The Detroit Evening Report

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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.

  1. 5h ago

    Whitmer stresses sticking with effective strategies to improve education

    Michigan's governor says the state needs to stay the course on education policy. In recent years, the state has changed its reading curriculum, offered free school meals to everyone and paid for literacy coaches. But the latest reading scores show slight declines across the state in the percentage of students in grades 3-8 who are reading at grade level. Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the rather than making big frequent changes the state needs to focus on strategies it knows work. This school year, the state is changing how it funds districts based on the number of "at-risk" students they serve.  The governor also indicated she is waiting to decide whether to opt in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. The program offers tax breaks for donations to organizations that grant scholarships to low-income students. Opponents say the program violate the prohibition against giving public money to private schools that voters have supported several times. Michigan is one of 15 states that still hasn't decided whether to join the program-despite calls from Republicans.  Whitmer says she's still waiting on details from the U.S. Treasury Department about how the program would work.  Additional headlines for Sept. 9, 2026 SMART plans expansion SMART is preparing to expand bus service into additional Metro Detroit communities after voters approved countywide transit funding while public transit usage is increasing, according to new data.  The agency's report shows ridership rose about 25% over the past year. The SMART system currently operates 45 fixed routes across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The agency plans to extend service into communities that previously opted out of the regional bus system. SMART has proposed adding eight new routes and five extensions. New routes have been proposed for the Telegraph, Middlebelt,and Seven Mile corridors, as well as the return of SMART service to Hamtramck. Saturday routes will also be added for the first time since cuts in 2011.  Detroit home repair programs Applications for the Detroit home repair programs opened today. The Critical Home Repair option is open to owned homes with children under 18, seniors over 62 or residents with a documented disability. The Detroit LeadSafe program serves families who own or rent their homes with children under age 6 or with a pregnant woman in the home. Both programs have income eligibility requirements and are only available to homes where property taxes are up to date or being paid through a payment plan. For more information, call 866-313-2520 or email hhfsHomeRepair@detroitmi.gov.  Art explores how Detroiters view home Tomorrow is the opening reception for “Where We Belong: The Architecture of Home” at the Boulevard. The reception and exhibit explore the question of who gets to call Detroit home. Thursday’s event offers music, food and conversation as well as art. On Saturday, Outlier Media’s Orlando Bailey will conduct “special interviews” exploring concepts of home, neighborhood, memory and belonging. On Sunday, the exhibit holds the conversation it calls “Building Belonging” with three Detroiters working in place, people and the built environment. The exhibit runs through Sept. 20. For more information, visit abayomicdc.org/wwb.  Stevie Wonder in Detroit Stevie Wonder is planning a stop in Detroit this fall as a part of a tour celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his album “Songs in the Key of Life.” The legend will play the Fox Theatre on Dec. 8-9. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at 313presents.com, livenation.com and ticketmaster.com.

  2. 1d ago

    Detroiters assess the cost of tornado damage

    Some Detroit residents and businesses have begun to assess the financial toll from an EF-2 tornado that tore across the city's east side, damaging homes, industrial buildings, utility infrastructure and parts of Belle Isle. The National Weather Service says the Sept. 3 tornado carved a roughly 3.5 mile path through Detroit, reaching winds of about 115 mph. City officials said dozens of trees fell, nearly 100 intersections lost working traffic signals and one resident was injured. Some east-side businesses are hoping public assistance may be available. One business owner estimated damage to his property at between $100,000 and $200,000.  Additional headlines for Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026 West Nile virus in Detroit Detroit health officials have confirmed the city's first human West Nile virus case of the year. Chief Public Health Officer Ali Abazeed confirmed the case Friday. Officials say most West Nile infections cause no symptoms but a small number of cases have resulted in serious neurological problems.  ISNA conference The Islamic Society of North America creates a space for belonging for some during a time of growing anti-Muslim rhetoric in the country. Thousands of people gathered over Labor Day Weekend at Huntington Place in Detroit, where speakers talked about overcoming challenges like anti-Muslim racism. Bilal Irfan came to network with American Muslims involved in political, social, and educational life. He says young people are concerned about where they belong."There's a lot of feelings about kind of are these safe spaces for us? Where do we cultivate those spaces? So ISNA is kind of offering that kind of space for a lot of these Muslims that want to feel community, want to feel some place that we can organize together." Saturday night, Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud told the crowd American Muslims are a vital part of the country. -Reporting by Nargis Rahman UAW President Shawn Fain stresses working class voting The head of the United Auto Workers union says the up-coming midterm elections are vital for the future of employees across Michigan and the country. UAW President Shawn Fain spoke after Detroit's annual Labor Day parade which drew an estimated crowd of more than 10,000 people, including several Democratic candidates. Fain, who has campaigned for Democrats in the past, says voters need to elect candidates willing to fight for workers' rights against what he calls the "billionaire class."  Arab Americans for Progress hosts event for Black and Arab women Black and Arab women are invited to an event Sunday focused on creating solidarity and connection. The Home Meeting is also offered as a space to consider story and action. Arab Americans for Progress is hosting the intimate gathering.

  3. 5d ago

    Over 250,000 residents without power following severe weather

    More than 250,000 residents across Southeast Michigan remained without power on Friday after widespread storms. The storms brought heavy rain, winds and at least one tornado to the region.   National Weather Service data showed that more than 3/4' of rain fell on Detroit on Thursday with an additional 2 inches of rain from overnight storms.   DTE Energy issued a report saying that they expect 65% of customers to have power by the end of the day on Friday and 90% of customers to have power by Saturday and the remainder by Sunday.   Additional headlines for Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 Five Detroit businesses gain funds from Motor City Match The city and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation awards $330,000 dollars to five Detroit businesses in round 32 of Motor City Match. This program connects new businesses with services and space to grow by providing them with funding and resources. Kevin Johnson, president of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation says efforts like this help build Detroit.  “People who saw a gap in their neighborhoods decided to fill it... that's what's going to bring our city back to the place where we want it to be, which is the most vibrant and most outstanding place to start and grow a business in this city through the mayor's Rise Higher initiative.”  Sports  The Tigers had their payback against the Minnesota Twins with a dominant win of 11- 6 on Wednesday. They are going to try to build off of that win this weekend against the Cleveland Guardians during their trip to Progressive Field in Cleveland Ohio. The Tigers are currently second to last in the American League Central Division.  Arts, Beats & Eats  And this Labor Day weekend we have Michigan Lottery Arts, Beats & Eats. This annual downtown Royal Oak event is filled musical guests, such as rock band Third Eye Blind, country singer Chris Young, singer songwriter Brett Young, and R&B singer Ginuwine.   Organizers say there will also be local talent, fun for kids, and a lot of interactive activities.  At the festival there will be the Fine Art Fair  that was recently named #7 in the nation for fine art and design on Sunshine Artist magazine’s annual 200 Best list.

  4. 6d ago

    Michigan State Fair brings urban gardeners and rural farmers together

    The Michigan State Fair begins Thursday in Novi, showcasing the work of young people who live on farms. Riley Stechschulte manages the fair's volunteers and sponsor relations. She says city kids get involved, too.  "We have a great urban youth gardening program. We have an urban scholarship program as well as a livestock and agriculture. Those kids together, from rural areas and urban areas, and [we] have them teach each other about things that they do."  The event is smaller than the original Michigan State Fair, which ran out of money almost 20 years ago. Agriculture groups and corporate sponsors revived it in 2012 and moved it from Detroit to Novi. It runs through Labor Day at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace.  Additional headlines for Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 Labor Day weekend events There are plenty of activities planned for Labor Day weekend this year. The Detroit Jazz Festival returns with four days of free music. Gates open Friday at 5:30 p.m. and at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at Hart Plaza. Hamtramck’s Labor Day Festival starts on Saturday at noon on the Main Street of Joseph Campau. And Detroit’s Labor Day March kicks off at 9 a.m. in Corktown on Monday.   MDARD stresses food safety The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding residents to keep food safety in mind this Labor Day weekend. Officials advise those tailgating or hosting cookouts to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot with insulated containers. Avoid cross contamination by keeping raw meat and poultry separate from other foods and beverages. Think twice about leftovers; throw out any cold food that is not 40 degrees or below, and any hot food that has been sitting out for 2 hours or more with an internal temperature below 140 degrees. Store and eat leftovers within four days.   Olga Stella named chief of Economic Development and Workforce Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is naming Olga Stella as the city’s new chief of Economic Development and Workforce. Stella brings 25 years of experience to the job. She previously served several roles with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, including Chief Operating Officer. She helped launch the Motor City Match and Green Grocer programs.  Free showers The group Detroit Heals Detroit is offering free showers to anyone in need. According to an Instagram post, walk-ins are welcome. Towels, body wash, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes are provided. Showers have steamers, fresh eucalyptus, body scrubs, luxury shower heads and a shower speaker. And participants will also receive a free mini-toiletries kit to take with them. Showers are open every Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 19510 Alcoy Street in Detroit, MI.

  5. Sep 2

    Detroit offers tips for National Preparedness Month

    September is National Preparedness Month and the city of Detroit is telling you how you can stay prepared in case of an emergency. This year’s theme is Americans Stand Ready. In order to encourage preparedness in the city the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is telling residents to create and practice family emergency plans, develop a family emergency communications plan, and build an emergency supplies kit. The city is also encouraging residents to prepare for emergencies by signing up for the Detroit Alerts 365 notification system. Additional headlines for Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026 Detroit parks receive funds for updates  Eleven Detroit parks are getting an upgrade thanks to a $20 million investment in neighborhood and recreational spaces. This donation is made possible by the Gilbert Family Foundation, ARPA funds and city funds. Councilmemeber Scott Benson—who is an avid bike rider—shares how this investment will enhance the quality of life in Detroit in an highlight reel YouTube video that dropped today from the City. “When we look at thriving cities around the city we see a common thread. Recreation is not a luxury, but is a vital urban asset and competitive edge for strong thriving cities and that is what you see today. Vibrant parks attract families, improve mental and physical well being and show the world that a city invests in its people, its recreation and neighborhoods”  According to the city, they are seeing a record participation in their adopt a park program which is nearing 100 community partner organizations that help take care and invest in Detroit’s parks.   Sports  NFL   We are a week away from the start of the NFL season and less than two weeks away to the Lions playing their first game. The team revealed their 53 man roster this week. RB Isiah Pacheco will miss at least the first four games of the regular season as he recovers from his MCL sprain. Vice president and general manager Brad Holmes commented on Pacheo’s outlook. “We’re excited about him to get back. he's again he's doing everything that he can to to get back and we're we're excited to get him back when he's health at some point this season.” The Lions first game is on Sept. 13 at Ford Field. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.  MLB  The Tigers have suffered back to back losses to the Minnesota Twins. Next game is today at 7:40 p.m. at Target Field in Minneapolis. We’ll have the results of that game in tomorrow’s Detroit Evening Report.  Art in the Elements Tour  And this Labor Day weekend we get the chance to witness Meadow Brook Hall’s annual limited-run of the Art in the Elements tour. This tour features more than a dozen imaginative floral art sculptures created by renowned floral artists from around the country. This is the tenth anniversary of their Art in the Elements Tour and organizers say this year’s art takes an imaginative excursion into the beyond.

  6. Sep 1

    Board of Police Commissioners weighs eliminating virtual public comment options

    The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners is considering eliminating virtual public comment and the option to provide comment via phone during meetings. If the motion is approved, public comment will be restricted to in person only. District 1 Commissioner Henriette Ivey proposed the idea at last week’s meeting. She told BridgeDetroit in an interview that the goal is not to stifle anyone’s voice, but to build relationships with residents face-to-face. Organizations Detroit Disability Power, Riverwise Magazine and Warriors on Wheels are speaking out against the motion. They say it would silence the voices of people with disabilities, seniors, and working families. The  board will vote on the motion at the the board’s next meeting on Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters.  Additional headlines for Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026 Sensory-Friendly Concert: Dance Party Detroit Disability Power is teaming up with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to present the Sensory-Friendly Concert: Dance Party. The free concert welcomes teens and adults with neurodivergent, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. Cancel Monday Band will play for the 45-minute concert. The concert will feature a limited audience size for reduced crowds, low lighting throughout the concert, flexible seating, noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and a quiet break room. The concert will be held at The CUBE on 3711 Woodward on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2:00 p.m. For tickets visit DSO.org and look on under the events page.  Afterschool arts The national nonprofit ProjectArt is offering free afterschool arts programs in Detroit for K-12 students. The program partners with professional artists and libraries. Registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year. ProjectArt has served hundreds of children in Detroit since 2016 in partnership with Detroit Public Library.   In Detroit, students will work with Stephanie Mae Howells, Chloe River, Irene Perez, Amber Abboud, and Olivia Eshe Holt.   Registration is open for September. Classes begin at the end of the month. Visit projectart.org/detroit to enroll.  Birth Detroit celebration Birth Detroit, Detroit’s first freestanding birth center, is hosting a celebration to share the impact of five years of service. People will learn about Birth Detroit’s impact report and future plans.   The event will take place on Sept.18 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Whiskey Factory—1000 Maple St. in Detroit.

  7. Aug 31

    Detroit names street after late Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin

    More than one hundred people came out to unveil an honorary street sign for the late Imam Abdullah Bey El-Amin on Woodrow Wilson Street this Saturday. On that street sits the Muslim Center, which El-Amin cofounded and where he served as an imam.   El-Amin was the first executive director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan working alongside interfaith leaders.  His daughter Zarinah El-Amin says she’s blown away by the reception.  “I would have never even imagined that my father would have a street named after him in a big city like Detroit, but for his community members, right, that came together and saw fit that he had this honor, they did this.”  El-Amin served as the Neighborhood City Hall Manager between 1994-2001 under then Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer.  Detroit City Councilman Coleman Young Junior says El-Amin’s work outlasted him. “If you were homeless, he would help you get a house. If you were drug addicted, he'd help you get treatment.”  The honorary street name is at the corner of Woodrow Wilson and Davison Street. Additional headlines for Monday, Aug. 31 Detroit Month of Design       This week kicks off the 16th annual Detroit Month of Design. Kiana Wenzell is the co-executive director of Design Core Detroit and the director of Detroit Month of Design. This year’s theme is “Design Moves the Future.” “Whether you're moving forward, moving backwards, or just dancing and moving your body and getting the energy moving, let's put our ideas into motion if we want to move this city in this region forward," says Wenzell. The month of design will feature 100 events in 30 days throughout the city featuring Detroit artists and creatives throughout September. ISNA Detroit The Islamic Society of North America is hosting its 63rd convention in Detroit during Labor Day weekend. It’s one of the largest annual gatherings of American Muslims in the U.S. Topics include patience, perseverance, and God consciousness, civic duty and preserving stories of American Muslims as part of the 250th birthday of America. Azhar Azeez is the CEO of ISNA.“We have invited more than 150 speakers who will not only address spiritual and theological topics, but they will also address contemporary challenges that the American Muslim community is facing, whether it is Islamophobia, whether it is anti-Muslim hate rhetoric, whether it is issues related to religious freedom, we will be addressing all these important topics.” The program includes a knowledge retreat, a Detroit Food Truck Fest and a bazaar. There will also be a mini auto show, a family walk and a showcase of 20 Michigan nonprofits. The Convention will take place Sept. 4-7 at the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit. Visit isna.net to learn more.   Interfaith Buddhism Odyssey  The InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting an opportunity for people to learn more about Buddhism. People can learn about mindfulness and have conversations about Buddhism. They can also take a tour of a temple, learn about traditions and share a meal. The next Interfaith Odysseys will be hosted in Sept. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at the Midwest Buddhist Meditation Center in Warren, Michigan.  Tickets are $35 for individuals and $50 for a family of two or more.

  8. Aug 28

    Nessel releases report on Flint water crisis investigation

    Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a report this week about the Flint water crisis. The report, released Tuesday, explains that a Michigan Supreme Court ruling on “one-person grand jury proceedings” limited the actions that could result from the yearslong investigation. The crisis raised concerns about lead contamination in the drinking water of Flint residents. However, there were no state criminal prosecutions arising from the crisis. The attorney general said the 105-page report marks the conclusion of the case. To hear more about the report and other headlines, listen to the MichMash podcast to hear Cheyna Roth and Alethia Kasben discuss the news with The Detroit News’ Beth LeBlanc. Detroit Fire Department honors late Sgt. Sivad Johnson The Detroit Fire Department unveiled a memorial plaque honoring the late Sgt. Sivad Johnson this week along the pedestrian walkway on Belle Isle. The 26-year veteran died Aug. 21, 2020, after trying to rescue three girls who were struggling in the Detroit River. Although Johnson and a civilian were able to save the three girls, Johnson was believed to have become tangled in aquatic vegetation. Mayor Mary Sheffield attended the presentation and spoke about Johnson’s sacrifice. “Today we gather near the very place where that act of selflessness was made. As a city we have a responsibility to never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” Lions, Tigers and Detroit City FC in action NFL The Lions’ final preseason game is Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. As the NFL season approaches, the Lions and the rest of the league will cut their rosters to 53 players by Sunday. The Lions’ first game of the season is against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 13. MLB The Tigers are trying to string together more wins as they continue to slide away from the top of the American League Central division. They hope to build momentum this weekend as they face the Los Angeles Dodgers at Comerica Park. First pitch Friday is at 6:40 p.m. Soccer Detroit City FC faces Louisville City FC on Saturday at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. The game starts at 8 p.m. Blake’s Sunflower Festival returns Fall is right around the corner, which means Blake’s Sunflower Festival is here. The annual festival features what organizers call breathtaking sunflower fields, 100 talented artisans and plenty of photo opportunities with admission. The festival begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. For more details on pricing, activities and more, visit LittleGuide Detroit.

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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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