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. 16H AGO

    MDHHS launches health screening for firefighters

    The state health department is rolling out an effort to screen firefighters for health issues stemming from their line of work. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing grant funding for mobile, onsite, or local clinic based screening. MDHHS officials say firefighters have elevated health risks because of work conditions. The funding will support disease prevention. The state has allocated $3.5 million for three years. MDHHS expects to grant two awards to local clinics. Applicants can log into a pre-application on March 13.   Additional headlines for Monday, March 9, 2026 Audit finds inconsistencies in Michigan school staffing reports A new report says Michigan hasn’t been keeping track of teacher aids, and other school service workers. The state health department oversees the school services program. Checking credentials can affect how districts receive federal reimbursement for those support services. The report from the state auditor general found that reviews were backlogged and sometimes took months to complete. There were also a handful of observed cases from the 2019-2020 school year where the state didn’t let districts know when they found staff without the right credentials. The Office of the Auditor General blames vagueness in the state health department’s review plan and outdated agreements for some of the issues. In response, the department says it will update its policies to include more oversight and a clearer review timeline.   -Reporting by Colin Jackson  Southwest events The Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI) is hosting a “Suerte con Amigos” event. People are invited to play Bingo and other games. There’s also a Kahoot game based on Southwest History. The game night takes place March 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Vamanos!, located at 4444 Vernor Highway. Tickets are $10. Prizes include gifts cards and more.  UNI is also hosting a Southwest Soundz event: “My First Queen,” a night to celebrate mothers and their sons. Free food, games and entertainment on March 27 from 6-10 p.m.   Detroit celebrates Women's Month The City of Detroit is celebrating Women’s Month and honoring women who have led the city. The Women of Wisdom Annual Awards Ceremony will be held Friday, March 20 from 12-3 p.m. at the Erma A. Henderson Auditorium located at 2 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI.  Register to save your spot for the Women of Wisdom Award Ceremony.   Gas prices rising  Gasoline prices have risen almost 60 cents a gallon since last Monday. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $3.58 for a gallon of regular unleaded this morning. That’s the highest average price since August 2024.  It’s $3.52 a gallon in metro Detroit—49 cents higher than it was a week ago. Diesel fuel has soared from $3.89 a gallon last week to $4.67 now.  -Reporting by Pat Batcheller

    4 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Whitmer’s 2027 budget proposes increased fees for licenses, government services

    According to a Detroit Free Press report, Gov Gretchen Whitmer’s 2027 budget proposes $139.2 million dollars in fee increases. Some of these user fees for government services and licenses haven’t changed in decades. There will be higher fees for things such as hunting, fishing licenses, boat registrations, and more. During her state of the state address, Whitmer asked Congress to pass her budget in June before the July 1st deadline. Additional headlines for Friday, March 6, 2026 Sports updates NBA The Pistons fell to the Spurs again last night 106-121. They hope to bounce back against the Brooklyn Nets tomorrow at Little Caesars arena. Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m. NHL The Red Wings face the Florida Panthers today at 7:00 p.m. as they try to climb back in the Atlantic division. They are currently sitting at 3rd place with 35 wins and 20 losses. Club Soccer Detroit City FC revealed their 2026 season uniforms during their organization event this week. This season’s kits draws inspiration from Detroit’s techno and electronic music scenes as well as the Detroit Red Wings. The dark kit home uniforms are dark red to maintain the traditional La Rouge Theme, with red tonal wave pattern, gold numbers and white logos of the Spirit of Detroit. The light kit nearly copies a reversed version of last year’s home jersey, with maroon sleeves, salmon colored stripes, and maroon and taupe shorts. To see their uniforms go to their website: detcityfc.com. You can start seeing these uniforms in action as the team kicks off their first match on Saturday, March 14 at Keyworth Stadium. Free physical therapy clinic FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is hosting a free in clinic event on March 19, 2026 at 5 p.m. to celebrate their one year anniversary. The centers offer personalized physical therapy, balance training, vestibular rehabilitation, and auto injury care. They are focused on evidence-based rehab to help patients recover faster and improve their overall mobility. Attendees will receive 20% off some products at the event. The event will be held at 30770 Southfield Rd. in Southfield. Daylight saving time Daylight saving time is this Sunday, March 8. It’s the annual period when we "spring forward" and adjust our clocks one hour forward. Daylight saving time occurs at 2 a.m., when local time instantly jumps to 3am. As part of the yearly ritual, the sunrise and sunset will be one hour later, we’ll have more light in the evening and a later sunrise in the morning. The push to stop daylight saving time was approved by the US Senate in the 2022 Sunshine Protection Act but did not pass the House of Representatives. A 2023 version didn’t go anywhere in Congress as well.

    6 min

  3. 4D AGO

    Hamtramck joins Michigan Main Street program

    The City of Hamtramck is now a part of the Michigan Main Street program as a Select Level city.  The program is run by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which aims to bolster technical support for the city’s main downtown area on Joseph Campau between Holbrook and Caniff Streets.   Milo Madole is the chair for the Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority (DDA). He says the partnership will build on the momentum of recent projects such as the Discover Hamtramck social media campaign and Hamtramck Night Bazaars.    "...I think people recognize that, and it's wonderful to be connected now with the resources that exist through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.”   Madole says Hamtramck is attractive to visitors because it’s filled with 1920s historical buildings, cultural attractions and restaurants from every cuisine.   Additional headlines for Thursday, March  5, 2026 Whitmer pursues free lunches for students Governor Gretchen Whitmer served lunch to middle schoolers in Troy yesterday as she seeks support for free meals for K-12 students in Michigan. Whitmer wants to keep funding for universal school breakfast and lunch in her final budget. She also wants lawmakers to keep funding them after she leaves office.   “We’ve put in the budget the last couple of years. It’s been a game changer, and I love getting the chance to talk to students and all the people here at the school to find out what it’s really meant for kids, and its really remarkable, so I think we need to make this permanent.”    Republicans want an income test to ensure free school meals go to families that need help. Studies show means testing often leaves more kids hungry. GOP lawmakers also say schools should be allowed to use the money for other purposes.   -Reporting by Rick Pluta Free naloxone kits available at local MDHHS offices  The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing free naloxone, a medication that reverses overdoses, at MDHHS offices across the state. MDHHS says the funding comes from opioid settlements and as part of prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.  Michigan is set to receive $1.8 billion from opioid settlements by 2040. Half of that funding is allocated toward the State of Michigan Healing and Recovery Fund while the other half goes to counties, cities and governments across the state.   People can visit a local MDHHS office to request the free naloxone kits. More than 1.7 million kits have been distributed, with a recorded 34,000 overdose reversals since the program launched in 2020. Michigan residents can also pick up a kit from harm reducing agencies, vending machines such as ones in Dearborn at the train station, local pharmacies and through mail order.  Highland Park mayoral candidates Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald will have at least two challengers in this year’s election. Community activists Shamayim Harris and Joshua Lamere submitted paperwork to the Wayne County Clerk’s office. Candidates have until April 21 to file. McDonald announced her re-election campaign this week. Voters elected her in 2022.  -Reporting by Pat Batcheller

    4 min

  4. 5D AGO

    Gas prices spike after Iran war starts

    Metro Detroiters are paying much more for gasoline than they did a few days ago.  The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in metro Detroit is $3.19 today—that’s up 6 cents from Tuesday, and 21 cents from a week ago.   The war in Iran has dramatically pushed up the price of crude oil in the days since the U.S. and Israel first bombed Iran on Saturday.  And when the price of crude oil rises, the price of gasoline—which is made from crude oil—also rises.  Gas stations are also starting their annual change to the summer blend of fuel, which is more expensive.  To save a little extra gas, remember to make sure your tires are at the proper air pressure, accelerate smoothly and avoid jack-rabbit starts and stops.  Take that extra junk out of your trunk so you’re not carrying excess weight and don’t buy premium gasoline unless your vehicle’s manufacturer requires it.  Additional headlines from Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Whitsett not running for re-election  State Representative Karen Whitsett says she’s not running for re-election this year.  The Detroit Democrat tells Gongwer News Service that her decision was based on her faith.   Whitsett has missed several months of service in the State House.  She lost a primary for Detroit City Council last August.  Whitsett had caused political controversy during her term in office, often supporting Republican legislation.   She says she will not run for any other political office in the future.  Heidelberg Archives to be stored at Reuther Library  The Heidelberg Project says it has begun a partnership with the Walter Reuther Library to store its archives.  A news release says the collection includes planning files, photographs and organizational records among other material.  All of it will be permanently stored at the library, which is located on Wayne State University’s campus.  The internationally-recognized art installation was founded in Detroit’s McDougall-Hunt neighborhood in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton.  Cade Cunningham named Player of the Month  Detroit Piston Cade Cunningham has been named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Month for February.   Cunningham averaged 25.4 points and 9.9 assists per game.  He was the top pick in the 2021 NBA draft.  Knuckles traded to Houston  The Detroit Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.   Montgomery became a fan favorite—nicknamed Knuckles—after joining the Lions as a free agent in 2023.  He and Jahmyr Gibbs formed one of the best running back duos in the NFL.  But Montgomery’s productivity dipped last year as Gibbs got more opportunities to run the ball.   As a result of the trade, Detroit received offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, a 2026 fourth-round draft pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick from Houston.  The Lions also freed up more than $3 million in salary cap space.  The team missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2022.  They finished with a record of nine wins and eight losses.

    5 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Detroit schools explore new ways to combat absenteeism

    The Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering paying parents, giving away bikes, and providing gas cards for carpools in an effort to end chronic absenteeism.  Last year the district launched a program that allowed high school students to earn up to $1,000 for perfect attendance. The new financial incentives would be offered to families of kindergarten to second grade students in neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of poverty. The idea is still being workshopped among DPSCD board members.  Additional headlines from Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Sea wall repair program Detroit is launching a $1 million sea wall repair program in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood. The project will repair or replace sea walls along canals fed by the Detroit River. The program is prioritizing 15-20 properties and could help remove the neighborhood from FEMA’s flood hazard map. A survey in 2025 found 70% of the neighborhood’s waterfront properties have sea walls in fair or poor conditions. Once properties are selected, construction is expected to continue through 2027. Applications are underway online or through the phone by calling 313-628-2232.  New parks over I-75 The Downtown Detroit Partnership is moving forward with plans to build three large park caps over I-75 between Third Avenue and Brush Street. The caps will reconnect neighborhoods to the downtown area that were separated by the highway. Officials say the project will also improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, reduce highway noise, and create new public gathering spaces. Plans are currently undergoing a feasibility study that will run through 2026, with construction possibly starting between 2026 and 2028. Officials are gathering public input before final recommendations are made.  Detroit Tigers and Red Wings launch sports network The owners of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings have created a regional sports network to broadcast their games. Detroit SportsNet will carry the Tigers on cable, satellite, and streaming platforms this season. Red Wings games will continue to be available on FanDuel Sports for the rest of this season and will switch to the new network next season. Both teams and many others across the country are terminating their deals with FanDuel's parent company because it failed to make scheduled payments for the rights to carry their games.  Gas prices Gasoline prices rose by almost 14 cents per gallon overnight. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of almost $3.13 cents for the cheapest grade of gas this morning. It was about $2.99 yesterday. The average price in metro Detroit rose from $3.03 a gallon yesterday to $3.13 today.

    4 min

  6. MAR 2

    Ali Abazeed appointed Detroit Chief Public Health Officer

    Mayor Mary Sheffield has hired Dearborn’s former Chief Public Health Officer to fulfill the same role in Detroit. Ali Abazeed is credited with building Dearborn’s public health department from the ground up. He also worked in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during the pandemic.  Abazeed says he is looking for bold ideas to improve public health in Detroit. He is credited with achieving a 60% reduction in drug overdoses and expanding air quality testing in the city of Dearborn. Abazeed also brought the Rx Kids program to Dearborn, the same program Mayor Sheffield launched in Detroit earlier this year.  Additional headlines from Monday, March 2, 2026 DPSCD offers Ramadan meals to students Detroit Public Schools Community District is offering Ramadan meals to students fasting during the month-long holiday. Meals are available for pick up between 2 and 3:30pm from school cafeterias. Each meal package includes one breakfast and one lunch distributed to students who attend school that day. Ramadan meals are available school days until March 17.  Temple Beth El tour Temple Beth El is opening its doors to the community for an exploration of history and faith. Attendees will learn about Judaism and the history of the Temple Beth El congregation and it’s impact on southeastern Michigan. The evening includes a tour of the synagogue and a meal. The event is Tuesday, March 12 at 6 p.m. It’s a part of the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metro Detroit’s Interfaith Odysseys program. Registration is $35 for individuals and $50 for families. Southwest Detroit Loteria fundraiser Community members and Wayne State University alumni are invited to play a Southwest Detroit edition of Loteria Wednesday. The event is a fundraiser for the joint alumni association for Wayne State’s Latino en Marcha, Chicano Boricua Studies and Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies programs. This version of Loteria showcases people and businesses in Southwest Detroit. There will be Loteria-inspired merchandise for sale connected to each program. Funds support the Dr. Jorge Chinea Endowment. A $100 donation buys a Loteria board. The event is Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Mexicantown Community Development Corporation at 2835 Bagley Street.  Lunar eclipse Metro Detroiters will be able to see a total lunar eclipse Tuesday morning…if the weather cooperates. The moon will enter the Earth's shadow overnight, and a partial eclipse will begin around 4:50 a.m. Totality will last for about an hour between 6 and 7 a.m., during which the moon will appear to be red.

    5 min

  7. FEB 27

    Stellantis fails to provide profit-sharing checks to workers this year, reports annual loss

    UAW Stellantis workers are reportedly disappointed because they are not getting profit sharing checks from 2025. This follows the company facing a multibillion dollar deficit last year. It’s also the first time Stellantis hasn’t provided a profit-sharing bonus since the recession. The Big Three has faced obstacles because of tariff uncertainty, electric vehicle whiplash, interest rates and more, but Ford and GM still provided a profit-sharing checks to their employees. Stellantis says that it expects 2026 and its expanding product wave to bring profitable growth in North America. Additional headlines for Friday, Feb. 27, 2016 Personnel shortage in behavioral health field A new report from the Michigan Health Council shows that Michigan doesn’t have enough opportunities for students to become behavioral health care workers. This is contributing to a shortage of certified school-based mental health professionals across the state, according to the council. This shortage puts a large workload on the personnel in this field. In the 2023-2024 school year Michigan had about 600 students per school counselor, over a thousand students per school psychologists, and almost 500 students per social worker. The report goes on to share that improving vocational programs could introduce thousands of high school students to fulfilling careers in behavioral health. Sports updates NBA The Detroit Pistons face the Cleveland Cavaliers today at Little Ceasars Arena but—like their game against the Thunder—the opposing team is without their best players, with both Donovan Mitchall out with groin injuries and James Harden questionable with a thumb injury. The Pistons are playing without their full strength with Isaiah Stweart out again because of his involvement in the fight with the Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 9. This is his sixth game of his seven game suspension. Tonight’s game tip off is at 7 p.m. with a following away game against the Magic on Sunday, March 1. NHL The Red Wings face the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow Feb. 28 at the Lenovo Center. The Red Wings are currently second in the Atlantic Divison with 34 wins and 19 losses. Game starts at 7 p.m. Blueberry recall More than 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries, some of which were shipped to Michigan, have been recalled because of possible listeria contamination. The Oregon Potato Company was the distributor of the recalled berries. This shipment was also sent to Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Canada. The FDA recalled it initially on Feb. 12 and classified the recall as a Class 1 recall on Feb. 24, which means there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Go to your local grocery store to see if your purchase of frozen blueberries was in the mix. Handmaid's Tale in Detroit And the dystopian world of the Handmaid’s Tale comes to the Detroit Opera House. The play, once a hit television series and novel, is a chilling look into a future where America’s democracy morphs into a religious tyranny. There are showings on Sunday March 1, Thursday March 5 and Saturday March 7.

    5 min

  8. FEB 26

    Veterans Village opens in Detroit's eastside

    A new affordable housing project celebrated its grand opening this week. The Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village on Detroit’s eastside holds 50 units designed to help homeless and disabled veterans. Vouchers from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Detroit Housing Commission will guarantee rents at 30 percent of the resident’s income. Building amenities include a media room, common dining room and kitchen, exercise room, and an exclusive outdoor dog park. The complex was named after Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., the Army’s first African American general and a trailblazer who helped lay the foundation for the integration of the U.S. military.  Additional headlines for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 Water bills increase  Metro Detroiters will pay higher water bills next year. The Great Lakes Water Authority’s board of directors voted to raise rates by an average of almost 6 percent. Customers would pay about 4 percent more on average for wastewater service. The agency says it needs the money to fix aging infrastructure and reduce water main breaks.  Project Clean Slate earns $200,000 grant  Detroit’s Project Clean Slate has received a 200-thousand-dollar grant from the Michigan Justice Fund…allowing the program to run for another 2 years. Project clean slate helps Detroiters with legal services for expungement of eligible criminal convictions. The service has expunged more than 19 thousand records. PCS expects the grant to allow for another ten thousand expungements.   Detroit Women of Comedy Festival searches for acts  The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival is looking for comedy acts for this year’s show. Organizers are seeking acts of all kinds such as stand up, improv, sketch, and more. The festival is inclusive of all genders and identities. The mission of the event is to celebrate and elevate women, trans, and non-binary comedy makers in the metro Detroit area. The festival will be held at Planet Ant Theater on May 15 and 16. For more information about submitting an act, email DWCFsubmissions@gmail.com.   State of Highland Park The City of Highland Park has announced the date Mayor Glenda McDonald will give the State of the City address. The mayor will give a public update to residents on Wednesday, March 18 from 6-7p.m. New Grace Missionary Baptist Church will host the event at 25 Ford Street.  Detroit Disability teach in Detroit Disability Power is hosting a “teach-in” in March, focused on threats to immigrants and people with disabilities.  Care not Cages: Meeting the Moment with Disabled Detroiters will take place over 2 days – the March 13  event will focus on context; March 20 will be centered around action. The event is free and dinner is provided.

    4 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

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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