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. 21h ago

    Drugstores closing en masse across Michigan

    The American Pharmacies Group says independent drugstores are closing at an alarming rate across Michigan. Advocates say the way these stores are reimbursed for the medications they provide is unsustainable. The stores rely on what's called Pharmacy Benefits Managers when billing insurance companies the cost of prescriptions they fill. However, Detroit Pharmacist Mike Nabolsi says that payment often does not cover the full price of the drug. "We're getting under reimbursed for something that we bought...something that cost $1,000, we're giving it to a patient, and we're getting reimbursed $900. We can't survive." The benefit managers also can determine which drugs would be covered by an insurance program, which often pushes patients to big box pharmacies instead. The advocacy group American Pharmacies is calling for reform and ensuring savings reach independent stores. -Reporting by Bre'Anna Tinsley, WDET Additional Headlines for Oct. 13, 2026 John James wants more governmental say in Michigan's education system The Republican nominee for governor is calling for more accountability in Michigan's education system. During a campaign stop in metro Detroit, Congressman John James said he wants parents to have a greater voice in kids' education. James says—as governor—he'd also want more say in overseeing education. "l would love to stand here and say hold me accountable for our kids being able to read, when the kindergartners who started this year go into the 4th grade when I'm running for re-election. I can't say that because right now our state board of education and our superintendents are not accountable to the governor." The Michigan constitution puts the state board of education independently in charge of public learning and hiring a state superintendent. Both James and his Democratic opponent - Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson-say they want more resources going toward supporting teachers and students. -Reporting by Colin Jackson, MPRN More: MichMash: Do Michigan voters want to rewrite the state constitution? Volunteers needed for Halloween in the D The city of Detroit is recruiting volunteers for its annual "Halloween in the D" celebration. It started in 2018, offering events and activities for children and families such as trunk-or-treating at police and fire stations and free candy distributed across the city. Día de los Muertos celebration at Wayne State Wayne State’s Elaine L. Jacob Gallery is hosting a celebration for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) next Saturday, Oct. 24.  The event will include a performance by students of Ballet de Folklorico de Wayne State University, an Ofrenda (offering for Día de los Muertos) workshop, flower making, a scavenger hunt and more. The holiday is celebrated in Mexico and parts of Latin America to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on. Ofrendas on altars are one way to honor the deceased with decorations such as photos, flowers, candles, the favorite food(s) of the deceased and more. The event is free and open to the public at 480 W. Hancock Detroit, Michigan 48201 Mayor Mary Sheffield and Hope Detroit to host coat giveaway Mayor Mary Sheffield and Hope Detroit are having a coat giveaway this Saturday at Williams Recreation Center, offering free winter coats for toddlers, youth and teens as colder weather approaches.  The coat giveaway starts at noon on Oct. 17 and is on a first come, first served basis. Youth must be present to receive a winter coat. Williams Recreation Center is located at 8431 Rosa Parks Dr. Detroit, Michigan 48206.

  2. 1d ago

    Detroit historian and Secondary Street Sign manager Janese Chapman has passed away

    Detroit historian Janese Chapman has died. She led the city’s historic designation advisory board, which aims to protect Detroit’s architectural and cultural heritage. She also managed the Secondary Street Sign program, which honors well known Detroiters by adding their names to selected roads. Some of the honorees of the Secondary Street Sign program in Detroit include Aretha Franklin, J Dilla, JoAnn Watson, and Viola Liuzzo. Janese Chapman was 70 years old. Additional Headlines for Monday Oct. 12, 2026 Michigan Supreme Court weighs case involving an employee at Calvin University  The Michigan Supreme Court is hearing arguments over the limits of state civil rights laws. One question before the court is whether or not the law applies to discrimination by association. Lower courts ruled against a man whose Calvin University contract wasn’t renewed after he officiated a same sex wedding. The courts found his own sex wasn’t an issue in the matter.  Lawyer Charissa Huang represents the plaintiff. She argues the law was meant to apply beyond just the direct members of a protected class.   “Allowing this court of appeals holding to stand would have a chilling effect upon people of different races and cultures and sexes and sexual orientations. They could be fired for association with one another with no resources.” Calvin University’s lawyers argue that since the colleague whose wedding he officiated didn’t face discrimination, the man can’t argue sex-based discrimination on his own.   Free breast exams offered by the city's health department The Detroit Health Department is offering free breast exams tomorrow and next Tuesday. Offerings are from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Oct 13 and Oct. 20. Both free exam dates include educational offerings and light refreshments. The Detroit Health Department is located at 100 Mack Avenue. To register, call 313-876-4319.  2026 Neighborhood Vitality Survey now available The 2026 Neighborhood Vitality Survey is now live. Detroit residents aged 18 and up can share their thoughts and experiences around health, safety, housing and other topics. The first 6,100 respondents will get a $25 gift card for completing the survey. Responses help shape policy and guide funding for community projects.  To participate in the survey, click here. $50,000 in field trip funds available through Huron-Clinton Metroparks Huron-Clinton Metroparks is giving out $50,000 in funds for field trips. Teachers can apply for the funds through the Huron-Clinton Metroparks’ "Get Out and Learn" Scholarship program. The funds pay for field trips for hands-on experiences at the Metroparks or in classrooms. It also hopes to remove financial barriers for students to participate in more STEM learning. The money can be used to pay for transportation costs for field trips up to $500. Eligible schools must show they are 50% economically disadvantaged based on the Center for Educational Performance and Information score. In 2025, 54,000 participated in Metroparks field trips or classroom-based learning. To apply for the funding, click here.

  3. 4d ago

    Ribbon cutting held for Motor City Match award winner Kidz Kingdom

    The City of Detroit and Motor City Match held a ribbon cutting for Kidz Kingdom in District 7 in Franklin Park. Kidz Kingdom childcare center during the week & play & party space on the weekends. This business received $85,000 from Motor City Match in Round 23. This allowed the founder, Danielle North to be able to own the building instead of rent. She says this opportunity allows more families to be served. “I did have a passion and dream and fire inside of me to make my city a better place. To show people...that actually that there is more that we can do that there is greatness that already exists. My friends bring their kids here, my family brings their kids here. This is the block. This is what Kids Kingdom is about.”   Additional Headlines for Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 Spirit Christmas stores to open across Michigan With the holiday season approaching fast, Spirit Christmas is coming to Michigan. Shoppers will be able to visit the seasonal retailer stores beginning in November in metro Detroit’s Macomb and Taylor, along with Flint and Grand Rapids. Spirit Halloween has nearly four dozen stores open statewide for Halloween. To find the nearest one near you,  check here.   .500 Detroit Lions to take on the Arizona Cardinals Sunday afternoon The Lions have two wins and two losses, currently sitting at third in their division.  A lot of critics are pointing to their lack of Defensive production. Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard went viral in a press conference addressing the issue. “I can care less about perception. It’s all poison. Especially the praises" The Lions hope to build some momentum as they face the Arizona Cardinals in State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona.  Upcoming Detroit City FC home game Detroit City FC face Rhose Island tomorrow at Keyworth Stadium. Game starts at 7pm   One win Red Wings to host the Kraken Friday night The Red Wings face the Seattle Kraken today at 7pm at Little Ceasars Arena. Harvest Fest across The Villages This Saturday, The Villages Community Development Corporation, the East Village Associaiton and more are hosting Harvest Fest at the Shepherd near Waterworks Park from 12-4 p.m. Organizers say this is an event where attendees can celebrate the season with an afternoon of pumpkins, s’mores, skate demonstration, live music and more. For more information, visit here.

  4. 5d ago

    $2.7 million contract approved for lights and surveillance at four parks in the city

    The city of Detroit approved a three year, $2.7 million contract for surveillance cameras and lighting in four parks across the city. Detroit-based Bayview Electric Company will provide the service for public walkways in Chandler Park, Eliza-Howell Park, Maheras Gentry Park and Rouge Park.  According to council members, this is part of the answer to community public safety concerns in these areas. The contract comes after residents have voiced concerns over privacy and surveillance from third party companies, most recently Flock cameras and ShotSpotter.   Council Member Denzel McCampbell said he was particularly concerned about whether data would be stored on a private, third-party server. According a city report, the cameras will collect data on locations, vehicles, and individuals at the parks. Though a third-party vendor will install the cameras, all data will be stored and monitored by the city’s video management system. Video will be kept for up to 30 days unless it contains criminal evidence. Cameras will be connected to the Detroit Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center. Requests to access surveillance data will be reviewed and approved by the city’s Law Department.   Additional Headlines for Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 Michigan Arts and Culture Council grapples with staff cuts The Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) is reacting to a roughly 40% cut made to its staff. Officials say they were blindsided when three of its seven staff members were dismissed without warning.   Nafeesa Symonette is vice chair of the council’s board. She says she worries the cuts may deal a blow to Michigan’s $15 billion arts and culture economy.   “Artists won't get to do the kind of work they do for a living. One of the goals in the sector is to keep artists here...to produce art here. If they don't have the resources to do that, they go elsewhere." The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which oversees the Arts and Culture Council, confirmed to WDET that it approved the cuts. The MEDC says it part of a larger 15% reduction to its workforce.   Romulus warehouse being sold by the Department of Homeland Security The Department of Homeland Security is selling a Romulus warehouse it had planned to use as a detention center for immigrants. Michigan Advance and Project Salt Box (an investigative newsletter) report DHS is also selling six other buildings nationwide. The government bought the Romulus facility for almost $35 million dollars in February. It scrapped plans for a detention center after residents who live near the warehouse protested that it was too close to their neighborhoods.

  5. 6d ago

    First 13 winners of Make Detroit Home grant announced

    The citywide coalition MoveDetroit is announcing the first 13 winners of a grant aimed at increasing and stabilizing the city's population.  The initial Make Detroit Home awards are worth $15,000 each. One of the recipients is local entrepreneur Karissma Yve. She says she will use the money to invest in scaling her business.  "We hire from the city right in our community. We are excited to grow both our factory and the work that we're doing here...I'm really excited and honored to be able to...invest (it) back into the company, but ultimately (it's) the investment into the people in the community that we're hiring from."  The coalition will offer another 300 grants of $1,000 each to assist current and future Detroiters with business projects, down payments, home renovations, rent and relocation assistance.  Additional Headlines for Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 Free speech survey says Michigan universities don't make the mark Multiple Michigan universities got failing grades in a college free speech survey. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) conducted the study for the seventh year. It found students felt like they can't speak on controversial topics openly on campus. Data analyst Chapin Lundthal Cleary says university policies, behaviors and student responses were evaluated.  "Our goal is to protect free speech rights, both on and off campus, for all Americans...for instance, (with) the college free speech rankings...students can have a more informed idea of what the speech climate is at schools they’re considering attending." The University of Michigan and Central Michigan University got "F" grades for free speech and Wayne State University got a "D."  Detroit city council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero asks for data center moratorium A Detroit city councilmember wants an 18-month moratorium on Al data centers while the city figures out how to regulate the facilities.  Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero has asked council attorneys to draft an interim zoning measure that would pause permitting through March 2028. Detroit city planners are separately developing zoning rules addressing data center infrastructure and environmental impacts.  Mayor Mary Sheffield's administration says it has effectively paused permits for new principal-use data centers while those regulations are being considered but her office has not formally adopted the moratorium previously requested by council.  20,000 mail-in ballots received by the city less than a month before election Detroit election officials say about 20,000 absentee ballots have been returned with less than a month remaining before the November election. The city mailed roughly 100,000 absentee ballots between Sept. 19 and Sept. 24.  Detroit has 38 absentee ballot drop boxes across the city. Election officials say the early return rate is encouraging as they prepare for the Nov. 3 election.

  6. Oct 6

    Mayor Mary Sheffield reports on dropped crime rates, credits ‘Occupy the Summer’ campaign

    The City of Detroit reported a drop in juvenile crime this past summer, despite the so-called "teen takeovers" in the city. Mary Sheffield is touting her Occupy the Summer Initiative as a major contributor to the drop in crime among young people. In April, the mayor announced a six-point community safety plan that included the 10-week long initiative, neighborhood action teams and promoting safe gun storage. Sheffield says she plans to bring the event back next year. "...the numbers really showed us that our strategy is working...that gives us more of a reason to advocate before the city council to make larger investments in our young people...we will have at least what we had this year and (will) continue to find ways to expand this project year-round." The city reports juvenile homicides dropped from nine last summer to one this summer. Nonfatal shootings among young people were down 22%. Additional Headlines for Oct. 6, 2026 DTE to host energy assistance, customer-centric events throughout October DTE Energy is hosting four resource events this month to help DTE customers apply for energy assistance, receive help with payment options, get shutoff protection and more. Funding for state energy assistance programs became available Oct. 1. The next resource event –the second of four - will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Southfield Pavilion at 26000 Evergreen Road. Obama in Detroit to support El-Sayed and Benson campaigns Former President Barack Obama will be in Detroit later this month to campaign with state Democrats on the November ballot. The Oct. 24 event will include Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Jocelyn Benson, who is running for governor. President Trump told reporters outside the White House on Monday, Oct. 5 that he plans to return to Michigan in about a week and a half. He previously rallied with Republican candidates before the August primary election. Michigan health department launches app to assist with quitting tobacco The state health department has launched an app to help Michiganders quit tobacco in collaboration with National Jewish Health. The QuitLogix app is an extension of the Michigan Tobacco Quitlink online program. It offers encouraging messages, check-ins and goal reminders. It also lets users order Nicotine Replacement Therapy products. Residents can call the Quitlink hotline 24/7 for help quitting at 800-784-8669 or 800-Quit-Now or go to Michigan.gov/quitlink.  BLK GRL Conglomerate fundraises for Detroit People's Food Co-op The BLK GRL Conglomerate is hosting a Black Girl Cash Mob this weekend to support the Detroit People’s Food Co-op. The goal is to get 100 Black women to spend at least $20 at the Black-led community grocery Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. and to have them join as member-owners of the co-op. The Detroit People’s Food Co-op has launched a membership drive as it faces financial challenges two years after opening. It is located at 8324 Woodward Avenue.  Editors note: To become a member of Detroit People's Food Co-op, patrons must pay a one-time $200 fee in lump-sum or spread out over 10 months.

  7. Oct 5

    Hamtramck’s 2025 mayoral election under dispute

    Hamtramck’s last mayoral election is still disputed. A judge has ordered that the 37 absentee ballots found in the former city clerk’s office must be counted, despite a year-long legal battle. The candidates are former Hamtramck city council member Muhith Mahmood and current Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi. The Wayne County Board of Canvassers originally decided not to count the 37 ballots, which were turned in days after the election. Alharbi’s attorney says they are ready to challenge the ballots, even if they end up being counted, according to WXYZ. They also plan to continue challenging Mahmood’s residency, despite a Wayne County judge dismissing a lawsuit over his residency last December. Additional Headlines for Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 Forgotten Harvest hopes for 1 million pounds of food before year's end Forgotten Harvest is hoping to harvest 1 million lbs of food by the end of the year to feed people in need. Lori Setera is the assistant farm manager at the Forgotten Harvest Farms in Fenton, Michigan. She says a pound of food is equal to a meal.   “Our food here goes farmers market style, just how you see it here in these crates. A lot of our brick-and-mortar pantry partners don't have the equipment or the space to store these giant crates. Because of that, a lot of it ends up in mobile pantries.”   The farm supplements nutritious foods the organization distributes. They grow about 20 different crops such as cabbage, corn, broccoli, and peppers. Around 3,000 volunteers are needed annually to help plant, weed and harvest food. Forgotten Harvest Farms still needs more volunteers to meet their goal this year.  Virtual summit addresses race-based medicine The Collaborative to End Race-Based Medicine-Detroit and Wayne State University’s Office of Inclusive Excellence are hosting a virtual summit about race-based medicine.   The National Institutes of Health defines race-based medicine as "treating race as a biological or genetic trait rather than a social construct." This leads to misdiagnoses and poor health care outcomes for minority patients—especially for those in the Black community.   The collaborative is made up of international clinicians, legislators,  industry leaders and community members working toward ending race-based medicine through education, research and advocacy.  Panelists at the virtual summit will discuss how bias shapes health care and public health in an age of artificial intelligence. They will talk about how technology can help identify bias and potentially prevent harm.   The “Held to the Light: Race, Code & Consequence in the Age of AI” event takes place Oct. 29 from 3 - 5 p.m. Register for the event here. InterFaith Council  The InterFaith Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a program highlighting coming-of-age traditions. The Rites of Passage Coming of Age Across Religions event will feature a bar/bat mitzvah, a confirmation, a Hindu tradition and a Muslim rite of passage. The program will talk about what it means for family, faith, identity and belonging. It will be held Thursday, Oct. 8 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the North Congregation Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The event is free with registration.

  8. Oct 2

    'Reclaim the Rivers' initiative budgets $90 million for clean-up and restoration

    State and local leaders announced a new waterway cleanup project in Detroit. The "Reclaim the Rivers" initiative will put close to $90 million toward removing toxic sediment, restoring fish habitat and public works projects along the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers. The money comes from settlements with polluters. It could attract federal and private funding. Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson says some of the cleanup has already started. He says the extra funding will help make more of the river usable. "Now that we have our federal and state partners coming in with the resources to be able to help, you can see what the results are and how families are flocking. As we clean up and expose more spaces to recreational uses, it allows more families to come down and enjoy our riverfront." Both the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers are listed as federal areas of concern for the Great Lakes region. Additional Headlines for Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 Wayne County commissioners unanimously support Google data center initiatives  Wayne County commissioners are unanimously supporting a package of community benefits and tax incentive for a proposed Google data center in Van Buren Township. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans had vetoed the incentives arguing Google proposing the massive date center gave officials too little time to analyze impact on the environment. Equal Opportunity Housing Commissioner Allen Wilson voted for the tax breaks in part, he says, to show "solidarity among his fellow members." "No disrespect to Chief Executive Evans. I think he does a great job for the county. At the end of the day, we have got to make a determination. We have to stand strong as a commission. If we don't stand strong as a commission, folks (will) keep stepping on you." For his part, County Executive Evans says he will work with the commission on the data center plan going forward. Van Buren Township officials are scheduled to consider the final site plan for the center in about two weeks. The Detroit Lions Sunday night football The Detroit Lions have a nationally broadcast Sunday night game on NBC. They match up against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 2-1 Lions are trying to build against the 1-2 Panthers. Kickoff of is at 8:20 p.m. Hijinks at the UniverSoul Circus happening at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre If you have the chance this weekend, check out the UniverSoul Circus at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. You’ll be able to see Detroit's own Fresh the Clownsss who brings a blend of Detroit Jit dancing and high-energy clowning. The show starts tonight at 7 p.m. Additional performances taking place in October can be found here.

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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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