The Detroit Evening Report

By WDETSociety & Culture News Daily News

The Detroit Evening Report episodes

July 18, 2025New Michigan pilot program aims to address turnover in early education
A new state pilot program kicking off this fall aims to reduce turnover and attract talent in early childhood education by offering affordable benefits packages for educators.
The two-year pilot program, facilitated through the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), will include health insurance, life and disability benefits, and 401(k) options for early education teachers and child care workers.
Other headlines for Friday, July 18, 2025:
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has promised a better semiconductor deal for Michigan after the SanDisk Corporation pulled out of an agreement to build a chip factory near flint.
Detroit has demolished thousands of vacant homes since
voters approved Proposal N five years ago. The $250 million
bond program enabled the city to tear down blighted
properties while salvaging other homes to be renovated and sold. A contractor will carry out the 8,000th demolition under the proposal on Friday.
The Detroit Tigers will face the Texas Rangers on Friday, July 18, at Globe Life Field. The Tigers are currently No. 1 in the American league with a 59-38 record; and as they enter the second half of the season they are facing the 48-49 Rangers. First pitch is at 8:05 p.m. ET.
Detroit City FC will also face the Pittsburgh Riverhound SC on Friday at Keyworth Stadium. This game could determine positioning in the eastern conference playoffs. The game starts at
7 p.m.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
5 min
July 17, 2025Mayoral candidates vow to find new revenue streams for Detroit
Most candidates vying to become Detroit's next mayor agree the city's high property tax rates remain a barrier to home ownership and attracting more residents.
They say Detroit needs to find new revenue streams, especially now that the city has allocated all of its pandemic relief funding.
On WDET's The Metro, Detroit mayoral candidate and City Council President Mary Sheffield said Detroit must increase partnerships with the private sector.
"I do not believe that we can tax our way out of anything. That's one tool to have in the tool box. But overall we want to continue to increase our population, we want to continue to provide good-paying jobs because when that happens we get revenue back to Detroit through property tax and income tax," she said.
Sheffield and rival candidate Saunteel Jenkins say the city should explore creating a local sales tax.
Other contenders — like council member Fred Durhal III — say Detroit should target new investment from green energy and tech firms.
But mayoral candidate Solomon Kinloch argues the city cannot grow its way to prosperity without help from state lawmakers.
– Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter, WDET.
Other headlines for Thursday, July 17, 2025:
Dearborn City Council voted Tuesday to restrict Airbnb and other short term rental units to the downtown area. The decision was in response to some residents who have complained about parties and parking in their neighborhoods.  The zoning amendments will take effect on Jan. 1. 
Local prisoners will be receiving a new opportunity from Wayne State University. The university's Prison Education Program allows inmates to receive a bachelor's in sociology with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation, starting fall 2025. Staff say the major was chosen because of its broad reach and the transferrable skills that come from a strong background in liberal arts.
Wayne State University is launching a women’s varsity soccer team beginning the 2026-27 academic year. It’s the first new varsity sport brought to the university in more than a decade. The new team will play in NCAA Division II as part of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, with home matches on the lit turf stadium next to Tom Adams Field. The search for a head coach will begin this summer.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
5 min
July 16, 2025Detroit seeking residents affected by June 2021 floods for sewer repair program
The city of Detroit is notifying people about a free sewer repair program for residents who experienced basement flooding in June 2021.
The Private Sewer Repair Program (PSRP) reaches 97 neighborhoods across the city and is available to residents who were hardest hit by the severe flooding.
To apply, households must be a single-family residence, they must be located in one of the eligible neighborhoods, and must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). They also need to be able to demonstrate damage from 2021 flood.
In a statement, Mayor Mike Duggan said the program uses federal funds to improve the lives of Detroiters and give them peace of mind.
"Major storms that can cause flooding is something we expect to see more of in the future and this program will help 1,500 Detroit families in the 97 neighborhoods that already have experienced basement flooding to protect their homes," he said. "Repairing hundreds of damaged private sewer lines is just one of the many ways we are investing to make Detroit more resilient to flooding and the effects of climate change."
Residents who previously received benefits are not eligible. To apply, email [email protected], visit detroitmi.gov/psrp, or call 866-313-2520.
Other headlines for Wednesday, July 16, 2025:
The InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting its 13th annual Urban-Suburban Interfaith Picnic from 1 to 5 p.m. this Sunday, July 20, at Palmer Park. The picnic will feature food from different religious traditions, a health fair, musical performances, games and more.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced eight awardees who received $7.9 million in solar grants for clean energy projects though the MI Healthy Climate Challenge. In Wayne County, Hope Village Revitalization plans to retrofit homes in Detroit and Highland Park, and the North End Woodward Community Coalition will expand its Solar Neighbors initiative.
Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County and the Elam Family are hosting a neighborhood revitalization event in Pontiac this week. Over 80 volunteers will work on cleaning up yards, and removing trash at 14 worksites during “Rock the Block,” taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 17.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
4 min
July 15, 2025Detroit nonprofit launches website to inform voters ahead of city elections
Local nonprofit CitizenDetroit is working with Politics on the Go and Activate Detroit to get Detroiters informed ahead of upcoming city elections.
The collaboration has launched a website with videos from candidates to help voters prepare to elect the city's next mayor, clerk, city council members and board of police commissioners.
CitizenDetroit will also host a Detroit Primary Election Candidate Forum from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at the IBEW Local Union 58, 1358 Abbott St., Detroit/
Visit citizendetroit.org for more information.
Other headlines for Tuesday, July 15, 2025:
Two of Detroit's iconic summer festivals will be taking over Midtown this weekend. The Concert of Colors, taking place July 16-20, is one of the longest-running free global music festivals, attracting tens of thousands of attendees. Also, the Charles H. Wright Museum's 60th annual African World Festival celebrating the African Diaspora returns to Hart Plaza this weekend, featuring music and dance performances, food and arts vendors, a Children’s Village and more.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is screening the documentary short “I am Potawatomi," at 6 p.m. on Thursday, along with a language workshop. The film covers the near death and current revitalization of the Potawatomi language.
The Clark Park Coalition is reaching out to its community for support as it plans another year of youth programs. Summer youth activities include its soccer program and street hockey. The Park has also maintained a hockey program for years — making the sport accessible to Latino and Black youth in the city. It has taken special pride in its girls programs. The coalition says it’s not only looking for donations. Anyone interested in volunteering can also visit clarkparkdetroit.org.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
5 min
July 14, 2025Older adults outnumber children in nearly half of US counties, data shows
The U.S. Census Bureau released new data showing the population of adults 65 and older is increasing, while the population of people 18 and younger is decreasing.
The population of adults age 65 and older rose by 3.1% (to 61.2 million) while the population of those under 18 decreased 0.2% (to 73.1 million) from 2023 to 2024, the data shows.
Lauren Bowers, chief of the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Branch, says those changes affect communities of color most among the 4.4 million people who live in cities like Detroit, Warren and Dearborn.
“The data in 2024 is showing that the non-Hispanic white population is the only population in the Detroit metro area where younger adults are outnumbered by older adults," she said.
Bowers says nationally, the number of older adults and children 18 and younger now are similar.
Other headlines for Monday, July 14, 2025:
Seventeen nonprofits, businesses and community groups working to reduce food waste will receive support through the state-funded NextCycle Michigan initiative.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says federal funding cuts could strip 300,000 Medicaid recipients of their health insurance. Medicaid is the largest insurer in the state, covering one in four residents. Health department director Elizabeth Hertel says the cuts will also affect her agency's efforts to protect public health.
A city building in Dearborn was renamed last week in honor of Dearborn's first Arab American councilmember, Suzanne Sareini. Sareini served as a council member six terms, from 1989 to 2013. The city’s senior housing building — formerly called the Hubbard Manor East — will now be called the Suzanne Sareini Manor.
The Detroit Documenters, a program which trains and pays people to attend city meetings, is hosting a photo documenting workshop this week. Cydni Elledge, senior photographer and editor at Outlier Media, will lead the workshop, set for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
5 min
July 11, 2025Detroit nonprofit newsrooms collaborate on new project exploring student safety
A new reporting project from Chalkbeat Detroit, Planet Detroit and BridgeDetroit is exploring Detroit students’ perspectives on safety and violence.
Other headlines for Friday, July 11, 2025:
Arab American community nonprofit ACCESS is hosting a community Narcan training on Tuesday, July 15 at the Henry Ford Centennial Library. Attendees will learn about overdose prevention strategies, how to identify an overdose and how to administer Narcan. Those who finish the train will also receive a Naloxone kit. Register at bit.ly/ASAPNarcanCommunity.
The Pontiac City Clerk is inviting the community to a “visioning” session on cannabis equity at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at the Robert Bowens Senior Center, 47450 Woodward Ave., Pontiac. Attendees will learn about the city’s plans to launch adult-use marijuana in the city, and residents will have a chance to share their thoughts about social equity initiatives related to ownership and licensing as well as business and workforce development. They will also learn about the Pontiac Social Equity Fund. RSVP at [email protected].
State Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) is hosting a community conversation town hall on Monday, July 14, to collect ideas and concerns around five priorities in the Democratic Vision Project: Affordability, public education, health, labor and neighborhood development, and environmental issues. The event includes a free dinner and will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the James E. Tate Community Center, 21511 W McNichols Rd., Detroit.
The 7th annual Detroit Kite Festival is taking place this Sunday, July 13 on the Belle Isle Cricket Field from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
6 min
July 10, 2025 Detroit moms invited to share birth stories; Hamtramck seeking youth council members + more
Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a storytelling event at a Detroit birthing center, summer food preservation classes from MSU Extension and more.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
4 min
July 09, 2025A MichMash lookahead; Detroit eases business licensing + more
This week on WDET’s Michigan politics podcast MichMash, Craig Mauger and Beth LeBlanc of The Detroit News join the show to discuss the criminal investigation into Fay Beydoun.
Beydoun, who served on the executive committee for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is accused of misusing $15 million in funds the state awarded to her nonprofit for the purpose of bringing international businesses to Michigan.
Listen and subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
Other headlines for Wednesday, July 9, 2025:
The Detroit City Council recently approved ordinances to help making the licensing process easier for small businesses, BridgeDetroit reports.
Two R&B legends are coming to Detroit this week: Keisha Cole’s The Way It Is Tour will stop at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, July 10, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the singer's debut album of the same name. And super songstress Fantasia will perform at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre on Friday, July 11.
The Detroit Tigers will face off against the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park on Wednesday, with the first pitch at 5:10 p.m. following a rain delay.
Detroit City Football Club will play against Hartford Athletic at home on Saturday, July 12. The team is hoping to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to the Oakland Roots SC 2-0.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
5 min
July 08, 2025Detroit's efforts to attract immigrants contributed to population growth, report finds
Efforts to attract and settle immigrants in Detroit may have been a contributing factor in the city's recent population growth, according to recent reporting from The Conversation.
Research shows that Immigration has a positive impact on the economy through a larger employee talent pool, increased social and civic engagement, and offsetting the decrease of Detroit native born children.
Despite a national shift in tone towards immigrants, cities like Detroit are prepping for a globalized future by investing in programs that encourage and support immigrants looking to start a life here.
Other headlines for Tuesday, July 8, 2025:
Detroit Rapper and entrepreneur Icewear Vezzo joined City Council President Mary Sheffield on his childhood block to call attention to the work local organization Gracious Hands is doing to support the homeless.
Air travelers may not need to take off their shoes for TSA at certain U.S. airports as early as this Sunday, as the agency plans to abandon the additional security step that’s been in place for about 20 years.
The Detroit Tigers are facing the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday at Comerica Park. The Tigers are close to locking up their division and are proving to be the team to beat. This may be the year of the Tiger after all. First pitch for today’s game is at 6:40 p.m.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
4 min
July 07, 2025Duggan, DPD announce 'major crackdown' on juvenile violence
Detroit officials announced the launch of a new teen violence prevention plan in response to recent shooting incidents involving children in the city.
Other headlines for Monday, July 7, 2025:
The city of Dearborn has unveiled another ability inclusive playscape. This third installment can be found at Lapeer Park, joining Ford Woods and Crowley parks in providing activities for children with special mobility needs. Dearborn Parks & Recreation worked with disability groups and families to design the park.
Michigan residents now have the option to take the written portion of the driver’s education course online. The “KnowTo Drive” test can be taken at Michigan Secretary of State branches and offices, and is available in different languages. Eligible Michigan residents over 18 must verify proof of identity and pay a $6.50 convenience fee. They will also have to use a webcam to prove their identity.
Detroit Documenters is a program that trains and pays people to take notes at public meetings in Detroit. Documenters is hosting a network-wide Virtual Note-taking Practice Session from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9. Participants must complete an orientation training before participating in the note-taking training. The Documenters are also hosting a photo documenting workshop in Tech Town on July 15.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at [email protected].
4 min