The Detroit Public Library has hired a company to evaluate the condition of its buildings.

It marks the first comprehensive review of all 21 branches in decades, aimed at identifying structural needs and long-term sustainability.

Officials estimate repairs and upgrades could cost up to $30 million. The library is seeking philanthropic and corporate partnerships to help fund the work.

The assessment is expected to take six to eight months.

Detroit police consider drones to address street racing

The Detroit Police Department is considering using drones this summer to help curb drag racing and drifting.

Assistant Chief Franklin Hayes said the department plans to bring the proposal to Detroit City Council. He noted that other departments, including Dearborn, are already using drones in policing.

Hayes said the department is aware of privacy concerns and pointed to existing policies governing technology such as facial recognition, developed in partnership with the ACLU.

New independent bookstore to open on Detroit’s west side

Umoja Debate League founder Jerjuan Howard is opening a new independent bookstore this weekend.

The Howard Family Bookstore is designed to expand access to books and literacy for youth and families. Coffee and tea will also be available for purchase.

The grand opening is scheduled for 11 a.m. April 25 at 13803 Puritan Ave. The event coincides with National Independent Bookstore Day.

Waters enters 13th Congressional District race again

Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters is running again in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.

Waters had not publicly announced her campaign before filing paperwork to get on the ballot, a move that surprised some observers. She said those who asked her directly were aware of her plans.

“People who cared enough to ask me if I was going to do it again, I told them yes,” Waters said. “So you have some that were surprised, others who were not surprised because they knew. And then you had another group that did not care.”

Waters was re-elected to City Council last year. She faces a competitive Democratic primary against incumbent U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar and state Rep. Donavan McKinney.

Waters lost to Thanedar by 20 points in the 2024 Democratic primary.