The cost of college isn’t just measured in tuition dollars. For many students, part of the challenge is navigating the maze to get there. This is especially true for young people who are the first in their family to attend college.

Even though college is really expensive, many people are still making the case for it. Economists and educators generally cite the financial and social benefits that come with the experience. 

But getting admitted to a university can be difficult, especially for first generation college students. The price tag is one thing — but so is all the bureaucracy around the application process.

Last month, Wayne State University and Detroit public schools rolled out a plan to ease that burden. The university announced that Detroit juniors with a 3.0 or higher will be automatically enrolled at Wayne State through the Warriors on the Rise program. 

Cyekeia Lee is the Executive Director of the Detroit College Access Network, which helps Detroit public school students get into college. She spoke with Robyn Vincent about the potential benefits of the program.

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More stories from The Metro

Wayne State University launched the Warriors on the Rise program last month, which will offer guaranteed enrollment to qualified high school juniors in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

The goal is to increase enrollment of students that come from the school district. Juniors with a 3.0 GPA will be automatically enrolled by DPSCD school officials. Families will then be invited to a meeting with the district to discuss the next steps.

Additional headlines from Thursday, October 9, 2025

DCFC Community Benefits proposal

Residents in Corktown presented the developers of the new Detroit City Football Club stadium with a detailed proposal for community benefits.

The Neighborhood advisory council is asking for a $17 per hour minimum wage for stadium staff, a commitment to give 50% of the permanent jobs to Detroit residents, child care and transportation services for workers, and a one dollar surcharge on every ticket to pay for home repairs for older homes in the neighborhood. 

Detroit City FC co-founder Sean Mann and other partners on the project will review the proposal while the neighborhood group collects more feedback from residents. Listening sessions are scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday at McShane’s on Michigan and noon on Oct. 10 at Donut Villa in Southwest Detroit. 

Michigan Cannabis Industry Association sues Michigan

A marijuana industry group is suing the state of Michigan after Governor Gretchen Whitmer passed a plan that would add a 24% tax on cannabis.

Whitmer and state lawmakers finally passed a budget that included a tax hike on wholesale marijuana to help pay for local road repairs. However, the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association is challenging that law, alleging the legislature did not have enough votes to pass it.

The lawsuit argues that because the law that legalized marijuana in the state was enacted by a citizen initiative, legislatures needed a three-quarters vote instead of a majority vote. The budget bill only passed by a 2 vote margin. 

The wholesale tax is set to take effect on January 1 and will be levied on marijuana sold to retailers.  Michigan currently has a 10% excise tax on weed along with the 6% Michigan sales tax. 

Detroit Land Bank Authority moves to provide affordable housing

The Detroit Land Bank Authority is investing $15 million to launch its Affordable Housing Pipeline. The project aims to restore underutilized multi-family buildings in the city.

The initiative will target projects that are too small for large-scale builders, yet too complex for small scale builders.

The first project in the Wade neighborhood will transform two historic 1920s buildings into 30 affordable housing units. 

Election Day transit

Detroit will offer free bus rides to voters on Election Day. DDOT will waive fares for people who need a ride to the polls on November 4.

Early in-person voting begins on October 25.  

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Under the Trump administration, the space for diversity, equity, and inclusion is shrinking. Federal dollars are drying up, and programs that once opened doors are disappearing. 

Given this climate, could restorative practices hold additional weight? Restorative justice is not DEI. It does not sit in a binder or hide inside a grant report. It lives in people — survivors and those who have caused harm sitting together, telling the truth, trying to mend what was broken. It is harder to measure, but also harder to erase because it is built on relationships.

While restorative justice is not the same as DEI, both often speak to the same communities, those historically marginalized by race, class, or circumstance. Where DEI seeks to create fairer systems, restorative justice offers a way to repair harm when those systems fall short.

Angel McKissic, director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State Law and founder of the Metro Detroit Restorative Justice Network, helped lead the recent report Unraveling Harm, Cultivating Safety. Based on surveys and interviews with Detroiters, the report found that many residents want alternatives to the traditional justice system — responses that emphasize healing and accountability rather than punishment.

McKissic’s work brings those findings into practice. Through trainings and community partnerships, McKissic is helping Detroiters use restorative practices in schools, courtrooms, and neighborhoods. For her, justice can mean both accountability and healing.

She joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to demystify some of the haze around restorative justice and why she believes it could transform Detroit communities and the criminal justice system more broadly.

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Wayne State University President Kimberly Espy is resigning.  That’s according to a source with knowledge of the situation. 

Espy has reportedly been under pressure from the school’s board of governors to step down.  In recent weeks, there’s been criticism about the unexplained decision to place the dean of Wayne State’s Medical School on leave. 

A story by the Detroit News says the Interim Med School Dean resigned because his appointment did not follow proper channels.  Espy was also criticized for not fully engaging in the Detroit community.  She did not appear at an event on campus Monday to announce a program to make it easier for DPSCD high school students to attend Wayne State. 

Espy became the President of the university in August 2023.  A Wayne State Board of Governors’ meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday September 17, 2025

Mayoral Debate 

WXYZ-TV has announced that it will broadcast a Detroit mayoral debate on Wednesday, October 15. 

The television station will host City Council President Mary Sheffield and Pastor Solomon Kinloch in its Southfield studios that evening.  Sheffield and Kinloch were the two candidates receiving the most votes in the city’s August primary. 

The October debate will be moderated by Chuck Stokes and Carolyn Clifford. 

679 Area Code 

Get ready to dial a few extra digits every time you call someone on your phone.  Starting October 7, residents will need to dial all 10 numbers when making a call.  In other words, all calls will need an area code. That’s to get folks ready for the new 679 area code.  That new code takes effect on November 7. 

Detroit residents seeking new phone numbers after that may receive a 679 area code once all 313 numbers are exhausted.   Residents in Wayne County suburbs such as Redford Township, Highland Park, Hamtramck and Dearborn will also be affected by the change. 

Fall safety

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is working to keep older adults from falling and getting injured. 

The department is collaborating with the Michigan Falls Prevention Council and the National Council on Aging.  They’re offering special online tools for risk assessment and fall prevention classes online. 

A webpage provides a directory of programs to help senior citizens stay healthy.  Residents can also call 2-1-1 to speak with a live operator about resources in the area. 

Next week is Falls Prevention Awareness Week. 

Detroit Grand Prix Dates 

The Detroit Grand Prix has confirmed its dates for next year. 

The race through downtown streets will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026.  That’s the weekend after Memorial Day.  And as has been the case for many years, it’s the weekend following the running of the Indianapolis 500. 

Detroit Grand Prix organizers say 156,000 people came downtown to watch events over this year’s three-day weekend.  They say more than a million people watched the Grand Prix on television this year. 

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The Detroit City Council has approved an ordinance that would allow the city to prosecute more misdemeanors.  The measure moves some offenses such as minor assault and battery charges and some larceny cases out of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office. 

City Council member Scott Benson says that will make it easier for the city to keep Detroiters accountable. “But it also gives us the opportunity to make more referrals to specialty court – and as the demand of the community violence intervention programmers, that we have restorative justice as a part of those accountability measures.”

The ordinance enables the city to collect fines from misdemeanor judgements.  The program will cost $700,000 which has already been allocated in the city budget. 

(Reported by Bre’Anna Tinsley) 

Additional headlines from September 3, 2025

Midtown congestion 

Midtown streets around Wayne State University remain packed through the day as students attend their classes after Labor Day. 

Small traffic jams at times lead to congestion on Cass, Warren and other nearby streets.  And it can be hard finding a parking space in some locations. 

 The university says it has more than 24,000 new and returning students this semester.  If you’re driving or walking on campus, pack your patience. 

Pontiac Parks town hall

Pontiac is holding a town hall meeting later this month to discuss a proposed master plan for city parks.  The event will give residents a chance to hear the latest information – and ask questions of parks department representatives. 

Pontiac has also started a survey to get more input from city residents about its plan for parks. 

The town hall meeting takes place on the 2nd floor of Pontiac City Hall – 47450 Woodward Avenue.  It runs from 6 to 7:30 pm on Monday, September 15^th .   

Gas prices fluctuate

Gas prices are slightly lower than they were a week ago.  That’s according to the latest survey by Triple-A Michigan.  Metro Detroit  gas prices average $3.28 per gallon today.  That’s down from $3.34 a week ago as motorists prepared to travel for the long Labor Day holiday weekend.  But today’s price is still nine cents higher than a month ago.  You can save some gas by making sure your tires are properly inflated, and by driving at the speed limit. 

Powerball lottery over $1 billion

And if you have dreams of becoming a billionaire, today might be your day. 

The jackpot for the multi-state Powerball lottery has grown to $1.3 billion.  The last time someone picked all six digits was at the end of May, so the jackpot has continued to grow since then. 

The odds of winning aren’t very good though.  They’re about one in 290 million. Good luck! 

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The Shifa Institute hosts Islamic psychoeducation workshops across community centers and college campuses as students return to school.

At a recent Institute for Muslim Mental Health networking event, Shifa founder Salman Pervez shared how this initiative is creating mental health safe spaces across the state. 

“It’s it started at MSU as a school chapter, and then now we’ve branched out into the community… we have chapters starting at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy this fall,” he says. 

Shifa means healing in Arabic. 

Pervez says the group uses creative outlets to introduce students to wellness, “like Golden Age ideas of Islam, like astronomy or art or, or like, engagement with nature and sort of like being in awe of it.”

The workshops usually consist of professional speakers engaging people about mental health related topics in third spaces by “informing people, translating mental health research, and sharing it with college students in a way that’s relatable, applicable to them,” he says. 

“We found that that’s very effective in getting students to engage with this sort of work and into the field as well education,” says Pervez.

The group also works with campus Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which provides free therapy to full-time students. 

Pervez says he works with college students to help them become aware of resources and even potentially go into psychology as a field. He says Gen Z is a lot more open to talk about mental health.

“I think it’s overall, it’s really nice that they’re they’re more casual about it, and that they want to do something about it,” he says. 

The Michigan Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) declared Wayne State University as a hostile campus for free speech Monday, August 25. 

The announcement comes in response to how the institution handled a series of protests against Israel’s attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. 

CAIR Michigan Executive Director Dawud Walid accused Wayne State of systemically silencing the free speech rights of students.  

“Students should be able to freely raise their voices without fear of not just simply being doxed, but administrative and even law enforcement measures taking place against them while they are attending a university that they paid tuition for and a place that’s supposed to be a haven for liberal arts education.” 

Wayne State said in a statement it’s committed to supporting free speech, as long as conduct on campus does not violate any laws or disrupt university operations. 

Additional headlines

Tomorrow is the first World Lake Day

The United Nations General Assembly has dedicated August 27 to persevering, celebrating and sustaining lakes around the world.

The State of Michigan’s Office of Great Lakes, part of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, invites Michiganders to be stewards of lakes in the region. 

Suggested activities include learning about preservation, conservation, and restoration activities.

Michigan is part of the Great Lakes, which holds 21 percent of the world’s fresh surface water, servicing 40 million people in the U.S. and Canada with drinking water. Find resources on EGLE’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

Secretary of State’s “It’s Sooo Simple” campaign

The Secretary of State’s office announced the “It’s Sooo Simple” campaign to highlight ways to access mobile services.

Many of the department’s services can be accessed online, by mail or through self-service stations. Some of the stations are located in Michigan Secretary of State offices, Krogers and Meijers stores with nine language options. People can find an office by going to michigan.gov/sos online or calling 888-767-6424. 

Find a self service station by you.

City government Shadow Program applications close tomorrow

Applications close tomorrow August 27 for the City of Detroit’s Department of Neighborhoods Youth Affairs Team. The program is for Detroit residents 18-25 years old to explore the city government agencies.

Applicants must attend an orientation and be available for meetings, along with demonstrating a passion to become more civically engaged in Detroit. Participants will be paired with a city government employee to shadow their work.

Cisco Community Innovation Challenge

Cisco is hosting a 2025 Community Innovation Challenge to help promote social impact. Students can apply to design programs that uplift communities.

Students will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to earn a $10,000 prize. Participants will be invited to attend a virtual Program Launch call in September if they win. 

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

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Duggan Endorses Sheffield 

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has endorsed City Council President Mary Sheffield in her run to become Detroit’s next mayor.  The two appeared together this morning at a news conference on the city’s west side. 

Sheffield says she’s ready to move the city forward. 

“I am thankful for Mayor Duggan’s support.  I am ready,” says Sheffield. “I am prepared to lead Detroit to its next chapter.”  

Sheffield won just over 50 percent of the vote in this month’s primary election.  She’ll face Pastor Solomon Kinloch in the November general election. 

Additional headlines

Chandler Park upgrades 

Detroit officials gathered in Chandler Park this afternoon to celebrate upgrades to the eastside park. 

Top of the list is the new Chandler Park Fieldhouse.  The 130-thousand square foot facility includes an indoor sports turf field, multi-sports courts and fitness areas. 

Chandler Park already has an 18-hole golf course and the Wayne County Aquatic Center.  It’s Detroit’s fourth largest park. 

Duggan gains endorsements for governor

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan continues to collect endorsements for his gubernatorial campaign.  He appeared at Michigan Central Station Tuesday to tout 215 endorsements from current and former Democratic and Republican elected officials from around the state.  

Duggan says he’s making a statement with his decision to run for governor as an independent. 

“I know it would be a lot easier to get elected as a Democrat.  It would be a lot easier for all these folks up here not to have to step out and endorse an independent.  But I would have been part of the same old politics in Lansing.  And it is time to send an unmistakable message to tell the folks in Lansing that politics as usual is over.” 

Duggan announced last year that he would not run for a fourth term as mayor of Detroit.  Instead, he’s running to become Michigan’s next governor.  That election takes place in November 2026. 

WSU move-in traffic 

You can expect pedestrian and vehicle traffic to be heavy in Midtown Detroit over the next few days.  That’s because students are headed back to Wayne State University. 

Expect to see U-Hauls and other trucks carrying furniture and other belongings.  Move in at the school’s dorms began today. 

Classes begin on Monday.   

UDM volunteers during orientation

First year students at the University of Detroit Mercy are volunteering for projects in northwest Detroit today and tomorrow. 

They’ll work in parks and gardens and on block clubs in the area near the university. 

The volunteer work is the final part of the school’s orientation for incoming students.  It’s goal is to connect students with the area’s social and cultural networks. 

Federov #91 retired 

The Detroit Red Wings are retiring the jersey of All-Star Sergei Federov. 

Federov played 13 seasons with the Redwings, from 1990 to 2003.  He helped the team win three Stanley Cup Championships.  The Hockey Hall of Fame center scored 400 goals and had 554 assists for the Red Wings. 

A special ceremony to honor Federov and hang his jersey from the rafters at Little Caesars Arena will take place on January 12^th. 

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Wayne State University will field a women’s soccer team in the fall of 2026. It will be the school’s first new varsity sport in over a decade.

WSU’s Director of Athletics, Erika Wallace, says the first order of business is hiring a head coach this year.

“We’re looking at someone who has ties to the area for recruitment purposes,” she says. “We’re also looking at head coaching experience, assistant coaching experience, some club coaching experience as well.”

Expanding opportunities for women

Wallace reviewed the athletic program when she took the job and found a need for more women student-athletes. She says adding soccer will help WSU comply with Title IX, a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education.

“Proportionality is one of the prongs that you look at,” she says. “We have to make accommodations in order to stay relevant and in compliance with Title IX.”

Wallace says this will attract more students to WSU.

“We’re the only school in our conference that doesn’t have women’s soccer,” she says. “People will want to come here and play.”

The support is there

Wallace says funding for the new women’s soccer team will come from the athletic department’s general fund as well as philanthropic donations.

She also says Detroit’s soccer culture will sustain the program.

“We have some of the best clubs in the country here,” Wallace says.

Wayne State has a partnership with Detroit City Football Club, which fields men’s, women’s and youth sides.

Wallace says WSU will make some upgrades to the soccer pitch behind Tom Adams Field before the women’s team starts play.