The Detroit Evening Report
The Detroit Evening Report

The Detroit Evening Report

The Detroit Evening Report is a three-minute daily round-up of the news that city residents need to know. Stories focus on the concerns, problems, passions and needs of Detroiters – specifically residents of color. On the weekends, we take a break from the news and spend some time with community members. Hosted by Sascha Raiyn, Jerome Vaughn, Tia Graham, Nargis Rahman, and Hernz Laguerre, Jr. Detroit Evening Report is a production of WDET, Detroit's NPR Station.

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DER Weekends: WDET’s Shustho series explores how mental health barriers affect Bangladeshi women

DER Weekends: WDET’s Shustho series explores how mental health barriers affect Bangladeshi women

On this episode of Detroit Evening Report Weekends, we listen to the last story in WDET reporter Nargis Rahman’s series Shustho. 

The four-part series explores the barriers Bangladeshi women face in accessing high-quality health care, and efforts to bridge those gaps. 

Michigan is home to the third largest population of Bangladeshis in the U.S., most living in the metro Detroit area. 

In this story, we discuss how Bangladeshi mental health care workers are working toward breaking the stigma and filling the gap for more counselors in the Bangladeshi community. 

Whitmer focuses on Michigan’s future at Mackinac conference

Whitmer focuses on Michigan’s future at Mackinac conference

Whitmer outlines top goals before leaving office

The 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference is coming to an end, and Governor  Gretchen Whitmer is outlining her top priorities before leaving office.

Securing a semiconductor plant by the end of 2026, she says, would help Michigan stay competitive in the age of artificial intelligence. Whitmer added that it would also make Michigan an economic magnet — one she imagines could help grow the state’s population. She said she’ll be seeking federal support to make it happen.

Tackling childhood literacy is another priority. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only a quarter of Michigan’s 4th graders can read at a proficient level.

And of course, the “fix the damn roads” governor emphasized the need for a sustainable, long-term plan to fund road repairs. Whitmer stressed that while challenges remain, bipartisanship is still possible.

Ferndale kicks off Pride Month celebrations

June is right around the corner, which means Pride Month is almost here — and Ferndale Pride is kicking things off on May 31. According to organizers, the event strives to support and uplift all LGBTQ+ communities. Expect live musical performances, drag shows, food, a variety of vendors, and a kids’ area. For more information, visit ferndalepride.com.

Free sound bowl meditation on the riverfront

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while the month is wrapping up, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting a Sound Bowl Meditation Workshop on June 5. It’ll take place at Gabriel Richard Park and introduce attendees to basic techniques and the science behind sound healing. Best of all — it’s free, which is the perfect price for peace of mind. Just bring a yoga mat or blanket. For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org.

Detroit parks climb in national ranking

Detroit parks climb in national ranking

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Detroit parks national ranking, Sister Pie temporarily closing, community milestones, and hepatitis screening and vaccines. 

The Mackinac Policy Conference is underway

The Mackinac Policy Conference is underway

The Mackinac Policy Conference is underway on Mackinac Island. Politicians, business executives and non-profit leaders are talking about the future of the city and the state.

Vacant buildings linger in downtown DetroitDER Weekends: Hoarding is common. A local woman wants help to be just as commonIce storm damage could affect holiday travel up north, DNR says

Ice storm damage could affect holiday travel up north, DNR says

Holiday travelers planning to venture up north for some time outdoors this weekend may be met with potential hazards and changes to the landscape following a recent ice storm, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Plus, it's going to be a busy weekend in the Motor City. We have the Movement Electronic Movement Festival May 24-26, Detroit Tigers games against the Cleveland Guardians; The Weeknd is performing at Ford Field May 24-25, and much more. For that reason, the city is encouraging folks to plan parking in advance and to use public transportation when possible. 

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

New survey spotlights higher eviction rates of Black women in metro Detroit

New survey spotlights higher eviction rates of Black women in metro Detroit

A new survey from a Detroit researcher has revealed that Black women disproportionately experience evictions in the city.

Dr. Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson, a social epidemiologist at Ohio State University — and native Detroiter — surveyed nearly 1,500 Black women in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties for the Social Epidemiology to Combat Unjust Residential Evictions (SECURE) Study. She found that more than half of the women who said they experienced eviction were forced out of their homes illegally.

Other headlines for Thursday, May 22, 2025:

  • Entrepreneurs looking to open a small business in Detroit may soon see less red tape. Two ordinances will be presented to city council this week aimed at streamlining business licensing in Detroit. The reforms will include eliminating the business licenses for restaurants and extending the permits to two years for other businesses.
  • Many families are struggling to meet their basic needs in Wayne County, according to the latest ALICE Report from the Michigan Association of United Ways. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. The organization found that just over half of households in Wayne County experienced financial instability in 2023. The rates were 38% in Macomb County and 31% in Oakland County.
  • The Department of Insurance and Financial Services is warning residents to be wary of people offering services for repairs after a storm. Scammers often appear after disasters, promising quick repairs and asking for cash up front or refusing to give ID.
  • The Belle Isle Conservancy shared plans for a public square at the park with the City Council this week. The conservancy and the state are wrapping up a preliminary design this month for the Belle Isle Commons.

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

Duggan pushes for small business regulation reform in DetroitEPA lifts emergency order on Flint drinking water

EPA lifts emergency order on Flint drinking water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has lifted the emergency order on the city of Flint's drinking water. The EPA announced Monday that Flint's water system is now in compliance with lead standards and has replaced over 97% of lead pipes carrying water to homes.

Also, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

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

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