President Donald Trump has paused auto tariffs on vehicles imported from Canada and Mexico for one month.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt made the announcement Wednesday afternoon.

“We spoke with the Big Three auto dealers. We are going to give a one-month extension on any autos coming through [the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement],” she said. “Reciprocal tariffs will still go into effect on April 2, but at the request of the companies associated with USMCA, the president is giving them an exemption for one month, so they are not at an economic disadvantage.” 

Trump spoke with representatives of General Motors, Ford and Stellantis this week. He imposed 25% tariffs Tuesday on imports from Canada and Mexico, including vehicles. 

Those taxes would have eventually raised car and truck prices for Americans by thousands of dollars. 

Other headlines for Wednesday, March 5, 2025:

• Detroit officials will present $300,000 in grants Wednesday night for legacy businesses in the city as part of a new initiative to support small businesses, called the Detroit Legacy Business Project.
• Lafayette Coney Island has reopened after passing inspection by the City of Detroit. The legendary downtown Detroit restaurant had been closed since late January because of health code violations.
• The exterior of the new Hudson’s Detroit building has been completed after builders say the last external panel of glass was installed Tuesday.
• Gas prices in Detroit are under $3 per gallon for the first time in a while, according to AAA Michigan. Analysts say lower crude oil prices have contributed to the trend, but gas prices could rise in coming weeks because of tariffs on imports from Canada. 

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

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her seventh State of the State address at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

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She’s expected to outline her administration’s plans for the next year in the address, covering key topics like her plans for job growth, lowering costs and improving the state’s roads. 

Whitmer initially campaigned on the theme “Fix The Damn Roads,” but critics complain that there’s been only marginal improvements in recent years. 

The address will be held in the Michigan House Chambers in front of a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate, and will be broadcast live throughout the state.

“Michigan is a state on the move as we continue working together to create good-paying jobs, fix our roads, and invest in our students and schools,” Whitmer said in a statement. “I look forward to delivering my 2025 State of the State Address where I will lay out my plan to build on our years of strong, bipartisan progress and strategic, fiscally responsible leadership.”

Tune in to WDET 101.9 FM or stream the address live at wdet.org to hear Whitmer’s full remarks and the Republican response, or watch the livestream below.

More headlines for Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025:

• Motorists throughout metro Detroit are preparing for the closure of eastbound I-696 in the city’s northern suburbs. The freeway will be closed between I-75 and Lahser Road starting on Saturday. This phase of the reconstruction project is expected to last two years.
• The Great Lakes Water Authority is seeking a rate increase for water and sewer service. The agency is holding a public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, on Zoom and in person at the Water Board Building, 735, Randolph St., Detroit, to discuss the rate increase request.
• The city of Detroit has announced the grand opening of 86 new affordable housing units in the area near Woodward between downtown and Midtown.
• Officials from the Detroit Lions are in Indianapolis this week for the NFL Combine, an event that gives the league’s 32 teams a chance to review hundreds of college players in advance of the April draft.

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

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Detroit City Council’s appointment of Todd Bettison as the city’s top cop; the passing of former Detroit Police Chief Stanley Knox and more.

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Bettison approved as new police chief

Detroit City Council on Tuesday approved Todd Bettison as Detroit’s new chief of police. Bettison had served as interim chief over the past few months as a search took place for a permanent leader of the department. He was named Detroit’s Deputy Mayor in 2022.  Prior to that, Bettison had a 27- year career with the DPD — retiring as assistant chief of police. Former Detroit Police Chief James White left in October to become the new head of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. 

Funeral planned for former Detroit police chief

Former Detroit Police Chief Stanley Knox, who served as the city’s top cop from 1991 until 1994, died on Friday at the age of 85. Knox was named chief in the wake of a scandal, after then-Chief William Hart was indicted for embezzlement in 1991. Knox had a 28–year long career with the Detroit Police Department. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church at 11359 Dexter in Detroit.

Flood clean up continues in Southwest Detroit

Clean up efforts continue in Southwest Detroit, where a large water main break on Monday caused flooding that damaged homes and vehicles and displaced around 80 families. The Great Lakes Water Authority says it has removed the water at the source of the break, where a 12-foot section of the pipe will need to be replaced. The timeline for completing repairs and returning the main to service is expected to be about two weeks. The city of Detroit is offering hotels for those who were displaced. Residents impacted by the water main break can call 313-774-5261 to get connected to emergency resources. 

Detroit Auto Show announces 2026 dates

The Detroit Auto Show has just released the 2026 dates for the event, Jan. 14-25. The auto show returned to its traditional January time slot this year — after a pause for the pandemic — and then trying some summer dates. Organizers say attendance was much lower this year than in 2019 — the last January show. Approximately 275,000 people came to the show this year, according to organizers. That’s about a third of pre-pandemic numbers. The event generated $370 million in economic impact for the city.   Next year’s charity preview is scheduled to take place on Friday, Jan. 16.

Gas prices hold steady

Gas prices in metro Detroit are essentially remaining steady this week. The average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is $3.13 per gallon. That’s two cents less expensive than a week ago, and five cents cheaper than last month at this time.  

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

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover an incoming snow storm headed for metro Detroit, share some winter safety tips and more.

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Detroiters brace for snowstorm

Detroiters are preparing for lots of snowfall overnight. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Detroit until 7 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters say Detroit will see heavy snow — between 4-7 inches — and possibly a light glaze of ice. Travel could be hazardous for those commuting Wednesday night and Thursday morning in areas of Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, according to the advisory.

AAA Michigan shares winter safety tips

AAA Michigan says there are a few things you can do to prepare your vehicle for a heavy snowfall. Some items you probably already have, like a snow brush and ice scraper to clear your windows. But you should also have a snow shovel in the car, salt, sand, rock salt or kitty litter to give you extra traction if you need it, as well as gloves, hats and blankets to keep warm if you get stuck, the agency reports. Jumper cables, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and snacks are good things to have in the car year-round. 

American Heart Association warns of snow shoveling risks

The American Heart Association is reminding folks that shoveling snow can be dangerous.  The organization says there’s an increased risk of having a heart attack for some people after shoveling heavy snow. Research says strenuous activity in cold weather can raise blood pressure, while at the same time constricting the arteries. The Heart Association says if you have chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness or an irregular heartbeat, stop shoveling immediately. If those symptoms don’t go away shortly after you stop, call 911. 

City officials address freezing death of 2 children in casino parking lot

The city of Detroit is working to make sure residents know about resources available for the homeless after two children — ages 2 and 9 — froze to death inside a van parked at the Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The mother of the children, who was struggling with homelessness, reportedly reached out to the city at least three times for help.  Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan held a news conference on Tuesday to address the tragedy, saying having resources for the homeless doesn’t mean very much if residents don’t know how to access them. 

“It’s a terrible day in Detroit as we deal with the tragic loss of two young people, and it’s gotta make us rethink everything that we’re doing,” he said. “The heartbreaking thing of this is that there were shelter beds available just a few miles away.”  

Gas prices steady in metro Detroit

Metro Detroit gas prices are remaining steady for the week, according to AAA Michigan. The price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is $3.15. That’s up just a penny from last week at this time. That price is about seven cents higher than last month. 

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

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, Detroiters should get ready for an icy commute tomorrow morning. Plus, a local broadcast legend has died.

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Winter Weather Advisory issued

Detroiters should prepare for a rough commute tomorrow morning — Thursday, Feb. 6. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Detroit and areas west and south of the city from 10 p.m. tonight until 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Forecasters say light snow will hit the region tonight, then turn to freezing rain overnight. The city could see up to a 10th of an inch of ice, which will cover anything left outside. That includes cars, roadways, trees and power lines. The additional weight of ice could cause tree limbs to snap or electrical lines to come down.

Roads will be exceptionally slippery in the morning, especially those that have not been salted yet. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time to get to work tomorrow morning. Reduce your driving speed and leave lots of extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you, because stopping distances increase dramatically on ice.

ACRL and NAACP to meet

The Arab-American Civil Rights League and the NAACP are holding a public meeting tomorrow, Feb. 6, to discuss recent challenges to their constituencies. The organizations have been dealing with the effects of executive orders signed by President Trump in recent days. Those orders have dealt with issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the federal government, and increased enforcement of immigration laws. The event is scheduled to take place tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center. That’s at 18100 Meyers in Detroit.

Auto Show attendance dwindles

The Detroit Auto Show released its attendance figures today. The event attracted 275,000 people over its 11 days. That’s down significantly from pre-pandemic attendance figures. The last January auto show was in 2019, attracting more than 774,000 visitors.

The event has been postponed some years, and moved to warmer dates in other years since then. Organizers decided to return the show to January this year. They say this year’s event generated up to $370 million for the local economy. The annual charity preview event brought in $1.7 million for local nonprofits. 

Egg prices rise

The cost of eggs is rising around the country and Detroit is no exception. Millions of chickens have been killed by avian influenza — also known as bird flu — limiting egg production in the country. The problem has caused product shortages, raising prices. Here in Detroit, that trend is showing up in higher prices in many locations including, for some, McDonald’s breakfast items. 

Gas prices lower

Metro Detroit gas prices are down slightly this week. The average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is $3.14 per gallon. That’s down two cents from last week, but is three cents higher than a month ago. AAA says the national average gas price is $3.12 per gallon. 

Reporter Al Allen dead

We end today’s episode with a sad note. We just got word this morning that Fox 2 reporter Al Allen has died. He was 79 years old.

Allen began his Detroit television reporting at Fox 2 in 1984. He worked for the station for 30 years, retiring in 2013. Before that, he worked at several Detroit radio stations, telling residents the news they needed to know. Allen was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2021. 

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

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover local activist groups’ efforts to share resources for immigrants amid the Trump administration’s mass deportation effort; U.S. Sen. Gary Peters’ announcement that he won’t seek reelection next year and more.

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Immigrants urged to ‘know your rights’

Immigrant activists and nonprofit groups in Detroit are reminding undocumented migrants that they still have rights. 

Community leaders, including Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero, held a news conference in Detroit on Wednesday to make sure residents know that fact. Federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE – have been rounding up undocumented migrants in locations around the country.  Activists are advising those sought by ICE – not to open their doors without proof of a warrant signed by a judge.   

Peters to retire from U.S. Senate

Michigan’s senior U.S. Senator says he’s not running for reelection next year.

Sen. Gary Peters told The Detroit News he’s looking forward to some new activities.  Peters was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014. Before that he served three terms in the U.S. House.  His decision means a U.S. Senate seat, the Michigan governor’s office and several other key state positions will all be up for grabs in the same year. Many potential candidates are expected to express their interest in the Senate seat in the months ahead.   

Detroit reminds residents of available tax credits

The city of Detroit is advising residents to make sure they claim the tax credits they’re entitled to. Officials held a news conference Wednesday morning to get the message out. Key credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.  Both can be used to reduce the taxes residents owe if they qualify. 

Mary Sheffield to hold District 5 meeting

City Council President Mary Sheffield is holding a District 5 meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, at the Joseph Walker Recreation Center, 8531 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit.  The gathering will give residents an opportunity to meet district representatives and discuss key plans and budget priorities for the year.  

Detroit continues police chief search

The Detroit Police Department will continue the process of finding a new police chief this week. The Board of Police Commissioners is scheduled to hold public interviews of five candidates on Thursday. Only one of those candidates is currently working in the Detroit Police Department. BridgeDetroit reports that three of the candidates have faced lawsuits or internal investigations into misconduct. The Board of Police Commissioners meeting takes place at 3 p.m Thursday at Laborers’ International Union Local 1191, 2161 West Grand Blvd., Detroit.  Residents can also watch the meeting via Zoom. 

GM reports loss in fourth quarter

General Motors says it lost nearly$3 billion in the last three months of 2024.  The Detroit automaker blames much of that loss on the Chinese auto market – where competition from Chinese companies has stiffened. Despite the quarterly loss – GM beat Wall Street analysts’ expectations.  The company brought in $47.7 billion in revenue in the October to December period. 

Detroit Lions hire John Morton 

The NFL Network is reporting that John Morton has been hired as the Detroit Lions new offensive coordinator. He’s been with the Denver Broncos for the past two seasons — but did work with the Lions in 2022 as a senior offensive assistant. Morton will replace Ben Johnson who was touted as one of the major forces behind the Lions’ powerful offense this season. Johnson has been hired as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears. 

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