Michigan lawmakers pass 2026 state budget

After months of waiting and two missed deadlines, the 2026 state budget has finally passed. Michigan lawmakers agreed early Friday morning to add about $1 billion to road and bridge improvements, increase school funding, and decrease funding for some other programs. The budget also includes a new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana.

Now the budget is headed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk, allowing her to finally fulfill her famous promise to “fix the damn roads.”

For more information and a breakdown of how this budget affects Michiganders, check out WDET’s political talk show MichMash. A bonus episode was released the same day as the budget to explain the details.

Additional headlines for October 3, 2025

District 3 residents organize “Stop the Violence” march

Residents of Detroit’s District 3 have organized a “Stop the Violence” march this Saturday (Oct. 4).

Alita Moore, executive director of the North Central Block Club Association, says the march is in response to a recent uptick in violence in the neighborhood.

“Our youth, our seniors, are very, very concerned. And so, before something like the National Guard comes in, we wanted to — on a local community level — show solidarity with our neighborhood police officers, with the people that work with us right here,” Moore says.

Moore hopes the event draws attention to a part of the city that feels neglected. The march will start at Farwell Recreation Center at noon.

Tigers advance; Lions prepare for Sunday matchup

Everyone is talking about the Tigers. Yesterday, the team beat the Cleveland Guardians in the wildcard round and is now heading to the American League Division Series, where they’ll face the Seattle Mariners. First pitch is tomorrow at 8:38 p.m. EST at T-Mobile Park.

Meanwhile, about four hours south of metro Detroit down I-75, the Lions face the Bengals in a Sunday afternoon matchup at 4:25 p.m. They’re coming off a dominant win against the Browns, 34–20. Their record is currently 3–1, putting them at the top of the NFC North.

Applications open for Detroit Legacy Business Project

Applications for the Detroit Legacy Business Project close on Monday, October 6 at 8 a.m.

This program is for businesses that have been serving the city for 30 years or more. Available grants include:

• One $50,000 grant
• Fourteen $15,000 grants
• Five $5,000 grants
• Ten $2,500 grants

For more information, visit detroit.gov/opportunities
.

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The City of Dearborn says new absentee ballots will be mailed to residents after a printing error was discovered. 

City Clerk George Darany says the original ballots included the name of a city council candidate who dropped out of the race. 

Darany says people should throw away the old ballot and fill out the new one. Voters who have already submitted their ballot or those who do not send in the correct ballot will have their ballot ‘duplicated’—which does not mean counted twice. 

“So in other words, we will have two people assigned to remove the ballot and put it into the duplicate new ballot, so everything they chose would be transferred to the new ballot,” says Darany.

Voters should receive the new ballots in the next ten days. 

Early voting begins in Dearborn October 25.

Additional headlines for Thursday, October 2, 2025

  Mosques encouraged to increase security

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan chapter is encouraging local mosques to step up protection after an individual threatened to burn down a mosque in Dearborn Heights this week. 

CAIR Michigan Executive Director Dawud Walid says he’s concerned in light of the political climate and the attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc on Sunday. 

“We encourage all mosques in the state of Michigan to review the care community safety kit an to make sure that they have the property security measures for the Friday congressional prayers.” 

Walid says he hopes Dearborn Heights Police investigate the threats at The Islamic Institute of America as a potential hate crime. 

He says several mosques in Michigan have received threats in recent weeks. 

 Detroit Public Schools fills District Board of Education seat

The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education voted not to start a lengthy selection process to fill a vacant seat and will instead offer the seat to the runner up of the last special election.

Current board member Sherry Gay-Dagnogo is expected to resign and start as the city of Detroit’s next Ombudsman.

During a special meeting the board recommended leveraging the finalist from the July 2025 vacancy process, because it has been less than 90 days since a thorough, transparent, and public search was conducted. 

Local business pitch competition

The Arab American Women’s Business Council and the New Economy Initiative are announcing their 2025 Pitch Competition. Local Small Businesses and entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas and compete for seed money. Cash prizes between $1000 and $3000, and a grand prize of $5000 will be offered.

The application deadline is October 17. Eligible applicants must be in the ideation phase or have a business less than five years old.

The event will take place at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn on November 19. Visit the Arab American Women’s Business Council’s Facebook page for more information and to apply.  

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State and national budget updates

Michigan leaders have avoided a state government shutdown, even though the governor has not yet signed a budget by the midnight deadline. Lawmakers in Lansing reached the framework of a budget agreement late last week but released little information because many details had yet to be worked out. They’ve approved a bill to fund state government for one week to give them time to finalize their deal.

The federal government failed to reach a budget deal by its midnight deadline, resulting in a shutdown. About 30,000 federal employees live in Michigan, but it’s not clear right now how many might be affected. U.S. Mail service will continue as normal, and Social Security checks will be delivered. TSA agents will continue to work at Metro Airport because they’re considered essential workers, but they will work without pay. That could lead to longer lines at the airport. It’s not immediately clear what other service changes might affect Detroiters.

Additional headlines for October 1, 2025

Truck restrictions

The City of Detroit is announcing new restrictions today on truck traffic in Southwest Detroit. The area has dealt with semi-trucks traveling through neighborhoods for years to get from I-75 to the Ambassador Bridge. The travel clogs streets and adds to pollution in the area. The city says there will be new truck routes to keep commercial avenues freed up, and police will increase their enforcement. The new rules take effect on Monday. Truck traffic in Southwest Detroit should be further alleviated when the Gordie Howe Bridge opens next year. That structure will allow heavy trucks headed to Windsor to move directly from I-75 onto the bridge without traveling through neighborhoods.

I-75 cap

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is holding a public meeting tomorrow to discuss the future of I-75 downtown. The organization is working with the City of Detroit and the Michigan Department of Transportation to consider ways of connecting the downtown area to nearby neighborhoods. The collaboration is looking at the feasibility of placing a cap over I-75 between Third and Brush.

The plan calls for a series of parks over the freeway, which would provide space for residents, similar to the plazas over I-696 in Oak Park. The online public meeting takes place tomorrow from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. There’s more information at DowntownDetroit.org/i75cap.

Dodge Fountain

The City of Detroit is shutting down the Dodge Fountain in Hart Plaza for the rest of the year. The Construction and Demolition Department is working to make sure the structure is properly winterized so that no damage occurs during the cold weather. The fountain did not operate properly for several years, but it was repaired in 2024. The water will be turned off for the winter, but the city says the fountain’s lights will continue to operate. The fountain will return to warm-weather operations in the spring.

Tigers win on Tuesday

The Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians yesterday in their American League Wild Card game. Detroit pitcher Tarik Skubal threw 14 strikeouts for the Tigers. Game two in the best-of-three series is scheduled to take place this afternoon at Progressive Field in Cleveland. First pitch is at 1:08 p.m.

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

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she shared her concerns with President Trump about his new H1B visa policy which makes the price of applying for a visa $100,000.

H1B visas allow companies to bring in international workers for specialized jobs requiring higher education. Whitmer says she told President Trump that raising the application cost of those visas by around 10,000% could hurt Michigan’s economy.

Whitmer adds the state’s medical and automotive industries could be directly impacted by visa policy changes, saying large numbers of Canadian workers in fields like nursing and engineering rely on the visas.

Additional headlines from Tuesday September 30, 2025

Southwest Detroit hosts forum for candidates in upcoming election

A group of local community organizations is hosting the State of Southwest: A Municipal Candidate Forum on October 11.

Candidates for mayor, City Council District 6 and at-large seats have been invited to hear personal testimonies and concerns from residents of Southwest Detroit before sharing their plans to address the problems.

Organizers include 482Forward, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Michigan United, Raices Detroit, Urban Neighborhood Initiatives and We the People MI.

The forum is Saturday October 11 from noon to 3 p.m. in the  El Nacimiento warehouse at 7000 W Vernor Hwy. 

Resource guide for Native Americans returns

The state is relaunching a resource guide for Michigan tribal communities.

The Office of Civil Rights began publishing the Michigan Indian Quarterly more than 30 years ago. Now the Native American Resource Guide will be produced by the Department of Lifelong Education Advancement and Potential in partnership with Michigan State University’s Native American Institute.

The guide will include a list of tribal, state and federal contacts, education, legal and health resources, scholarship opportunities, genealogical research tools and artwork from Native artists from Michigan.

Print copies can be requested at nai@msu.edu.

Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival 

The Hamtramck Neighborhood Arts Festival is this weekend.

The city’s creative community invites visitors to their home studios and front porches as well as to coffee shops, galleries and parks throughout the city. Organizers say the festival is meant to show that art is for everyone and that all are welcome.

The Hamtramck Night Bazaar will offer food and goods from a variety of vendors, and stores and restaurants will also be open. For more information visit hnaf.org.  

DNR on the lookout for Belle Isle alligator

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed sightings of a small alligator roaming on Belle Isle.

The Detroit Free Press reports someone took a picture of the gator and shared it on social media. The DNR reviewed the photograph and used geolocation data to determine its authenticity.

The agency says it doesn’t know how the reptile got there, but it reminds people that releasing pets or wild animals on Belle Isle or other state parks is illegal and harmful to native creatures.

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered public buildings to fly flags at half-staff in memory of those who were killed in yesterday’s attack at a church in Grand Blanc Township.

Police say a former Marine drove his truck through the doors of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, started shooting at the hundreds of people worshiping inside, then set the building on fire.  Police identify the killer as Thomas Sanford of Burton, a former Marine who served in Iraq. 

Investigators say at least four people died and eight others were hurt.  

Officers fatally shot the gunman in the parking lot. The FBI is leading the investigation, trying to find a motive. 

Additional headlines from Monday, September 29, 2025

Arab Con 

People from across the nation gathered for ArabCon this past weekend. It’s the second time the national convening took place in Dearborn, home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans per capita.

The event was put on by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, the largest Arab American grassroots civil rights organization in the U.S. The group hosts this annual convention as a way to promote cultural heritage, and bring together community leaders, activists, artists, and entrepreneurs. They also bring forth national speakers to discuss matters of importance to the community including the ongoing war in Gaza. 

Attendee Ali Baleed Almaklani is the Executive Director of the Yemeni American Benevolent Association. 

“Because this ADC [has] been working hard, serving the community, fighting for the rights of this community, the rights of Palestinian people. And when you come to the conference, you’ve see a lot of faces. You learn more from those who participate.”

Almaklani says it’s also a great way to network with people and purchase items from vendors. 

Panelists discussed a range of topics from politics to activism. 

United Way preparedness

United Way and Verizon are raising awareness for emergency preparedness as part of a community resiliency initiative. 

Marcus Coleman Jr. is the Vice President for Community Resiliency Strategy at United Way Worldwide. He says the organization was created in response to crisis and now there are 1,100 branches in 35 countries. 

He says as more and more extreme weather events occur such as severe floods, it’s important for people to be prepared. 

“For the weeks, months and years, long after that disaster, to really help communities recover and we mobilize, right? So United Way works with a number of groups on the private sector side, but we also come alongside the American Red Cross, Feeding America, Islamic Relief USA, and many others, to ensure that all needs can be met during a disaster.”

Coleman says United Way is hosting workshops to teach people about preparedness. People can find out more about workshops and tips at unitedway.org/prepare. 

Operation Warm 

The national nonprofit Operation Warm manufactures and distributes coats and shoes to students in need at Title I, or low-income, elementary schools

Brenda Lee is Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Operation Warm. 

She says they’ve served over 7 million children in 25 years. 

“So a donation of $25 will supply a brand new winter coat for a child or a pair of shoes. And our programming is highly efficient, so 95 cents of every dollar donated goes directly back into coat and shoe programs.” 

The nonprofit recently did a survey, finding 36% of parents admit that they’ve kept their kid home on a cold day because they didn’t have a warm coat. 

Operation Warm has two gifting events coming up this year: one in Warren in October and one in Detroit in November. 

Lee says families whose children attend a Title I school can ask their school to join the Operation Warm wishlist and stay in the know about upcoming distributions.  

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.

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State to use $52 million in frozen funds to expand network

Michigan is moving forward with its revised electric vehicle charging plan after receiving federal approval. The US Department of Transportation approved the state’s plan under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, allocating $52 million remaining from an original $110 million. The Trump administration froze the $52 million in February.

One of the biggest challenges for electric vehicles is the limited number of charging stations. Michigan plans to fund a total of 83 stations. Two are already operational and four more are under construction. The rest are still being planned.

Read more from the Detroit News

More details from MDOT

Additional headlines

Detroit’s economic outlook shows steady growth

The city of Detroit held its regular biannual revenue estimating conference this week to review its economic outlook. State law requires these independent revenue conferences to be held in September and February each fiscal year.

The Detroit Economic Outlook for 2024–2030 projects that the city will see an increase in jobs, wages, and resident employment in the next five years. The forecast also shows moderate growth for payroll jobs, while Detroit wages are expected to outpace the state average.

Read the city’s full economic outlook

Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit highlights innovation

The City of Detroit is participating in the Detroit Digital Empowerment Summit this weekend. The event will feature competitions awarding $175,000 in funding for new tech ideas.

The three-day summit is hosted by the organization Black Tech Saturdays and will showcase innovation and economic mobility. It will also include pitch competitions and opportunities for Detroiters of all ages to explore the power of technology.

The city’s Office of Innovation and Technology will present Youth Tech Fest at the summit to introduce technology to the next generation.

Learn more at DetroitMI.gov

Follow the summit at Black Tech Saturdays

Detroit Lions and Tigers weekend matchups

The Detroit Lions had a commanding performance on Monday against the Baltimore Ravens, beating them 38–30. According to ESPN, the game was one of the most viewed Monday night matchups in the last 20 years. This Sunday, the Lions face the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field with kickoff at 1:00 p.m.

In Major League Baseball, the Detroit Tigers will face the Boston Red Sox this weekend. The Tigers are currently in second place in the American League Central and could move back to the top with a series win.

Detroit Fiber Festival returns Sunday

The Detroit Fiber Festival takes place this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event brings together fabric artists, makers, and vendors from across Metro Detroit. This year’s focus is sustainability in sourcing textiles and materials.

There will also be lectures and demonstrations on preservation, highlighting how period fabrics and textiles are used in costuming.

Learn more at Detroit Month of Design

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The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation announced a new platform that will match entrepreneurs with the best fitting lender. 

The website is designed to help small businesses navigate financial options through partnerships with local Community Development Financial Institutions.   

Applicants visit the website, submit the criteria for the type of loan and amount they need, and the algorithm will match them with the best lenders.  

DEGC Senior Vice President Derrick Headd calls the hub a central command center for the city’s small business ecosystem.  “One place where you can find financing options, technical assistance, and service organizations. Everything you need to have a thriving company.” 

Lenders participating in the hub include ProsperUS, Detroit Development Fund, Invest Detroit and more.  

Eligible applicants must be located in the city, have documented cash flow, and cannot be affiliated with any business prohibited by federal law.  

 Additional headlines for Thursday, September 25, 2025

Pastors seek high voter turnout this mayoral election

Detroit voters will elect the city’s first new mayor in 12 years this fall. A coalition of pastors is working to educate and mobilize their flocks to decide between City Council President Mary Sheffield and Reverend Solomon Kinloch. 

Organizers say 12 churches took part in the Lift Every Voice and Vote campaign in the August primary. They want five times that number mobilizing voters in the general election. 

Al Williams leads Lift Every Voice and Vote Detroit. He admits its hard motivating voters in the city. “I think that the history of our mayoral elections, past two or three mayoral elections, have shown us that the excitement has gone down every single mayoral election. Yes, it has made it a challenge.” 

Less than 20 percent of eligible Detroit voters cast ballots in the August primary.

Proposed ordinance requires body cam footage be made public

A proposed Detroit ordinance would require police to release body camera footage within 30 days of police shootings and other incidents including the use of non-lethal weapons like tasers, pepper spray, tear gas, bean bags and rubber bullets.

Under the proposed ordinance, footage must be posted on a public website. Exemptions would be allowed upon written request from the Detroit Police Department or Wayne County prosecutor.

Exceptions apply to footage captured during federal or state task force operations, footage prohibited by court order and footage determined to be prejudicial to a civil matter. 

James Baldwin Sidewalk Libraries

The City of Detroit and the Detroit Public Library will be hosting the James Baldwin Sidewalk Libraries across the city. Detroit ACE and the Charles H. Wright Museum also partnered to launch the reading campaign.

Boxes designed to help residents find or donate books by and about author James Baldwin will be placed in Detroit neighborhoods. 

The initiative completes the work started by artist Sabrina Nelson, whose landmark exhibit on Baldwin debuted last fall.

The initiative is being launched during Black Reading Month in Detroit. 

Fashion business management degree now offered at CCS

 The College for Creative Studies in Detroit is now offering a fashion business management degree. The degree will take 90 credits and just over three years to complete. 

Students will learn merchandising, styling, marketing strategy, brand development, trend forecasting, and fashion communications. No portfolio is required for admission.

Visit the College for Creative Studies and look under the listing of undergraduate programs more information and to apply. 

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Negotiations continue in Lansing in an effort to complete a state budget before an October first deadline.  Failure to do so would mean a partial government shutdown. 

Such an action could prompt a closure of state parks, including Belle Isle.  Secretary of State offices could close, and even Detroit’s casinos could be affected. 

The state has not yet said what its plans are if next week’s deadline is not met.  Democrats and Republicans have not been able to reach a deal on key issues such as road funding. 

Additional headlines from Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Flood Watch 

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties until Wednesday evening.  Steady rain is expected and could possibly be heavy at times. The weather service says some areas upstream could see one to four inches of rain. 

If you’ve experienced flooding in your area in recent months, it might be a good idea to check your basement periodically over the next few days.  Make sure to place important items out of reach of possible flood waters. 

Kimmel returns

Detroiters got a chance to see the Jimmy Kimmel show again last night.  WXYZ-TV aired the program. 

Kimmel’s show was suspended last week after the late-night comedian make remarks concerning political reaction to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.  In response, several stations around the country decided not to air the show and the ABC network followed suit. 

The network says it temporarily suspended the show to keep from inflaming a delicate situation.   Kimmel said last night that he did not mean to make light of Kirk’s death. 

Kimmel’s show airs in Detroit weeknights at 11:30 p.m. on WXYZ-TV. 

Tigers collapse 

The Detroit Tigers are looking like they may have a hard time making the Major League Baseball playoffs. 

At one point during the summer, the team had a 14 game lead in the American League Central.  But now Detroit is on a seven-game losing streak, and has lost 9 of its last 10 games. 

Cleveland beat the Tigers 5 – 2 Tuesday night, allowing the Guardians to grab a share of first place in the division.  The Tigers and Guardians play again tonight and tomorrow in Cleveland. 

There are just 11 games left in the regular season. 

Lions celebrate victory

And the City of Detroit continues its celebrations after the Lions’ win on Monday Night Football this week.  The team posted a decisive 38 – 30 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.  After the game, Lions quarterback Jared Goff praised the team’s tenacity. 

“It was a good representation of what we want to do and I thought again being able to kind of springboard off of that last week and do it again –in a different fashion, though.  More running the ball.  More ground and pound.  Obviously, D-Mo having the night he had is incredible.  I think we displayed that we can win in different ways.” 

“D-Mo” is running back David Montgomery, who ran for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.  The Lions now have a record of two wins and one loss. 

They host the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on Sunday afternoon.  Game time is 1 pm. 

If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.  You know how much we love hearing about Detroit 

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Michigan’s teachers’ unions will gather in Lansing Wednesday in an effort to get lawmakers to pass a budget.

The American Federation of Teachers-Michigan and Michigan Education Association “lobby day” happens just a week before the state deadline to pass a budget. Public schools, community colleges and public universities have started the academic year without information about their funding. 

If the Republican House and Democratic Senate don’t agree on a budget by October 1, the state government could shut down.

AFT President Randi Weingarten will discuss state and federal education issues at a public education town hall at Eastpointe High School Monday.

Additional headlines for Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Detroit schools recognized for reducing absenteeism

Pulaski Elementary-Middle School in Detroit has had the biggest decrease in chronic absenteeism in the state. Chalkbeat Detroit is reporting that chronic absenteeism at the school has dropped more than 47.5 percentage points in the last six years.

In a report released last week, 14 of the top 15 schools with the most success in addressing the problem were Detroit schools.

The state considers students who miss about 18 days of the typically 180 day school year chronically absent.

Applications open for entrepreneurial Trailhead program

The Arab American Chamber of Commerce Tejara Innovation Hub has opened applications for its Trailhead program. The 6-week course provides support for new and aspiring entrepreneurs with up to a thousand dollars in funding and $2500 in support services.

Applications close October 7.

National Public Lands Day

Entrance to Michigan’s National Parks is free on Saturday in honor of National Public Lands Day.

National Parks in Michigan include Isle Royal and Pictured Rocks in Lake Superior and Sleeping Ber Dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan. River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe is the closest national park to Detroit.

Mountain Bike Ramble

The Friends of Rouge Park are hosting the third annual Mountain Bike Ramble October 11 from noon to 5 p.m. at Tireman and Outer Drive.

Rouge has the only mountain bike trail in the city and started the event in 2023 to give youth and inexperienced riders a chance to learn from seasoned mountain bike riders.

The event is free. Bikes and helmets are provided, as are hot chocolate and snacks.

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

The group Dearborn Wants Wards has been pushing for districted elections in Dearborn. The measure is now officially on the ballot as Proposal 1 in the general election in November. 

Mona Mawari is a community organizer for the Dearborn Wants Wards.  She says the group had to go to court after submitting more than 8,000 signatures for the petition.  

“To ensure that the the proposal was going to be on the ballot in November, we had followed up with the city multiple times and weren’t getting a clear answer and a clear response.”

Mawari says Dearborn Wants Wards volunteers are campaigning door-to-door and organizing town halls and phone banks to spread the word about the measure. The group says districted elections would provide better representation for the city’s east and south sides.    

Additional headlines from Monday, August 22, 2025

 Neighborhood Business Lab 

ProsperUs Detroit and the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services or ACCESS are hosting a Neighborhood Business Lab in October. The team will provide business insights to area residents.

The neighborhood lab takes place in two time slots: on October 1st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. OR 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the ACCESS Hamtramck office, 9301 Joseph Campau Avenue in Hamtramck.

Light refreshments will be provided. 

Dearborn’s Esper Library to be Children’s Exploration and STEAM center 

Dearborn is creating a state-of-the-art children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics or STEAM Center. It will be located at the city’s Esper Library at 12929 Warren Avenue.

The library will offer robotics, music, art, and engineering activities. It will also include hands-on STEAM discovery zones, technology and a podcast studio. 

Construction began this past weekend. 

Detroit Fire Dept. Appoints Jamal Mickles as chief 

Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms, has appointed Captain Jamal Mickles as the Chief of the Detroit Fire Department Training Division.

Mickles has 20 years of experience. He began his work with the department through the DFD’s Fire Cadet Program. He was assigned to Engine 51, later serving at Engine 57, Ladder 14, Ladder 26 and the Fire Investigation Division, before becoming a fire instructor and training leader.

Mickles served as a Lieutenant at the academy, overseeing the firefight apprenticeship program which gives Detroiters a pathway to a career in public safety. He also rebuilt the Regional Training Center gym which was used to train more than 200 firefighters across Michigan. Last year as captain, Mickles launched the DFD Paramedic Training Program to train firefighters to deliver advanced pre-hospital medical care. 

He is replacing Chief Alfie Green, who retired after 34 years with the Detroit Fire Department. 

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. 

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Michigan unemployment rate drops slightly in August

Michigan’s monthly unemployment rate dropped slightly to 5.2 percent in August. A report from the Michigan Department of Technology says the unemployment percentage was affected by about 14,000 fewer people holding or seeking jobs. This is the fifth consecutive month that the state’s workforce has shrunk.

Wayne Rourke, the Michigan Labor Market Information Director, says the drop in the unemployment rate isn’t necessarily a sign of improvement.

“While the number of unemployed people are decreasing, the number of employed is not going up. So, these people are just leaving the labor market and not looking for a job.”

Some reasons for leaving the workforce include people aging out, becoming discouraged, or the costs of childcare keeping people at home.

Detroit Auto Show unveils 2026 anthem

The Detroit Auto Show unveiled the 2026 anthem My Drive, My City, My Show. The song will be written and performed by Detroit hip hop artist Gmac Cash.

According to organizers, the track delivers the feel of the Motor City by describing a city where cars and culture are prominent.

The 2026 Detroit Auto Show runs January 14 through 25 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. More information is available at detroitautoshow.com.

Waste to Wonder 2025 highlights design in action

September is Detroit’s Month of Design, and as part of the festivities the company Ecosphere Organics is hosting an event called Waste to Wonder 2025: Art and Design in Action.

Organizers say this outdoor block party and creative showcase will celebrate community, art, and imagination. The event will feature interactive art and design installations made from repurposed food waste materials.

The showcase will take place at Sanctuary Farms on Lakeview Street. More information is available at detroitmonthofdesign.org.

Spotlite to host coworking tour

On Wednesday, September 24, Spotlite is hosting the Work in Progress Coworking Tour.

The event is led by Amber Lewis, Chief Energy Officer of Visit Detroit. It is a workshop for people in creative or corporate fields who are looking to network or find a space to work on projects and ideas.

The event will offer advising sessions, LinkedIn and resume reviews, a happy hour, and more. To RSVP and learn more, visit Spotlite Detroit’s Instagram.

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

Detroiters receive home deeds through Buy Back Program

The City of Detroit celebrated 88 Detroiters today who received deeds to their homes after successfully completing the Detroit Land Bank Authority’s Occupied Buy Back Program.

The Buy Back program gives Detroit residents who live or have lived in Land Bank owned homes a chance to become the new owner. Requirements included paying property taxes in full, completing financial literacy counseling, and attending homeownership workshops. Since its inception, the program has given deeds to 1,363 residents.

Additional headlines

State House votes on food assistance restrictions

The state House voted to require photos and signatures on cards loaded with money for state food or cash assistance.

Republican sponsors say it would cut back on fraud, though studies have shown fraud is rare and that extra layers of red tape often keeps people who need the benefits from getting them.

Democratic Representative Penelope Tsernoglou says the bill would add extra steps without effectively addressing fraud.

“This bill will cost our state millions of dollars annually with savings to the state being determined as ‘indeterminate, but likely negligible.’”

The bill now goes to the Democratic-controlled Michigan Senate, where its chances of passing are low.

Whitmer issues vaccine access directive

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive directive today that could lay the groundwork for the state to broaden access to the COVID-19 vaccine. But it doesn’t have a lot of specifics.

Currently, only those over the age of 65 or with underlying medical conditions can get the shot in Michigan without a prescription. That is under recent FDA restrictions.

Whitmer’s directive tells state health officials to remove barriers to vaccine access to ensure the shot remains widely available in Michigan. Other states are requiring insurers to cover vaccines recommended by their health departments, or broadly authorizing pharmacies to administer the shots.

Queer short film showcase at the Carr Center

Mighty Real/Queer Detroit is putting on a short film showcase called “Queer Diasporic Horizons.” The program is curated by artist and filmmaker Billy Gerard Frank.

The selection of queer short films explores themes of belonging, exile, and migration. The program line-up includes the films Never Stop Shouting by Abdellea Taia, The Distance of Time by Acrlos Omeno Palma, I Was Never Really Here by Abriel Arrahino and Vallerie Gabriel Bihina, and Carnival Queen by Sekyia Dorsett.

The showcase is Saturday, September 20 at 7 PM at the Carr Center on 15 E Kirby Street.

Women’s business workshop set for September 20

The Detroit Women’s Commission is holding a one-day business workshop for small women-owned businesses.

The event will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to get all of their basic essentials done at one time, from getting their business license certified to registering a business.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, September 20 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Northwest Activities Center.

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Wayne State University President Kimberly Espy is resigning.  That’s according to a source with knowledge of the situation. 

Espy has reportedly been under pressure from the school’s board of governors to step down.  In recent weeks, there’s been criticism about the unexplained decision to place the dean of Wayne State’s Medical School on leave. 

A story by the Detroit News says the Interim Med School Dean resigned because his appointment did not follow proper channels.  Espy was also criticized for not fully engaging in the Detroit community.  She did not appear at an event on campus Monday to announce a program to make it easier for DPSCD high school students to attend Wayne State. 

Espy became the President of the university in August 2023.  A Wayne State Board of Governors’ meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday September 17, 2025

Mayoral Debate 

WXYZ-TV has announced that it will broadcast a Detroit mayoral debate on Wednesday, October 15. 

The television station will host City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch in its Southfield studios that evening.  Sheffield and Kinloch were the two candidates receiving the most votes in the city’s August primary. 

The October debate will be moderated by Chuck Stokes and Carolyn Clifford. 

679 Area Code 

Get ready to dial a few extra digits every time you call someone on your phone.  Starting October 7, residents will need to dial all 10 numbers when making a call.  In other words, all calls will need an area code. That’s to get folks ready for the new 679 area code.  That new code takes effect on November 7. 

Detroit residents seeking new phone numbers after that may receive a 679 area code once all 313 numbers are exhausted.   Residents in Wayne County suburbs such as Redford Township, Highland Park, Hamtramck and Dearborn will also be affected by the change. 

Fall safety

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is working to keep older adults from falling and getting injured. 

The department is collaborating with the Michigan Falls Prevention Council and the National Council on Aging.  They’re offering special online tools for risk assessment and fall prevention classes online. 

A webpage provides a directory of programs to help senior citizens stay healthy.  Residents can also call 2-1-1 to speak with a live operator about resources in the area. 

Next week is Falls Prevention Awareness Week. 

Detroit Grand Prix Dates 

The Detroit Grand Prix has confirmed its dates for next year. 

The race through downtown streets will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026.  That’s the weekend after Memorial Day.  And as has been the case for many years, it’s the weekend following the running of the Indianapolis 500. 

Detroit Grand Prix organizers say 156,000 people came downtown to watch events over this year’s three-day weekend.  They say more than a million people watched the Grand Prix on television this year. 

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

Detroit anti-violence organizer Eric Ford died Monday. Ford was the founder of Detroit 300.

Police Chief Todd Bettison says Ford was a “massive voice” for Community Violence Intervention. Bettison called him a “superhero to his community” and said he will be truly missed.

Ford’s family says he died of natural causes. He was 58.

Additional headlines from Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Duggan reports city budget surplus

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says the city is ending the fiscal year with a $60 million budget surplus.

He is proposing City Council set aside a portion of that money for a Corporate Income Tax reserve. Federal spending cuts are expected to cause a shortage in the taxes collected from businesses in the city. And Duggan says tariffs have already caused a 50% drop in manufacturing income taxes.

He says council should set aside $42 million to cover these gaps, “so that next year there is no conversation about having to deal with cutbacks or deficits, the city will remain in strong financial situation.”

If approved by City Council, the city’s total cash reserves would increase to $544 million. 

Michigan Central Drone Day

Michigan Central’s Drone Day is tomorrow. Organizers promise youth workshops,‘dronut launches from the roof and the longest commercial delivery flight in the city to date.

The event will showcase a collaboration between Aerialoop, Newlab at Michigan Central, Airsapce Link and the state’s Office of Future of Mobility and Electrification and Department of Transportation.

Its drone deliveries are expected to be five times more energy efficient than delivery by electric vehicles. 

DCFC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

The Detroit City Football Club is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a special ticket package that adds a themed DCFC shirt to a game ticket purchase.

The Pablo’s Tacos Pack option gets 2 ticket holders into the club’s City Supporters section and a voucher good for 2 tacos and a drink from the Pablo’s Tacos Food Truck at Saturday’s game against Lexington SC.

Le Rouge starts a four-match homestand series against Lexington. Ballet Folklorico will perform at halftime. For more information and to buy tickets go to detcityfc.com.

Correction for recent Detroit Evening Report

Lastly… we reported earlier this month on the Carr Center’s exhibit “In the Life: Black Queerness – Looking Back, Moving Forward” presented by Mighty Real Queer Detroit. The exhibit spans a variety of media and features work from more than a dozen artists.

It is open through October 11^th at the Carr Center location at 15 E Kirby Street. Our previous report directed listeners to the wrong Carr Center location. We apologize for the error. 

If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org

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Ford Motor Company announced Monday that its moving its headquarters for the first time in 70 years. The new headquarters will be located west of Greenfield Village in Dearborn.  

The new Henry Ford II World Center is a 2.1 million square foot state-of-the-art building. It will serve as a global center to promote innovation, collaboration, and transformation. Among the changes are six Design Studios and a Design Showroom, which can hold 10 vehicle turntables with 64-ft micro LED screens for product review. 

The new facility will have 4,000 employees and 12 acres of greenspace.  

The building is a Net-Zero Energy Building, using a central energy plant for hot water and steam and DTE MI Green Power Program to have a net-zero carbon goal. There are also energy-efficient systems, including water saving measures and waste reduction strategies in place.  

The headquarters is on a historic site—the 1953 Product Development Center, where the Mustang, F-Series and Ford GT were created. The former headquarters known as the ‘Glass House’ will be torn down over the next 18 months, with plans to repurpose it for community use. 

A public grand opening of the new building is scheduled for November with some employees shifting to the new location. 

The project is slated to be completed in 2027. 

Additional headlines from Monday, September 15, 2025

Dearborn career fair

The Arab American Women’s Business Council and Dearborn Economic Development are hosting their annual career fair. Registration is required as spots are limited.

There will be on-site recruiting, scholarship opportunities, and expert career guidance. There is also resume writing assistance and prizes available.  

Refreshments will be provided.  

The career fair takes place at the University of Michigan – Dearborn Fairlane Center South in the Michigan Room East on September 24 from 6-8 p.m.

Hispanic Heritage Month 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recognizes September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Michigan. The designation aims to celebrate the “rich history, vibrant culture and bright future of our Hispanic community,” Whitmer says in a release. 

Whitmer has appointed 18 Hispanic and Latino people as judges and to various boards and commissions in the state.  

Michigan’s Center for Data and Analysis estimated the Hispanic or Latino population is nearly 600,000 people in Michigan. 

Parts of Southwest Detroit are designated as historic areas, commemorating decades of entrepreneurship in the city. 

End of Summer Fiesta

La Jalisciense is hosting a patio party. The End of Summer Fiesta will host local vendors, a DJ, food and drinks.

The party will take place on September 27th from 2-8:30 PM at the La Jalisciense 3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI. 

District 1 meeting this week

The City of Detroit District 1 is hosting a charter-mandated community meeting on Wednesday. There will be resource tables for Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental (BSEED), land bank, and public works, along with the water and sewage department.

The meeting will be held on September 17 from 7-8:30 p.m. in person at the New Saint Mark Baptist Church, located at 24331 Eight Mile West in Detroit or virtually on Zoom.  

DDOT meeting this week

The Department of Transportation or DDOT is hosting a virtual community meeting this week. The meeting is to gather feedback about DDOT services, fares and routes.

The meeting takes place on Thursday, September 18, at 5 p.m. The Zoom call-in number is 1 (312) 626-6799.  

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.

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Kresge Foundation moves headquarters to Detroit

The Kresge Foundation announced that it will relocate its headquarters from Troy to the Marygrove campus in northwest Detroit. Along with the move, the foundation says it will invest an additional 180 million dollars in the Liv-Six community over the next five years.

Kresge CEO Rip Rapson says the organization will build a new headquarters on the campus while also strengthening nearby neighborhoods.

“We will, working alongside neighborhood residents and community partners, invest in housing stabilization, home ownership, commercial corridor revitalization, small business support, public spaces enhancements and financial assistance in the Fitzgerald, Bagley, University District and Martin Park neighborhoods,” Rapson said.

The foundation had considered a return to the city for many years, but a renovation of its Troy offices in 2014 delayed those plans. The new headquarters at Marygrove is expected to be completed by 2028.

Apple store opening downtown

Apple will open its downtown Detroit store on September 19 on Woodward just south of John R. The announcement comes the same week the company unveiled its newest devices. Apple also revealed plans for a manufacturing academy in Detroit to complement its developer academy partnership with Michigan State University.

Jeezy concert livestream

Rapper and entrepreneur Jeezy is bringing something special to Detroit. His Friday night concert at the Fox Theatre will feature a live orchestra and will also be livestreamed on his official YouTube channel.

Detroit is one of 23 stops on Jeezy’s tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, first released in 2005.

Weekend sports

The Detroit Tigers face the Miami Marlins this weekend at Loan Depot Park. First pitch for tonight’s game is at 7:10 p.m.

The Detroit Lions take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, September 14. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.

The Tonight Show heads to Detroit

Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show is coming to Detroit this Sunday, September 14, for an episode that will air September 15 on NBC. The show will be filmed at the Detroit Opera House and will feature special guests Keegan-Michael Key, Detroit Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham, and Grammy-winning rapper and actor Common, who recorded his first album in Detroit.

This is the Tonight Show’s first visit to the city and is being presented in partnership with Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit nbc.com.

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The Detroit Department of Public Works announced a new effort to keep the city clean with a recycling pilot program at bus stops.

The department also unveiled two electric garbage trucks that will be used to collect recycling.   

The pilot program will place 800 new recycling cans at the bus stops.  

Public Works Deputy Director Sam Krassenstein says bottles and cans are the number one thing people throw away when waiting for the bus.  “And that’s what we’re trying to capitalize on by diverting that to keep that out of the landfill and keep that out of the streets.”  

Krassenstein says the pilot aims to increase recycling rates from 45% to nearly 100%.   

The $500,000 investment was funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, DTE, and City Council.   

Additional headlines for Thursday, September 11, 2025

Non profit offers free homecoming dress drawing

High school students in southeastern Michigan could get a free homecoming dress this weekend. 

Alison Vaughn is the CEO of Jackets for Jobs.  

She says her non profit and Comerica bank are hosting a homecoming dress giveaway on the lower level of the Samaritan Center in Detroit this weekend.  

“Homecoming is one of the young girls’ biggest moments of high school, and so we wanted to make them feel like Cinderella and the belle of the ball, if you will, and make them feel good and confident. And we know those events are very costly.”  

Vaughn says anyone can come get a free homecoming dress and accessories from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday or from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Samaritan Center on 5555 Conner Street.  

Corewell terminates gender affirming care for minors

Corewell Health is the latest Michigan hospital to end gender affirming care for minors. The hospital announced it will no longer prescribe puberty blockers or hormone therapy to minors because of “the serious risk of legal and regulatory action.”

That pressure is coming from the Trump Administration. Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan’s hospital system, announced it will also stop gender affirming care last month.  

Corewell Health made a similar announcement in February this year before backtracking due to protest.

Dearborn improving business exteriors with grant funding

The City of Dearborn is celebrating the completion of the first façade improvement project on Warren Avenue at Nadia’s Pharmacy.

The city’s initiative awards up to $200,000 in Community Development Block grant funding, with a 10% business match to improve the exterior of selected businesses.

The goal of the project is to modernize, enhance, and create a cohesive business aesthetic along Warren Avenue between Lonyo Avenue and Greenfield Rd.

Nadia’s Pharmacy is the first to complete repairs. 

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

Former Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins is endorsing Mary Sheffield for the job. 

She expressed her support for Sheffield this morning during an event at Cody High School on the city’s west side, saying they have shared priorities. 

“It’s about kids all over the city of Detroit who deserve to live in a city free of gun violence.  It’s about all the kids who deserve to grow and reach their full potential.”

Jenkins has an understanding of City Council president Sheffield’s qualifications to become mayor.  Jenkins served as the president of Detroit City Council before stepping down in 2014. 

Sheffield faces Pastor Solomon Kinloch in the November 4^th general election. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Hollier for Secretary of State

Detroit Democrat Adam Hollier has announced that he’s running to become Michigan’s next Secretary of State.  

Current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is term-limited.  She’s running for governor in 2026 instead. 

Hollier served two terms in the Michigan State Senate and later served as Director of Michigan’s Veterans Affairs Agency.  He had two unsuccessful runs for Congress in 2022 and 2024, with last year’s run scuttled by problems with petition signatures. 

Hollier had originally announced plans to run again next year in the 13^th Congressional District, but has now changed course. 

Casino revenue updates

Detroit’s three casinos brought in 106.9 million dollars in revenue last month.  That’s down 4.6 percent from August 2024. 

MGM Grand continues to hold the largest share of the city’s casino market at 48 percent.  Motor City had 29 percent.  And Hollywood Casino at Greektown captured 21 percent of the market.  Together, the three casinos paid 12.6 million dollars in taxes and wagering agreement payments to the City of Detroit last month.  They paid another 8.6 million dollars in taxes to the State of Michigan. 

Slotkin at Levin Center 

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin is scheduled to speak at Wayne State University’s Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy this weekend to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Slotkin will deliver the keynote address.  The event takes place on Saturday. 

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens in recovery

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is recovering from prostate cancer surgery.  He underwent a procedure on Tuesday to deal with the problem. 

In a statement on YouTube, Dilkens urges men to talk to their doctors about prostate health. 

“I’m grateful for the early detection and I look forward to making a full and complete recovery.  Now let’s face it.  Men of a certain age can be stubborn when it comes to their health care needs – and even more so when it comes to talking about prostate issues.  Had it not been for my family history and my family doctor’s great advice, I would never have even known that I had cancer.” 

Dilkens says he has been monitoring his prostate health in the past few years because of his family history.  A biopsy this summer confirmed he had prostate cancer. 

Dilkens has served as Windsor’s mayor since 2014. 

If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.  You know how much we love hearing about Detroit. 

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The Detroit Regional Chamber is urging voters not to sign a petition that would tax the wealthy to help pay for schools. The chamber argues some small businesses file their taxes using individual income tax.

But Jess Newman from the Invest in MI Kids initiative says the language of the petition and the individual income limits affects only about 12,000 to 18,000 high income individuals in the whole state.

“We’re talking about a very targeted tax to folks that make a ton of money. They do not as an effective rate pay their fair share. We’re also looking at folks that just got a huge tax break on the income taxes from the federal government.”

The Invest in MI Kids ballot initiative would add a 4% tax hike on individual income over $500,000 to fund public education.

Both petition organizers and the chamber urge voters to read the language of the petition.

Additional headlines for Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Wayne renames Dearborn street in honor of Osama Siblani

Wayne County is honoring longtime journalist and founder and publisher of Arab American News, Osama Siblani by naming a stretch of Dearborn’s commercial corridor after him. 

Siblani established the publication back in the 1980’s, and 40 years later it has become the longest running bilingual Arab weekly publication in the nation.

According to officials, Warren Avenue is believed to be the first street in Dearborn to have a sign in honor of an Arab American advocate.

Ford issues rear view camera recall

Ford is recalling almost 1.5 million vehicles in U.S. because of a rear view camera issue. The recall involves vehicles from model years 2015 to 2019.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the image on the center of the display screen has been reported to go black or get a distorted image which may result in a potential crash.

The administration said they are aware of 18 accidents and no injuries related to the rear camera issue. The agency said that vehicle owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their cars to their respective dealers to solve the issue. There will be no charge for the service.

ModPods to help Lansing homeless

To combat homelessness in the state, Michigan plans to create mini housing pods.

The city of Lansing approved the purchase and storage of 50 modular housing units called ModPods. City officials in Lansing are considering various locations to plant the pods.

If successful, the approach would make Lansing the first city in Michigan to utilize the 8-by-8 housing units which have been used in other states across the country.

If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.

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