In this episode of CuriosiD, listener Katie Byerly asks the question:

What is Detroit ballroom and hustle dancing?

The short answer

Detroit ballroom and hustling are two distinct dance styles. Ballroom is a partnered dance traced back to the 70s that was loosely based on the Cha-Cha and accompanied by R&B or Soul Music. Detroit, or “urban ballroom”, is a smoother, more fluid dance style, as opposed to more structured and formal standard or Latin ballroom dances.

Hustling is another name for line dancing. It’s a group dance often set to specific songs. You might have heard the songs “Wobble” by V.I.C, or “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid played at parties to get people on the dance floor.

Detroit Hustles

The most famous line Dance would be the Electric Slide, popularized in the 1970s. It’s done to many songs. But in Detroit, it most famously was danced to the song “My Eyes Don’t Cry” by Stevie Wonder.

There are hundreds of variations of line dances that go along with specific songs across different cultures.

And Detroit has popularized a few of its own, such as the Tamia Hustle danced to the song “Can’t Get Enough” by Tamia.  Or the In the Line of Duty hustle created by a former Detroit police officer and danced to the song “Feels So Right” by Janet Jackson.

And then there is the Turbo Hustle created by Detroit’s own legend, Frederick “Fast Freddy” Anderson.

“Right, right, right, left, left, left. That’s mine… I created that,” said Freddy. “But what they did, after a while, somebody took my name off of it. They had the same music. It started with me.”

In the original version, you can hear him saying “Freddy’s on the move” at the beginning of the song.

Freddy says he created the Turbo Hustle in the now closed Northland Shopping Center.

“We had a contest inviting groups to come in, and we all migrated and put this together, but I was the one who put the foundation to it, and we put it together, and that’s how it became the Turbo,” said Freddy.

Creating this line dance is only one of Freddy’s accolades. He’s had an extensive career in dancing, DJ-ing and modeling, since appearing on Detroit’s popular TV show The Scene in the 1970s and 80s. Now, at nearly 80 years old, Freddy can be found still emceeing parties across the city.

“This means an awful lot to me. You see, I take it seriously. People that generally don’t dance, they get up and dance for me,” Freddy said.

Freddy also teaches classes at rec centers in Detroit. On multiple days he can be found in senior homes for his class, “Getting Down While You Sit Around.”

Freddy says ballroom and hustling are easy ways to get people on the dance floor comfortably and without any social stakes.

“It’s an exceptional thing, because, you know, a guy takes a girl out, they don’t have to go on one side of the room, and you dance by yourself. This is thing that we all, we all do together, and to see a room full of people do it is truly exceptional.”

Hustle Classes

Finding a place to learn the steps to these dances isn’t difficult. Freddy is only one of dozens of instructors across the city teaching hustle and ballroom classes.

On Wednesday’s at Shield’s Pizza in Southfield Steven “Silk” Sturkey can be found teaching hustle classes from 6-8 p.m.

Silk says there are simple basic steps that make up a hustle.

“Like a cha, cha box, square, tick, walk, easy, reverse, full, turn, half, turn, pivot. There’s tons of names for each. Most of the moves are recycled. It’s just the choreography of the moves, where they go, how they go, the timing,” Silk said.

Silk has been teaching classes since 2012. He says in his time, there were more restrictions to becoming an instructor and an instructor certificate was required.

“Nowadays, it’s not so stringent. But from where I came from, there is a deep history the instructors that instructed me were instructed by instructors, and it was kind of passed down from generation to generation, so to speak,” Silk said. 

It’s a community

Detroit’s community of hustlers and ballroom dancers is tight knit, but still welcoming to newcomers and beginners.

Ask Maurice Franklin, better known as DJ RocWitMoe. He hosts the city’s Dancing in the D event in Downtown Detroit’s Spirit Plaza.

RocWitMoe says the hustle community feels like family.

“Because it gives a community feel. Because there’s a certain amount of people that do hustling and ballroom, not that it’s a community that’s closed off, you know?” RocWitMoe said.

“I mean, it’s a community where other people could come in, but it’s a community style to where everyone pretty much knows, you know everyone else. So we looked at more like as a family, rather than, you know, just people out partying.”

RocWitMoe says while hustling and line dances are seem more prevalent as they are done at almost every party, ballroom is also still very popular among Detroiters.

He’s been hosting several ballroom events called the Ballroom Bash at the Norwood on Woodward. The next one will be on May 1.

RocWitMoe says events like these are good for the city because they give people a fun, safe outlet.

“You know, people working day in and day out, you know, doing what they got to do to feed their families and everything you need that outlet. And it can’t be the head banging club scene,” RocWitMoe said.

“But you may still want to go somewhere and you know, maybe have a cocktail or two and then go home. And that in between part where you can have a release and a getaway from regular life is what you know ballroom is.”

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

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More CuriosiD

Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson met with a group of community leaders on Friday to discuss planning for new zoning rules for data centers. The city passed a resolution last month supporting a two-year data center moratorium.

The group that met consisted of the city’s planning commission, members of the mayor’s administration and the Detroit Economic Development Corporation, as well as DTE Energy and other tech experts.

Residents across the state have spoken out against data centers, citing concerns over energy costs, lost farmlands, and air, noise, and water pollution. The group will hold its next meeting on May 8. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount

The City of Detroit is looking to help ease property taxes for seniors by opening the Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount applications early so that the 50% off discount can be applied to homeowners’ summer property tax bills. The deadline for early application is tomorrow, April 15.

The solid waste fee this year is $270, but with the discount seniors would only pay $135. To be eligible, homeowners must be at least 65 years old, their home must be their primary residence and the applicant must be listed as the property owner on the city’s tax rolls.

For more information or to apply visit detroitmi.gov/dtsc.

Volunteers needed for Motor City Makeover

The City of Detroit is looking for volunteers for this year’s Motor City Makeover program. The program is a city-wide cleanup and beautification effort set for three Saturdays in May. 

Volunteers clean up the city as well as plant trees and flowers and distribute vegetable plants. This year, youth can submit a design for a new Motor City Makeover T-shirt. For more information visit motorcitymakeover.org. 

Rising Voices hosts potluck, seeks to hire Community Navigator

The nonprofit group “Rising Voices” is hosting a potluck celebration called Feast of Resistance. This year’s theme is “building the table together” with the goal of celebrating Asian American and other immigrant communities by looking at how their stories live in the food they make and the spaces they create together.

The event will be held on Sunday May 2 from 5-9 p.m. at the Association of Chinese Americans Community Center. That’s at 32585 Concord Drive in Madison Heights. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on upcoming events check out their website: risingvoicesaaf.org. 

Rising Voices is also looking to hire a Community Navigator. The role is a full time, hybrid position for one year with the possibility of extending the position.

The Community Navigator will help connect community members to legal resources, mutual aid, and essential support. Lived experience, organizing, or volunteer work is welcome. Training will be provided.

Ford Fireworks nominated for national recognition

The Parade Company announced that USA Today has nominated the Ford Fireworks as one of the best places in the country to see fireworks this summer. The show is recognized as one of the largest of its type in the country. The public can vote online daily.

Voting ends on May 11 at 11:59 p.m.. The Ford Fireworks will be held on Detroit’s riverfront on Monday June 22. 

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

The Move Detroit coalition has launched two programs aimed at increasing the city’s population.

The first is the Make Detroit Home program, a grant program offering financial incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to bring their small businesses—and their residence—back to the city.    

The program has $500,000 it can give away in forms of grants and other financial incentives.   

Move Detroit CEO Hillary Doe says they are hoping to target new and returning Detroiters to the city.   

“Then for the kind of returning Detroiters and the new Detroiters, the eligibility there is that your intention is to, you know, bring your residence back home. You know that you want to become a resident of our great city here, and then you can get access to those benefits, including things like up to $1,000 in relocation.”  

The second is the Neighborhood Ambassador Program that seeks to nominate 100 Detroiters to help shape the city’s growth strategy.   

Doe says program’s goal is to influence people to move to the city with stories and experiences shared from current residents.  

“To help share their favorite local haunts, their favorite small business owners. Share stories and really be our storytellers. To share, you know, Detroit story with our city, our region and you know the country.”  

Applications to nominate a resident is open. The 100 ambassadors will be chosen in June.   

Additional headlines for Thursday, April 9, 2026

New strategies to enforce safe housing

Detroit’s laws, health, and building safety departments are increasing enforcement strategies to ensure safe and quality housing for renters.   

The effort is anchored in three coordinated actions, joint inspections between the health and safety departments, initiating court-enforced consent agreements for properties with known persistent issues and placing liens on chronically blighted properties.   

The Building Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) has identified 60 apartment buildings with ongoing maintenance issues.  

BSEED Director David Bell says the city has reached a turning point. “Apartment buildings in this city where violations pile up, repairs never happen, and families are left in conditions that no one should ever have to tolerate. This has to stop.”  

Bell says the goal is to increase certificates of compliance from 14% to 35% in a year.  

Workshop to tell the stories of Southwest Detroit

The University of Michigan’s School of Social Work’s Engage Project is hosting a workshop called “Detroit Voices Southwest Oral History Project.” The workshop will focus on exploring the power of community storytelling and oral history. 

Participants will learn how to document their communities stories, preserve lived experiences, and use story telling as a way to foster dialogue and collective action.

The event will be held this Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mexicantown Community Development Center at 2835 Bagley in Detroit. Registration is not needed and lunch will be provided.  

Chevrolet Malibu recall

General Motors is recalling more than a quarter-million Chevrolet Malibus to fix their rearview cameras.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the way GM mounted the cameras could expose them to moisture that can weaken the adhesives holding them in place. That can cause distorted or blank images, increasing the risk of a crash.

The automaker says it’s not aware of any crashes or injuries. It will replace the cameras at no charge. 

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

Governor Whitmer signed an executive order allowing higher vapor fuels to be sold in southeast Michigan until July 1. The move allows the cheaper winter gas blend to be sold for the next three months. 

High vapor gas helps cars run smoothly when it’s cold outside. It’s less expensive to make, but worse for the environment. 

Whitmer hopes allowing it will lower prices at the pump amid the ongoing war in Iran. 

But GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says there’s no guarantee that the higher vapor mix will make it to consumers. 

“Even with a waiver… refineries have generally already made a transition over to cleaner… more expensive blends of gasoline for the summer. So even if Michigan allows it… that doesn’t mean refineries are going to go back to producing something different.” 

If refineries do revert to winter blend, DeHaan says it could lower gas prices by around 5 to 7 cents per gallon. 
 
AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $3.86 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas this morning. That’s about 20 cents cheaper than it was last week. 

Additional headlines for April 3, 2026

DPSCD seeks student influencers

Detroit Public School Community District is now employing Student Influencers in their on going effort to grow enrollment. 23 students will be hired to share positive messages about their schools.

To apply, current students must make a 60 second Reel about themselves and submit it via direct message to DPSCD’s Instagram account. For more information visit the district’s account on Instagram, under the handle detroitk12.

Detroit Music Hall screens ‘Dream Girls’

This weekend Detroit Music Hall will host a special screening of the movie “Dream Girls.” It’s the 20th anniversary of the film releasing and the 45th anniversary of the Broadway show.

The screening will be hosted by actress Raven-Symone and will also feature special live performance from Jennifer Holiday, who played Effie in the Broadway performance.

Tickets are on sale now at the Music Hall Box Office and Ticketmaster. The screenings will be on April 4 at 7:00 p.m. and April 5 at 3:00 p.m. 

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.

A new report from the Detroit Regional Chamber is ringing the alarm with warnings that the house is on fire.

The report states that despite the resurgence of the City of Detroit the region itself is declining in national rankings of key economic areas, including per capita income education and population growth.

Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah says Michigan has fallen further and faster in key metric areas than any other state in the country. He spoke with WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley about the issue.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity

Sandy Baruah, CEO of Detroit Regional Chamber: The state of Michigan and the Detroit region both really need to understand where we are in terms of our national peers. It’s hard to get where you’re going if you don’t know where we are, and our polling shows that Michiganians believe that Michigan is essentially dead average in key metrics such as our K-12 performance, our per capita income, our unemployment rate, our ability to attract high tech jobs. The percentage of our adults in our society that have a college degree, they think we’re dead average, but in reality, in most of those categories, we’re in the bottom 10, and we have to turn this around.

Bre’Anna Tinsley, WDET: Where do you think that disconnect is coming from?

SB: To be perfectly candid, I don’t think anyone has told the Michigan public where we really stand.

We have been dropping pretty dramatically since the year 2000. For example, as recently as the year 2000 we were a top 20 state for per capita income,  we were a top 20 state for fourth grade reading and K-12 performance. In both those categories, we’re now in the bottom 10.

So, we have fallen further and faster in some of these key metrics than any other state in history. You know, Republicans will point to the Democrats, and Democrats will point to the Republicans, and we think that’s just all bunk, because this fall has occurred under Democrat and Republican governors. It’s fallen under Democrat and Republican legislators. It’s fallen under, you know, mixed government over time.

So, we need a bipartisan, long-term path forward if we’re really going to address this issue.

BT: So if it’s not a political issue, do we know what the actual cause for this decline is?

SB: Michigan, as a purple state, has a tendency to ping pong back and forth between different political, economic and education strategies in the old days, you know, the parties would find a way to compromise and and kind of create some long-term solutions.

In Michigan, what we do is we go from a kind of a Republican approach for a few years, and we go to a Democratic approach for a few years.

We shift economic development strategies, we shift education strategies and the ping ponging back and forth, the inconsistency has not allowed us to really create a path forward, because successful change takes time. You can’t expect it in one legislative cycle or even one term as governor, it just doesn’t work that way.

BT: And so do you think that is the biggest change that needs to happen, or are there any other solutions that you have on how the state can improve?

SB: Well, I mean, certainly, you know, as a policy and economic development organization, the Detroit Regional Chamber certainly has our suggested solutions on various policy issues, but we really stress that what is desperately needed in the state of Michigan is the is the ceasing of the ping ponging policy back and forth between what you can call a  left policy or a right policy, because businesses won’t come here. They won’t invest, if one, they’re uncertain about what the policy environment is going to be. Businesses certainly won’t come here if we exacerbate the reputation that what was policy one year will be taken away the next year.

If we want to grow jobs, if we want to grow incomes, if we want to grow the percentage of people with post-secondary degrees, such as a four year degree or a community college degree or a skilled trade certificate, that’s just not going to happen if we just keep ping ponging back and forth.

BT: So the situation, though, is not all doom and gloom. There are some highlights in the state of Michigan, in the Detroit region, where exactly are we succeeding right now?

SB: There are areas right I mean, certainly when you look at some of the municipalities, the city of Detroit, obviously, is a shiny example that has been held up, not just nationally, but internationally, as the turnaround city really, of the globe. It would be hard to think of a place that’s been more celebrated over the last decade than the City of Detroit for all that has happened, but also places like Grand Rapids, they’ve been on a 25-year growth and development trajectory. Kalamazoo has been on a long-term growth trajectory.

The second is that we are an innovation powerhouse. What we’re not good at, however, is really capitalizing on our innovation that occurs from our universities, Michigan, Michigan State, Wayne State and Michigan Tech and in attracting even more new high level young talent that will start jobs, start new companies. You know, that is a huge plus.

And then, thirdly, we have all of these new innovation nodes being developed, Michigan central new lab, the University of Michigan Innovation Center, the Dan Gilbert Health Innovation Center on Gratiot. I mean, these are all amazing new innovation centers.

The Belle Isle Casino has reopened for the first time since 2023. The Belle Isle Conservancy and the Department of Natural Resources closed the historic structure for $4.75 million in repairs to the interior and infrastructure.

The casino was one of the first structures build on Belle Isle, originally opening in 1887. But it doesn’t look like a traditional casino.

Amanda Treadwell is an urban field planner with the Department of Natural Resources and helped manage the renovations.

She says the word casino comes from the Italian word “casa.”

“Meaning house or community space, and so that’s something that we are happy to celebrate again today by welcoming the public back here,” Treadwell said.

The casino functions as a gathering space, and is often rented out for events such as weddings, birthday parties, and more.

Improvements to the building included repairs to structural beams, adding ADA-accessible walkways, and restoring the stained-glass ceiling on the second floor.

WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley spoke with Amanda Treadwell about the project.

Interview has been edited for length and clarity

Bre’Anna Tinsley: Can you talk a little bit about some of the changes and the upgrades that were made? You were talking about some stained glass that’s on the second floor.

Amanda Treadwell: Well, there’s been quite a bit of deferred maintenance for this building. So we really worked from the rooftop. Literally threw down the gutters, down spouts into the basement, did a lot of work stabilizing the building and keeping it weather tight, but we did do a lot of interior finishes as well.

And like you mentioned, one of that was the stained-glass medallion that’s on the second floor. It’s a beautiful stained-glass piece surrounded by clear glass, and it’s you can even see it in this first floor. There’s the glass ceiling below that.

Back in 2020 we were noticing that some of the glass was coming separated from the lead, and so to preserve it, all the pieces were taken out. They were all taken apart and releaded or put back together, and then those panels were replaced.

Fun fact for people visiting the casino is that that corrugated clear glass and the panels around it, our artisan was looking all around for that glass, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois. We couldn’t find a match, and at that time, we were looking working on the design for the conservatory dome reglazing project, and we said, “You know what? That looks just like the glass we have a whole storeroom full of … in the conservatory. Let’s check it out.” And it was a match. So it was kind of neat that we were able to repurpose it that way. And as you might know, the dome has all new tempered glass now, so it was nice to be able to keep some.

BT: So what are we hoping the DNR is hoping to see happen with this building now in the future, now that it’s restored?

AT: Expect more community, public and private events here, so can reach out to our events folks, and they can help you plan your celebration weekly, the events planner would come and say, “When is this going to wrap up?” Because she had, like, a long waiting list of people who had been looking forward to having their weddings and reunions.

Here, it’s such a beautiful space and has a gorgeous view of the skyline of Detroit and the river. So it’s a real special place.

The state of Michigan and the city of Romulus have filed a lawsuit seeking to block a proposed ICE detention center near Detroit Metro Airport. The lawsuit states that ICE failed to consult Michigan officials and didn’t consider alternative buildings, such as existing prisons.

Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement a warehouse is not an appropriate place for a large scale detention center. The lawsuit comes after Nessel wrote a letter demanding that ICE halt the project and filed a FOIA request to see records on the purchase and plans for the warehouse. 

Additional headlines from Thursday, March 26, 2026

 FORCE Detroit starts flag football league

FORCE Detroit, a community violence intervention (CVI) organization, is hosting an activation for the newly launched CVI Athletics Program.

The program is starting a youth flag football league with Detroit PAL and Detroit’s Occupy the Summer initiative. The league will have two age divisions: ages 11-13 and ages 14-17.

The event is being held Friday, March 27 from 6-8 p.m. at the Chandler Park Fieldhouse Dome. 

Sacred Paths of India tour

The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a Sacred Paths of India Bus Tour. The tour will take participants to three houses of worship for the Jain, Hindu, and Sikh faiths. The tour aims to explore the traditions and experiences of each faith community.

Each location will showcase how the religious traditions are practiced today and explore the meaning behind the sacred spaces and rituals.

Tickets are $90 and include a seat on the bus, all three faith experiences and lunch. Seating is limited. The tour is on April 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 Reparation Generation open house

The non-profit group Reparation Generation is hosting a virtual house meeting on Tuesday, April 14 at 8 p.m. The meeting will discuss what they call their “reparations in action” approach, the broader reparation movement, and ways to engage.

The group holds these meetings every other month to share the mission and goal of the organization.

To register visit reparationgeneration.org/events. 

 Bold Women Summit

Non Profit BasBlue is celebrating five years with the 2026 Bold Women Summit on March 31. The summit title is “The Power of Us: Celebrating Women Shaping the Future” and will feature keynote conversations with fashion designer Tracy Reese and Motown Museum CEO Robin Terry.

Since BasBlue launched in 2021, the organization has more than 600 members, with 125 participating annually in its Trailblazer Scholarship program.

For more information visit basblueus.com/summit.

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

About 10,000 registered nurses at Corewell Health East hospitals voted to authorize a strike, saying they have been unable to negotiate their first contract despite months of bargaining with the hospital system. Nearly 90% of members voted for the strike. 

Members are asking for better nurse-to-patient ratios, wage increases, affordable health insurance coverage and improved workplace safety. The nurses voted to unionize in November 2024 and began negotiations in June 2025.

They are represented by Teamsters Local 2024 and work at Corewell Health East hospitals in Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe, Royal Oak, Trenton, Troy, Wayne, and Southfield. 

In a statement, a Corewell spokesperson says it has already agreed to raise wages. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, March 19, 2026

Detroit block club meeting

Detroit is having a city-wide block club meeting. The Department of Neighborhoods is inviting all Detroit neighbors, community leaders, and block clubs to engage with city leaders. The event will be held Tuesday March 24 at the Northwest Activities Center. The event runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00. Residents and community leaders can find resources and meet with various city departments. 

Digital marketing seminar

The Arab American Women’s Business Council is hosting a Digital Marketing, SEO, and AI Seminar. Learn about business strategies, search engine optimization, AI tools and tips for running an effective digital campaign.

The seminar is open to all. It will be held March 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 13846 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. Tickets are $25. 

Interfaith Leadership Council hosts workshop

The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a workshop called “Bridging the Divide: From Division to Belonging.” The workshop focuses on exploring practical ways to find connection with people, understanding the need for belonging and nurturing community.

The event will be held Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at Madonna University Welcome Center in Livonia. Tickets are $35. 

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

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority says there will be a $5.75 toll for cars crossing the Gordie Howe International Bridge. That’s $4.25 cheaper than the Ambassador Bridge. 

Commercial trucks, oversized and larger passenger vehicles will be charged $8.90 cents per-axle. There will also be discount passes available for frequent crossers. The so-called “Breakaway” program will offer 25% cheaper tolls for passenger vehicles, while trucks receive more than 20% off. 

The Gordie Howe Bridge still has no opening date, but officials say plans to open it early this year remain on-track, despite President Trump threatening to block the span from opening last month. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Measles in Michigan 

Health officials are reporting Michigan’s first measles case of 2026. The Detroit Free Press says an adult who had traveled to Florida exposed people in various locations in Wayne and Washtenaw counties between March 4 and 8.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. Officials say anyone who is not vaccinated is likely to get ill if exposed.

Measles rates are on the rise across the country as vaccination rates are declining. 

Preventing sexual abuse in church

The Archdiocese of Detroit announced a plan to prevent sexual abuse in church. The Detroit News reports new policies include fingerprinting clergy and volunteers who work with children and appointing a monitor for those removed from ministry who will coordinate with law enforcement.

Archbishop Edward Weisenburger announced the initiative in a pastoral letter posted to the archdiocese website Wednesday.

Belle Isle Casino reopens on 313 Day

Belle Isle Conservancy is hosting a full day of free activities for 313 Day, including the reopening of the Belle Isle Casino. The casino has been closed since 2023 for infrastructure upgrades thanks to $4.75 million in relief funding.

The 313 Day events are also part of the Conservancy’s rebrand for the island. The Belle Isle Aquarium, Nature Center, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum will have extended hours. The Music On Belle Isle Group is also hosting activities under the Flynn Pavilion form 3-7 p.m.

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

Round three of Detroit’s Down Payment Assistance Program launched today. 

The program offers up to $25,000 in down payment assistance and homebuyer education and counseling. The program has already help 794 residents purchase their first homes. This round is expected to help nearly 450 more first-time homebuyers.  

Mayor Mary Sheffield says often the biggest barrier to homeownership is not the mortgage but the down payment.

She says when residents own their homes the entire community benefits.  “It also strengthens our communities, our neighborhoods, and home ownership helps stabilize our neighborhoods. As residents takes pride in their homes, they invest in their blocks, and they help build stronger communities.” 

Sheffield says the program will prioritize households that were impacted by the 2023 flood disaster.   

Additional headlines for Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Rapper Tee Grizzly builds apartments

Rapper Tee Grizzly is planning to build an apartment building in the Brush Park Neighborhood. Named Wallace Estates, the building will have 37 units made up of mainly studios and one-bedrooms with about five two-bedroom units. Around 20% of the units will be held at below market rents.  

The $12 million development will be a block away from Woodward and walking distance from Little Caesars Arena.

The development is scheduled to go before the Historic District Commission today for design approval. If approved, construction will start in late summer.  

Nino Salvaggio market opens in Wayne County

Locally owned Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace is opening its first store in Wayne County today. It’s the fifth location in metro Detroit for the chain.

The 48,000 square foot grocer will be located on Schoolcraft College campus in Livonia. The store will include an indoor-outdoor café and a classroom intended for student instruction and public enrichment courses.  

Black family wellness

The non-profit Metro Detroit Chapter of the Links, Incorporated is hosting the 2026 Black Family Wellness Expo next Saturday, March 21 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center.

The free community event will include free health screenings, wellness education for the entire family, and voter registration opportunities.

St. Patty’s parade

Detroit’s 68^th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade kicks off this Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m. in Corktown. The parade will start at Sixth Street and will travel down Michigan Avenue. The parade is expected to attract nearly 100,000 attendees, according to its website.

St. Patrick’s day is March 17.

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

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering paying parents, giving away bikes, and providing gas cards for carpools in an effort to end chronic absenteeism. 

Last year the district launched a program that allowed high school students to earn up to $1,000 for perfect attendance. The new financial incentives would be offered to families of kindergarten to second grade students in neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of poverty.

The idea is still being workshopped among DPSCD board members. 

Additional headlines from Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Sea wall repair program

Detroit is launching a $1 million sea wall repair program in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood. The project will repair or replace sea walls along canals fed by the Detroit River.

The program is prioritizing 15-20 properties and could help remove the neighborhood from FEMA’s flood hazard map. A survey in 2025 found 70% of the neighborhood’s waterfront properties have sea walls in fair or poor conditions.

Once properties are selected, construction is expected to continue through 2027. Applications are underway online or through the phone by calling 313-628-2232. 

New parks over I-75

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is moving forward with plans to build three large park caps over I-75 between Third Avenue and Brush Street. The caps will reconnect neighborhoods to the downtown area that were separated by the highway.

Officials say the project will also improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, reduce highway noise, and create new public gathering spaces. Plans are currently undergoing a feasibility study that will run through 2026, with construction possibly starting between 2026 and 2028. Officials are gathering public input before final recommendations are made. 

Detroit Tigers and Red Wings launch sports network

The owners of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings have created a regional sports network to broadcast their games. Detroit SportsNet will carry the Tigers on cable, satellite, and streaming platforms this season. Red Wings games will continue to be available on FanDuel Sports for the rest of this season and will switch to the new network next season.

Both teams and many others across the country are terminating their deals with FanDuel’s parent company because it failed to make scheduled payments for the rights to carry their games. 

Gas prices

Gasoline prices rose by almost 14 cents per gallon overnight. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of almost $3.13 cents for the cheapest grade of gas this morning. It was about $2.99 yesterday. The average price in metro Detroit rose from $3.03 a gallon yesterday to $3.13 today. 

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

A new affordable housing project celebrated its grand opening this week. The Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village on Detroit’s eastside holds 50 units designed to help homeless and disabled veterans.

Vouchers from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Detroit Housing Commission will guarantee rents at 30 percent of the resident’s income. Building amenities include a media room, common dining room and kitchen, exercise room, and an exclusive outdoor dog park.

The complex was named after Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., the Army’s first African American general and a trailblazer who helped lay the foundation for the integration of the U.S. military. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026

Water bills increase 

Metro Detroiters will pay higher water bills next year. The Great Lakes Water Authority’s board of directors voted to raise rates by an average of almost 6 percent. Customers would pay about 4 percent more on average for wastewater service. The agency says it needs the money to fix aging infrastructure and reduce water main breaks. 

Project Clean Slate earns $200,000 grant 

Detroit’s Project Clean Slate has received a 200-thousand-dollar grant from the Michigan Justice Fund…allowing the program to run for another 2 years. Project clean slate helps Detroiters with legal services for expungement of eligible criminal convictions. The service has expunged more than 19 thousand records. PCS expects the grant to allow for another ten thousand expungements.  

Detroit Women of Comedy Festival searches for acts 

The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival is looking for comedy acts for this year’s show. Organizers are seeking acts of all kinds such as stand up, improv, sketch, and more. The festival is inclusive of all genders and identities.

The mission of the event is to celebrate and elevate women, trans, and non-binary comedy makers in the metro Detroit area. The festival will be held at Planet Ant Theater on May 15 and 16. For more information about submitting an act, email DWCFsubmissions@gmail.com.  

State of Highland Park

The City of Highland Park has announced the date Mayor Glenda McDonald will give the State of the City address. The mayor will give a public update to residents on Wednesday, March 18 from 6-7p.m. New Grace Missionary Baptist Church will host the event at 25 Ford Street. 

Detroit Disability teach in

Detroit Disability Power is hosting a “teach-in” in March, focused on threats to immigrants and people with disabilities. 

Care not Cages: Meeting the Moment with Disabled Detroiters will take place over 2 days – the March 13  event will focus on context; March 20 will be centered around action.

The event is free and dinner is provided.  

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

February is Black History Month and WDET’s Detroit Evening Report has collected Black history stories from listeners.

We’re sharing the story of Walter Greene Sr., one of the first Black politicians in Detroit and Walter Greene Jr., who was a Buffalo Soldier during World War II.

WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley spoke with Walter Greene III, also known as Trey. He starts by explaining Greene Sr.’s role as a ward constable in the City of Detroit.

The following interview was edited for length and clarity.

Trey Greene: At the time that the state hadn’t figured out some of the relationships between the city and the county and the state. And so it was, in effect, the person who went and served warrants and actually evicted people on behalf of landlords and maintained order for it on behalf of the County, besides what the police department was doing. His ward number was number seven.

One of the interesting things about it was that Black Bottom, at the time he got here, was beginning probably what was it ended up being its most rapid change, and he ran and won in a ward in 1931 that was Jewish predominantly, but that was becoming Black rapidly. And he was light skinned enough that, depending on what kind of photograph you used in the campaign, I’m sure there were many, many Jewish people who thought they were voting for a Jewish guy named Greene to be ward constable. And didn’t have any particular problems that where they’d have to deal with him, where they needed to know the difference and to get involved with it.

So, he ended up being elected seven times. In that sense, I think he’s probably one of Michigan’s most successful Black politicians in history.

Bre’Anna Tinsley: I want to move on to your father, Walter Greene, Jr. So clarify for me, your father was a Buffalo Soldier?

TG: That’s correct, the Buffalo Soldiers were the troops that the United States Army decided they needed to keep in service after the Civil War was over.

During the Civil War, one of the facts that people are not very well aware of is that the number of Negro troops, 180,000 of them for the North in the Civil War, ended up being the thing that turned the war. Abraham Lincoln finally had to concede that that was the case after he had not accepted the advice of Frederick Douglass to do it. But ultimately, when Robert Smalls also said, ‘you need to allow us to help fight this war,’ well, that turned the war around in just, you know, a few months. Then they decided they needed to keep a small number of Negro troops in the army.

When the Civil War was over, those ultimately came became two infantry regiments and two cavalry regiments, and they mostly served out west to engage in oppressing the Indigenous people. Which is a whole ironic, weird thing that nobody ever talks about in this country. But the way, of course, we treated the people who were here first has been and continues to be unfair. And in the way America works, you get the Black folks to do the dirtiest of the work one way or another.

BT: Did your father share any of the stories of what led to his promotion to Second Lieutenant?

TG: Well, one of the things that had to happen was he had to go to Fort Custer first, to be trained as a soldier at all. Then later after that, to be sent down to what was called Fort Benning in Georgia, to Officer Candidate School. One of the signal things of that is being on the train from Detroit on your way to the South, and the train stops in Cincinnati, so that before you go across the river, everybody black who might be sitting in any car that they could afford to pay for on the train has to move to a black car to drive over into Kentucky.

And because he had not grown up with Jim Crow at all, that was some of the first of his exposure to American Jim Crow. And then he got down to Georgia, and he managed to get through Officer Candidate School.

But from then on, through the rest of the war, he was in trouble all the time, because so much of the stuff that is involved with Jim Crow is so backward, so awkward, so stupid, so nonsensical, that if you’re not skilled at it, quote-unquote, you’re going to be making little mistakes. And he was the kind of guy making mistakes all the time and being accused of being a troublemaker.

BT: I have the book that you left for me earlier with your father and your grandfather on the cover of it. Actually, can you talk a little bit about that particular book and how that photo came to be on that cover?

TG: Yes, it’s a wonderful book. It’s published by the Johns Hopkins University, and it we have it because a guy named Robert Jefferson, who’s a very senior member of the history faculty out at the University of New Mexico and now was hired at Wayne State as he finished his doctorate at Michigan. And I happened to be in a position to have seen his paperwork before being hired here at Wayne and to call the History Department to tell the guy to come see me, since his book was about my dad’s unit during World War II, that I’d like to meet him and welcome him to Detroit.

And he finished his dissertation and finished everything that went into the creation of that book, and used the photo on the cover of our family in 1943 when my dad was home, before he went to Arizona, before he went to the South Pacific for the war.

BT: Was there specific mentions of your father in the book?

TG: No, the book is really about the things going on at home, including, for instance, my mom having to go out to Arizona and California to be with her husband before he went overseas during the war, and lots and lots of disruptions like that. But I recommend that book to everybody, Professor Robert Jefferson, and the title of the book is “Fighting for Hope: [African American Troops of] the 93rd Division in World War II [and Postwar America].”

The Detroit Police Department told city council Tuesday that the department does not participate in immigration enforcement. 

City Council questioned the department about how and if it provides any support to ICE after reports of officers working alongside Customs and Border Patrol. First Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald told the council the department is not in the immigration business. 

“We have, obviously, a city ordinance for bias-based policing. We have our own policy for bias-based policing. We have special orders that we do not unless there is an absolute nexus to a violent crime. We’re not in the immigration business, and even then, I’ll tell you, if it’s connected to a violent crime, we shouldn’t care.” 

Police Chief Todd Bettison has said recently he plans to fire two officers who used Customs and Border Protection for assistance during traffic stops, which is against DPD policy. 

Council Member Santiago Romero says she is speaking with the mayor about establishing a hotline for residents to call if they are concerned about DPD working with ICE 

Additional headlines for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Green Grocer ribbon cutting

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation’s Green Grocer Program had its first ribbon cutting this week since the program relaunched in 2024. Kandies sandwich shop will now feature a mini mart that will sell fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, and other grocery items.

Owner Jacquisha Blackwell received a $25 Green Grocer grant to purchase refrigeration, shelving, and upgrade electrical systems. The Green Grocer program has generated more than $50 million in investment during its first phase between 2010 and 2017, supporting more than 40 grocery stores. 

DOJ investigates sex-ed classes

The Justice Department is investigating the Detroit Public Schools and two other Michigan districts. Prosecutors want to know if the schools teach sexual orientation and gender-related topics in their classes without giving parents the choice to remove their kids from such lessons.

The DOJ says that would violate federal law and subject the districts to lawsuits and a loss of federal funding. The department has also sent warning letters to the Lansing School District and the Wyoming Godfrey-Lee public schools in west Michigan. 

I-94 construction begins

Construction on I-94 near Detroit Metro Airport has begun between Romulus and Dearborn. Traffic will be reduced to one or two lanes in each direction beginning this summer. The $353 million rebuild is expected to wrap up in mid-2029. 

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

Non-profit organization Black Leaders Detroit is known for its mission to provide access to capital for Black entrepreneurs. Now the group is extending those services to developers in the city. The program is a response to residents’ complaints of seeing development in the downtown area, but not in the neighborhoods.  

Dwan Dandridge is the CEO of Black Leaders Detroit. He says the goal is to make sure Detroiters who have stayed in the city for generations can benefit from the city’s resurgence.  

“We are aware that there have been and there are others that desire to be developers, that want to take on the challenge of making sure that development is happening in the neighborhoods. So, we’re just looking to empower them, right? Because the capital is missing in that space.” 

The program offers zero-interest loans of up to $150,000 to rehabilitate a single family homes or up to four-unit multifamily property. The loan is only open to developers looking to invest in Detroit neighborhoods.   

Dandridge says there are restrictions put in place to help protect neighborhoods from speculators looking to take advantage of the program.  

“One of the requirements is that you either completed the project and brought it to a finish, to finish at least one and meaning that property is renovated. It’s either you sold it or you’re renting it out currently, and if you have not completed at least one project, you’ve gone through Building Community Values program that’s put on by Chase Cantrell.” 

Dandridge says one of the ways the organization raises support for the program is through donations. The group is looking for people who wish to donate one dollar a week to support the program. Dandridge says he hopes to reach 1 million people to make that commitment.   

For more information visit blackleadersdetroit.org. Applications for the loans open on April 1.  

Additional headlines for Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

Henry Ford Museum celebrates Black History Month

The Henry Ford is celebrating Black History Month with the theme “A Century of Black History Commemoration.” The museum has a series of events including a guided tour called “Three Cheers for Black History” which shares the untold stories of Black innovators. Visitors can also see the Equality exhibit, which tells the story of the first African Americans to compete in the national spelling bee.

There will also be a Black entrepreneurs vendor market that is free to the public, as well as multiple author talks on books on Harriet Tubman and the Civil War. Visit thf.org for all special events and programming.  

The Hustle returns

The Detroit Historical Society is launching its second round of The Hustle, a community engagement and exhibition program. The program was designed to spotlight Black entrepreneurs through photography, oral interviews, exhibits and more.

The society is looking for nominations from the community on who to spotlight next. Visit detroithistorical.org/hustle to nominate a business or business owner. Nominations will close on April 26.  

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

Candidates for Governor of Michigan gathered on Friday for a forum with the Michigan Education Association.

The forum covered topics including funding, teacher recruit and retention, and improving services that could relieve pressure from educators such as mental health services and childcare.

Both Democrat candidates in attendance, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genessee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, have backgrounds in education.

Focus on funding

Jocelyn Benson is building her education platform on starting teachers’ salaries at $60,000 a year and removing what she calls a one size fits all funding model for schools.

“The goal is to make sure it’s equitable, that it’s designed to invest in the unique needs of what an Alpena student needs versus what a Muskegon student needs. And you’ve got to build it with educators at the center of the table in figuring out what that funding is,” Benson said.

She added providing services outside of schools such as daycare and affordable healthcare can help increase teacher recruitment and retention.

Chris Swanson agreed that raising salaries would build retention rates among teachers and attract the highest quality talent. He also suggested a 2-year budget for education instead of an annual to avoid starting the school year without funding, as the state did this school year when the state budget hung in limbo.

“You saw what happened last year where July 1 hit it wasn’t signed federally to July 4, and nothing kicked off until the fall,” Swanson said. “That is unfair for you trying to figure out how you’re going to build your curriculum and have the resources to do what you need to do.”

Curriculum first

Republican Candidate and former Attorney General Mike Cox stressed accountability among decision makers on what curriculum is important needed to be addressed before any more money is allocated.

“We had a third-grade reader law, right that every child had to be able to read by the end of third grade, and we threw that away. There are 26 states across the country that require that,” Cox said. “We were 31st in fourth grade reading. We’re now 48th you know, when you throw away accountability, you’re just throwing away money, and more importantly, you’re squandering children’s lives.”

Less government involvement

Independent candidate and former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is building his platform on returning $1.3 billion, he claimed was reallocated from schools by both parties over past three governor administrations.  He also vowed to end what he calls “Yo-yo school standards,” where curriculum is often changed under a new administration. Duggan said educators should be the ones designing the curriculum, not politicians.

“I don’t think the average person realizes that most of these decisions they’ve changed the reading curriculum twice in the last four years. Legislature has is that the legislature is making decisions on curriculum, ” Duggan said.

Schools threatened by ICE

As Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence grows around  the country, Michiganders are concerned about ICE targeting schools.

Cox believes that the conversation around ICE is a mere side show, asking the educators in the room “What does Donald Trump have to do with your salaries? What does Donald Trump have to do with student performance in your classrooms?”

Cox went on to claim that ICE has not targeted any Michigan school. In early January this year there have been reports of ICE agents targeting parents at school bus drop off sites.

Duggan took the stance that local police agencies are unable to interfere with federal enforcement. He said that by law, if ICE is looking for a person that the Detroit Police Department has in their custody, they honor the detainer and release the person into ICE custody. Duggan claims the alternative would be to release the person of interest in the street and risk ICE going in the neighborhoods and increasing fear among residents.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she’s not afraid to stand up to the President.

“The next Governor of Michigan must have and demonstrate that they will the moral courage, that I have as Secretary of State, to protect the young people, the educators, every resident of every community in this state, no matter what type of tactic the bully in the White House tries to bring to our communities,” Benson said.

Sheriff Swanson condemned the actions of ICE, calling it bad law enforcement. He said as governor he would demand that schools are off limits to ICE.

“When you talk about the most one of the most sacred places a kid could go to feel safe, That’s not a place to do that type of law enforcement. Not at all,” Swanson said.

The primary election for governor of Michigan is Aug. 4. 

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.

Detroit Dog Rescue is looking for families to foster dogs for two weeks to protect them from the bitter cold. The shelter and many veterinary boarding facilities are full. As temperatures plummet for the next few days more dogs are expected to die from the cold than survive.

The rescue is looking specifically to house medium to large sized pitbull-type dogs. The dogs are temperament tested, and mostly potty trained. The shelter will provide everything needed, including food and medical care. To learn more or to apply to foster, visit DetroitDogRescue.com. 

Additional headlines for Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026

New grant for small businesses

The City of Detroit and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation announced a new grant fund to help small businesses improve tech systems. The Rocket Community Fund will provide backing for the program. 

The program will award $1,000 grants to 140 Detroit-based micro-businesses with 10 or fewer employees and under $500 thousand in annual revenue. Grants can be used to purchase hardware, software, AI, or other technology tools.  

School bus safety

Enforcement of Dearborn’s School Bus Stop-Arm Safety program with Bus Patrol will begin on Monday. Drivers who fail to stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended will be issued a $250 civil infraction for the first offense and a $500 civil infraction for any additional offenses within one year.

Under state law, motorists are required to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when lights are flashing and must remained stopped until the bus resumes motion or the lights are off. 

Leland resident fundraiser

The Detroit Tenants Union is hosting a fundraising event for Leland House residents. The event will take place Jan. 23 at PJ’s Lager House at 1254 Michigan Avenue. Doors open at 8 p.m.

The union is collecting monetary donations at the door and raffling off prizes. All proceeds will go directly to the Leland House residents who are still displaced from their homes.

More than two dozen residents were evacuated on Dec. 10 after a major electrical failure at the building.  

Value City bankruptcy

Value City Furniture is going out of business, and four metro Detroit stores are having sales. The store’s parent company American Signature Inc filed for bankruptcy and is closing all assets. All sales at the stores are final, with no refunds, exchanges, or gift cards accepted.

Locations include Sterling Heights, Taylor, Utica, and Westland.

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