Detroit attorney Todd Perkins announced his bid for mayor this week, making him the eighth candidate to enter the race to succeed Mike Duggan.

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The North End resident vowed to cut the city’s property and income taxes. Perkins says lower taxes will send a positive message about Detroit’s future.

“I think that the idea of reducing taxes, starting off with a reduction, would be a sea change, and would be into the idea of spurring growth, not only bringing people back to the city, but also bringing companies back to the city,” he said during a press event on Wednesday.

Perkins’ campaign also includes a promise to add 8,000 new homes to the city and rehabilitate 2,000 existing vacant properties.

“I want to put people in homes. My preference is, is people want that white picket fence with the plot of land? But the reality is, getting people into quality housing is the most important thing,” he said.

He also intends to conduct a comprehensive audit of the city’s finances to ensure fair assessment and spending.

“I want to study those issues, and I want to make sure that people who are being taxed, are being taxed fairly, because I don’t want to run people out of the city.”

Perkins also vowed to improve public safety by putting more closed-circuit TV cameras in the most crime-ridden areas.

Running on the campaign slogan “Better Days Ahead,” Perkins believes his experience as a lawyer and his deep connections with residents of the city makes him the perfect candidate for mayor.

“I’m excited for what’s to come,” he said.  “I’m excited about leading, and working as a partner with other cities, as the mayor, as a servant to the citizens of (the) city of Detroit, and I just believe better days are ahead with the right leadership.”

–Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley, WDET News

Other headlines for Thursday, April 3, 2025:

• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has recognized April as Arab American Heritage Month to celebrate the contributions of Arab Americans in various sectors. 
• The city of Detroit is hosting a Public Health Week next week, April 8-12, with free health screenings, wellness resources and activities, Narcan distribution, immunizations and more.
• The city of Detroit on Thursday unveiled $700,000 worth of improvements to Milan Park, including new trees, a second playground, fitness equipment and a renovated soccer field.
• The city of Detroit, block clubs and community groups are joining forces to clean up neighborhoods next month as part of the annual citywide clean-up and beautification initiative, Motor City Makeover 365.
• The MENA Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first MENA Heritage Night with the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, April 9.

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

The city of Detroit is inviting residents to take part in a series of “policy workshops” this month as part of its master plan for the future.

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Plan Detroit is three-phase planning process informed by resident feedback that is expected to conclude with implementation of the new collaborative policies by 2026.

According to the city, the Michigan planning enabling act (MPEA) recommends cities update their master plans every 10 years, and Detroit’s master plan has not been comprehensively updated since 2009.

The upcoming events are intended to provide an “interactive” opportunity to work with city planners to create practical policies that address real concerns for Detroiters.

Sessions will take place at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, and at 5:30 p.m. April 14-16.  All sessions will be held at the Joseph Walker Williams Community Center at 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit. Topics will include Neighborhoods & Housing, Open Space & Environment, Arts & Culture; and Mobility & Jobs.

For more information and to register to attend, visit plandetroit.com. 

Other headlines for Tuesday, April 1, 2025:

• Detroit firefighters are trying to find out what caused an apartment building on the city’s west side to explode. The Detroit Fire Department is also apologizing for an emergency alert that went out to cellphones throughout metro Detroit around 6 a.m. Monday morning notifying people about the blast. 
• American Forests says its urban tree planting partnership in Detroit has helped add more than 25,000 trees to the city since 2021.
• Billionaire Dan Gilbert’s real estate empire is growing. Rocket Companies has acquired competitor Mr. Cooper Group Inc. in an all-stock deal worth about $9.5 billion. Last week, Rocket bought another competitor, Redfin, for roughly $1.7 billion.
• Gas prices rose sharply overnight, with AAA Michigan reporting drivers paid an average of $3.25 a gallon for regular unleaded — 10 cents more than yesterday.

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

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced Thursday that over 90 percent of the families displaced by the water main break and subsequent flooding in Southwest Detroit have returned to their homes.

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The city has replaced 125 furnaces and 126 hot water heaters in affected homes, with just a few left that need replacing.

Resident Deanna Dooley has lived on Rowan Street for 20 years. She says she was impressed with the response from the city.

“When we woke up in the middle of the night, none of us knew what we were going to do,” she said. “But within 24 hours, at least we all felt safe again. We weren’t whole, but we were safe.”

Dooley says her furnace, hot water heater and all the electrical wiring in her basement were replaced and her family is back in their home.

Homeowners who still need to make a claim have until Thursday, April 3 to file. Duggan says the emergency hotline for repairs will be discontinued on Sunday. Anyone who still needs help can call 877-311-3664. The Notice of Claim form can be found in English and Spanish at detroitmi.gov. 

Other headlines for Thursday, March 27, 2025:

• President Donald Trump announced yesterday  25 percent tariffs on cars and light duty trucks imported into the US. That will have an impact on Detroit’s Big Three automakers. Ford Motor Company has three plants in Mexico, and reportedly sent roughly 176,000 cars from there to the US just in the first half of 2024. General Motors imported about 750,000 vehicles into the US from Canada or Mexico last year. Stellantis also has assembly plants in Mexico and Canada. Congresswoman Debbie Dingle supports the tariffs, but says car companies and suppliers need time to adjust to them. She says while the tariffs could bring companies back to the US, it won’t happen overnight.
• Detroit City Councilmember Fred Durhal is hosting a career support and opportunities event for returning citizens. The Dress for Success resource fair will provide professional support and other help to returning citizens in Detroit. Residents can pick up donated business casual attire, receive help writing resumes and get interview etiquette training. The event will be Friday, March 28 from 2–4 p.m. at Covenant Community Care on 17625 Joy Road. To register and learn more, visit @freddurhal3 on Instagram.
• Signup for the Plan Detroit Policy Workshops is now open. The workshops allow Detroit residents to sound off on decisions that will affect Detroit neighborhoods, environment, culture, transportation and economy. Participants will sit in on guided discussions, collaborate with residents and work directly with city planners to develop policy recommendations. Workshops begin on Saturday, April 12 at the Joseph Walker Williams Community Center. To register, visit plandetroit.com.

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

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivered his final State of the City address Tuesday night, speaking to an invitation-only crowd at the new Hudson’s development in downtown Detroit.

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Duggan spent much of the speech reviewing the city’s successes over the past decade, and focused on some highlights of the past year — such as the lowest homicide rate since 1965 and growth in Detroit’s population for the first time since 1957.   

One of the big challenges for the Duggan administration was the need to eliminate abandoned homes.  There were 47,000 at the start of his tenure.  Last night, he predicted that by the end of the year there would only be 1,000 abandoned homes left in Detroit. 

“Detroit’s biggest battle for the last 12 years has been the neighborhoods, and the 47,000 abandoned houses. I thought we could bring every neighborhood back, and we started by demolishing at rates faster than anybody in the country. But to me the real test wasn’t how many we could knock down…but how many we could save,” he said.

Duggan credited much of the city’s turnaround to the ability of city leaders to work together, instead of fighting and blaming each other for existing problems. Duggan announced late last year that he would not seek a fourth term as mayor of Detroit.

In January, he declared his intentions to run for governor of Michigan – not as a democrat or a Republican – but as an independent. He’s been making stops in different corners of the state since then. 

Other headlines for Wednesday, March 26, 2025: 

• Detroit attorney Todd Perkins has sent out information saying he’ll formally announce the beginning of his campaign for mayor next week.
• Gas prices remain steady in metro Detroit, with AAA Michigan reporting the average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is $3.10 — the same as it was a week ago. Prices did jump over the past couple of weeks.  Industry analysts say that price increase was due to higher gasoline demand as Americans travel for spring break.
• March Madness continues to capture the attention of metro Detroiters — especially with the state’s two largest universities — University of Michigan and Michigan State — still in contention for a national championship.

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

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will give his final State of the City address on Tuesday from inside the new development at Hudson’s Detroit.

Duggan will not be seeking reelection as mayor of Detroit in 2025. Instead, the longtime Democrat is making a bid for Michigan’s next governor in 2026, running as an independent.

The State of the City address will begin at 7 p.m. Watch the livestream below or tune in to 101.9 FM WDET.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is set to give his final State of the City address on Tuesday.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Duggan announced in November of last year that he would not seek reelection as mayor of Detroit in 2025. A month later, the longtime Democrat made an announcement that he’s making a bid for Michigan’s next governor as an independent.

Duggan says much has changed since he delivered his first State of the City speech in 2014, as Detroit fought to exit bankruptcy.

“I asked Detroiters ‘Please stay.’ Our families were moving out at the rate of a thousand a month and they had been for years,” he said. “The homeowners have gained $4.6 billion, and it was the people who stayed who benefited the most.”

Duggan argues the rise in home values counters criticism that investment in the city has left Detroit’s neighborhoods behind.

But he’ll address residents from inside the Hudson’s Detroit skyscraper — one in a series of new developments dotting the city’s downtown.

The Michigan gubernatorial election is in November 2026.

The State of the City address will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Visit wdet.org to watch a live stream of Duggan’s speech.

Other headlines for Monday, March 24, 2025:

• Michigan libraries are preparing for cuts as the Trump Administration slashes federal funding for agencies. In a recent executive order, President Trump has called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Money from the institute supports Michigan’s library databases, media collections, programming, local technology, and other community services. 
  
• If you are looking for a new casual neighborhood bar, look no further than Dirty Shake. The establishment has opened in Detroit’s Midtown at Forest and Second avenues. The bar was opened by the award-winning team behind Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Freya, Dragonfly and the Oakland.
• We are still in the madness of March and the Wolverines and Spartans are headed to the sweet 16. The University of Michigan came back against Texas A& M in a 91-79 win. Their next game is against No. 1 seeded Auburn on March 28 at 9:30 p.m. And Michigan State’s defense led them to a 71-63 win over New Mexico. They’re next game is against Ole Miss on March 28 as well. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.

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

Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig is filing paperwork to run for mayor in this year’s election.

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He filed a “Chief James Craig for Mayor” candidate committee on Monday, allowing him to collect donations for the August primary.

Craig was appointed as the 42nd Chief of Police in 2013. Serving in the role during the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations, the department was scrutinized for excessive force against protestors — accused of using tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, mass arrests and more without probable cause. The protestors ended up filing a lawsuit which resulted in a $1 million settlement with the city.

Craig retired as Detroit’s chief of police in 2021 and then ran for governor in 2022 on the Republican ticket, but was taken off because of alleged fraudulent signatures on his nominating petitions.

Craig joins a seemingly ever-growing list of candidates, including Mega-church pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., City Council President Mary Sheffield, City Councilman Fred Durhal III, former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins, Joel Haashiim and Jonathan Barlow, who are both local businessmen, and attorney Todd Perkins.

Other headlines for Friday, March 7, 2025:

• The Detroit Fire Department is looking to educate residents on fire safety at an upcoming Safety Series Webinar, taking place virtually at 6 p.m. March 12.
• Women in Robotics Michigan is hosting an informal gathering of women interested in robotics at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 16, at Michigan Central. Organizers say it’s an opportunity to network, share ideas, and learn from others in a relaxed setting.
• Next Thursday, March 13, is 313 Day, and there are a ton of events planned to celebrate.
• WDET launched its 2025 Spring Fundraiser on Thursday. All new members who make a gift during the Spring Fundraiser, which ends Sunday, March 15, will also receive a limited edition WDET skyline water bottle.

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

About 190 families displaced by last week’s water main break in Southwest Detroit are still in hotels as repairs and cleanup continues.

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City officials say repairs to the most-damaged homes should be completed within the next six weeks.

Jose Poprawa, a Southwest Detroit resident who lives down the street from the break, says he’s been impressed by the city’s response so far.

“From what I seen and me having them being ground zero of it, it’s gone as planned. Said Monday, they would be here to clean up. Everything is clean. Now it’s just cleaning the outside, and now the next phase is for them to come in to replace the appliances,” he said.

Todd King, chief resiliency officer at the Great Lakes Water Authority, said they’re hoping to have the water main back in operation within the next two weeks, but noted that there’s no way to inspect all 300,000 miles of water mains in the city.

“I mean, there are tools that are available, but they’re…they’re on the innovative side of things,” he said. “There’s no standard practice for inspecting this type of pipe.”

For those looking to support those affected by the water main break, Detroit Deputy Mayor Melia Howard said residents could use some every day items.

“Hygiene kits, feminine products, diapers in all sizes going up to size seven, toilet paper, paper towel, new underwear, new socks,” she said.

Howard said Spanish-speaking volunteers would also be appreciated. The American Red Cross is set up at the corner of Lisbon and Green streets in Southwest.

Reporting by Russ McNamara, WDET News

More headlines for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025:

• The nonprofit Michigan Immigrant Rights Center is applauding the Trump administration’s decision to rescind a freeze on funding that pays for attorneys to represent unaccompanied migrant children.
• Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan spoke to students at Central Michigan University on Monday, hoping to win over young voters who don’t like Republicans or Democrats. 
• Nominations for the Detroit Office of Neighborhoods 313 Community Day Awards close on Saturday, March 1. The city wants to acknowledge residents who exemplify the Spirit of Detroit through work in or with neighborhoods, nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups or other work. 
• Detroit’s Parks and Recreation Department is looking for young golfers ages 11-14 to take part in Youth Golf in the D, a four-week course each Tuesday in March, teaching the fundamentals of the game.  The cost is $20. For more information visit dprdathletics.com. 

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

Detroit Water and Sewerage will begin repairing damage caused by the massive water main break in Southwest Detroit next week.

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The department will clean out and sanitize basements, as well as perform hot water heater, furnace and electrical repairs.

DWSD Director Gary Brown says residents whose water has been restored will still be under a water boil advisory.

“When we put a service line back in service, we must test the water for bacteria twice, 24 hours apart,” he said. “So it will take 48 hours for the testing to take place.”

Southwest Detroit residents who were affected by the water main break on Monday can now file a claim for losses on the city’s website. DWSD will work to cover deductibles and any losses outside of what insurance will cover, Brown said.

The city hopes to get all homes repaired and families moved back in within six weeks, he said.

Residents who need assistance to make a claim can call the city at 313-774-5261.

Other headlines for Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025:

• Reverend Solomon Kinloch Jr of Detroit-based Triumph Church launched his campaign for Detroit’s mayor Wednesday night.
• The Islamic Center of Detroit is hosting a deep dive into Malcolm X’s Wayne State speech and how his commitment to Islam shaped his activism at an event titled “100 years of Malcolm X: A Legacy Unfinished,” taking place at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Islamic Center of Detroit.
• Detroit Parks and Recreation will continue its Winter Fest festivities this weekend with events planned at Rouge Park from noon to 4 p.m. and at the Butzel Family Center from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22.
• Detroit is looking for talent to perform at Detroit Parks and Recreation events. The city is looking for DJs, poets, singers and rappers, bands, dancers, and artists. Auditions for performers will take place from 1-5 p.m. on March 8 at the Northwest Activities Center.

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

One year from now, Mike Duggan won’t be Detroit’s mayor and there is no shortage of folks vying for the job.

Whoever gets elected will see the city in its next phase of recovery post-bankruptcy. The city’s population is growing and home values are rising, but what’s next?

City Councilman Fred Durhal and current City Council President Mary Sheffield are in the running. Former City Council President — and longtime CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) — Saunteel Jenkins is also in the mix.

She sat down with WDET to discuss her vision for the city.

Listen: Saunteel Jenkins shares priorities for addressing poverty, promoting neighborhood growth

The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Saunteel Jenkins: Our next mayor has to be someone who will invest in Detroiters from cradle to career and beyond. They need experience in nonprofit, for profit, government and executive experience. The mayor is the CEO of the city of Detroit. I’ve been a CEO for the last 10 years, I know how to deliver, and I’ve been delivering for Detroiters my entire adult life. I want to invest in Detroiters from cradle to career and beyond, and what that means is a Detroit where our children have high-quality early childhood education and daycare centers. We’re making sure that our neighborhoods are safe places and spaces for kids, for families, for seniors. We’re creating businesses and business opportunities and jobs for Detroiters throughout the city, not just downtown. I think we need to have a master plan for each of our seven districts. And the reason that’s important is because it gives Detroiters an opportunity to participate in what the future of their neighborhood should look like. So if the master plan says this district, one needs another movie theater or another grocery store, and you’re opening a grocery store, we’re providing you with incentives to do so, and it provides transparency.

Russ McNamara, WDET News: Where is the next main area for growth in the city?

SJ: I think the next main area of growth has to be in the neighborhoods, not a neighborhood. I think we can walk and chew gum at the same time. It doesn’t have to be that we pick winners and losers. And that’s part of why that master planning process is so important. Because we can do a little bit everywhere, and if we continue to do a little bit everywhere each year, we will start to see the progress spread throughout the city.

RM: The city was still in turmoil when you left city council for THAW. Do you regret that decision at all?

SJ: No, I do not. So I would say the city was still in the process of completing the bankruptcy. I would say the city was in turmoil when I started as city council and we were trying to figure out how not to go into bankruptcy. You know, we were working with the state on a consent agreement and trying to figure out how to actually pay city employees and not miss a payday or not lay off police officers. When I left city council, we were exiting the bankruptcy, the plan of adjustment, the 10 year plan of adjustment, by the way, was in place. So we were actually coming out of the turmoil and setting the stage for, you know, the growth that we’re now seeing.

RM: So why come back now?

SJ: Because the next mayor is going to determine the trajectory of this city for generations to come. And having been there, having done the hard work to set the stage for the successes that we’re all celebrating, I want to make sure that we don’t go back, and that’s why it’s so important that our next mayor is somebody who was here during the tough times, who knows how we got out of it, and understands how to make sure we don’t go back there.

Use the media player above to listen to the full conversation.