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Detroit Evening Report: New senior living apartments being built in Midtown

The City of Detroit and the Cass Corridor Neighborhood Development Corporation celebrated the groundbreaking of the Greystone Senior Living Apartments this week in the heart of midtown.

The new four-story, 49-unit affordable housing development is designed for seniors earning 30-80% of the area median income. The development corporation says this development is part of their 40 year commitment to preserve affordability and to advance community ownership in the Cass Corridor. The new construction is on a site that has been vacant for 20 years.

Mayor Sheffield said she is proud that this is her first groundbreaking of her administration. “Seniors have been near and dear to my heart. My 12 years serving on the City Council
I actually represented the highest amount of senior buildings in the state of Michigan in my district. I know firsthand the needs of our seniors. I do believe that it is important as a city that we are building housing for all income levels and all stages of life.”

According to the city, this project is set to be completed in 2027, and welcoming residents shortly after.

Additional headlines for Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

Kandies Mini Mart

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and city leaders celebrated the opening of Kandies Mini Mart. This is the first Green Grocer Program ribbon cutting since the program relaunched in 2024. This section will live in Blackwell’s Kandies sandwich shop and catering service which is located at the Durfee Innovation Society. The mini mart will provide fresh produce in the Dexter Linwood Neighborhood.

Weather forecast

This time of year, the weather feels like it cycles through all of the options Mother Nature has to offer and this weekend is no different. According to the National Weather Service Michigan is expected to cycle through hail, fog, winds, rain, and snow. So, say goodbye to the warm front we’ve been experiencing and hello again to your hats and winter jackets as colder air moves in.

The weather service also issued a wind advisory until 9 p.m. tonight. There is an 80% chance of snow on Sunday and the temperature this weekend is expected to be around the low 40’s and upper 30’s.

Stay strong Detroit, Spring will come
 eventually.

Sports

Winter Olympics

This is the last weekend of the 2026 Winter Olympics and Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a surprise visit at this year’s games. She claimed Michigan has more Olympians competing in this year’s Olympics than any other state and also noted that California’s Governor Newsome had challenged her on the fact. The Winter Olympics final ceremony is on Sunday February 22.

NBA

Last night the Pistons had another dominant win against the New York Knicks 126—111. Cade “THE ALL STAR” Cunningham was two rebounds short of a triple-double with 42 points and 13 assists as the Pistons completed their season sweep of the Knicks. There is even talk of MVP consideration for the young star. The Pistons next game is against the Bulls tomorrow at the United Center. Tip off is at 8 p.m. EST.

Black author expo

Last but not least, this weekend Detroit Book City is having their 10th annual African American Family book expo on Saturday February 21 from noon to 5 p.m. This event celebrates Black History Month by having a meet and greet with over 40 independent Black authors for all ages.

The event is free with books available to purchase. This is all going down at the Village Hall in West Detroit.

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

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The post Detroit Evening Report: New senior living apartments being built in Midtown appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Sheffield appoints first Senior Director of Youth and Education

Mayor Sheffield is focusing on the well-being of children in Detroit with a new leadership team. During a press conference yesterday, Chanel Hampton was named Detroit’s first Senior Director of Youth and Education. Sheffield said that Hampton and Director of Youth Affairs Jerjuan Howard will work to reduce chronic absenteeism, improve transportation for kids to get to school and expand after school programs.

Hampton and her team will focus on youth up to 26 years old. During the press conference Sheffield teased an upcoming initiative to reduce absenteeism that will require City Council approval.

Additional headlines for Friday, Feb. 13, 2026

Hamtramck city leaders to hold public meeting

Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi is hosting a meet and greet with two new city leaders. New City Manager Adel Al Adlani and Acting Chief of Police Hussein Farhat will join the mayor to answer questions from the community and share their vision for Hamtramck.

This is all in an effort to create more transparency in the city and for the public to know city officials. The meeting will be held at the Hamtramck Public Library on Sunday Feb. 15 from 7-9 p.m.

Sports

NBA

All Star Weekend is upon us as Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren represent the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons head into all star weekend with 40 wins, leading the Eastern Conference. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder have a better record.

You can see both Cunningham and Duren play in the NBA versus World All. Star Game on Sunday Feb. 15 at 5 p.m.

Winter Olympics

American Ice Dancers Madison Chock from Novi and Evan Bates from Ann Arbor won silver in the free dance. Both skaters voiced that they believed they delivered a gold medal performance with their matador and bull themed routine.

This is a bounce back from the Beijing Games where they missed the podium completely. It is unclear whether Chock and Bates, who have been partners for 15 years and are married, will retire or return for another Olympic cycle.

High school sports

DPSCD’s Public School League girls basketball semi-final champions are Mumford’s Lady Mustangs. They beat Cass Tech 58 to 38 yesterday. DER’s High School Sports Correspondent Lex Walker was wearing a different hat at that game – she was on the court. But she told us why the win was important.

“We’ve been striving to get to where we are today
We for sure became more competitive after this losing streak we’ve been on for like 5 games. It’ll motivate us to play even better knowing that we didn’t put in the work for nothing. Now we know we just have something more competitive to look forward to on Sunday.”

The Lady Mustangs go on to the PSL basketball championships Sunday. The boys basketball championship matchup will be determined by games today. Cass Tech plays Douglass; King takes on Western.

Valentine’s Black romance author Q+A

The Detroit Public Library is hosting “Author Talk: Valentine’s Day Black romance writers panel.” The event features moderator Ebony Evans, and authors Katrina Jackson, Sylvia Hubbard, and Aliza Mann.

Copies of the panelists books will be available for purchase but admission is free. Seats will be first come first serve. This is all going down at the Detroit Public Library on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. For more information go to detroitpubliclibrary.org.

 

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The post Detroit Evening Report: Sheffield appoints first Senior Director of Youth and Education appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Sheffield appoints Winnie Liao as new chief operating officer

Mayor Mary Sheffield announced that Winnie Liao will be taking over as the new chief operating officer of Detroit today.  

Liao’s main duties will include focusing on the way residents and businesses interact with city government and making it easier for Detroiters to access basic services.  She will supervise 16 different departments, including the Fire Department and Detroit Water and Sewerage. 

“Together, we’ll ensure that city services are equitable, efficient, innovative and customer-focused.  We will have a city government that works for all,” says Liao.

Liao will begin her new job next week.  She previously worked at Mastercard and the Michigan Secretary of State’s office. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026

DPSCD invests $79 million in projects 

The Detroit Public Schools Community District will invest $79 million dollars to improve city schools and reduce neighborhood blight.  The district says the one-time investment comes from surplus funds.  

DPSCD says it will spend $32 million to tear down nine old school buildings and 11 other vacant properties.  Funds will also be spent to improve paving and fencing at certain facilities.  Some of the money will be used to help build a new athletic complex at Cooley High School. 

Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles closes 

Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles has closed.  The northwest Detroit eatery posted the news on Instagram.  The restaurant thanked its patrons and says it’s onto new ventures.  Kuzzo’s opened on Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion, otherwise known as Livernois, back in 2015. 

Detroit casinos report January revenue 

Detroit’s three casinos posted revenue of $103.9 million in January.  That’s up just under a percentage point from January 2025.  

MGM Grand continued to hold the lion’s share of the market at 49%.  Motor City Casino controlled 30%.  Hollywood Casino at Greektown had 21% of Detroit’s gaming market last month.  

The three casinos provided the city with $12.3 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments in January.  They paid another $8.4 million to the state of Michigan. 

Verlander returns to Tigers 

Major League Baseball pitcher Justin Verlander is returning to Detroit.  The Cy Young award winning right-hander started his career with the Tigers in 2005.  He spent 12 and a half seasons with Detroit before being traded to the Houston Astros, where he won World Series in 2017 and 2022.  He has signed a one-year contract with Detroit worth $13 million.  

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

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The post Detroit Evening Report: Sheffield appoints Winnie Liao as new chief operating officer appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Trump wants federal oversight of midterm elections, continues to deny 2020 results

President Trump is continuing to push lies about the 2020 presidential election in Detroit, and using his unsupported claims of fraud to push for federal oversight of midterms.

During an executive order signing to end the government shutdown, Trump told reporters he thinks Republicans should take election rights away from some states that the president did not win in 2020. He used three prominent swing states as examples. 

“Take a look at Detroit
 take a look at Pennsylvania
 take a look at Philadelphia. You go take a look at Atlanta. Look at some of the places that
 horrible corruption on elections.” 

Prominent Republican strategist and Trump-ally Steve Bannon has said ICE agents would be sent to polling places in this year’s midterm elections. 

Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey says any attempt to take over voting would be partisan politics at its worst. Winfrey says the results were fair and transparent then and subsequent elections have been, too. The U.S. Constitution says states decide how to conduct elections. Congress can enact some regulations, but the president has no control over elections. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

Critique on Sheffield’s order on assessments

The Coalition of Property Tax Justice says Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s recent executive order is too vague and does not do enough to stop over assessments in the city.  

Sheffield signed an order last week aimed at improving transparency in the city’s assessment process and requiring the office to meet national standards.   

Professor Bernadette Athutahene says the order does not specify how to conduct an assessment ratio study, which is required by the property tax reform ordinance.  

“We thought that the executive order would say, you know, to do a mass appraisal report, and those two things are different. The mass appraisal report, you can’t apply Iao standards to a mass appraisal report.”

The coalition did praise Sheffield for requiring the office follow the ratio standards of the International Association of Assessing Officers.  The coalition published a revised version of the executive order with more parameter specifics for a property assessment.  

ICE detention facility proposed in Romulus

A 500 bed ICE detention facility has been proposed for Romulus, but officials say it’s not set in stone. Romulus was among 23 locations nationwide identified in a recent Bloomberg report detailing the Trump administration’s plan to buy warehouses and convert them into ICE detention centers. 

The Washington Post reported in December that a warehouse in Highland Park was being looked at as a potential location. The Mayor of Highland Park has recently said the city was not interested at all and the city lacks the space for such a plan.  

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

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The post Detroit Evening Report: Trump wants federal oversight of midterm elections, continues to deny 2020 results appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Sheffield announces new protocol for property managers in Detroit

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced a new protocol that will increase oversight for property managers in the city – especially for senior housing. 

The four point plan mandates increased inspections and communication between the city and property managers, and new citations and fines up to $2000 for violations.

Sheffield says they are also launching a senior advocate program.

“You can expect to see a senior advocate in your building at least twice a month. Those senior advocates will be connecting you with information and resources, whether it’s quality of life issues or even access to recreational activities as well.”
Sheffield says the senior advocate will also create a tenant council in every senior housing development.

She says the new protocol will also double the number of elevator inspections at properties in the city.

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 

ICE and Detroit

Following the killing of another American by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Mayor Sheffield says Detroit residents should feel safe and respected in the city. Sheffield says she is always looking for ways to improve safety, but that so far what they have been doing has been working. “We have done a great job of ensuring that we are not a target or on the radar in the city of Detroit, and we will continue down that path.” 

Sheffield says she is planning to meet with City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who has been very vocal about ICE enforcement tactics in the city. Sheffield posted a statement on social media saying the city “stands with the people of Minnesota as they exercise their First Amendment rights
” She did not condemn the violent actions of ICE agents. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Warming shelters stay open

The City of Detroit and its nonprofit partners will keep overnight warming shelters open for the rest of the week. The National Weather Service is forecasting nighttime temperatures below zero Thursday and Friday. The mayor’s office is working with the Neighborhood Service Organization, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, and the Pope Francis Center to help families and single adults escape the cold. 

Residents can also call the city’s Housing Resource Helpline between 8am and 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon on weekends. That number is 866-313-2520. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Newspaper buy out

The owners of the Detroit Free Press plan to buy the Detroit News. USA Today’s announcement comes less than a month after the newspapers ended their 36-year-old joint operating agreement. The company formerly known as Gannett says it expects to close the deal this week, adding that both papers will continue to publish separately.

The Detroit News recently said it would print its own Sunday edition for the first time since the joint operating agreement began. It’s not clear how the sale will affect that plan. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

 

 

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The Metro: Detroit’s mayor focuses on addressing poverty

It’s been less than a month since Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield took office, but she’s already begun putting her agenda into motion.

Her administration is creating a new Office of Neighborhood & Community Safety  and establishing new departments aimed at reducing poverty. The administration has also brought Rx Kids a program that gives cash to new mothers, to the city.  

Why did Sheffield’s office make these changes? And what does she hope to accomplish in her first year?

David Bowser is Mayor Sheffield’s chief of staff. He spoke with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.

 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

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

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More stories from The Metro

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Detroit Evening Report: Dangerous cold to hit Detroit

Detroiters are bracing for another round of dangerously cold weather.  Temperatures late this week are forecast to drop below zero with extreme wind chills.  A cold front will pass through the state, dropping high temperatures into the single digits on Friday and Saturday.  Friday night’s low will be 10 degrees below zero.  Wind chills could reach nearly minus 30. 

Severe cold weather can lead to frostbite—skin damage caused by freezing temperatures—or hypothermia, where the body’s temperature falls below 95 degrees.  If that happens, get medical attention immediately.  

Throughout the cold spell, Detroit’s recreation centers and libraries will serve as places you can go to get warm.   

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026

City helps residents with tax credits 

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has helped to launch a program aimed at getting city residents to claim the tax credits they’re entitled to.  The city is working with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the Accounting Aid Society, and the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.  The coalition will advise Detroiters on how to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits when doing their taxes this year.  

Residents making less than $69,000 per year can get free tax preparation through the program.  Officials say the city helped Detroiters get $450 million in Earned Income Tax Credits last year.  Residents can call 2-1-1 or visit www.getthetaxfacts.org for more information. 

Heart attack numbers drop 

The American Heart Association says the number of fatalities from heart attacks and strokes is down in the United States. The organization says there were 915,000 deaths related to cardiovascular disease in 2023.  That’s down from 941,000 in the previous year.  

Despite the reduction in fatalities, heart attack remains the largest cause of death in the U.S., followed by cancer, accidents, and stroke.  

The Heart Association says African-American communities continue to have a disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. 

Lincoln moves HQ to Detroit 

Automotive News and the Detroit Free Press are reporting that Lincoln will move its headquarters into the Michigan Central Depot in Corktown.  

The division of Ford Motor Company is currently housed in the company’s Glass House on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, but that building is closing and will be torn down.  Ford’s world headquarters has moved to a new building in Dearborn near the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. 

Gas prices rise 

Gas prices in metro Detroit have jumped in the past month.  A gallon of self-serve unleaded now averages $2.89.  That’s up from $2.79 in late December.  

Analysts say prices remain relatively inexpensive because of low demand and production of winter formulations of gasoline.  Even so, AAA says Michigan is still one of the 10 most expensive states in the country for gas. 

Winter car care

With the extreme cold weather we’re expecting this week, keep your gas tank at least half full.  Make sure your tires are properly inflated and you have windshield wiper fluid.  Get your battery checked.  Driving with an emergency kit, including first aid materials, a flashlight, snacks, a shovel and a blanket is a good idea in case you get stuck in the snow. 

AAA Michigan says if you get stranded, stay in the car for shelter unless it’s not safe to do so.  Call for help and put your hazard lights on.  

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

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The post Detroit Evening Report: Dangerous cold to hit Detroit appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Researchers investigate the effects of a potential sales tax in Detroit

A sales tax of one percent in Detroit could generate $72 million a year in revenue for the city. That’s according to a report released Wednesday by the Citizens Research Council (CRC). But the juice may not be worth the squeeze. 

CRC officials say that estimated $72 million revenue is only about 5% of Detroit’s general budget for 2026. Creating the tax requires changes to the state constitution, an ordinance from the city council and voter approval. 

Researcher Madhu Anderson says implementing the tax could create other challenges for the city. 

“It encourages what we call tax avoidance, which is looking for areas where taxes may be lower to buy the same product It also encourages more competition for businesses. They may choose to not locate in a city because of the higher taxes, meaning residents may not purchase things there.” 

Anderson says there are alternatives the city could look at for increasing revenue, such as an entertainment tax. 

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is looking for suggestions from residents about what issues in the city she should be focusing on. The mayor’s transition team, Rise Higher Detroit, has released a survey on their website asking for input on things like taxes, services, community programs and more. Volunteers will also be going door to door in neighborhoods.

For more information or to complete the survey visit risehigherdetroit.com/survey. 

 Additional headlines for Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026

Scholarship for construction, trades

The National Association of Women in Construction Detroit Chapter is offering a $2500 scholarship to Michigan students and apprentices pursuing careers in construction and skilled trades. 

The chapter is holding a free, in-person workshop on Jan. 24 at the Northwest Activities Center. Scholarships can be used for tuition, training, and tools.

Applications are due Feb. 28. For more information, visit the link in today’s DER post at wdet.org/der. (nawic.org/nfsf-scholarships) 

 Donation drive for Interim House

The Church of Christ Care Community is organizing a donation drive for Detroit residents. The church is collecting items to create welcome bags for women and children who arrive at Interim House, Michigan’s largest shelter for victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

People can donate clothing, pajamas, personal care items, formula, stuffed toys, blankets, diapers, wipes, non-perishable snacks and juice.

The drop off location is 23621 15 Mile road in Clinton Township. Donations are being collected through March.   

 

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Detroit Evening Report: Black velvet art exhibit at Michigan Historical Museum

The Michigan Historical Museum is showcasing black velvet paintings and their ties to Latino History in a new exhibit. “Black Velvet: A Rasquache Aesthetic” includes more than 100 black velvet paintings from the private collections of co-curators Elena Herrada and Diana Rivera, collector Minerva Martinez and from the community. 

“[This is] probably the only kind of art exhibit ever where people brought their own and added them to the collection,” says Herrada. “Like people were walking in with their velvet paintings and some of them donated them and some of them loaned them and some of them took them with them when they left.”

Herrada says there have been several small exhibits of black velvet paintings in Lansing and Detroit over the last few years but this is the largest. She says black velvet paintings were popular art pieces in Chicano homes but people were not given the space to celebrate the art elsewhere.

“Many times people’s aesthetics or tastes are really put down or looked down upon. That’s one of the reasons we don’t have close ties to museums because people don’t feel at home in places where there is high art.” 

Black Velvet: A Rasquache Aesthetic is on view at the Michigan Historical Museum until late November. The museum plans to host several events related to black velvet painting in the coming months. This Saturday, Jan. 17 admission is free and visitors can make crafts inspired by the collection.

The museum is in Lansing at 702 W Kalamazoo Street. Admission is $8 for adults and less for seniors and children; $2 for adults and free for kids with EBT cards.

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026

Sheffield restructures city services

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced the creation of the Department of Human, Homeless, and Family Services Monday, led by its new director Benita Miller. Miller previously served as the executive director of the New York City Children’s Cabinet, and has three decades of experience in family and child welfare. 

The restructuring of city services also creates the role of Chief of Health Human Services and Poverty Solutions. The University of Michigan’s Luke Shaefer will fill that position and also oversee the Detroit Health Department, and the Office of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion. Shaefer was the founder and director of the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions research initiative and co-founded the program Rx Kids. 

Sheffield says the reorganization of these services will make the process of reaching out to community services less fragmented and confusing for residents. 

Applications open for Queer Equity Impact Program

The Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the next cohort of its Queer Equity Impact Program. The 12-week business accelerator program starts in February and offers participants with business plan development, peer support, training and other guidance.

Applications are due Jan. 30. Learn more at detroitlgbtchamber.com.

 

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Detroit Evening Report: Community fridges to improve food access for seniors

Metro Food Rescue is piloting a new program to bring food directly to those in need with a community fridge in apartment complexes. The goal is to eliminate transportation and time obstacles for older people trying to get access to groceries.

The mini food pantries will be located in affordable housing complexes for seniors, starting with the Gratiot Woods Co-op on Detroit’s east side. The fridges will be stocked weekly with fruit, vegetables, bread and other essentials.

The pilot program is funded for two years by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.  

Additional headlines for Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026

New On-the-Go food pop up in Taylor

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has expanded its On-the-Go pop-up food distribution with a new location in Taylor. The pantry offers fresh produce, grains and protein. Halal and Kosher friendly options are available where the community needs it. 

The mobile pantry is offered on a monthly basis by appointment in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties. To date, the department has served nearly 550 families and distributed more than 11 tons of groceries. 

Individuals in Southeast Michigan in need of food must make an appointment by emailing MDHHS-FH-WC-Taylor@michigan.gov to help minimize wait times and ensure adequate food supplies. 

Board of Ethics publishes admonishment against City Assessor

The Detroit Board of Ethics published a public admonishment of City Assessor and Deputy CFO Alvin Horhn earlier this week. Horhn violated state law when he added more than 13,000 properties to the tax roll late, and without any late fees.

Between 2014 and 2020 the Detroit Land Bank promised buyers they would file property transfer affidavits on their behalf and never did. Horhn says if he had added the properties to the tax roll based on date of transfer, thousands of residents would have received penalties for an issue that should have never occurred.

The Board of Ethics said though his intent was good, it is not an excuse to violate state law. City council members sided with Horhn on the matter. So far, Horhn has not been punished for his actions.  

Sheffield investiture tomorrow

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s public investiture is tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. at the Detroit Opera House. It’s the swearing in ceremony of Detroit’s first female mayor, though the official swearing in happened on Jan. 1.

The event will also include the swearing in of city council members, board of police commissioners, and the city clerk. It will be live streamed on Detroit’s social media sites.  

Michigan lottery raises over $1 billion for state schools

The Michigan lottery raised nearly $1.2 billion for the state’s school aid fund in 2025. It marks the seventh consecutive year the lotto brought in more than a billion dollars for education. 

Michigan retailers also cashed in on the drawings last year. They brought in around $300 million in commission from lotto ticket sales. 

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

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The post Detroit Evening Report: Community fridges to improve food access for seniors appeared first on WDET 101.9 FM.

Detroit Evening Report: Sheffield takes office

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield took office on New Year’s Day. But she’s celebrating her achievement with a public swearing-in ceremony this week.

Detroit City Council members, police commissioners and the City Clerk will also take part. The ceremony at the Detroit Opera House features poetry and music performances as well.

Sheffield is the first woman ever elected mayor of Detroit. She says her team is developing an action plan for her first 100 days with input from the community. But she’s also retaining several key officials from the past mayoral administration including the corporation counsel—the city’s top lawyer—and Detroit’s fire commissioner.

Sheffield also announced today that the city will join a program that gives financial support to pregnant women and infants. The city has already raised 9 million dollars to participate in RX Kids. It’s looking for $2 million to fund the program for 3 years.

Sheffield says she hopes to secure the funding to launch the program within her first 100 days.

Additional headlines for Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

State utility regulators demand more transparency

DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and other regulated utilities in Michigan must do more to inform customers about potential rate hikes. This is because of a new order by state utility regulators.

The Michigan Public Service Commission wants to increase customer participation in utility issues, including cases that set new rates. After March, regulated electric utilities must inform customers when they asked for higher rates, and how much their bills would go up if that amount is approved.

There’s concern that this could confuse people, since rarely do utilities get their full requested amount. But supporters of the change say advance notice will let more people find out about and comment on potential rate hikes before the cases are resolved.

Gas prices

Michigan gas prices have dropped 11 cents since last week. According to the auto group AAA, you can get regular unleaded for $2.70. This new price is 18 cents less than a month ago and 44 cents less than this time last year, making this new price the lowest since February of 2021.

The US strikes in Venezuela this weekend don’t seem to have impacted oil prices just yet, according to AAA. The organization also says Venezuela crude oil exports have been limited due to the sanctions in the last couple of years.

Sports updates

NFL

The Lions beat the Chicago Bears 19-16 yesterday with a walk off field goal kick from Jake Bates, ending the season with a winning record. Now all eyes are on the off season, the NFL draft and seeing how they will bounce back for the 2026 season.

NBA

The Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday 114-110 and remain on top of the Eastern Conference. Their next game is today at Little Caesars against the New York Knicks and again at Little Caesars on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.

Tip off for both is at 7:00 p.m.

NHL

The Red Wings play against the Ottawa Senators tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Red Wings are currently third in the Atlantic Division.

Carl Thomas performs

And R&B singer Carl Thomas known for his smash 2000 hit “I Wish” will be performing at Sound Board on Sunday Jan. 11, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The artist from Illinois hit the Billboard Top Hot 100 and peaked at 20. And this year marks the 26th anniversary of his debut studio album “Emotional.”

To hear Thomas live, go to soundboarddetroit.com for tickets and more information.

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

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