According to a Detroit Free Press report, Gov Gretchen Whitmer’s 2027 budget proposes $139.2 million dollars in fee increases. Some of these user fees for government services and licenses haven’t changed in decades.

There will be higher fees for things such as hunting, fishing licenses, boat registrations, and more. During her state of the state address, Whitmer asked Congress to pass her budget in June before the July 1st deadline.

Additional headlines for Friday, March 6, 2026

Sports updates

NBA

The Pistons fell to the Spurs again last night 106-121.

They hope to bounce back against the Brooklyn Nets tomorrow at Little Caesars arena. Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m.

NHL

The Red Wings face the Florida Panthers today at 7:00 p.m. as they try to climb back in the Atlantic division. They are currently sitting at 3rd place with 35 wins and 20 losses.

Club Soccer

Detroit City FC revealed their 2026 season uniforms during their organization event this week. This season’s kits draws inspiration from Detroit’s techno and electronic music scenes as well as the Detroit Red Wings.

The dark kit home uniforms are dark red to maintain the traditional La Rouge Theme, with red tonal wave pattern, gold numbers and white logos of the Spirit of Detroit. The light kit nearly copies a reversed version of last year’s home jersey, with maroon sleeves, salmon colored stripes, and maroon and taupe shorts.

To see their uniforms go to their website: detcityfc.com. You can start seeing these uniforms in action as the team kicks off their first match on Saturday, March 14 at Keyworth Stadium.

Free physical therapy clinic

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is hosting a free in clinic event on March 19, 2026 at 5 p.m. to celebrate their one year anniversary.

The centers offer personalized physical therapy, balance training, vestibular rehabilitation, and auto injury care. They are focused on evidence-based rehab to help patients recover faster and improve their overall mobility.

Attendees will receive 20% off some products at the event. The event will be held at 30770 Southfield Rd. in Southfield.

Daylight saving time

Daylight saving time is this Sunday, March 8. It’s the annual period when we “spring forward” and adjust our clocks one hour forward.

Daylight saving time occurs at 2 a.m., when local time instantly jumps to 3am. As part of the yearly ritual, the sunrise and sunset will be one hour later, we’ll have more light in the evening and a later sunrise in the morning.

The push to stop daylight saving time was approved by the US Senate in the 2022 Sunshine Protection Act but did not pass the House of Representatives. A 2023 version didn’t go anywhere in Congress as well.

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

Metro Detroiters are paying much more for gasoline than they did a few days ago.  The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in metro Detroit is $3.19 today—that’s up 6 cents from Tuesday, and 21 cents from a week ago.  

The war in Iran has dramatically pushed up the price of crude oil in the days since the U.S. and Israel first bombed Iran on Saturday.  And when the price of crude oil rises, the price of gasoline—which is made from crude oil—also rises.  Gas stations are also starting their annual change to the summer blend of fuel, which is more expensive. 

To save a little extra gas, remember to make sure your tires are at the proper air pressure, accelerate smoothly and avoid jack-rabbit starts and stops.  Take that extra junk out of your trunk so you’re not carrying excess weight and don’t buy premium gasoline unless your vehicle’s manufacturer requires it. 

Additional headlines from Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Whitsett not running for re-election 

State Representative Karen Whitsett says she’s not running for re-election this year.  The Detroit Democrat tells Gongwer News Service that her decision was based on her faith.  

Whitsett has missed several months of service in the State House.  She lost a primary for Detroit City Council last August.  Whitsett had caused political controversy during her term in office, often supporting Republican legislation.  

She says she will not run for any other political office in the future. 

Heidelberg Archives to be stored at Reuther Library 

The Heidelberg Project says it has begun a partnership with the Walter Reuther Library to store its archives.  

A news release says the collection includes planning files, photographs and organizational records among other material.  All of it will be permanently stored at the library, which is located on Wayne State University’s campus.  

The internationally-recognized art installation was founded in Detroit’s McDougall-Hunt neighborhood in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton. 

Cade Cunningham named Player of the Month 

Detroit Piston Cade Cunningham has been named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Month for February.   Cunningham averaged 25.4 points and 9.9 assists per game.  He was the top pick in the 2021 NBA draft. 

Knuckles traded to Houston 

The Detroit Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.  

Montgomery became a fan favorite—nicknamed Knuckles—after joining the Lions as a free agent in 2023.  He and Jahmyr Gibbs formed one of the best running back duos in the NFL.  But Montgomery’s productivity dipped last year as Gibbs got more opportunities to run the ball.  

As a result of the trade, Detroit received offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round draft pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick from Houston.  The Lions also freed up more than $3 million in salary cap space. 

The team missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2022.  They finished with a record of nine wins and eight losses. 

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

UAW Stellantis workers are reportedly disappointed because they are not getting profit sharing checks from 2025. This follows the company facing a multibillion dollar deficit last year. It’s also the first time Stellantis hasn’t provided a profit-sharing bonus since the recession.

The Big Three has faced obstacles because of tariff uncertainty, Electric vehicle whiplash, interest rates and more, but Ford and GM still provided a profit-sharing checks to their employees. Stellantis says that it expects 2026 and its expanding product wave to bring profitable growth in North America.

Additional headlines for Friday, Feb. 27, 2016

Personnel shortage in behavioral health field

A new report from the Michigan Health Council shows that Michigan doesn’t have enough opportunities for students to become behavioral health care workers. This is contributing to a shortage of certified school-based mental health professionals across the state, according to the council.

This shortage puts a large workload on the personnel in this field. In the 2023-2024 school year Michigan had about 600 students per school counselor, over a thousand students per school psychologists, and almost 500 students per social worker. The report goes on to share that improving vocational programs could introduce thousands of high school students to fulfilling careers in behavioral health.

Sports updates

NBA

The Detroit Pistons face the Cleveland Cavaliers today at Little Ceasars Arena but—like their game against the Thunder—the opposing team is without their best players, with both Donovan Mitchall out with groin injuries and James Harden questionable with a thumb injury.

The Pistons are playing without their full strength with Isaiah Stweart out again because of his involvement in the fight with the Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 9. This is his sixth game of his seven game suspension.

Tonight’s game tip off is at 7 p.m. with a following away game against the Magic on Sunday, March 1.

NHL

The Red Wings face the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow Feb. 28 at the Lenovo Center. The Red Wings are currently second in the Atlantic Divison with 34 wins and 19 losses. Game starts at 7 p.m.

Blueberry recall

More than 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries, some of which were shipped to Michigan, have been recalled because of possible listeria contamination.

The Oregon Potato Company was the distributor of the recalled berries. This shipment was also sent to Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Canada.

The FDA recalled it initially on Feb. 12 and classified the recall as a Class 1 recall on Feb. 24, which means there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Go to your local grocery store to see if your purchase of frozen blueberries was in the mix.

Handmaid’s Tale in Detroit

And the dystopian world of the Handmaid’s Tale comes to the Detroit Opera House. The play, once a hit television series and novel, is a chilling look into a future where America’s democracy morphs into a religious tyranny.

There are showings on Sunday March 1, Thursday March 5 and Saturday March 7.

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

Wayne State University has a new president.  The school’s Board of Governors elected Richard Bierschbach as the 14^th president of the university at a special meeting Tuesday.  

Bierschbach has served as Wayne State’s interim president since the departure of Kimberly Andrews Espy last September.  Before becoming interim president, he was the dean of Wayne State’s law school.  While there, Bierschbach helped the law school rise from a national ranking of 100^th in 2017 to 55^th best in the U.S. now. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

Tlaib heckles Trump during State of the Union 

Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib heckled President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address Tuesday night.  The Detroit Democrat called the president a liar during his remarks.  She wore an anti-ICE button, as well.

Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar also jeered at Trump during the event.  Trump responded by saying the Democrats should be ashamed of themselves. 

Whitmer to deliver State of the State tonight 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivers her final State of the State address Wednesday.  She’s expected to tout her accomplishments over the past year and lay out her vision for the future of Michigan.  

Whitmer is expected to spend a portion of her speech talking about the importance of creating more affordable housing options for Michiganders. That includes plans for a new affordable housing tax credit.

You can hear the State of the State tonight at 7 p.m. on 101.9 WDET FM or at WDET.org. 

Flags lowered to half-staff to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson 

U.S. and Michigan flags across the state will fly at half-staff Thursday and Friday.  Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the action in honor of the Rev. Jesse Jackson.  

Jackson died last week at age 84.  In a statement, Whitmer says, “Rev. Jackson had a special connection to Michigan and especially the city of Detroit.”  

BET reports Jackson will lie in state at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago tomorrow and Friday.  A private homegoing service will take place on March 7.  That event will be livestreamed. 

Ford recalls more than 400,000 SUVs 

Ford is recalling almost 414,000 Explorer SUVs because of possible steering problems.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says certain vehicles from the 2013 through 2017 model years could have faulty rear suspension toe links that could break.  The problem could make it hard to steer the vehicle.  

Affected owners will be notified by mail.  Repairs will be made at no cost to consumers. 

First place Pistons face Oklahoma City 

The Detroit Pistons play the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in a battle of NBA first place teams.  The Pistons are first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 42 wins and 14 losses.  The Thunder hold the top spot in the Western Conference with 45 wins and 14 losses. 

Game time at Little Caesars Arena is 7:30 p.m. tonight. 

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

The City of Detroit and the Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development Corporation celebrated the groundbreaking of the Greystone Senior Living Apartments this week in the heart of midtown.

The new four-story, 49-unit affordable housing development is designed for seniors earning 30-80% of the area median income. The development corporation says this development is part of their 40 year commitment to preserve affordability and to advance community ownership in the Cass Corridor. The new construction is on a site that has been vacant for 20 years.

Mayor Sheffield said she is proud that this is her first groundbreaking of her administration. “Seniors have been near and dear to my heart. My 12 years serving on the City Council…I actually represented the highest amount of senior buildings in the state of Michigan in my district. I know firsthand the needs of our seniors. I do believe that it is important as a city that we are building housing for all income levels and all stages of life.”

According to the city, this project is set to be completed in 2027, and welcoming residents shortly after.

Additional headlines for Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

Kandies Mini Mart

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and city leaders celebrated the opening of Kandies Mini Mart. This is the first Green Grocer Program ribbon cutting since the program relaunched in 2024. This section will live in Blackwell’s Kandies sandwich shop and catering service which is located at the Durfee Innovation Society. The mini mart will provide fresh produce in the Dexter Linwood Neighborhood.

Weather forecast

This time of year, the weather feels like it cycles through all of the options Mother Nature has to offer and this weekend is no different. According to the National Weather Service Michigan is expected to cycle through hail, fog, winds, rain, and snow. So, say goodbye to the warm front we’ve been experiencing and hello again to your hats and winter jackets as colder air moves in.

The weather service also issued a wind advisory until 9 p.m. tonight. There is an 80% chance of snow on Sunday and the temperature this weekend is expected to be around the low 40’s and upper 30’s.

Stay strong Detroit, Spring will come… eventually.

Sports

Winter Olympics

This is the last weekend of the 2026 Winter Olympics and Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a surprise visit at this year’s games. She claimed Michigan has more Olympians competing in this year’s Olympics than any other state and also noted that California’s Governor Newsome had challenged her on the fact. The Winter Olympics final ceremony is on Sunday February 22.

NBA

Last night the Pistons had another dominant win against the New York Knicks 126—111. Cade “THE ALL STAR” Cunningham was two rebounds short of a triple-double with 42 points and 13 assists as the Pistons completed their season sweep of the Knicks. There is even talk of MVP consideration for the young star. The Pistons next game is against the Bulls tomorrow at the United Center. Tip off is at 8 p.m. EST.

Black author expo

Last but not least, this weekend Detroit Book City is having their 10th annual African American Family book expo on Saturday February 21 from noon to 5 p.m. This event celebrates Black History Month by having a meet and greet with over 40 independent Black authors for all ages.

The event is free with books available to purchase. This is all going down at the Village Hall in West Detroit.

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

Whether it’s exploring the world of short film or finding your new favorite whiskey, WDET has you covered on Detroit’s upcoming events. Prepare to expand your palette and dance your heart out, Detroit!

Upcoming events (Feb. 19 to Feb. 26)

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express  

Stagecrafters 

Feb. 19 through Mar. 1 

  $28-$38

Take a ride to Royal Oak to witness Murder on the Orient Express adapted for the stage. All is well by nightfall, but as the sun rises through the passenger car windows, we’re one traveler short… Who could the killer be? There are performances every Thursday through Sunday until March 1, with both 2 p.m. matinees and evening shows at 7:30 p.m. 

HERd 

The Garden Theatre 

Feb. 20 

Free

HERd is returning to Detroit for its third year, uniting leaders, advocates, and allies for conversations about uplifting women’s voices in its TED Talk-style format. This year’s theme, Passions with Purpose, encompasses the holistic well-being of women by focusing on the emotional, social and professional systems which shape women’s lives. Oh, and there’ll be cocktails! Reception is at 5 p.m. and the program goes from 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

10th Annual African American Family Book Expo & Read-In 

Developing K.I.D.S. Village Hall 

Feb. 21 

Free

Enjoy an afternoon delving into Black literary excellence for the opportunity to meet with more than 40 independent Black authors and listen to this year’s National African American Read-In. There are books for all ages, with a chance to get signed copies as well. The event will be held from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

The 2026 Oscar® Nominated Short Films: Animation and Live Action 

Detroit Film Theatre 

Feb. 20 through Mar. 15 

General: $11.50 & Seniors, Students, and DIA Members: $9.50 

Visit the Detroit Film Theatre inside the Detroit Institute of Arts for a screening of this year’s Oscar-nominated short films. Experience the works of emerging filmmakers as they explore bold stories in condensed segments. Screenings are happening each weekend through Mar.15, with matinees at 1 p.m. and evening showings at 7 p.m.; the collection spans 3 hours with an intermission between animation and live action.  

Detroit Pistons VS. San Antonio Spurs 

Little Caesars Arena 

Feb. 23 

$40+ 

The Pistons are slated to host the Spurs next Monday as they hope to continue their 3-game winning streak. The Pistons are currently the top contender in the Eastern Conference. The game will begin at 7 p.m. 

Symphonie fantastique 

Orchestra Hall  

Feb. 26 through Feb. 28 

$20

Enjoy an evening at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with a performance of Berlioz’s 5-movement concerto about a young artist’s hallucinations following a failed love affair. The performance will feature the “once in a generation flutist” Emmanuel Pahud as soloist. The event runs for two hours and will begin at 8 p.m.

Haute to Death, BEIGE and Kindle

Marble Bar

Feb. 21

$16+

Celebrate eight years of Marble Bar with a post-Valentines DJ set by Detroit artists Haute to Death (1-800-CALL-ASH & S.O.F.T. Power), BEIGE and Kindle. Be sure to slide through with your partner, best friend, or messy situationship for a few drinks and much-needed dancing. The event starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 3 a.m. 

Big Stretch: Yoga with a live DJ 

Big Pink

Feb. 26

$17

Unleash your inner yogi while you get your groove on at Big Pink next Thursday. Bring your own mat, a friend and prepare to sweat out your troubles while the DJ spins tracks of encouragement. All ages are welcome, music by Botez! The event starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. 

Whiskey Festival 

Royal Oak Farmers Market

Feb. 21

$39+

Spend an evening in a whiskey lover’s dream this Saturday at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. With over 100 different brands of whiskey, live music and food vendors, this event is set to help you find your new drink of choice. General admission includes 10 drink tickets as well as a keepsake photo and commemorative glass to help you remember what you’ve forgotten by morning. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Lunar New Year at Eastern Market

Eastern Market Shed 5

Feb. 22

Free

Enjoy an afternoon of extravagance at the Association of Chinese Americans’ annual Lunar New Year Community Fair. The event will feature cultural performances from local community groups, food vendors, interactive experiences and opportunities to learn about traditional customs. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Mayor Sheffield is focusing on the well-being of children in Detroit with a new leadership team. During a press conference yesterday, Chanel Hampton was named Detroit’s first Senior Director of Youth and Education. Sheffield said that Hampton and Director of Youth Affairs Jerjuan Howard will work to reduce chronic absenteeism, improve transportation for kids to get to school and expand after school programs.

Hampton and her team will focus on youth up to 26 years old. During the press conference Sheffield teased an upcoming initiative to reduce absenteeism that will require City Council approval.

Additional headlines for Friday, Feb. 13, 2026

Hamtramck city leaders to hold public meeting

Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi is hosting a meet and greet with two new city leaders. New City Manager Adel Al Adlani and Acting Chief of Police Hussein Farhat will join the mayor to answer questions from the community and share their vision for Hamtramck.

This is all in an effort to create more transparency in the city and for the public to know city officials. The meeting will be held at the Hamtramck Public Library on Sunday Feb. 15 from 7-9 p.m.

Sports

NBA

All Star Weekend is upon us as Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren represent the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons head into all star weekend with 40 wins, leading the Eastern Conference. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder have a better record.

You can see both Cunningham and Duren play in the NBA versus World All. Star Game on Sunday Feb. 15 at 5 p.m.

Winter Olympics

American Ice Dancers Madison Chock from Novi and Evan Bates from Ann Arbor won silver in the free dance. Both skaters voiced that they believed they delivered a gold medal performance with their matador and bull themed routine.

This is a bounce back from the Beijing Games where they missed the podium completely. It is unclear whether Chock and Bates, who have been partners for 15 years and are married, will retire or return for another Olympic cycle.

High school sports

DPSCD’s Public School League girls basketball semi-final champions are Mumford’s Lady Mustangs. They beat Cass Tech 58 to 38 yesterday. DER’s High School Sports Correspondent Lex Walker was wearing a different hat at that game – she was on the court. But she told us why the win was important.

“We’ve been striving to get to where we are today…We for sure became more competitive after this losing streak we’ve been on for like 5 games. It’ll motivate us to play even better knowing that we didn’t put in the work for nothing. Now we know we just have something more competitive to look forward to on Sunday.”

The Lady Mustangs go on to the PSL basketball championships Sunday. The boys basketball championship matchup will be determined by games today. Cass Tech plays Douglass; King takes on Western.

Valentine’s Black romance author Q+A

The Detroit Public Library is hosting “Author Talk: Valentine’s Day Black romance writers panel.” The event features moderator Ebony Evans, and authors Katrina Jackson, Sylvia Hubbard, and Aliza Mann.

Copies of the panelists books will be available for purchase but admission is free. Seats will be first come first serve. This is all going down at the Detroit Public Library on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. For more information go to detroitpubliclibrary.org.

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

Subzero wind chills are expected this weekend as the National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for southeast Michigan.

Even though today’s high will reach about 35 degrees, overnight lows are expected to dip well below zero with wind chill. The Weather Service says frostbite on exposed skin can happen in under 30 minutes.

The advisory is in effect until around noon Saturday.

A warmup is expected Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures trending above normal and highs and lows climbing out of the teens.

Additional headlines for February 6, 2026

Detroit opens shelters and respite sites

Until then, the city of Detroit is offering standby shelters and expanded library respite hours to protect residents from the deep freeze.

In partnership with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, the sites will operate from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, through noon Monday, Feb. 9.

If you are concerned about someone’s safety, call 911 to request a welfare check.

More information, including locations and hours, is available at detroitmi.gov.

Big Sean and Usher youth facility opens at Michigan Central

A $1 million investment in an entertainment production facility for Detroit youth from Big Sean and music artist Usher is now official. Leaders held a ribbon cutting this week for the new space.

The facility is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and is located on the fifth floor of Michigan Central Station.

The new hub includes creative technology studios, special effects labs and a literary and storytelling lounge. It is designed for young people ages 14 to 24.

Programming is set to begin Sunday, Feb. 9.

Sports

The Pistons lost at home Thursday to the Washington Wizards, 126 to 117.

Detroit looks to bounce back tonight against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.

Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. Even if the Lions are not playing, keep an eye out for new commercials from Detroit based organizations Rocket Companies and Redfin. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Book event: Lachi discusses I Identify as Blind

Grammy-nominated artist Lachi will speak at an event Monday, Feb. 9, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. for her new book, I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity, and Power.

The event includes a conversation with disability advocate Tameka Citchen Spruce.

Lachi was born legally blind and identifies as neurodivergent. The book explores her experiences, with the goal of challenging stereotypes and empowering people with disabilities.

For more information, visit Eventbrite.

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

Vitti says immigration concerns are keeping kids home

During his State of the Schools address, Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said immigration concerns are contributing to lower student attendance. While there have been no reports of immigration agents entering Detroit school buildings, some families remain afraid to send their children to school.

Attendance declines began in January 2025, around the start of the Trump administration, and have continued into this year. Last year, 61 percent of Detroit students were considered chronically absent, meaning they missed more than 10 percent of the school year. Vitti said immigration concerns played a role in those numbers.

The district recently released an informational pamphlet for families who may have concerns about immigration status, offering guidance and connections to resources.

No charges in deaths of two children in Detroit parking garage

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced that no charges will be filed against a Detroit mother whose two children died last year in a parking garage.

An autopsy determined the children died from carbon monoxide poisoning rather than hypothermia. The mother, who was experiencing homelessness at the time, had sought shelter in December 2023, but records indicate a city shelter was unable to reach her.

In response to recent dangerously cold temperatures, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is urging residents to seek shelter if needed. The city reports approximately 1,700 shelter beds are available for families. Sheffield emphasized that no Detroiter should be without access to warmth during extreme cold.

Pro sports update

NBA: The Detroit Pistons lost to the Phoenix Suns 114–96. The team remains on the West Coast and will face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern.

NHL: The Detroit Red Wings fell to the Washington Capitals 4–3. The Red Wings are second in the Atlantic Division and will take on the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow, Saturday, January 31, at 1 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.

Local sports: Detroit athlete makes NIL history

Chandler Park Academy basketball player Jeremiah Jackson has become the first high school athlete in Michigan to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association recently expanded its rules to allow high school athletes to earn money through endorsements, social media promotions, and related opportunities. Jackson’s NIL deal is with Flamz Pizzeria, a restaurant located on East Warren Avenue in Detroit.

Events and weekend picks

Virtual event on the American Revolution
The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a free virtual discussion on Monday examining the American story 250 years after the American Revolution.

The event will be led by Bob Brutell, Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies and History at the University of Detroit Mercy, and Dr. Kyle Roberts, Executive Director of the Congregational Library and Archives.
“Remembering the Unfinished American Revolution” takes place Monday, February 2, at 1 p.m. Registration details are available online.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Epic Film Scores
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents a concert featuring iconic film music, conducted by Steve Reineke. The program highlights legendary composers and scores from films including Psycho, The Godfather, Gladiator, Star Trek, and Star Wars.
Performances:

• Friday, January 30 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m.

• Sunday, February 1 at 3 p.m.
  More info: dso.org

The Saunderson Brothers at Big Pink
Big Pink hosts a House and Techno night featuring The Saunderson Brothers. Organizers promise a high-energy set packed with crowd favorites.
The event runs tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
More info: bigpinklovesyou.com

City of Detroit is partnering with organizations to extend stand-by shelters and respite locations due to the extreme cold coming this weekend.

The Neighborhood Service Organization will open from Friday Jan 23 at 6 p.m. to Tuesday, Jan. 27 at noon. This site can only accept single adults.

Pope Francis Center is sheltering people through Jan. 27 at noon as well. They are also only accepting single adults. And the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is operating through Jan. 27 at noon. They are accepting families and single adults.

Residents seeking relief from the bitter cold may also visit Detroit recreation centers and public library branches during regular operating hours.

Any individuals sleeping outside and needing help after hours can go to a police precinct to be connected with an outreach team for help with overnight services.

Additional headlines for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

Due to the deep freeze this weekend, the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Center are closed today and Saturday. Animal care staff worked to ensure the animals continued to receive the care they need. The parks hope to be open on Sunday, but they will monitor the weather forecast before making that decision.

The National Weather service issued a cold weather advisory for all of southeast Michigan that lasts until Saturday morning. The agency says exposed skin could be damaged in as little as half an hour, and they say pet owners should not leave their animals outdoors.

Wayne County Juvenile Detention hosts open interviews

The Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility is hosting open interviews for two critical roles from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center. They will host a hiring event for individuals interested in becoming one of their Juvenile Detention Specialists or a Crisis Response Team Specialist.

For more information go to waynecountymichigan.gov.

Sports

NBA

The Detroit Pistons are on a 4 game winning streak and hope to extend that today when they face the Houston Rockets. Tipoff for the game is at 7 p.m.

NFL

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper announced his retirement via Instagram on Thursday. Skipper was dealing with a lower back injury all season. He said he will pursue coaching in his future.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is performing at the Detroit Opera House Jan. 24-25. The program will feature works from contemporary choreographers and Tony Award–winning Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse.

For more information go to detroitopera.com.

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

Halfway through the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Pistons look like a strong contender in the Eastern Conference. The team has only 10 losses through 42 games, which is the second best record in the league.

This sort of performance rivals the championship days of the early 2000s.

Omari Sankofa II, the Pistons beat writer for the Detroit Free Press and co-host of the Pistons Pulse podcast, joined the show to explain what’s fueling the team’s success and outline the keys to sustaining it through the rest of the season. 

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

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield took office on New Year’s Day. But she’s celebrating her achievement with a public swearing-in ceremony this week.

Detroit City Council members, police commissioners and the City Clerk will also take part. The ceremony at the Detroit Opera House features poetry and music performances as well.

Sheffield is the first woman ever elected mayor of Detroit. She says her team is developing an action plan for her first 100 days with input from the community. But she’s also retaining several key officials from the past mayoral administration including the corporation counsel—the city’s top lawyer—and Detroit’s fire commissioner.

Sheffield also announced today that the city will join a program that gives financial support to pregnant women and infants. The city has already raised 9 million dollars to participate in RX Kids. It’s looking for $2 million to fund the program for 3 years.

Sheffield says she hopes to secure the funding to launch the program within her first 100 days.

Additional headlines for Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

State utility regulators demand more transparency

DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and other regulated utilities in Michigan must do more to inform customers about potential rate hikes. This is because of a new order by state utility regulators.

The Michigan Public Service Commission wants to increase customer participation in utility issues, including cases that set new rates. After March, regulated electric utilities must inform customers when they asked for higher rates, and how much their bills would go up if that amount is approved.

There’s concern that this could confuse people, since rarely do utilities get their full requested amount. But supporters of the change say advance notice will let more people find out about and comment on potential rate hikes before the cases are resolved.

Gas prices

Michigan gas prices have dropped 11 cents since last week. According to the auto group AAA, you can get regular unleaded for $2.70. This new price is 18 cents less than a month ago and 44 cents less than this time last year, making this new price the lowest since February of 2021.

The US strikes in Venezuela this weekend don’t seem to have impacted oil prices just yet, according to AAA. The organization also says Venezuela crude oil exports have been limited due to the sanctions in the last couple of years.

Sports updates

NFL

The Lions beat the Chicago Bears 19-16 yesterday with a walk off field goal kick from Jake Bates, ending the season with a winning record. Now all eyes are on the off season, the NFL draft and seeing how they will bounce back for the 2026 season.

NBA

The Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday 114-110 and remain on top of the Eastern Conference. Their next game is today at Little Caesars against the New York Knicks and again at Little Caesars on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.

Tip off for both is at 7:00 p.m.

NHL

The Red Wings play against the Ottawa Senators tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Red Wings are currently third in the Atlantic Division.

Carl Thomas performs

And R&B singer Carl Thomas known for his smash 2000 hit “I Wish” will be performing at Sound Board on Sunday Jan. 11, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The artist from Illinois hit the Billboard Top Hot 100 and peaked at 20. And this year marks the 26th anniversary of his debut studio album “Emotional.”

To hear Thomas live, go to soundboarddetroit.com for tickets and more information.

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