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.

The Detroit Auto Show officially begins Wednesday as the event’s media and industry days get underway.  Hundreds of journalists from around the world are in town to see the latest offering from Detroit’s automakers and other manufacturers.  

Detroit Auto Dealers Association executive director Sam Klemet says this year’s show will be unlike any other in recent history. “It’s one thing to look into the rearview mirror of what has been.  That kind of takes your eyes off the road ahead.  I think that people who come to the 2026 show will have a very different, positive engaged experience that we haven’t had in a number of years.  So, I think it will be a show that really resets the tone of what the Detroit Auto Show is all about.” 

The charity preview takes place on Friday evening.  The show opens to the public on Saturday and runs through Jan. 25 at Huntington Place in Detroit. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

NACTOY awards announced 

The 2026 North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year awards were announced today.  A group of 50 automotive journalists rate the vehicles on several criteria, including design, safety, technology and performance.  

The 2026 Car of the Year is the Dodge Charger.  The Truck of the Year is the Ford Maverick Lobo.  And the Utility Vehicle of the Year is the Hyundai Palisade. 

Trump speaks to Detroit Economic Club 

President Trump traveled to Detroit Tuesday to connect with the auto industry.  He toured the Ford Rouge plant in Dearborn and talked with company leaders before heading into the city to speak to members of the Detroit Economic Club at the Motor City Casino.  

During his wide-ranging remarks, the president touted the strength of the economy and claimed that affordability is a “fake word”. He also made allegations of rigged elections and called for stronger voter identification requirements. 

Trump protests shadow Econ Club event 

Hundreds of demonstrators showed up outside of the Motor City Casino Tuesday to protest against President Trump and his administration’s policies, particularly those involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  

The protest was peaceful, but Detroit Police did arrest a couple of people for failing to move when ordered to do so. 

Detroit casino revenue surpasses $1 billion 

Detroit’s three casinos earned more than $1.2 billion in revenue last year, according to numbers released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board Tuesday.  Nearly 80% of that came from slot machines. 

The three casinos are reporting lower revenues for December.  The gaming houses brought in $105.1 million last month.  That’s down more than 5% from December 2024.  MGM Grand held nearly half of the city’s gaming market at 49%.  Motor City controlled 29 % and Hollywood Casino at Greektown held 22% of the market.  

The three casinos paid $12.4 million in taxes and wagering agreement fees to the City of Detroit last month.  They paid another $8.4 million in taxes to the State of Michigan in December. 

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