The Michigan Public Service Commission is recommending lawmakers ban yearly rate hike requests from utility companies.  The recommendation is one of many on a list requested by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on ways to tackle energy affordability. 

Commission Chair Dan Scripps says under Michigan law, utilities can submit a rate hike request every 12 months, and often do, even right after another request was approved.  He says the commission could see hundreds of cases, but only a few get approved. 

“As we go through rate cases, we literally go line by line and say, ’Is this particular investment supported? Does it have enough evidence on the record? Does it have the appropriate level of signoff?’  And so we think of them as one case, but they’re literally hundreds of individual decisions.  And as a result, the utility typically gets less, and sometimes far less than they initially requested.”

Scripps says the list of recommendations includes tying utility earnings to a power company’s performance and ensuring the company uses current equipment to its full potential before requesting another rate increase to pay for more infrastructure. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

Casino revenues rise 

Detroit’s casinos are reporting improved revenues for the month of July.  The Michigan Gaming Control Board says the three gambling houses brought in more than $112.5 million dollars last month.  Revenues were up more than nine percent from June 2026.  

MGM Grand led the market, bringing in 47% of the total revenue.  Motor City had 31% with Hollywood Casino at Greektown controlling 22% of the market. 

Together the three casinos paid $13.3 million in wagering and development agreements to the City of Detroit.  They paid another $9 million in state taxes. 

Powerball jackpot hits $1 billion 

For those of you hoping to get rich quick, the Powerball jackpot has risen to more than a billion dollars.  That’s the eighth largest prize in the game’s history.  But remember, the odds of winning the grand prize are more than one in $292 million. 

The drawing takes place tonight at 10:59 p.m. ET. 

Edge of eclipse 

If you were outside around 1:30 this afternoon and something looked a little “off”—you’re not imagining it.  There was a slight eclipse of the sun, meaning about 3% coverage.  That’s because we were on the edge of the path of the eclipse. 

Folks in Iceland and Spain witnessed a full eclipse of the sun. 

The next solar eclipse will take place in February. 

Lions prep for first preseason game 

The Detroit Lions are wrapping up their preparations for their first preseason game of the year.  The Lions will be in Cincinnati Thursday night to play the Bengals. 

The NFL schedule was changed a few years ago, adding one more game to the regular season, and subtracting one pre-season game.  That means Detroit only has three pre-season games to work out the kinks.  Lions’ star Jahmyr Gibbs signed a contract extension this month, making him the highest paid running back in the NFL. 

The Lions play the Bengals Thursday night at 7p.m.  The game will be televised on Fox 2. 

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

Michigan voters went to the polls Tuesday to select candidates who will meet in the general election in November. 

Congressman John James won the Republican primary for governor.  He had a tough competitor in businessman Perry Johnson.  Johnson ran a steady flight of television commercials, at times portraying James as a “DEI candidate.”  During the course of the Republican primary, James made few appearances in the city of Detroit.  

During his victory speech Tuesday night, James laid out his plans if he’s elected Senator. “We’re going to cut taxes.  We’re going to lower your energy bills.  We’re going to protect Medicaid for those who need it, while stopping fraud and abuse from those who would steal from it.”   

James will face Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in the November general election.  Benson easily beat Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary.  

During a speech to supporters in Detroit Tuesday night, she said she’ll work for Michigan voters if she’s elected governor in November. “Who do you want Michigan’s leaders to work for?  The people or the powerful?  Well, you all know who I work for.  I will work for all of you and every Michigander in this state.  Not the highest bidder.  Not corporate interests.  Not Donald Trump. You.”   

Benson is a Detroit resident. 

El-Sayed beats out Stevens for U.S. Senate race

In the most watched contest of the night, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed defeated Congresswoman Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat.  

In a speech to supporters in Detroit Wednesday morning,  El-Sayed took aim at Republican Mike Rogers – who El-Sayed will face in the general election: “And so, Mike, and I know you’re listening, Mike.  We are coming for you.”  

With more than 60-million dollars in outside spending, the race is the most expensive U.S. Senate primary in history. El-Sayed beat Stevens by less than a percentage point. 

-Reporting by Russ McNamara

Congressional primaries

Detroiters watched two Democratic primaries for Congress yesterday.  Representative Rashida Tlaib easily defeated former state representative Shanelle Jackson and Inkster Mayor Byron Nolan in the 12^th Congressional District. 

State Representative Donavan McKinney defeated incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s 13^th District primary.  Results show Mckinney won just over half the vote.  

McKinney says its time for a new style of politics, because it’s impossible for representatives to serve two masters. “You can’t serve the working people and the corporations at the same time.  You have to pick one, and so I think the people are calling for petter and I thing they’re calling our legislators and our Congress to do things for them and not on behalf of the few, but on behalf of the many.”   

McKinney also supported ending federal aid to Israel.  He says Congress should focus more on domestic needs.  Thanedar was seeking his third term in the U.S. House. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Other results

Incumbent Wayne County Executive Warren Evans easily won his primary race to win the right to run for another term as the Democratic candidate in November. 

Proposal S, which provides additional revenue for the Detroit Public Schools Community District passed overwhelmingly, as did the Wayne County Public Transportation Millage.  That measure will keep communities from being able to opt OUT of the SMART bus system. 

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

The number of Michigan residents suffering from cyclosporiasis continues to rise.  State officials say more than 10,000 cases have been reported in Michigan as of Tuesday.  The parasite can cause gastric distress, including watery diarrhea.  

Most of the Michigan cases are in Wayne, Washtenaw and Oakland counties.  Investigators have traced the problem to iceburg lettuce sold by Taylor Farms and distributed to many Taco Bell restaurants.  That lettuce has been recalled.  The parasite is usually spread through food or water contaminated by feces.  The outbreak has spread to several other states.  

Additional headlines for Wednesday, July 29, 2026

WIC benefits can be used online at Meijers 

The state of Michigan says residents who use the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, otherwise known as WIC, can now use their benefits online at Meijers. 

 Beneficiaries could already use those benefits when they shop inside the store.  The state Department of Health and Human Services says the program will be available at all 122 Meijer stores in Michigan.  Officials say they plan to expand the program to other retailers in the future.  

Michigan’s WIC program serves more than 187,000 women, infants and children each month.   

Ford posts 2Q loss 

Ford Motor Company says it lost money from its electric vehicle business in the second quarter of this year.  But the Dearborn automaker is still predicting a more profitable year overall than experts previously expected.  

Ford officials say the automaker took a net loss of $1.3 billion in the second quarter, partially as the result of ending a joint electric vehicle battery partnership with a South Korean company and stopping other EV related efforts. 

But the automaker says customers, including those building data centers, remain interested in using Ford’s electric batteries to store energy.  Ford earned more than $48 billion in revenue in the second quarter, beating Wall Street analysts’ average expectations.  Officials say there’s still strong demand for Ford trucks and SUVs, despite high fuel prices. 

-Quinn Klinefelter

Rocket Mortgage Classic begins tomorrow 

The Rocket Mortgage Classic has returned to Detroit.  The PGA Tour event will be played at the Detroit Golf Club Thursday through Sunday.  147 golfers will take part in the tournament.  

This will be the final Rocket Mortgage Classic.  The PGA tour announced earlier this year that it has had trouble attracting top golfers to the Detroit event and will discontinue the classic after this year.  

The tournament will be nationally-televised Saturday and Sunday on CBS.   

Lions training camp underway 

The Detroit Lions have begun their training camp.  Players are gathered at the team’s Allen Park facility to begin preparing for the 2026 season. 

The Lions missed the playoffs last year with a record of 9 wins and 8 losses but hope to make it back to the post-season this year.  The team has a new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing, who previously worked for the Arizona Cardinals.  

Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are not expected to take part in training camp activities.  They’re still recovering from injuries that ended their seasons last year.  

The Lions first pre-season game takes place August 13 against the Bengals in Cincinnati.  Detroit’s first regular season game is September 13 in Ford Field against the New Orleans Saints. 

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

The United States of America is celebrating its 250th anniversary this week.  There will be parades and fireworks and lots of speeches. But does this holiday mean the same thing to African Americans as it does to other Americans? 

Vincent Hutchings is a political science professor at the University of Michigan.  WDET’s Jerome Vaughn asked him about the meaning of “Independence Day” for the country’s Black citizens.

Hutchings says the holiday doesn’t mean the same for whites as it does for Black Americans because of their different experiences over the last 250 years.  He says, for example, that Black people were largely enslaved for the first 80-plus years of the country.

“The truth of the matter is that the country that we think of today as the United States of America, from the vantage point of most African-Americans doesn’t actually start until 1865, not 1776.”

Hutchings says there has been a disparity between the lived experiences of most White Americans and most Black Americans throughout the history of the country.  And he says that continues to be the case as demonstrated by a number of metrics today.

“On multiple dimensions from life expectancy to maternal health to infant mortality to unemployment to poverty, to the racial wealth gap and various other outcomes, Black Americans, on average are living in very different circumstances.  And it’s not by accident.”

Hutchings says the facts are not in dispute, but the question to be asked is why is that the case. He says, perhaps, many Black Americans will be celebrating their endurance and their ability to survive during the country’s history.

Most of Michigan’s lower peninsula, including all of Metro Detroit, remains under an extreme heat warning until tomorrow night.  Temperatures are forecast to rise into the upper 90s Thursday, with high humidity.  The heat index could rise dangerously high, between 105 and 110 degrees. 

The weather could cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and has a hard time cooling down.  Symptoms might include heavy sweating, dizziness and fatigue.  Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature reaches 104 degrees. That can be fatal.   

Additional headlines for Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Heat affects health 

During this prolonged period of intense heat, there are things you can do to keep yourself and neighbors safe. 

Director of Emergency Preparedness for the City of Detroit Dr. Kelvin Freeman says residents should work in pairs to stay healthy. 

“Use a buddy system, check on your friend, check on your neighbor, especially those who live alone, and also have someone to check on you in that buddy system to close that loop.” 

Freeman says residents should stay hydrated and limit exposure to high temperatures, adding that fans alone won’t cool you down when temperatures and humidity are this high. 

He also recommends keeping your pets indoors during daylight hours. 

-Reporting by Russ McNamara

And make sure to double check your vehicle and make sure not to leave children or pets unattended in the car.  Temperatures inside a vehicle could rise quickly enough to become fatal within just a few minutes. 

Ford recalls 741,000 vehicles 

Ford Motor Company is recalling 741,000 vehicles because of a possible transmission problem.  The company says a part of the parking system could engage while the vehicle is in motion, potentially damaging the system.  Enough damage could mean the system fails to hold the vehicle in place without use of the parking brake. 

The recall affects certain Ford F-150 pickup trucks, as well as Lincoln Aviator, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition sport utility vehicles.  The vehicles are from the 2018 through 2021 model years.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says Ford is aware of 24 possible cases of property damage and nine possible injuries connected to the issue.  Dealers will update certain software and inspect the transmission for damage.  They’ll make any necessary repairs for free. 

Shotspotter renewed 

The Detroit City Council has narrowly approved a nine-month contract renewal for the ShotSpotter gun detection system.  The Director of the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety Teferi Brent advocated for the contract. He says it allows police to respond quickly to de-escalate situations.   

“People say Shotstopper doesn’t save lives—that’s patently false, because the quicker that we can identify which shootings occur, we can identify who’s doing the shooting, and once we identify who’s doing the shooting, we can then prevent what we call in the field retaliatory violence.”   

Brent also listed several instances where ShotSpotter helped first responders aid victims. But some council members questioned both the effectiveness and the cost of the system. The Detroit Police say they are looking for a less expensive vendor to use after the contract ends. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

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

Thirteen years ago, a local businessman and an agriculture expert joined forces to change a chunk of Detroit’s east side.  They started an experiment, planting thousands of trees in empty lots, in an effort to force out blight.  That experiment is called Hantz Woodlands.

You’ll see some of the results if you drive up McClellan or Belvidere, just north of Kercheval.  Mike Score is the President of Hantz Farms, the company that owns and manages the woodlands.  He spoke with WDET’s Jerome Vaughn. 

Score says the company has surpassed the goals it originally set in a deal with the city.

“We said we tear down at least 50 dangerous structures and we torn down 70.  We said we’d plant at least 15,000 trees and we’ve planted over 40,000.  And we said we’d mow every three weeks, and we’re mowing on a two-week cycle right now.”

Score says three trees have helped transform neighborhoods.  There was initial skepticism, and even organized opposition in the early days of the project.  But Score says those obstacles have faded away once residents in the area saw the effects of the project.

“Our neighbors in the beginning thought that our trees were a mystery.  They said, ‘we don’t want trees, we want neighbors.’  But as they’ve seen the trees grow and the neighborhood become cleaner, safer, more beautiful, we’ve actually had neighbors ask us to keep trees near their homes because they think they’re beautiful and really add to the quality of life.”

Hantz Woodlands lots are located in an area of Detroit south of Mack and east of Van Dyke.

This story is a part of WDET’s ongoing series, the Detroit Tree Canopy Project.

Michigan candidate for governor, John James, says Canadian wildfire smoke needs to be better controlled, as part of a deal to open the Gordie Howe Bridge.  James made the comments on a video on Facebook earlier this month.  

“You look at wildfire smoke every summer.  They’re throwing off 500 million vehicles’ worth of carbon emissions into our air each and every year and doing very little to nothing about it.  That’s got to change right now,” said James.  “As a part of any deal we do with Gordie Howe Bridge, we have to work in close cooperation with Ottawa to make sure they’re also managing their business, so we can keep our people healthy and we can keep our relationship strong.”   

Last summer, James wrote a letter to Canadian officials asking them for action to keep wildfire smoke from drifting into Michigan.  

President Donald Trump endorsed James on Monday to become Michigan’s next governor.  Other elected officials around the country quickly followed suit.  James will face businessman Perry Johnson, and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox in the Aug. 4 Republican primary.   

Additional headlines for Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Detroit police pick up 180 curfew violators during fireworks 

The Detroit Police Department is reporting that it detained 180 juveniles on Monday night for curfew violations before the annual Ford fireworks show over the Detroit River.  A news release says 171 of those detained were city residents.  Nine live elsewhere.  

A special curfew was approved for fireworks night.  It required everyone under 18 to be accompanied by an adult from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.  The police department says 19 adults were arrested for a variety of infractions, including carrying concealed weapons, aggravated assault, and disorderly conduct.  

One 18-year-old was shot by a police officer after a short chase, several hours before the fireworks began.  

Dearborn schools seek new bond approval 

Dearborn residents will see a new millage proposal on their November general election ballot.  The city’s Board of Education will ask voters to approve a $1.5 billion bond measure.  If passed, the money will fund the construction of six new schools.  

The district says the bond would also be used to remodel every remaining school building over the next 20 years.  The board approved ballot language for the proposal at Monday’s meeting. 

New apartment complex opens on west side   

A west-side Detroit neighborhood is getting a new apartment building.  The city opened the OSI Art Apartments Tuesday afternoon.  The newly constructed four-story complex provides 30 residential units.  About half qualify as “affordable housing”.  

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield says the project will make a difference along the Grand River corridor. “It is an honor as mayor to welcome this project to our city.  A project that combines housing, culture, arts – and to breathe this vibrancy back into our community, which is so needed in our city.  So I thank you all so much for investing in Detroit.”  

The development, which also includes 5,000 square feet of retail space, will be the gateway to the West End Gallery District.  The building located on Grand River near Selden is named for Nigerian-American artist Osi Audu. 

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

Michigan has restarted its Sun Bucks program.

The goal of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program is to help ensure school-age children continue to receive healthy meals during the months when they are not in school.

The state says families who enroll will receive $120 for each eligible child during the summer. Some families are automatically eligible, while others will need to apply.

Sun Bucks benefits can be used at any retailer that accepts EBT. For more information, visit Michigan.gov and search for “Sun Bucks.”

Additional headlines for June 17, 2026

Flood watch in effect for Metro Detroit

Much of Metro Detroit is under a flood watch this afternoon through late tonight.

The advisory includes Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Storms are expected tonight, bringing the threat of gusty winds and heavy rainfall.

The National Weather Service says 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible within a three-hour period. That could cause flash flooding in rivers and streams and affect residents living in low-lying areas.

Heavy rains increase risk of beach closures

This week’s heavy rains are making temporary beach closures more likely in some areas.

Stormy weather can lead to high levels of E. coli bacteria in Michigan lakes, creating unsafe swimming conditions. Tom Barnes, environmental health division director at the Macomb County Health Department, says heavy rainfall can wash contaminants into the water.

“If you have a big rainy event and you have lots of goose feces on the beach, that’ll wash it into the water. That will definitely result in a higher E. coli count.”

Barnes says swimming in water with high E. coli levels can cause health problems.

Spot Lite and UFO Bar to close

Detroit’s nightlife scene is about to lose two well-known establishments.

The owners of Spot Lite and UFO Bar announced on Instagram Tuesday that the venues will close later this month.

Spot Lite’s last night of operation will be Saturday, June 28. UFO Bar will open its doors for the final time on Monday, June 30.

Detroit to host PWHL draft

Detroit will host another historic hockey event tonight.

The Fox Theatre will be the site of the Professional Women’s Hockey League draft. The league chose Detroit for the event after strong fan support helped break attendance records in back-to-back seasons.

Jayna Hefford, the league’s executive vice president of hockey operations, says the PWHL has helped grow women’s hockey by giving athletes a professional stage on which to compete.

“My generation would have loved this. We didn’t get a chance to have it, but I’m so happy that they get to have it. And then when we look at the next generation of young girls that are going to watch this and not know a world where there isn’t professional women’s hockey.”

Detroit’s PWHL team is one of four expansion teams signing players before league play begins this fall.

CBC ends ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ era

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, known as CBC, has announced it will no longer broadcast “Hockey Night in Canada.”

The network has aired the Saturday night NHL games since 1952. The change comes after the public broadcaster could not reach a deal with Rogers Sportsnet, which has held the broadcast rights since 2013.

The move may make it more difficult for some Detroit-area viewers to tune in to Saturday night hockey. Generations of Detroiters have watched NHL games on CBC Windsor 9.

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

A recent Gallup poll shows 86% of Americans surveyed think Congress is not doing a good job on behalf of the country. That’s not necessarily surprising in a fractious election year. But lawmakers say they can work in a bipartisan fashion.

Kristen McDonald Rivet is the U.S. representative for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District. She spoke with WDET’s Jerome Vaughn at last month’s Mackinac Policy Conference. McDonald Rivet says there’s a formula to get lawmakers from different sides of the aisle working together.

She says Ohio Congresswoman Nancy Kaptur gave her some invaluable advice along that line.

“Find the people that are close to your district in terms of median income. Seeking out other members whose districts look like mine, who are worried about the same things that I am worried about.”

McDonald Rivet says there’s a gap between many voters’ perception of Congress and how things really are.

“The reality that you don’t hear on the 24-hour news channels is that most people in Congress are there because they are serious about making things better. Not all of them. Definitely not all of them, but most people are.”

McDonald Rivet is in her first term as a congresswoman. The 8th District includes Flint, Saginaw and Midland. The Democrat is running for a second term in office.

Detroiters should get ready for a few days of hot weather.  The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and several other counties until 8 p.m. tonight.  

High temperatures today are expected to rise into the lower 90s, with heat index values hitting 101 degrees.  The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels.  Temperatures in the area are expected to rise into the lower 90s again Thursday. 

In response, the city of Detroit has opened several cooling centers.  All of the city’s recreation centers will remain open for their normal hours, providing air conditioning to residents.  Some community centers are open until 7 p.m. during the week.  Others are open until 8 p.m.  Detroit Public Library branches will also be open during their normal hours so residents can cool down as needed. 

Detroiters are advised to drink lots of fluids, limit strenuous outdoor activity, and stay in air-conditioned areas when possible.  It’s also a good idea to check on neighbors, friends and relatives, especially those who are senior citizens.   

Additional headlines for Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Jeep recalls one million vehicles 

Stellantis is recalling more than one million Jeeps due to a possible fire risk. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 2021 through 2025 model year Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles might have an electrical connection problem in the hydraulic power steering system.  The issue could cause some materials to overheat and start a fire.  

NHTSA is warning owners to not park the vehicles inside a building or near a structure due to the fire danger.  The agency says it’s aware of 51 fires and one injury connected to the issue.  

The automaker says it will inspect the vehicles and repair or replace the wiring harness and power steering pump if necessary. 

Casino earnings fall 

Detroit’s three casinos are reporting lower revenues for the month of May.  The three gaming houses brought in just over $114 million last month.  That’s down 4% from April.  

MGM retained the greatest share of the market at 46%, followed by Motor City at 32%, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown with 22% of the market.  The three casinos paid $13.5 million in taxes and development agreement fees to the city of Detroit last month.  They paid another $9.1 million dollars in taxes to the state of Michigan. 

Rocket Mortgage Classic to end 

This summer’s Rocket Mortgage Classic will be the last one.  Event organizers say the annual tournament held at the Detroit Golf Club will not take place in 2027.  

The event has failed to draw top golfers recently.  That problem was made worse by inconsistent scheduling for the tournament over the past several years.  The departure of the Rocket Mortgage Classic means Michigan will no longer have a stop on the PGA tour.  

The final tournament begins on July 30 at the Detroit Golf Club. 

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

Michiganders have been taking their pop bottles and cans back to grocery stores for nearly half a century to collect a deposit.  But that’s changing.

A recent study shows fewer people are returning those bottles and cans—even though the containers are still being recycled.

Bill Wild is the president of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA). He spoke with WDET’s Jerome Vaughn last week at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

Wild says his organization is working to take retailers out of the recycling chain.   He says stores don’t want the hassle of having to process bottles and cans.  And he says they have concerns about contaminants that used containers can bring into their retail space.

Wild says there are several models that Michigan could use to more efficiently recycle cans and bottles. That includes using curbside recycling, or transitioning to central drop-off centers.

Focus: Hope was founded in 1968 as a way to bring Black and white Detroiters together in the aftermath of the 1967 rebellion.  The organization has grown and changed in the last six decades, but still faces challenges.

Portia Roberson is the President and CEO of Focus: Hope.  She spoke with WDET’s Jerome Vaughn at the Mackinac Policy Conference last week.

Roberson says changes in federal funding priorities have made it harder for the non-profit to achieve its goals.  The organization had its federal funding slashed for Head Start.  She says those funding cuts endangered early learning opportunities for more than 200 families.

At the same time, Roberson says the Focus: Hope food program is growing because more people across the state are dealing with food insecurity.  The non-profit is feeding between 45,000 and 50,000 Michigan seniors every month.

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit targeting a millage proposal on the August primary ballot that would prevent Wayne County communities from opting out of the SMART bus system.  

The group Not SMART Wayne filed the suit, claiming the Wayne County Transit Authority did not follow disclosure and notice requirements before placing the millage on the ballot.  The judge dismissed the case for insufficient evidence.  

Matthew Wilk is an organizer of Not SMART Wayne.  He says the battle is not over. “So we are going to fight this at the ballot box.  We’re going to make sure everybody knows exactly what they’re doing.  I think it is wholly inappropriate to have a tax, a special double tax on Detroiters.  It’s 650,000 Detroiters and we’re going to let the world know about it.”   

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans applauded the judge’s decision.  Evans says expanding the SMART bus system will provide an affordable alternative, especially when Detroiters are dealing with high gas prices.  Voters will see the millage proposal on the August 4 ballot. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Dearborn starts aggressive driving unit 

The city of Dearborn has launched a new unit to stop aggressive driving.  The city says the unit will watch for driving behaviors that may cause accidents and threaten the public’s safety.  

The Dearborn police department has acquired three Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles for the special unit.  Those cars will be able to more easily blend in with normal traffic.  

The city says police officers issued more than 33,000 traffic citations last year.   

Gas prices fall

Metro Detroit gas prices are trending downward despite continued hostilities in the Middle East.  

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular in the area is now $4.28.  That’s down 29 cents per gallon from last week at this time.  

Analysts say talk of a possible peace deal has helped push prices lower.  But the U.S. and Iran have both launched strikes in recent days – and there’s no clear word on when the situation might be resolved.  

The vital Strait of Hormuz remains closed to commercial ship traffic.  Twenty percent of the world’s crude oil typically passes through that waterway. 

DPSCD to demolish Cooley High School 

The Detroit Public Schools Community District will demolish Cooley High School this summer.  That’s according to reporting by Bridge Detroit and Historic Detroit.  The high school was originally built in 1928 and closed in 2010.  

There were efforts to save the building.  The non-profit Life Remodeled had offered in 2023 to purchase the site from the district, but that offer was rejected. 

Teacher of the Year nominations open 

And the Michigan Department of Education is looking to recognize teachers for their hard work.  

The Teacher of the Year program was created to acknowledge the achievements of educators in the state.  Anyone can nominate a teacher using the form on the state Department of Education website until September 23.  

The winner of the award will be announced in the spring.  

-Reporting by Helena Najar 

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James Tate is the latest in a long line of Detroit city council presidents as of January.  He attended the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island last week and sat down to speak with WDET’s Jerome Vaughn.  

Tate has been on the city council for years, but now he’s learning how to perform in his new role as president. He’s had conversations with current Mayor Mary Sheffield about her transition from council member to council president.

The city council president says he looks forward to working closely with Sheffield on an issue that he sees as Detroit’s biggest challenge: poverty.  Tate hopes potential opportunities posed by transit could help ease some of the effects of Detroit’s income gap.

The Mackinac Policy Conference is officially underway. The annual event brings together politicians, policymakers and journalists to discuss issues affecting the state and Metro Detroit.

The theme of this year’s conference is “A Quest for Common Ground.” Key speakers include Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Dozens of other speakers are also on the agenda.

A debate between the three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate takes place Thursday afternoon. The conference can be streamed live at detroitpbs.org.

Detroit receives rating upgrades

The city of Detroit has received two upgrades to its financial rating.

Moody’s raised Detroit from Baa1 to A3, while S&P moved the city’s credit rating from BBB to BBB+.

Detroit officials say it is the first time the city has been in the A range since 1999. Mayor Mary Sheffield says the upgrades reflect the city’s strong financial practices. Detroit has now had 11 consecutive years of balanced budgets.

Small businesses asked to leave Millender Center

Big changes are planned for the Millender Center in downtown Detroit this summer.

The Detroit Free Press reports that small businesses in the building are being told they need to move out by August. Bedrock owns the building.

The Free Press reports that the IHOP restaurant will remain, along with the building’s 338 apartments. The Millender Center opened in 1985.

Gas prices fall

Gas prices in Metro Detroit have fallen in the days since the Memorial Day weekend.

The average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is now $4.57. That’s down 17 cents per gallon from this time last week.

AAA says it expects gas prices across the country to remain elevated as consumer demand stays high. Gas prices are also being affected by continuing tensions in the Middle East.

The U.S. launched strikes against Iran over the weekend, placing prospects for a peace agreement in jeopardy.

Sheffield appoints director of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has appointed a new director of Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity.

Jade E. Mathis will lead the department. Sheffield says the department plays an important role in making sure all Detroiters have access to city services and opportunities.

Sheffield also named Megan Moslimani deputy director of the department.

Roads closed for Grand Prix prep

Several downtown Detroit roads are closed as the city prepares for this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix.

Woodward Avenue is closed between Larned and State streets. Randolph Street is closed between Larned and Jefferson Avenue, along with several other road closures in the downtown core.

Drivers should expect detours and extra travel time in the area. Race events begin Friday and continue through Sunday.

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Severe storms raced through metro Detroit Tuesday, bringing strong winds, heavy rains and even hail.  Streets throughout Detroit were left with large puddles, causing drivers to avoid them. Wind gusts knocked down trees and broke limbs in some places.  

The canopy of a gas station on Detroit’s west side was knocked over by the winds, forcing its closure.  The Mobil station at Plymouth and Hubbell remains out of operation today. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Mary Waters disqualified 

Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters announced last month that she was running for Congress in Michigan’s 13^th District.  She made the announcement just before the filing deadline.  But Waters has now been disqualified from running for failing to gather sufficient petition signatures.   

Waters tried to run for the job in 2024, but came in second to incumbent Shri Thanedar in that year’s Democratic primary.  She was re-elected to Detroit City Council last year.  

Congressman Thanedar is running against State Representative Donovan McKinney in this year’s August primary election. 

Mackinac Policy Conference preview 

Politicians, industry leaders and philanthropists are making last-minute preparations for the Mackinac Policy Conference.  They’ll travel to Mackinac Island next week to network, discuss policy and learn from one another.  

The annual event is held by the Detroit Regional Chamber.  Speakers will include Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Professor Cornel West.  There will also be a debate between the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate.  

You can hear coverage of the Mackinac Policy Conference on WDET beginning Tuesday, May 26. 

Gas prices drop slightly, but still hurt 

Metro Detroit gas prices have fallen slightly in the past few days, but are still nearly two dollars per gallon higher than they were at the beginning of this year.  The average price for a gallon of self-serve unleaded in the area is now $4.74.  That’s down eight cents from a week ago.  

Motorists planning to head out on the road for the Memorial Day holiday weekend should still plan for prices that remain near $5 per gallon.  AAA says Michigan is one of the 10 most expensive states when it comes to gas right now. 

NAACP calls for sports boycott 

The NAACP is calling on college athletes to boycott southern schools in response to a Supreme Court decision impacting the Voting Rights Act.  NBC News reports the civil rights organization launched the “Out of Bounds” campaign this week. 

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled recently that using race to create two majority Black Congressional districts in Louisiana was unconstitutional.  

The NAACP is asking Black recruits to withhold their commitments to attend certain colleges, most of which are in the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference.  The boycott could have a financial effect via national sports television deals, ticket sales and alumni gifts. 

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May is Mental Health Month and a special symposium on the subject will be held at Wayne State University on Friday.  The event is called Breaking the Stigma and the underlying idea is to make people less reluctant to talk about mental health issues. 

Shantalea Johns is an assistant professor and director of continuing education at Wayne State’s School of Social Work. She says she hopes the symposium will provide Detroiters with a safe space to discuss mental health issues.  Jones would like attendees to take some action after the event ends and ask their loved ones how they’re doing.

The Breaking the Stigma symposium takes place at Wayne State University’s MacGregor Conference Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Detroit officials gathered at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center yesterday to unveil their summer crime prevention program.  Called “Occupy the Summer,” the initiative looks for ways to keep teens actively and productively engaged once the weather warms up.  

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison says the overall idea is to find more ways to keep the community safe. “We know that as the temperatures rise,  our children, our seniors, our community – everyone is waiting to come outside.  We see year after year, violence and gun violence start to rise.” 

The Occupy the Summer initiative will keep several Detroit recreation centers open until 11 p.m., expand youth programming, hold cultural activities and bring back midnight basketball.  The program kicks off June 12 and runs until August 14. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Casino revenues are up 

Detroit’s three casinos are showing improved financial numbers for April.  Revenues hit $118.9 million for the month.  That’s up nearly 8% compared to April 2025.  

The Michigan Gaming Control Board says MGM Grand showed the greatest year-over-year increase at 14.3%  MGM also retained the largest share of the market in Detroit at 49%.  Motor City controlled 29%, while Hollywood Casino at Greektown pulled in 22%.  

The three casinos paid $14 million in wagering taxes and development agreement fees to the City of Detroit last month.  They paid another $9.6 million in taxes to the state of Michigan. 

Gas prices continue rising 

Gas prices in metro Detroit continue to rise.  The average price for a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded was $4.82 this morning.  AAA Michigan says that’s up a nickel from yesterday.  Crude oil prices remain high, with very little traffic passing through the critical Strait of Hormuz.  Refinery problems in the U.S. are also impacting gas prices in Michigan. 

Pistons prepare for game five 

The Detroit Pistons play game five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tonight.  They take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena.  Detroit had a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series last week, but the Pistons have lost two straight games to Cleveland.  

Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff says the team didn’t play up to its potential in game four on Sunday afternoon, losing 112 – 103.  Game five starts tonight at 8 p.m.  It will be televised on ESPN.    

Lions play Patriots in Germany 

The NFL announced this morning that the Detroit Lions will play the New England Patriots in Germany this season.  The teams are scheduled to meet on November 15 in Munich.  The Patriots won the AFC East last season and advanced into the playoffs.  

The Lions failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2022.  The full NFL schedule will be released Thursday night. 

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Detroiters are celebrating another Pistons playoff victory. The team defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-97 Thursday night in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals. Detroit All-Star Cade Cunningham scored 25 points in the victory. The Pistons have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 3 is tomorrow afternoon at 3 in Cleveland.

Additional headlines for May 8, 2026

Students deal with Canvas hack

A hack of the Canvas academic system has affected students across the country, including many in Michigan. Students at Wayne State tried to access the system Thursday as they prepared for tests and worked to finish papers. But they were denied access. The system was hacked by ransomware, which demanded payment to keep from publishing students’ sensitive information. Canvas says the system is up and running again today.

Senior Olympics return to Detroit

Detroit’s Senior Olympics are returning June 8. The program was started in 1984 to empower seniors ages 50 and older and support healthy living. Seniors will compete in various activities such as swimming, track, golf, and even baking and arts and crafts. Registration as a participant is open through May 15. Athlete registration is $25. For more information or to register, visit the city’s website at detroitmi.gov and search for Detroit Senior Olympics.

Detroit District 1 to hold job fair

Detroit’s Department of Neighborhood Resource Managers is putting on a job fair in District 1 next month. City employers and others will be on-site actively hiring new employees. Project Clean Slate will also be there to help with expungement opportunities. The job fair will be held June 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crowell Recreation Center. That’s 16630 Lahser at Verne.

Juneteenth art contest seeks entries

The City of Hamtramck’s Park Conservancy is now accepting applications for the TSF Juneteenth Multidisciplinary Art Contest for high school seniors. Any senior attending school or residing in Wayne or Oakland counties can apply. The contest is looking for an original activity that honors the legacy of National Baseball Hall of Famer and Negro League Detroit Stars legend Norman “Turkey” Stearnes. The submission must also portray the Juneteenth holiday. For more information about the contest and how to apply, visit hamtramck-stadium.org/juneteenth-contest. The application window closes May 29.

Metro Detroit gas prices remain steady in past week

Gas prices headed into the weekend haven’t changed much in the past few days. AAA Michigan says the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular in metro Detroit is $4.78 today. That’s the same price as Thursday, and just a couple of cents cheaper than last week at this time. Crude oil prices remain near $100 per barrel as the U.S. and Iran reportedly traded fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. Oil tanker traffic in that waterway has not returned to normal, impacting supplies in many parts of the world.

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