Shutting down the federal government was a matter of principle for U.S. Senate Democrats back in October.

Tens of thousands of federal workers were furloughed. Air traffic controllers were forced to work without pay. The Trump Administration fought in court to reduce SNAP food assistance.

Tax credits tied to plans through the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, were set to expire, and without them premiums were set to skyrocket. That was unacceptable to most Democrats, who wanted to leverage the shutdown to extend healthcare subsidies.

This week, seven Democrats and one independent changed their strategy and voted to end the shutdown.

They received only a promise of a vote on the ACA tax credits and assurances that federal workers fired by the Trump Administration would be rehired.

In the meantime, people are receiving notice that their premiums are going up. In Michigan, insurers are ending coverage for people through Obamacare. That could leave as many as 200,000 people in the state without coverage.

Michigan U.S. Senator Gary Peters voted to keep the government closed. He thinks it’s going to get worse unless those ACA tax credits are restored.

“Nationally, well over 20 million people are seeing large increases in their health care estimates, somewhere around 10 million will lose their health care coverage as a result,” Peters said.

Peters says he would like the Democrats who capitulated and voted to end the shutdown to speak for themselves.

“I know that they were focused on working on health care costs, but we’re also concerned about the cost of the shutdown itself,” Peters said. “Certainly government employees who had been going without a check for quite some time, which puts a real strain on our families.”

A failure of leadership?

Many Democratic voters—and some Democratic politicians—view the ending of the shutdown as a betrayal of trust and the latest instance where the party refuses to follow through on a promise.

Peters disagrees this was a failure of leadership.

“We don’t work for Chuck Schumer,” Peters said. “Every Senator represents the people in their state. I work for the people in Michigan, and my colleagues around the country work for the people in their individual states, and they have to ultimately do what they think is right.”

The Epstein emails

The White House is scrambling following the release of a new batch of emails to and from rapist and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

The emails seem to implicate that President Donald Trump was aware of Epstein’s crimes, and that the president maintained a relationship with the disgraced financier well into his first term in office.

Epstein died in federal custody in 2019.

After promising on the campaign trail to release all the evidence collected in Epstein’s prosecution, the Trump Administration has backed off that pledge.

Peters says the American public needs to see all of the documents.

“Bottom line, I think there’s enough information out now that raises so many questions that have to be answered that we need to see the release of all of the documents,” Peters said.

Earlier this year, the Trump Administration moved Epstein co-conspirator Ghislane Maxwell to a minimum-security prison.

Both of Michigan’s U.S. Senators voted against a procedural move to end the federal government shutdown.

Seven Democrats and one independent joined Republicans last night, taking the first step toward funding the government. GOP Senators agreed to hold a vote next month on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. The deal does not guarantee they’ll be renewed. Democratic senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters say promising to hold a vote on the issue isn’t good enough.

The compromise would reverse the mass firings that took place when the shutdown began and ensure federal workers get back pay.  

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller  

Additional headlines from Monday, November 10, 2025

Supreme Court order blocks SNAP payments

On Saturday the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition from issuing full payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This pauses benefits for 42 million Americans, including many children and the elderly.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director, Elizabeth Hertel, says she is disappointed by the move. MDHHS began sending out full payments on Thursday, however the new order prevents the department from finalizing payments for Michigan residents who have not yet received their payments for November.

To fill the gap, Governor Whitmer announced an additional $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to feed families including food delivery services for families who are unable to visit a food bank. Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org to find assistance. 

Last week, the city of Detroit launched a network of food pantries map with 85 certified food pantries. Mayor Mike Duggan says the city authorized $1.75 million for the project. People can visit detroitmi.gov to find a location near them.  

Catholic Charities provide hunger relief

Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan is providing emergency relief while SNAP benefits are in limbo for 1.4 million families in Michigan.   

People can drop into the Center for the Works of Mercy on 10301 Woodward Ave in Detroit on Thursdays between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays beginning Nov. 22nd through Dec. 6th between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  

According to DetroitCatholic.com, the city of Detroit donated food from Forgotten Harvest to support the center.

The Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan are also asking people to donate unexpired AND nonperishable food on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or provide monetary donations. The group is matching donations up to $20,000 thanks to an anonymous donor. The center is also looking for volunteers.  

MSU study brings solar panels and farming together 

Michigan State University researchers are building an outdoor laboratory to see if solar panels can improve crop production for farmers.

Anthony Kendall is an Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at MSU. He says the project involves researchers from different fields who can offer a variety of perspectives. 

“There’s a real asymmetry of solar installation information that exists right now. And we hope by doing open science with a lot of community feedback, to really just provide better information to everyone.”

He says they’ll also use the project to teach farmers how to use solar panels in under-producing areas of farm fields. The project is funded by a $3.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation.  

MDOT regulations

The Michigan Department of Transportation is still collecting public comment on a set of proposed regulations that could put parameters on how people can protest on MDOT owned roads.

The new rules would require protestors to get a permit before occupying an area such as an overpass or rest stop. MDOT’s Engineer Greg Losch said on the podcast “Talking Michigan Transportation” that the rules are a response to complaints from the public.  

“We’ll be responding to the public complaint, like, ‘hey, I stopped at whatever rest area and someone asked me to sign a petition and I don’t really want to be solicited for that. Why why are you allowing this, MDOT?’” 

Losch said the regulations intend to ensure public safety. Activists argue that this is an infringement of First Amendment rights. MDOT will be accepting public comments on its website through November 20th.  

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. 

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has directed its SNAP EBT vendor to start issuing full benefits to recipients pending delivery from the federal government. This all comes after a district judge ordered the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to issue full SNAP benefits by today, Friday Nov. 7.

According to the MDHHS, SNAP recipients who usually receive benefits on the 3rd, 5th , or 7th of each month should get their full SNAP allotment within 48 hours of the state receiving their funds. This news comes as the Trump administration is asking a federal appeals court to block a judge’s order to distribute November’s full SNAP food benefits during the government shutdown.

This is all going down as some states are moving to take care of low-income residents. The court back and forth has created uncertainty in the food program services that serves 1 in 8 Americans. Approximately 1.4 million people in Michigan are on SNAP.

Additional headlines from Friday, November 7, 2025

DDOT drivers get raise

The City of Detroit and the Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26 agreed on a new contract to give DDOT bus operators a $6 per hour wage increase.

Pending approval from the City Council, more than 500 operators will now have start and maximum base wages in line with what SMART bus service currently offers their drivers. There are even incentives for good attendance and safety.

In addition to those improvements, drivers will also receive an annual cost of living increase each July 1st during their contract. This new contract will be submitted to Detroit City Council for approval before the Council meetings end for the year.

Sports update

The Detroit Lions try to bounce back from their loss against the Vikings last week as they look to face the Commanders Sunday afternoon. The Commanders will be without starting Quarterback Jayden Daniels who suffered an elbow injury. The Lions are hoping to build and get their offense going after struggling as of late. Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. at Northwest Stadium.

The Red Wings face off against the team from my home state, The New York Rangers. Game starts at 7:00pm at Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings then play against the Chicago Blackhawks also at Little Caesars Arena NBA The Pistons go agains the Brooklyn Nets Tonight at the Barclays. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. and then they stay on the road to face the 76ers on Sunday Nov. 9 at the Wells Fargo Center.

All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping

And this Sunday November 9th you get the chance to experience the event titled All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping. This unique marketplace is taking place at Eastern Market Sheds 3,4, and 5.

Small businesses from all across Detroit will come through with interesting items to purchase right on time for the holiday season. For more information go to allthingsmarketplace.com.

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The City of Detroit launched a network of food pantries yesterday to help residents who normally rely on benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. 

The program, also sometimes called food stamps, has not been fully funded since Nov. 1 because of the federal government shutdown.  Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration has created a map of 85 certified food pantries.

“This is now live at DetroitMI.gov.  You can see the 85 sites.  Some are open one day a week.  Some are open five or six days a week.  And so you can go on the website, click on the one in your area that’s closest to you…and for example you can see this one gives you the address.” 

Duggan is also asking for volunteers to help hand out food to residents in need.  He says the plan should be feasible for the next two weeks. The city has authorized $1.75 million for the project.  

There’s no word on when the government shutdown might end. 

Additional headlines from Thursday, November 6, 2025

Chrysler recall
Chrysler is recalling 320,000 Jeep plug-in hybrid vehicles because of a battery problem that could cause them to catch fire. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the recall affects Jeep Wranglers from the 2020- 2025 model years and Jeep Grand Cherokees from the 2022-2026 model years.  Owners are advised to park the vehicles away from structures and not to plug them in. 

A repair for the problem has not yet been found.  There are reports of 19 fires and one injury possibly connected to the issue. 

DIA workers unionize

Employees at the Detroit Institute of Arts have formed the DIA Workers United union. It’s in partnership with with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Culture Workers United Division.  The division of the union also represents workers at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The DIA Union campaign says it’s seeking “a fair, transparent, and respectful workplace that aligns with the values the museum shares with the community.” DIA representatives said in a statement they are supportive of the union, and respect the workers legal right to unionize. 

Last day to apply for Homeowners Property Exemption

Tomorrow is the deadline for homeowners to apply for the Homeowners Property Exemption – or HOPE – program. Those who qualify can received up 100% exemption on their property taxes for the current year.

Applications will also be taken for the 2024 tax year as well. Last year, over 10,000 homeowners received reductions on their taxes ranging from 10% to 100%. To see if you qualify or to apply visit detroit.mi.gov/hope. You can also visit city hall Friday, November 7th between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 

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

It’s Election Day, and voters in Detroit will have a new mayor and city council members.

Dearborn voters decide whether to keep Mayor Abdullah Hammoud or elect Nagi Almudhegi, and whether to change how city council members are elected.

Hamtramck will have a new mayor. The city’s former Mayor Amer Ghalib was nominated by President Trump to be Ambassador to Kuwait. Pontiac voters choose between Kermit Williams, Mike McGuinness and a couple of write-in candidates to lead their city.

Some cities also vote to fund schools, parks and public safety. 

Additional headlines from Tuesday, November 4, 2o25

Full SNAP funding stalled in federal government shutdown

People lined up in the rain at a food pantry in Pontiac Monday as SNAP benefits were set to run out.

Forced by a court order, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released some money for the federal food assistance program. Full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is unavailable due to the ongoing government shutdown. 

Speaking at Lighthouse, a non-profit food pantry in Pontiac, Michigan U.S. Senator Gary Peters says he doesn’t understand why Republicans are willing to have people starve as a part a negotiation tactic. “Why there’s suddenly this turn to now cut these funds off and make people hungry? I think is outrageous, and the American public needs to speak out about that.” 

In the new budget to fund the federal government, Republican leadership—and President Trump—want to make more cuts to social safety net programs and governmental agencies. Democrats have refused to sign off on a compromise bill that doesn’t include a continuation of tax breaks for people on Medicaid. 

Health care advocates raise alarm on rising insurance rates

Health care advocates worry that rising Affordable Care Act insurance rates may put the health of tens of thousands of Michigan residents at risk. More than a half million people in the state get their coverage through the ACA marketplace. But rates for next year are jumping by double digit percentages. 

Doctor Aisha Harris practices family medicine in Flint. She fears many of her patients will drop their coverage because they can’t afford it. “I know what America’s health status is and it’s not as healthy as people think. And so this is going to be detrimental to like how we’re thriving as a country because now people can’t take care of themselves.”

Democrats want Congress to restore the tax credit that reduced prices in the ACA system as part of a deal to reopen the federal government. Republicans say they are willing to negotiate, but only after Democrats vote to end the shutdown. 

MDHSS encourages COVID vaccinations

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging people to get their COVID shots this fall.

COVID-19 shots are recommended for all infants 6–23 months, and kids ages 2–18 years old, all pregnant women, and adults between 18 and 50—especially for those with any risk factors, including those who have never been vaccinated before.

COVID-19 vaccines are available at local health departments for free of charge to Michigan residents. 

Local organization makes soup weekly 

Together We Eat will offer soups made from local ingredients to the community on Fridays throughout November.

The event is presented by the East Warren Development Corp in response to SNAP benefit cuts. Soup, bread and water will be provided from 4-6 p.m. at the East Warren Kitchen at16835 E Warren Ave.  

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Hunger isn’t inevitable. The United States has the tools to prevent it — but during this historic shutdown, millions of Americans have been left waiting to see if those tools will be used.

In Michigan, more than 1.4 million people rely on SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), to buy food each month. Most are children, seniors, or people living with disabilities.

When the federal government shutdown froze November benefits, families across the state faced growing uncertainty about how they would put food on the table.

Contingency funds released after court rulings

Late last week, two federal judges ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use 5 billion in contingency funds to continue SNAP payments.

On the Monday deadline, the Trump administration announced it would comply, but it would pay out half the amount recipients typically receive. Officials warn the solution is temporary. If the shutdown continues, December SNAP funding and other safety-net programs could again be in jeopardy.

Broader impacts across Michigan

Even with food aid partially restored, the shutdown is rippling through daily life.

• Federal workers and contractors have gone weeks without paychecks.

• Housing vouchers, heating assistance, and childcare subsidies face processing delays.

• Head Start programs risk closures in several states.

• Small-business loans, IRS services, and passport processing remain slowed or suspended 

Those disruptions can be just as destabilizing for families living close to the edge as lost food aid.

This is especially true in places like Michigan’s 12th District, which covers Detroit, Dearborn, Inkster, and downriver communities. These areas are shaped by working-class families, new immigrants, and people living paycheck to paycheck.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, representing the 12th District, joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to discuss these reverberations.

The discussion also turned to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and how it is reshaping politics with people like New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who, like Tlaib, has been outspoken about the crisis and U.S. foreign aid priorities. His advocacy, and the movement around him, highlight a generational push inside the Democratic Party for a more value-driven, intersectional approach to policymaking, one that connects international issues to struggles faced by working class communities in cities like Detroit.

For updates or emergency food aid, residents can visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Food Assistance page or call 2-1-1.

Editor’s Note: This conversation aired shortly before the Trump administration announced it would comply with court order and use contingency money to fund SNAP.

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

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More stories from The Metro

Update: Just hours after this segment aired, the Michigan Senate passed a measure that would put $71 million toward food assistance. Supporters say it wouldn’t take effect by Nov. 1 or cover all SNAP benefits, but it would help food banks bridge the gap in the meantime. The measure still needs approval from the House. (Reporting by Colin Jackson, MPRN)

The politics of food is personal, especially now.

It’s day 30 of the federal government shutdown, and key programs are grinding to a halt. One such program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps more than 40 million Americans keep food on the table.

In Michigan, roughly 1.4 million residents rely on those benefits to stretch their grocery budgets. The federal pause means November’s payments could be delayed — a disruption that would ripple through the entire food system. Families will face the prospect of empty dinner tables, while local grocers, food co-ops, and urban farms brace for reduced spending. 

In Detroit, one person working to keep the city’s food systems healthy amid the uncertainty is Amanda Brezzell, co-founder and creative director of Fennigan’s Farms, an urban agriculture and community design studio devoted to food access, sustainability, and resilience.

Brezzell joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to describe what she’s hearing from residents and what advocates are doing in real time.

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

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

More stories from The Metro

Update: Just hours after this segment aired, the Michigan Senate passed a measure that would put $71 million toward food assistance. Supporters say it wouldn’t take effect by Nov. 1 or cover all SNAP benefits, but it would help food banks bridge the gap in the meantime. The measure still needs approval from the House. (Reporting by Colin Jackson, MPRN)

The federal shutdown has migrated from Washington to the dinner tables of Michigan families.

The federal shutdown began October 1, after Congress failed to pass a new budget to fund government operations. The stalemate centers on disputes over spending levels and policy riders, including aid to Ukraine and domestic program cuts. In the meantime, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned states that November SNAP benefits may be delayed. If nothing changes, families could find no new funds on their EBT cards when the month begins.

In Michigan, roughly 1.4 million people—about one in seven residents— rely on the aid once known as food stamps to help cover groceries.

State leaders are scrambling. 

In Lansing, Democrats are drafting a short-term plan: one option would front limited state dollars to keep benefits flowing or to bolster food banks until Congress and the White House break the stalemate. 

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks is at the center of that push, pressing federal officials to move faster even as the USDA says it won’t tap contingency funds for November. 

She is pointing blame at Republicans because they control Congress, calling this impending crisis “a weaponization of hunger.”

In a conversation with The Metro’s Robyn Vincent, Brinks discussed Michigan’s next steps, and the need for federal action to keep dinner on the table.

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

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More stories from The Metro

There are just a few days left until Detroit’s municipal elections take place.  Early voting began last Saturday. 

The two candidates for mayor, City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch,  are scheduled to take part in a forum Thursday at the Detroit Economic Club.  That’s expected to be their last meeting before next week’s election.  Each candidate will take the stage alone to answer a series of questions about their vision for the city. 

This event is not a debate. 

Additional headlines from Wednesday, October 29, 2025

SNAP benefits 

Food banks and pantries are preparing for a surge in demand if federal food aid is paused this weekend from the government shutdown.

The outlets were already struggling after federal program cuts this year. Now, SNAP benefits are set to pause Nov. 1. It’s the latest in a string of hardships placed on charitable food services. Food banks and pantries across the country are concerned about meeting the growing need left in the wake of that pause.

Some states are trying to fill the gap, but others lack resources to help. (AP) 

Ghalib Senate 

Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib is seeing some Senate opposition to his nomination to become U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait. 

President Trump nominated Ghalib earlier this year, but the discovery of social media posts criticizing Israel have pushed some Republican Senators to say they will not back his nomination in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 

Ghalib says he will not withdraw his name from consideration for the position. 

Arthur Murray Event 

City officials gathered on Detroit’s east side Wednesday to break ground on a new housing development. 

The project, called “The Arthur Murray”, will renovate a historic building in the East Warren-Cadieux area.  The long vacant building will be turned into affordable housing and commercial space. 

The renovated structure will include 32 apartments.   

Gas prices 

Detroiters are continuing to get a break at the gas pump.  The average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is $2.99 today.  That’s down a penny from last week and is 12 cents cheaper than last month at this time.

Analysts say the annual switch to winter blends of gasoline is helping to lower prices, as is reduced demand for gas as we approach the colder weather months. 

Hutchinson extension 

ESPN is reporting that the Detroit Lions have agreed to a huge contract extension with defensive end Aiden Hutchinson. 

The network’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the four-year deal is worth $180 million per season.  That’s one of the most lucrative contracts ever in the NFL for a non-quarterback position.  Hutchinson has six sacks in seven games this season after missing most of the 2024 season with a broken leg.  He’s considered one of the best pass rushers in the league. 

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Food stamps will not be available in Michigan next month.  

The state Department of Health and Humans Services says it’s been instructed by federal officials to pause the Snap benefits program in November as a result of funding gaps caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown.  Around 13% of Michigan households rely on Snap benefits—roughly 1.4 million residents. 

In a statement, the State of Michigan said the program will remained be paused until further notice. 

Additional headlines from Thursday, October 23, 2025

Hamtramck’s former Chief Altaheri allowed to resign, collect severance pay after lawsuit

Former Police Chief of Hamtramck Jamiel Altaheri has reached an agreement with the city that allows him to resign and receive five months of his salary as severance. His resignations is being back dated to August. 

Altaheri was the first Yemeni American and Muslim police chief in the city. Tensions between Altaheri and the former city manager led to an internal investigation. Allegations against Altaheri prompted him to sue the city. 

Eventually Altaheri agreed to drop the lawsuit, and resign instead of being fired.

Honorary street sign   

Community organization Dream of Detroit is asking for support from residents to get an honorary street sign for Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin on the corner of Davison Street and Woodrow Wilson Street on Detroit’s west side. 

 El-Amin was a prominent faith leader in Detroit and co-founder of the Muslim Center of Detroit. He died in March of 2023. Dream of Detroit is asking residents to give messages of support to city council at their next formal session, Tuesday October 28.  

Michigan Starters Coalition seeks to remove barriers for new entrepreneurs 

An entrepreneurial advocacy group Right to Start is launching the Michigan Starters Coalition. It’s a statewide initiative promoting entrepreneurship as a civic priority.

The group aims to educate lawmakers about removing barriers to starting and growing a business and increasing public awareness about how starting new businesses drives economic growth. To learn more visit righttostart.org/michiganstarters 

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