Michigan’s firearm deer hunting season officially opened on Friday, meaning thousands of enthusiasts from around the state and beyond are preparing to take part in the popular tradition — including our executive producer David Leins, who is in northern Michigan doing just that!

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For some, hunting is more than just a hobby. It’s a way of life — a way to feed their families. Others simply hunt deer for sport. But there are many Michiganders who’ve had little to no exposure to hunting, and one local organization is working to make it more diverse.

Antonio Cosme is a co-founder of “Black to the Land Coalition,” a nonprofit working to build back the connections between people of color and the natural world. Cosme joined The Metro along with avid hunter Andrea Di Cresce, who serves as global kids program coordinator for Black to the Land.

The Coalition offers hunting safety courses and they’ll be hosting a “hunters of color” network gathering next week, Cosme said.

“We just want to create a network, create some support opportunities,” Cosme said. “We’re really interested in helping urban hunters get access to private land. That’s something that we are particularly interested in because that is gonna be your best opportunity to hunt deer.”

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

More headlines from The Metro on Nov. 15, 2024:

• Since Michigan legalized recreational marijuana five years ago, weed edibles have been getting into smaller and smaller hands. From 2020 to 2022, the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center recorded a 75% increase statewide in unintentional youth cannabis ingestion. Detroit City Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway joined the show to discuss an effort to keep weed advertisements out of sight from kids.
• The Detroit Documenters play a crucial role in improving our access to public information. They’re at all the city’s public meetings, taking notes on what leaders and community members are saying. Public comment dominates these meetings, often stretching for an hour or two. The board could soon make changes to their public comment process that some worry could have a chilling effect on free speech. Detroit Documenters Coordinator Lynelle Herdon joined the show to discuss these potential changes. 
• Macomb is a swing county. That’s been true in previous elections and on Tuesday, Nov. 5, it was proven to be true as a lot of people came out to vote for President-elect Donald Trump. In Michigan, many of those voters were in Macomb County, with 20,000 more residents there voting for him this time compared to 2020. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel joined The Metro to share his thoughts.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a new livestock ordinance, potential changes to the minimum wage and more.

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New livestock ordinance passes

Detroiters will soon be able to keep animals on their property. 

The city council voted on a new livestock ordinance today that outlines the type of livestock that could be allowed in the city. Residents will soon be able to keep chickens, ducks and honeybees on their property.

Some animals will have to be tagged and have health records. Owners will need to apply for a license to keep the animals and pay an annual fee. Wild animals are still banned.

City Council passed the new ordinance in a 5-3 vote during today’s formal session. It goes into effect Jan. 31, 2025.

WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley contributed to this report.

Minimum wage changes

A State House bill would keep the lower minimum wage of just under four dollars an hour for tipped workers. If that bill does not pass, within about five years, a new law will require restaurants to pay tipped workers the regular minimum wage.

Democratic Representative Nate Shannon introduced the bill and says some restaurants could close if the higher wage law goes into effect and workers could lose their jobs.

The labor group One Fair Wage opposes Shannon’s bill. It says restaurant workers deserve a regular minimum wage plus tips. 

Foreclosure prevention

Detroit City Council member Coleman Young II is hosting a virtual meeting focused on property taxes and foreclosure prevention on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree and Willie Donwell from the Board of Tax Review will participate. The meeting is scheduled for 5-6 p.m., and residents can register to attend by calling 313-224-4248. 

November science events

The Michigan Science Center’s November offerings include an exhibit of life-sized dinosaurs, Black Friday membership deals and a hands-on paleontology event. For more information about upcoming events, visit mi-sci.org.  

Lego League volunteers needed

The organizers of this year’s First Lego League Challenge Qualifier are looking for volunteers. The event invites Lego robotics teams from throughout the area to compete at the Michigan Science Center on Saturday, Nov. 23. Volunteers may act as competition judges, referees, field resetters and fill other roles at the annual event. To register as a volunteer, visit firstinspires.org.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

On this episode of the Detroit Evening Report, we cover a new grant program in Dearborn to help homeowners fund front porch and step repairs; the groundbreaking of Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament’s new Holy Paws Dog Park and more.

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Dearborn offering free front porch repairs

The city of Dearborn is offering free front porch and step replacement to some residents. The program is funded by federal grants through the end of October. To be eligible, the property must be an owner-occupied, single-family home with a valid certificate of occupancy. Applicants must have lived in the home for at least one year. If you do not have a valid certificate of occupancy, you must have lived in the home for at least five years. Applicants must also be up to date on property taxes, utilities, water bills and insurance. For more information, visit Dearborn.gov. 

Public meeting on prescription costs under Michigan Medicaid plans

Michigan residents are invited to take part in a virtual meeting about prescription drugs covered under Michigan’s Medicaid health plans. The meeting will be hosted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) with the purpose of allowing the public, stakeholders and other interested parties to comment on the list of prescriptions and associated costs. The meeting will take place from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Monday, Oct. 14, via Zoom.  Those unable to attend can submit questions via email to MDHHSCommonFormulary@michigan.gov by Oct. 9, 2024.

State dedicates funds to address teacher shortage

More than 160 school districts in Michigan are receiving $175 million dollars in grants to help address the teacher shortage. The money comes from the Michigan Department of Education and will go toward the state’s Grow Your Own Initiative. The initiative helps increase the number of certified teachers in areas of shortage. Each district receiving an award is partnering with one or more state approved preparation providers such as colleges. Detroit Community Schools, Dearborn City School District and Eastpointe City Schools are among the local districts receiving funds.

Create crocheted creatures at Parker Avenue Knits

Parker Avenue Knits is hosting an Amigurumi Workshop this month. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of creating small knitted or crocheted creatures. The workshop will be held over two days: Oct. 12 and 26. The shop says beginners are welcome. The cost is $30. For more information visit parkeravenueknits.com.

Holy Paws Dog Park breaks ground

The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament has broken ground on their new Holy Paws Dog Park. The park is a collaboration between the church, the City of Detroit Beautification program, and neighbors. The church is hosting a pet blessing at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at the park, located on the corner of John R and Belmont. Blessings and other treats will be passed out as well as St. Francis Holy Cards and a gift card drawing. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.