Eid Al-Adha starts Wednesday. The three-day holiday commemorates the sacrifices of the Prophet Ibrahim and marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

After the attack on a San Diego mosque earlier this month, Eid celebrations are a focus of heightened security and interfaith solidarity.

The Michigan Multifaith Clergy Rapid Response Network is inviting Christian clergy from across the state to gather outside the Dearborn Civic Center from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday to stand in solidarity with members of the Islamic faith.

The Rev. Shannon Jammal-Hollermans, an organizer of the event and pastor of First Congregational Church of Christ in Lowell, says Christians are called to show public support for the Muslim community at a time when anti-Muslim sentiment is high and could increase during election season.

A coalition of Muslim congregations has granted permission for the gathering. Christian clergy planning to attend are asked to register. 

Additional headlines for May 26, 2026

Study finds most Michigan firefighters have average PFAS blood levels

A Michigan Department of Health and Human Services study finds that most firefighters in the state have average levels of PFAS concentration in their blood.

Firefighters have been thought to be at greater risk of PFAS-related health effects because the chemicals are found in firefighting foam. However, the study indicates most Michigan firefighters have similar PFAS blood levels as the general population.

The data does show airport firefighters have significantly elevated PFAS blood levels compared to those who work at residential departments. MDHHS researchers say more work is needed to determine exactly why that is.

More than 1,000 firefighters from departments across Michigan were tested to compile the data.

Two candidates disqualified from Michigan’s 13th Congressional District race

The Wayne County Clerk has disqualified two candidates in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.

Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett says neither Democrat John Goci nor Republican Raphiel King gathered enough valid signatures to qualify for the August primary ballot.

That means incumbent Democrat Shri Thanedar’s only challenger will be state Rep. Donavan McKinney. The winner will face the only GOP contender, T.P. Nykoriak, in November.

Detroit’s Spirit Plaza reopens after renovations

After six months of construction, Detroit’s Spirit Plaza has officially reopened.

The downtown space underwent a $2.9 million renovation and celebrated its redesigned space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 23.

The plaza now includes a new playground, a covered stage, more green space and an improved seating area. An official grand opening will be held June 6.

In this episode

• Recap of the 2026 Democratic Endorsement Convention
• What stood out about the filing deadline?

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

According to the team, there were few surprises during this year’s filing deadline. One development that stood out to Oosting was Republican James Hooper entering the race against U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib.

“James Hooper announced that no one filed, so he was going to give it a go,” Oosting said. “It’s good for a candidate to have at least one challenger. Rashida Tlaib is a lock for reelection, but what if something happens?”

The 13th congressional district in Detroit probably had the biggest news with Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters jumping into the race to challenge Shri Tanadar. Oosting said Waters jumping in may take votes away from state Rep. Donavan McKinney who was already running. “For [McKinney] to be successful you need a small primary field. Mary Waters getting into the race complicates things”. 

The party primary elections will be held on August 4th. 

• More from WDET:
  MichMash: Michigan Democrats hold 2026 state endorsement convention
  
  MichMash: Will the Michigan Senate race forecast other critical races across the nation?
  
  Detroit Evening Report: Shri Thanedar questions validity of campaign signatures submitted by Adam Hollier

Candidates planning to run in Michigan’s August primary election had until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to file their paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office.  That includes a few new candidates who filed at the last minute.  

Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters filed to run in the Democratic primary for the 13^th Congressional District.  She faces incumbent Shri Thanedar, state Representative Donovan McKinney and realtor John Goci.  

The State Board of Canvassers still has to approve the candidates’ petition signatures before they can appear on the August primary ballot. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Leland House up for auction 

Downtown Detroit’s Leland House apartment building is up for auction.  The Detroit News reports that bidding for the building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will start next week.  

The Leland House was built in 1927 and served as a luxury hotel for many years, before being turned into an apartment complex.  Tenants were forced out of the building late last year, after the owner declared bankruptcy, and the city declared the building uninhabitable. 

Clean air hearing tonight 

Michigan regulators are holding a public hearing tonight to discuss metro Detroit’s air quality status.  Planet Detroit is reporting that state regulators want to declare that southeast Michigan is meeting federal ozone standards.  If approved, the action could weaken clean air standards in the area.  

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will hold the virtual meeting at 6 p.m. tonight.  You can call call 855-758-1310 to attend and use code 847 4896 8640  or you can join the meeting on Zoom.  

Pistons Game 2 preview 

The Detroit Pistons will try to rebound from a loss in their first game of the NBA playoffs.  The Orlando Magic beat them Sunday at Little Caesars Arena.  The Pistons brought the best regular season record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference to the playoffs, but that didn’t stop the Magic from taking the first game.  

Cade Cunningham had 39 points in the loss.  Game 2 in the nationally-televised best-of-seven series takes place at Little Caesars Arena tonight at 7 p.m. 

NFL Draft starts Thursday 

The Detroit Lions are making their final preparations for this week’s NFL Draft.  The team has the 17^th pick in the first round of the draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh.  

Football analysts suggest the Lions could use that pick to get an offensive lineman, edge rusher or cornerback.  The first round of the NFL draft starts at 8 p.m. Thursday.  The event will be televised live on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network. 

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