In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we highlight a community sailing center that’s looking for help. Plus, a preview of this weekend’s sports and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Sailing center seeks assistance

The Detroit Community Sailing Center is looking for support for its youth programs. The center’s mission is to spread the joy of sailing to communities who otherwise may not have the opportunity.

For years, the Challenge the Wind youth sailing program has taught hundreds of youth to sail. Staff say increased rent at the Belle Isle Boathouse, hikes in insurance premiums and increased boat maintenance costs have created financial challenges for such programs. To help them continue these efforts, visit sailingdetroit.org.

Arab and Chaldean Festival returns

This weekend, the 52nd Arab and Chaldean Festival is taking place at Hart Plaza in Detroit. On Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from noon to midnight, the public is invited to a free, family-friendly event that features a variety of ethnic foods, a cultural gallery and impressive Middle Eastern live performances. There will also be folk dancers, kid-focused activities and a fashion show. This is the largest Arab and Chaldean-American cultural event in North America. To learn more, visit arabandchaldeanfestival.com.

Shinedown to perform at LCA

Multi-platinum rock band Shinedown is stopping by the Motor City today with a performance at Little Caesars Arena. They are celebrating their album, Dance, Kid, Dance, that debuted earlier this year. English rock band BUSH and singer-songwriter Morgan Wade will open up the show. For more information, go to visitdetroit.com.

Tigers v. Blue Jays

The Detroit Tigers continue to face the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at Comerica Park as part of a four-game weekend affair. The Tigers lost to the Blue Jays 11-4 in a tough match up where the Jays turned up and didn’t look back in the 6th inning. The Tigers are still on top of the American Central Division with 60 wins and 44 losses. The Blue Jays are on top of the American Central East with 61 wins and 42 losses. First pitch for today’s game is at 7:20 p.m.

DCFC v. Westchester

The Detroit City Football Club faces the Westchester Soccer Club as a part of the USL Cup at Keyworth Stadium on Saturday, July 26. They are currently ranked third in Group D with two wins and one loss. The game starts at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 2. For more information, visit detroitcityfc.com.

Public media loses federal funding

Government funding for public media has been eliminated. That means WDET will lose $500,000 in cash and in-kind support for 2026. If you believe in fact-based journalism, community voices and music with depth — now’s the time to stand up for it.

Become one of the 1,000 additional members we need to close the gap. You’ll be supporting programs like The Detroit Evening Report. Give now at wdet.org/support.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Judge blocks Real Token from collecting rent on blighted Detroit properties

A Wayne County Circuit Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order against real estate investment firm Real Token, blocking them from collecting rent on hundreds of Detroit homes until the properties meet city codes.

The order is tied to the city’s largest public nuisance lawsuit in history. Detroit filed the suit earlier this month, citing blight violations at more than 400 residential properties owned by Real Token.

Detroit Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett says tenants will soon be instructed to pay rent into an escrow account starting in August.

“We will be doing direct door-to-door outreach, and will have specific direction for the tenants as to where their rent money should go in the next seven days,” Mallett said.

Paying into the escrow, he says, will protect tenants from eviction due to nonpayment.

The restraining order also blocks Real Token from pursuing evictions at any property without a certificate of compliance. The company was ordered to secure 58 vacant blighted homes and correct all code violations within 90 days.

Company owners Remy and Jean-Marc Jacobson released a statement blaming property managers for the conditions of the homes. Mallett dismissed that claim.

“These properties are in such a degraded state that there is no way that interested owners, no matter whom they farmed out the responsibility to, would not know that their tenants are living in substandard housing.”

Since filing the suit, the city has identified an additional 130 Real Token properties that also lack certificates of compliance.

Uber launches women-only ride option in Detroit

Uber is piloting a new feature in select cities, including Detroit, that allows women to match only with female drivers. Riders will be able to select the option when scheduling or ordering a ride on demand. Female drivers can also choose to accept only ride requests from women.

The change comes in response to Uber’s most recent safety report, which cited more than 2,500 cases of sexual assault and misconduct between 2021 and 2022.

Dearborn opens applications for women’s career program

Dearborn is now accepting applications for the second round of its WORKS program—short for Women’s Opportunity to Realize their Knowledge and Skills. The program is designed to help women gain employment and advance their careers.

Participants will receive financial literacy training, attend professional development workshops, and take part in an eight-week business boot camp. Applications are open through August 15, with the program launching in September. More information is available at dearborn.gov/BusinessResources.

People Mover station renamed as downtown redevelopment continues

The Detroit People Mover station once known for serving Joe Louis Arena is getting a new name: Water Square Station.

City officials say the name reflects the nearby development of hotels and luxury residences rising on the former arena site. The station will also provide access to the future Ralph C. Wilson Park, previously known as West Riverfront Park. Construction on the park is expected to wrap up later this year.