Yemeni nationals living in the United States who have Temporary Protected Status (TPS) have until April 13 to self deport or seek other legal residency through asylum or work visas.

In February the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—who was fired last week—announced the end of TPS for Yemen.

The designation was first granted in September 2015 due to war in the country. Noem said conditions have improved, no longer warranting TPS. About 1,400 Yemeni nationals had TPS status as of last year according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

People who wish to self deport are encouraged to use the Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure. That includes a complimentary plane ticket and $2,600.

People who do not leave or find alternative legal residency could be deported and banned from future immigration to the U.S.  

Additional headlines from Monday, April 6, 2026

Detroit Ride to Rise

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield launched the Ride to Rise program Monday. It allows all students living in Detroit to ride city buses for free. 

The program is aimed at reducing absenteeism, as well as providing transportation for students to get to after school activities such as tutoring, enrichment programs, and more. 

Sheffield says the program also brings more money back to the district. 

“It’s about $700,000 a year that they currently spend on bus fare for students. Bus passes, that money, again, will be redirected back into the school system. The school board and the superintendent will decide what…they use that money for,” she says. “We have been advocating for it to go back to after school programming.” 

The 6-month pilot allows any student to show their school ID to get on a D-DOT bus for free. That includes students who attend charter, private, and other city schools.  

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley 

Pay gap widens

A new report shows Michigan’s gender pay gap widened in 2024. Women who worked full-time earned 79 cents for every dollar a man earned. That’s three cents less than the year before, as men’s wages grew faster. 

Sarah Javaid from the National Women’s Law Center lists other factors.  

“The bigger picture is that women are being impacted by caregiving duties, they’re impacted by state policies. Unpaid leave paid sick time. They’re impacted by what education and training they can receive, and they’re also impacted even way earlier than they enter the workforce.”

Javaid says supporting childcare, banning employers from asking about salary history, and increasing education access would help close the gender pay gap.  

-Reporting by Colin Jackson   

Michigan job data

Last year’s partial federal government shutdown made it hard for Michigan to collect statewide job data. The state’s last unemployment rate was 5% in January. Michigan lost jobs last year as more people left the workforce. 

The revised annual report shows unemployment remained essentially flat last year. Michigan showed a net loss of about 2,300 hundred jobs.

The Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information Director Wayne Rourke says Michigan’s workforce declined by 1.6% percent over the course of 2025. He says that’s largely due to older people retiring and exiting the workforce.

The new monthly federal jobs report for March showed the nation added jobs last month and the unemployment rate ticked down.  

-Reporting by Rick Pluta   

Arab American Heritage Month

Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared April as Arab American and Chaldean-American Heritage Month.

Dearborn, Michigan is home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans per capita in the U.S.  

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

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield gave her first state of the city address last night at Mumford High School.

She announced a new program starting today for Detroit Public Schools students. “Any K-12 student in the city can ride the bus for free, seven days a week, 365 days a year.” Sheffield said some of the school budget money for bus fare will be rerouted into after-school programs. 

And she announced a plan to lure businesses to economic corridors in the city, with a new position: the Director of Retail Attraction. 

“For too long, the city has waited for retailers to come to them. My administration will go out and compete for that investment, because strong neighborhoods need more than housing and infrastructure. They need vibrant commercial corridors where people can shop, work and gather close to home.” 

Sheffield also said she was working with billionaire Dan Gilbert and the Move Detroit Coalition to entice more people to move to the city. “Our first program will support 313 current and future Detroiters with real resources, $15,000 to support home ownership and business growth, and $1,000 in relocation assistance to make it easier to come home to Detroit.” 

The mayor also highlighted some of the things she’s already done since taking office, such as raising the minimum wage for city workers, and bringing the program Rx Kids to the city to help new mothers. 

Additional headlines from Wednesday, April 1, 2026

New personal finance education initiative

The Michigan Treasury Department is kicking of a new initiative today called Mi Money Matters Financial Empowerment.

According to the Treasury department, nearly 80% of metro Detroiters earning below 125,000 report never receiving formal education in personal finance. Roughly 25% of Detroiters do not have access to a bank.

The initiative includes a website that links to free tools and courses on credit, banking, and student loans. 

Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax

Detroit City Council debated the value of Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax incentives yesterday, questioning whether they are a useful tool for relieving the tax burden on residents.

NEZ tax incentives cap the city and county millage rate at 50%. Under the current structure, a $300,000 home would be taxed $6,000; in the suburbs, the same home’s taxes would be less than $2,000.

Councilmember Scott Benson says the city needs to be competitive with neighboring cities, which the NEZ does by lowering taxes—even if they aren’t as low as a suburb’s. 

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

Mayor Mary Sheffield will deliver her first State of the City address at Mumford High School.

The annual Detroit event marks a historic milestone as Sheffield becomes the first woman to deliver a State of the City address as mayor. Holding the speech at Mumford underscores her focus on Detroit’s neighborhoods and young people as central to the city’s future.

You can listen to the Mayor’s address at 7 p.m. on WDET 101.9 FM or livestream on the web or in our app.

The address can also be found on the City’s cable channels; Comcast Channel 10 and AT&T Channel 99 in Detroit, and streamed on the City’s official YouTube, Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram pages.

Gas prices continue to rise in metro Detroit.  AAA Michigan says the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular hit four dollars today.  That’s up just over a penny from Tuesday and it’s 17 cents higher than a week ago.  You could get a gallon of gas for $2.95 in Detroit just over a month ago.  

Analysts say two factors are causing the price hikes.  The war in Iran is pushing up the price of crude oil,  which is used to make gasoline.  Refineries are also changing over to the summer blend of gas, which is more expensive to produce. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Severe weather possible Thursday 

Metro Detroiters might experience some severe weather Thursday.  

The National Weather Service has placed much of Southeast Michigan in a category for a “slight” risk of severe weather.  That’s level 2 on a scale of 5.  

Warm air will move into town,  raising temperatures into the mid-60s Thursday afternoon.  But a cold front will quickly follow, bringing rain and thunderstorms Thursday evening. 

Some of those storms could be strong or severe.  A thunderstorm is categorized as severe if it has wind gusts of more than 58 miles per hour or produces hail of one inch or larger.  

Remember, a watch means conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm is possible.  A warning means severe weather conditions exist now and you should take cover.  

Make sure to stay tuned to local media outlets throughout the day to get the latest weather updates. 

NAACP announces new general counsel 

The NAACP announced today that Kristen Clarke will become the organization’s new general counsel.  She’ll direct the organization’s legal strategies.  

The NAACP says Clarke’s legal expertise will help it protect voting rights and continue its efforts to secure civil and human rights for people across the country.  

She previously served as the assistant attorney general for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Sheffield prepares for State of the City 

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is preparing to give her first State of the City address next week.  

She’s scheduled to speak to a crowd at Mumford High School in northwest Detroit next Tuesday evening.  

Sheffield is expected to talk about several initiatives she’s launched in recent weeks including Rx Kids, which provides cash prescription support for pregnant women and newborn mothers.  Sheffield has also been active in ways to create new affordable housing for Detroiters.  

The State of the City speech takes place Tuesday night at 7 p.m.  You can hear it on 101.9 WDET FM, at wdet.org, or on the City of Detroit’s YouTube channel or Facebook page. 

Michigan schools move on in March Madness 

March Madness continues to occupy the attention of many Detroiters.  Michigan and Michigan State both have “Sweet 16” games on Friday in their respective quests for a national championship.  

No. 1-seed Michigan faces 4-seed Alabama Friday night at 7:35 p.m.  No. 3-seed Michigan State plays 2-seed UConn Friday night at 9:45 p.m.  Both games will be televised. 

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

The state has released a new strategic plan to address sickle cell disease. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says it developed the plan with input from those affected by it.

Its six strategic goals include ensuring access to high quality services, improve patient outcomes, changes to implementation of disease-modifying therapies and increasing awareness of best practices and available resources. 

Sickle cell is an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to form in a sickle or crescent shape that can block blood flow. The disease may cause pain, infections, strokes and organ damage. An estimated 4,000 people in Michigan are diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

African Americans are most likely to have the disease, but people of Middle Eastern, South Asian, Hispanic and Mediterranean descent are also affected in significant numbers. 

The MDHHS Lifecourse Epidemiology & Genomics Division leads implementation of the 2026-30 Sickle Cell Strategic Plan. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/sicklecell. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Proposed data center in Detroit

A developer has submitted a proposal to build a data center on Detroit’s east side. The Detroit News reports the project would cover more than 14 acres of city-owned property on Shoemaker Street between the Coleman A. Young Airport and the Jeep plant. The report cites members of City Councilwoman Latisha Johnson’s staff.

Last week, the council passed a resolution urging Mayor Mary Sheffield to put data center proposals on hold for two years.

No Kings 3 

A “No Kings” rally is planned for downtown Detroit this Saturday. The local event is organized by a coalition of labor, civil rights, community and grassroots organizations calling itself No Kings Detroit.

Saturday’s rally is scheduled to run from 3-5 p.m. in Grand Circus Park and to coincide with rallies across the country protesting a range of Trump administration policies and actions, including those related to immigration, voting, the environment, economic issues and the war in Iran.  

Professional Women’s Hockey League plays in Detroit

The Professional Women’s Hockey League returns to Little Caesar’s Arena this week. The New York Sirens face the Montreal Victoire Saturday at 1 p.m.

This week’s game will be the first nationally televised PWHL game in the U.S., airing on ION and available to more than 126 million households. 61 PWHL players competed in the recent Winter Olympics – earning 41 medals, including the women of Team USA who got the gold. 

The three year old league has broken its attendance records each time it has played in Detroit—with an enthusiastic crowd —often expressing its desire to have PWHL team based in Hockey Town.  

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

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is prioritizing anti-poverty measures in her 814-page proposed budget. 

The budget comes as more than a third of Detroit residents experienced poverty in 2024, the highest rate the city has seen since 2017. More than half of Detroit’s children are living in poverty, and the poverty rate among seniors reached its highest point in a decade.

Sheffield’s budget responds with new spending on multiple fronts. It promises free year-round bus rides for kids to reduce chronic absenteeism, higher pay for bus drivers, and a new office for senior affairs, with a $750,000 food access program for older Detroiters. It includes $2.2 million for after-school programs, a $500,000 increase to the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent summer jobs program, and a new $40 million Human, Homeless and Family Services Department. It also expands the city’s affordable housing fund, and provides a living wage for city workers.

But the city has 34 million fewer dollars than it did last year. So what makes it in, and what gets cut?

Detroit Documenters are sitting in on all 47 budget hearings alongside reporters at Outlier Media and Bridge Detroit.

Noah Kincade, coordinator of the Detroit Documenters program at Outlier Media, joined Robyn Vincent to discuss.

Editor’s note: The Public Lighting Authority director who used ChatGPT to respond to councilmembers’ budget questions is Beau Taylor. The broadcast version of this story misidentified him.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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.

More stories from The Metro

The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in a major immigration case this week. The American Civil Liberties Union argues that the Trump administration’s new mandatory detention policy for immigrants, even those with pending asylum cases or without criminal records, violates their right to due process. 

ACLU Senior Attorney Miriam Aukerman says, “It’s the goal of the administration to make people so desperate because they’re detained that they’re gonna leave their families behind. And just leave the country and leave everything they’ve known. Leave their communities… their kids.” 

Most of the eleven immigrants in the case before the appeals court this week live in Michigan. Government lawyers argue they should be held until they’re deported or their immigration cases are resolved. 

-Reporting by Lindsey Smith, MPRN

Additional headlines for Monday, March 16, 2026

Hybrid transit meeting

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is hosting its monthly community input meeting. DDOT will discuss services, fares, and more. The meeting take place March 19 at 5 p.m. at the Rosa Parks Transit Center or on Zoom. 

MDHHS storm tips

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says people should be prepared for the severe weather event this week. March 15-21 is Severe Weather Awareness week. MDDHS is sharing resources for emergency preparedness, including creating an emergency plan.

Last year people in northern Michigan experienced a severe storm leaving 90,000 people without power. It was later declared a major disaster by the federal government. 

MDHHS says people can visit their Michigan Prepares website to find resources, including on reducing carbon monoxide poisoning, flood safety and food shortage. MDHHS says people can also sign up for emergency text alerts. 

New grants to boost freshwater literacy, innovative STEM education for K-12 students 

New Michigan state grants will support STEM education by allowing field trips to freshwater locations. Approximately $156,000 in funding will support freshwater literacy programs and create STEM learning opportunities for students in K-12 education. The funding will also go toward transportation costs for field trips in the 2026-2027 school year.

Faith & City Impact Summit

The City of Detroit is hosting a strategic meeting to connect Detroit clergy to city resources. The Faith & City Impact Summit will be held with Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and city officials. Attendees will learn about economic development, neighborhood support initiatives, and family programs like Rx Kids. 

The meeting takes place on Thursday March 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Greater Grace Temple located at 23500 West Seven Mile Road. To participate, RSVP by Tuesday March 17. Email Richard.White2@detroitmi.gov or call 313-618-0597. 

Skilled Trade Task Force Meeting

The City of Detroit is hosting a Skilled Trades Task Force Meeting on Wednesday. Speakers include Mary Waters, the city councilwoman at large; Renata Miller, city council member for District 5; and Denzel McCampbell, city council member for District 7.

People can attend at the IBEW Local Union 58, at 1358 Abbott St., Detroit MI 48226. The skills trade meeting takes place Wednesday March 18 from 4-6 p.m. 

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.

 Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield presented her first budget proposal to the city council Monday with a focus on housing and livable wages to address poverty.

Sheffield’s budget proposal includes shifting the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be fully funded by commercial property sales. It contributes 40% of the funding now. She says that would create a $4 million investment in the rehabilitation and development of affordable housing. Sheffield says she also plans for the Housing and Revitalization Department to utilize a portion of Community Development Block grant funds to create a pilot program for infield housing.

The mayor also wants a $1 million reduction in property taxes, a $220 million transportation operations budget and to increase pay for full time city workers. 

She announced an executive order to raise the hourly wage of every full time city employee to $21.45 cents an hour. The city estimates roughly 900 people will be affected—about 70% of them are Detroit residents. 

Sheffield says it’s just one part of her plan to reduce poverty in the city. “That means that we are investing not only in our workforce, but also strengthening our families in our neighborhoods across our city. Today is about fairness, about dignity and about making sure Detroit continues to rise higher, not just as a city, but for the workers who make our progress possible.” 

Some workers could see an increase of as much as $5 per hour. The raise will go into effect during the first full pay period in July.  

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Interfaith Day of Unity

The 25^th Annual Interfaith Day of Unity is Saturday, March 22. The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit hosts the event. The celebration will open with “sacred” multilingual expressions from several faiths, including the sounding of the shofar, the Muslim Call to Prayer, and the blowing of the Hindu conch shell.

Clergy from all faiths and communities are invited to participate in the service and model unity through a shared interfaith pledge. Students will offer prayers for world peace and the youngest participants will join a peace processional with banners decorated with their individual visions for world peace. Dr. Walid Harb and Bryant Frank will receive Peacemaker Awards for their friendship and service toward interfaith collaboration.

The 25^th Annual Interfaith Day of Unity celebration is March 22 from 4-6p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 37425 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills.

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

Mayor Mary Sheffield has hired Dearborn’s former Chief Public Health Officer to fulfill the same role in Detroit. Ali Abazeed is credited with building Dearborn’s public health department from the ground up. He also worked in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during the pandemic. 

Abazeed says he is looking for bold ideas to improve public health in Detroit. He is credited with achieving a 60% reduction in drug overdoses and expanding air quality testing in the city of Dearborn. Abazeed also brought the Rx Kids program to Dearborn, the same program Mayor Sheffield launched in Detroit earlier this year. 

Additional headlines from Monday, March 2, 2026

DPSCD offers Ramadan meals to students

Detroit Public Schools Community District is offering Ramadan meals to students fasting during the month-long holiday. Meals are available for pick up between 2 and 3:30pm from school cafeterias.

Each meal package includes one breakfast and one lunch distributed to students who attend school that day. Ramadan meals are available school days until March 17. 

Temple Beth El tour

Temple Beth El is opening its doors to the community for an exploration of history and faith. Attendees will learn about Judaism and the history of the Temple Beth El congregation and it’s impact on southeastern Michigan.

The evening includes a tour of the synagogue and a meal. The event is Tuesday, March 12 at 6 p.m. It’s a part of the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metro Detroit’s Interfaith Odysseys program. Registration is $35 for individuals and $50 for families.

Southwest Detroit Loteria fundraiser

Community members and Wayne State University alumni are invited to play a Southwest Detroit edition of Loteria Wednesday. The event is a fundraiser for the joint alumni association for Wayne State’s Latino en Marcha, Chicano Boricua Studies and Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies programs.

This version of Loteria showcases people and businesses in Southwest Detroit. There will be Loteria-inspired merchandise for sale connected to each program. Funds support the Dr. Jorge Chinea Endowment.

A $100 donation buys a Loteria board. The event is Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Mexicantown Community Development Corporation at 2835 Bagley Street. 

Lunar eclipse

Metro Detroiters will be able to see a total lunar eclipse Tuesday morning…if the weather cooperates.

The moon will enter the Earth’s shadow overnight, and a partial eclipse will begin around 4:50 a.m. Totality will last for about an hour between 6 and 7 a.m., during which the moon will appear to be red. 

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

About a thousand protesters showed up to city hall in Romulus to protest a planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in the city. 

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, who is hoping to win the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State was also there. “I make sure that people have the power to vote against those who would want to sign off on a budget that would approve these kind of expenditures… that would approve this kind of ICE personnel deployment,” said Gilchrist. “That is unacceptable, and we need ICE out of Michigan.” 

Romulus City Council voted unanimously to condemn the proposed detention center, but admitted they still have not received formal confirmation of the building’s sale to the federal government.

-Reporting by Russ McNamara 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Whitmer will use State of the State to talk affordable housing

Governor Gretchen Whitmer will use her State of the State address Wednesday to call for more programs to address a shortage of affordable housing in Michigan.

Her plans include an affordable housing tax credit to spur development, cuts to regulations and faster approval of building permits. The governor has expressed concerns that President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs will add thousands of dollars to the costs of home-building materials. The governor delivers her State of the State address the evening following the president’s State of the Union address tonight. (MPRN) 

New office of Community Safety

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has established a new office of Neighborhood and Community Safety. Its goal is to help prevent domestic violence and promote conflict resolution.

Teferi Brent will lead the office. He says domestic abuse is a major source of violence that the city needs to address. Brent says that effort would further lower the number of homicides, which hit a 60-year low in 2025. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Detroit Historical Society celebrates Women’s History Month

The Detroit Historical Society is kicking off Women’s History Month with ‘Love and Flowers: A tribute to Detroit’s Black Matriarchs’ Sunday. 

 The event is a celebration of caregivers past and present and an opportunity to reflect on the question of what it looks like to honor the Black women who “built… nurtured and fought for a better Detroit.”

Registration is through the Black Bottom Archives as a part of its Bottom Up series of community programs exploring memory, storytelling and Black Detroit’s living history.

A museum membership is required for admission, but the Detroit Historical Museum offers a free membership to Detroiters and individual memberships starting at $60 on its website.

Literacy fundraiser

The Flint Unity Farming Project is having a popcorn fundraiser to support is literacy and learning programs.

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

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.

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.

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

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.  

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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.  

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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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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.

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More stories from The Metro

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.  

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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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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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