Hamtramck City Councilman Muhith Mahmood, 52, is running for mayor in Hamtramck. 

If elected, Mahmood would become the first Bangladeshi American Muslim mayor in the city.

Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib is not running for re-election. President Trump has nominated him for ambassador to Kuwait. He awaits a U.S. Senate vote.

Mahmood’s platform

Mahmood says voters are concerned about property taxes, high water bills, and deteriorating infrastructure.

“Everything is high in Hamtramck due to the fact of one of the oldest city in Michigan is over 100 years old, and last few years, the city was being neglected,” he says.

Mahmood says he will work hard to bring the city back to good shape, “Where people can come and invest their money. We get different sources to earn the money so we don’t have to raise the taxes every year.”

Mahmood has previously served as the sergeant-at-arms for the Unite Here! Local 24 union, representing hospitality workers; the Democratic Party’s 13th district Vice Chair, and president of the Michigan Bangladeshi-American Democratic Caucus (MI-BADC). He’s the founder and president of Golapganj Helping Hand USA, a charity organization that serves people in Bangladesh and in the U.S.

Investigations for election fraud in Hamtramck

Hamtramck voters have expressed concern about pending investigations of alleged election fraud by several councilmembers. 

Mahmood says people are taking advantage of voters, some whom are newer immigrants, and may not know some of the laws of elections.

“Some of the people are taking advantage out of it, picking up their ballot or picking from mailbox, frauding their signature. Of course I’m against it. That’s not what democracy is,” he says.

He says people have the right to choose their leaders, and community leaders play a role in educating voters.

Mahmood, who is part of a residency fraud investigation by the Michigan State Police, says he has been living in Hamtramck since 2021, when he ran for a seat on the city council.

“And that time they investigated everything. I don’t know why it became an issue after a few years, even though not when I was running… after I get elected, few years later, it became an issue,” he says.

Mahmood says he owns other homes, including one in Troy, where his family lives.

He says he is running for mayor in Hamtramck because he loves the city, and he hopes to bring people together. 

“Everybody needs to have a step forward to a one inclusive city… We all need to respect each other, respect their values, respect their religious freedom,” he says.

Mahmood’s opponent, Adam Alharbi, is an engineer for the Department of Commerce. 

Lynn Blasey, Community Arts Partnerships co-director for the College for Creative Studies, is running as a write-in candidate. 

Poverty is going up in Detroit. So too are the costs of food and housing. All of this means that many are struggling to pay their bills, and homelessness—particularly for kids—is on the rise.  

A lot of these problems are big. To solve them, Detroit relies on money from the federal and state government. 

So, how much can one city with limited resources do to halt the rate of homelessness—and even reverse it?

With the mayoral election next month, Anthony Eid joined The Metro to discuss these things. He’s the senior director of public policy for the Community Development Advocates of Detroit, and the policy and advocacy coordinator for COTS, a housing agency in the city. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

Detroit’s candidates for mayor are in their final weeks of campaigning.  And a new poll shows voters are making up their minds.  

A Detroit News/WDIV-TV poll shows City Council President Mary Sheffield with a commanding lead in the race over Pastor Solomon Kinloch.  The survey…conducted from October 16-18 shows Sheffield supported by about 65% of those surveyed, Kinloch with 14%, and about 20% undecided.  

The Glengariff Group conducted the poll of 500 respondents.  The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

Just a reminder: a poll is a snapshot in time of the people surveyed.  Polls don’t vote – people do.  Early voting starts on Saturday.  Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, October 22, 2025

GM Earns 

General Motors reports that it earned $1.3 billion in the third quarter of this year.  The Detroit automaker says its adjusted earnings hit $2.80 per share, surpassing Wall Street analysts’ expectations.  Third quarter revenue passed $48.5 billion.  

The automaker says Cadillac’s North American sales were the best for the first three quarters of the year since 2013 and GMC posted the best year to date sales ever.   GM’s stock price jumped 15% after news of the earnings was released. 

Diwali celebration 

Detroiters will have a chance to learn more about South Asian culture through this week’s Diwali in the D festival.  Diwali is the Hindu celebration of lights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. 

Diwali in the D offers free events throughout this week and runs through Saturday. 

First Responders BBQ 

A local veterans’ group is holding a special barbecue in Detroit on Friday.  

Chapter 9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America will hold the event to show its appreciation for the city’s first responders.  Police officers and firefighters are invited to come to the barbecue from noon-5 p.m. on Friday. 

It’s being held at the Chapter 9 headquarters – 2951 Woodward at Temple in Detroit.  That’s just north of Little Caesars’ Arena. 

Smokeless Ban 

Detroit City Council has approved an ordinance banning the use of smokeless tobacco in the city’s sports stadiums.  

Smoking of cigarettes and e-cigarettes has been prohibited in the facilities for years.  City Councilman Fred Durhal says the new measure will help provide a healthier example to Detroit’s young people.  

The new ban applies to Comerica Park, Ford Field and Little Caesars Arena. 

Pistons Opener 

The Detroit Pistons open their new season on the road tonight against the Chicago Bulls.  

Detroit finished last season with 44 wins and 38 losses. Pistons guard Jaden Ivey had knee surgery recently and is expected to miss the next four weeks.  

Tip off at the United Center tonight is at 8 p.m. ET.    

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

Detroit’s candidates for mayor are in the final weeks of their respective campaigns.  City Council President Mary Sheffield and the Reverend Solomon Kinloch are working to get out their visions for the future of the city. 

Jeremy Allen is the executive editor for the Michigan Chronicle.  WDET’s Jerome Vaughn spoke with him about the upcoming mayoral election.   

Allen says this year is unusual because Detroit voters seem to have largely made up their minds already. 

“It’s pretty clear that people are either for Mary Sheffield or for Solomon Kinloch.  And there are—there’s really no in-between.  And so, what I’m seeing from the community is folks who are invested in this race are fully invested on one side or the other, and there’s no in-between.” 

Allen says residents aren’t saying they want to read more and learn more about a candidate before making a decision about who they’ll vote for.   

Key issues

As far as key issues in the race, Allen says he’s found Detroiters have a wide range of concerns about the city moving forward.  Overarching issues that need solving are crime—or the perception of crime—and the tension between downtown development and development in city neighborhoods remain near the top of the list.   

The future of Detroit’s school system is also something residents are keeping an eye on.  While education isn’t under the purview of the city’s mayor, Allen says the next mayor should set up some sort of task force should be set up to work more closely with Detroit Public Schools Community District. 

“…to ensure that the city of Detroit can educate its children to be better citizens down the road, because all research points to the fact that a better educated community has impacts down the road and all measurables for quality of life.”          

Black leadership

No matter which candidate wins on November 4, Detroit will have its first Black mayor in more than a decade.  Allen says that will make a difference when dealing with Detroit residents—and when dealing with the federal government. 

“I think once a Black mayor assumes leadership of the city of Detroit, I think the gloves are going to come off for how the federal government looks at and talks about the city of Detroit.  There will be more room for scrutiny.  I think there will be much more room for just this negative tone towards the city that we haven’t seen in the last few months.” 

The Michigan Chronicle has endorsed Mary Sheffield for mayor.  The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press have also given their endorsements to Sheffield.  Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.  Early voting begins Saturday, October 25. 

More election coverage

Detroit’s mayoral candidates have their only scheduled debate this week.

The Reverand Solomon Kinloch faces City Council President Mary Sheffield in the general election. Kinloch, a political newcomer, says city leaders haven’t done enough to increase affordable housing in Detroit. He votes to do that and continue pastoring his church if voters elect him.  

“All of us got a responsibility, not to just do something from a spiritual perspective, but to do something social and political. That’s my rearing and my raising. I believe that this is a great opportunity to inspire an entire city that ordinary people can do some extraordinary things.”

Sheffield argues dealing with Detroit’s housing and financial issues demands someone with the kind of experience she’s gained over a dozen years on Council.

The debate will be on Channel 7 starting at 7 p.m this Wednesday, Oct. 15.

– Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter 

Additional headlines for Monday, October 13, 2025

Dearborn Heights acting mayor 

Dearborn Heights City Council Chairman Mo Baydoun is now the Acting Mayor due to Mayor Bill Bazzi’s resignation. The U.S. Senate confirmed Bazzi’s nomination to serve as the Ambassador to Tunisia. 

Acting Mayor Baydoun says he will work closely with city council, public servants and local unions to bring fresh perspectives and solutions. He also says he will focus on public safety, city services, infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization.

Residents of Dearborn Heights will vote for a new mayor in November between Baydoun, the highest vote getter during the primaries, and Councilwoman Denise Malinowski-Maxwell. 

The next mayor’s term begins January 1st 2026. 

Detroit Repair Cafe

The Detroit Repair Cafe is hosting a popup at the Moondog Cafe in Detroit.

People can bring their clothes, electronics, bikes, toys and other things to fix for free. There is also free parking available.

The repair popup takes place every 3rd Sunday in October, November and December from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Moondog Cafe 8045 Linwood Street in Detroit.

The next repair clinic takes place Sunday, October 19. 

Rising Voices Salon Series 

The Asian American-led group Rising Voices is hosting another artist salon in their series “We Belong Here – Asian American Ancestry, Authenticity and Healing.”

The program will begin with a walking tour of Asian Americans and allies buried in the cemetery, followed by a panel discussion about AAPI history in America and healing.

The event takes place next Friday Oct. 24th at the Elmwood Cemetery 1200 Elmwood Ave. in Detroit. 

It is free and open to the public. 

Samaritan Operation Christmas Child 

The international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse is looking for gifts and donations for Operation Christmas Child starting next month. Volunteers are collecting and delivering gifts for kids who have faced war, poverty or disaster.

This year the initiative will have 5,000 drop off locations across the nation, hoping to serve 12 million children. People can also donate $10 for a box of goodies to fill a shoebox full of gifts for a child. Collection week is November 17-24.

Find the closest drop-box by entering your zip code on this Samaritan’s Purse page. 

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.

There are about 2,200 urban gardens across Detroit. In a place with a lot of empty tracts,  that can be a great use of land. 

And, over the past few years, the city has done things to assist the people who tend to it. There’s now an entire department dedicated to the inner workings of urban farmers. 

Recently, the city alongside the Eastern Market Partnership are collaborating to offer $225,000 in grant funding to Detroit-based farmers.

But even with the new dollars being made available, preserving and expanding farms can be challenging because upkeep can be costly and labor-intensive. With Mayor Mike Duggan leaving office, there will likely be turnover and questions about the priorities of the new administration.

Amanda Brezzell is the creative director and co-founder of Fennigan’s Farms in Detroit, a board member for the Detroit Food Policy Council, and a policy and engagement specialist for the Groundwork Center.

They spoke with Cary Junior II about the challenges and joys of farming in Detroit.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or NPR or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

In just a few weeks, Detroit residents will take to the polls and pick the city’s next mayor. The candidates are City Council President Mary Sheffield and Reverend Solomon Kinloch.

WDET is speaking with residents as part of our Citizen Vox project to gauge what the community is looking for.

Ronald Ferguson is a 69 year old born-and-raised Detroiter who plans to vote for Kinloch. He spoke with WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley about his decision.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Ronald Ferguson: Well, I feel he’s for the people, and to me, I think he’ll do a better job than what we’ve seen over the past six to 10 years from his opponent, you know? I mean, she’s been their council president for so long, but yet, where’s all the results from her efforts? So, I’m ready to try something different to see if I can get a different result, because I’m not happy with the results we’re getting.

Bre’Anna Tinsley, WDET News: What results are you looking for?

RF: The common things: safer neighborhoods, all of the things that make a community thrive, and not just being concentrated on downtown, but the other parts of the cities.

BT: Can you talk about your neighborhood specifically? If there’s anything in there that you’re looking for.

RF: In my neighborhood, there’s few houses, and all the abandoned houses have been demolished. So I’m pleased with that. So the neighborhood is actually clean, and that is a good thing, but I just want to make sure that we have a little more security, because in the summertime, for whatever reason, our young people tend to want to use the public streets as a drag strip. And if there were more police out there or being placed in certain areas, I think we could minimize or eliminate that. That’s a concern.

It’s to the point where you don’t want to go out when it’s dark out, and you shouldn’t have to feel that way in your neighborhood. But I know when you have limited funding with fewer taxpayers, that’s what you get. So,  I’m hoping a new mayor can get more people to reside in the city, to increase the tax base, so therefore you can get better schools, better stores, better policing, all the things that we all want when you live somewhere. Detroit is no different than any other city. The only difference is we don’t have the tax base because of the lack of residents. And then when you look at the percentage that’s unemployed, let’s find a way to get these people employed if they’re going to reside in the city, or find people that can move in the city that’s already employed, that’ll resolve your problems, most of them anyways.

BT: You mentioned not seeing any results from City Council President Mary Sheffield. Duggan has been the mayor for the last over a decade. Now, were you not satisfied with him as mayor either?

RF: Well, now you’re on a different target. I would say I’m pleased with a lot of the things he’s done. I remember vaguely when the city was dark because of the thieves stealing all copper wires for the streetlights. Well, they revamped that and put them above so they could relight the city. He also campaigned on tearing down a lot of the condemned homes, and he did a great job at that, because it happened right on my block, and I witnessed it. So, a lot of things he did, I approve of, but I don’t know. I just didn’t see or give credit to Sheffield being the president of city council.

I just didn’t see a lot coming from her and her efforts. But maybe if you combine her with Duggan, well, kudos to them, because they got some things done that help my community. Policing can help a little more. That tax base has to grow, and I don’t see where all the jobs are coming to make people employed that’s residing here. That’s not something to cheer about, what are we going to do about that?

More election coverage

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation announced a new platform that will match entrepreneurs with the best fitting lender. 

The website is designed to help small businesses navigate financial options through partnerships with local Community Development Financial Institutions.   

Applicants visit the website, submit the criteria for the type of loan and amount they need, and the algorithm will match them with the best lenders.  

DEGC Senior Vice President Derrick Headd calls the hub a central command center for the city’s small business ecosystem.  “One place where you can find financing options, technical assistance, and service organizations. Everything you need to have a thriving company.” 

Lenders participating in the hub include ProsperUS, Detroit Development Fund, Invest Detroit and more.  

Eligible applicants must be located in the city, have documented cash flow, and cannot be affiliated with any business prohibited by federal law.  

 Additional headlines for Thursday, September 25, 2025

Pastors seek high voter turnout this mayoral election

Detroit voters will elect the city’s first new mayor in 12 years this fall. A coalition of pastors is working to educate and mobilize their flocks to decide between City Council President Mary Sheffield and Reverend Solomon Kinloch. 

Organizers say 12 churches took part in the Lift Every Voice and Vote campaign in the August primary. They want five times that number mobilizing voters in the general election. 

Al Williams leads Lift Every Voice and Vote Detroit. He admits its hard motivating voters in the city. “I think that the history of our mayoral elections, past two or three mayoral elections, have shown us that the excitement has gone down every single mayoral election. Yes, it has made it a challenge.” 

Less than 20 percent of eligible Detroit voters cast ballots in the August primary.

Proposed ordinance requires body cam footage be made public

A proposed Detroit ordinance would require police to release body camera footage within 30 days of police shootings and other incidents including the use of non-lethal weapons like tasers, pepper spray, tear gas, bean bags and rubber bullets.

Under the proposed ordinance, footage must be posted on a public website. Exemptions would be allowed upon written request from the Detroit Police Department or Wayne County prosecutor.

Exceptions apply to footage captured during federal or state task force operations, footage prohibited by court order and footage determined to be prejudicial to a civil matter. 

James Baldwin Sidewalk Libraries

The City of Detroit and the Detroit Public Library will be hosting the James Baldwin Sidewalk Libraries across the city. Detroit ACE and the Charles H. Wright Museum also partnered to launch the reading campaign.

Boxes designed to help residents find or donate books by and about author James Baldwin will be placed in Detroit neighborhoods. 

The initiative completes the work started by artist Sabrina Nelson, whose landmark exhibit on Baldwin debuted last fall.

The initiative is being launched during Black Reading Month in Detroit. 

Fashion business management degree now offered at CCS

 The College for Creative Studies in Detroit is now offering a fashion business management degree. The degree will take 90 credits and just over three years to complete. 

Students will learn merchandising, styling, marketing strategy, brand development, trend forecasting, and fashion communications. No portfolio is required for admission.

Visit the College for Creative Studies and look under the listing of undergraduate programs more information and to apply. 

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

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. 

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

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. 

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

The 2025 Detroit primary election has concluded, and now we have a two-person sprint to November’s general election to determine who will be the city’s next mayor. In this episode of MichMash, Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow breaks down the results with WDET’s Russ McNamara (host of All Things Considered Detroit weekdays at 4 p.m.).

Plus, Gorchow and host Cheyna Roth discuss a shake-up in the Michigan Public Service Commision.

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

In this episode: 

• Why was there a personnel change in the Michigan Public Service Commission?
• What does the Detroit mayoral race look like now that the primary is over?

Highlights

On Mary Sheffield’s majority

McNamara said Mary Sheffield’s clear lead in the mayoral primary results didn’t surprise him too much.

“It always seemed like Mary Sheffield, especially over the past couple of years, was being groomed as the heir apparent to Mike Duggan,” he said. “And nothing in the run-up to this election swayed my opinion on that. And then nothing in the results would shake that either.”

Sheffield and Solomon Kinloch now advance to November’s general election.

On Alessandra Carreon’s replacement

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently removed Alessandra Carreon, a clean energy advocate, from serving on the Michigan Public Service Commision, which regulates the state’s energy utilities monopoly. Whitmer replaced Carreon with Shaquila Myers, who critics call an industry ally.

Gorchow said the motive to remove Carreon is still unknown.

“The Governor’s press office has refused to answer questions about why Whitmer didn’t reappoint Carreon, saying only that she takes the appointments process seriously and there’s nothing that’s come out of these PSC meetings,” he said.

Besides Myers, the other two members of the PSC are Katherine L. Peretick and Chairman Daniel C. Scripps.

Early voting underway in Detroit’s primary election

Early voting is underway in Detroit’s primary election. Voters can use an absentee ballot or cast their vote at one of the city’s eight early voting centers. Those centers are open this week from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Nine candidates are on the primary ballot vying to become Detroit’s next mayor. The top two vote-getters will go on to face each other in the November general election. Several candidates for City Council also appear on the primary ballot.

Early voting ends on Sunday. Detroiters can also vote in person on Primary Day, which is one week from today — Tuesday, August 5.

Learn more about upcoming elections with WDET’s 2025 Detroit Voter Guide »

Heavy storms cause flooding across Detroit

Many Detroiters spent part of the evening cleaning up after heavy thunderstorms rolled through the area Monday afternoon. Rain amounts varied widely across the region, but some Detroit streets were temporarily flooded by heavy rainfall.

The I-96 westbound exit ramp to the Southfield Freeway was backed up with heavy traffic and closed for a short time after the storms passed. At Metro Airport, several roads were closed by flooding, forcing passengers to scramble to make their flights.

Meteorologists say an area near Romulus received nearly three inches of rain in just an hour.

Detroit launches first municipal start-up fund

The City of Detroit and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation have launched the city’s first municipal start-up fund. The fund will award 20 grants of $15,000 each and six additional grants of $50,000 each.

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation CEO Kevin Johnson says the grants will give new non-retail businesses a better chance to survive.

“Being an entrepreneur is a battle to survive. Ideas mean one thing, but when you can’t cultivate it to a point where it becomes a reasonable business, then we’re recycling old things that cause them to fail,” Johnson said.

Entrepreneurs must have been in business for at least two years and be based in Detroit to be eligible for the grants.

Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Gas prices drop in Metro Detroit

Gas prices are falling in Metro Detroit. The average price of self-serve regular is now $3.19 per gallon. That’s down three cents from last week and seven cents lower than a month ago.

The national average for gas is just over $3.13 per gallon.

Tigers trade for two pitchers ahead of MLB deadline

The Detroit Tigers have completed a trade just a few days before the Major League Baseball deadline.

The team was looking to bolster its pitching staff and received right-hand pitchers Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak from the Minnesota Twins. In exchange, the Twins received catcher Enrique Jiminez and a minor league prospect.

The Tigers needed pitching help with Reese Olsen missing the rest of the regular season due to a shoulder sprain. He could return for the playoffs.

Detroit currently holds a record of 62 wins and 46 losses and sits in first place in the American League Central.

Detroit’s mayoral candidates agree the city needs more affordable housing but have different ideas to solve the problem. 

Retired businessman Joel Haashiim says if he were mayor, he’d create a municipal building company to manufacture housing. 

“It’s a great industry,” he says. “It’s something where we can create 10,000 Detroit resident jobs.”

Haashiim also says it would diversify the city’s economy.

“We basically rely on the auto plants and the small service industries that maintain the local economy,” he says. “This will give us an opportunity to put billions of dollars into our city treasury, as well as in the community.”

Haashiim says he would also work with financial institutions to make buying a home more affordable.

“30- to 50-year mortgages are what we want to introduce into Detroit,” he says. “This will allow us to compensate for the high cost of building.”

If they build it, will people come?

By creating a larger number of affordable homes, Haashiim says he hopes to accelerate Detroit’s population growth. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the city gained about 6,000 residents since the decennial head count in 2020. He says the key is to attract more business.

“We are an international city with no international companies,” Haashiim says. “I’m the only candidate who has done 15 international business delegations around this country, bringing in companies to this metro area.”

Haashiim says he would also invest in public projects and education to lure new residents to Detroit.

“We do want to bring in families,” he says. “We want to make sure we reach out to them as a city that’s interested in making sure that our children can compete in the 21st century.”

Haashiim is one of nine mayoral candidates on the Aug. 5 ballot. Arnold Boyd and Rogelio Landin are running write-in campaigns. The top two finishers in the primary will run against each other in November.

Mayor Mike Duggan is not seeking re-election. He’s waging an independent campaign for governor in 2026.

Learn more about upcoming elections with WDET’s 2025 Detroit Voter Guide »

Detroiters face a pivotal primary election, and early voting is already underway. 

For the first time in a dozen years Mayor Mike Duggan is not seeking reelection.

The candidates vying to replace Duggan differ on the specific policies they want to pursue. But most agree one of Detroit’s pressing needs is increasing its supply of affordable housing.

Candidate DaNetta Simpson says she has a plan to address the situation that would help residents pay to fix-up their current housing. She says it’s just one of several issues driving her bid as an independent candidate for the top job in Detroit’s city government.

The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

DaNetta Simpson: What I would do, as far as the neighborhoods, is set up an insurance program for the residents to pay into for repairs for their homes. And we’re not going to go by income, only that they’re occupied and that they are on the tax rolls. All you have to do is show proof of ownership and pay a monthly or yearly fee. We will put all this money in one particular bank account, let it draw interest and then have it go to repairing our neighborhoods.

I will also freeze the property taxes while we’re doing these repairs. I will also grandfather the property taxes for people that’s been in the neighborhoods for more than 20–30 years.

Also, crime in our communities is out of hand. Gun control is out of hand. I want to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. Now don’t take me wrong, we do not want to take your firearms. We just want responsible owners. And there’s people out here that cannot own firearms.

Quinn Klinefelter, WDET News: So, what would you do to keep them out of the wrong hands?

DS: I will have enforcement in public places to search for them. Or post signage stating that firearms are prohibited from being there when they’re carried by people that’s not licensed to have them. We need a gun trafficking law that will stop the drive-by shootings in the neighborhoods. I know we can’t control the way an individual thinks. But at least if we have a law on the books to prevent the shootings from happening; maybe they won’t commit those crimes in places like parks. Kids are getting killed at the parks, getting wounded at the annual fireworks display, in large crowds at concerts, bars. We can control some of that. And it’s time for us to make our public places safe. Fix up our neighborhoods as well and children will not see blight again.

QK: Detroit will be running out of the pandemic relief money that the city used for various projects. It’s been allocated. Just about every candidate running for mayor now says the city needs to find new sources of revenue. Do you agree with that? And where would you look to find new revenue?

DS: Yes, I do agree with that. But everyone in Detroit is not eligible for loans. So my program, insurance deterioration, will cover everyone. And this will bring in revenue for repairing the homes, gutters, porches, roofs, sidewalk repairs, your fences, your garages, etc. We got to get the homes fixed up and safe so people can be in livable conditions.

QK: As part of that, you’ve talked about instituting some new policies regarding trash pickup in the city?

DS: Yes, that can be revenue for the city as well. Because there are people out here who are not paying for trash pickup. I know apartment buildings have a different ordinance. But if everyone pays for trash pickup along with their occupancy certificates, that will help deter blight in the neighborhoods. Because when tenants have to vacate premises, they leave them full of trash. Some of them put the trash on the streets where it doesn’t belong. So, I feel that they need to pay for a trash fee.

QK: Some of the other candidates have mentioned possibly having to create some new local taxes, service taxes. Would you favor that kind of approach as well?

DS: No, I feel that we’ve been taxed enough. That’s the old way to do things, raising taxes, cutting here, cutting there. We need some new ideas. We can’t run the city the old way. They are still trying to run the city like when the taxes first started on properties. We can’t keep taxing the citizens.

QK: The person that’s been running the city for the last dozen years, Mayor Mike Duggan, is not going to be running it anymore. He’s not seeking reelection, he’s running for governor. When you look at what Duggan has done, do you see things that you want to build on? Or is there some other direction you think the city should go?

DS: The difference between him and I, is that he was previously a Democrat and I have always been an independent. I have suggested some of my ideas to his administration and he has followed them. Those ideas are criminal expungements and swapping the old jail for Dan Gilbert to buy the site to develop on. I have been a part of the change and I would like to continue that. And this deterioration insurance will be a change for Detroit.

QK: You have made a couple of runs previously for mayor. Is there something you see differently that you can propose this time than in your previous campaigns?

DS: I would say I still have the same ideas. But when you don’t have the money to reach the people, when you don’t have radio time, television time and you don’t have the money for mailings, then you can’t reach all the constituents like the other candidates can.

QK: So this time you think you’re getting your message out more widely?

DS: Yes.

QK: I typically ask anyone who is running for an office what their pitch would be in the end to voters. So what would you tell Detroiters? Why would you be the best candidate for mayor compared to all the others campaigning right now?

DS: Because I will show independent thinking. The others want to raise taxes. I have something to offer the citizens where we don’t need to raise the taxes. We just need to stand on our own two feet and we can fix our neighborhoods ourselves. I will be an independent thinker instead of a dependent thinker.

QK: Dependent on what?

DS: Dependent upon the old. And it’s not the old that will take us to the next level. We need fresh ideas in here.

Detroit is just a few weeks away from a primary election that will decide the two final contenders to become the next mayor. WDET is listening to the voices of Detroit voters as part of our Citizen Vox project.

One of those voters is Jasmine Kay. She has several issues she hopes the next mayor will address.

The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Jasmine Kay: One would definitely be about like renting spaces and tenants rights. Just making sure that it’s equitable. Why am I getting luxury pricing but not getting a luxury space? So, I think that should definitely come up first just to make sure that people can be housed.

And the second would be like the education system. So like DPSCD. How are we actually making sure our students are being supported, and the teachers, the staff and the people who are doing that work that they have the safeguards and resources to properly do their job?

Sascha Raiyn, WDET News:  Are there any candidates that seem to be addressing those issues for you?

JK: I would say not at this time, because I like to take my time to really kind of see their policies and see what they’re saying in between that time.

SR: How much do you feel like your expectations for the next mayor are shaped by the work of the last mayor?

JK:  I would hope the initiatives that he did start, like removing blight and other things like that continue to be expanded upon. So I just hope that they would continue the good work that is really, actually helping the city to continue to do that and not let ego get in the way of ‘I’m going to tear it down, or I’m going to shut it down or stop it to reset it so that I can put my name on it.’

So, I just hope those programs and things that have been helping our city progress, they continue to do that, then they can sprinkle on their own little flavor in their next season. That this can be their claim to fame.

I would hope they would really listen to your people. First, because we’re here, we’re local. We are the ones being impacted directly by these policies and how it comes into our space. So, I would hope they just really listen to the people. Take a stand if something is really not with the vision of this country. If something is not right, that they would be bold enough to take that stand to do so. Just making sure we are protecting our people, because we’re right across from Canada. That’s a whole nother country. You know, Detroit, historically has been a place, like for the Underground Railroad, you know, of port of freedom. I like to, like do that. So I hope that they’re taking stands. They’re listening to their people.

SR: Is there anything you would like to say to people running to lead the city?

JK: Do your job for the people. Do your actual job for the people. What are our needs? And get it moving. Don’t over promise and under deliver. If there’s only one major thing you can do, then make sure it gets done. We have a tattered history with different mayors in this space. So, let that be a good reminder to actually do your job. Be involved. Let’s see your face more. Like, don’t be afraid of your people.