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.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Detroit City Council’s appointment of Todd Bettison as the city’s top cop; the passing of former Detroit Police Chief Stanley Knox and more.

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Bettison approved as new police chief

Detroit City Council on Tuesday approved Todd Bettison as Detroit’s new chief of police. Bettison had served as interim chief over the past few months as a search took place for a permanent leader of the department. He was named Detroit’s Deputy Mayor in 2022.  Prior to that, Bettison had a 27- year career with the DPD — retiring as assistant chief of police. Former Detroit Police Chief James White left in October to become the new head of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. 

Funeral planned for former Detroit police chief

Former Detroit Police Chief Stanley Knox, who served as the city’s top cop from 1991 until 1994, died on Friday at the age of 85. Knox was named chief in the wake of a scandal, after then-Chief William Hart was indicted for embezzlement in 1991. Knox had a 28–year long career with the Detroit Police Department. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church at 11359 Dexter in Detroit.

Flood clean up continues in Southwest Detroit

Clean up efforts continue in Southwest Detroit, where a large water main break on Monday caused flooding that damaged homes and vehicles and displaced around 80 families. The Great Lakes Water Authority says it has removed the water at the source of the break, where a 12-foot section of the pipe will need to be replaced. The timeline for completing repairs and returning the main to service is expected to be about two weeks. The city of Detroit is offering hotels for those who were displaced. Residents impacted by the water main break can call 313-774-5261 to get connected to emergency resources. 

Detroit Auto Show announces 2026 dates

The Detroit Auto Show has just released the 2026 dates for the event, Jan. 14-25. The auto show returned to its traditional January time slot this year — after a pause for the pandemic — and then trying some summer dates. Organizers say attendance was much lower this year than in 2019 — the last January show. Approximately 275,000 people came to the show this year, according to organizers. That’s about a third of pre-pandemic numbers. The event generated $370 million in economic impact for the city.   Next year’s charity preview is scheduled to take place on Friday, Jan. 16.

Gas prices hold steady

Gas prices in metro Detroit are essentially remaining steady this week. The average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded is $3.13 per gallon. That’s two cents less expensive than a week ago, and five cents cheaper than last month at this time.  

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