Over ten thousand people rallied in Detroit on Saturday for the No Kings Protest. 

The event started in Roosevelt Park in front of the Michigan Central Depot. Kassandra Rodriguez spoke at the rally. Rodriguez is with the Detroit Community Action Committee. She says many Latinx people stayed home. 

“A lot of them are very sacred, you know, they are view these big movements, big protests, as a place where they might get targeted. So its important, even more important that so many of us come out there and are able to like elevate their voices and share their stories.” 

Following the rally, protesters marched to the Customs and Border Protection field office in Downtown Detroit. The event was peaceful, although Detroit Police arrested one pro-Trump counterprotester. 

– Reporting by Russ McNamara 

Additional headlines from Monday, October 20, 2025

Microplastics awareness

Oct. 19 through Oct. 26 is Microplastics Awareness Week. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is inviting people to learn about the impact of microplastics, cleanups and prevention to reduce plastic use at home.

On Oct. 22  a free virtual Great Lakes Microplastics Summit will bring together scientists, policymakers and community members who will discuss microplastics and drinking water. 

For more details visit michigan.gov/egle 

MDHHS focuses on vaping during Fire Prevention Month

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recognizing Fire Prevention Month. Part of that is raising awareness about vaping play that creates fire risk along with health concerns. 

MDHHS is sharing resources to educate Michiganders about a variety of topics  including reducing fire risks from smoking materials and e-cigarettes, protecting residents from secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure and lowering cleaning and maintenance costs for home owners and renters. 

More tips can be found at michigan.gov/smokefreehousing.  

Business workshop

ProsperUs Detroit is hosting a Business 101 Workshop in Highland Park next week.

The in-person event will take place at Avalon Village at 24 Avalon Street, Highland Park, MI on Wednesday, Oct. 29th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Dearborn public health director awarded

The Dearborn Department of Health’s public health director Ali Abazeed, has been recognized as part of 40 under 40 in Public Health.

The award is given by de Beaumont Foundation and it is the first of its kind to recognize and elevate leaders in public health. It honors people who work in leadership and community impact across institution through health departments, universities, nonprofits or in the private sector. 

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.

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

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is joining the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to raise awareness for 988 day.

September 8 is dedicated to a national raising awareness for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It’s a 24/7 toll free hotline which connects people with local call centers to confidentially receive compassionate care and resources while people are going through emotional distress, including anxiety, depression or suicidal tendencies.

The hotline is open for people who may in distress with a call answer time of 13 seconds. People have made 261,000 calls to 9-8-8 from Michigan since the state opened its hotline in 2022.

Last year the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report found almost 23% of Michigan adults have a mental health illness.  People can also call in for a loved one.

The crisis center has services available in English and Spanish, with an additional language line providing services in 250 languages.  

Additional headlines for Monday September 8, 2025

Expungement clinic at the Mathis Community Center 

An expungement clinic is coming to Detroit next week.

People can participate in Project Clean Slate, a program which works with people to provide free in person assistance to clear criminal records, removing barriers for housing, employment and educational opportunities. The program aims to help people who have completed their sentences and have stayed out of legal trouble.  

Since its inception in Detroit in 2016, the program has expunged 15,000 convictions. The City of Detroit reports a 99.4 % success rate for the expungement of individuals who applied, with about 100 people denied.  

This expungement clinic will be held at the Mathis Community Center, located at 19300 Greenfield Road, Detroit, MI on September 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Judge Greg Mathis and attorney Jade Mathis are hosting the clinic.

The outdoor event is limited to Detroit residents. Photo ID is required.   

ProsperUs Detroit Family Block Party  

ProsperUs Detroit is hosting a Family Block Party this week. The event will feature free meals from five food trucks, activities and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, partners and neighbors.

The nonprofit works with entrepreneurs for economic development in the Detroit area.

The block party takes place on Wednesday at the Eastern Market Shed 5, between 5-8 p.m. ProsperUs Detroit expects about 400 people to attend.

Detroit X Dearborn Annual Block Party Next Saturday 9/13 

The Cities of Dearborn and Detroit are also hosting the fourth annual community block party next weekend.

The party takes place on Tireman and Miller Streets for neighbors from both cities. The event features bounce houses, vendor resource tables, and food trucks. There will also be activities and games.

The block party will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, between 12-3 p.m. 

Ethiopian New Year 

Konjo Me is hosting an event for Ethiopian New Year this weekend. The celebration will feature special guest Bryce Detroit joining Chef Helina Melaku… who will be hosting a ceremonial coffee service. The event will also feature dance and music.

The celebration will be held at Vesper Detroit on Saturday September 13 from 2-7 p.m.  Attendees are encouraged to RSVP.

If there is something happening in your neighborhood that you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org. 

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