negro, Spiritual” at 8 p.m. on Friday at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Her work examines the human condition, spirituality and freedom through an experimental musical. If you miss Friday’s show, the show will be released via’s Supercoolwicked’s social platforms at a later date.
• Noel Night festivities are taking over Midtown on Saturday, with businesses and organizations throughout the city’s cultural district planning to welcome thousands of visitors throughout the day. If you plan on joining the fun, make sure to stop by WDET Studios for a tour of the station, a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate and more! For a full schedule of events, visit  noelnight.org/schedule.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

The Michigan Legislature has been stagnant on expanding the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to cover the governor’s office, and there isn’t a clear explanation as to why. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow sat down with Lisa McGraw, public affairs manager for the Michigan Press Association, to examine the status of the bills. 

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

In this episode:

• The history of FOIA expansion in Michigan
• The likelihood of bipartisan support with FOIA after lame-duck
• Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s gubernatorial bid as an independent

The governor’s office and state legislature are exempt from FOIA requests under current Michigan law, making the state’s government among the least transparent in the country, according to the Center for Public Integrity.

McGraw says the battle in the Legislature to expand FOIA laws has been fought for a long time, and because of the history of both parties showing the lack of political will to follow through, she doesn’t have much faith that there will be bipartisan buy in.

“I actually have spoken to my members about what our next steps are. I plan to meet with my public policy team in the near future to discuss what our public policy priorities will be next year, and I’m afraid [FOIA] might not be one of them,” she said. “Speaker-elect [Matt] Hall said he supports it so we’ll see. The governor has also expressed support, but we haven’t heard from her at this time.”

Duggan makes independent bid for governor

Gorchow and Roth also discussed Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s announcement this week that he’ll be running for governor of Michigan in 2026 as an independent.

They both went back and forth with ideas and thoughts as to why he made this decision. Gorchow share that Duggan may be making this decision based on political history.

“Men have done very poorly in Democratic primaries where a woman is running in the last three decades,” he said. “In U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races in the last 30 years, a man has not won since 1994”

Duggan, the city of Detroit’s 75th mayor, will conclude his final term in 2025.  

More from WDET:

• MichMash: State Sen. Jeremy Moss seeking more transparency in Michigan government
• Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will run for Michigan governor in 2026 as independent
• MichMash: Potential ‘difficult lame duck session’ looms for Democrats

A transportation bill introduced last year to encourage the use of “clean fuels” has environmental and animal activists concerned about its potential impacts. Environmentalists say Senate Bill 275 would incentivize reliance on biofuels, which could lead to more Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), also known as “factory farms” in the state. This week on MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow dives into this under the radar issue with Oakland County physician and activist Dr. Cheryl A. Ruble. Also, Zach sits down with Gongwer staff writer Elena Durnbaugh to discuss a new approach to fixing the roads in Michigan. 

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

In this episode:

• Different legislative approaches to fixing Michigan’s roads
• The “low carbon fuel standard” bill and how it impacts the environment
• The benefits and drawbacks of “clean fuels”

Michigan’s ‘clean fuels’ bill

In April 2023, the Michigan Legislature introduced a package of clean energy bills that were signed into law before the end of the year — all but S.B. 275, Ruble says. The bill would enact a low carbon fuel standard, or clean fuel standard, that would award carbon credits — also known as offsets — for the production of alternative fuels like biogas.

“It has the noble goal of reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels. That’s very important to reduce greenhouse gases and try to get us out of this climate crisis that we are in. The problem is that it would incentivize biogas, made from manure, using these on-farm, industrial scale anaerobic digesters,” she said. “You’re essentially monetizing manure.”

Critics of the bill say it would have devastating effects on communities, leading to an increase in CAFO operations in the state and, in turn, an increase in pollution and manure runoff into nearby waterways.

Fresh takes on fixing Michigan’s roads

When the Legislature comes back in session in December, there will be a limited time where Democrats will maintain their trifecta in state government.

Durnbaugh says Democrats may use that window to pass legislation focused on finding new ways to fix Michigan’s roads.

“As time has gone on, the need for a solution has become more pressing,” Durnbaugh said. “There needs to be a solution. It needs to be something that, people in both caucuses can be on board with.” 

Michigan’s 103rd State Legislature is set to take over on Jan. 1, 2025.

More from WDET:

• Federal money coming to three Michigan cities for safer, greener roads
• Whitmer announces federal funding to boost Michigan’s green initiatives
• Michigan aims to tackle clean energy goals in Upper Peninsula

More from Gongwer News Service

• Whitmer nudges Legislature on road funding

A new program from the Detroit Health Department will provide free rides to doctor visits for new and expectant mothers for one year.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The “Rides to Care” program will provide all Detroit women who are pregnant, and anyone who takes care of an infant up to one year of age, with free transportation to and from prenatal visits, postpartum visits and pediatric visits for the baby.

The program aims to remove a common barrier to expectant mothers and their babies receiving proper care: access to transportation.

“Every expectant mother and new mom in Detroit deserve the security of knowing they can get to their prenatal or postnatal appointments so their baby can have their best start in life,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in a statement. “With Rides to Care there is no reason to miss a vital medical appointment, because free roundtrip transportation to every doctor’s office visit is now an automatic benefit to them as a Detroiter.”

The service is available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Participating residents’ health care providers must be located in Detroit or up to five miles outside the city.

To book a ride, call 313-876-0000.

Other headlines for Friday, Nov. 22, 2024:

• The Toyota Mobility Foundation has selected 10 semifinalists to receive $3 million to participate in its Sustainable Cities Challenge to develop innovative solutions for Detroit’s iconic Eastern Market. 
• The Rink at Campus Martius Park opens for its 21st season on Saturday, Nov. 23, with a variety of celebrations planned throughout the weekend.
• Ray J is passing through the Motor City on Saturday to host Slow Jams: An Ultimate R&B Experience at the Detroit Shipping Company.
• The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be passing through metro Detroit on Monday, Nov. 25, after an evening event in Windsor, Ontario.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Now that the election is over, we are in lame duck session. This week on MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow sits down with Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc. They discuss how Democrats will move forward after losing the majority in the Michigan House. 

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

In this episode:

• Defining a lame duck session and how this one will compare to others
• Democrats’ lame duck priorities
• Mike Duggan’s announcement that he will not seek reelection

The Michigan Legislature returned to the Capitol this week to set their agenda for their “lame duck” session.

The term refers to an outgoing politician or, in this case, the period of time between Election Day and the end of a legislative session, which is at the end of December. Michigan Democrats will have a short window of time to cross items off their to-do list before the 2023-24 session wraps up and Republicans take control of the Michigan House in January.

LeBlanc compared this lame duck session to 2018, saying that there are similarities.

“When Gov. [Rick] Snyder was leaving office and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was coming into office, there were some late night sessions that year and a lot of legislation that got through,” LeBlanc said. “I think people are kind of preparing for something similar, but it depends on if Democrats are able to find some consensus within their caucus.”  

LeBlanc and Gorchow also discussed the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election and the rumors of a potential run for the office by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who announced this week he would not seek reelection for mayor next year.

Although there hasn’t been any official announcement, LeBlanc says his chances to run are great.

“I think Duggan has built a name for himself, within Detroit. A lot of the state has looked at what he’s done in Detroit, so I think he has a good chance to get through the primary,” she said. “That has a lot to do with who else is in the primary at that point.

-MPRN’s Rick Pluta contributed to this report.

More from WDET:

• Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announces he will not seek reelection
• View Michigan’s 2024 general election results
• Two term-limited GOP lawmakers have very different takes on lame duck

Community members gathered in Detroit’s North End neighborhood on Tuesday to celebrate the completion of a new $7.3 million mixed-use affordable housing project.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

“The Beauton” will feature 29 new units, including 10 micro studio units, 15 studio units, two one-bedroom units and two two-bedroom units — with rents based on 50-120% of area median income (AMI), and over half of the units at or below 80%. Rents for the micro units will be as low as $700 per month, and affordability is guaranteed for the next 12 years under the agreement.

“North End has seen a lot of new investment that can bring rent pressures for existing residents,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in a statement.  “The Beauton will bring 29 more units of much-needed affordable housing to North End to help make sure residents of all income levels can live in a growing and thriving neighborhood.”

Led by Detroit developer Charles Dickerson, the project was made possible by funding from several sources, including $1.5 million from the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund (DHFF); nearly $2.5 million from Capital Impact Partners; $1.5 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and additional support.

DHFF is a private investment fund aimed at directing funding to create and preserve affordable housing in Detroit. The fund is anchored by a $15 million commitment from JPMorgan Chase of the fund’s total $58 million raise and a $10 million guarantee from The Kresge Foundation.

Including The Beauton, the DHFF has funded 13 projects totaling 435 new or preserved affordable units in the city.

“Projects like The Beauton exemplify the power of partnership and the impact of the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund in creating affordable housing solutions that meet the needs of our residents,” said Julie Schneider, director of the city’s Housing and Revitalization Department.

Call 313-656-4233 for leasing information.

Other headlines for Friday, Nov. 15, 2024:

• A 3-year-old sloth bear named Jagger has found a new home at the Detroit Zoo. This is the first time a sloth bear has been in the zoo in decades, according to zoo officials. Officials also say that she’ll be spending the next few days getting acclimated to her new home before stepping outdoors.
• The 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony is taking place from 4-9 p.m. next Friday, Nov. 22. The free event kicks off the holiday season with stellar performances by national and local musical acts and figure skaters. There will also be food trucks, and unique lighting attractions across Downtown Detroit.
• Tickets are still available for Dave Chappelle and Killer Mike’s Still Talkin’ That Sh*t tour stop at the Fox Theatre tonight at 8 p.m.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

The city of Detroit is issuing an open call for a sculptor to create a new statue of Detroit legend Joe Louis.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The statue, which will be located alongside the Joe Louis Greenway, aims to highlight the iconic boxer’s life outside the ring.

Known as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Louis was a national hero who broke racial barriers in the sport. But some may not know that he also broke racial barriers in golf.

Louis played golf in the mid 1930s and became a major supporter of the United Golf Association. He was the first African American to play in a PGA sanctioned event.

“In Detroit, we celebrate the contributions Detroiters have made to the city and to the world, and Joe Louis is one of our greatest examples,” said Mayor Mike Duggan in a statement.  “It’s only fitting that a statue reflecting his accomplishments outside of boxing grace the magnificent greenway being built in his honor.”

The new Joe Louis statue is just one of many public arts projects led by the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) to highlight Detroit’s rich Black history.

Artists interested in applying for the statue commission must send a packet of their work to Detroit ACE by Monday, Nov. 11. A selection committee made up of community members, artists, members of the Louis family and business owners will choose the artist, and the statue will be unveiled in August 2025.

For more details on how to apply, visit detroitmi.gov.

Other headlines for Friday, Nov. 1, 2024:

• Election day is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and the city of Detroit is putting in extra work to ensure that the election is secured.
• “Candlelight: The Best of Han Zimmer” — a live, multi-sensory musical experience featuring music from “Inception,” “The Lion King,” “Interstellar” and more — is coming to Christ Church Detroit on Saturday, Nov. 2 for two shows.
• The 2024 All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping Experience & Food Truck Rally is taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, in Sheds 3, 4 and 5 at Eastern Market.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison has been named interim Detroit police chief on Friday to replace Chief James White who is stepping down.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Bettison spent 27 years with the police department and had been second in command to White — overseeing police-community relations and administrative functions — before moving to City Hall.

“I hate to lose him as deputy mayor, but this job is so critical that I’m just so pleased we had somebody ready to step in,” Mayor Mike Duggan said of the police chief’s position.

Duggan appointed Bettison deputy mayor.

A national search will be held to fill the chief’s job permanently.

“I expect interim Chief Bettison to compete in a process against the best in the country and we will see what comes out of that process,” Duggan said.

Bettison said that’s his plan.

“I’m definitely here to compete,” he told reporters during Friday’s announcement. “I truly believe that I am the best individual for the role of permanent chief with having been here.”

White earlier announced he was stepping down to take over as chief executive of Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. White has been an advocate for programs addressing mental health.

The mayor named White chief in 2021, replacing James Craig who retired after seven years. White had been chair of Michigan’s Civil Rights Commission. He joined the police department in 1996 and left in 2020 to take the Civil Rights Commission post.

Bettison was hired by the police department in 1994. He rose from patrol officer to sergeant and then lieutenant in a few short years. He later was promoted to inspector, captain, commander and, in 2017, deputy chief.

Reporting by Corey Williams, Associated Press

Other headlines for Friday, Oct. 25, 2024:

• The “Rolling to the Polls” early voting festival is coming to Detroit from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Heilmann Recreation Center. Attendees of the event, hosted by Action Network, will have opportunities to learn more about what’s on the ballot, learn more about the importance of voting, cast their vote early.
• The home of civil rights leader Malcolm X will be opened as a museum and a vocational technical center next year. The house, located on 4336 Williams St. in Inkster, was built in the 1950s and has sat vacant and dilapidated in more recent years.
• The Shadow Gallery Detroit will host Halloween Freaknik starting at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, featuring spooky entertainment, a costume contest with a $1,000 grand prize and more.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump have been making frequent trips to the battleground state of Michigan in efforts to increase their voter outreach. There has been a hyper focus on the Black vote in both Detroit (one of the Blackest cities in America) and in the country as a whole. But why is the Black vote so focused on?

This week on MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow sit done with renowned journalist and Detroit native, Jemele Hill to discuss the dynamics of the Black vote. 

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

In this episode:

• Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump making frequent trips to Michigan
• Why there is a hyper focus on the Black vote and not as much of a focus on the white vote
• How Michigan is viewed on a national scale

Hill brought up the hyper focus on the Black vote in media and how it appears unfair because no other voting group is treated the same.

“Nikole Hannah Jones, dynamite writer for the New York Times who brought the 1619 project, said, ‘Why are Black people the only group expected to have 100% loyalty to one party?’ Why don’t we ever have the conversation about how 50% of white voters haven’t voted for a Democratic presidential nominee since Lyndon B Johnson,” Hill pointed out.  

She also highlighted how Governor Gretchen Whitmer has grown in popularity on a national scale because of her productivity. Hill, a Detroit native currently living in California, says that people aren’t aware of the trifecta in Michigan that has helped her be so impactful. She also said, from the outside looking in, that the Republican party appears fractured now in a surprising fashion.

Lastly, Hill pointed to the importance of the Senate race that she feels isn’t being focused on as much.

“The Senate races are probably 1A in terms of the importance in this national election,” she said.

Jemele Hill will continue to share her takes on politics and sports on her new political podcast, Spolitics.  

More from WDET:

• MichMash: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shares key points from her State of the State address
• Are Black voters in Detroit embracing Trump?
• Jemele Hill shares her journalistic journey in new memoir, ‘Uphill’

How do candidates feel as they get closer to election day? In this bonus episode from our Live in Lansing MichMash recording, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben talk with former speaker Jase Bolger and former minority leader Christine Greig. They discuss how each party is looking ahead of the election and the best way to connect with voters. 

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

In this episode

• Candidates sticking to their plan as they work towards election day.
• The best form of advertising to reach out to candidates.
• The outlook of the Democrats and Republicans on election day.

During this tail end of a race, Greig said the best bet for candidates is to stick to their original plan as much as possible and to deviate only when necessary.

“You have to stick to the plan. And it has to be data driven. You’re getting polling reports. You’re seeing ad spends… And so that’s driving a lot of your decisions. It’s constant data coming in and trying to adjust from that,” she said.  

When it comes to advertisements, Bolger said the best form of advertisement is going door to door.

“I think a lot of people are making a decision on the State or House level because they know somebody, they like somebody or they met somebody, far more than they can quote their position on any single issue,” he said.

Greig added that digital marketing is having a lasting impact as well.

The general election takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. For the latest election information, visit WDET’s Voter Guide at wdet.org/voterguide.

More from WDET:

• MichMash: Live from Lansing
• Metro Detroiters lay out the issues and candidates shaping their vote
• As Michiganders vote for president, many are guided by their concerns about the economy

Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are campaigning in metro Detroit today.

The visits come before in-person voting begins in Detroit this weekend.

Harris joined a national radio show broadcast from Detroit earlier this week. The Democratic nominee will be stumping in Grand Rapids and Lansing on Friday, before finishing with an event in Oakland County.

She’s expected to be in Detroit on Saturday for the start of early in-person voting.

Harris needs a strong turnout from the typically Democratic stronghold, where Trump has tried to make inroads.

He’ll be in Oakland County as well on Friday for a roundtable discussion, before heading to a rally at Detroit’s Huntington Place — a convention center Trump falsely claimed was the site of massive voter fraud in 2020.

The general election is taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. For the latest election information, visit WDET’s Voter Guide at wdet.org/voterguide.

Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter, WDET

More headlines for Friday, Oct. 18, 2024:

• Million Muslim Votes, Black Muslim Leadership Council and Dream of Detroit are hosting Muslim Vote Fest 2024, a get out to vote rally, from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Jam Handy in Detroit.
• The Black Political Power Tour, hosted by Capital B, is taking place at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at Spot Lite Detroit, featuring vital discussions about the political landscape of Black Detroit, networking opportunities and more.
• Monster’s Ball, Detroit’s largest annual Halloween event, is coming to the Russell Industrial Center in Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 19, featuring live music, food trucks, and a variety of unique costumes.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

As the election season comes to an end, both Democrats and Republicans are ramping up their messaging to reach out to voters. In a special LIVE edition of our weekly series, MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discussed these matters at Urban Beat in Lansing. They sat down with Andrea Bitely, founder of Bitely Communications, and Josh Hovey, partner at Martin Waymire, to discuss the strategy from both parties.

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

In this episode:

• Political messaging in the last month before the general election
• Republican and Democratic strategies for voter outreach
• Which way voters are leaning coming Election Day

Bitely shared how she has personally been getting inundated with waves of messaging from both sides on the hot topics that take over the national headlines, like the topic of abortion. She expressed her fatigue over the amount of messaging about how the election would affect abortion rights.

“To be frank, I want to know more about what these candidates are saying. I have a uterus and she is lovely but I also have a brain and a pocketbook and I drive a car on our roads. I want to know what else the candidates have to say about the world around us.” Bitely said. 

Hovey explained how that type of political messaging is aimed at trying to sway voters — especially those that are still undecided.

“It is about segmenting that small portion of the electorate that can be motivated. This year margins are expected to be razor thin,” said Hovey. “Every little bit has to count and has to be well targeted.”

The general election is taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. For the latest election information, visit WDET’s Voter Guide at wdet.org/voterguide.

• Worker groups say minimum wage proposal could drive voter turnout
• MichMash: Is the Michigan Democratic Party doing enough to attract Black voters?
• Slotkin, Rogers debate EVs, abortion in first faceoff

Tonight on the Detroit Evening Report, we cover the backlash former President Donald Trump is getting for insulting Detroit during his speech to the Detroit Economic Club Thursday; a chance to see WDET’s MichMash podcast live next week and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Trump insults Detroit

Michigan officials and leaders are reacting to comments former President Donald Trump made about the city of Detroit during a campaign speech to the Detroit Economic Club on Thursday. During the event at MotorCity Casino & Hotel, Trump said that if Kamala Harris becomes president, the whole country will end up like Detroit.

“Our whole country will end up being like Detroit if she’s your president. You’re going to have a mess on your hands,” the Republican presidential nominee said.

Many officials and community members took offense to the comments and responded accordingly. Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield in an Instagram post said she found it “deeply disappointing to hear these uniformed remarks. Detroit is a city of strength….of perseverance…of progress…of grit…and our community has worked so extremely hard to overcome challenges and we’ve seen incredible growth.”

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Detroit officials are encouraging individuals and businesses to stay safe online. Cybersecurity highlights the growth of individuals and businesses to take important cybersecurity steps every day to secure your information. The city is encouraging all individuals to take the following steps to increase their protection: Use strong passwords, turn on multi-factor authentication, update software, and recognize and report fraudulent activity online.

Cider in the City 

Starting this Saturday, Oct.12 — and for the next two weekends — Cider in the City is back in Detroit’s Beacon Park. There will be fresh hot cider, pumpkins, caramel apples and other fall staples provided by Blake Farms. Visit ciderinthecity.com for more information.

MichMash Live!

Fans of WDET’s MichMash podcast will have the opportunity to see MichMash LIVE on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Urban Beat in Lansing. The live taping, held in partnership with Gongwer News Service, is also part of WDET’s Smart Politics discussion series about the 2024 election. Come and listen to Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben from Gongwer and Cheyna Roth from WDET share their insights and interview guests about all things politics as the November election nears. Reserve your spot today at wdet.org/events.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.