The Detroit Evening Report

Eleven Detroit city parks are receiving nearly $20 million in updates and beautification projects this year. 

All upgrades were ideas suggested by residents and block clubs in the neighborhoods near the parks. 

City Councilman Scott Benson was a persistent advocate for park improvements across the city. 

“Recreation is not just a luxury; it is a vital urban asset, and it's a competitive edge for strong, thriving cities," says Benson. "And this is what you see here today. Vibrant parks attract families, improve mental and physical well-being.” 

New amenities at the parks include an inclusive play area at Eliza Howell Park, the city’s first BMX bike track at Dorais Park and a multi-sport court at Jane-Lasky Park. 

Cruising Woodward is a summer tradition. But many residents near the avenue say vehicles are too loud. That is why legislators hope to crack down on modified vehicles.

Natalie Price is a Democratic state Representative from Berkley. She told WDET’s The Metro on Wednesday that some people are moving away from the Woodward corridor because the noise keeps them up at night. 

"We see property values being impacted by this noise. In November, I talked to a constituent [who] did that from out of state not realizing, and now has decided that they can't live in the area due to this excessive noise."

Price is proposing drivers receive ‘fix-it tickets’ instead of fines for driving excessively loud vehicles. She says that would prevent people from paying a financial penalty for driving noisy cars. 

Wayne County Public Health has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus this summer season. The virus has only been detected in mosquito samples; no human cases have been reported in 2026.

Officials say the best way to protect yourself is to prevent bites. West Nile Virus cannot be spread person to person and most people do not see symptoms, however 1 in 5 may experience fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash 2-14 days after a mosquito bite.

To stay safe, limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, use an EPA-registered insect repellent, and empty standing water at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding sites. 

DDOT seeks council members

The Detroit Department of Transportation is seeking residents to serve on its Local Advisory Council. DDOT is recruiting people  who live in Districts 1, 3, 5, 7, and an at-large member.

The Council will help plan services for senior adults and people with disabilities.

Applications can be submitted by contacting DDOT’s ADA Coordinator at 313-316-2793. 

LGBT Detroit’s Annual Hotter Than July Festival is back and starts today. It’s the city’s longest running Black LGBT Pride event. The event kicks off with a candlelight vigil in Palmer Park by the Blue Spruce Tree at 5:30 PM.

The festival includes a bar crawl mixer tonight at 9 p.m. on the Avenue of Fashion, an Art and Film Festival honoring Duane Belin on Friday, the Palmer Park Picinic on Saturday, strolling brunch on Sunday and more! The festival will also feature a star search competition looking for Detroit’s next Drag Star.

The wildfire smoke that covered Michigan skies is costing the state money. According to an Analysis from an East Lansing based Anderson Economic Group, the smoke cost the state’s economy $4 billion in losses. We are second only to the state of New York which estimated a $5 billion loss. 

The firm said that Michigan had the largest impact based on the size of its economy. Proximity could be the reason why.  

How did this happen? Well, industries that rely on outdoor work like transportation and construction contributed to these losses greatly.  Outdoor events and attractions closed as well which also points to a decrease in tourism and fewer customers at businesses that depend on the outdoors.  

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources had to tell campers with reservations that they should cancel. They also waived cancellation fees and issued refunds.   

But the losses may be ending soon as it appears the smoky haze has lifted.

As of Wednesday, the Air Now's Air Quality index showed the air quality was between 0-50 which means the air in Michigan is in a good range. At one point last week, Michigan was rated the most polluted air quality in the world with Detroit’s air quality index at 724—for reference, anything over 301 is hazardous. 

According to the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy as the weather system moves about the improvements are expected to continue.  

To stay up to date on air quality, you can check EGLE’s MiAir Quality Index Dashboard or use the US Air Quality Index called Air Now.  

A company from Japan is planting their roots in Detroit. The company Nagase America opened their Mobility Solutions office in downtown Detroit.

 According to the publicly traded company, they will provide innovative materials and components that enhance vehicle comfort, performance, and efficiency.  

In a YouTube Short video, Mayor Sheffield describes how this move will expand Detroit’s global reach.

“Today sends a powerful message that a global company with nearly 190 years worth of experience had many choices where they could go and grow and expand. You could’ve expanded anywhere but you chose our talent our downtown and our future. It speaks volume of the confidence you have in our city. Your decision brings you closer to more customers, partners and innovators while strengthen Detroit’s position as a global mobility hub.”

The company says it plans to use Detroit as a long-term strategic foundation for its North American mobility operations. 

And the 3-1-3 is turning 3-2-5. July 24th marks the city’s 325th anniversary.

You might be thinking, how is that possible? America just turned 250 years old! Well, it was originally founded French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac in 1701. Detroit transitioned from French to British control in 1760, and later became part of the United States following the American Revolution. 

The Detroit Historical Society is celebrating the milestone in conjunction with anniversaries for the Detroit Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum.  

The Detroit Historical Society will host a daylong community block party on Friday, July 24 with free admission to the museum. And the Dossin takes the baton and continues the fun on Saturday, July 25, a maritime-themed “dock” party that will also include family activities, music, ice cream, food trucks and free museum admission.

The Detroit Department of Construction and Demolition gave city council an update on the removal of the contaminated dirt in the city on Monday. 

The Department has replaced tainted backfill in more than 100 properties. That's out of the 450 lots that were identified. The average cost of the fill removal and replacement is about $36,000 per site. 

Department Director Tim Palazzo says they have tightened up process for approving construction fill materials over the last several months. "The first thing is that we collapsed the number of sites and sources from which we receive fill material down to seven public pits. These only excavate native sand, gravel, soil from longstanding operations." 

Palazzo says they inspect those sites on a monthly basis and send their staff—as well as a third-party environmental consultant—to oversee operations at the sites. He says they have also started sampling the fill before it even leaves the source site.

-Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley 

The Southfield Neighbors Action Committee is hosting a community discussion Wednesday about ICE enforcement in Southfield. “What Does It Mean To Be A Good Neighbor When ICE Moves In?” will be moderated by Kermit Williams, political director of Oakland Forward.

Panelists include Elida Reyes from Community Action for Empowerment, Lauren Fink from Southfield Neighbors Action Committee, Dr. Patricia Talley from Mexico Negro and U.S. House Representative Rashida Tlaib.

The event is Wednesday from 6:30- 9 p.m. in Room 115 at the Southfield Pavilion at 26000 Evergreen Road.

Dearborn Public Schools has received a state grant designed to bring more Michigan-grown food to its cafeterias. The Good Food for Michigan Project is giving the district more than $460,000. Dearborn schools serve more than 3 million meals to around 20,000 students at more than 30 sites. 

The Good Food for Michigan Project is a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, the Center for Good Food Purchasing, and the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.  

People visiting Detroit’s Riverfront and Southwest Greenway can now take in a little bit of the DIA’s art collection. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting the museum’s Inside Out project featuring large-scale reproductions of 7 works. The pieces will be in place until October.

The Hamtramck Parks Conservancy and the city’s recreation department are partnering to offer a girls soccer clinic on August 17. Women coaches and trainers will work with girls between the ages of 10 and 17 years old. Balls, nets and pennies are provided.

The clinic runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Park Soccer Arena at 8684 Joseph Campau. 

The Detroit Health Department says people should continue to plan for poor air quality from Canadian wildfires. Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy put out a statewide Air Quality Alert. Smoke is likely to linger this week.  

In Detroit, the air quality is in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range. 

Detroit Health Department Director Ali Abazeed says residents should check current conditions and adjust outdoor activity. He says residents will be notified if air quality worsens. 

People should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, take frequent breaks and keep quick relief medications, such as inhalers, nearby. People should also keep their windows closed and run AC units and filters. 

Residents should monitor health conditions such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or irritation of eyes or throat. Anyone who is having trouble breathing should contact a healthcare provider. 

Visit airnow.gov for air quality conditions. 

Detroit Disability Power and DanceAbility are hosting several dance parties to get groovy this summer. Join six Zoom sessions online or in-person workshops. Cara Graninger will facilitate. People can also join in person for three sessions with local musicians. ASL interpretation is available upon request. 

The first in-person event takes place July 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Valade Shed on the Detroit Riverfront.  

The Charles H. Wright Museum’s Women’s Committee is hosting a golfing event next month. The Golf Classic is an annual fundraising event to raise money for the museum. Named in honor of Roberta Hughes Wright—an award-winning author, humanitarian and the late wife of Dr. Charles H. Wright, the founder of the museum—the event also hopes to explore African American history and culture.

Proceeds will go toward the museum’s unrestricted operating budget and children’s educational programs at the museum. 

The Golf Classic takes place Thursday, August 6 at the Lakes of Taylor Golf Course from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register at thewright.org/events. 

The city of Detroit’s Department of Elections and Detroit Votes 2026 is hosting a Get Out to Vote block party this weekend. The event takes place Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2978 West Grand Blvd. outside of the Department of Elections Office. There will be community resources, entertainment and kids activities. 

Several Detroit organizations are coming together to provide community resources for clean-up and beautification efforts in the city. The tool kits are accessible to residents, community groups, and nonprofits. Tools include small construction tools and safety equipment for snow removal and lawn and landscaping. 

The tools can be picked up from the Balley Park NDC, the E. Warren Tool Library, or the Premier Group Associates in Detroit. 

Visit the Department of Neighborhoods on detroitmi.gov. 

Dean Dr. Ahmed Radwan of the College of Health Professions at the University of Detroit Mercy is hoping to bring more first-generation students to the private university. He tells WDET's Nargis Rahman what additional support the university provides to help students that need more structure, and how having those systems brings diversity to the campus—and eventually, to various professions. 

The city of Detroit’s Health Department is offering guidance and respite centers to help residents to stay safe from the Canadian wildfire smoke.  

In a press conference this week, Mayor Sheffield acknowledged the hazardous air quality conditions.  “We know we have unsafe air quality outside, and we are doing all that we can to get that information out to residents to stay in and to stay masked and to ensure we’re checking on our loved ones.” 
  
In response to the air quality, the health department has informed residents to check the website, airnow.gov to check up to date air quality conditions in your area.   

They also advise residents to stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, move physical activities indoors, and wear masks.  Residents that don’t have air-conditioning can check out some of Detroit’s recreations centers at detroitmi.gov. There you will find centers near you and the numbers to contact them.     

The city is also investing $184 million to repair a long list of damaged sewer lines. This project will help prevent sewer backups and sinkholes that are most common in low-income neighborhoods.

Gary Brown is the director and CEO of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). He says these repairs are too expensive for homeowners to repair. “In Detroit, homeowners and the maintenance of these lines are the homeowner's responsibility. Many residents don’t realize they’re responsible for the connections.  Unfortunately, it is also the deepest most difficult and most expensive portion of the sewer repair.”   

The federally funded project will repair nearly 9,000 clogged or broken sewer connections in mostly low to moderate income neighborhoods. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2030.  

Sports 

MLB  

The second half of the Tigers season starts this weekend after the all-star break. The home team goes against the Los Angeles Angels for a 3-game weekend affair.

The Tigers are currently trying to dig out of the American League Central against an Angels team that is trying to do the same.   

First pitch for today’s game is 9:35 p.m. at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.   
  
Soccer

Detroit City FC go against the Indy Eleven tomorrow at Keyworth Stadium. Game starts at 7 p.m.  
  
FIFA 

And the FIFA World Cup final takes place on Sunday, July 19 with Spain facing Argentina in a game that will make history with Lamine Yamal and Lionnel Messi leading their respective teams. Game starts at 3 p.m. at the MetLife stadium—temporarily known as New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey.     

And this Sunday is the 9th Annual Detroit Festival of Books. Organizers say that at this event you’ll be able to shop for rare, unique, and unusual books, vinyl records, comic books and more.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 19 at Eastern Market.  

Detroit City Council approved a change to an ordinance that prohibits alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana advertisements to be placed withing 1000 feet of sensitive locations.  Places of worship have been added to the list of protected locations.  

Council President Pro-Tem Coleman Young raised concerns about information on treatment centers and educational services being affected by this new rule.  

But Councilmember Scott Benson says that is not the case.  “This ordinance does not capture that. And this ordinance is already in place for alcohol and tobacco products, and there is no prohibition about advertising [Detroit Integrated Health Network] services or other services for substance use disorders.” 

The amended ordinance passed unanimously .

The Highland Park School District announced a new scholarship program to help residents pursue post-secondary education.

Officials says Highland Park high schoolers are often not eligible for promise scholarships in the school districts they attended because of their address. The Highland Park Promise Scholarship is available to every graduating high school senior who lives in the city. Beginning fall 2027, eligible student can get an initial $1,000 to go toward any post-secondary education such as community colleges, universities, or trade schools.

Because the school district does not currently have its own high school, the scholarship will be available to any student attending high school in a neighboring district as long as they currently live in Highland Park. 

The Eastside Community Network is hosting a forum with the 2026 U.S. House and Senate Candidates about issues shaping Detroit’s eastside. Candidates expected to participate include Donavan McKinney for the U.S. Houses 13th district,  Abraham Aiyash for the State Senate first district, as well as candidates for the 3rd Senate District and 9th and 11th State Representative Districts.

Forums will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday July 18 at the East Side Community Network on 4401 Conner Street.

WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 2026. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
• 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. — U.S. House, District 13 
• 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. — State Senate, District 1 
• 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. — State Senate, District 3 
• 12:45 - 1:30 p.m. — Lunch 
• 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.— State House, District 9 
• 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. — State House, District 11 
WHERE: Eastside Community Network (ECN), 4401 Conner St, Detroit, MI 48215

Michigan State Police is planning a one-day initiative to enforce the state’s “move over” law.

When approaching a stationary vehicle with flashing lights such as police, ambulances, fire, rescue or road service vehicles, drivers must slow down to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and move over one lane. If you cannot move over due to traffic, weather or road conditions, still slow down and pass with caution.

Colonel James Grady said in a statement there have been 13 instances this year where patrol vehicles were struck while conducting traffic stops. The one day initiative will be on July 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. across Michigan and neighboring states. 

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has issued an air quality alert for the state of Michigan. That’s due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.  

The air quality can harm those who are unhealthy or sensitive groups… potentially reaching the unhealthy range. EGLE has published a page for resources on how to respond to wildfire smoke. 

The state’s health department advises people to limit outdoor activity by monitoring the air quality in their area. They also recommend sheltering indoors with air conditioning — and to find a shelter if it’s too hot at home. People can call 211 to find a local shelter.  

Visit michigan.gov/egle for more information.  

Invest in MI Taxes  

Some Michigan lawmakers are backing a joint resolution to have voters decide whether the state’s highest earners should pay more in taxes. The proposal seeks to change an extra 5% tax on annual income above half a million dollars for single filers or a million dollars for joint filers. The extra revenue would go toward health, housing and education.

Democratic State Senator Stephanie Chang says the money could come in handy as economists predict tough years ahead for the state budget.  “I think its important that as lawsmakers we keep talking about those priorities and also talk about how if we make the wealthy pay their fair share, we can create another revenue source that can help generate over a billion dollars.”  

Republicans and business groups claim the plan increases taxes for small businesses — organizers say that’s not true. It would take supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature to get the measure on the ballot.  

-Reporting by Colin Jackson

DTE outage response

Days after severe storms interrupted service for thousands of DTE Energy customers, the head of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) says the company’s response could have been better.  
Commission Chairman Dan Scripps says DTE’s own restoration estimates fed into people’s frustrations.  

“There were a number of problems with the restoration estimates. They were off… and sometimes significantly. And not just the level of communication that you’d expect from a utility to its customers.”  

Scripps spoke with WDET’s Robyn Vincent on The Metro. He says MPSC received higher-than-normal public complaints after the storms.  

DTE’s chief executive apologized to customers last week, saying the company will review its response and try to do better.  

DTE Energy is a financial supporter of WDET.  

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Chinatown Block Party 

The Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee is hosting its second annual block party in Detroit on Cass and Peterboro Streets. The event corresponds with the 2023 demolition of the former Chinese Merchants Association Building, which also housed several Chinese organizations. Community members opposed the demolition of Detroit’s Historic Chinatown.  

Lisa Yee-Litzenberg is a volunteer member of the committee. She says the block party and commemoration is an effort to create a safe space, a Pan-Asian district in Detroit. 

“This is an opportunity for people to celebrate and feel pride about their culture and their history, but also for people from all walks of life to come and learn about the culture, the history of different Asian groups in the Detroit metro area, so that's a big.”  

Yee-Litzenberg says her father Henry Yee was the former unofficial mayor of Detroit's Chinatown in the 1960s and 1970s.  

Last year, Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang announced one million dollars in funding to create a streetscape in the Chinatown district to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans. 

The free Detroit Chinatown Block Party takes place Saturday, July 25, from noon to 8 p.m. The event will feature historical exhibitions, performances and food from over 50 vendors. There will also be free film screenings at the Masonic Temple featuring the movies “Bad Axe” and “Warren King: King of Cardboard.”  

Houses of worship may soon be added to the list of sensitive locations where certain advertisements are not allowed within a 1000-foot radius. 

Councilmember Scott Benson says posting ads for things like alcohol and cannabis near a house of worship is inconsiderate. "You have your church, and then 30 feet from your church is a probably a 40 by 20 sign advertising King of Bud, just a level of disrespect and a level of just insensitivity to what we have here." 

The Public Health and Safety Committee approved the changes to the amendment today. City council will choose whether to enact the changes at the next formal session. 

-Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley

We're learning more about the deal to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27. CBC News and other media report 50% of toll profits over the bridge's first 15 years of operation will go into a U.S. development fund. President Trump had said he would not let the bridge open unless Canada agreed to share toll revenue.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told CBC's Power and Politics while the deal may look like a win for Trump, the U.S. won't get much out of it. He said it could take longer than 15 years for Canada to recoup the cost of building the bridge before it would share revenue with Michigan. 

Canada spent almost $6.5 billion to build the bridge. The U.S. paid nothing. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

High school students are invited to apply for the Freedom Tour Detroit 2026. The four-day program explores advocacy, civil rights, justice and Detroit history.

The Michigan Coalition for Human Rights, the City of Detroit’s Office of Veterans Affairs, Wayne State University and the American Civil Liberties Union are working together to offer in-person seminars and guided field trips between July 30 and August 2.

Applications are due by Sunday, July 19.

The Michigan Science Center’s After Dark series is back with “Summer Games” on July 24. This event offers those 21 and over a chance to explore science, sports and a little friendly competition.

The Penske Planetarium will offer a one-night only show featuring the “Olympians of the Night Sky," Detroit City FC will be in the house with giveaways and photo ops, former Piston and President of the Motor City Cruise Durand “Speedy” Walker will speak, and adult games—including a 50-foot inflatable obstacle course, Warrior Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em and something called Hippo Chow Down.

National Coney Island is bringing classic and veggie coneys and there will be signature cocktails from the Byrdie Bar.

Michigan Science Center After Dark Summer Games is Friday July 24 from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $35 for members, $45 for non-members and $30 for designated drivers. Learn more at mi-sci.org. 

Several attorneys general filed a new lawsuit to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from terminating school-based mental health grants. Michigan Attorney Dana Nessel has joined the lawsuit.  

The projected cuts equal about $6 million in funding from Michigan schools and universities. Members of Congress allocated $1 billion to address school shootings. The grants are focused on bringing in 14,000 mental health professionals into low-income rural schools. Programs have provided services to over 775,000 students across the U.S.  

Nessel’s office says in a statement that grantees were notified in April last year that their grants may be terminated for conflicting with the Trump administration's priorities or be targeted for perceived DEI initiatives.  

A court order last year says the administration should not eliminate programming for mental health care in schools. The department said it would review grants at the 6-month mark and make further funding determinations. However, the department plans to terminate funding by this month, prompting the new lawsuit.  

The attorneys general allege that termination of the grants violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution. Termination of the grants would also disrupt the pipeline to get more mental health professionals into the field and lay off those who are already working to address the concerns. 

The Trump administration is questioning how Michigan conducts elections. That includes demanding lists of registered voters and threatening Michigan’s Secretary of State with criminal charges if any non-U.S. citizens cast a ballot. The U.S. Justice Department said it intends to send monitors to polls in Detroit, Lansing and East Lansing. All Democrat-led cities. 

Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey says allegations that the city had long lines and a lack of ballots at polls are not true. 

Winfrey says Detroit’s election system is transparent and above-board, and she welcomes legal poll monitors watching it in action.  

“And transparency strengthens public confidence. So we don’t mind groups coming in to observe… as long as they don't get in the way of processing voters and the voting process.” 

President Trump has often made baseless claims that Detroit’s elections were rigged against him despite investigations finding no evidence of any widespread voting fraud. 

-Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter. 

There’s a new app for oncology clinical trials. The Barbara Ann Karmonos Cancer Institute has launched a new version of the KCI Clinical Trials App, where clinicians and people can find out updated information about clinical trials for more informed care.  

People can use the app to contact specialists for questions about trials and learn about opportunities or referrals. Karmanos offers clinical trials for various kinds of cancers including brain, gastrointestinal, and sarcoma. Visit karmanos.org/clinicaltrails to learn more. 

The Asian American advocacy group Rising Voices is hosting an artist exhibition. It will display the art of Michigan Asian American artists Chelsea Koga, Maikue Vang, Navjeet Kaur and Julia Koza. There will also be performances and time for networking.  

The “Revolution, Resistance and Joy,” exhibition opening night takes place July 17 from 6-9 p.m. at the Swords Into Plowshares Gallery in Detroit. The event is free with registration.  

There’s a Latin food festival coming to Detroit. Latin City is hosting this outdoor, family-friendly festival with food and music.

The Sazon Latin Food Festival will showcase flavors from the Caribbean, Central and South America. Space is limited. The event takes place Sunday, July 26 at the Batch Brewing Company from 12-5 p.m. Registration is free but spots are limited.