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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Jenkins endorses Sheffield for mayor

Jenkins endorses Sheffield for mayor

Former Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins is endorsing Mary Sheffield for the job. 

She expressed her support for Sheffield this morning during an event at Cody High School on the city’s west side, saying they have shared priorities. 

“It’s about kids all over the city of Detroit who deserve to live in a city free of gun violence.  It’s about all the kids who deserve to grow and reach their full potential.”

Jenkins has an understanding of City Council president Sheffield’s qualifications to become mayor.  Jenkins served as the president of Detroit City Council before stepping down in 2014. 

Sheffield faces Pastor Solomon Kinloch in the November 4th general election. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, September 10, 2025

  • Democrat Adam Hollier is running for Michigan's Secretary of State, changing course from his earlier announced intention of running again in the state's 13 congressional district.
  • Detroit’s three casinos brought in 106.9 million dollars in revenue last month.  That’s down 4.6 percent from August 2024. 
  • U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin is scheduled to give a keynote address at Wayne State University’s Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy this weekend to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
  • Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is recovering from prostate cancer surgery.  He underwent a procedure on Tuesday to deal with the problem. In In a statement on YouTube, he urged men to talk to their doctors about prostate health. 

If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org.  You know how much we love hearing about Detroit. 

Detroit Regional Chamber urges against Invest in MI Kids initiative

Detroit Regional Chamber urges against Invest in MI Kids initiative

The Detroit Regional Chamber is urging voters not to sign a petition that would tax the wealthy to help pay for schools. The chamber argues some small businesses file their taxes using individual income tax.

But Jess Newman from the Invest in MI Kids initiative says the language of the petition and the individual income limits affects only about 12,000 to 18,000 high income individuals in the whole state.

“We’re talking about a very targeted tax to folks that make a ton of money. They do not as an effective rate pay their fair share. We’re also looking at folks that just got a huge tax break on the income taxes from the federal government.”

The Invest in MI Kids ballot initiative would add a 4% tax hike on individual income over $500,000 to fund public education.

Both petition organizers and the chamber urge voters to read the language of the petition.

Additional headlines for Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Wayne renames Dearborn street in honor of Osama Siblani

Wayne County is honoring longtime journalist and founder and publisher of Arab American News, Osama Siblani by naming a stretch of Dearborn’s commercial corridor after him. 

Siblani established the publication back in the 1980’s, and 40 years later it has become the longest running bilingual Arab weekly publication in the nation.

According to officials, Warren Avenue is believed to be the first street in Dearborn to have a sign in honor of an Arab American advocate.

Ford issues rear view camera recall

Ford is recalling almost 1.5 million vehicles in U.S. because of a rear view camera issue. The recall involves vehicles from model years 2015 to 2019.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the image on the center of the display screen has been reported to go black or get a distorted image which may result in a potential crash.

The administration said they are aware of 18 accidents and no injuries related to the rear camera issue. The agency said that vehicle owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their cars to their respective dealers to solve the issue. There will be no charge for the service.

ModPods to help Lansing homeless

To combat homelessness in the state, Michigan plans to create mini housing pods.

The city of Lansing approved the purchase and storage of 50 modular housing units called ModPods. City officials in Lansing are considering various locations to plant the pods.

If successful, the approach would make Lansing the first city in Michigan to utilize the 8-by-8 housing units which have been used in other states across the country.

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

988 day raises awareness of mental health hotline

988 day raises awareness of mental health hotline

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

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

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

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

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

Additional headlines for Monday September 8, 2025

Expungement clinic at the Mathis Community Center 

An expungement clinic is coming to Detroit next week.

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

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

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

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

ProsperUs Detroit Family Block Party  

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

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

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

Detroit X Dearborn Annual Block Party Next Saturday 9/13 

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

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

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

Ethiopian New Year 

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

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

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

New Carr Center exhibit showcases Black queerness

New Carr Center exhibit showcases Black queerness

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover the opening of a new exhibit at the Carr Center centered around Black queerness. Plus, festivals to check out this weekend and more.

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

Remembering Metro Detroit Youth Day founder Ed Deeb

Remembering Metro Detroit Youth Day founder Ed Deeb

Longtime Detroit businessman, youth advocate and organizer of Metro Detroit Youth Day Ed Deeb has died. Also in this episode: neighborhood beautification and upcoming events surrounding Black Reading Month and uplifting creatives in film.

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

City to prosecute more misdemeanors

City to prosecute more misdemeanors

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 Wednesday September 3, 2025

  • Wayne State students are back to school, contributing to small traffic jams in Midtown. If you're driving or walking on campus, pack your patience
  • Pontiac is holding a town hall meeting later this month to discuss a proposed master plan for city parks with residents. The town hall meeting will take place on the 2nd floor of Pontiac City Hall - 47450 Woodward Avenue - from 6 to 7:30 pm on Monday, September 15th .   
  • Gas prices are slightly lower than they were a week ago, but still 9 cents higher than last month, according to a survey by AAA Michigan. You can save some gas by making sure your tires are properly inflated and by driving at the speed limit.
  • The jackpot for the multi-state Powerball lottery has grown to $1.3 billion. The odds of winning aren’t very good though...  They’re about one in 290 million. Good luck! 

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

Michigan's government may shutdown if budget isn't approved

Michigan's government may shutdown if budget isn't approved

The state government faces a possible shut-down soon unless lawmakers come to an agreement on a new budget. The House and Senate are billions of dollars apart in terms of their spending and policy priorities, says Speaker of the Michigan House, Matt Hall

Republican proposals align with much of Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer's agenda. But critics say the budget plan passed by House Republicans cuts too many programs.

It slashes funding for the Michigan State Police, hospitals and revenue shared with cities and counties among other cuts.

Without an agreement on a new budget, the state government will shut down in about a month.

Additional headlines from Tuesday, September 2, 2025

New restrictions on COVID vaccine access

It may be harder for many Michigan residents to get the new COVID vaccine this fall. The Food and Drug Administration has limited shots to people 65 and older, and those with certain medical conditions.

Others might be able to get the shot with a prescription. Michigan's health department encourages everyone over 6 months old to get the vaccine, including pregnant women and very young kids. 

Syphilis on the rise for infants in Michigan

Syphilis cases in Michigan are decreasing – for adults. But Bridge Michigan reports diagnoses for infants are up 38% since 2021.

Health officials estimate between 50 and 60 newborns will test positive for syphilis this year. 

Sphinx Organization releases album, holds applications for musicians of color

The Sphinx Organization released its latest album last week. “American Mirror” shares new works by Black, Indigenous and other composers of color.

The organization has also opened applications for the 2026 Orchestral Partners Auditions. The program offers classical musicians of color a chance to connect with a national professional network and to compete for up to 3500 in cash prizes.

Applications close on October 6th and are followed by a round of recorded submissions in November and live auditions in Detroit in January. 

Wayne State hosts early childhood education conference 

The Project Launch Early Childhood Conference is later this month. The one-day seminar will focus on social emotional learning in early childhood education.

The event is free to educators and can be used to meet required training hours. The Centers for Family Development will host the conference at Wayne State September 20th.  

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

DER Weekends: New brunch spot Haus of Brunch offers halal soul and Middle Eastern foodMichigan celebrates five years of GetSetUp partnership

Michigan celebrates five years of GetSetUp partnership

In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services credits online classes with safeguarding the mental health of many older adults in the state over the past five years.

Plus, we look at Detroit’s jobs report and an upcoming event for Black tech empowerment.

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

New boarding platforms for East Jefferson bus riders

New boarding platforms for East Jefferson bus riders

Detroit’s Department of Transportation is installing new boarding platforms on East Jefferson for bus riders.  

It’s part of a pilot program to enhance safety and efficiency for bus passengers. 21 new elevated platforms will extend from the curb across bike and parking lanes to provide faster boarding for passengers.  

Buses will stay in the right lane to pick up riders instead of pulling to the curb and moving in and out of traffic. 

 The platforms will have ramps on each side to allow for bikers to seamlessly pass over the platforms without leaving the bike lane. 

 New shelters will be placed at each of the platform locations. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of next month. 

Additional headlines from Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025

Section of Southwest Detroit nominated for historic designation 

The Detroit City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board is nominating a section of the Bagley and West Vernor highway commercial district for a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The designation would honor Southwest Detroit’s century old legacy of Latin American culture.

The Board will present the nomination at its public monthly board meeting on September 11th at 4 p.m. Attendees will be able to comment on the proposed historic district designation, ask questions about the process, and learn more about the benefits of a National Register historic district.

The meeting will be held at the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation offices at 2853 Bagley. 

Labor Day events in metro Detroit

Labor Day Weekend is here and there are several events happening across the Metro Detroit Area. 

  • The Michigan State Fair at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi Starts today. The fair will feature a farmer’s market, carnival rides, livestock exhibits and competitions, a beer festival and more. 

  • Royal Oak’s Arts, Beats, and Eats returns. The four-day festival will feature over 200 performers, dozens of food vendors, and artists showcasing and selling their work. 

  • Eastern Market is hosting the Detroit Sandwich Party on Sunday. The one-day festival for sandwich enthusiasts will feature many small format sandwiches for purchase along with beer, wine and other non-alcoholic beverages from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Campgrounds almost fully booked for this weekend

Michigan’s state park campgrounds are almost fully reserved this Labor Day weekend. Last minute campers can check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources digital dashboard map which tracks the booking status of state parks.

State forest campgrounds offer camping on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning campsites can’t be reserved. 

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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