Tonight on the Detroit Evening Report, a water affordability bill package is making a comeback in the state legislature. Plus, updates on the Pistons and Knicks.

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Water affordability bills reintroduced

A water affordability bill package from last legislative session has been reintroduced to the Michigan Senate. The package would cap water rates for residents living before the federal poverty line and prevent shutoffs. The bills also include funding to support water infrastructure improvements.

The bills propose a two-tiered system where households at between 135% and 200% of the federal poverty guideline — or that receive any of several forms of government assistance — would pay a maximum of 3% of their income on water. Households at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines would see their water bills capped at 2% of their income. Households with income between 201% and 250% of the federal poverty guideline would be eligible for hardship waivers.

According to State Sen. Stephanie Chang, who co-sponsors the bill package, around 300,000 Michigan households could beenfit from a statewide water affordability program. She also says she believes the bills will gain bipartisan support and make their way to the House in the upcoming weeks.

Measles outbreak worsens

According to the state’s chief medical executive, Michigan will experience the worse year in decades with regard to measles. Nearly half of Michigan’s nine cases are associated with the outbreak in Montcalm County, where four cases are linked to travel.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two unvaccinated school-aged children have died from the measles disease in Texas, as has an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. Decreases in vaccination rates can be attributed to misinformation and disinformation, according to local health experts. Two doses of the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) are 97% effective at preventing infection, while just one dose is 93% effective against measles, according to the CDC.

New speed humps to be installed

Detroit’s Department of Public Works plans to install 65 new speed humps along residential streets in the city. Detroiters who don’t want speed humps have until May 16 to opt out of this year’s program. For residents who do want a speed hump, priority is given to:

• Streets with a speed limit of 25 mph
• Streets adjacent to active schools and parks
• Streets known as a cut-through street
• Blocks of high density

All speed humps must have residential support before they can be installed. For more information, visit detroitmi.gov.

Pistons v. Knicks

The NBA playoffs are underway and the Detroit Pistons are having an incredible battle against the New York Knicks. It is being considered one of the most intense match-ups in the East.

The Knicks have a 2-1 series lead against the Pistons with a game that ended with five technical fouls and one flagrant foul whistled. The score was 116-113.

Game 4 will be at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, April 27 in the afternoon.

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

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• Meet the new candidates vying for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat 
• How the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance is pushing to prevent underage access to tobacco

Michigan’s U.S. Senate race is expanding with new candidates announcing recently, as well as some potential candidates testing out the waters. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow discuss the current state of the race and who is most likely to ultimately occupy the seat.   

Plus, we sit down with Dr. Brittany Tayler of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance to discuss the recent push for the “Protect MI Kids” bill package, which would require a retail license to sell tobacco products, prohibit flavored tobacco sales, increase tobacco taxes and repeal laws that punish kids.  

Dr. Tayler shared that there is barely a barrier for youth to get their hands on cigarettes. But she says it’s not necessarily the retail industry’s fault.

“I’m sure the vast majority of our retailers are abiding by the law and not selling to minors, but it only takes one bad store,” she said. “We don’t have a way to monitor this and there isn’t a large penalty… There is not a lot of reason to not sell to youth.”

Dr. Tayler said that her organization has done a lot of outreach efforts to political leaders in Michigan to gain support. State Republicans have been slow to support the cause, but Dr. Tayler said there is at least one Republican member of the legislature who has shown support. The bills passed in the Senate with all Democratic support last legislative session.  

Community members gathered with local leaders this week to celebrate the grand opening of Campbell Street Apartments, a new $18 million affordable housing development in Southwest Detroit’s East Chadsey-Condon neighborhood.

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The apartment complex is providing 40 units of affordable housing in its first phase of construction, with an additional 32 units planned in an adjacent complex.

Apartments are reserved for households earning 30% or less of the area median income. Also, due to project-based housing vouchers from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the city says no resident will have to pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

The mixed use development will offer a range of 1-3 bedroom units. The additional 32 units, called Wesson Avenue Apartments, will be a four-story mixed-use building consisting of 45,000 square feet and is expected to open in about 19 months.

Other headlines for Friday, April 18, 2025:

• The Detroit Land Bank Authority announced the completion of more than 12,000 vacant home restorations in the past decade. 
  
• The Detroit Pistons return to the playoffs on Saturday in their first round match up against the New York Knicks.
• Qasim Basir, director of locally-produced “To Live and Die and Live,” told The Detroit News that the film will hold a local premiere event at Michigan Central Station on May 6, ahead of its arrival at AMC Theatres nationwide on May 16.

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

As Earth Day approaches, we ask the question: do we recycle correctly? As part of the weekly series MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben sat down with Conan Smith from the Michigan Environmental Council. They discuss how we could recycle better. 

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• Proposals to expand Michigan’s bottle bill
• What is “wish-cycling?”
• How vape pens are affecting recycling goals

Michigan’s waste stream shows the state annually sends to landfills at least $130 million in cans and bottles with a 10-cent returnable deposit, according to the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.

Smith says this is one of the reasons why an expansion of Michigan’s bottle bill is needed. The expansion would allow for easier ways for people to return and deposit bottles instead of just recycling them in their bins. 

“On average, if you take your tin can and you put it in the recycling, that tin can is probably going to be some other type of aluminum product,” Smith said. “If you take that same can and you return it for your ten cents, it’s going to become a tin can six times every year.”

Smith said although it’s not bad to recycle by simply using your recycling bin, it is more efficient to deposit for ten cents for better usage.  

More from WDET:

• Why Gen Z is gravitating toward vaping and e-cigarettes
• Why it’s time to reform or repeal Michigan’s bottle return law
• Changes could be coming to the way Michigan recycles

Faith leaders, community organizers and civil rights advocates will rally outside of Southfield’s Target store tomorrow April 12, according to nonprofit organization Michigan United Action.

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The rally is in response to the Target Corporation reversing its commitment to diversity equity and inclusion measures.

The Minneapolis-based retailer said the changes to its “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy would include ending a program it established to help Black employees build meaningful careers, improve the experience of Black shoppers and to promote Black-owned businesses following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020.

Target, which operates nearly 2,000 stores nationwide and employs more than 400,000 people, said it already had planned to end the racial program this year.

The Trump administration has threatened to cut off funding to organizations and corporations like Target to put pressure on abandon DEI initiatives.

Since Target’s decision to reverse course, the retailer has faced decreased stock prices and declining foot traffic.

–Associated Press writer Anne D’Innocenzio contributed to this report.

Other headlines for Friday, April 11, 2025:

• Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud is set to deliver his second State of the City address on April 15 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. 
  
• Nonprofit group Focus Hope is giving away free fresh food boxes on select Saturdays. All Wayne County residents are eligible to pick up a box of fresh food, which include halal chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables, condiments and more.
• Spot Lite Detroit is hosting an event featuring live performances and DJ sets from Arab artists in metro Detroit this Saturday.

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

Michigan U.S. Rep. John James is the latest major candidate to enter the state’s gubernatorial race. As a part of the weekly series, MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss the Republican candidate’s chance of becoming the next governor of Michigan. They also discuss Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent visit with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

Then, Glenn Stevens, executive director from MichAuto at the Detroit Regional Chamber, makes a pit stop and talks to the team about the recent tariff news.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• What inspired Congressman John James to run for governor of Michigan
• Whitmer’s Oval Office meeting with Trump
• How the Trump administration tariffs are affecting Michigan’s auto industry

President Trump’s tariffs have affected many industries all over the country and around the world, including in Michigan.

Stevens said that Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs are good for the economy, but the 25% tariffs on the auto industry that remain have caused a lot of uncertainty.

“The tariffs that are in place of imported vehicles, — imported components, the steel and aluminum tariffs —  those are still in place,” he said. “So we’re still in it in regard to the challenges in our industry.”

Other factors, like changes made during the pandemic and the national focus on growing the electric vehicle market, have also contributed to the volatility facing Michigan’s auto industry, Stevens said. And that can translate to higher prices for consumers.

“If tariffs persist, we are absolutely going to see an increase in vehicle prices. The reason for that is because the input costs stack up to the supply chain as you build the components up to the assembly plant, and a lot of cost is being added to the system,” Stevens said. “That either has to be absorbed by the companies — and that means profits are going to take a hit — or it’s passed along, and I think inevitably we’re going to see it passed along.”

–WDET Digital Editor Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

More from WDET:

• WATCH: Whitmer delivers policy address in DC, meets with Trump
• Analyst: Trump tariffs mean recession is likely for Michigan, Ontario
• Rep. John James seeks GOP nomination for Michigan governor

Wayne State University announced Friday that a WSU alumnus has made a historic $50 million donation to its College of Engineering — the largest single gift made to the university in its 157-year history.

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The donation from alumnus James Anderson and his wife, Patricia, will be used to improve faculty support in the College of Engineering, including doctoral fellowships, undergraduate student experiences and a dean’s fund to improve recruiting efforts for top faculty and Ph.D. students.

School officials are calling the gift “transformative,” allowing the university to “build on more than a century of engineering talent that created a culture of innovation in our city,” said WSU President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, in a news release.

The college has been renamed the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering in their honor.

James Anderson is the president and CEO of Urban Science, a leading automotive consultancy and technology firm headquartered in Detroit. In 2014, the Andersons established The James and Patricia Anderson Engineering Ventures Institute at WSU’s College of Engineering to help foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty.

“Since my time as a student, and later a faculty member at Wayne State University, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of a quality STEM education in transforming lives, economies and communities,” Anderson said. “My wife, Patricia, and I are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to expand our commitment to this renowned institution.”

Other headlines for Friday, April 4, 2025:

• Bridge Michigan reports that two west Michigan housing projects — one to support those in drug recovery and the other for low-income workers — are in jeopardy because of funding cuts from the Trump administration.
• The Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind & Visually Impaired is hosting its “Life Beyond Sight” 5k Walk on Saturday, April 12, at The Lexus Velodrome in Detroit, in support of the agency’s essential programs.
• Detroit’s 23rd annual Greek Independence Day Parade has a new route due to construction, and will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral on E. Lafayette Street before turning right on Beaubien Street.

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

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow has become the first major candidate to announce a run for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan being vacated by Sen. Gary Peters.

This week on MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben sit down with Politico’s Deputy Editor, Zack Stanton, to discuss McMorrow’s chances of winning the race.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• McMorrow’s political career so far
• Potential Republican candidates joining the Michigan U.S. Senate race
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s national profile

McMorrow — a Democrat from Royal Oak — burst onto the state’s political scene in 2018, when as a first time candidate and relatively new Michigan resident, she was one of many people motivated to run for office after President Trump won in 2016.

She ran against a Republican incumbent in an area of Oakland County that never seemed likely to elect a Democrat, Gorchow noted. But, she won nonetheless, knocking out Republican Sen. Marty Knollenberg.

Now considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, McMorrow has proven herself to be a great communicator, and shows great potential in race, Stanton said.

“She is an enormously talented politician, and I think a lot of people in Washington, when they see her, they see a gifted natural athlete — there is something there that isn’t fully learned, it’s just there, it’s it. And she seems to have that,” he said. “The question now I think to a lot of people is ‘what could complicate her path,’ because she seems like far and away the strongest candidate in the field thus far.”

Stanton said that many Democrats are worried about Republicans flipping the seat after Trump won the state in 2024, and several close races in the November election led Republicans to a 53-47 majority in the Senate.

Still, he said, “When you have someone like Mallory McMorrow jumping into the race, she really represents this shift in the Democratic party’s makeup.” 

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel have also expressed a possible interest in entering the race on the Democratic ticket, along with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed — who recently stepped down from his role as Wayne County health director as he considers a run for the seat.

On the Republican side, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers — who narrowly lost the 2024 U.S. Senate race against Democrat Elissa Slotkin, has hinted that he would run. Muskegon County businesswoman and conservative commentator Tudor Dixon has also expressed an interest in running.

–WDET’s Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

More from WDET:

• Michigan lawmaker Mallory McMorrow announces Democratic bid for US Senate
• Mallory McMorrow on her DNC speech, future priorities for the state
• Mallory McMorrow’s response to accusations of ‘grooming’ children propels state senator to national spotlight

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is preparing
metro Detroiters for the upcoming reconstruction of I-94.

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

The “Restore 94” project, which will begin early next year, is a $353 million overhaul of 12.7 miles of freeway in the communities of Allen Park, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Romulus and Taylor and Melvindale — from east of I-275 to west of Michigan Avenue.

MDOT held two public information sessions Downriver this week about the project, where residents shared concerns about construction noise and increased traffic. MDOT says studies are
being done to see how both could be mitigated.

At least two eastbound and westbound lanes of I-94 will be open during the construction, but occasional closures may occur, MDOT said.

The Restore 94 project comes as reconstruction of I-696
has eastbound traffic shutdown from
M-10 to I-75. That closure will last until 2027.

Other headlines for Friday, March 28, 2025:

• The nonprofit Focus: HOPE is partnering with Skilltrade and Detroit at Work to offer a medical assistant training program beginning Saturday, March 29. Eligible candidates must
 have a high school diploma/GED, be 18 years old or older, and
have reliable transportation. Space is limited.
• Arab Women United is accepting artist submissions for their
Arab Heritage Art Celebration in April.
 The event, held during Arab American Heritage
Month, will showcase the creativity of Arab artists. The lineup
 includes live-art performances, henna-drawing opportunities,
 poetry, music and more.
• Madness is still taking over March with the NCAA March
Madness tournament and two hometown favs. The Michigan
State Spartans and the University of Michigan Wolverines have two big match ups Friday night that you can watch at Parlay Detroit.
They are having a watch party that will last until 2 a.m., with live entertainment by DJ Trust. Tip off for the Michigan State-Ole Miss game is at 7:09 p.m.
Tip off for the University of Michigan-Auburn game is at 9:30 p.m.

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

It’s been more than 100 days since Michigan’s 35th district has had representation. When will there be a special election to fill the seat? This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Alethia Kasben sat down with Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. She discusses the significance of that seat, the current status of the state legislature, road funding and her plans for the future. 

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• The status of the open Senate seat in Michigan’s 35th district
• Brinks on how well the legislature has been working with each other
• Brinks’ plans after the end of her term

Brinks shared that the 2025 legislature has shown potential for bipartisanship despite the unprecedented occurrences these last couple of months.

“In terms of the entire legislature being able to work together across the aisle — I think we’ve proven it’s possible,” she said. “Still some potential for improvement there.”

The Senate majority leader also acknowledged that things are a bit “antagonistic” in the state House. 

The 35th Senate district seat is still vacant, and despite Senate Democrats handling constituent work in that area, Brinks believes when the time comes the state Democrats will produce a candidate to cover the seat.  

“It’s going to be critical that we maintain that seat so that we can maintain the majority,” she said. “We stand in an incredibly positive position when it comes to our chances of maintaining it.”

Brinks shared examples like in Pennsylvania, where a state Democrat won in a race that went for Trump by nearly 15 points. It is up to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to call for a special election.  

More from WDET:

• MichMash: The road ahead with incoming Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks
• Republicans urge road funding revision as Legislature resumes lame duck session this week
• MichMash: Michigan AG discusses legal challenges to Trump, open US Senate seat

A judge has delayed for a month the approval of a $55 million settlement in a Michigan class action lawsuit involving unemployment payments.

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

In Saunders v Unemployment Ins. Agency et al, about 23,000 Michigan residents who applied for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic say they were wrongly asked to return payments.

The state has not admitted responsibility but has agreed to pay out $1,400 to complainants. Chief Judge Brock Swartzle from the Michigan Court of Claims has scheduled a final hearing for 1 p.m. April 24 at the Michigan Court of Appeals courtroom in Lansing to approve the settlement.

Anyone involved in the lawsuit can attend the hearing in person or virtually to address their concerns. The deadline for claimants to join the lawsuit was in December.

More headlines for Tuesday, March 25, 2025:

• The old Uniroyal tire production site on the Detroit riverfront has been named as a possible site for a WNBA practice facility, The Detroit News reports.
• Grammy-nominated soul/country duo The War and Treaty are set to return to Detroit for a performance this Saturday, March 29, at Detroit’s St. Andrew’s Hall. The husband and wife duo will be stopping by WDET Studios before their performance for a live interview during Essential Music with host Ann Delisi.
• Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s final State of the City address is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Watch the livestream at wdet.org or tune in to 101.9 FM WDET.

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

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.

This week on MichMash, gubernatorial candidate and Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson sat down with Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben to share why he’s running and what he believes the Democratic Party needs moving forward.

Plus, Gorchow and Kasben analyze the recent collaboration — and conflicts — between Michigan’s Democratic-led Senate and Republican-led House.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• Quick update on Michigan’s 2025 legislative session
• How Michigan’s gubernatorial race is heating up
• Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson on what motivated him to run

Gorchow and Kasben quickly recapped the first few months of the 2025 legislative session and what issues have garnered bipartisan support and which have led Democratic and Republican lawmakers to butt heads.

“We are currently living through a time where the Senate is suing the House for not presenting bills to the governor for signature,” Kasben noted. “These are nine bills left over from last term, when Democrats did control the House, and the Republicans in the House are sending Senate Democrats items that are mostly just nonstarters, or at the very least, not really being negotiated with the Democrats.”

Sheriff Swanson — who was elected sheriff of Michigan’s fifth-largest county in 2020 — announced his bid for governor in February, joining a growing field of several other prominent candidates, including fellow Democrat and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan — who is running for governor as an independent. More recently, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist launched his Democratic bid, while on the Republican side, State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt also announced his candidacy, with U.S. Rep. John James also considered a possible contender.

Swanson says he considers the other candidates as simply alternative options, rather than his opponents.

“When I was working with the Biden administration and then I worked with the DNC and the Kamala Harris campaign, I saw the need of what Democrats are looking for…this community of Democrats, these voters, are looking for something completely different. I bring a completely different option. I bring a unique energy,” he said.

The race to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term limited, is expected to spark competitive primaries.

More from WDET:

• Garlin Gilchrist announces bid for governor, saying he’s a ‘problem solver’
• MichMash: Looking back on the state’s top political stories of 2024
• MichMash: State lawmakers return to Michigan Capitol for first day of new session

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday calling for the dismantling of the Department of Education.

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

Eliminating the department altogether would be a hard task, and will likely require an act of Congress. Trump has already cut the department’s staff in half since returning to office. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has already cut dozens of contracts and has gutted the Institute of Education Sciences, which gathers data on the nation’s academic progress.

We reported on Feb. 21’s Detroit Evening Report that Michigan could face major challenges if the federal department is cut. Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said during a virtual budget meeting with more than 1,000 attendees that the elimination of the department could lead to many things, such as less monitoring around discrimination claims.

The superintendent noted that the effects could be catastrophic to the largest district in the state.

President Trump has said that low test scores nationwide is part of the reason for making this order, but hasn’t explained how moving federal responsibilities to the state will help increase scores.

Other headlines for Friday, March 21, 2025:

• The city of Dearborn will hold a small business pitch competition in May. The city’s Economic Development Department is encouraging start-ups and established businesses to join. Eligible innovators are U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, with a brick-and-mortar business located in Dearborn. Food and beverage-based businesses are not eligible to participate. The first place winner will earn $25,000. Second place is $10,000 and third is $5,000. The competition will be held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center on May 13.
• Applications for vendor spots at the Dearborn Summer Market are now open. The market will be located at Peace Park West and will run through July and August on the second Friday of each month. Those interested in reserving a vendor spot are required to apply online by March 31.
• March Madness is upon us and the No. 2 seed Michigan State Spartans makes its 27th straight NCAA Tournament appearance on Friday when it takes on the No. 15 seed Bryant Bulldogs in a first-round matchup in the South region. Michigan State’s streak of 27-straight NCAA Tournaments is not only a Big Ten record, it’s also the third-longest in NCAA history and is officially recognized by the NCAA as the longest active streak. This is the 38th NCAA Tournament appearance all-time for MSU. The game airs at 10 p.m. Friday on TBS.
• The 14th-ranked and No. 5-seeded University of Michigan men’s basketball team squeaked out a three-point victory, defeating No. 12-seeded UC San Diego, 68-65, on Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. A pair of late Vladislav Goldin free throws helped the Wolverines advance to the second round. Their next game is at 5:15 p.m. on March 22, on CBS.

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 the state’s efforts to form a new advisory committee of former Medicaid recipients to share their experiences; Detroit’s 67th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and more.

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

Former Medicaid members sought for new committee

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recruiting former Medicaid recipients from across the state to join its new 15-member Beneficiary Advisory Council. The group will be tasked with identifying barriers to accessing Medicaid services, addressing the social elements that affect health for recipients and making policy recommendations to MDHHS leadership.

Those selected to serve on the committee may receive compensation for their time and reimbursement for childcare and respite services. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 14. Questions about the application can be emailed to MDHHS-BAC@michigan.gov.

Related: Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO says protecting Medicaid protects Michigan

MESP College Savings Program celebrates 25 years

The Michigan Education Savings Plan’s 25th anniversary is this year and it’s offering new benefits to celebrate. The ‘5-29’ savings plan lets people put money aside for college, vocational training and some other educational expenses. Starting next month, those funds can also be used to cover apprenticeship costs and to repay up to $10,000 of student loans. The new benefits align Michigan 529 programs with many national savings programs and are made possible by state legislation passed last year.

Michigan Ukrainian refugees in limbo

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees who migrated to Michigan to escape the war are bracing for possible deportation, after recent reports that the Trump administration will revoke their legal status.

President Donald Trump announced last week that he will soon decide the fate of the roughly 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the conflict, following a Reuters report announcing his administration’s plan.

Detroit’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade returns

Corktown will host the 67th annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade this Sunday, March 16, beginning at 1 p.m. at 6th Street and Michigan Avenue. The parade, which features floats, marching bands, pipe and drum bands, and so much more, has brought together people to celebrate Detroit’s rich Irish heritage for over half a century!

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

Medicaid funding has been in the headlines recently as the Trump administration has said they aim to cut “waste, fraud and abuse” from the program. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow spoke with Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters about how vital Medicaid is in the state.

Also, another Democratic candidate has entered Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race. Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has thrown his hat in the ring as a contender for the seat. Roth and Gorchow discuss how Gilchrist fares against his competition. 

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• How Congress’ decision on Medicaid could affect Michigan
• Michigan’s two Medicaid programs
• Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist entering 2026 race for governor

Earlier this month, U.S. House Republicans adopted a budget plan instructing the House Energy and Commerce Committee — which oversees Medicare and Medicaid funding — to cut spending under its jurisdiction by $880 billion.

Roth pointed out the confusion around what exactly could be cut, as the latest budget resolution calls for cuts so significant there is no way Medicaid could not be severely impacted.

Peters says Medicaid has become a critical component of the health care ecosystem, both in Michigan — where roughly a quarter of residents are covered by Medicaid — and nationally.

When Michigan expanded Medicaid to residents with an annual income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level — known as the Healthy Michigan Plan — many Michiganders got access to health care they may have not been able to afford otherwise.

“[Medicaid] allows people to access care in such a way that they can potentially nip health care problems in the bud, in other words, seek primary care, preventive care, prenatal care….so that we don’t have health care issues that continue to worsen,” Peters said.

Peters noted that while both the House and Senate are considering how to approach the suggested cuts, he doesn’t see Congress coming to an agreement yet based on what has been put forth in either chamber.

“We are in the second inning of a nine inning baseball game here; this process is very early, but at the end of the day, we are ensuring that [our] voice is heard,” said Peters. “That voice is saying very loudly: We cannot slash and burn the Medicaid program.”

–WDET Digital Editor Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

More from WDET:

• Detroit Evening Report: State program aims to improve mental health services for Medicaid, Medicare patients
• Detroit Evening Report: State waives Medicaid waiting period for green card holders
• Detroit Evening Report: Gilchrist declares candidacy for governor; panel to highlight women in hip-hop, design + more

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 new water rates, upcoming road closures and more.

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City shares emergency response improvements

The City of Detroit is improving the city’s emergency response to Detroiters living on the streets. This improvement comes on the heels of the tragic deaths of 9-year-old Darnell Currie Jr. and 2-year-old Millah Williams Currie. The two died on Feb. 10 after being exposed to freezing cold temperatures while sleeping in a van. The children’s two other siblings, mother and grandmother were in the van as well. The car turned off in the middle of the night while they were sleeping. The family slept in this van for months waiting on the city’s homelessness response team.

This improved response is a 7-point plan aiming to do everything possible to reach every unsheltered person in need of emergency:

1. Require site visits for all families with minor children
2. Give special attention to finding families in vehicles
3. Expand helpline to 24 hours
4. Double number of drop-in beds
5. Expand night outreach teams
6. Continue successful use of police precincts as havens for safety and referrals
7. Expand street outreach and education

To check out this plan and discover resources the city provides, visit detroitmi.gov.

99th Dearborn Memorial Day Parade announced

Dearborn will be hosting the 99th year of Michigan’s oldest Memorial Day Parade this year. The parade will return to its original route in East Dearborn. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. on May 26, 2025.

The city is inviting military and veteran groups, marching bands, and community and school groups from Dearborn and neighboring communities to apply to be a part of the parade. Go to dearborn.gov/memorialday to sign up and get more information. All forms are due April 18.

Interfaith Day of Unity

The Interfaith Day of Unity is going down on Sunday, March 2 from 4-6 p.m. at the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit. Organizers say this event will be a chance to experience the power of connection, peace and shared purpose.

There will be deep reflection from people of diverse faiths, vibrant culture with music, dancing and traditions, and a call for unity. For more information, visit detroitinterfaithcouncil.com.

Detroit Film Theatre celebrates Oscar Sunday

And finally, this Sunday is 97th Oscar Sunday. To celebrate, the Detroit Film Theatre is hosting their annual program showcasing the year’s nominees in both the short animation and short live action categories in a single ten-film presentation. There will be an intermission separating the categories. Watch the nominated films and make your own decisions as to which film should take home the coveted Oscar trophy. For tickets and more information, visit dia.org.

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