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Detroit Evening Report: Kamala Harris endorses Abdul El-Sayed in Detroit

Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Democrat Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate at an event in Detroit.

“His will be a voice. Abdul’s. That is a voice representing the people of this state, and it will be a national voice,” she said.

When she ran for president two years ago, Harris struggled to win over Arab and Muslim voters in Michigan because of the Biden administration’s support for Israel. Many voted for President Trump, while some backed minor party candidates.

At a news conference with Harris, El-Sayed addressed those voters. “I think if a lot of us could have had that back, had 2024 back, we would have thought about things in different ways. And I hope that moving forward, we don’t reinforce the mistakes of the past that break us apart and start thinking about where do we go in the future.”

El-Sayed supported the Uncommitted Movement in the Democratic presidential primary in 2024. He later endorsed Harris.

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

Leaders in Jewish, Democrat want El-Sayed to answer concerns

Jewish and Democratic Party leaders urged Abdul El-Sayed to address their concerns about his criticism of Israel.

Cantor Regina Hyatt says this political season’s rhetoric is leaving her feeling alienated and politically homeless. And she says many in Michigan’s Jewish community feel the same. Many of them said that they would just sit out the election, or at least that line on the election.

El-Sayed has defended his criticism of the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and of U.S. arms sales to Israel. He has also said he loves the Jewish community and cares about their safety.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is Jewish, has also raised concerns about El-sayed’s stance but is endorsing him. Michigan voters will decide this fall whether to call a constitutional convention in Lansing next year.

Constitutional question

The question of whether or not to change Michigan’s constitution has appeared on the ballot every 16 years since 1978. Each time, voters have rejected it. If voters say yes this time, another election would take place in the spring to choose delegates who would meet in Lansing next fall.

The Constitutional Convention question will appear as Proposal 1 on this year’s ballot.

Reparations Generation house meeting

Reparation Generation’s September virtual house meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 29. Lottie Lee Abdullah from Reparations for Slavery will guide a discussion around housing and the racial wealth gap.

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Detroit Evening Report: Comerica Park receives a new name

Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, is getting a name change. 

Fifth Third Bancorp acquired Comerica Bank last September and rebranded all of its branch locations.  Along with it, the bank obtained the naming rights to Comerica Park. Its new name will be Fifth Third Park.

The bank’s Michigan Regional President Steve Davis says when Fifth Third bought Comerica, one of the top questions he was routinely asked was “what will happen to the Tiger’s home stadium?”

“For me, that’s incredibly humbling, knowing how much this park and the Tigers mean to Detroit and to the community, it’s pretty overwhelming for me. So, this matters because the pride that the community and Detroit has in the Tigers is the same pride that we have in this ballpark. And so, for us, this is more than just a name.”  

The park’s new name goes into effect starting next year. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 

The Detroit Black Film Festival showcases filmmaking talent for a seventh year 

The Detroit Black Film Festival starts Thursday. This is the seventh year the event will showcase Black films at venues in the city. Films will be screened at the Detroit Historical Museum, the Love Building and the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History.  

It runs from the Sept. 24-27, ending with an awards ceremony Sunday hosted by Diarra Kilpatrick from the TV show “Diarra from Detroit.”

The Taste of Black Spirits highlights sips and connection 

The Belle Isle Casino is the venue for the 2026 Taste of Black Spirits Friday night. The daylong event includes the ‘Amplify’ Liquid Forum for education, networking and business development and ends with the ‘Grand Tasting Exhibition.’  

The Taste of Black Spirits is a companion event to the Black Film Festival.

Detroit Month of Design touts thrifted fashion  

The Detroit Month of Design is still in full swing with daily events to celebrate design in the city. An event I have my eye on is the Slow Fashion Slow Roll at the coworking space Chroma on Thursday.

The event invites the community to wear handmade, thrifted, vintage and upcycled fashion. Participants are also encouraged to join in a community bike ride, a pre-party and an after-party. Plus, there’s the chance to visit a marketplace populated with Detroit slow fashion designers.  

The first party is on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. at Chroma, located at 2937 E Grand Blvd.  

For more information about everything on the Detroit Month of Design schedule, go to detroitmonthofdesign.org.  

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Detroit Evening Report: Detroit predicts revenue increase for 2027 budget

Detroit may see more money in the city’s budget at the end of this fiscal year than originally predicted. 

Detroit officials are estimating an increase of $58 million or more in revenue for the 2027 fiscal year. The city’s Sean Tobin says that’s a result of increased money from corporate income, property, and wagering taxes.

Tobin says the city was expecting to see a decline in revenue because of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. However,”they were decoupled from that that policy, meaning that it wouldn’t affect the revenues. So, based off of how fiscal year 26 ended, that beat our prior expectations pretty well, which is great news.”

Officials estimate the city will start next year with a $1.5 billion general fund. The estimate provides the start for developing the budget for fiscal year 2028. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026

Sen. Gary Peters comments on SCOTUS absentee ballot ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration cannot change rules around mail-in ballots for the upcoming midterm elections. But a Michigan senator is worried about more attempts at election interference.

Democrat Gary Peters is happy about the high court’s 7-2 decision. But he thinks President Trump will try to meddle in the November midterms. “They want to change the rules. They don’t want free and fair elections. They want to do what they can to to undermine the credibility of our elections. So we have to be vigilant.”

Trump still claims the 2020 election was stolen from him and frequently blames ballot counting in Detroit as a reason for his loss. The Justice Department sent election monitors to four Michigan cities including Detroit and Lansing for this year’s August primary.

-Reporting by Russ McNamara

Americans for Citizen Voting proposal won’t make ballot

The Michiganders for Money out of Politics initiative will appear on the statewide ballot in November. But a measure to require all voters to prove they are U.S. citizens will not.

The Board of State Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 on the Americans for Citizen Voting proposal, denying it from the ballot. They could not agree on a way to resolve problems with petition signatures. Now, a State House Select Committee is trying to find out why.

Both campaigns turned in hundreds of thousands more signatures than were required. Harris says the committee plans to hear testimony from people affiliated with the campaigns, as well as state and local election officials.

– Reporting by Russ McNamara

Health officials warn about recreational nitrous-oxide use

Michigan health officials say the state has a growing problem with people using whippets or laughing gas. Nitrous oxide-commonly catted laughing gas has a variety of medical and culinary uses. But the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says recreational use of nitrous oxide has been linked to a growing number of hospitalizations.

Health officials say recreational use has been linked to neurological injury, blood clots and injuries related to impaired judgement. 

They say since 2024, a third of emergency nitrous oxide cases in Michigan required hospitalization.

-Reporting by Steve Carmody

Gas prices rise

Fuel prices are rising daily. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $4.54 for a gallon of regular unleaded this morning. That’s 11 cents higher than yesterday, and 32 cents more than it was a week ago. Diesel fuel is averaging a record $6.34 cents a gallon statewide.

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller 

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said that Detroit would end the year with a $1.5 billion surplus. This has been corrected to say that the city is expecting a $1.5 billion general fund. We apologize for the error. 

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Detroit Evening Report: Hundreds of people may be denied Flint settlement money due to paperwork errors

Hundreds of people who qualified for a share of the multi-million-dollar Flint water settlement fund may soon be cut out. That’s because some claims do not include correct Social Security numbers, or required signatures. 

Last week, a federal judge authorized sending final notices to thousands of claimants, advising them that unless they provide the missing information within 30 days their claim will be denied and closed.  

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026

City inspectors survey tornado damage

Detroit city inspectors say the tornado that hit the east side and Belle Isle on Sept. 3 damaged more than 100 homes and businesses. Nine buildings require emergency demolition. Mayor Mary Sheffield declared a local state of emergency so she can talk with state and federal officials about getting some disaster relief money.

She’s also coordinating with the state and the Red Cross to help families who need food and housing City agencies have removed almost 300 fallen trees, hauled away more than 300 tons of debris, and restored 100 traffic signals. 

Gas prices

The price of diesel fuel in Michigan is the highest it’s ever been. AAA says the average cost is $6.26 cents a gallon. That breaks the record of $6.20 a gallon set back in May. Gasoline prices are 12 cents a gallon higher this morning than they were yesterday. Michigan drivers are paying an average of $4.43 cents for a gallon of regular unleaded, which is 41 cents more than it was a week ago. 

Michigan asks nonprofits to supplement SNAP after cuts

The state is calling on nonprofits to support Michiganders who rely on assistance programs with changing federal requirements. The Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes work requirements and cuts funding to programs including Medicaid the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Those changes go into effect in January 2027.

The State Health Department has grants for nonprofits to provide community navigators to help residents apply for or renew coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan or for SNAP benefits. MDHHS has more than 12 million dollars to direct toward the effort until September 2028.

For more information, visit the EGrAMS website. Anyone interested in learning more can attend an informational webinar on Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m.

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

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

The post Detroit Evening Report: Hundreds of people may be denied Flint settlement money due to paperwork errors appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Whitmer stresses sticking with effective strategies to improve education

Michigan’s governor says the state needs to stay the course on education policy. In recent years, the state has changed its reading curriculum, offered free school meals to everyone and paid for literacy coaches. 
But the latest reading scores show slight declines across the state in the percentage of students in grades 3-8 who are reading at grade level.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the rather than making big frequent changes the state needs to focus on strategies it knows work. This school year, the state is changing how it funds districts based on the number of “at-risk” students they serve. 

The governor also indicated she is waiting to decide whether to opt in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. The program offers tax breaks for donations to organizations that grant scholarships to low-income students.

Opponents say the program violate the prohibition against giving public money to private schools that voters have supported several times. Michigan is one of 15 states that still hasn’t decided whether to join the program-despite calls from Republicans. 

Whitmer says she’s still waiting on details from the U.S. Treasury Department about how the program would work. 

Additional headlines for Sept. 9, 2026

SMART plans expansion

SMART is preparing to expand bus service into additional Metro Detroit communities after voters approved countywide transit funding while public transit usage is increasing, according to new data. 

The agency’s report shows ridership rose about 25% over the past year. The SMART system currently operates 45 fixed routes across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The agency plans to extend service into communities that previously opted out of the regional bus system.

SMART has proposed adding eight new routes and five extensions. New routes have been proposed for the Telegraph, Middlebelt,and Seven Mile corridors, as well as the return of SMART service to Hamtramck. Saturday routes will also be added for the first time since cuts in 2011. 

Detroit home repair programs

Applications for the Detroit home repair programs opened today. The Critical Home Repair option is open to owned homes with children under 18, seniors over 62 or residents with a documented disability. The Detroit LeadSafe program serves families who own or rent their homes with children under age 6 or with a pregnant woman in the home.

Both programs have income eligibility requirements and are only available to homes where property taxes are up to date or being paid through a payment plan. For more information, call 866-313-2520 or email hhfsHomeRepair@detroitmi.gov. 

Art explores how Detroiters view home

Tomorrow is the opening reception for “Where We Belong: The Architecture of Home” at the Boulevard. The reception and exhibit explore the question of who gets to call Detroit home. Thursday’s event offers music, food and conversation as well as art.

On Saturday, Outlier Media’s Orlando Bailey will conduct “special interviews” exploring concepts of home, neighborhood, memory and belonging. On Sunday, the exhibit holds the conversation it calls “Building Belonging” with three Detroiters working in place, people and the built environment.

The exhibit runs through Sept. 20. For more information, visit abayomicdc.org/wwb. 

Stevie Wonder in Detroit

Stevie Wonder is planning a stop in Detroit this fall as a part of a tour celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his album “Songs in the Key of Life.” The legend will play the Fox Theatre on Dec. 8-9.

Tickets go on sale on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at 313presents.com, livenation.com and ticketmaster.com. 

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

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

The post Detroit Evening Report: Whitmer stresses sticking with effective strategies to improve education appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Detroiters assess the cost of tornado damage

Some Detroit residents and businesses have begun to assess the financial toll from an EF-2 tornado that tore across the city’s east side, damaging homes, industrial buildings, utility infrastructure and parts of Belle Isle.

The National Weather Service says the Sept. 3 tornado carved a roughly 3.5 mile path through Detroit, reaching winds of about 115 mph. City officials said dozens of trees fell, nearly 100 intersections lost working traffic signals and one resident was injured.

Some east-side businesses are hoping public assistance may be available. One business owner estimated damage to his property at between $100,000 and $200,000. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026

West Nile virus in Detroit

Detroit health officials have confirmed the city’s first human West Nile virus case of the year. Chief Public Health Officer Ali Abazeed confirmed the case Friday. Officials say most West Nile infections cause no symptoms but a small number of cases have resulted in serious neurological problems. 

ISNA conference

The Islamic Society of North America creates a space for belonging for some during a time of growing anti-Muslim rhetoric in the country.

Thousands of people gathered over Labor Day Weekend at Huntington Place in Detroit, where speakers talked about overcoming challenges like anti-Muslim racism.

Bilal Irfan came to network with American Muslims involved in political, social, and educational life. He says young people are concerned about where they belong.”There’s a lot of feelings about kind of are these safe spaces for us? Where do we cultivate those spaces? So ISNA is kind of offering that kind of space for a lot of these Muslims that want to feel community, want to feel some place that we can organize together.”

Saturday night, Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud told the crowd American Muslims are a vital part of the country.

-Reporting by Nargis Rahman

UAW President Shawn Fain stresses working class voting

The head of the United Auto Workers union says the up-coming midterm elections are vital for the future of employees across Michigan and the country. UAW President Shawn Fain spoke after Detroit’s annual Labor Day parade which drew an estimated crowd of more than 10,000 people, including several Democratic candidates.

Fain, who has campaigned for Democrats in the past, says voters need to elect candidates willing to fight for workers’ rights against what he calls the “billionaire class.” 

Arab Americans for Progress hosts event for Black and Arab women

Black and Arab women are invited to an event Sunday focused on creating solidarity and connection. The Home Meeting is also offered as a space to consider story and action. Arab Americans for Progress is hosting the intimate gathering.

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

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

The post Detroit Evening Report: Detroiters assess the cost of tornado damage appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Anti-Muslim demonstration at Dearborn city council meeting, Mayor Hammoud’s response

Far-right influencer and anti-Islam activist Jake Lang appeared before Dearborn City Council Tuesday. As WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley reports, supporters and opponents gathered around Lang as he arrived. 

The city council meeting was moved to the Henry Ford Centennial Library in anticipation of large crowds for Jake Lang’s appearance in Dearborn Tuesday night. City officials encouraged residents not to engage with Lang supporters the day before. Several commentors praised Lang’s rhetoric during public comment. 

Mayor Abdullah Hammoud also condemned that message. “Ultimately, they’re attacking something much larger than any one faith or community, they are attacking the idea that all of us can belong to America at the same time.” 

Lang was escorted out of the city council meeting after failing to yield when his allotted time for public comment was over. 

Dearborn Police made 22 arrests.

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026

Benson meets with Black Detroiters

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson met with Black Detroiters as a part of her Democratic campaign for governor. Benson -who’s white —is running against Republican Congressman John James – who is Black. 

At the Benson event, Detroit Federation of Teachers president LaKia Wilson-Lumpkins told the crowd that shouldn’t matter. “All skinfolks are not kinfolks. Staying at home in November is not an option. Brothers and sisters in this room, voting for John James is a vote against our own interests.”

Republicans have criticized Benson for racial discrimination lawsuits her department faced while she was in charge. Benson has denied any allegations of racism and has often brought up her time fighting racial extremism with the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Justice Department has accused the SPLC of targeting conservatives. 

Americans for Citizen Voting campaign hits a roadblock

Voters might not get to decide on a proposed constitutional amendment to tighten Michigan’s voter I-D and registration policies this November. 

The “Americans for Citizen Voting” campaign may not have turned in enough valid signatures to qualify — based on a sample of a thousand signatures the state Bureau of Elections reviewed. The panel says a large chunk of those signatures are invalid. The Board of State Canvassers will decide next week whether the measure belongs on the ballot.

– Reporting by Colin Jackson, MPRN

Small Business Social Hour

The Tejara Innovation Hub is hosting the City Institute and New Economy Initiative for a social and networking event in Dearborn tomorrow. The Small Business Social Hour Summer series ends with its Dearborn event after two Detroit events in June and July.

Thursday’s event is free but registration is encouraged. It starts with networking from 4-7 p.m. with a program from 5-6 p.m.. It’s at the Tejara Innovation Hub 4921 Schaefer Road.

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

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One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.

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Detroit Evening Report: MDHHS stands by childhood vaccination recommendations

The state health department says it will not be changing its recommendations for childhood vaccinations – despite an executive order signed by President Trump last week.

Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian says she wants to provide clarity for parents and physicians. Michigan’s Standing Recommendations were issued in 2025 and, the state says, based on rigorous scientific evidence and transparent decision-making.

Bagdasarian urges parents to get children vaccinated as they prepare to return to school, noting vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough are on the rise in Michigan and across the country. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026

Source Booksellers organizes trip Alabama legacy sites

Source Booksellers is inviting customers and community to join their Bibliophile’s Journey visiting Alabama Legacy sites this fall. The trip is inspired by the tenth anniversary of the book “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson—and by the Equal Justice Initiative’s work to end mass incarceration.

Travelers will explore sites in Montgomery and Birmingham, including the Legacy Museum, the Peace and Justice Memorial Center and the Rosa Parks Museum.

The travel package includes hotel, airfare, entrance to legacy sites in Montgomery and more. For more information, contact Source Booksellers at 313-832-1155 or alyson.sourcebooksellers@gmail.com.

Detroit Women’s Commission hosts resource fair

The Detroit Women’s Commission is hosting it’s second (now annual) Resource Fair & Networking Event Saturday Sept. 19. Organizers have billed it as a day for a wholistic approach to total wellness—spiritual, physical, financial and mental.

Register in advance.

Little Liberia launches mid-week events

Little Liberia has new plans to make itself a mid-week hotspot. The eastside restaurant now has happy hour from 4:30-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday, featuring cocktails like its Liberian Girl and Sasstown Margarita.

Its weekly trivia night starts at 6 p.m. and runs til 7:30 p.m. – a family-friendly alternative to bar trivia. Until August 25, artists can also submit to Little Liberia’s rotating art exhibition. Selected work will be featured in the restaurant for 90 days and available to patrons to purchase. 

Detroit joins Bagelfest

Detroit’s Bev’s Bagels will compete at the New York Bagelfest this year. This year’s competitors represent 10 states and five countries. Fewer than 10% of applicants were chosen to compete.

Bagelfest is Nov. 15 at Citifield in New York.

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

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One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.

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Detroit Evening Report: Abdul El-Sayed urges unity between Black and Arab communities ahead of election

Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic Primary for the U.S. senate seat, even though he did not win the majority of votes in Wayne County. 

He says that stems from historic tensions between Arab and Black residents. Speaking on the WDET program The Metro, El-Sayed said the mistrust among Black voters is valid. But President Donald Trump poses a bigger threat to the state. 

“[Trump threatens] our ability to afford the basic things, and certainly the Arab and Muslim community, and certainly the well-being of the Black community. You think about the assault on the Voting Rights Act, led by the folks that he appointed to the courts. We have to come together beyond differences to recognize that we’re all in the same boat now, and we’ve got a responsibility to come together to build the future that we want.” 

El-Sayed argues his Republican opponent in the general election, Mike Rogers, will back any policy Trump wants to pass. Rogers says El Sayed’s progressive views are too extreme. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

Pet vaccinations

The state veterinarian is reminding pet owners to make sure their furry friends are up to date on vaccinations.

Dr. Nora Wineland says pets are exposed to contagious diseases through wildlife, other animals, ticks, mosquitoes and pathogens in the environment.  Wineland says summer activities increase pets’ risk of exposure to contagious diseases. 

DNR hosts Beginner Backpacking

Anyone interested in being guided through their first hiking and backpacking experience can sign up this week for a DNR training in September.

Beginner Backpacking at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park will teach the basics of backpacking as hikers set up their first camp along the shores of Lake Superior before hiking through the woods and along Mirror Lake to the highest peak in the park.

The training is Sept. 18- 20. Registration closes Friday, Aug. 14.

Planet Ant party

Planet Ant’s Colony Fest and Summer BBQ are happening this Saturday. From 2 p.m. until midnight, the community can celebrate the training and performance space in its Black Box building with food, yard games, Mario Kart and a beer tent. Admission is free.

The Colony Fest Improv Tournament happens at Ant Hall across the street from 8-10 p.m. The event is a comedy showdown with the four troupes who won improv battles in July competing in a head-to-head championship. Tickets are $12.51.  

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

Support the podcasts you love.

One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.

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Detroit Evening Report: Secretary of State rejects GOP request for information on poll workers

The Secretary of State has rejected a Republican Party request for a list of people who volunteer to be poll workers that would include personal identifying information. 

The state says the GOP wanted home addresses, phone numbers, birthdates and medical or disability status—and that that information is exempt from disclosure as a “clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.”

Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says sharing unredacted information could be used to target prospective poll workers based on party affiliation. She says sharing information that could be used to dox, threaten or harass would discourage citizens from volunteering to be election workers.

The Republican Party can appeal the state’s refusal. The state has also declined to share identifying information in voter rolls with the Trump administration. That position was upheld in court. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

Gordie Howe crossing open to bikers, pedestrians Wednesday

On Wednesday, people will finally be able to walk and bike between Detroit and Windsor using the Gordie Howe International Bridge. 

The Detroit Greenways Coalition has created the Detroit/Windsor International Bike and Trail map. The map highlights biking and walking routes between the two cities. 

Coalition Executive Director Todd Scott says the view crossing the bridge is beautiful. “I know they already have high expectations, bicyclists and walkers, but I think it’s going to exceed those. It’s a smooth, beautiful, clear modern piece of infrastructure that I think is going to blow people away.” 

The bridge is toll-free for anyone who is walking or biking across the span; however, visitors still must go through customs.  

Michigan Supreme Court overthrows permit for Line 5

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled against Enbridge’s oil and gas pipeline tunnel project that would run through the Straits of Mackinac. The “Michigan Public Service Commission” okayed the project to build the tunnel around the Line 5 pipeline after considering its possible environmental impact to the surrounding area. But the state’s highest court found Michigan environmental law requires a broader look at the impact continued operation of the entire pipeline would have. 

The issue now returns to the Public Service Commission for a new review. Enbridge is a financial supporter of WDET but has no input on its editorial decisions. 

Flint finishes inspecting water lines

More than a decade after the Flint water crisis began, city crews have inspected the last pipe connecting a home or business to the city water system for lead. The city has inspected more than 31,000 service lines since 2016 and replaced those made of lead or galvanized steel. 

Mayor Sheldon Neely estimates the inspections, replacements, and other improvements cost more than a billion dollars. 

Primary election today

Last but not least, it is Primary Election Day in Michigan. We will soon know who will move forward to compete for governor and congressional seats in November.

Wayne County voters also considered whether to expand SMART bus service, Highland Park narrowed its field of mayoral candidates and Detroit schools asked to tax businesses.

Check in with WDET and the Detroit Evening Report tomorrow for election updates. 

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

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One-of-a-kind podcasts from WDET bring you engaging conversations, news you need to know and stories you love to hear. Keep the conversations coming. Please make a gift today.

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