Detroit’s Inspector General is opening an investigation into Police Chief Todd Bettison over his personal intervention in a case involving Mayor Mary Sheffield. 

In July, activist Jahdante Smith posted photos of Mayor Sheffield and an ex-boyfriend on social media. Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison called Smith on Aug. 5 to request he take the photos down. He refused. 

Two weeks later, Smith was approached by officers on the street and handcuffed allegedly for unrelated reasons. He was released, but the officers obtained a warrant for alleged unrelated charges to seize his phone. Now, the Detroit Free Press reports that the city’s Inspector General is looking into Bettison’s actions. The inspector general handles public corruption cases. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026

Citizen Detroit DPSCD Meet Your Candidates

The group Citizen Detroit is hosting a Meet Your Candidates events on Oct. 1. Candidates for the Detroit Public School Community District School Board will participate in a speed-dating dinner and dialogue event. There are more than 30 candidates and only 5 open seats for the board.

The event will take place at IBEW Local 58 on 1358 Abbot Street in Detroit from 5-8:30 p.m. To RSVP, search “Citizen Detroit DPSCD Meet Your Candidates” on Eventbrite. Admission is free, but registration is required. RSVP by Sept. 28.

Citizen Detroit is also posting candidate interviews on their YouTube Channel and on citizendetroit.org. Videos will go live on Friday. 

Harris visits Michigan, supporting El-Sayed

Former Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit Michigan next week to campaign with Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Harris endorsed El-Sayed after his primary win in August, but this will be her first public appearance with him.

During her visit Tuesday, they’ll attend a roundtable on Black maternal health.

During the primary campaign, El-Sayed faced criticism for urging Democrats to vote uncommitted in Michigan’s presidential primary in 2024. He eventually endorsed Harris for president. 

Whistle kit crafting

The nonprofits Rising Voices and Detroit Asian Collective are hosting the Warning Whistle Kit Making Night. Participants will assemble multilingual warning whistle kits while learning how to protect residents rights and how to document interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The event will be held tonight from 6 – 7 p.m. Address will be given upon registration. 

Gas prices

Gasoline prices have risen more than 70 cents a gallon in the last 10 days. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $4.75 cents a gallon for regular unleaded this morning. It was $4.02 on Sept. 7.and $4.54 a gallon yesterday.

The average price of diesel fuel statewide is 20 cents higher than it was yesterday, rising to a record of $6.54 cents a gallon. 

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