Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a recent memorial for the late former Dearborn Mayor John O’Reilly Jr; Detroit’s efforts to find a social media influencer to help the city expand its digital engagement strategy and more.

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Community mourns former mayor

A memorial was held over the weekend for former Dearborn Mayor John O’Reilly Jr. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. O’Reilly served as mayor of Dearborn from 2007 to 2021. In 2022, Abdullah Hammoud was elected as the first Arab American and Muslim mayor of Dearborn, serving as the city’s seventh mayor. 

Detroit seeks influencers

The city of Detroit is looking for social media influencers and marketing companies to join its marketing team. The city’s Media Services Department is accepting bids as it expands its digital engagement strategy. To apply, visit detroitmi.gov/ocp and select “social media influencer” under bid opportunities. The deadline is Feb. 24.

 Detroit CPR & AED training

The Detroit Fire Department has trained 200 Detroit Public Schools Community District employees in CPR and using automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which help restart a heart that has stopped. It’s part of an effort to train more people under the state’s HEARTSafe Community designation. The city hopes to train 15% of the community in intervention and bystander training to help protect people with lifesaving interventions. 

New bus drivers graduate

A new batch of bus drivers just graduated from the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). The 45 certified Transportation Equipment Operators will begin transporting passengers in Detroit. The new batch of drivers is a part of an effort to expand DDOT’s driving force. 

SAFE group discontinued

The Council on American-Muslim Relations Michigan Chapter says they are concerned about the recent suspension of the University of Michigan student group Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE). The university alleged they violated standards of conduct. In December, several advocacy groups filed a lawsuit on behalf of SAFE and other pro-Palestnian student groups and alumni who have been protesting the university’s stance on divestment from funds going toward Israel in its recent war with Hamas. The lawsuit alleges violations of the freedom of speech and due process. CAIR-MI has designated the University of Michigan as a “university of particular concern.”  

Storytellers sought for Narratives of Pain showcase

If you’re feeling broken-hearted, there’s a place for you to share your story. The Narratives of Pain is a storytelling showcase created by psychologists and storytellers alike to give people a platform to share their stories in a non-judgmental space. The next showcase is themed around “Broken Hearts and Connections” on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Apothecary Espresso and Coffee Shop in Farmington. People who want to take part can contact organizer Zain Shamoon at zain.shamoon87@gmail.com.  

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