The city of Detroit’s Health Department is offering guidance and respite centers to help residents to stay safe from the Canadian wildfire smoke.  

In a press conference this week, Mayor Sheffield acknowledged the hazardous air quality conditions.  “We know we have unsafe air quality outside, and we are doing all that we can to get that information out to residents to stay in and to stay masked and to ensure we’re checking on our loved ones.” 
  
In response to the air quality, the health department has informed residents to check the website, airnow.gov to check up to date air quality conditions in your area.   

They also advise residents to stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, move physical activities indoors, and wear masks.  Residents that don’t have air-conditioning can check out some of Detroit’s recreations centers at detroitmi.gov. There you will find centers near you and the numbers to contact them.     

Additional headlines for Friday, July 17, 2026

Detroit invests in sewer line repair

The city is also investing $184 million to repair a long list of damaged sewer lines. This project will help prevent sewer backups and sinkholes that are most common in low-income neighborhoods.

Gary Brown is the director and CEO of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). He says these repairs are too expensive for homeowners to repair. “In Detroit, homeowners and the maintenance of these lines are the homeowner’s responsibility. Many residents don’t realize they’re responsible for the connections.  Unfortunately, it is also the deepest most difficult and most expensive portion of the sewer repair.”   

The federally funded project will repair nearly 9,000 clogged or broken sewer connections in mostly low to moderate income neighborhoods. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2030.  

Sports 

MLB  

The second half of the Tigers season starts this weekend after the all-star break. The home team goes against the Los Angeles Angels for a 3-game weekend affair.

The Tigers are currently trying to dig out of the American League Central against an Angels team that is trying to do the same.   

First pitch for today’s game is 9:35 p.m. at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.   
  
Soccer

Detroit City FC go against the Indy Eleven tomorrow at Keyworth Stadium. Game starts at 7 p.m.  
  
FIFA 

And the FIFA World Cup final takes place on Sunday, July 19 with Spain facing Argentina in a game that will make history with Lamine Yamal and Lionnel Messi leading their respective teams. Game starts at 3 p.m. at the MetLife stadium—temporarily known as New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey.     

Festival of Books  

And this Sunday is the 9th Annual Detroit Festival of Books. Organizers say that at this event you’ll be able to shop for rare, unique, and unusual books, vinyl records, comic books and more.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 19 at Eastern Market.  

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

For the last month Americans have been watching soccer with the World Cup being played on U.S. soil for the first time in more than 30 years.  The final game is this weekend.

As people from around the globe visit, the tournament has highlighted a sharing of cultures. Not only as people show off their own communities in support of their national teams, but also as tourists try American cuisine.

Videos on social media have shown people from Europe coming over and being impressed by the food. That raises the question of what makes the culinary landscape in the U.S., a country founded by immigrants, so different.

Chef Nick Sanchez is an immigrant who serves as the director of the Patchwork Culinary Project. He joins The Metro to discuss the impact of immigrants and refugees on the country’s culinary landscape.

“They bring their food and culture and their flavors with them,” Sanchez say. “Those flavors eventually become our daily meal staples.”

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

Hear the full conversation using the media player.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and stream on-demand. Never miss an episode — subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

In Detroit, there’s always a lot of action in liquor store parking lots.

Fender benders. Loitering. Impromptu barbecue pop-ups. Arguments and negotiations. Entrepreneurs hustling their wares. You name it.

This is the first time, however, I’ve witnessed one hosting a World Cup watch party.

Most of the World Cup games so far have been broadcast on a TV or projection screen in the parking lot of Marcus Market, a small liquor and grocery store near Wayne State’s campus.

They sell everything from tacos out of a counter in the back to beer and fresh produce and cigarettes and kayaks (they technically haven’t sold one yet but they are for sale).

It’s a popular spot with college kids and people from the neighborhood; a major community hub of commerce and social interaction in the city’s Cass Corridor.

And now it’s a de facto sports hub for the initiated or those just passing by and curious what the shouting is all about.

Under a pop-up tent in a corner of the parking lot, there’s a loyal band of soccer fans each with their own rooting interests. The crowds have swelled to nearly 90 people for the U.S. men’s soccer matches. Brands and sponsors noticed, dropping off swag for fans.

Other times, often for day games victimized by the sun and heat, it’s just a handful of diehards.

Some are sitting in camping chairs they brought. Some are sitting on milk crates pulled from the back of Marcus Market and provided by cashier Sishir Cherry Buddharaju, who started this whole thing.

“It’s the best way to watch the World Cup,” says Buddharaju, who’s known around the neighborhood simply as Cherry.

Fans are more than welcome to head into Marcus Market and buy a snack or a drink, but it’s really not a sales tactic for the store, he says.

“Most World Cup viewing parties are in bars or you have to RSVP,” says Buddharaju. “There’s not many that are free, that you can stay as long as you want and you don’t have to spend any money.”

In fact, at a lot of these parking lot games, there’s not much drinking at all. It’s become a lazy cliche mostly plastered on sports advertisements, but these watch parties have become bigger than the game itself.

It ended up being more about strangers in the neighborhood getting to know each other and hanging out outside the structure of a bar.

Buddharaju says at least a few regulars have become friends since the watch parties started back in June, showing up together and making plans after the games. Another watch party regular said he’s worried he won’t see his friends as much when the games end. It’s the most time he’s spent with them in a while.

“It almost feels like a summer camp sort of thing because it’s essentially the same group of strangers that show up every day,” says Buddharaju. “They all became friends from just being at the same place every day together for two hours for 30 straight days.”

There’s been some trials and tribulations along the way. A heavy rain forced them to take the television inside the nearby Bronx Bar to watch the rest of the England versus Mexico match. During Argentina versus Cape Verde, a powerful storm popped up quickly and ravaged their set up within seconds, sending the pop-up tent flying and the TV crashing to the ground. 

The screen is cracked and partially blacked out now, but the group watches on.

After Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals, a handful of fans watching the game thank Buddharaju for setting up once again and start stacking milk crates and put away the 10×10 tent they’ve been watching under. They ask Buddharaju when the next game is and if he’ll be grilling hot dogs again.

“It’s a weird feeling,” laughs Buddharaju, “because I was going to do this even if nobody showed up. It was just going to be me outside watching the World Cup in the parking lot.”

But there hasn’t been a game that he’s watched alone yet. There’s always someone from the neighborhood walking up, sitting down, and watching with him – and the rest of the neighborhood.

There’s still a handful of World Cup watch parties being hosted in the Marcus Market parking lot. They are free and open to the public.

• Tuesday, July 14 – at 3 p.m. for France versus Spain

• Wednesday, July 15 – at 3 p.m. (teams to be determined)

• Saturday, July 19 – at 3 p.m. (World Cup Final)

This story was originally published on Midbrow.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)’s meteorologists say the high temperatures this week will lead to high levels of ozone and poor air quality. 

There’s an air quality alert for ozone in Southeast Michigan for today and tomorrow. Ozone is a pollutant in the atmosphere created by volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides found in things like industrial solvents, cleaning products and burning fuel. It is an air pollutant. 

EGLE says people should avoid strenuous activities—especially for those who have asthma. People should also avoid refueling vehicles, using gasoline-powered lawn equipment or lighting charcoal with lighter fluid. People should also try to drive less and delay errands if possible.  

ELGE says they will put out additional alerts as needed. For more information visit michigan.gov/MiAir. 

Additional headlines for Monday, June 29, 2026

Tips for handling the heat

Detroit’s health department recommends drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated during this week’s heat wave. They also recommend limiting strenuous activity and staying inside.

Recreation centers, public library branches will serve as cooling centers during normal business hours.

Watch for signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, headache, and unusually heavy sweating. Check on family members and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.

AAA reminds drivers not to leave children or pets in their vehicles and to check the back seat each time they get out of their car.  

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Dearborn hosts World Cup watch parties

The City of Dearborn is offering free watch parties for residents and World Cup fans. The city is partnering up with What’s up Media Network to host the watch party at Dearborn’s PEACE Park West. The matches are shown on the screen at the park’s performance stage. Vendors will also provide refreshments.

Anyone can join, but the park can hold only up to 1,000 people. People are encouraged to go early to find a spot.  

Dearborn’s PEACE Park West is located at 22271 W Village Dr. in Dearborn.  

Dearborn Tree City designation

Also in Dearborn, the city was given the Tree City USA designation for the 39th time.  

Mayor Abdullah Hammoud says the city is planting a few thousand trees.. And also removing dead ones. 

“When I first came in, we had a backlog of about 1,200-1,300 dead and diseased trees that needed to be taken down. That list is now, I would say, around the 100 mark, and we’ve also caught up. We had seven years of no trimming of trees throughout the city. We officially caught up, and we’re back on our normal five year cycle.”  

Hammoud says planting more trees helps with air quality and mitigating flooding.  

Dearborn residents can also request a free tree to be planted in their easement by going to Dearborn.gov/trees. 

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

The tuition at Wayne State University is rising by 4% for its undergraduate and graduate students. This comes after a unanimous decision from the university’s board of governors. 

How will this affect the university students? Well, undergraduate students can see a tuition increase of about $250 and graduate students will see an increase of $33 dollars per credit. 

The university increased their tuition last year by 4.5%. According to the school’s officials the 2026-2027 housing rates will not increase. 

This rate increase is following a trend occurring in 4-year public and private universities and colleges across the country––tuition increases due to inflation, a drop off in enrollment post pandemic or uncertainty around state funding. WDET is licensed to Wayne State University.  

Additional headlines for Friday, June 26, 2026

Community Health Assessment shows positive results

This week, the city of Detroit released a Community Health Assessment that revealed that community improvements positively affect the health of residents. 

The report was an assessment of about 6,000 residents, some commuity organizations, public health experts and local data. 

During a press conference about the assessment, Mayor Sheffield expanded the idea of what health means. “Health is much more than what happens inside of a doctor’s office. It is also about prevention. Health is about whether a mother has access to prenatal care. It is about whether a child has healthy food nearby and it is about clean air, safe housing, transportation and whether families can access the care that they need when they need it.”  

Sports 

FIFA

The U.S. had their first loss of the 2026 World Cup to the already eliminated country of Turkey. Turkey kicked a last minute goal to win the match. The U.S. also had mostly reserves playing in the second half of the game to ready the team for their next game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That game is Wednesday, July 1.  

NFL 
The Lions’ defensive back Terrion Arnold was arrested this week in Tampa, Fla. on alleged felony charges of robbery and kidnapping. 

Six other individuals were arrested, but according to police Arnold was the one coordinating and directing the codefendants. Arnold is from Tallahasse, Fla., which is about 4 hours away from Tampa.  

The Lions said in a statement that they are aware of the news but are not commenting “out of respect of the ongoing legal process.” 

MLB 
The Tigers loss to the Astros yesterday in the score of 4-1. Next game is today at Comerica Park. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m.  

Burger Battle

And this weekend get ready for what organizers are calling the biggest burger battle in the Midwest. This weekend the 10 year anniversary of Detroit Burger Battle is going down in the Motor City.

Fifteen of metro Detroit’s top restaurants will bang burgers and chef it up for the crown. Participants of the battle get a single voting card to pick their top 3 burgers. Whoever gets the most votes wins.

This is all going down on Sunday, June 28 from 1-4 p.m. at Shed 5 of the Eastern Market.

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

“Our great partner, Governor Whitmer isn’t the only one fixing the roads around here,” said Mayor Sheffield yesterday, where she and the Department of Public Works gave an update to their road improvement program.

This $58 million initiative includes 140 individual major road and residential paving and construction projects, as well as bridge removals and streetscape construction.

The mayor said the project will not only fix the infrastructure of Detroit but it will build up the community’s workforce. “We are also putting Detroiters to work while we invest in our neighborhoods… 90% of the individuals that are doing this work are Detroit residents and 100% are unionized. Let’s give that a round of applause.”

Funding for the road projects will come from federal and state transportation funds. This project will begin along West Grand Boulevard.

Additional headlines for Thursday, June 25, 2026

New affordable housing complex for seniors

Earlier this week city leaders joined together for the ribbon cutting of new senior housing in Grandmont Rosedale. The new development Minock Park Place is a mixed use development bringing commercial space as well as affordable housing for seniors.  The development includes 36 one bedroom apartments and six two bedroom apartments for low to moderate income seniors.

Mike Randall, executive director of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, says completion of this project brings value to the neighborhood and community.  “In the face of doubt, skepticism, a global pandemic, 3 presidential terms, skyrocketing inflation and costs, yet here we stand. Not for the recognition and not to boast but to demonstrate that value exists on our corridor not just on grand river not just on 6 mile…and not just on schoolcraft but throughout all the great city of Detroit.”

Residents are expected to begin moving in in July with commercial spots opening in the first quarter of next year.  

Sports

MLB

The Tigers lost to the NY Yankees with the score of 4-2. Their next 3 game series is against the Houston Astros starting tonight at Comerica Park. First pitch is a 6:40pm.

Club soccer

Detroit City FC face Birmingham Legion FC on July 2 at Protective Stadium in Alabama 

FIFA 
And the FIFA group stage continues as TEAM USA faces Türkiye. The U.S. has a 51% chance of winning according to sports analysts. Tonight’s game at the Los Angeles stadium in Inglewood California starts at 10 p.m. EST. 

Murder mystery walking tour

And if you are looking for something spooky to get into this weekend, look no further than The Rosary Requiem—Detroit Murder Mystery Walking Tour.

The tour starts at Most Holy Redeemer Church – the church where the film “The Rosary Murders” was filmed. Organizers say the walking tour is blends mystery and intrigue, with the vibrant spice of Detroit’s Mexicantown – that means food!

For more information go to distinctivelydetroit.com.

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

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority abruptly canceled festivities planned for the Gordie Howe Bridge ribbon cutting tomorrow.

Windsor Detroit Bridge officials said that the US and Canada have agreed to push back the opening of the span in order to take, “the necessary time to resolve outstanding issues”. The statement did not say what those issues are.

President Trump has planned to block the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge saying that he wants the bridge crossing to be a better deal for the US. Bridge officials haven’t clarified whether the construction of the span is complete.  

Additional headlines for Thursday, June 11, 2026

Charity car show

Local nonprofit Healing Choices is hosting a charity event on Sunday June 14 to support domestic violence survivors. It’s the Healing Choices Charity Car Show at Metro Beach featuring classic cars, hotrods, muscle cars and more.

The Detroit Police Department will be at the event to showcase some of their vehicles. And The organization will also provide resources to survivors.  

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $10 per ticket and can be purchased at the park entrance.  

Sports updates

FIFA 
Detroit City FC AND the El Paso Locomotive FC tied yesterday 1-1. Before the game the rain was non stop at the Keyworth Stadium but they were still able to have their match. Their next game is Saturday June 13 at 7 p.m. 

Also the Fifa World Cup starts today with co-host Mexico playing the opener in Mexico City against South Africa.

The United States plays their first game against Paraguay tomorrow at 9 p.m. EST at the Los Angeles stadium in Inglewood. 

MLB 
The Tigers lost against the Minnesota Twins yesterday 6-4. We’ll have the results of today’s tie breaker game of this three game series on tomorrow’s DER. 
 
NBA  
Last night, NBA history was made. The New Knicks had the largest finals comeback in history after erasing a 29 point deficit yesterday against the San Antonio Spurs.

Final score was 107-106.  

Henry Ford exhibits to recognize 250 years of the US

And last but not least, to celebrate America’s 250^th year the Henry Ford Museum is showcasing 250 acres of special programming, new exhibitions, exciting events and more to highlight the history of American innovation. 
 
Some of the exhibits will be: 

• Handmade: The Crafting of America  -This exhibit explores how fabrics helped shape American history.
• Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation – This exhibit looks at the important key documents of this nation. The Henry Ford is one of eight institutions across the U.S. where nine original founding-era documents and it will be on display.
• Artemis Adventure with LEGO® Bricks – This exhibit looks at American space exploration to the wonder of legos.  

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

The United Auto Workers has endorsed Jocelyn Benson for governor and Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan’s 2026 elections.

In a statement, the UAW said it supports El-Sayed because it wants “a fighter” in Washington, D.C. During an interview with ABC News Live this week, El-Sayed discussed the importance of unions like the UAW.

“The best way to protect people’s wages is to allow them to form unions. I want to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the PRO Act to make sure you have the voting rights and that you can form a union anywhere and in any sector in American life.”
The UAW also said the 2026 gubernatorial race is critical and that Benson has demonstrated she would stand with working-class Michiganders.

The endorsements come after former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan entered the governor’s race as an independent candidate and following last week’s Mackinac Policy Conference, where El-Sayed and fellow Democratic Senate candidates Mallory McMorrow and Haley Stevens participated in a debate.

Additional headlines for June 5, 2026

Dearborn opens third PEACE Park in Southend

Dearborn has opened its third PEACE Park in the city’s Southend neighborhood.

PEACE stands for Park Equity and Access for Civic Engagement. The parks are part of the PEACE Project, a nearly $30 million grant-funded effort to invest in the city’s green infrastructure.

PEACE Park South includes a community basketball court, two pickleball courts, a garden walk and other amenities. During a town hall meeting in April, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud discussed additional efforts to expand green space throughout the city.

“Every year, we choose six to nine schools where we’re planting rain gardens and trees in various schools.”

The new park is now open for residents to enjoy.

Tigers host Mariners in weekend series

The Detroit Tigers host the Seattle Mariners this weekend for a three-game series at Comerica Park.

Detroit enters the series looking to gain ground in the American League Central amid trade speculation ahead of the deadline.
First pitch for Friday’s game is scheduled for 6:40 p.m.

Detroit City FC takes on Lexington SC in USL Jägermeister Cup

Detroit City FC will face Lexington SC in Group D action of the USL Jägermeister Cup on Saturday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck.

Michigan State researcher helps prepare World Cup playing surfaces

Michigan State University professor Trey Rogers is helping prepare playing surfaces for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Rogers helped pioneer indoor natural grass systems for the 1994 World Cup. For next year’s tournament, he and his team are developing methods to ensure the safe transportation and installation of turf at host stadiums.

According to Bridge Michigan, Michigan State and the University of Tennessee are also supplying turfgrass through a FIFA-funded project.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins June 11 and concludes July 19.

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