June is Gun Violence Awareness Month.  To bring more attention to the issue, city officials dressed the Spirit of Detroit statue in an orange jersey last week as they ushered in their “Silence the Violence” campaign.  

It’s the second year the statue has donned the jersey.  

Detroit Police First Assistant Chief Franklin Hayes says the city has seen a 13% decrease in homicides compared to this time last year.  He spoke with WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley about the falling murder rate and the city’s efforts to continue reducing crime.

Interview edited for time and clarity.

First Assistant Chief Franklin Hayes: Yep, so we are down what equates to 16 less victims of gun violence here in the city. We had eight less homicides over this time last year, and eight less non-fatal shootings that occurred over this time last year. 

Detroit has a lot of things going on with the CVI (community violence intervention) programs, a lot of initiatives. Mayor Sheffield just announced a six-point plan to help bring violence down even more. But what else can the city do to help bring us closer to the goal? Well, we’re open to ideas. Everyone is doing something, as you mentioned, Madam Mayor Sheffield, and the resources she’s allocating to this Director Brent, who we heard earlier today at the different offices in this administration, certainly, what the police department can do. Our CVI groups, who have been an invaluable partner in this, this is all the work that we’re doing.

And if we see areas of opportunity, we will take up that as well and do that, because although we’ve seen the reductions and you’ve seen the numbers, still far too much gun violence here in this city, so we’re going to keep working at it.

Bre’Anna Tinsley, WDET:  You mentioned in your speech that you hold a lot of titles as father, as police, as an outdoorsman, and that means you have a lot of responsibility to be a responsible gun owner. Can you talk more about that, and also like what that should look like for other people who hold those titles as well?

FH: Extreme responsibility, extreme ownership, both literally and figuratively, of firearms. We have to set the example. We have to be the leaders, owning firearms in those spaces, being a responsible father, making sure that my firearms are safely stored or staged for my family, my friends, my nieces, my nephews, my daughter in the workspace, making sure again that it, that I secured, and make sure it’s well, and certainly for the hobbies that we mentioned, as a trap shooter and as an outdoorsman, as a hunter, making sure that they are secured safely, but often also utilized in the spaces where they should be.

We have historically dealt with issues of gunfire throughout the city. We know what happens on New Year’s Day, and we’re trying to change that behavior as well, and others that are treating our city like a gun range. So, again, making sure that I don’t have any of the firearms that I own available to do that, but also in these roles, whether I’m talking to fellow outdoorsmen, whether I’m talking to other dad groups or other parents, and certainly my colleagues in law enforcement, not only here but around the country, to encourage safe storage and responsibly securing our firearm, so they don’t get into the wrong hands and something bad happens.

BT: There was a young man who spoke earlier, he said that the first time he picked up a gun was around 13 years old. How many of our youth are also on that path right now?

FH: Far too many, but with the commitment again of this administration, this police chief, police department, and our CVI partners, we are working to change that narrative day by day, making sure that that is not the norm for our young Detroiters and future leaders of the city.

The Detroit Parks Coalition is expanding its We Walk Detroit program. The group will take one-hour walks multiple times a week starting in June at parks across the city. It’s part of a larger slate of free, all-ages programming focused on wellness and recreation.

The coalition is made up of several park organizations, including the Belle Isle Conservancy, Chandler Park Conservancy, Clark Park Coalition and Friends of Rouge Park. Some programming is aimed at providing safe, free activities for youth during the summer.

For more information about events, visit detroitparkscoalition.com/events.

Additional headlines for May 28, 2026

MDHHS moves Wayne County food pantry site to Detroit office

A new food pantry is coming to Detroit next month. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced it is moving its On-the-Go pop-up food distribution center in Wayne County to its MDHHS office in Detroit to improve accessibility for residents.

The department hosts the food pantries in partnership with Forgotten Harvest. Residents will be able to schedule appointments. Culturally appropriate food options are offered when available, including halal and kosher foods.

For more information about dates and times the pop-ups will be open, visit forgottenharvest.org.

Detroit PWHL general manager looks ahead to league draft

The general manager of the new Detroit Professional Women’s Hockey League team, Manon Rheaume, says she’s excited and focused ahead of the league’s draft next month.

“The draft class this year is going to be unbelievable. The number of players that’s going to be ready to play right away in the league is incredible,” she said.

Detroit is hosting the event June 17 at Little Caesars Arena.

Rheaume was the first woman to sign a professional hockey contract and play in an NHL game. She represented Canada on two gold medal-winning International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship teams and the silver medal-winning team at the 1998 Olympics. She performed the ceremonial puck drop at the PWHL’s first game at Little Caesars Arena in 2024.

Rheaume named Westland native Josh Sciba head coach. Sciba has been the assistant coach for the PWHL’s New York Sirens.

Muslim Youth Connection to host 313 Bazaar in Dearborn Heights

The group Muslim Youth Connection is hosting the 313 Bazaar on May 31 from noon to 5 p.m. More than 70 vendors will sell handmade art, jewelry, Islamic items, clothing and more.

The event will take place at the Islamic Institute of America Mosque, located at 700 N. Beech Daly Road in Dearborn Heights.

For more information, visit Muslim Youth Connection’s Instagram page at @mycmedia.

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

From the soulful drift of Willie Wright and The Lijadu Sisters to the sharp rhythms of Liquid Liquid, ESG, and Talking Heads, today’s mix moves through soul, post-punk and global grooves. Along the way are selections from Four Tet, Grace Jones, Labi Siffre, Laura Marling, Clairo, SPRINTS, and Happy Mondays. 

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above. 

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for May 28, 2026 

• “I Want to Know (Part I & II)” – Adriano Celentano 

• “Fool’s Paradise” – The Sylvers 

• “Gurbet” – Özdemir Erdoğan 

• “Ansumana” – Susso 

• “Lush” – Four Tet 

• “Life’s Gone Down Low” – The Lijadu Sisters 

• “Temecula Sunrise” – Dirty Projectors 

• “Right On For the Darkness” – Willie Wright 

• “Miracles” – Johnnie Frierson 

• “Slave to the Rhythm (Hot Blooded Version)” – Grace Jones 

• “Easy Street” – Amanaz 

• “Oh Louisiana” – Chuck Berry 

• “Drume Negrita” – Ry Cooder & Manuel Galban 

• “Pipeline” – Bill Frisell, Greg Leisz, Tony Scherr & Kenny Wollesen 

• “Rise and Fall of Jimmy Stokes” – Link Wray 

• “Ride Me High” – J.J. Cale 

• “Bo’s Veranda” – Morphine 

• “Better” – SPRINTS 

• “Tart Tart (Remastered)” – Happy Mondays 

• “Optimo” – Liquid Liquid 

• “Life During Wartime (Live)” – Talking Heads 

• “Funky Stuff” – Lizzy Mercier Descloux 

• “Outubro” – Milton Nascimento & Esperanza Spalding 

• “All Seeds” – Don Glori 

• “Sanctified” – System Olympia & Working Men’s Club 

• “Mercury” – Automatic 

• “Moody (Spaced Out)” – ESG 

• “Life Round Here” – James Blake 

• “Hypnotised (feat. Mel Uye-Parker)” – Matthew Herbert 

• “Patterns” – Laura Marling 

• “Cannock Chase” – Labi Siffre 

• “Add Up My Love” – Clairo 

• “Pride May Put Me To Rest” – Louise Walker 

Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org. 

New music from Ruti, Mitchum Yacoub, and Detroit group Novablood before spinning into songs from Boards of Canada, Sault, Studio and Can. 

The mix also features selections from Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Yo La Tengo, Broken Social Scene, and Spiritualized. 

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above. 

In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper playlist for May 27, 2026 

• “I’LL BE YOUR FRIEND” – Ruti 

• “Sleeping Ute (Nicolas Jaar Remix)” – Grizzly Bear & Nicolas Jaar 

• “Otis (2024 Remaster)” – The Durutti Column 

• “Save It for Later (Live)” – Pete Townshend 

• “This Is How We Walk on the Moon” – José González 

• “Up All Night” – Sault 

• “Nel Villaggio (Nicola Conte & Nico Lahs Afro Club Mix)” – Piero Umiliani, Nicola Conte & Nico Lahs 

• “Vitamin C (2004 Remaster)” – Can 

• “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” – Angie Stone 

• “I Used To Live In A House” – Novablood 

• “Life’s A Beach! (Prins Thomas Mix)” – Studio 

• “Tell You (Today) [12″ Vocal]” – Loose Joints 

• “It’s My House (12″ Remix)” – Diana Ross 

• “Hurtin’ (feat. Divina)” – Mitchum Yacoub 

• “Dub Je Je” – Antibalas 

• “Pawa!” – Asha Puthli & Say She She 

• “I Say a Little Prayer” – Aretha Franklin 

• “Knocks Me Off My Feet” – Stevie Wonder 

• “French Navy” – Camera Obscura 

• “Heaven’s on Fire” – The Radio Dept. 

• “The Warning” – Hot Chip 

• “Ginkgo” – I Am Robot and Proud 

• “Olson” – Boards of Canada 

• “Roygbiv” – Boards of Canada 

• “You Can Have It All” – Yo La Tengo 

• “7/4 (Shoreline)” – Broken Social Scene 

• “Carry the Zero” – Built to Spill 

• “Stars” – Hum 

• “Spread Your Love” – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club 

• “The Mainline Song” – Spiritualized  

Listen to In the Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org. 

Listen to “MI Local” with host Jeff Milo Tuesday nights from 9-10 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET.

Stating the obvious feels unavoidable: David Bowie, even 10 years after his passing, remains one of the most influential artists of all time. So, it feels like a silly question when I ask what motivated local musicians to arrange and then perform a tribute show to the late great chameleon of genre and aesthetic, doubly so when it’s spearheaded by a Detroit-based performance artist who, himself, has spent his 40+ year career creatively developing a particular alter-identity for the stage: the blend of punk, burlesque, rock and vaudeville in one white greasepainted package: Satori Circus. 

The artist behind Satori Circus has amassed several friends and collaborators over the years, including guitarists Rick Browarski, Jeffrey Cantwell, and Brandon Trenz, the latter of which actually did a lot of the rounding-up of additional musicians to form an ensemble, back on January 10, that performed a tribute show to Bowie at the Tangent Gallery (on the anniversary of his death). Now, this Saturday, they’re reforming, as Lads Insane (a play on Alladin Sane) for The Rise and Fall of Lads Insane, performing the entirety of Bowie’s iconic The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust. 

During our interview, we talk a lot about Bowie, of course, and about the rest of the musicians rounding out this group, including saxophonist Johnny Evans, drummer Bill Henrikson, and percussionist Jay M. Jones. The group will also be performing a few other choice cuts from Bowie’s 70s canon at the Tangent, along with other featured performers from the visual and performing arts scene. This is an all ages show, and you can find more info here. 

Also on the show, I played songs from five of the top 10 contenders for our Sounds Like Detroit Showcase! We recently announced the 10 local artists that WDET listeners will be voting on, to see who goes on to perform at our celebratory showcase at Batch Brewing on August 13, and you can find more information here. Voting goes live on June 3, but for now, on this week’s show, you can hear tracks from Laurie Love, Vahn Black, Rose St. Germaine, Illajide, and Michelle Held. 

Also on this week’s show, new music from Issac Burgess, who has an album release party at the Ghost Light on June 10, along with new pop-punk sounds from Haley & the Crushers, and a tender ballad from Kate Peterson, who you can see at this summer’s Sonic Lunch series in Ann Arbor. 

In a letter to Michigan residents, Former Detroit Mayor has called it quits in his independent run for Governor.

Dear Friends,

I am so disappointed to have to write you this letter.

For the last 18 months I’ve worked every day to try to change Michigan’s toxic party politics. I’ve been supported by hundreds of volunteers who believe deeply that years of constant Democratic-Republican conflict in Lansing have led to our schools declining, our housing costs rising, and our young people moving out of Michigan in record numbers.

We knew the Independent route was filled with challenge. Even against those odds, the excitement for real change carried this campaign upward for more than a year. In every one of the 5-10 town halls a week I was holding across Michigan, we hosted Democrat, Republican, and Independent neighbors all mixed together in lively and positive discussions. It was a remarkable experience.

But by April, the mood of the country had shifted suddenly and dramatically. Democrats (and many Independents) were unified in anger as Trump’s war in Iran dragged on and gas prices rose above $5 a gallon. On May 5, the Democratic State Senate candidate in Saginaw won 60% of the vote in a seat Republicans thought would be very competitive.

Against the Democratic headwinds, we worked twice as hard. We continued to pile up huge numbers of union endorsements, once the unions learned that Michigan election law allowed voters to vote both straight ticket Democrat and also vote Duggan as an Independent.

But for the public in general, our internal polling showed the intense anger over gas prices and Iran was boosting Democrats in every office nationally. The Chamber poll last week showing we’d fallen 11 points behind the Democratic candidate reflects that reality.

Being down 11 points in May wouldn’t discourage me – I’ve been down worse than that in the past. But this time it’s compounded by our inability to build serious national fundraising support. Michigan donors have been extraordinarily generous in supporting this campaign – 94% of my donors come from Michigan. We raised more instate than any other candidate.

But Governor’s campaigns are today funded overwhelmingly from well-established networks of national party money, which is why I’ve been all across America meeting with national groups to try to build a competitive fundraising network for Independents. There is much interest, but we’ve finally concluded the national fundraising for these groups is too much in its infancy to be of great help to our race in 2026. As generous as our Michigan donors have been, we will be strongly outspent by the national Republican and Democratic parties this fall.

If we were even in the polls and behind in fundraising, we have a path to winning. If we were behind in the polls and even in fundraising, we have a path. But we’re behind in both. It’s just not right to ask our volunteers, faith leaders, unions, elected officials and donors to continue in a campaign that, in my heart, I no longer feel good about our chances to win.

I got into this race to try to change our politics, not to be a spoiler. I’m still hopeful our campaign will prove to have a real long-term impact. 23% support in the last poll means more than 1.6 million Michigan voters are today looking for a Governor candidate serious about reducing the toxic partisan politics. If the candidates on the ballot this year take that message to heart and truly reach out to those voters, we will have accomplished something important.

I will never be able to express the gratitude I feel for all your support and encouragement. I wish I could have done better for you.

Mike

Reactions from around Michigan

Michigan Democratic Party Statement

LANSING — In response to Mike Duggan suspending his campaign for governor, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel released the following statement:

“We’re grateful to Mayor Mike Duggan for his service to the city of Detroit and our entire state. While we’ve had disagreements, the Mayor brought crucial ideas to this race and we appreciate his commitment to bringing people together.

“As we look ahead, we welcome Mayor Duggan’s supporters into our growing coalition as we work to elect a Democratic governor this November who will continue to move Michigan forward.”

Jocelyn Benson

“I want to thank Mayor Mike Duggan for what he brought to this race and for his years of service to Detroit. At a time when politics can feel divided and cynical, we need more civility, more listening, and more people willing to work together to move our state forward. I welcome Mayor Duggan’s ideas, his supporters, and everyone who believes Michigan’s future is bigger than division — and that it can be a place where anyone can afford to live, work, and thrive. We may not always agree on everything, but we share a commitment to building a stronger Michigan. And that work continues in this campaign.”

Detroit officials gathered at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center yesterday to unveil their summer crime prevention program.  Called “Occupy the Summer,” the initiative looks for ways to keep teens actively and productively engaged once the weather warms up.  

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison says the overall idea is to find more ways to keep the community safe. “We know that as the temperatures rise,  our children, our seniors, our community – everyone is waiting to come outside.  We see year after year, violence and gun violence start to rise.” 

The Occupy the Summer initiative will keep several Detroit recreation centers open until 11 p.m., expand youth programming, hold cultural activities and bring back midnight basketball.  The program kicks off June 12 and runs until August 14. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Casino revenues are up 

Detroit’s three casinos are showing improved financial numbers for April.  Revenues hit $118.9 million for the month.  That’s up nearly 8% compared to April 2025.  

The Michigan Gaming Control Board says MGM Grand showed the greatest year-over-year increase at 14.3%  MGM also retained the largest share of the market in Detroit at 49%.  Motor City controlled 29%, while Hollywood Casino at Greektown pulled in 22%.  

The three casinos paid $14 million in wagering taxes and development agreement fees to the City of Detroit last month.  They paid another $9.6 million in taxes to the state of Michigan. 

Gas prices continue rising 

Gas prices in metro Detroit continue to rise.  The average price for a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded was $4.82 this morning.  AAA Michigan says that’s up a nickel from yesterday.  Crude oil prices remain high, with very little traffic passing through the critical Strait of Hormuz.  Refinery problems in the U.S. are also impacting gas prices in Michigan. 

Pistons prepare for game five 

The Detroit Pistons play game five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals tonight.  They take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena.  Detroit had a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series last week, but the Pistons have lost two straight games to Cleveland.  

Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff says the team didn’t play up to its potential in game four on Sunday afternoon, losing 112 – 103.  Game five starts tonight at 8 p.m.  It will be televised on ESPN.    

Lions play Patriots in Germany 

The NFL announced this morning that the Detroit Lions will play the New England Patriots in Germany this season.  The teams are scheduled to meet on November 15 in Munich.  The Patriots won the AFC East last season and advanced into the playoffs.  

The Lions failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2022.  The full NFL schedule will be released Thursday night. 

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

The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) is offering scholarships to high school seniors. The third annual DWIHN Mental Health Youth Ambassador Scholarship is for students in Wayne County who show resilience and a commitment toward their future higher education goals.

Five scholarships will be awarded to support students who have overcome personal or family challenges. Students must live in Wayne County, graduate in 2026 and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students must also demonstrate resilience or perseverance and plan to pursue higher education in college, trade school or through continuing education credits. The money can be used toward tuition, books or transportation.  

Students have until May 29 to apply. For more information visit www.dwihn.org or email WCYouthUnited@dwihn.org. 

Additional headlines for Monday, May 11, 2026

Hamtramck Community and Economic Development summer internship

The City of Hamtramck is looking for summer interns to assist the Summer Youth Employment program. The paid internships are for youth 14-24 years old to take part in the city’s Community and Economic Development team.

Students will get hands on experience in public service, event planning and community engagement. They will also learn more about local government and small businesses. Internships begin in June and end by September. Applications are due by May 29.

To apply visit hamtramckcity.gov/employment-opportunities. Contact ced@hamtramckcity.gov for more information.  

May is Foster Care Month

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently hosted a roundtable for Foster Care Month. The event’s goal was to raise awareness around support services available for foster care families. The state has over 10,000 kids in foster care.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel says “Every child deserves to feel safe and supported.” The health department works with local agencies, courts and community partners to provide safe environments for kids. However there is also an emphasis on uniting families whenever possible.

Programs like the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative, Transitional Placement Program, Community Reintegration Homes and the Foster Care Navigator Program hope to help children and families.

The health department says they are also looking for more foster care parents. To learn more, visit michigan.gov/hopeforahome.  

Michigan film trivia night

The Outlier Collective is hosting a trivia night next week. Outlier Media is teaming up with the Senate Theater to bring people a special Michigan film-themed trivia night. Outlier Media’s Briana Rice and BridgeDetroit’s Bryce Huffman will be hosting. They will ask questions about Michigan’s film history.

The event takes place May 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Trivia night will be hosted at the Senate Theatre in Detroit. Visit outliermedia.org/our-events/ to get tickets.  

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

The record-high rainfall for some parts of northern Michigan — combined with melt from March’s above-average snow — pushed infrastructure to the brink across the region in Cheboygan, Bellaire and other cities.

For some, the flooding was a reminder of our vulnerabilities in the face of extreme weather, which is expected to worsen as our climate continues to shift.

“This needs to be considered not the worst we can experience. This needs to be considered as typical of the future,” said Richard Rood, a professor emeritus at the University of Michigan who studies climate change.

More than half of Michigan’s 2,500 dams have reached the end of their 50-year design life, according to state data. And an estimated $1 billion is needed to pay for all the upgrades needed in the state.

‘Would have been far worse’

Bob Stuber, executive director of the Michigan Hydro Relicensing Commission, peers at the swollen Boardman-Ottaway River in downtown Traverse City. The river saw record-breaking levels from the flood, which came shy of a 500-year flood, according to the city.

“It’s really remarkable how quickly it’s recovered here,” he said.

That recovery is largely thanks to the 2024 removal of the old Union Street Dam, said engineers at the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC). The old dam was upgraded to a different structure for FishPass, the final part of a river restoration project on the Boardman.

“Upstream would have been under two more feet of water, which would have been quite devastating,” said Daniel Zielinski, a principal engineer for GLFC. “We actually had a really great stress test of the system. It functioned really well.”

Stuber said the flooding at Boardman-Ottaway River signals what needs to happen across the state: more dam upgrades and dam removals where it makes sense.

“I think every opportunity we have to remove an aging dam, we should take advantage of it because it’s not going to get better. It’s just going to get worse,” he said.

Dam removals

Conservation organizations like Huron Pines help dam owners in northern Michigan remove small dams on their property. They’ve managed nine removals in the last 13 years.

The organization has seen more interest from dam owners in removals after the recent flooding, said Josh Leisen, senior project manager for Huron Pines.

“There are costs associated with repair, and there are risks associated with having a dam,” Leisen said. “Even if it seems to be in good condition, you get extreme weather events like we just had.”

Removal is often a win-win for waterways and dam owners, he said. Ecosystems get reconnected and owners don’t have to pay for expensive upkeep of aging dams.

But some dams are easier to remove than others. People are often reluctant to give up the lakefront access that dams often create.

“A lot of other industries are sustained by the fact that we have built dams in our systems,” said Heather Huffstutler, executive director for the environmental organization Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.

Some dams also provide electricity, drinking water or are used for transportation. But Huffstutler sees a growing momentum around small dam removal, which could help mitigate future flood impacts.

“When a river is allowed to use its floodplain and then use those associated wetlands and headwater streams, the less flooding we will see,” she said.

A proposed legislative solution 

Upgrading or removing dams is also expensive. The Boardman-Ottway River dam removal — considered the largest removal effort in the state’s history — cost $25 million for three dams. Huron Pines is managing the removal of Sanback Dam in Rose City next month, with an estimated cost of $4 million.

Funding for half of the Sanback removal comes from a grant program through the Michigan Department of Environment, Energy and Great Lakes (EGLE) — as a response to the 2020 Edenville dam failure. The $44 million state program funded several dam removals, upgrades and engineering studies before it ended last year.

Now, local and state officials are renewing calls for more money and stronger safety regulations.

“Dam safety may be an issue that isn’t partisan,” said Phil Roos, director of EGLE.

Proposed legislation would bolster rules around inspections, private ownership, design standards, and create more funding opportunities for upgrades or dam removals.

“It’s so important to our state that we can come together, and whether it’s passing the legislation that was proposed, or improving procedures or ultimately funding,” Roos said.

State Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, said at a Traverse City roundtable discussion on dam safety that he’s concerned about private dam ownership after the close call at Cheboygan Dam. Michigan owns about 1,000 dams in the state, others are privately owned.

“Somebody made a point, ‘Well, we can’t have private companies owning these things.’ I tend to believe in private ownership but they might be right,” Damooose said.

Flooding in a warming world

Climate change is likely to bring more frequent and intense storms capable of similar floods.

As the climate warms, more water is evaporating. And an atmosphere with increased moisture can fuel intense precipitation, according Rood at the University of Michigan.

Recent flooding “has shown an incredible vulnerability,” he said. “(Dams) are either going to have to be removed or reengineered. Or they’re going to become a set of slowly unfolding failures.”

Luke Trumble, chief of dam safety for Michigan, agrees we’re living in a different climate than when most dams in the state were built. But flooding will still happen, he said.

“It’s a little bit of a misconception that if we fix the dam issue, there’ll be no more flooding,” Trumble said. “There’s still going to be flooding on rivers whenever we get rain like this, or rain on snow.”

There’s still a solution, though.

“What we can do with dam safety legislation is help ensure that flooding is not made worse by a dam failure,” he said.

This story was originally published by Interlochen Public Radio.

The city of Detroit celebrated 10 years of Project Clean Slate with the program’s 20,000th expunged conviction.

Project Clean Slate is a program that removes barriers that limit the economic, social, physical and mental well-being of residents with criminal records. There are multiple benefits that come from expungement. Studies from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce show that companies that give second chances to returning citizens see reduced employee turnover and an overall higher quality of work.

During a press conference this week celebrating the decade-long program, Mayor Mary Sheffield announced her administration will offer a new opportunity for justice-impacted individuals.

“We just recently opened a new Office of Community and Neighborhood Safety. A part of that work will be working with justice-impacted residents through our new Office of Returning Citizens. When we invest in people and when we choose compassion, we don’t just change the lives of individuals, but the entire community,” Sheffield said.

Project Clean Slate currently has 4,000 open and eligible convictions in process and/or ready to be expunged.

Additional headlines for Thursday, April 30, 2026

Michigan gas prices continue climbing across the state

Michigan gas prices are going up again, with some areas seeing prices around $5 a gallon.

The average cost in the state is about $4.58, up about 33 cents from the day before and 71 cents higher than last week. A year ago, the average price was $3.23.

These surges are connected to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz, halting multiple shipments of oil.

Some experts say prices should stabilize after today.

Detroit teams face pivotal weekend across basketball, baseball and soccer

Pistons force Game 6

The Detroit Pistons avoided elimination Wednesday night, beating the Orlando Magic 116-109.

Now the hometown heroes travel to Orlando for a must-win Game 6 if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The showdown is set for Friday, May 1. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

Tigers look to climb AL Central standings

The Detroit Tigers face off against the Texas Rangers this weekend.

As the second-place team in the American League Central, they could find themselves in the top spot in the division with a successful weekend.

All three games will be played at Comerica Park.

Detroit City FC returns to Keyworth

Detroit City FC faces Louisville City FC at Keyworth Stadium.

The match is set for May 2 at 6 p.m.

Detroit Vinylfest returns for second year

The second annual Detroit Vinylfest returns this weekend, featuring records, CDs, tapes and more.

The event, presented by the Detroit Bookfest team, will feature more than 70 vendors selling vinyl records, cassette tapes and other music collectibles.

Vendors will also offer music-related posters, T-shirts and other memorabilia for collectors and music fans.

Some musicians will host autograph signings, and DJs will be spinning vinyl throughout the event.

For more information, visit detroitbookfest.com.

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BasBlue is a community driven nonprofit rooted in Detroit. Its goal is to reimagine what opportunity can look like for women and nonbinary individuals. 

It brings together mentorship, professional development, and community in one space, designed to spark growth and connection. In 2026, BasBlue celebrated five years in Detroit with more than 600 active members and counting.

BasBlue CEO Ellen Gilchrist stopped by The Metro to explain how spaces like BasBlue are helping close long-standing gaps in opportunity.

 

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More stories from The Metro

In this episode

• Recap of the 2026 Democratic Endorsement Convention
• What stood out about the filing deadline?

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According to the team, there were few surprises during this year’s filing deadline. One development that stood out to Oosting was Republican James Hooper entering the race against U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib.

“James Hooper announced that no one filed, so he was going to give it a go,” Oosting said. “It’s good for a candidate to have at least one challenger. Rashida Tlaib is a lock for reelection, but what if something happens?”

The 13th congressional district in Detroit probably had the biggest news with Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters jumping into the race to challenge Shri Tanadar. Oosting said Waters jumping in may take votes away from state Rep. Donavan McKinney who was already running. “For [McKinney] to be successful you need a small primary field. Mary Waters getting into the race complicates things”. 

The party primary elections will be held on August 4th. 

• More from WDET:
  MichMash: Michigan Democrats hold 2026 state endorsement convention
  
  MichMash: Will the Michigan Senate race forecast other critical races across the nation?
  
  Detroit Evening Report: Shri Thanedar questions validity of campaign signatures submitted by Adam Hollier

Governor Whitmer signed an executive order allowing higher vapor fuels to be sold in southeast Michigan until July 1. The move allows the cheaper winter gas blend to be sold for the next three months. 

High vapor gas helps cars run smoothly when it’s cold outside. It’s less expensive to make, but worse for the environment. 

Whitmer hopes allowing it will lower prices at the pump amid the ongoing war in Iran. 

But GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says there’s no guarantee that the higher vapor mix will make it to consumers. 

“Even with a waiver… refineries have generally already made a transition over to cleaner… more expensive blends of gasoline for the summer. So even if Michigan allows it… that doesn’t mean refineries are going to go back to producing something different.” 

If refineries do revert to winter blend, DeHaan says it could lower gas prices by around 5 to 7 cents per gallon. 
 
AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $3.86 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas this morning. That’s about 20 cents cheaper than it was last week. 

Additional headlines for April 3, 2026

DPSCD seeks student influencers

Detroit Public School Community District is now employing Student Influencers in their on going effort to grow enrollment. 23 students will be hired to share positive messages about their schools.

To apply, current students must make a 60 second Reel about themselves and submit it via direct message to DPSCD’s Instagram account. For more information visit the district’s account on Instagram, under the handle detroitk12.

Detroit Music Hall screens ‘Dream Girls’

This weekend Detroit Music Hall will host a special screening of the movie “Dream Girls.” It’s the 20th anniversary of the film releasing and the 45th anniversary of the Broadway show.

The screening will be hosted by actress Raven-Symone and will also feature special live performance from Jennifer Holiday, who played Effie in the Broadway performance.

Tickets are on sale now at the Music Hall Box Office and Ticketmaster. The screenings will be on April 4 at 7:00 p.m. and April 5 at 3:00 p.m. 

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