The National Poll on Healthy Aging found many older adults have disabilities. However, they do not identify with being disabled, nor do they request accommodations, in part due to stigma. 

The poll found 19% of adults 50 years old and older have a disability but, they are less likely to ask for accommodations. 

Dr. Michelle Mead is a professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Family Medicine at the University of Michigan.  

She says many older adults look at disabilities as a natural part of aging rather than a disability, and don’t want to be stigmatized. 

“Even though the groups who are 65 and older are more likely to actually have a disability, they were less likely to identify as having one,” she says. 

The survey is part of the National Opinion Research Center, conducted at the University of Chicago for the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan. 

Mead says despite older adults not seeking accommodations, half of older adults may legally qualify for accommodations, especially for those who are 65 and up.

 “This is what the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, Section 504, and this other legislation was about doing. It’s about including, providing opportunities, ensuring that a functional limitation, a diagnosis or impairment doesn’t stop people. But the stigma is that it still does,” she explains. 

Mead says older adults face stigma and barriers to living healthy lives.

“The stigma is one built into our society. We have ageism that says it’s bad to get older. That does not value the various skills and strengths that you learn and the different ways of doing things that are required through experience,” she explains.

Clinician support

The survey hopes to educate clinicians on how to serve older adults better.

“Many of the individuals with disabilities, I know, are fantastic problem solvers. They have to be. But unfortunately, the world still isn’t set up to work with, to consider, to involve people with disabilities. So, until that happens, we need to develop workarounds,” she shares.

The University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness, where Mead is the founding director, created several tip sheets for clinicians to gather relevant information to serve older adults with disabilities.

“I think what I’m hoping to do with this research is to increase awareness about the importance of asking the right questions, developing processes to allow the best care to occur, and making sure that we connect the dots to both reduce healthcare costs and improve lives,” she says. 

The poll surveyed over 3,800 adults 50 and up by phone and online. 

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there are now more than a thousand registered doulas in Michigan. That includes 700 doulas who take Medicaid.

Doulas are trained non-medical professionals who provide birth assistance, including emotional and physical support, and help families navigate the birthing experience. 

Dawn Shanafelt is the Director of the Division of Maternal & Infant Health for MDHHS. She says the state has surpassed its goal of registering 500 doulas through the Doula Registry by 2028, doubling that number as of last week. 

“What’s next for the program is to continue to support our existing doulas that are part of the registry. So the one thousand plus doulas. And then we are really focusing on enrollment and recruitment of doulas in areas where the number of doulas that are available for families is lower, and then also for special populations.”

Shanafelt says that includes populations that speak a language other than English, Indigenous populations, and teenage parents.  

She says having doula-assisted births reduces birth complications and medical interventions, shortens the duration of labor, and increases breastfeeding support. Babies also tend to have healthier birth weights.  

Additional headlines for Monday, November 24, 2025

MDHHS launches more On-the-Go food pantries

MDHHS has added a mobile food distribution site in Hamtramck, partnering with Forgotten Harvest.

The On-the-Go popup pantry will provide food pick-up for people who schedule appointments. There are options for fresh produce and grains and culturally appropriate foods such as halal or kosher options.

MDHHS says they will select and offer similar mobile food pantry options in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties every month. The next one in Hamtramck will be held tomorrow Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the MDHHS office located at 12140 Jos Campau St. in Hamtramck.

People can make an appointment by emailing MDHHS-FH-WC-Hamtramck@michigan.gov.  Dial 211 or visit mi211.org online for free referrals to food pantries.  

Entry Points artist residency program wins award

A Hamtramck-based artist residency program is receiving a $175,000 award.

Entry Point is a program which offers housing and studio space for returning citizens who were formerly incarcerated juveniles. The nonprofit is receiving the 2025 J.M.K Innovation Award. The award is given by the J.M. Kaplan Fund to 10 awardees for their work in tackling social justice, environmental conservation, and heritage preservation.  

Entry Point was created by artist-activist Jonathan Rajewski and writer and former juvenile lifer Kyle Daniel-Bey through Hamtramk Free School, an alternative educational organization that facilitates creative writing and art workshops in Michigan prisons, working with juveniles who were sentenced to life without parole.   

Entry Points helps returning citizens reintegrate into public life, including presenting their work publicly.  

EGLE awards grants to limit runoff

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is awarding $2.9 million to several groups to reduce pollution in waterways.

The Nonpoint Source Program grants will fund eight projects aimed at eliminating runoff at nonpoint sources which come from farms, urban areas and construction sites.

This occurs when there is rain, snowmelt, or when the wind carries pollutants into waterways. The grants will help repair waterways to reduce sediment, nutrients, and bacteria.  

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

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

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan chapter, reports an increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sightings in metro Detroit.

CAIR-MI officials say community members have seen ICE vehicles in Wayne County. ICE also announced an increase in enforcement in the area.

CAIR-MI advises community members to be vigilant and aware of their rights, including asking to see a warrant and remaining silent except to request an attorney. The civil rights organization says people should have emergency contacts memorized and plans in place for their family members in case of an emergency. 

Additional headlines from Monday, November 17, 2025

Hamtramck Elections

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers decided Friday not to count 37 ballots from Hamtramck’s mayoral race found in the city clerk’s office the day after elections. The board still has to count 120 cured ballots in the race, which could swing the vote in either direction.

Mayoral candidate Adam Alharbi sued opponent Hamtramck City Councilman Muhith Mahmood alleging residency fraud. The votes will be certified by tomorrow November 18.  

Closing parishes

The Archdiocese of Detroit announced a two-year process to reconstruct parishes in Southeast Michigan.

Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger said over the weekend that there has been a decline in Catholics attending Mass, in ordained priests and “participation in the sacraments.” The changes include downsizing from 200 parishes which once served 1.5 million Catholics to today’s population of about 900,000 worshipers, half of whom he says are not baptized nor attend Mass regularly.

Weisenburger says there are also several aging church buildings and a shortage of priests. The new structure will move from a Families of Parishes model to a “pastorate” model, grouping one or more parishes into a single pastor’s team.

Parishioners will have opportunities to share their input through two listening sessions at each parish. The new changes will be announced in early 2027. Changes will take place by July 2027. Restructuring can be monitored at restructuring.aod.org.  

Keith Center grant to expand AI tool 

Wayne State University Law School’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights received a $350,000 grant to expand a disinformation tool.

The VERDAD: Verifying and Exposing Disinformation and Discourse AI-powered tool monitors U.S.-based ethnic radio stations for disinformation for Latino media. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awarded the grant to develop and enhance the tool. The expansion includes adding more states and adding languages including Arabic, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese.

The award-winning journalist Martina Guzmán founded the tool. Guzmán says the tool works as a civil rights safeguard to empower voters. Since the VERDAD tool’s inception last year, more than 320 academics and journalists have registered to use the tool.  

Healing asthma event  

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Michigan chapter, is hosting a program for people with asthma.

HEAL Asthma MI is a free program to help Michigan residents with resources and tools. Participants must be medically diagnosed with asthma, be 18 and up and face challenges to getting fair or equal health care.

To sign up, contact 248-406-4254 or email aafahealasthma@gmail.com. 

Free turkeys

The Islamic Center of Detroit is hosting a Turkey distribution this weekend.

The distribution takes place Saturday, Nov. 22, from 1-4 p.m. The mosque is providing halal turkeys. The Islamic Center of Detroit also has a food pantry open every Saturday from 2-5 p.m., located at 14350 Tireman Street in Detroit.  

The Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance, in collaboration with the Oak Pointe Church, is hosting a Turkey Giveaway on Monday, November 24 at 10 a.m. People can pick up a free turkey at the Brennan Pool Building at 21415 Plymouth Road in Detroit. First-come first-served.  

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

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

Both of Michigan’s U.S. Senators voted against a procedural move to end the federal government shutdown.

Seven Democrats and one independent joined Republicans last night, taking the first step toward funding the government. GOP Senators agreed to hold a vote next month on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. The deal does not guarantee they’ll be renewed. Democratic senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters say promising to hold a vote on the issue isn’t good enough.

The compromise would reverse the mass firings that took place when the shutdown began and ensure federal workers get back pay.  

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller  

Additional headlines from Monday, November 10, 2025

Supreme Court order blocks SNAP payments

On Saturday the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition from issuing full payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This pauses benefits for 42 million Americans, including many children and the elderly.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director, Elizabeth Hertel, says she is disappointed by the move. MDHHS began sending out full payments on Thursday, however the new order prevents the department from finalizing payments for Michigan residents who have not yet received their payments for November.

To fill the gap, Governor Whitmer announced an additional $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to feed families including food delivery services for families who are unable to visit a food bank. Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org to find assistance. 

Last week, the city of Detroit launched a network of food pantries map with 85 certified food pantries. Mayor Mike Duggan says the city authorized $1.75 million for the project. People can visit detroitmi.gov to find a location near them.  

Catholic Charities provide hunger relief

Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan is providing emergency relief while SNAP benefits are in limbo for 1.4 million families in Michigan.   

People can drop into the Center for the Works of Mercy on 10301 Woodward Ave in Detroit on Thursdays between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays beginning Nov. 22nd through Dec. 6th between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  

According to DetroitCatholic.com, the city of Detroit donated food from Forgotten Harvest to support the center.

The Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan are also asking people to donate unexpired AND nonperishable food on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or provide monetary donations. The group is matching donations up to $20,000 thanks to an anonymous donor. The center is also looking for volunteers.  

MSU study brings solar panels and farming together 

Michigan State University researchers are building an outdoor laboratory to see if solar panels can improve crop production for farmers.

Anthony Kendall is an Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at MSU. He says the project involves researchers from different fields who can offer a variety of perspectives. 

“There’s a real asymmetry of solar installation information that exists right now. And we hope by doing open science with a lot of community feedback, to really just provide better information to everyone.”

He says they’ll also use the project to teach farmers how to use solar panels in under-producing areas of farm fields. The project is funded by a $3.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation.  

MDOT regulations

The Michigan Department of Transportation is still collecting public comment on a set of proposed regulations that could put parameters on how people can protest on MDOT owned roads.

The new rules would require protestors to get a permit before occupying an area such as an overpass or rest stop. MDOT’s Engineer Greg Losch said on the podcast “Talking Michigan Transportation” that the rules are a response to complaints from the public.  

“We’ll be responding to the public complaint, like, ‘hey, I stopped at whatever rest area and someone asked me to sign a petition and I don’t really want to be solicited for that. Why why are you allowing this, MDOT?’” 

Losch said the regulations intend to ensure public safety. Activists argue that this is an infringement of First Amendment rights. MDOT will be accepting public comments on its website through November 20th.  

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. 

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

Dearborn voters have elected Mayor Abdullah Hammoud for a second term. 

Hammoud won with more than 70% of the votes in his bid against challenger Nagi Almudhegi.

He told a crowd of about 250 people at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center Tuesday night that the city is built on coexistence across faiths, backgrounds, and political views. 

“To our Arab American community, to our Polish, Irish, and Italian American families, to every new neighbor and every long time resident, white, Black or brown, to every faith and every background, Dearborn is a place where you are seen, where you are valued, and where you belong.” 

Hammoud became the city’s first Arab American and Muslim mayor in 2021 after mobilizing volunteers for clean-up efforts from catastrophic floods. 

Hammoud ran on a bid to continue the work he started four years ago. He said, “The way to win re-election campaigns is to treat people with dignity, to meet them in their homes and in their communities, listen to their needs, and deliver change that their families can see and can feel. That’s what we’re doing in Dearborn.” 

Also in Dearborn, voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to create a ward system for districted city council seats. 

More election coverage

Two men have been charged with alleged terrorism-related crimes after federal authorities made arrests and seized weapons last week from a storage unit in Inkster and a home in Dearborn. 

According to a 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court, the men had allegedly scouted areas in Ferndale. The individuals were charged with allegedly receiving and transferring guns and ammunition for terrorism. 

FBI Director Kash Patel announced arrests on Friday but no further details were provided then. Over the weekend, Michigan defense lawyer Amir Makled, representing one of the detainees, disputed the FBI allegations. 

Additional headlines from Monday, November 3, 2025

Detroit voters  

Detroit’s mayoral candidates are in the final hours of their campaign before voters choose the city’s first new mayor in a dozen years. The election features the Reverend Solomon Kinloch against long-time City Council President Mary Sheffield. 

Kinloch argues Detroit officials like Sheffield have not done enough to fight poverty or extend development from the city’s core business districts to its outer neighborhoods. “And the question becomes: do you to move forward with a manager and an administrator that wants to maintain the status quo and look out for downtown, and forget about the rest of the town?”

Sheffield counters that programs she initiated helped Detroit move past bankruptcy and lure new investment across the city. 

Sheffield says she will push for more affordable housing, better schools and safer streets in Detroit’s neighborhoods. 

– Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter

The Department of Elections and the Department of Transportation will provide free bus rides in Detroit tomorrow to encourage people to vote. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Dearborn wards

Dearborn voters will vote on Proposal 1, deciding whether they want wards in the city.

Dr. Ronald Stockton, a professor emeritus of Political Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, says creating wards is challenging, as many people may run for office within each district. “So it’s not as if a ward can just have a bunch of leaders get together and say, ‘Okay, this is our nominee.’ That’s not the way it’s going to work.” 

Each ward would represent about 15,700 people. If passed, the changes would create seven-districted city council and two at-large seats. Opponents say it would create division in the city of 110,000 people.

Organizers of the group Dearborn Wants Wards say districted elections will reduce barriers for people to run for office and allow for better representation. If passed, the changes will not go into effect until 2029. 

Dearborn WORKS

Officials joined the city’s first business opening under the Dearborn WORKS program on Friday. Sewing Your Life is a new sewing school on Dearborn’s Southend opened by a graduate of the program “Dearborn Women’s Opportunity to Realize their Knowledge and Skills” or Dearborn WORKS. The initiative is a joint effort by the City of Dearborn and the Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC), aiming to empower and train local women entrepreneurs. 

Owner Nasim Alghuzzy will be teaching free sewing classes for up to 50 women at a brick-and-mortar training school as part of the grant program. After completing the free training, she can operate as a for-profit business. Applicants for the free courses can sign up at Dearborn.gov/BusinessResources. Classes begin Nov. 17th. 

ICE – Center Line

Rising Voices organizers are asking the city of Center Line not to train local law enforcement to act as immigration officers for ICE. The city stopped using the program in 2012, which led to racial profiling and lawsuits.

The Asian American-focused nonprofit community advocacy organization is asking the city and police to rescind any potential agreement. 

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. 

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

On Nov. 4, Dearborn residents will vote for mayor of the city. Current mayor Abdullah Hammoud is running for a second term against political newcomer, independent Nagi Almudhegi.

Dearborn voters elected the city’s first Arab American Muslim mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, in 2021. 

“It’s my hope that we’ve demonstrated that we have been able to make progress over these last four years, and we’re running for another term to continue on that progress,” he says.

Hammoud says during his nearly four years in office, crime has dropped significantly, and he’s helped bring in $100 million in grants to improve the city.

During his campaign in 2021, he organized volunteers to clean homes devastated by catastrophic floods. He says residents are still concerned about flooding.

“Each and every single time it rains, if it’s a heavy rain event, people are texting anxiously, asking what has been done to help prevent flooding and back up into people’s basements,” he says. 

The city has invested $25 million in capturing rainwater in short-term projects, hoping to attract another $400 million for long-term projects.

Machhadie Assi is a community organizer and political strategist. She says flooding caused by poor infrastructure concerns her.

“The Mayor and his team, they’ve been working tirelessly on improving it and developing it. I’m sure we’re not at a point where it’s perfect, but there’s definitely progress,” she shares.

Assi is raising her three kids in Dearborn. She says she’s voting for Hammoud.

“They’ve been always transparent on what they’re doing and what they’re working on and what’s in progress,” she says.

Assi says it’s a way to keep the administration accountable. 

Resident Maryam Hoballah says she appreciates Hammoud’s focus on creating more green spaces in the city.

“I have two young kids, and I just love that he’s renovating the parks, and he’s making it a safe environment for kids too,” she says. 

Hammoud says building parks and green spaces is a priority for him as a father. He says the city invested $30 million in parks and green spaces.

Back to the basics

Abdulnaser Alnajjar has been living in Dearborn for 17 years. He says the city has shifted away from helping residents with their basic needs. 

He says the city needs a new leader, “someone who cares actually to fix their real problem, not just bragging about grants and some parks that I personally don’t care about.” 

Alnajjar says the next mayor should focus on different issues like tax increases, garbage collection, traffic, and public safety.

He says the city also feels divided. 

“I do a lot of door knocking and the west side, and then they feel like that they’re not welcomed, they’ve been pushed [out] by the city and when you come to the East Side, the East Side, feel like the West Side is getting all the good services, and we just get the leftover[s].”

Alnajjar believes mayoral challenger Nagi Almudhegi brings a fresh perspective to city politics.

A fresh perspective 

Nagi Almudhegi has been working as an IT professional for 20 years. He says he’s running for Dearborn mayor as an independent candidate to bring change to the city. 

He’s also Arab American.

“These last few years is I see the direction of Dearborn deteriorating. We’re more divided than ever before,” he says.

For example, Almudhegi says more could have been done sooner to resolve the flooding in the city.

“What I would have done exactly within the first six months of getting into office, I would have issued a report,” he says.

If elected, Almudhegi says he wants to build a $1 million internship program for youth.

He also wants to attract more businesses.

“I want Dearborn to be known as the entrepreneurial hub and innovation hub of America, and we have the talent to do it,” he says. 

Mayor Abdullah Hammoud says the city invested a $25 million federal grant to improve Warren Avenue and launched the Night of Innovation to provide monetary prizes to businesses during a pitch competition.

“We are at over 100 ribbon cuttings this year,” he shares.

Recently, Hammoud has come under fire for telling resident Ted Barham he’s not welcome in Dearborn in response to a comment against a street sign bearing the name of Arab American newspaper publisher Osama Siblani. The sign was put up by Wayne County.

Nagi Almudhegi says he would have handled things differently by staying silent.

“As politicians, we can come up with statements that will try to defuse the situation,” he says.

Hammoud issued a response to the criticism at a city council meeting, saying everyone is welcome. 

“Those who call Dearborn home know who we are, a city that welcomes and embraces everyone. It is our hope that one day, the unity you actually find in Dearborn, amongst its residents, is the same unity and coexistence that you see across our entire nation,” he says.

Representation for Arab Americans

Ali Baleed Almaklani, Executive Director of the Yemen American Benevolent Association, has been living in Dearborn for more than 50 years. He says Dearborn has more Arab American representation in public office than it did prior.

“Listen, long time ago, we didn’t have nobody in the city council. We used to wish to have an Arab American, Muslim American, whatever, to be even in the city council,” he says.

Dearborn residents will have to decide whether they want to give Abdullah Hammoud another four years in office or want a new leader to bring a different viewpoint to the city.

Election day is Tuesday, November 4th.

More election coverage

Adam Alharbi, 44, is an engineer for the Department of Commerce. He’s running for Hamtramck mayor to improve the place he’s called home since he was a kid.

“I will show that I’m for everyone. I’m not a Yemeni candidate or a Muslim candidate, I’m an Hamtramckan candidate that I will serve everyone equally, regardless of race, religion,” he says.

Alharbi says among residents’ top concerns are high property taxes and water bills, along with deteriorating water lines and sewer systems. 

“We have sewer systems and water lines that are deteriorated and been neglected for so many years, and now we need millions and millions of dollars to change them,” he says.

But Alharbi says there is potential for change.

“We have potential to make it look nice and attract visitors and businesses and improve our city,” he says.

Alharbi, 44, was the highest vote getter in Hamtramck’s mayoral primary election, with 1,931 votes. 

Alharbi says repairing water and sewer lines can take place over years and phases.

Connecting Hamtramck

Recently, several Hamtramck city councilmembers have been charged or are being investigated for alleged election fraud cases.

He says its also important to educate voters, who may have a language barrier in the Yemeni and Bengali communities, to not present their ballots to any candidates, amid the allegations. 

“Some of them [voters], because either they’re fairly new in Hamtramck, they feel like, oh, a candidate, he’s a government employee. He’s asking me this, it must be legal, but they don’t think it’s legal,” he says.

Alharbi says working with influencers to create videos in various languages about the do’s and don’t’s of elections may help inform voters.

If elected, Alharbi says he will make educational videos about city meetings and host an annual State of the City to further engage residents.

“A lot of people don’t watch or attend the council meetings, so I will make sure that I provide videos afterwards, explaining what happened, what our plans are, what our challenges are, so that they’re aware” he says.

Welcoming business, bringing people together

Alharbi, who is a part of the Downtown Development Authority, says he plans to expand business in the city by updating parts of Banglatown in Hamtramck to reflect the Bangladeshi population. Similarly, he hopes to create a Yemen Town and World Town on Jos Campau to reflect the communities in the city and attract new businesses.

“We’re called the world in two square miles. We just want to make Hamtramck a better city, good reputation and welcoming to everyone,” he says. 

He says as a business owner, he will also work to ease business permits on Jos Campau and provide incentives to big businesses. 

Alharbi previously served on the Hamtramck Zoning Board of Appeals and as Vice President of the Yemeni American Leadership Association (YALA). 

Alharbi says he would like to host more events in the city to bring people together.

“We should look out for each other, because what unite us is far more than the differences we have,” he says.

He hopes to bring positive change to the city.

“I want a legacy that showcases a successful Yemeni Muslim person who improved a city regardless of the challenges that we had,” he says.

More election coverage

Lynn Blasey, 42, is a write in candidate for Hamtramck mayor. She says she decided to run after community members asked her to run.

“When some community members approached me, it was really asking me to be a voice or a viable choice that residents can feel more comfortable about,” she says.

Blasey is the co-director of Community Arts Partnerships for the College for Creative Studies. She has worked at the education department at the Arab American National Museum, educating people about Arab American communities. 

Blasey ran and lost bids for the Hamtramck City Council in 2021 and 2023. She serves as the vice chair of the Hamtramck Arts and Culture Commission. 

She created the Hamtramck Area Disaster Recovery Group as part of flood recovery efforts for FEMA after the floods in 2021.

Uplifting Hamtramck

Blasey says she’s concerned about Hamtramck’s public image.

“People across the world have some pretty negative opinions of our city, and so this is a really good opportunity to sway that narrative and help celebrate the wonderful, magical things that make this community so unique and diverse,” she says. 

Blasey says she’s disappointed by the recent election fraud in the city.

“I have spoken up previously about the effects cheating has and that people doing it continuously is a degradation of our democracy and really weakens the whole system,” she says.

Blasey says she would like to hold people accountable by taking a firm stance against people who don’t respect the law.

She says it’s important to communicate and connect with community leaders and organizations in Hamtramck to bring people together.

“I think we need to return to having more town hall meetings, utilizing some of our public spaces when there are some of those more challenging issues on the table, really taking those to the community,” she says.

Supporting the arts and businesses

Blasey is connected to the city’s arts community. She says more can be done to leverage artists. 

“There is a huge design economy, arts economy, that Hamtramck is not really tapped into. We have a lot of artists here, but we’re not capitalizing on that,” she says.

Blasey is a part of the Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority’s Organization & Promotions sub-committee. 

“I think there are some really uniquely Hamtramck ways that we can attract new businesses,” she says.

She says it’s important for people to work together, building on each other’s strengths. 

“I think there is so much value in bringing people together,” she says.

More election coverage

Dearborn’s Department of Public Health published a report on its Air Quality Project. Health Director Ali Abazeed says over a million air quality measurements were recorded in 2024. 

“And that data confirms what residents have long known, that pollution burdens are evenly distributed across the city, and we’re using that data. We’re using that insight as we have to help hold polluters accountable, to guide smarter and fair policies for our residents.”

Abazeed says there were about 22-23 days in 2024 that air quality reached levels of unhealthy for sensitive groups, with spikes near traffic corridors or industrial zones. 

The report also found 200 people subscribed and received over 41 thousand text alerts about air quality. 

Abazeed says the department is expanding to have 11 monitors and adding sensors for ozone. Signs for the monitors are listed in English and Arabic for residents. 

Read the report at Dearborn.gov/EnvironmentalHealth. 

 Additional headlines from Monday, October 27, 2025

Bangladesh Consulate office  

A Bangladesh Consulate office is set to open in Detroit. The Advisory Council in Bangladesh approved the proposal last week.

Dhaka Tribune reports that Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam says the new consulate offices will provide online services. Each year, the Embassy of Bangladesh provides mobile consular services in Michigan, serving more than 1,000 people per trip in Metro Detroit in cities like Hamtramck, Detroit, and Warren. 

Michigan’s Bangladeshi community has been asking for a permanent office for years. People travel to Washington D.C. or New York for similar services. A date has not been set for the opening of the new office. 

Detroit Elevate Showcase

TechTown Detroit is hosting the Detroit Elevate Showcase next month. 

It’s a business showcase being held at the Eastern Market for second stage businesses who are beyond the startup phase. The program supports businesses from Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park.

Detroit Elevate Showcase is a program by TechTown Detroit, the Gilbert Family Foundation, and operated by Black Leaders Detroit and QT Business Solutions. Attendees can meet entrepreneurs and try their services.

The Showcase takes place on Friday, Nov. 14. Learn more at detroitelevate.org.  

Global Detroit awardees

 To mark its 15th anniversary, Global Detroit is hosting its Tapestry 2025 event next month.

The event will highlight Changemakers. Among awardees is Estrella ‘Star’ Crawford, Senior Vice President and Market Executive at Bank of America Detroit who will receive the Corporate Leadership Award and Christine Sauvé will receive the Immigrant Advocacy Award for her work at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.

The Global Detroit Celebration of 15 Years takes place on November 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Jam Handy in Detroit. Tickets are $135 and up.  
Día de los Muertos, La Jalisciense market 

La Jalisciense Supermercado y Taqueria is hosting a 2-day vendor market to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexicantown this weekend.

The third annual celebration will include a community altar or ofrenda. Community members are invited to bring photos flowers and family keepsakes to add to the ofrenda. The market features local vendors selling handcrafted jewelry art and food. 

 Leslie Vargas of La Jalisciense Supermarcado y Taqueria says the market and community ofrenda is an opportunity for people to come together from all cultures. She says this year it will especially be important to her family after losing her grandmother. 

 “I know that means the same for the community to have that space of grieving and participating in a beautiful culture or a tradition that’s not their own, and for them to feel invited, and for them to feel like, hey, there’s a space for you to just come and put your picture and you know, everyone grieves different, but it’s beautiful to remember the loved ones that are not longer with us.” 

The restaurant will be collecting materials for the community ofrenda until November 3 and displaying them until November 20. 

The La Jalisciense restaurant will be serving traditional Mexican dishes and drinks throughout the weekend for the occasion. The market will be open Saturday, November 1 from 2-9 p.m., and Sunday, November 2, from 2-6 p.m. Admission is free. 

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

Editor’s Note: This article was updated 10/27/2025 at 8:55 p.m. to reflect the postponement of the Detroit Elevate Showcase. It is not being held this Wednesday, but November 14. 

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Hamtramck City Councilman Muhith Mahmood, 52, is running for mayor in Hamtramck. 

If elected, Mahmood would become the first Bangladeshi American Muslim mayor in the city.

Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib is not running for re-election. President Trump has nominated him for ambassador to Kuwait. He awaits a U.S. Senate vote.

Mahmood’s platform

Mahmood says voters are concerned about property taxes, high water bills, and deteriorating infrastructure.

“Everything is high in Hamtramck due to the fact of one of the oldest city in Michigan is over 100 years old, and last few years, the city was being neglected,” he says.

Mahmood says he will work hard to bring the city back to good shape, “Where people can come and invest their money. We get different sources to earn the money so we don’t have to raise the taxes every year.”

Mahmood has previously served as the sergeant-at-arms for the Unite Here! Local 24 union, representing hospitality workers; the Democratic Party’s 13th district Vice Chair, and president of the Michigan Bangladeshi-American Democratic Caucus (MI-BADC). He’s the founder and president of Golapganj Helping Hand USA, a charity organization that serves people in Bangladesh and in the U.S.

Investigations for election fraud in Hamtramck

Hamtramck voters have expressed concern about pending investigations of alleged election fraud by several councilmembers. 

Mahmood says people are taking advantage of voters, some whom are newer immigrants, and may not know some of the laws of elections.

“Some of the people are taking advantage out of it, picking up their ballot or picking from mailbox, frauding their signature. Of course I’m against it. That’s not what democracy is,” he says.

He says people have the right to choose their leaders, and community leaders play a role in educating voters.

Mahmood, who is part of a residency fraud investigation by the Michigan State Police, says he has been living in Hamtramck since 2021, when he ran for a seat on the city council.

“And that time they investigated everything. I don’t know why it became an issue after a few years, even though not when I was running… after I get elected, few years later, it became an issue,” he says.

Mahmood says he owns other homes, including one in Troy, where his family lives.

He says he is running for mayor in Hamtramck because he loves the city, and he hopes to bring people together. 

“Everybody needs to have a step forward to a one inclusive city… We all need to respect each other, respect their values, respect their religious freedom,” he says.

Mahmood’s opponent, Adam Alharbi, is an engineer for the Department of Commerce. 

Lynn Blasey, Community Arts Partnerships co-director for the College for Creative Studies, is running as a write-in candidate. 

More election coverage

Over ten thousand people rallied in Detroit on Saturday for the No Kings Protest. 

The event started in Roosevelt Park in front of the Michigan Central Depot. Kassandra Rodriguez spoke at the rally. Rodriguez is with the Detroit Community Action Committee. She says many Latinx people stayed home. 

“A lot of them are very sacred, you know, they are view these big movements, big protests, as a place where they might get targeted. So its important, even more important that so many of us come out there and are able to like elevate their voices and share their stories.” 

Following the rally, protesters marched to the Customs and Border Protection field office in Downtown Detroit. The event was peaceful, although Detroit Police arrested one pro-Trump counterprotester. 

– Reporting by Russ McNamara 

Additional headlines from Monday, October 20, 2025

Microplastics awareness

Oct. 19 through Oct. 26 is Microplastics Awareness Week. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is inviting people to learn about the impact of microplastics, cleanups and prevention to reduce plastic use at home.

On Oct. 22  a free virtual Great Lakes Microplastics Summit will bring together scientists, policymakers and community members who will discuss microplastics and drinking water. 

For more details visit michigan.gov/egle 

MDHHS focuses on vaping during Fire Prevention Month

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recognizing Fire Prevention Month. Part of that is raising awareness about vaping play that creates fire risk along with health concerns. 

MDHHS is sharing resources to educate Michiganders about a variety of topics  including reducing fire risks from smoking materials and e-cigarettes, protecting residents from secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure and lowering cleaning and maintenance costs for home owners and renters. 

More tips can be found at michigan.gov/smokefreehousing.  

Business workshop

ProsperUs Detroit is hosting a Business 101 Workshop in Highland Park next week.

The in-person event will take place at Avalon Village at 24 Avalon Street, Highland Park, MI on Wednesday, Oct. 29th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Dearborn public health director awarded

The Dearborn Department of Health’s public health director Ali Abazeed, has been recognized as part of 40 under 40 in Public Health.

The award is given by de Beaumont Foundation and it is the first of its kind to recognize and elevate leaders in public health. It honors people who work in leadership and community impact across institution through health departments, universities, nonprofits or in the private sector. 

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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Detroit’s mayoral candidates have their only scheduled debate this week.

The Reverand Solomon Kinloch faces City Council President Mary Sheffield in the general election. Kinloch, a political newcomer, says city leaders haven’t done enough to increase affordable housing in Detroit. He votes to do that and continue pastoring his church if voters elect him.  

“All of us got a responsibility, not to just do something from a spiritual perspective, but to do something social and political. That’s my rearing and my raising. I believe that this is a great opportunity to inspire an entire city that ordinary people can do some extraordinary things.”

Sheffield argues dealing with Detroit’s housing and financial issues demands someone with the kind of experience she’s gained over a dozen years on Council.

The debate will be on Channel 7 starting at 7 p.m this Wednesday, Oct. 15.

– Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter 

Additional headlines for Monday, October 13, 2025

Dearborn Heights acting mayor 

Dearborn Heights City Council Chairman Mo Baydoun is now the Acting Mayor due to Mayor Bill Bazzi’s resignation. The U.S. Senate confirmed Bazzi’s nomination to serve as the Ambassador to Tunisia. 

Acting Mayor Baydoun says he will work closely with city council, public servants and local unions to bring fresh perspectives and solutions. He also says he will focus on public safety, city services, infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization.

Residents of Dearborn Heights will vote for a new mayor in November between Baydoun, the highest vote getter during the primaries, and Councilwoman Denise Malinowski-Maxwell. 

The next mayor’s term begins January 1st 2026. 

Detroit Repair Cafe

The Detroit Repair Cafe is hosting a popup at the Moondog Cafe in Detroit.

People can bring their clothes, electronics, bikes, toys and other things to fix for free. There is also free parking available.

The repair popup takes place every 3rd Sunday in October, November and December from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Moondog Cafe 8045 Linwood Street in Detroit.

The next repair clinic takes place Sunday, October 19. 

Rising Voices Salon Series 

The Asian American-led group Rising Voices is hosting another artist salon in their series “We Belong Here – Asian American Ancestry, Authenticity and Healing.”

The program will begin with a walking tour of Asian Americans and allies buried in the cemetery, followed by a panel discussion about AAPI history in America and healing.

The event takes place next Friday Oct. 24th at the Elmwood Cemetery 1200 Elmwood Ave. in Detroit. 

It is free and open to the public. 

Samaritan Operation Christmas Child 

The international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse is looking for gifts and donations for Operation Christmas Child starting next month. Volunteers are collecting and delivering gifts for kids who have faced war, poverty or disaster.

This year the initiative will have 5,000 drop off locations across the nation, hoping to serve 12 million children. People can also donate $10 for a box of goodies to fill a shoebox full of gifts for a child. Collection week is November 17-24.

Find the closest drop-box by entering your zip code on this Samaritan’s Purse page. 

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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Global Detroit is launching the New American Leadership Academy. It’s a free leadership program to empower people of color, with a focus on supporting immigrants, in developing leadership skills.  

Participants will learn how to network and engage their local government in seven sessions between Oct. 28th and Nov. 22.

Interviews will be scheduled with potential participants. Email Summer Baraka at summer@globaldetroit.org for more information.  Applications close Oct. 15.  

Additional headlines from Monday, October 6, 2025

Detroit Crime Report 

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says violent crime is down this year. He and other officials will presented the latest figures today. He talked about new state funding for the city’s community violence intervention program.

Last year Detroit saw the lowest number of homicides in the city since the 1960s, although the murder rate remained high because of the drop in population over six decades. 

Detroit Fire Prevention Week  

The City of Detroit is hosting Fire Prevention Week between Oct. 5-11th. During the week, the Detroit Fire Department will host open houses and share fire prevention resources. Also carbon monoxide detectors, CPR training, and fire extinguisher training will be provided.

Events take place October 8th from 4-7 p.m. at Engine 54, located on 16825 Trinity St. and on October 11 from 12-3 p.m. at the Kemeny Recreation Center, located at 2260 S. Fort St. Food and entertainment will be provided. 

Toast of the Town 

Detroit’s Tech Town is hosting it’s 11th annual Toast of the Town. That’s a lineup of several Detroit food trucks, entrepreneurs and networking opportunities. The event takes place Oct. 10 from 5-9 p.m.

About 700 people are expected to attend. Tickets are $150. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Language translation devices are available in branch offices  

The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) is launching a new handheld device to provide language translation services at Secretary of State offices. MDOS says they will roll out the Pocketalk devices to all branches by the end of October. 

Last week, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the launch of the device at the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. 

It works by allowing people to speak into the device, translating the information in text and audibly. MDOS staff are also using the devices at mobile offices, Restoration clinics, and for driver assessment.  

The department already provides a language support line with interpreter services; however, they say the handheld device provides instant in person translation, streamlining the process.  

Translations are provided in Bangla, Spanish and Arabic, as well as 80 other languages. 

Entrepreneurship program  

The International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a free 10-week entrepreneurship hybrid course for Detroit residents.

Classes meet on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. from Oct. 14 through Dec. 16. The live classes will be held at The International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, at 111 E. Kirby Street, Detroit.

Registration for in-person and online sessions closes on Oct. 14.   

Check out their Facebook page or call 313-600-7618 for more information.  

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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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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WDET’s CuriosiD series answers your questions about everything Detroit. Subscribe to CuriosiD on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of CuriosiD, listener Martha Rotter asks the question:

“What happened to Chamberlain Bakery and their sour rye bread recipe?”

The short answer

A nostalgic walk through Chamberlain Street

On Detroit’s Chamberlain Street, people would wake up to the aroma of freshly baked sour rye bread from the Chamberlain Bakery.  

It was opened by Lithuanian baker Stanley Vasilauskis (who also went by Wasilauskis) in 1924. He brought the recipe with him when he moved from Chicago, where his family owned the Wasilauskis Home Bakery. 

Livonia resident Martha Rotter remembers eating the bread with her German husband’s family during gatherings.  

“Every time we got together, whether it was a potluck or just a regular family dinner, there was Chamberlain Bakery bread there… And they all agreed it was the best bread,” she says. 

John Micallef, the CEO of Oakland Macomb OBGYN, grew up in Southwest Detroit near the Chamberlain Bakery. He worked on a paper route in the 1980s, close to the bakery.  

“I remember stopping there on the way, doing the route, grabbing a snack. Sometimes in the morning, they would give you a cookie or something. We were really young back in the day,” he reminisces.

Micallef says the bakery was a gathering space where people knew you on a first-name basis.  

“It was just a great neighborhood type of bakery, the kind you don’t really see too much anymore, but the smell was always wonderful. People were friendly. They knew you by your name.” 

The bakery was sold again in 2002 to Alexander & Hornung, a sausage-processing company. Then-president Bernie Polen says the bakery was on its last leg and he purchased it to keep it alive.

At the time, they baked about 800 loaves of bread daily and distributed them to stores in metro Detroit. Polen says he closed the bakery around 2008 or 2009 because it wasn’t financially viable.

A second act for Chamberlain Bakery bread

David Alkevicius also grew up in Southwest Detroit on the sour rye bread from Chamberlain Bakery. He says many times he was the designated person in the family to grab loaves of bread for special occasions.  

When he learned the bakery had closed down, he decided he needed to learn how to make the bread.

“Honestly to begin with, it was more selfish because I wanted it and I didn’t know anywhere to get it,” he laughs. 

He began reaching out to people who formerly worked at the bakery to learn the recipe and make the sour rye bread.

It turns out the sour rye bread has a large fan following, in part due to how it was baked in a brick oven heated up to over 425 degrees. The coal burning oven stayed on practically all the time, until it was changed to a gas oven after Polen acquired the bakery. He says the oven would be turned off once a year to cool down and to allow a mason to patch the brick.

Alkevicius says the rye bread has a unique formula.

“Most rye breads that you buy from the store are 15% (rye). The sour rye from Chamberlain Bakery, they had a half and half, which was 50-50, and then their actual sour rye was 75%, and so it’s a heavy, dense bread, but still very soft,” he explained.

It took him about five years to perfect the recipe. He also made a few adjustments. 

“You’d mix the hot, boiling water with the rye flour, and once it cooled, you added it to the mother dough. And I think it just changed the whole, you know, the whole composition of the bread, because I tried making it the traditional way, where people just mix flour and water, and it never came out right,” he said.

Alkevicius says it’s hard to find a similar bread in stores.

He began selling his bread at the Wilson Barn farmer’s markets for two years. Then he opened Alkevicius Breads in 2016, a bakery in Livonia located on Five Mile and Farmington Road that operated through 2018. He hopes he can bake the breads again someday.

Although it’s been nearly two decades since the Chamberlain Bakery has shut down, many people still talk about it on Facebook and Reddit threads.

It holds a special place in people’s memories, with many hoping they can get another bite of the one-of-a-kind sour rye bread.

Lithuanians in Michigan

Algis Kaunelis is the cohost of the Lithuanian Melodies Radio Program on WMZK 690 AM. 

Kaunelis grew up in Southwest Detroit on 25th and Vernor Street. His parents moved to Detroit during World War II. He says sour rye bread is popular among Lithuanians in the area.

“My parents ended up at a displaced persons camp in Germany, like a lot of other Lithuanians, and then eventually had a godmother in Detroit. And so, they settled in the Detroit area, which a lot of other Lithuanians did, because there were good automotive jobs that they could get and start earning a living right away.”

He too grew up eating bread from Chamberlain Bakery, which his family purchased from a local Lithuanian store that carried the bread.

Years later, he and his wife Patt volunteered their time to deliver about 25 loaves to All Saints Church on Fort Street on Saturday afternoons. The bread was donated by the baker until it shut down.

Today, Kaunelis says there are about 30,000 Lithuanians living in metro Detroit.

About the listener

Livonia resident Martha Rotter remembers having Chamberlain Bakery bread with her German husband’s family during gatherings. She says it went well with different pairings. She hopes the bakery opens up again someday, or that someone sells the bread once again.

We want to hear from you!

Have a question about Southeast Michigan’s history or culture? Send it our way at wdet.org/curious or fill out the form below. You ask, we answer.

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. 

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

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.

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

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is joining the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to raise awareness for 988 day.

September 8 is dedicated to a national raising awareness for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It’s a 24/7 toll free hotline which connects people with local call centers to confidentially receive compassionate care and resources while people are going through emotional distress, including anxiety, depression or suicidal tendencies.

The hotline is open for people who may in distress with a call answer time of 13 seconds. People have made 261,000 calls to 9-8-8 from Michigan since the state opened its hotline in 2022.

Last year the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report found almost 23% of Michigan adults have a mental health illness.  People can also call in for a loved one.

The crisis center has services available in English and Spanish, with an additional language line providing services in 250 languages.  

Additional headlines for Monday September 8, 2025

Expungement clinic at the Mathis Community Center 

An expungement clinic is coming to Detroit next week.

People can participate in Project Clean Slate, a program which works with people to provide free in person assistance to clear criminal records, removing barriers for housing, employment and educational opportunities. The program aims to help people who have completed their sentences and have stayed out of legal trouble.  

Since its inception in Detroit in 2016, the program has expunged 15,000 convictions. The City of Detroit reports a 99.4 % success rate for the expungement of individuals who applied, with about 100 people denied.  

This expungement clinic will be held at the Mathis Community Center, located at 19300 Greenfield Road, Detroit, MI on September 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Judge Greg Mathis and attorney Jade Mathis are hosting the clinic.

The outdoor event is limited to Detroit residents. Photo ID is required.   

ProsperUs Detroit Family Block Party  

ProsperUs Detroit is hosting a Family Block Party this week. The event will feature free meals from five food trucks, activities and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, partners and neighbors.

The nonprofit works with entrepreneurs for economic development in the Detroit area.

The block party takes place on Wednesday at the Eastern Market Shed 5, between 5-8 p.m. ProsperUs Detroit expects about 400 people to attend.

Detroit X Dearborn Annual Block Party Next Saturday 9/13 

The Cities of Dearborn and Detroit are also hosting the fourth annual community block party next weekend.

The party takes place on Tireman and Miller Streets for neighbors from both cities. The event features bounce houses, vendor resource tables, and food trucks. There will also be activities and games.

The block party will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, between 12-3 p.m. 

Ethiopian New Year 

Konjo Me is hosting an event for Ethiopian New Year this weekend. The celebration will feature special guest Bryce Detroit joining Chef Helina Melaku… who will be hosting a ceremonial coffee service. The event will also feature dance and music.

The celebration will be held at Vesper Detroit on Saturday September 13 from 2-7 p.m.  Attendees are encouraged to RSVP.

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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